bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validity of Oxycon Mobile in measuring inspiratory capacity in healthy subjects
Authors: Hannink Jorien , Lahaije Anke , Verberkt Cindy , Dekhuijzen Richard , Van Helvoort Hanneke , Heijdra Yvonne 
Published: February 2010

SummaryIntroduction:  Inspiratory capacity (IC) assessments have been performed mainly in laboratory settings, because of fixed measurement devices. Oxycon Mobile® (OM) is the mobile and wireless version of Oxycon Pro® (OP), a commonly used fixed measurement device. The purpose of this study was to examine IC agreement between OM and OP at rest and during steady‐state exercise. Also, the within‐ and between‐days variability of IC’s were determined.Methods:  Thirty‐five healthy subjects were recruited. Twenty‐five subjects were included for determining validity of the OM and ten subjects for the variability study. For validation of OM, resting and exercise IC’s (ICrest and ICexercise respectively) were measured consecutively by OM and OP, in random order. Exercise consisted of cycle ergometry at 50% of subject’s predicted maximal exercise capacity.Results:  The mean difference between OM and OP regarding ICrest was −0·05L, with limits of agreement of −0·47 to 0·37L (or −1·2% with limits of agreement of −11·6 to 9·3%) (P>0·05). The mean difference of ICexercise was −0·06L, and the limits of agreement were −0·48 to 0·35L (or −1·4% with limits of agreement of −11·8 to 9·0%) (P>0·05). No significant differences in IC’s within‐ or between‐days were found.Discussion:  The limits of agreement of the IC measured by OM and OP were ±10%, which is recommended for interdevice reproducibility. We conclude that OM and OP can be used interchangeably for measuring IC at rest and during steady‐state exercise.
Positron emission tomography of [18F]‐big endothelin‐1 reveals renal excretion but tissue‐specific conversion to [18F]‐endothelin‐1 in lung and liver
Authors: Johnström Peter , Fryer Tim D , Richards Hugh K , Maguire Janet J , Clark John C , Pickard John D , Davenport Anthony P 
Published: February 2010

Background and purpose:  Big endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) circulates in plasma but does not bind to ET receptors until converted to ET‐1 by smooth muscle converting enzymes. We hypothesized that tissue‐specific conversion of [18F]‐big ET‐1 to [18F]‐ET‐1 could be imaged dynamically in vivo within target organs as binding to ET receptors.Methods:  [18F]‐big ET‐1 conversion imaged in vivo following infusion into rats using positron emission tomography (PET).Key results:  [18F]‐big ET‐1 was rapidly cleared from the circulation (t1/2= 2.9 ± 0.1 min). Whole body microPET images showed highest uptake of radioactivity in three major organs. In lungs and liver, time activity curves peaked within 2.5 min, then plateaued reaching equilibrium after 10 min, with no further decrease after 120 min. Phosphoramidon did not alter half life of [18F]‐big ET‐1 but uptake was reduced in lung (42%) and liver (45%) after 120 min, consistent with inhibition of enzyme conversion and reduction of ET‐1 receptor binding. The ETA antagonist, FR139317 did not alter half‐life of [18F]‐big ET‐1 (t1/2= 2.5 min) but radioactivity was reduced in all tissues except for kidney consistent with reduction in binding to ETA receptors. In kidney, however, the peak in radioactivity was higher but time to maximum accumulation was slower (∼30 min), which was increased by phosphoramidon, reflecting renal excretion with low conversion and binding to ET receptors.Conclusions and implications:  A major site for conversion was within the vasculature of the lung and liver, whereas uptake in kidney was more complex, reflecting excretion of [18F]‐big ET‐1 without conversion to ET‐1.This article is part of a themed section on Imaging in Pharmacology. To view the editorial for this themed section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00685.x
Offshore Remanufacturing with Variable Used Product Condition
Authors: Galbreth Michael R. , Blackburn Joseph D. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTWe consider the acquisition and production decisions of a remanufacturer who acquires used products of variable condition and allocates remanufacturing activity to domestic and offshore facilities. The problem is formulated as a multicommodity network flow model with economies of scale and product obsolescence. We show that the remanufacturer's optimal strategy can be chosen from a finite set of simple policies in which each product is routed to a facility based on its condition. We then numerically investigate the impact of key parameters on optimal decisions regarding offshore remanufacturing.
