bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RubisCO‐based CO2 fixation and C1 metabolism in the actinobacterium Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans CB1190
Authors: Grostern Ariel , Alvarez‐Cohen Lisa 
Published: April 2013

SummaryPseudonocardia is an actinobacterial genus of interest due to its potential biotechnological, medical and environmental remediation applications, as well as for the ecologically relevant symbiotic relationships it forms with attine ants. Some Pseudonocardia spp. can grow autotrophically, but the genetic basis of this capability has not previously been reported. In this study, we examined autotrophy in Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans CB1190, which can grow using H2 and CO2, as well as heterotrophically. Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of CB1190 cells grown with H2/bicarbonate implicated the Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle in growth‐supporting CO2 fixation, as well as a [NiFe] hydrogenase‐encoding gene cluster in H2 oxidation. The CBB cycle genes are evolutionarily most related to actinobacterial homologues, although synteny has not been maintained. Ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase activity was confirmed in H2/bicarbonate‐grown CB1190 cells and was detected in cells grown with the C1 compounds formate, methanol and carbon monoxide. We also demonstrated the upregulation of CBB cycle genes upon exposure of CB1190 to these C1 substrates, and identified genes putatively involved in generating CO2 from the C1 substrates by using RT‐qPCR. Finally, the potential for autotrophic growth of other Pseudonocardia spp. was explored, and the ecological implications of autotrophy in attine ant‐ and plant root‐associated Pseudonocardia discussed.
Elemental composition of natural populations of key microbial groups in Atlantic waters
Authors: Grob Carolina , Ostrowski Martin , Holland Ross J. , Heldal Mikal , Norland Svein , Erichsen Egil S. , Blindauer Claudia , Martin Adrian P. , Zubkov Mikhail V. , Scanlan David J. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryIntracellular carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content of marine phytoplankton and bacterioplankton can vary according to cell requirements or physiological acclimation to growth under nutrient limited conditions. Although such variation in macronutrient content is well known for cultured organisms, there is a dearth of data from natural populations that reside under a range of environmental conditions. Here, we compare C, N and P content of Synechococcus, Prochlorococcus, low nucleic acid (LNA) content bacterioplankton and small plastidic protists inhabiting surface waters of the North and South subtropical gyres and the Equatorial Region of the Atlantic Ocean. While intracellular C:N ratios ranged between 3.5 and 6, i.e. below the Redfield ratio of 6.6, all the C:P and N:P ratios were up to 10 times higher than the corresponding Redfield ratio of 106 and 16, respectively, reaching and in some cases exceeding maximum values reported in the literature. Similar C:P or N:P ratios in areas with different concentrations of inorganic phosphorus suggests that this is not just a response to the prevailing environmental conditions but an indication of the extremely low P content of these oceanic microbes.
Sexual Dimorphism of the Fetal Ilium: A 3D Geometric Morphometric Approach with Multislice Computed Tomography
Authors: Mokrane Fatima‐Zohra , Dedouit Fabrice , Gellée Stéphane , Sans Nicolas , Rousseau Hervé , Rougé Daniel , Telmon Norbert 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAdult sexual dimorphism is well established. However, data regarding fetuses are sparse with contradictory results. Our study aimed to look for fetal sexual dimorphism. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) examinations and three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions were recorded on 93 fetal iliac bones aged between 21 and 40 weeks of amenorrhea (WA). The collection was divided into two age groups, with a cutoff at 30 WA. The 3D geometric morphometric analysis was based on outline analysis. We used elliptic Fourier analysis (EFA) because of the difficulty of landmark positioning. Step‐by‐step reconstructions allowed a better comprehension of the fine shape details. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were performed on the two age groups. Results did not show any difference between male and female shapes, in both age groups. We demonstrate the feasibility of outline analysis for immature shapes, but sexual dimorphism has not been established in our collection.
Acute Bacterial Meningitis with Coincident Methamphetamine Use: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Heninger Michael , Collins Kim A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMethamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant that can adversely affect the central nervous system and the immune system. Through various mechanisms, methamphetamine is toxic to neurons, endothelial cells, lymphocytes, granulocytes, and macrophages resulting in systemic damage. Reported is the sudden demise of an otherwise healthy 31‐year‐old woman with a history of stimulant abuse. At autopsy, acute bacterial meningitis was identified. Microbiology cultures grew a single isolate of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Toxicology was positive for amphetamine (0.13 mg/L) and methamphetamine (0.8 mg/L). The cause of death was classified as acute bacterial meningitis with methamphetamine use. Either the acute bacterial meningitis or the methamphetamine toxicity would have been sufficient to result in death; however, the concurrent pathophysiology of the two entities must be understood. A review of the current literature assesses the mechanisms of injury attributed to acute and chronic methamphetamine use, bacterial meningitis, and the synergy between the two.
Bacterial communities associated with Brassica napus L. grown on trace element‐contaminated and non‐contaminated fields: a genotypic and phenotypic comparison
Authors: Croes S. , Weyens N. , Janssen J. , Vercampt H. , Colpaert J.V. , Carleer R. , Vangronsveld J. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryCultivable bacterial strains associated with field‐grown Brassica napus L. (soil, rhizosphere and roots) from a trace elements (Cd, Zn and Pb) contaminated field and a non‐contaminated control field were characterized genotypically and phenotypically. Correspondence analysis of the genotypic data revealed a correlation between soil and rhizosphere communities isolated from the same field, indicating that local conditions play a more important role in influencing the composition of (rhizosphere) soil bacterial communities than root exudates. In contrast, endophytic communities of roots showed a correlation between fields, suggesting that plants on the two fields contain similar obligate endophytes derived from a common seed endophytic community and/or can select bacteria from the rhizosphere. The latter seemed not very likely since, despite the presence of several potential endophytic taxa in the rhizosphere, no significant correlation was found between root and rhizosphere communities. The majority of Cd/Zn tolerant strains capable of phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, indole‐3‐acetic acid production and showing 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate deaminase capacity were found in the rhizosphere and roots of plants growing on the contaminated field.
Response to: a new method for estimating animal abundance with two sources of data in capture–recapture studies
Authors: Bonner Simon 
Published: April 2013

