bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular analysis of hepatitis B virus in Bulgaria
Authors: Ciccozzi Massimo , Babakir‐Mina Muhammed , Lo Presti Alessandra , Salpini Romina , Cella Eleonora , Gabanelli Elena , Teoharov Pavel , Kevorkyan Ani , Perno Carlo Federico , Zehender Gianguglielmo , Ciotti Marco 
Published: November 2012

AbstractHepatitis B virus infection is a global health problem. Based on the sequence divergence of the entire genome, hepatitis B virus has been classified into eight genotypes which have a characteristic geographic distribution. To date, no data are available on the molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B virus in Bulgaria. The aim of the present study was to reconstruct the epidemiological history of HBV genotypes/subgenotypes circulating in Bulgaria using a phylodynamic approach and a Bayesian statistical inference framework. Sequence analysis of the HBsAg/Reverse Transcriptase overlapping genomic regions revealed that D1 and A2 were the subgenotypes detected most frequently in the patients examined. The tMRCA estimations of the few HBV D1 Bulgarian significant clades dated back to 23–27 years ago, corresponding to the early 1980s. The HBV A2 Bulgarian sequences fell into two closely related supported clusters dated to 2003 and 1996 years, respectively, suggesting a more recent introduction of subgenotype A2 into Bulgaria. The study provides new information about the HBV subgenotypes in Bulgaria. J. Med. Virol. 85:49–54, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of the efficacy of ribavirin plus peginterferon alfa‐2b for chronic hepatitis C infection in patients with and without coagulation disorders
Authors: Honda Takashi , Katano Yoshiaki , Kuzuya Teiji , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Ishigami Masatoshi , Itoh Akihiro , Hirooka Yoshiki , Nakano Isao , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Yamamoto Koji , Matsushita Tadashi , Kojima Tetsuhito , Takamatsu Junki , Goto Hidemi 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMany patients with coagulation disorders are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) that advances to end stage liver disease, resulting in an increased number of deaths. The efficacy of ribavirin and peginterferon combination therapy for chronic HCV infection in patients with coagulation disorders has not been clarified fully. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of combination therapy in this patient population compared with patients who are infected with HCV and do not have coagulation disorders. A total of 226 consecutive chronic hepatitis C patients were treated with combination therapy and divided into two groups: patients with (n = 23) and without coagulation disorders (n = 203). Clinical characteristics, sustained virological response rates obtained by an intention‐to‐treat analysis, and combination therapy discontinuation rates were compared between the two groups. The sustained virological response rates did not differ significantly between patients with and without coagulation disorders (65.2% vs. 47.8% by intention‐to‐treat analysis). According to a multivariate analysis, age, alanine aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyltransferase, and HCV genotype were associated significantly with a sustained virological response, whereas whether a patient had a coagulation disorder did not affect the sustained virological response. In conclusion, combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C was comparably effective between patients with and without coagulation disorders and did not result in adverse bleeding. J. Med. Virol. 85:228–234, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vitro antiviral activity of dermaseptin S4 and derivatives from amphibian skin against herpes simplex virus type 2
Authors: Bergaoui Ines , Zairi Amira , Tangy Frédéric , Aouni Mahjoub , Selmi Boulbaba , Hani Khaled 
Published: November 2012

