bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The multidrug-resistant PMEN1 pneumococcus is a paradigm for genetic success
Authors: Wyres Kelly L , Lambertsen Lotte M , Croucher Nicholas J , McGee Lesley , von Gottberg Anne , Liñares Josefina , Jacobs Michael R , Kristinsson Karl G , Beall Bernard W , Klugman Keith P , Parkhill Julian , Hakenbeck Regine , Bentley Stephen D , Brueggemann Angela B 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Background
Streptococcus pneumoniae, also called the pneumococcus, is a major bacterial pathogen. Since its introduction in the 1940s, penicillin has been the primary treatment for pneumococcal diseases. Penicillin resistance rapidly increased among pneumococci over the past 30 years, and one particular multidrug-resistant clone, PMEN1, became highly prevalent globally. We studied a collection of 426 pneumococci isolated between 1937 and 2007 to better understand the evolution of penicillin resistance within this species.

Results
We discovered that one of the earliest known penicillin-nonsusceptible pneumococci, recovered in 1967 from Australia, was the likely ancestor of PMEN1, since approximately 95% of coding sequences identified within its genome were highly similar to those of PMEN1. The regions of the PMEN1 genome that differed from the ancestor contained genes associated with antibiotic resistance, transmission and virulence. We also revealed that PMEN1 was uniquely promiscuous with its DNA, donating penicillin-resistance genes and sometimes many other genes associated with antibiotic resistance, virulence and cell adherence to many genotypically diverse pneumococci. In particular, we describe two strains in which up to 10% of the PMEN1 genome was acquired in multiple fragments, some as long as 32 kb, distributed around the recipient genomes. This type of directional genetic promiscuity from a single clone to numerous unrelated clones has, to our knowledge, never before been described.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that PMEN1 is a paradigm of genetic success both through its epidemiology and promiscuity. These findings also challenge the existing views about horizontal gene transfer among pneumococci.
Temperature-dependent behaviours are genetically variable in the nematode Caenorhabditis briggsae
Authors: Stegeman Gregory W. , Bueno de Mesquita Matthew , Ryu William S. , Cutter Asher D. 
Published: November 2012

Summary
Temperature-dependent behaviours in C. elegans, such as thermotaxis and isothermal tracking, are complex behavioral responses that integrate sensation, foraging and learning, and have driven investigations to discover many essential genetic and neural pathways. The ease of manipulation of the Caenorhabditis model system also has encouraged its application to comparative analyses of phenotypic evolution, particularly contrasts of the classic model C. elegans with C. briggsae. And yet, few studies have investigated natural genetic variation in behavior in any nematode. Here we measure thermotaxis and isothermal tracking behavior in genetically distinct strains of C. briggsae, further motivated by the latitudinal differentiation in C. briggsae that is associated with temperature-dependent fitness differences in this species. We demonstrate that C. briggsae performs thermotaxis and isothermal tracking largely similar to C. elegans, with a tendency to prefer its rearing temperature. Comparisons of these behaviors among strains reveal substantial heritable natural variation within each species that corresponds to three general patterns of behavioral response. However, intra-species genetic differences in thermal behavior often exceed inter-species differences. These patterns of temperature-dependent behaviour motivate further development of C. briggsae as a model system for dissecting the genetic underpinnings of complex behavioural traits.