Summary

Mark–recapture studies that rely on multiple marks to identify individuals pose modeling challenges if the marks for each individual are not always linked. If an individual with unlinked marks is encountered on two occasions and different marks are observed, then it will appear that two different individuals were captured. Failing to account for these missed matches will produce incorrect inference.

Madon et al. (Methods in Ecology and Evolution 2011; 2: 390) proposes a modification of the Jolly‐Seber estimator for such data computed by adjusting the observed counts of individuals first captured, recaptured or not captured but known to be alive on each occasion. The adjustment involves multiplying each of these counts by a constant factor, , intended to correct for double counting of individuals and constrained between 0 and 1. Results of a simulation study provided in Madon et al. (Methods in Ecology and Evolution 2011; 2: 390) show that the proposed estimator is almost unbiased, but its uncertainty is underestimated and the true coverage of confidence intervals is consistently below the nominal value.

I compute separate adjustment factors for each of the counts and show (i) that a constant adjustment is not appropriate and (ii) that the theoretical adjustment factor is sometimes >1. I believe that the use of a single adjustment factor between 0 and 1 is what causes the uncertainty to be underestimated and that complete models of the observation process are required to obtain valid results.
Tracking and fixed ranking of leukocyte telomere length across the adult life course
Authors: Benetos Athanase , Kark Jeremy D. , Susser Ezra , Kimura Masayuki , Sinnreich Ronit , Chen Wei , Steenstrup Troels , Christensen Kaare , Herbig Utz , von Bornemann Hjelmborg Jacob , Srinivasan Sathanur R. , Berenson Gerald S. , Labat Carlos , Aviv Abraham 
Published: April 2013

