bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of a novel lysine decarboxylase in siderophore biosynthesis
Authors: Burrell Matthew , Hanfrey Colin C. , Kinch Lisa N. , Elliott Katherine A. , Michael Anthony J. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryStructural backbones of iron‐scavenging siderophore molecules include polyamines 1,3‐diaminopropane and 1,5‐diaminopentane (cadaverine). For the cadaverine‐based desferroxiamine E siderophore in Streptomyces coelicolor, the corresponding biosynthetic gene cluster contains an ORF encoded by desA that was suspected of producing the cadaverine (decarboxylated lysine) backbone. However, desA encodes an l‐2,4‐diaminobutyrate decarboxylase (DABA DC) homologue and not any known form of lysine decarboxylase (LDC). The only known function of DABA DC is, together with l‐2,4‐aminobutyrate aminotransferase (DABA AT), to synthesize 1,3‐diaminopropane. We show here that S. coelicolor desA encodes a novel LDC and we hypothesized that DABA DC homologues present in siderophore biosynthetic clusters in the absence of DABA AT ORFs would be novel LDCs. We confirmed this by correctly predicting the LDC activity of a DABA DC homologue from a Yersinia pestis siderophore biosynthetic pathway. The corollary was confirmed for a DABA DC homologue, adjacent to a DABA AT ORF in a siderophore pathway in the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis, which was shown to be a bona fide DABA DC. These findings enable prediction of whether a siderophore pathway will utilize 1,3‐diaminopropane or cadaverine, and suggest that the majority of bacteria use DABA AT and DABA DC for siderophore, rather than norspermidine/polyamine biosynthesis.
A serious canker disease caused by Immersiporthe knoxdaviesiana gen. et sp. nov. (Cryphonectriaceae) on native Rapanea melanophloeos in South Africa
Authors: Chen S. F. , Wingfield M. J. , Roets F. , Roux J. 
Published: August 2012

Recent disease surveys in the Western Cape province of South Africa have revealed a previously unknown and serious stem canker disease on native Rapanea melanophloeos (Myrsinaceae, Ericales) trees. Cankers commonly result in the death of branches or entire stems. Fruiting structures typical of fungi in the Cryphonectriaceae were observed on the surfaces of cankers. In this study, the fungus was identified and its pathogenicity to R. melanophloeos was tested. Multigene phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences of the partial LSU gene, ITS region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA gene and two regions of the β‐tubulin (BT) gene, showed that the fungus represents a formerly undescribed genus and species in the Cryphonectriaceae. The fungus was also morphologically distinct from other genera in this family. Inoculation trials showed that the fungus described here as Immersiporthe knoxdaviesiana gen. et sp. nov. is an aggressive pathogen of R. melanophloeos trees.
Development of isolate‐specific markers for Neofusicoccum parvum and N. luteum and their use to study rainwater splash dispersal in the vineyard
Authors: Baskarathevan J. , Jaspers M. V. , Jones E. E. , Ridgway H. J. 
Published: August 2012

Unique bands were identified in single isolates of Neofusicoccum parvum and Neofusicoccum luteum using universally primed polymerase chain reaction (UP‐PCR) analysis of isolates obtained from grapevines and non‐grapevine hosts in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the USA. Primers were designed to amplify a 1550 bp portion of the 1573 bp marker band from N. parvum isolate B2141 and a 510 bp portion of the 524 bp marker band from N. luteum isolate G51a2. A PCR‐RFLP assay was developed to distinguish the N. parvum isolate B2141 from other N. parvum isolates, based on a polymorphism found in the marker band using the TaqI restriction endonuclease. For N. luteum isolate G51a2, the designed primers were specific at an annealing temperature of 63°C in the PCR. The sensitivity threshold of the N. parvum and N. luteum isolate‐specific markers was 50 pg and 5 pg, respectively, when used in standard PCR with purified genomic DNA. The sensitivity of the N. parvum isolate‐specific marker was increased to 0·5 pg by nested PCR. The specificity test of both isolate‐specific markers with six other Botryosphaeriaceae spp. showed that they were specific to their respective species and isolates. Both markers were able to detect the conidia of N. parvum and N. luteum marker isolates in rainwater samples collected at different distances from an inoculation point in the vineyard. The results showed that rain splash could disperse the conidia of both of these species up to 2 m from the inoculum point in a single rainfall event.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is safe and effective for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreaticobiliary disease following abdominal organ transplant in children
Authors: Otto Alana K. , Neal Matthew D. , Mazariegos George V. , Slivka Adam , Kane Timothy D. 
Published: August 2012