AbstractHerpes simplex virus (HSV) infections have become a public health problem worldwide. The emergence of acyclovir‐resistant viral strains and the failure of vaccination to prevent herpetic infections have prompted the search for new antiviral drugs. Accordingly, the present study was undertaken to synthesize chemically and evaluate Dermaseptin S4 (S4), an anti‐microbial peptide derived from amphibian skin, and its derivatives in terms of anti‐herpetic activity. The effects of biochemical modifications on their antimicrobial potential were also investigated. The peptides were incubated together with HSV‐2 on target cells under various conditions, and the antiviral effects were examined via a cell metabolic labeling method. The findings revealed that DS4 derivatives elicited concentration‐dependent antiviral activity at micromole concentrations. The biochemical modifications of S4 allowed for the reduction of peptide cytotoxicity without altering antiviral activity. Dermaseptins were added at different times during the viral cycle to investigate the mode of antiviral action. At the highest non‐cytotoxic concentrations, most of the tested derivatives were noted to exhibit high antiviral activity particularly when pre‐incubated with free herpes viruses prior to infection. Among these peptides, K4K20S4 exhibited the highest antiviral activity against HSV‐2 sensitive and resistant strains. Interestingly, the antiviral activity of K4K20S4 was effective on both acyclovir‐resistant and ‐sensitive viruses. The findings indicate that K4K20S4 can be considered a promising candidate for future application as a therapeutic virucidal agent for the treatment of herpes viruses. J. Med. Virol. 85:272–281, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus in women attending cervical screening in the UK and Ireland: New data from northern Ireland and a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Anderson Lesley , O'Rorke Michael , Jamison Jackie , Wilson Robbie , Gavin Anna ,   on behalf of the HPV Working Group members
Published: November 2012

AbstractThere is substantial international variation in human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence; this study details the first report from Northern Ireland and additionally provides a systematic review and meta‐analysis pooling the prevalence of high‐risk (HR‐HPV) subtypes among women with normal cytology in the UK and Ireland. Between February and December 2009, routine liquid based cytology (LBC) samples were collected for HPV detection (Roche Cobas® 4800 [PCR]) among unselected women attending for cervical cytology testing. Four electronic databases, including MEDLINE, were then searched from their inception till April 2011. A random effects meta‐analysis was used to calculate a pooled HR‐HPV prevalence and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). 5,712 women, mean age 39 years (±SD 11.9 years; range 20–64 years), were included in the analysis, of which 5,068 (88.7%), 417 (7.3%) and 72 (1.3%) had normal, low, and high‐grade cytological findings, respectively. Crude HR‐HPV prevalence was 13.2% (95% CI, 12.7–13.7) among women with normal cytology and increased with cytological grade. In meta‐analysis the pooled HR‐HPV prevalence among those with normal cytology was 0.12 (95% CIs, 0.10–0.14; 21 studies) with the highest prevalence in younger women. HPV 16 and HPV 18 specific estimates were 0.03 (95% CI, 0.02–0.05) and 0.01 (95% CI, 0.01–0.02), respectively. The findings of this Northern Ireland study and meta‐analysis verify the prevalent nature of HPV infection among younger women. Reporting of the type‐specific prevalence of HPV infection is relevant for evaluating the impact of future HPV immunization initiatives, particularly against HR‐HPV types other than HPV 16 and 18. J. Med. Virol. 85:295–308, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiproxy record for the last 4500 years from Lake Shkodra (Albania/Montenegro)
Authors: Zanchetta Giovanni , Van Welden Aurelien , Baneschi Ilaria , Drysdale Russell , Sadori Laura , Roberts Neil , Giardini Marco , Beck Christian , Pascucci Vincenzo , Sulpizio Roberto 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA multi‐proxy record is presented for approximately the last 4500 cal a BP from Lake Shkodra, Albania/Montenegro. Lithological analyses, C/N ratio and δ13C of the organic and inorganic carbon component suggest that organic matter and bulk carbonate are predominantly authigenic. The δ18O record of bulk carbonate indicates the presence of two prominent wet periods: one at ca. 4300 cal a BP and one at ca. 2500–2000 cal a BP. The latter phase is also found in southern Spain and Central Italy, and represents a prominent event in the western and central Mediterranean. In the last 2000 years, four relatively wet intervals occurred between ca. 1800 and 1500 cal a BP (150–450 AD), 