bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Possible HIV transmission modes among at‐risk groups at an early epidemic stage in the Philippines
Authors: Telan Elizabeth Freda O. , Samonte Genesis May J. , Palaypayon Noel , Abellanosa‐Tac‐An Ilya P. , Leaño Prisca Susan A. , Tsuneki Akeno , Kageyama Seiji 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA concentrated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic might have started in the Philippines. A subsequent characterization of viruses was carried out to estimate HIV transmission modes. Most HIV strains from injecting drug users belonged to subtype‐B. CRF‐01 was a major subtype harbored by three other at‐risk populations: male visa applicants who had sex with men, “men who have sex with men,” and visa applicants. An HIV phylogeny suggested that two strain groups of injecting drug users and others circulated separately. In contrast, there was substantial genetic overlap between two strain groups from “men who have sex with men” and visa applicants. Mean nucleotide distance within strains was shorter among subtype‐B strains harbored by the injecting drug users (0.010) than among CRF‐01 strains of the other three populations: male visa applicants who had sex with men (0.034), “men who have sex with men” (0.023), and visa applicants (0.032). Closely related strains of hepatitis C virus were derived from not only HIV‐positive but also ‐negative individuals. These results suggest that there is potential for transmission from visa applicants to “men who have sex with men,” and that once HIV occurs in injecting drug users, it spreads rapidly among them. Close contacts of hepatitis C virus carriers composed of HIV‐negative and ‐positive individuals indicated ongoing HIV spread via blood and possible intervention points. Large‐scale analysis is needed to provide more precise information on the transmission directions and to help curb the growth of this HIV epidemic in the Philippines. J. Med. Virol. 85:2057–2064, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Testicular cancer and viral infections: A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yousif Lamyaa , Hammer Gaël P. , Blettner Maria , Zeeb Hajo 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn 1984, Newell and coworkers were the first to suggest that testicular cancer might have a viral etiology since it showed similar characteristics to Hodgkin's lymphoma. A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis was conducted to investigate a possible association between viral infections (EBV, CMV, Parvovirus B19, HPV, and HIV) and testicular cancer. Articles published from 1985 through June 2010 were located from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, 21 articles were finally included in the review. For infection with EBV, CMV, Parvovirus B19, and HIV the pooled OR were 4.80 (95% CI 0.98–23.54), 1.85 (95% CI 0.92–3.70), 2.86 (95% CI 0.35–23.17), and 1.79 (95% CI 1.45–2.21) respectively. No pooling was possible for HPV infection studies due to small numbers. The results support a possible association, but more epidemiological studies with better viral identification and localization methods are needed to verify these findings. J. Med. Virol. 85:2165–2175, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of the Simplexa Flu A/B and RSV test for the rapid detection of influenza viruses
Authors: Ko Sun‐Young , Jang Jin Woo , Song Dae Jin , Lim Chae Seung , Kim Woo Joo 
Published: August 2013

AbstractRecently, various molecular systems have been introduced for the detection of influenza viruses. Among these, the Simplexa Flu A/B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) test can provide results in approximately 2 hr. Nasopharyngeal swabs from 241 patients (influenza A, n = 81; influenza B, n = 80; influenza A and influenza B mixed, n = 1; influenza A and RSV A mixed, n = 2; and influenza and RSV negative, n = 77) were analyzed using the Simplexa Flu A/B and RSV test, a conventional reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay, and a real‐time RT‐PCR assay. Compared to conventional RT‐PCR, the Simplexa test had respective sensitivities and specificities of 100% and 100% for influenza A and 100% and 99.4% for influenza B with extracted RNA samples, and 91.7% and 99.4% for influenza A, and 97.5% and 98.1% for influenza B with unprocessed patient specimens. All RSV A specimens were successfully detected by the Simplexa test using both extracted RNA samples and unprocessed patient specimens. The real‐time RT‐PCR assay had respective sensitivities and specificities of 96.4% and 99.4% for influenza A, and 98.8% and 99.4% for influenza B. The Simplexa test was effective at detecting influenza viruses from extracted RNA samples as well as from unprocessed patient specimens. The assay was not only simple and rapid for influenza detection, but the performance was also comparable to that of other conventional molecular methods. J. Med. Virol. 85:2160–2164, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular characterization of measles viruses in Turkey (2010–2011): First report of genotype D9 involved in an outbreak in 2011