Otto AK, Neal MD, Mazariegos GV, Slivka A, Kane TD. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is safe and effective for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreaticobiliary disease following abdominal organ transplant in children.Abstract:  ERCP is a diagnostic and therapeutic imaging modality widely used in adult pancreaticobiliary disease, including the treatment of anastomotic strictures following liver and small bowel transplant. We have previously reported a large series of ERCP in children and demonstrated its safety and utility in pediatric disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of and indications for ERCP following abdominal organ transplant among pediatric patients by performing a subgroup analysis of our large cohort. Forty‐eight ERCPs were performed on 25 children ages 62 days to 20 yr following isolated liver, isolated small bowel, or composite graft transplant. Mean time from transplantation at the time of ERCP was 18 months. The most common indication for ERCP was the evaluation of non‐specific hepatobiliary complaints, including abdominal pain and elevated liver enzymes. ERCP was also commonly performed for the evaluation or treatment of known or suspected biliary tree strictures. Seventy‐seven percent of cases included therapeutic intervention, including sphincterotomy in 40%, stent placement in 29%, and stone extraction in 19%. The overall complication rate among post‐transplant patients was low (2.9%) and not significantly different than the complication rate reported in our previous study. A history of abdominal organ transplant was not associated with an increased risk of complication following ERCP (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.05–3.33). In our experience, ERCP can be safely performed in children following liver, small bowel, and composite graft transplant with outcomes similar to those seen in a general pediatric population and may be especially useful for the diagnosis and treatment for biliary strictures following transplant. Further investigation of the relationship between the timing of ERCP relative to transplant and the safety of the procedure is needed.
Analysis of a large single‐center experience with robot‐assisted pyeloplasty
Authors: Tobis Scott , Venigalla Sriram , Balakumaran Kathir , Scosyrev Emelian , Lloyd Granville L , Golijanin Dragan J , Joseph Jean V , Rashid Hani , Wu Guan 
Published: August 2012

Objectives:  To report a single‐center experience with robot‐assisted pyeloplasty.Methods:  Medical records of 100 consecutive robot‐assisted pyeloplasty cases carried out between May 2004 and August 2010 were retrospectively reviewed, and major perioperative parameters were recorded. Patients underwent functional (renal scan) and/or anatomical (ultrasound or computerized tomoghraphy) imaging at 6 months.Results:  The mean patient age was 39.8 years. A total of 12 patients underwent prior attempts at repair. Ureteral stents were placed in all patients except one, and closed‐suction drains were placed in 59 patients. There were two intraoperative complications and two postoperative complications requiring surgical intervention. One patient with a complex prior surgical history developed a urine leak that was managed with prolonged drainage. A total of 42 patients were discharged on postoperative day 1, and 44 were discharged on postoperative day 2. Mean length of follow up was 22.8 months. The operative success rate was 96%.Conclusions:  The majority of patients undergoing robot‐assisted pyeloplasty can expect a short hospitalization with minimal morbidity. The operative success rate is high, even in patients with prior attempts at repair. Complication rates including urine leaks are quite low, and routine placement of a closed‐suction drain is likely to be unnecessary.
The other colonic polyposis syndromes
Authors: Omundsen Mark , Lam Francis F. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractFamilial colorectal cancer syndromes have been increasingly recognized and through their characterization have contributed to our understanding of the genetic basis of colorectal cancer. The two main syndromes of familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non‐polyposis coli are the commonest. There is however a number of lesser known syndromes described, which is the focus of this article.
Oral administration of arsenic trioxide in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukaemia and accelerated phase chronic myeloid leukaemia: an Australian single‐centre study
Authors: Firkin F. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractExperience in the treatment of patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) and accelerated phase chronic myeloid leukaemia with orally administered arsenic trioxide (ATO) in our institution since 1999 has demonstrated that bioavailability of oral ATO is comparable with intravenous administration, and similar outcomes are produced in treatment of APL. Oral administration was well tolerated, with good compliance, in patients not requiring hospitalisation for postinduction treatment and was particularly convenient for patients living considerable distances from our institution. Orally administered ATO can be considered a practicable option in management of APL.
Why Do Localities Provide Economic Development Incentives? Geographic Competition, Political Constituencies, and Government Capacity
Authors: Betz Michael R. , Partridge Mark D. , Kraybill David S. , Lobao Linda 
Published: August 2012