Serotonergic and cholinergic elements of the hypoxic ventilatory response in developing zebrafish
Authors: Shakarchi Kamila , Zachar Peter C. , Jonz Michael G. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe chemosensory roles of gill neuroepithelial cells (NECs) in mediating the hyperventilatory response to hypoxia are not clearly defined in fish. While serotonin (5-HT) is the predominant neurotransmitter in O2-sensitive gill NECs, acetylcholine (ACh) plays a more prominent role in O2 sensing in terrestrial vertebrates. The present study characterized the developmental chronology of potential serotonergic and cholinergic chemosensory pathways of the gill in the model vertebrate, the zebrafish (Danio rerio). In immunolabelled whole gills from larvae, serotonergic NECs were observed in epithelia of the gill filaments and gill arches, while non-serotonergic NECs were found primarily in the gill arches. Acclimation of developing zebrafish to hypoxia (PO2=75 mmHg) reduced the number of serotonergic NECs observed at 7 days post-fertilization (d.p.f.), and this effect was absent at 10 d.p.f. In vivo administration of 5-HT mimicked hypoxia by increasing ventilation frequency (Vf) in early stage (7-10 d.p.f.) and late stage larvae (14-21 d.p.f.), while ACh increased Vf only in late stage larvae. In time-course experiments, application of ketanserin inhibited the hyperventilatory response to acute hypoxia (PO2=25 mmHg) at 10 d.p.f., while hexamethonium did not have this effect until 12 d.p.f. Cells immunoreactive for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) began to appear in the gill filaments by 14 d.p.f. Characterization in adult gills revealed that VAChT-positive cells were a separate population of neurosecretory cells of the gill filaments. These studies suggest that serotonergic and cholinergic pathways in the zebrafish gill develop at different times and contribute to the hyperventilatory response to hypoxia.
Novel 4-Trifluoromethylthiazole-5-carboxylic Acid as Acceptor in Photosensitized Dyes
Authors: Iwata Satoru , Aoyama Misa , Uchida Satoshi , Tanaka Kiyoshi 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Novel photosensitized dyes containing 4-trifluoromethylthiazole-5-carboxylic acid as an acceptor are synthesized. Stilbene-type dyes with this acceptor show high performance as dye-sensitized solar cells. The trifluoromethyl group is assumed to act as a suppressor of electron back-donation from the TiO2 conduction band to the electrolyte and as an accelerator of charge separation in the photoexcited state.
Endovenous laser ablation of varicose perforating veins with the 1470-nm diode laser using the radial fibre slim
Authors: Zerweck Christof , von Hodenberg Eva , Knittel Matthias , Zeller Thomas , Schwarz Thomas 
Published: November 2012

Background Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is one of the most accepted treatment options for varicose veins. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the new radial fiber slim (ELVeS-radial-slim kit™) for the 1470 nm diode laser in perforator veins with a 1 month follow-up. Methods Our prospective observational cohort study comprised 69 perforating veins in 55 patients. Ninety percent of all patients were in the CEAP-stage C3-C6. The radial fiber slim was used to occlude the perforating vein and the great or small saphenous vein in the same procedure. The primary efficacy endpoint of the study was ultrasonographically proven elimination of venous reflux in the perforating vein after at least one month. Secondary efficacy and further safety end points after one month were as follows: (1) sonographic exclusion of recanalization of the treated vein segments, (2) deep vein thrombosis (DVT), clinical pulmonary embolism (PE), or superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) as defined by objective testing, (3) death from any cause, (4) persistent clinical complaints such as pain and paresthesia. Results Follow-up could be completed in all patients. In all treated perforating varicose veins, occlusion with elimination of reflux could be demonstrated immediately after the procedure. After one month 95.6% of the treated veins were still occluded (67/69). During follow-up, we did not diagnose any DVT, PE or SVT in the area related to the treated perforating vein. No patient died. One patient reported paresthesia distally of the puncture site. Conclusion Endovenous laser treatment of varicose perforating veins with 1470 nm diode laser using the radial fiber slim is effective and safe with low recanalization rates during 1-month follow-up.
Multicore Enablement for Automotive Cyber Physical Systems
Authors: Herkersdorf Andreas , Michel Hans-Ulrich , Rauchfuss Holm , Wild Thomas 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Smart mobility addresses ecological, safe and flexible transportation needs of individuals and the general public. Smart mobility draws synergies from integrating traditionally disjoint domains like automotive, railway, avionics and geography-/business-specific location based services. Cyber physical systems (CPS), built around multicore processor technology, provision powerful platforms to realize smart mobility applications. However, multicore processors require adequate enablement in order to tackle their inherent complexities related to efficient exploitation of parallel resources under safety, security and real-time constraints. This paper addresses two topics: First, we discuss the different notions CPS may adopt in the automotive domain and outline their potentials. Second, we propose a holistic virtualization approach consisting of Hypervisor/VMM middleware for processor virtualization in combination with hardware-assisted communication virtualization. This will allow providing high-bitrate, dependable and QoS conform interconnect services among compute, memory and I/O resources of automotive ECU systems.