1350–1250 (600–700 AD), 1100–800 (850–1150 AD), and at ca. 90 cal a BP (1860 AD). Between ca. 4100 and 2500 cal a BP δ18O values are relatively high, with three prominent peaks indicating drier conditions at ca. 4100–4000 cal a BP, ca. 3500 and at ca. 3300 cal a BP. Four additional drier events are identified at 1850 (ca. 100 AD), 1400 (ca. 550 AD), 1150 (800 AD) and ca.750 cal a BP (1200 AD). The pollen record does not show changes in accordance with these episodes owing to the poor sensitivity of vegetation in this area, which is dominated by an orographic rainfall effect and where changes in altitudinal vegetation belts do not affect the pollen rain in the lake catchment. However, since ca. 900 cal a BP a significant decrease in the percentage arboreal pollen and in pollen concentrations suggest major deforestation produced by human activities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Construction of an evolutionary deglaciation model for the Irish midlands based on the integration of morphostratigraphic and geophysical data analyses
Authors: Pellicer Xavier M. , Warren William P. , Gibson Paul , Linares Rogelio 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAlternative, established models for the deglaciation of the midlands of Ireland are tested against an interpretation of a suite of deglacial sediments covering an area of 600 km2 in the east central midland area. Interpretation of the sediments is based on geomorphological mapping, lithostratigraphic characterization of exposures and geotechnical data supported by electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground penetrating radar (GPR). GPR depicted small‐scale sedimentological and deformational structures within low‐conductivity soft sediments, such as cross‐bedding, planar bedding, channel‐like features and faulting planes, and revealed the internal architecture of eskers, glaciodeltas, subaqueous fans and raised bogs. ERT data permitted the detection of depth to bedrock and the lithological characterization of unconsolidated sediments. The ten sites presented were surveyed by traditional mapping methods and/or geophysical techniques. This allowed the construction of a local model of the deglaciation of the area which recognized five main stages. An ice sheet covering most of Ireland withdrew as a single body as far as the midlands. At this stage, two main directions of ice retreat are identified from the spatial distribution of meltwater/overflow channels, esker and morainic ridges, and ice‐marginal glaciolacustrine deposits. A pattern of deglacial sedimentation into an expanding ice‐marginal glacial lake is depicted. The glacial lake was dammed to the west by two ice dome fronts, one decaying to the north‐west and another to the south‐west, and by the Shannon Basin watershed to the east. Glacial lake outlets identified along the watershed and the altitude of the topset/foreset interface zone depicted in glaciodeltaic deposits allowed the identification of three lake water levels. The highest level is at 87–89 m Ordnance Datum (OD), the second lake level at 84 m OD and the third at 78 m OD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Amphiphilic Conjugates of Amino–Poly(ethylene glycols) With Lipoamino Acids as Surface Modifiers of Colloidal Drug Carriers
Authors: Pignatello Rosario , Pantò Valentina , Impallomeni Giuseppe , Carnemolla Giovanni Marco , Carbone Claudia , Puglisi Giovanni 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPoly(ethylene glycol) (PEG2000) polymers containing one or two amine residues are linked to α‐lipoamino acids (LAA) to produce mono‐ and homo‐disubstituted PEG–LAA conjugates as new materials for the surface coating of colloidal drug carriers. Conjugates are characterized by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, and MALDI–TOF mass spectrometry. Differential scanning calorimetry studies are performed to assess the interaction of PEG2000–LAAs with a biomembrane model (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine multilamellar liposomes). Whereas the parent PEGs affect only the superficial structure of the bilayers, the amphiphilic PEG–LAA conjugates exert a modulated perturbing effect on the thermotropic profile of liposomes. A molar concentration between 5% and 10% is individuated as the more suitable to produce stable vesicles.
Does a vascular supercharge improve the clinical outcome for free jejunal transfer?