AbstractU.S. states and localities often engage in economic development policies using incentives and abatements for specific firms or industries. Yet, there is very little empirical evidence suggesting that such policies are successful. Why, then, do governments engage in these policies? In order to answer this question, we employ a model that considers not only geographic and economic factors, but also, in a novel application, local political conditions. A unique survey of U.S. county governments forms the basis for our empirical assessment of both traditional economic development policies and new‐wave policies. Using probit, Poisson, negative binomial, and spatial econometric models, we find evidence that the use of incentives is inversely related to local economic conditions. Furthermore, we find Republican counties are more apt to use incentives, though counties dominated by one political party are less likely to use them.
The influence of stiffness of implant‐abutment connection on load‐deflection ratios of a screw‐retained stiff cantilever beam. 3‐D measurements in vitro
Authors: Cassel Björn , Lundgren Dan , Karlsson Dan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimThe purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of degree of stiffness of implant‐abutment connection of a Brånemark implant system on load‐ deflection ratios in three dimensions of the beam‐end of a screw‐retained stiff cantilever beam when subjected to vertically directed loads.Material and methodsTwo different implant‐abutment connections were tested; welded and screw‐retained. One of the abutments (EsthetiCone 2.0; Nobel Biocare AB) was screwed with a torque force of 20 N cm and then laser welded around its entire periphery to one of two Brånemark implants (welded unit). This unit and the other implant were tightly screwed into each of two pre‐threaded holes in a steel plate so that the implants became submerged in the plate. The remaining abutment was thereafter screwed to its implant with a torque force of 20 N cm (screw‐retained unit). A cantilevered gold beam of 6 mm height and width comprising a gold cylinder (Nobel Biocare AB) was attached to each abutment with a slotted, flat headed, prosthetic gold screw (torque force 10 N cm). A force transducer, synchronized with a 3‐D motion analysis system, was glued on the upper surface of each beam‐end 19.4 mm from the implant, to register the loads transferred from a specially built loading device. The beam‐ends were stepwise subjected to vertically directed loads from 14.9 to 40.3 N and the vertical and horizontal deflections of the beam‐ends were registered with the 3‐D motion analysis system.ResultsFor load 14.9–40.3 N the vertical (z‐axis) deflections of the beam‐end were for the welded implant‐abutment connection reduced with 18–46% compared with the screw‐retained unit. After maximal loading (40.3 N) the horizontal counter‐clockwise rotation of the beam around the screw joints (y‐axis rotations) was reduced with 61% for the welded connection. The horizontal movements of the beam‐end along the x‐axis (x‐axis deflections) were reduced with 49% at maximal loading.ConclusionIt was concluded that increased implant‐abutment stiffness will substantially reduce both vertical and horizontal deflections of a screw‐retained stiff cantilever beam subjected to vertically directed loads.
Stability of implants placed simultaneously or in a delayed manner on fresh frozen onlay allografts in rabbits
Authors: Fraguas Erica , Ribeiro Marna , Croci Alberto , Santos Luiz , Pallos Débora , Sendyk Wilson 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectivesThis study evaluated the stability of implants installed simultaneously and in a delayed manner in fresh frozen onlay allografts in the tibiae of rabbits.Material and methodsAnalyses of the resonance frequency (ISQ) and removal torque were performed. The calvarium of three rabbits was used as donor site. Ten New Zealand female rabbits received four allografts of the same dimensions, two in each tibia. The tibiae were randomly allocated into the following two groups: Group 1, the tibiae that received implants after 84 days of healing, and Group 2, those who received the implants simultaneously with the grafts. Both groups were followed for 126 days. Proximal implants in each group were evaluated by resonance frequency (ISQ) on days 0 and 126, and the distal ones with removal torque on day 126.ResultsIn both groups, an increase in the ISQ value of day 0–126 was observed, with a statistically significant difference (Group 1 P = 0.049 and Group 2 P = 0.021). When comparing the resonance frequency at day 0 to day 126, and the gain of stability between these days, no statistically significant difference between groups could be observed. The removal torque showed a statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.042).ConclusionThere was an increase in stability in groups according to the analysis of resonance frequency. Implants installed in a delayed manner in allografts showed higher shear force, according to the removal torque analysis.
Co‐variation between plant above‐ground biomass and phenology in sub‐alpine grasslands
Authors: Duparc Antoine , Redjadj Claire , Viard‐Crétat Flore , Lavorel Sandra , Austrheim Gunnar , Loison Anne 
Published: August 2012