The prognostic value of the metastatic lymph node ratio and maximal metastatic tumor size in pathological N1a papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Jeon Min Ji , Yoon Jong Ho , Han Ji Min , Yim Ji Hye , Hong Suck Joon , Song Dong Eun , Ryu Jin-Sook , Kim Tae Yong , Shong Young Kee , Kim Won Bae 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveThe presence of central neck lymph node (LN) metastases (defined as pN1a according to Tumor Node Metastasis classification) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is known as an independent risk factor for recurrence. Extent of LN metastasis and the completeness of removal of metastatic LN must have an impact on prognosis but they are not easy to measure. Moreover, the significance of the size of metastatic tumors in LNs has not been clarified. This study was to evaluate the impact of the extent of LN metastasis and size of metastatic tumors on the recurrence in pathological N1a PTC.DesignThis retrospective observational cohort study enrolled 292 PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection from 1999 to 2005. LN ratio was defined as the number of metastatic LNs divided by the number of removed LNs, which was regarded as variable reflecting both extent of LN metastasis and completeness of resection, and LN size as the maximal diameter of tumor in metastatic LN.ResultsThe significant risk factors for recurrence in univariate analysis were large primary tumor size (defined as larger than 2 cm), high LN ratio (defined as higher than 0.4), and presence of macrometastasis (defined as larger than 0.2 cm). Age, sex, clinical node status, and microscopic perithyroidal extension had no effect on recurrence. In multivariate analysis, high LN ratio and presence of macrometastasis were independent risk factors for recurrence.ConclusionLN ratio and size of metastatic nodes had a significant prognostic value in pathological N1a PTC. We suggest that risk stratification of pathological N1a PTC according to the pattern of LN metastasis such as LN ratio and size would give valuable information to clinicians.
Validation of the Volumetric Measurement of a Simulated Maxillary Alveolar Bone Defect Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Kasaven C.P. , Ivekovic S. , McIntyre G.T. , Gillgrass T. , Thomson D.A. , Menhinick A. , Mossey P.A. 
Published: November 2012

Objective To determine the accuracy of volumetric measurement of a simulated alveolar bone defect using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Design Laboratory-based observational study. Setting University dental teaching hospital. Methods Scans of a dried skull with an artificially created maxillary bone defect. Main Outcome Measures The skull was scanned using an i-CAT CBCT scanner (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA) at 0.2 mm resolution. The superior and inferior aspects of the void were identified, and the volume was calculated by three-dimensional (3D) computational analysis of the CBCT scan using an algorithm created with MATLAB software (The Mathworks Inc., R2009a, Natick, MA). The skull was then scanned using micro computed tomography (micro-CT) at 0.0934 mm resolution, and the volume of the defect was determined using the Studio Max 2.2 program (Volume Graphics, 2012, Heidelberg, Germany). The process was repeated two additional times, and the volumes were compared using a two-sample t test ( P < .05). To determine the interobserver reproducibility of the identification of the superior and inferior aspects of the defect, the slices chosen to represent these extremities were selected by four separate observers and the data assessed using an F-test ( P < .05). Results The interobserver reproducibility of the identification of the superior and inferior boundaries of the defect was good ( P = .18). The volumes computed from the i-CAT CBCT images were 4.11% lower than those computed from the micro-CT images; however, the difference was not statistically significant ( P = .71). Conclusions 3D volumetric measurement of simulated alveolar bone defects using i-CAT CBCT scans is similar to the volumes determined using micro-CT.
Pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 attenuates DNA damage-induced apoptosis via reduction of p53 mitochondrial translocation and Bax oligomerization in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y CELLS
Authors: Ngok-Ngam Patchara , Watcharasit Piyajit , Thiantanawat Apinya , Satayavivad Jutamaad 
Published: November 2012

AbstractGlycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) and p53 play crucial roles in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and are known to interact in the nucleus. However, it is not known if GSK3 has a regulatory role in the mitochondrial translocation of p53 that participates in apoptotic signaling following DNA damage. In this study, we demonstrated that lithium and SB216763, which are pharmacological inhibitors of GSK3, attenuated p53 accumulation and caspase-3 activation, as shown by PARP cleavage induced by the DNA-damaging agents doxorubicin, etoposide and camptothecin. Furthermore, each of these agents induced translocation of p53 to the mitochondria and activated the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, as evidenced by the release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria. Both mitochondrial translocation of p53 and mitochondrial release of cytochrome C were attenuated by inhibition of GSK3, indicating that GSK3 promotes the DNA damage-induced mitochondrial translocation of p53 and the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Interestingly, the regulation of p53 mitochondrial translocation by GSK3 was only evident with wild-type p53, not with mutated p53. GSK3 inhibition also reduced the phosphorylation of wild-type p53 at serine 33, which is induced by doxorubicin, etoposide and camptothecin in the mitochondria. Moreover, inhibition of GSK3 reduced etoposide-induced association of p53 with Bcl2 and Bax oligomerization. These findings show that GSK3 promotes the mitochondrial translocation of p53, enabling its interaction with Bcl2 to allow Bax oligomerization and the subsequent release of cytochrome C. This leads to caspase activation in the mitochondrial pathway of intrinsic apoptotic signaling.
Synthesis and keto-enol tautomerism of ethyl 4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrano[3,4-b]quinoline-3-carboxylate
Authors: Chang Ming-Qin , Gao Feng , Li Yang , Gao Wen-Tao 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAn efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of a novel β-keto ester-containing pyranoquinoline compound, i.e., ethyl 4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrano[3,4-b]quinoline-3-carboxylate. The method entails a two-step synthesis. The first step involves the Williamson-type reaction of ethyl 2-bromomethyl-3-quinoline-3-carboxylate with ethyl hydroxyacetate in anhydrous benzene to afford the intermediate ethyl 2-[(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethoxy)methyl]quinoline-3-carboxylate. The second step includes the Dieckmann condensation reaction of the resulting intermediate in the presence of sodium ethoxide in anhydrous toluene to afford the desired pyranoquinoline containing β-keto ester moiety. Keto-enol tautomerism of the compound thus obtained was investigated by spectroscopic methods.
Prediction of anti-tuberculosis activity of 3-phenyl-2H-1,3-benzoxazine-2,4(3H)-dione derivatives
Authors: Nemeček Peter , Mocák Ján , Lehotay Jozef , Waisser Karel 
Published: November 2012

AbstractCorrelation analysis and, in particular, artificial neural networks (ANN) were used to predict the anti-mycobacterial activity of substituted 3-phenyl-2H-1,3-benzoxazine-2,4(3H)-diones (PBODs) by quantitative structure — activity relationship (QSAR) calculations. Initially, sixty-four derivatives were synthesised and biologically tested; ten further derivatives were proposed for future synthesis on the basis of the prediction results. The biological activity was originally expressed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis; however, its transformed pMIC form was found to be more informative. Theoretical molecular descriptors of several types were selected to establish a primary drug model of the species which was expected to exhibit a substantial anti-mycobacterial effect. Lipophilicity and solubility indices, several basic molecular properties, quantum chemistry quantities as well as 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts, were employed as the descriptors, enabling a very successful prediction of the pMIC values. The utilisation of in silico variables and simulated NMR data is highly advantageous in the first phase of the drug design, as they permit prediction of the compounds with a high expected activity, minimising the risk of synthesising less active species. The MIC values predicted at less than 4 μmol L−1 for six of the ten compounds suggested for further synthesis are better than the best value for the original set of compounds.