SummaryShort leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with atherosclerosis in adults and diminished survival in the elderly. LTL dynamics are defined by LTL at birth, which is highly variable, and its age‐dependent attrition thereafter, which is rapid during the first 20 years of life. We examined whether age‐dependent LTL attrition during adulthood can substantially affect individuals' LTL ranking (e.g., longer or shorter LTL) in relation to their peers. We measured LTL in samples donated 12 years apart on average by 1156 participants in four longitudinal studies. We observed correlations of 0.91–0.96 between baseline and follow‐up LTLs. Ranking individuals by deciles revealed that 94.1% (95% confidence interval of 92.6–95.4%) showed no rank change or a 1 decile change over time. We conclude that in adults, LTL is virtually anchored to a given rank with the passage of time. Accordingly, the links of LTL with atherosclerosis and longevity appear to be established early in life. It is unlikely that lifestyle and its modification during adulthood exert a major impact on LTL ranking.
The Drivers and the Stock Market Assessment of Internal Capital Market: Evidence from Business Groups in Korea
Authors: Joh Sung Wook , Kim Meong Ae 
Published: April 2013

AbstractUsing actual equity transactions between member firms in Korean business groups, we examine the effect of firm characteristics on transaction magnitude and the stock market's response to investment in the internal capital market (ICM). On the acquiring firm's side, financial slack is positively associated but controlling shareholder ownership is negatively associated with transaction magnitude. Profitability (leverage) of the issuing firm is negatively (positively) associated with transaction magnitude. Growth of the firms involved in the transaction does not affect the transaction magnitude or the stock market's response. The stock market responds negatively to diversification and large cash of the acquiring firm. Our findings suggest that idle cash of a firm with high ownership of minority shareholders is the source of funds in ICM, and such funds are directed to poorly performing affiliated firms, which are under the influence of the same controlling shareholder.
Asymmetric Foreign Exchange Exposure, Option Trade, and Foreign Currency‐Denominated Debt: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Bae Sung C. , Kwon Taek Ho 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe examine the measurement and determinants of asymmetric foreign exchange exposure with a focus on the role of firms' usage of foreign currency‐denominated debt (FCDD). Employing a large sample of Korean firms, we find significant asymmetries in exchange exposure. We also find that firms with dollar‐denominated debt exhibit substantially lower asymmetries in exchange exposure than firms without such debt. Most interestingly, both a firm's export ratio and dollar‐denominated debt ratio are significantly related to its asymmetric exposure but in the opposite direction. In contrast, a firm's option trading has little impact on its asymmetric exchange exposure. Consistent with the FCDD effect hypothesis, these results provide strong evidence that increased asymmetries in exchange exposure resulting from exporting activities can be effectively reduced by the usage of FCDD. Our results offer a broadly applicable implication that firms with high asymmetric exchange exposure can effectively manage their exchange risk from operating activities by selectively using exporting and FCDD financing.
Prognostic value of tissue protein expression levels ofMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) in Danish ovarian cancer patients. From the ‘MALOVA’ ovarian cancer study
Authors: Heeran Mel C. , Høgdall Claus K. , Kjaer Susanne K. , Christensen Lise , Jensen Allan , Blaakaer Jan , Christensen IB Jarle , Høgdall Estrid V.S. 
Published: April 2013

The primary objective of this study was to assess the expression ofMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) in tumour tissues from 808 patients with epithelial ovarian tumours. The second was to evaluate, whetherMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) tissue expression levels correlate with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of the disease. Using tissue arrays (TA), we analysed theMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) expression levels in tissues from 202 women with borderline ovarian tumours (BOT) (177 stage I, 5 stage II, 19 stage III, 1 stage IV) and 606 ovarian cancer (OC) patients (177 stage I, 64 stage II, 311 stage III, 54 stage IV). Using a 10% cut‐off level forMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) overexpression, 12% of theBOTs and 51% of theOCswere positive forMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) expression. The frequency ofMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) expression‐positiveOCincreased with increasingFIGOstage (p = 0.003), increasing histological grade (p ≤ 0.0001), and a significantly different distribution ofMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) positive and negative tumours were found in adenocarcinomaNOS, serous adenocarcinomas, mucinous adenocarcinomas, endometrioid adenocarcinomas, non‐epithelial and clear‐cell carcinomas (p = 0.016). Univariate Kaplan–Meier survival analysis performed on allOCcases showed a significant shorter disease specific survival in patients with positiveMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) expression in the tumour tissue (p ≤ 0.0001). In a Cox survival analysis including 606FIGOstages I to IVOCcases,FIGOstage (II vs I:HR = 3.00, 95%CI: 1.81–4.99, III–I:HR = 6.41, 95%CI: 3.90–10.50, IV vs I:HR = 12.69, 95%CI: 7.21–22); age at diagnosis pr.10 years (HR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.15–1.40), residual tumour after surgery (HR = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.40–2.73) andMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) expression (HR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.08–1.60) had a significant independent impact on survival. Histological grade (p = 0.14) and histological tumour type (p = 0.35) had no significant independent impact on survival. In conclusion, our results predict that an increased level ofMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) expression in tumour tissue, points to a less favourable outcome forOCpatients.
Immunohistochemical analysis of the role and relationship between Notch‐1 and Oct‐4 expression in urinary bladder carcinoma
Authors: Abdou Asmaa Gaber , El‐Wahed Moshira Mohammed Abd , Kandil Mona Abd‐Elhalim , Samaka Rehab Monir , Elkady Noha 
Published: April 2013