AbstractQuestionResources quality and quantity are both important determinants of habitat use for large herbivores. We aim to understand how these two variables vary throughout the growing season in sub‐alpine grasslands. How do productivity and phenology (quality) of different plant communities within a landscape vary over time? Do productivity and phenology co‐vary? Which environmental constraints or growth form composition best explain differences in productivity and phenology among plant communities?LocationCalcareous sub‐alpine grasslands, the external Alps, France.MethodsWe assessed how productivity (above‐ground biomass) and phenology varied with date, slope, radiation and altitude among seven plant communities. Then we explored (1) co‐variation among maximum biomass, the date of maximum biomass and average community flowering date for each plant community, and (2) whether these variables were related to snow regime or growth form composition.ResultsTemporal dynamics of biomass and phenology varied markedly among plant communities. More productive communities reached their maximum biomass later. Flowering occurred after the biomass peak, except for one plant community. However, the later the biomass peak, the shorter the lag to flowering peak. The timing of flowering and date of maximum biomass were best explained by differences in snow regimes among communities. The impact of growth form composition was marginal.ConclusionsPlant communities are under strong time constraints to grow and flower. Snowmelt regime plays a crucial role at one end of the growing season, while time left for fruiting and maturing is likely to influence the other end. Sub‐alpine grassland communities are highly heterogeneous in productivity, timing of maximum productivity and flowering phenology, creating small‐scale variability in the forage quality and quantity available to large herbivores.
Intraoperative Cavernous Nerve Stimulation and Laser-Doppler Flowmetry During Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Axelson Hans W. , Johansson Eva , Bill-Axelson Anna 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction is a common side effect following radical prostatectomy mainly due to damage of the pelvic autonomic nerve fibers (cavernous nerves). Intraoperative electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerves while measuring changes in penile girth has previously been shown to provide the surgeon with feedback of nerve integrity.

Aim
To test the feasibility of recording changes in glans penis blood flow by Laser Doppler flowmetry from cavernous nerve stimulation.

Methods
Fifteen patients with localized prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy had electrical stimulation of the proximal and distal parts of the neurovascular bundles after prostate removal. The stimulation consisted of 30–40 seconds biphasic constant current (10–30 mA) with 0.5 millisecond pulse duration.

Main Outcome Measures
Stimulus induced changes in penile blood flow was recorded from a Laser Doppler probe attached to the glans penis. Changes in penile girth were simultaneously recorded from a mercury-in rubber strain gauge. Erectile function was evaluated three months after surgery.

Results
Ten patients had stimulus induced increase in Laser Doppler flow unilaterally (N = 7) or bilaterally (N = 3). Out of 10 patients, 6 reported some preserved erectile function postoperatively at 3 months follow-up (indicating 6 true and 4 false positives). Three patients had no Doppler response from stimulation and had no postoperative erectile function postoperatively (indicating three true negatives). Two patients were excluded from the study due to bad signal quality in the Laser Doppler signal. In the majority of patients, stimulation produced increase in penile girth sensed by the strain gauge.