Which Exercises Target the Gluteal Muscles While Minimizing Activation of the Tensor Fascia Lata? Electromyographic Assessment Using Fine-Wire Electrodes
Authors: Selkowitz David M. , Beneck George J. , Powers Christopher M. 
Published: November 2012

Study Design Controlled laboratory study, repeated-measures design. Objectives To compare hip abductor muscle activity during selected exercises using fine-wire electromyography, and to determine which exercises are best for activating the gluteus medius and the superior portion of the gluteus maximus, while minimizing activity of the tensor fascia lata (TFL). Background Abnormal hip kinematics (ie, excessive hip adduction and internal rotation) has been linked to certain musculoskeletal disorders. The TFL is a hip abductor, but it also internally rotates the hip. As such, it may be important to select exercises that activate the gluteal hip abductors while minimizing activation of the TFL. Methods Twenty healthy persons participated. Electromyographic signals were obtained from the gluteus medius, superior gluteus maximus, and TFL muscles using fine-wire electrodes as subjects performed 11 different exercises. Normalized electromyographic signal amplitude was compared among muscles for each exercise, using multiple 1-way repeated-measures analyses of variance. A descriptive gluteal-to-TFL muscle activation index was used to identify preferred exercises for recruiting the gluteal muscles while minimizing TFL activity. Results Both gluteal muscles were significantly (P<.05) more active than the TFL in unilateral and bilateral bridging, quadruped hip extension (knee flexed and extending), the clam, sidestepping, and squatting. The gluteal-to-TFL muscle activation index ranged from 18 to 115 and was highest for the clam (115), sidestep (64), unilateral bridge (59), and both quadruped exercises (50). Conclusion If the goal of rehabilitation is to preferentially activate the gluteal muscles while minimizing TFL activation, then the clam, sidestep, unilateral bridge, and both quadruped hip extension exercises would appear to be the most appropriate. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(2):54–64. Epub 16 November 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4116
Ways of Experiencing Participation and Factors Affecting the Activity Level After Nonreconstructed Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Österberg Annika , Kvist Joanna , Dahlgren Madeleine Abrandt 
Published: November 2012

Study Design Phenomenographic, cross-sectional. Objectives To describe ways of experiencing participation in activities of individuals with a nonreconstructed anterior cruciate ligament injury and to describe the emotional aspects related to participation. Further, the objective was to explore factors affecting the activity level. Background The importance of assessing different factors (knee status, muscle performance, psychological factors, performance-based tests, and subjective rating of knee function) after an anterior cruciate ligament injury has been emphasized. However, the results of these assessments do not answer the question of how the individuals themselves experience their participation in activities. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 strategically selected informants (age range, 18–43 years) who had sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury 18 to 67 months previously. A phenomenographic approach, which describes individuals' ways of experiencing a phenomenon, was used. Results Five qualitatively different categories were identified: (A) unconditioned participation, (B) participation as conditioned by risk appraisal, (C) participation as conditioned by experienced control of the knee, (D) participation as conditioned by experienced knee impairment, and (E) participation as conditioned by neglecting the knee injury. Within each category, 5 interrelated aspects were discerned: focus, level of performance, activities, strategies, and feelings. Categories A, C, and E reflected experiences of full participation, whereas categories B and D reflected experiences of modified participation. There were mostly positive feelings regarding participation. Negative feelings were expressed in category D. Factors affecting the activity level were grouped according to the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and described as facilitating or hindering the activity level. Facilitating factors included regaining and maintaining physical function, regaining confidence in knee function, and learning/relearning movement patterns. Hindering factors included fear of injury/reinjury, uncontrollable giving way, and loss of motivation. Conclusion With different strategies, most of the informants achieved a satisfactory activity level, despite impairments and decreased activity level. Both physical and psychological factors were described to affect the activity level, as well as time since injury. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(3):172–183. Epub 16 November 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4278