Authors: Kalaycioglu Atila T. , Baykal Atakan , Guldemir Dilek , Bakkaloglu Zekiye , Korukluoglu Gulay , Coskun Aslihan , Torunoglu Mehmet Ali , Ertek Mustafa , Durmaz Riza 
Published: August 2013

AbstractGenetic characterization of measles viruses (MVs) combined with acquisition of epidemiologic information is essential for measles surveillance programs used in determining transmission pathways. This study describes the molecular characterization of 26 MV strains (3 from 2010, 23 from 2011) obtained from urine or throat swabs harvested from patients in Turkey. MV RNA samples (n = 26) were subjected to sequence analysis of 450 nucleotides comprising the most variable C‐terminal region of the nucleoprotein (N) gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 20 strains from 2011 belonged to genotype D9, 3 to D4, 2 strains from 2010 to genotype D4 and 1 to genotype B3. This study represents the first report describing the involvement of MV genotype D9 in an outbreak in Turkey. The sequence of the majority of genotype D9 strains was identical to those identified in Russia, Malaysia, Japan, and the UK. Despite lack of sufficient epidemiologic information, the presence of variants observed following phylogenetic analysis suggested that exposure to genotype D9 might have occurred due to importation more than once. Phylogenetic analysis of five genotype D4 strains revealed the presence of four variants. Epidemiological information and phylogenetic analysis suggested that three genotype D4 strains and one genotype B3 strain were associated with importation. This study suggests the presence of pockets of unimmunized individuals making Turkey susceptible to outbreaks. Continuing molecular surveillance of measles strains in Turkey is essential as a means of acquiring epidemiologic information to define viral transmission patterns and determine the effectiveness of measles vaccination programs designed to eliminate this virus. J. Med. Virol. 85:2128–2135, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plant availability of isotopically exchangeable and isotopically nonexchangeable phosphate in soils
Authors: Cabeza Ricardo , Steingrobe Bernd , Römer Wilhelm , Claassen Norbert 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIsotopically exchangeable P (IEP) is usually considered to be completely plant‐available and the major source of P for plant uptake. The aim of the present study is to test whether plants can, besides IEP, also use non‐IEP and if part of the IEP has an equilibrium concentration in soil solution which is below the minimum concentration, CLmin, and can therefore not be taken up by plants. A pot experiment was carried out with maize for two years on two soils, an acid sandy and a neutral loamy soil, either without P fertilizer or fertilized with ten P sources of different solubility. Throughout both years of the study, pots were kept moist either without plants or planted twice with maize (Zea mays L., cv. Athletico). At the end of the experiment, plant P uptake, P concentration in the soil solution (CL), and P accessible to isotopic exchange within 5 d (E5d) were measured. Plant growth decreased the E5d which was about equal to P uptake by maize for most treatments in the acid soil. But for some treatments, i.e., five in the acid and eight in the neutral soil, P uptake was up to 50% larger than the decrease of E5d, indicating that plants had, besides IEP, also used P from non‐IEP sources. At adequate P supply, both soils had an E5d of about 100 mg P (kg soil)–1, but about 30 to 40 mg kg–1 of this IEP had an equilibrium P concentration in the soil solution below CLmin of 0.1 μmol L–1 at which P would actually not be plant‐available. This study shows that plants take up P mainly from IEP, but not the whole IEP is plant‐available. Furthermore, plants may also use P from non‐IEP sources.