Conclusion
This preliminary report provides evidence that Laser Doppler Flowmetry is able to detect increased penile blood flow from intraoperative electrical stimulation of the neurovascular bundles. However, further improvement in the recording technique is required. Laser Doppler Flowmetry may also be feasible to confirm autonomic nerve sparing in women undergoing pelvic surgery.
Application of a novel method for age estimation of a baleen whale and a porpoise
Authors: Nielsen Nynne H. , Garde Eva , Heide‐Jørgensen Mads Peter , Lockyer Christina H. , Ditlevsen Susanne , Òlafsdóttir Droplaug , Hansen Steen H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractEyeballs from 121 fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and 83 harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) were used for age estimation using the aspartic acid racemization (AAR) technique. The racemization rate (kAsp) for fin whales was established from 15 fetuses (age 0) and 15 adult whales where age was estimated by reading growth layer groups (GLGs) in the earplugs. The (kAsp) for harbor porpoises was derived from 15 porpoises (two calves and 13 > 1 yr old) age‐estimated by counting GLGs in the teeth and two calves classified to age based on length. The (kAsp) values were estimated by regression of GLGs against D/L ratios. For the fin whales an (kAsp) of 1.15 × 10−3/yr (SE ± 0.00005) and a D/L ratio at birth [(D/L)0] of 0.028 (SE ± 0.0012) were estimated, which is in agreement with rates for other mysticeti. For the harbor porpoises a (kAsp) of 3.10 × 10−3/yr (SE ± 0.0004) and a (D/L)0 value of 0.023 (SE ± 0.0018) were estimated, which is considerably higher than found for other cetaceans. Correlation between chosen age estimates from AAR and GLG counts indicated that AAR might be an alternative method for estimating age in marine mammals.
Sensory Characteristics and Relative Sweetness of Tagatose and Other Sweeteners
Authors: Fujimaru Tomomi , Park Jin‐Hee , Lim Juyun 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  The present study investigated the sensory characteristics and relative sweetness of tagatose, an emerging natural low‐calorie sweetener with various functional properties, compared to other sweeteners (sucrose, sucralose, erythritol, rebaudioside A), over a wide range of sweetness commonly found in foods and beverages (3% to 20% sucrose [w/v]). A total of 34 subjects evaluated aqueous solutions of the 5 sweeteners for the perceived intensities of sweetness, bitterness, astringency, chemical‐like sensations, and sweet aftertaste, using the general version of the Labeled Magnitude Scale. The relationship between the physical concentrations of the sweeteners and their perceived sweetness (that is, psychophysical functions) was derived to quantify the relative sweetness and potency of the sweeteners. The results suggest that tagatose elicits a sweet taste without undesirable qualities (bitterness, astringency, chemical‐like sensations). Out of the 5 sweeteners tested, rebaudioside A was the only sweetener with notable bitterness and chemical‐like sensations, which became progressively intense with increasing concentration (P < 0.001). In terms of perceived sweetness intensity, the bulk sweeteners (tagatose, erythritol, sucrose) had similar sweetness growth rates (slopes > 1), whereas the high‐potency sweeteners (sucralose, rebaudioside A) yielded much flatter sweetness functions (slopes < 1). Because the sweetness of tagatose and sucrose grew at near‐identical rates (slope = 1.41 and 1.40, respectively), tagatose produced about the same relative sweetness to sucrose across the concentrations tested. However, the relative sweetness of other sweeteners to sucrose was highly concentration dependent. Consequently, sweetness potencies of other sweeteners varied across the concentrations tested, ranging from 0.50 to 0.78 for erythritol, 220 to 1900 for sucralose, and 300 to 440 for rebaudioside A, while tagatose was estimated to be approximately 0.90 times as potent as sucrose irrespective of concentration.Practical Application:  The present study investigated the sensory characteristics and relative sweetness of tagatose, an emerging natural low‐calorie sweetener, compared to other sweeteners. Study results suggest that tagatose elicits a sweet taste without undesirable qualities over a wide range of concentrations. Tagatose produced about the same relative sweetness to sucrose across the concentrations tested, while the relative sweetness of other sweeteners was highly concentration dependent. The present data provide a general guideline when considering the use of tagatose and other sweeteners in foods and beverages.