Authors: Numajiri Toshiaki , Sowa Yoshihiro , Nishino Kenichi , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Nakano Hiroshi , Shimada Taketoshi , Hisa Yasuo 
Published: November 2012

AbstractTo clarify whether a supercharged free jejunal transfer would have a different clinical outcome from the usual transfer method, we examined clinical data from cases of esophago‐pharyngeal reconstruction. Fifty‐three patients in whom the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus was reconstructed with a free jejunal transfer were divided into two groups: 19 normal procedures and 34 supercharged. Clinical outcomes including intraoperative and postoperative events, complications and deglutition were compared statistically. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the rates of free flap failure, leakage, stenosis, drinking status, dysphagia, or operating time. There were no significant advantages in clinical outcomes when using a supercharge. However, supercharged flaps with an intraoperative arterial thrombosis were all rescued and survived. Thus, a supercharge in free flap is not necessary for all cases. Its indication should be limited to cases when free flaps are not reliable because of intraoperative thrombosis and arterial insufficiency. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.
Effective punching shear and moment capacity of flat plate-column connection with shear reinforcements for lateral loading
Authors: Song Jin-Kyu , Kim Jubum , Song Ho-Bum , Song Jeong-Won 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
In this study, three isolated interior flat slab-column connections that include three types of shear reinforcement details; stirrup, shear stud and shear band were tested under reversed cyclic lateral loading to observe the capacity of slab-column connections. These reinforced joints are 2/3 scale miniatures designed to have identical punching capacities. These experiments showed that the flexural failure mode appears in most specimens while the maximum unbalanced moment and energy absorbing capacity increases effectively, with the exception of an unreinforced standard specimen. Finally, the results of the experiments, as wel l as those of experiments previously carried out by researchers, are applied to the eccentricity shear stress model presented in ACI 318-08. The failure mode is therefore defined in this study by considering the upper limits for punching shear and unbalanced momen t. In addition, an intensity factor is proposed for effective widths of slabs that carry an unbalanced moment delivered by bending.
CHANGING PERCEPTIONS OF WOMEN'S RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS IN EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY BOLOGNA
Authors: LEHTSALU LIISE 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTEighteenth-century convents are little studied, and women's third order houses even less so, despite the growing numbers of the latter. Through a case-study, this article explores the origins and functions of one eighteenth-century third order house in an Italian urban community. Relying on the rich meeting minutes of Santa Maria Egiziaca in Bologna, the article analyses the everyday realities and the changing perceptions of women's religious institutions among the urban elites connected to the house. Santa Maria Egiziaca emerges as neither only a convent nor a shelter, the two institutional types recognized in current scholarship, but rather as both. The diverse goals of the house's administrators and benefactors suggest why third order houses thrived in the eighteenth century when more traditional convents came under increasing criticism and declined.
NEW PERSPECTIVES ON PIUS XII AND VATICAN FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
Authors: McGOLDRICK PATRICIA M. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThe debate about the political allegiance of Pius XII and the Vatican during the Second World War remains unresolved. As more documents become available, they enable historians, detractors and defenders alike, to develop a more nuanced view on this contentious issue. Files recently released by The National Archives1 come within this category. They reveal that during the Second World War the British government systematically intercepted, monitored, and recorded in detail the financial transactions listed in the bank statements of the main financial agencies of the State of Vatican City from 1941 to 1943. These documents provide a detailed, if occasionally incomplete, day by day and month by month record of the Vatican's sources of income, expenditure priorities, investment strategies, and movements of money throughout its global network under the difficult wartime conditions of foreign exchange controls, blocked sterling and dollar accounts, Freezing Orders, and Trading with the Enemy restrictions imposed by the belligerent parties. This article examines the light they shed on Vatican finances throughout that period and what new insights they provide into the role of Pius XII and the Vatican during the Second World War, and, in particular, into the question of where their sympathies lay throughout the duration of that conflict.