Utilization of biochar impregnated with anaerobically digested slurry as slow‐release fertilizer
Authors: Oh Taek‐Keun , Shinogi Yoshiyuki , Lee Seung‐Joo , Choi Bongsu 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe examined the possibility of an environment‐friendly slow‐release fertilizer (SRF) made of biochar impregnated by anaerobically digested slurry. The biochar materials were produced from three types of feedstocks (orange peel, residual wood, water‐treatment sludge) at different temperatures of 300°C, 500°C, and 700°C via pyrolysis. The release behaviors of the water‐soluble K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ were similar for all impregnated biochars and the commercial SRF used. The water‐retention capacity was greatly improved by mixing the biochar‐SRF with the soil. The yield of lettuce was lower for the biochar‐SRF applications of 3.7 to 34.2 t ha–1 than for the commercial SRF application of 51.4 t ha–1. This might be due to excessive increase of soil pH for the biochar‐SRF application. Based on these results, the authors concluded that the biochar impregnated with nutrients could become an effective slow‐release K+ fertilizer.
Short‐term response of the Ca cycle of a montane forest in Ecuador to low experimental CaCl2 additions
Authors: Wullaert Hans , Bigalke Moritz , Homeier Jürgen , Cumbicus Nixon , Valarezo Carlos , Wilcke Wolfgang 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe tropical montane forests of the E Andean cordillera in Ecuador receive episodic Sahara‐dust inputs particularly increasing Ca deposition. We added CaCl2 to isolate the effect of Ca deposition by Sahara dust to tropical montane forest from the simultaneously occurring pH effect. We examined components of the Ca cycle at four control plots and four plots with added Ca (2 × 5 kg ha–1 Ca annually as CaCl2) in a random arrangement. Between August 2007 and December 2009 (four applications of Ca), we determined Ca concentrations and fluxes in litter leachate, mineral soil solution (0.15 and 0.30 m depths), throughfall, and fine litterfall and Al concentrations and speciation in soil solutions. After 1 y of Ca addition, we assessed fine‐root biomass, leaf area, and tree growth. Only < 3% of the applied Ca leached below the acid organic layer (pH 3.5–4.8). The added CaCl2 did not change electrical conductivity in the root zone after 2 y. In the second year of fertilization, Ca retention in the canopy of the Ca treatment tended to decrease relative to the control. After 2 y, 21% of the applied Ca was recycled to soil with throughfall and litterfall. One year after the first Ca addition, fine‐root biomass had decreased significantly. Decreasing fine‐root biomass might be attributed to a direct or an indirect beneficial effect of Ca on the soil decomposer community. Because of almost complete association of Al with dissolved organic matter and high free Ca2+ : Al3+ activity ratios in solution of all plots, Al toxicity was unlikely. We conclude that the added Ca was retained in the system and had beneficial effects on some plants.
The Strategic Role of Knowledge Auditing and Mapping: An Organisational Case Study
Authors: Burnett Simon , Williams Dorothy , Grinnall Andy 
Published: August 2013

This paper presents the results of research, which aimed to evaluate the current position of the knowledge management (KM) capabilities of a multi‐national energy services company, and is based on work originally presented at IFKAD‐KCWS 2012, Matera, Italy, 13–15 June 2012. This was achieved through the development and application of three methodological ‘tools’ designed to facilitate the collation of relevant data upon which the KM strategy would be based. These were the following: a Knowledge Process Audit to develop an understanding of how employees viewed current knowledge‐based practices within the organisation, a Knowledge Inventory and Map to identify and list tacit and explicit knowledge assets within the organisation, and a Knowledge Needs Analysis to determine the types and forms of knowledge assets required or desired by members of staff to perform their roles more effectively.Although a number of strategic approaches to knowledge management have been posited, there has been a general lack of material describing the development and use of methodologies, which may be used as a basis for KM strategies. This research emphasises the need for and use of a rigorous approach to the collation and application of relevant data on which to develop a suitable strategy.Practical implications are provided in the form of key findings for the research, including the importance of internal tacit knowledge, consultation of external sources only after internal searches have failed, difficulty of new integration of employees and lack of knowledge sharing at a wider level. Methodological implications for knowledge auditing and mapping are also presented. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Impact of Workforce Management Systems on Productivity and Quality: A Case Study in the Information and Communication Technology Service Industry