Most tumors contain a minor population of cancer stem cells that are responsible for tumor heterogeneity, resistance to therapy and recurrence. Oct‐4 is a transcription factor responsible for self‐renewal of stem cells, whereas the Notch family of receptors and ligands may play a pivotal role in the regulation of stem cell maintenance and differentiation. This study aimed at an evaluation of Oct‐4 and Notch‐1 expression in both carcinoma and stromal cells of 83 cases of primary bladder carcinoma and to study the relationship between them. Notch‐1 was expressed in carcinoma and stromal cells of all malignant cases, where expression in both cell types was correlated with parameters indicating differentiation, such as low grade (p < 0.05) and less proliferation (p < 0.05). However, Notch‐1 expression in stromal cells was associated with nodal metastasis (p = 0.016) and advanced stage (p = 0.030). 56.6 and 75.9% of carcinoma and stromal cells of malignant cases showed Oct‐4 expression, respectively. Oct‐4 expression in carcinoma cells or stromal cells was associated with aggressive features of bladder carcinoma, such as poor differentiation (p = 0.001), high proliferation (p < 0.001, 0.030), and liability for recurrence (p = 0.010, p < 0.001). There was an inverse relationship between Notch‐1 and Oct‐4 expression in carcinoma cells (p = 0.002), but stromal expression of Notch‐1 was found to be associated with a nuclear pattern of Oct‐4 expression in carcinoma cells (p = 0.030). Oct‐4 as a stem cell marker is expressed in carcinoma cells and in stromal cells of bladder carcinoma, where they may cooperate in the progression of bladder carcinoma by acquiring aggressive features, such as a liability for recurrence and dissemination. Notch‐1 is also expressed in both carcinoma cells and stromal cells of bladder carcinoma. Although they could share in enhancing differentiation, stromal expression of Notch‐1 may have a bad impact, possibly through up‐regulation of the active nuclear form of Oct‐4 in carcinoma cells.
Neurosyphilis and psychosis
Authors: Wahab Suzaily , Md. Rani Shahrul Azmin , Sharis Othman Syazarina 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNeurosyphilis may presents with a range of psychiatric symptoms. This report illustrates a case of neurosyphilis in a man who presented with psychosis and cognitive dysfunction. Clinical findings and investigations done in the present case showed positive results for syphilis. Reduction of symptoms was noted after treatment with antibiotic. This case further highlights the importance of having high index of suspicion for neurosyphilis in patients presenting with psychiatric symptoms.
Young female survivors of sexual abuse in Malaysia and depression: What factors are associated with better outcome?
Authors: Wahab Suzaily , Tan Susan Mooi Koon , Marimuthu Sheila , Razali Rosdinom , Muhamad Nor Asiah 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionResearch in the field of child sexual abuse is lacking in Malaysia. The aims of this study are to identify the association between sociodemographic factors and depression among sexually abused females.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 51 young sexually abused female attendees at the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) clinic of Hospital Kuala Lumpur, a tertiary referral centre. Upon obtaining informed consent from participant and guardian, participants were screened for depression using the Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ) and interviewed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children (K‐SADS) for depressive disorders and K‐SADS‐PL (Present and Lifetime version) to diagnose depression. Sociodemographic data and details of the abuse were also obtained.ResultsOf the survivors, 33.3% were depressed. Univariate analysis showed significant association between legal guardianship, living environment and duration of abuse