Smoking in pregnancy: a risk factor for adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants?
Authors: Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer U , Ralser E , Pupp Peglow U , Reiter G , Griesmaier E , Trawöger R 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim:  To assess whether smoking in pregnancy influences neurodevelopmental outcome at 2‐years of age in preterm infants with a gestational age <32 weeks.Methods:  Between January 2003 and December 2005 we prospectively enrolled 181 infants born alive between 23 and 32 weeks of gestation; 142 infants (78.5%) completed the follow‐up visit. The association between candidate risk factors and delayed motor or mental development (Bayley Scales of Infant Development II; psychomotor or mental developmental index <85) was analysed by means of logistic regression analysis.Results:  Low maternal age, smoking in pregnancy, low gestational age, low birth weight, small for gestational age, chronic lung disease, intracerebral haemorrhage, periventricular leucomalacia, and retinopathy of prematurity (stages 3 and 4) all were associated with an increased risk for delayed development (p < 0.05, each). Smoking in pregnancy, small for gestational age and chronic lung disease maintained significance in a multivariable analysis.Conclusion:  Smoking in pregnancy emerged as a risk predictor for adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in our study. Strategies to reduce smoking in pregnancy should be further endorsed.
Weighing in: Does Obesity Raise the Risk from Swine Flu?
Authors: Mamuneas Diamanto , Viskaduraki Maria 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Media reports of the dangers of swine flu can leave much to be desired. But then scientific reports can be just as unclear. Diamanto Mamuneas and Maria Viskaduraki have sympathy for two journalists and help a frightened friend.
EFFECT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON DRYING CHARACTERISTIC AND QUALITY OF WHEAT
Authors: WANG JUN , YU YONG 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTWheat, pretreated by 60Co gamma irradiation, was dried by hot air with irradiation dosage 0–3 kGy, drying temperature 40–60C, and initial moisture contents 19–25% (d.b.). The drying time, average dehydration rate, wet gluten content (WGC), moisture content of wet gluten (MCWG) and titratable acidity (TA) were evaluated based on a quadratic rotation‐orthogonal composite experimental design with three variables (at five levels). The drying time, average dehydration rate, WGC, MCWG and TA were sensitive to irradiation dosage, drying temperature and initial moisture content. Irradiation dosage is the most dominating factor on the quality of wheat flour (WGC, MCWG and TA); drying temperature is the most dominating factor on drying characteristics (drying time and average dehydration rate). Irradiation dosage had a significant effect on drying time, WGC, MCWG, average dehydration rate and TA.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSGamma irradiation had been employed to decontaminate and to extend the shelf life of food and has been widely used for agricultural products for long‐period storage. The previous studies emphasize particularly on that dried samples were irradiated by gamma irradiation after drying. However, no information has been available on effect of gamma irradiation on drying characteristics and quality of wheat.The results of this study will show irradiation dosage had a significant effect on drying time, average dehydration rate, wet gluten content, moisture content of wet gluten and titratable acidity. This implies that as a pretreatment before drying may be a method to apply for not only increasing the dehydration rate, but also changing the quality of wheat.
Coupling non‐destructive DNA extraction and voucher retrieval for small soft‐bodied Arthropods in a high‐throughput context: the example of Collembola
Authors: PORCO DAVID , ROUGERIE RODOLPHE , DEHARVENG LOUIS , HEBERT PAUL 
Published: February 2010

AbstractHere, we describe a simple method adapted for high‐throughput protocols allowing voucher specimen recovery for Collembola and by extension for other soft‐bodied small arthropods. A standard extraction protocol was tested to examine the effects of lysis duration (1, 2, 4, 12 h) on DNA concentration, amplification success and specimen condition. Good quality DNA was obtained after 1 h of lysis, while voucher condition was fine for up to 12 h. The lysis step substantially shortens the clearing process necessary for morphological examination.
Science in the Courtroom: Vital to Best Interests and Reasonable Efforts
Authors: Lederman Judge Cindy 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTThis essay was adapted from a speech presented by the author on February 12, 2008 at a Colloquium entitled “What's Best for Children? How Judges Use Neuroscience to Break the Cycle of Child Maltreatment.” The colloquium was sponsored by the Harvard Center on the Developing Child and held at Harvard Law School. It focuses on the wealth of knowledge that has been discovered about infant and child development and the importance of incorporating that knowledge into judicial decision making in child maltreatment cases.