Authors: Calabrese Armando , Capece Guendalina , Costa Roberta , Di Pillo Francesca , Paglia Daniela 
Published: August 2013

Workforce management (WFM) systems potentially enable the optimisation of the management of the workforce (WF) of a service provider (SP) in order to maximise both service quality and efficiency. Although the extent research literature provides characterizations of the various typologies of WFM systems, the effects of these systems on productivity and quality have not been investigated very extensively.This paper proposes a classification of WFMs that enables an SP to select the most suitable WFM, on the basis of both SP operating characteristics and SP efficiency objectives. The aim of this classification is to offer guidelines to SPs intending to implement a WFM system for the first time in order to improve productivity and quality. A case study of two departments of an important European telecommunications services company is then presented in order to examine the implications of our research for WF management. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flying qubits and entangled photons
Authors: Unrau Waldemar , Bimberg Dieter 
Published: August 2013

AbstractEfficient generation of polarized single photons or entangled photon pairs is crucial for the implementation of quantum key distribution (QKD) systems. Self organized semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are capable of emitting on demand one polarized photon or an entangled photon pair upon current injection. Highly efficient single‐photon sources consist of a pin structure inserted into a microcavity where single electrons and holes are funneled into an InAs QD via a submicron AlOx aperture, leading to emission of single polarized photons with record purity of the spectrum and non‐classicality of the photons. A new QD site‐control technique is based on using the surface strain field of an AlOx current aperture below the QD.GaN/AlN QD based devices are promising to operate at room temperature and reveal a fine‐structure splitting (FSS) depending inversely on the QD size. Large GaN/AlN QDs show disappearance of the FSS. Theory also suggests QDs grown on (111)‐oriented GaAs substrates as source of entangled photon pairs.
Modulation of PPIX synthesis and accumulation in various normal and glioma cell lines by modification of the cellular signaling and temperature
Authors: Fisher Carl J. , Niu Carolyn J. , Lai Benjamin , Chen Yonghong , Kuta Victoria , Lilge Lothar D. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractEffective therapies for malignant gliomas are still elusive and limited survival improvements are provided only by Temozolomide or fluorescence guided resection. The efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in this indication is limited by the higher sensitivity of normal brain structures compared to glioma necessitating a modulation of its sensitivity. We evaluate the influence of hypothermia and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Erlotinib on cell's ability to synthesize PPIX following the administration of ALA which was not previously investigated. We demonstrate that both hypothermia and Erlotinib are favorable in PPIX selectivity as only glioma cell lines demonstrate an increased PPIX synthesis, whereas the neuronal and astrocytic synthesis is remaining unaffected. The results are encouraging to consider hypothermia and Erlotinib as adjuvant therapies to increase the PDT therapeutic index between GBM and normal intracranial tissues, as well as to improve contrast in fluorescence guided resection. Lasers Surg. Med. 45:460–468, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermal stability of silicon‐doped Al2O3 PVD coatings
Authors: Bobzin K. , Bagcivan N. , Müller M. , Ewering M. , Brugnara R. H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractCrystalline alumina PVD‐coatings offer high potential for different applications in which high chemical inertness, high hot hardness and high oxidation resistance is important. Especially the metastable γ‐phase is topic of many researches because, in comparison to the stable α‐phase, it can be deposited by means of MSIP (Magnetron Sputter Ion Plating) at relatively low process temperatures below 650°C and it is more fine‐grained than α‐Al2O3. At high temperatures γ‐Al2O3 transforms into α‐Al2O3, which limits the application temperature. But until now it is not clearly understood, up to which temperatures γ‐Al2O3 coatings are stable and which mechanisms influence the stability. In this paper the influence of doping with silicon is investigated. DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) as well as XRD (X‐Ray diffractometry) measurements show that adding 4 at% silicon leads to a high amount of amorphous phase in the as deposited coating and a decrease of hardness from 18 GPa to 10 GPa. Nevertheless, formation of α‐phase is retarded to temperatures above 1200°C while α‐phase is formed at 1100°C for the undoped coating. A transformation via the θ‐phase was detected for the Si‐doped coating, which is not seen for undoped coating.