with depression, however, multivariate analyses later showed that the sole predictor for depression was living environment. Respondents who lived with others were 23‐times more likely to be depressed as compared to those who lived with their parents.DiscussionDepression is common among young survivors of sexual abuse. Those who lived with parents appeared to have a better outcome. Thus, further research to explore possible protective factors associated with living with parents is vital. This will help clinicians develop strategies to empower parents and families help these young survivors get back on track with their lives despite the abuse.
Sexual abuse and substance abuse increase risk of suicidal behavior in Malaysian youth
Authors: Chan Lai Fong , Maniam T. , Saini Suriati Mohamed , Shah Shamsul Azhar , Loh Sit Fong , Sinniah Aishvarya , Idris Zawaha Haji , Che Rus Sulaiman , Hassan Nudin Siti Sa'adiah , Tan Susan Mooi Koon 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to determine the association between sexual abuse, substance abuse and socio‐demographic factors with suicidal ideation (SI), plans (SP) and deliberate self‐harm (DSH) and propose steps to prevent youth suicidal behavior.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of 6786 adolescents aged 17–18 years, selected randomly from all Malaysian adolescents to undergo compulsory youth camps located in Selangor, Malaysia (2008–2009). Participants were assessed using self‐administered questionnaires developed to reflect the local cultural setting. However, only 4581 subjects were analyzed after excluding incomplete data.ResultsThe rates of SI, SP and DSH were 7.6%, 3.2% and 6.3%, respectively. The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio showed that sexual abuse was associated with SI 1.99 (95% CI: 1.56–2.55), SP 1.57 (95% CI: 1.09–2.27) and DSH 2.26 (95% CI: 1.75–2.94); illicit drug use was associated with SI 4.05 (95% CI: 2.14–7.67), SP 2.62 (95% CI: 1.05–6.53) and DSH 2.06, (95% CI: 1.05–4.04); for alcohol use DSH was 1.34 (95% CI: 1.00–1.79). Being female was associated with all suicidal behaviors: SI 2.51 (95% CI: 1.91–3.30), SP 2.07 (95% CI: 1.39–3.08) and DSH 1.59 (95% CI: 1.19–2.11).DiscussionGiven the well‐founded concern of increasing risk of suicidal behavior among youth, preventive efforts should adopt a more comprehensive approach in dealing with sexual abuse and substance abuse, and their sequelae, especially in girls.
An improved dry ash procedure for the detection of titanium dioxide in cattle feces
Authors: Ohmori Hideyuki , Nonaka Itoko , Ohtani Fumihiro , Tajima Kiyoshi , Kawashima Tomoyuki , KAJI Yuji , Terada Fuminori 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe improved the dry ash procedure for detecting titanium dioxide (TiO2) in cattle feces containing chromium dioxide (Cr2O3). First, the effect of amount of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) on the recovery of TiO2 from cattle feces that contained Cr2O3 was evaluated. Average recovery of TiO2 at the 2.5 g Na2SO4 level was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than that at 0.75 g Na2SO4. Second, the effect of Cr2O3 concentration on the recovery of TiO2 of cattle feces by using two levels of Na2SO4 addition was examined. The recovery of TiO2 decreased with the increase in the amount of Cr2O3 at the 0.75 g Na2SO4 level but was consistently high at 2.5 g Na2SO4. Third, the recovery of Cr2O3 from cattle feces was checked. The recoveries of TiO2 and Cr2O3 were high enough at the 2.5 g Na2SO4 level. Fourth, the improved dry ash procedure (5 mL of concentrated H2SO4 and 2.5 g of Na2SO4 were used for sample digestion) was compared to the wet ash procedure. Average recovery of TiO2 by the improved dry ash procedure was significantly higher (P = 0.0077) than that by the wet ash procedure. Thus, the improved dry ash procedure can be used for TiO2 analysis in cattle feces containing Cr2O3.