How vegetables make the meal: their hedonic and heroic impact on perceptions of the meal and of the preparer
Authors: Wansink Brian , Shimizu Mitsuru , Brumberg Adam 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveAlthough most parents know that vegetables are healthful, vegetables are served at only 23 % of American dinners. If added nutrition is not a sufficient motivation, might a parent be more inspired to serve vegetables if doing so improved either the taste of the entrée or how loving and thoughtful the server would be perceived? The present paper details two studies which investigated whether serving vegetables changes the perception of the cook and the perception of an entrée's taste.DesignIn Study 1, people evaluated the personality of a cook who either did or did not include a vegetable in a family dinner. In Study 2, five different meals that either included or did not include a vegetable were rated in terms of the taste of the entrée and of the whole meal.SettingUS-based online survey.SubjectsAmerican mothers (n 500), ranging in age from 18 to 65 years (mean age 38·4 years), with at least two children under the age of 18 years living at home.ResultsServing vegetables improved taste expectations for the entrée as well as for the whole meal. Additionally, serving a vegetable with a meal also enhanced perceptions of the meal preparer. They were evaluated as being more thoughtful and attentive as well as less lazy, boring and self-absorbed.ConclusionsThese two studies show new hedonic and heroic motivations for serving vegetables: (i) they increase the hedonic appeal of the meal and (ii) they increase the heroic appeal of the cook. More vegetables are likely to be served with a meal if preparers know that the addition of vegetables makes them appear to be both a better cook and a better person.
Spontaneous hot flow anomalies at quasi‐parallel shocks: 2. Hybrid simulations
Authors: Omidi N. , Zhang H. , Sibeck D. , Turner D. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMotivated by recent THEMIS observations, this paper uses 2.5‐D electromagnetic hybrid simulations to investigate the formation of Spontaneous Hot Flow Anomalies (SHFAs) upstream of quasi‐parallel bow shocks during steady solar wind conditions and in the absence of discontinuities. The results show the formation of a large number of structures along and upstream of the quasi‐parallel bow shock. Their outer edges exhibit density and magnetic field enhancements, while their cores exhibit drops in density, magnetic field, solar wind velocity, and enhancements in ion temperature. Using virtual spacecraft in the simulation, we show that the signatures of these structures in the time series data are very similar to those of SHFAs seen in THEMIS data and conclude that they correspond to SHFAs. Examination of the simulation data shows that SHFAs form as the result of foreshock cavitons interacting with the bow shock. Foreshock cavitons in turn form due to the nonlinear evolution of ULF waves generated by the interaction of the solar wind with the backstreaming ions. Because foreshock cavitons are an inherent part of the shock dissipation process, the formation of SHFAs is also an inherent part of the dissipation process leading to a highly nonuniform plasma in the quasi‐parallel magnetosheath including large‐scale density and magnetic field cavities.
Is eastern Mongolia drying? A long‐term perspective of a multidecadal trend
Authors: Davi Nicole K. , Pederson Neil , Leland Caroline , Nachin Baatarbileg , Suran Byambagerel , Jacoby Gordon C. 
Published: November 2012

Key PointsSignificantly spatially and temporally improved streamflow reconstructionGreater variability captured then in the original reconstructionDrought conditions seen over the past decade may be return to normal conditions
Strain-specific functional and numerical responses are required to evaluate impacts on predator–prey dynamics
Authors: Yang Zhou , Lowe Chris D , Crowther Will , Fenton Andy , Watts Phillip C , Montagnes David J S 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We use strains recently collected from the field to establish cultures; then, through laboratory studies we investigate how among strain variation in protozoan ingestion and growth rates influences population dynamics and intraspecific competition. We focused on the impact of changing temperature because of its well-established effects on protozoan rates and its ecological relevance, from daily fluctuations to climate change. We show, first, that there is considerable inter-strain variability in thermal sensitivity of maximum growth rate, revealing distinct differences among multiple strains of our model species Oxyrrhis marina. We then intensively examined two representative strains that exhibit distinctly different thermal responses and parameterised the influence of temperature on their functional and numerical responses. Finally, we assessed how these responses alter predator–prey population dynamics. We do this first considering a standard approach, which assumes that functional and numerical responses are directly coupled, and then compare these results with a novel framework that incorporates both functional and numerical responses in a fully parameterised model. We conclude that: (i) including functional diversity of protozoa at the sub-species level will alter model predictions and (ii) including directly measured, independent functional and numerical responses in a model can provide a more realistic account of predator–prey dynamics.