Surface integrity of laser machined carbide cutting tools within the PVD‐coating process chain
Authors: Breidenstein B. , Gey C. , Denkena B. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe final state of PVD‐coated carbide cutting tools is a result of a series of manufacturing steps within a process chain. When laser machining is applied instead of conventional mechanical abrasive processes for the creation of tool micro geometries, an alteration of this process chain takes place. The consequences of laser machining on surface integrity of carbide tools is investigated, as well as the influence of the subsequent process steps up to and including PVD‐coating on the laser machined surface.
Adapted DLC coatings for increasing tapping performance in TiAl6V4
Authors: Klocke F. , Gerschwiler K. , Schiffler M. , Morstein M. , Dessarzin P. , Lung D. , Frank H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis paper reports on a new DLC‐coated high speed steel tool for tapping into TiAl6V4. In analogy tests on a high‐temperature tribometer, a comparative analysis was carried out on coating systems containing carbon, nitrides and oxides with respect to their suitability for tapping into TiAl6V4. This comparative analysis revealed that DLC coatings were characterized by extremely low friction coefficients, low levels of wear and low material adhesion. Cutting tests using high speed steel taps coated with the DLC coating system CROMTIVIc2 confirm the outstanding tribological properties of this coating system. Compared to conventional TiCN‐coated taps, the new DLC‐coated tool expands the current application field to include higher cutting speeds and longer tool life. It therefore provides the opportunity for significantly increasing productivity when tapping into TiAl6V4.
Human DNA Ligases: A Comprehensive New Look for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Singh Deependra Kumar , Krishna Shagun , Chandra Sharat , Shameem Mohammad , Deshmukh Amit Laxmikant , Banerjee Dibyendu 
Published: August 2013

AbstractLiving organisms belonging to all three domains of life, viz., eubacteria, archaeabacteria, and eukaryotes encode one or more DNA ligases. DNA ligases are indispensable in various DNA repair and replication processes and a deficiency or an inhibition of their activity can lead to accumulation of DNA damage and strand breaks. DNA damage, specially strand breaks at unsustainable levels can lead to replication block and/or cell death. DNA ligases as potential anticancer targets have been realized only recently. There is enough rationale to suggest that ligases have a tremendous potential for novel therapeutics including anticancer and antibacterial therapy, specially when the world is facing acute problems of drug resistance and chemotherapy failure, with an immediate need for new therapeutic targets. Here, we review the current state of the art in the development of human ligase inhibitors, their structures, molecular mechanisms, physiological effects, and their potential in future cancer therapy. Citing examples, we focus on strategies for improving the activity and specificity of existing and novel inhibitors by using structure‐based rational approaches. In the end, we describe potential new sites on the ligase I protein that can be targeted for the development of novel inhibitors. This is the first comprehensive review to compile all known human ligase inhibitors and to provide a rationale for the further development of ligase inhibitors for cancer therapy.
The CDC Hemophilia B mutation project mutation list: a new online resource
Authors: Li Tengguo , Miller Connie H. , Payne Amanda B. , Craig Hooper W. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHemophilia B (HB) is caused by mutations in the human gene F9. The mutation type plays a pivotal role in genetic counseling and prediction of inhibitor development. To help the HB community understand the molecular etiology of HB, we have developed a listing of all F9 mutations that are reported to cause HB based on the literature and existing databases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hemophilia B Mutation Project (CHBMP) mutation list is compiled in an easily accessible format of Microsoft Excel and contains 1083 unique mutations that are reported to cause HB. Each mutation is identified using Human Genome Variation Society (HGVS) nomenclature standards. The mutation types and the predicted changes in amino acids, if applicable, are also provided. Related information including the location of mutation, severity of HB, the presence of inhibitor, and original publication reference are listed as well. Therefore, our mutation list provides an easily accessible resource for genetic counselors and HB researchers to predict inhibitors. The CHBMP mutation list is freely accessible at http://www.cdc.gov/hemophiliamutations.