Engineering of new prodigiosin‐based biosensors of Serratia for facile detection of short‐chain N‐acyl homoserine lactone quorum‐sensing molecules
Authors: Poulter Simon , Carlton Timothy M. , Su Xianbin , Spring David R. , Salmond George P. C. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryMany Gram‐negative bacteria use quorum sensing (QS) to regulate expression of multiple genes, by utilizing small diffusible signalling molecules called N‐acyl homoserine lactones (acyl‐HSLs). Serratia sp. ATCC 39006 produces the red pigment prodigiosin under QS control, in response to the short‐chain signal C4‐HSL. In this study, we have demonstrated that an acyl‐HSL‐deficient mutant can be used as a visual biosensor to detect short‐chain acyl‐HSLs. We have quantified the acyl‐HSL sensitivity spectrum of the Serratia 39006 prodigiosin QS system, and have demonstrated a strong specificity for the natural ligand C4‐HSL. Mutations in the pigX and pigZ genes in Serratia 39006 resulted in an overproduction of prodigiosin, caused by increased transcription of the prodigiosin biosynthetic operon. A new biosensor (SP19) with enhanced prodigiosin production was created by addition of pigX and pigZ mutations to the existing biosensor. We have demonstrated that SP19 is superior to biosensor strains CV026 and Agrobacterium NTL4 (pZLR4) for the detection of short‐chain acyl‐HSLs present in spent culture supernatants. Researchers working with QS bacteria that produce short‐chain acyl‐HSLs can use strain SP19 as a simple visual acyl‐HSL biosensor with no requirement for expensive detection equipment.
Pharmacokinetics of Cefotaxime and Desacetylcefotaxime in Infants during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Ahsman Maurice J. , Wildschut Enno D. , Tibboel Dick , Mathot Ron A. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used to temporarily sustain cardiac and respiratory function in critically ill infants but can cause pharmacokinetic changes necessitating dose modifications. Cefotaxime (CTX) is used to prevent and treat infections during ECMO, but the current dose regimen is based on pharmacokinetic data obtained for non-ECMO patients. The objective of this study was to validate the standard dose regimen of 50 mg/kg of body weight twice a day (postnatal age [PNA], <1 week), 50 mg/kg three times a day (PNA, 1 to 4 weeks), or 37.5 mg/kg four times a day (PNA, >4 weeks). We included 37 neonates on ECMO, with a median (range) PNA of 3.3 (0.67 to 199) days and a median (range) body weight of 3.5 (2.0 to 6.2) kg at the onset of ECMO. Median (range) ECMO duration was 108 (16 to 374) h. Plasma samples were taken during routine care, and pharmacokinetic analysis of CTX and its active metabolite, desacetylcefotaxime (DACT), was done using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling (NONMEM). A one-compartment pharmacokinetic model for CTX and DACT adequately described the data. During ECMO, CTX clearance (CL
CTX
) was 0.36 liter/h (range, 0.19 to 0.75 liter/h), the volume of distribution of CTX (
V
CTX
) was 1.82 liters (0.73 to 3.02 liters), CL
DACT
was 1.46 liters/h (0.48 to 5.93 liters/h), and
V
DACT
was 11.0 liters (2.32 to 28.0 liters). Elimination half-lives for CTX and DACT were 3.5 h (1.6 to 6.8 h) and 5.4 h (0.8 to 14 h). Peak CTX concentration was 98.0 mg/liter (33.2 to 286 mg/liter). DACT concentration varied between 0 and 38.2 mg/liter, with a median of 10 mg/liter in the first 12 h postdose. Overall, CTX concentrations were above the MIC of 8 mg/liter over the entire dose interval. Only 1 of the 37 patients had a sub-MIC concentration for over 50% of the dose interval. In conclusion, the standard cefotaxime dose regimen provides sufficiently long periods of supra-MIC concentrations to provide adequate treatment of infants on ECMO.
Entry of
Neisseria meningitidis
into Mammalian Cells Requires the Src Family Protein Tyrosine Kinases
Authors: Slanina Heiko , König Alexandra , Hebling Sabrina , Hauck Christof R. , Frosch Matthias , Schubert-Unkmeir Alexandra 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT

Neisseria meningitidis
, the causative agent of meningitis and septicemia, is able to attach to and invade a variety of cell types. In a previous study we showed that entry of
N. meningitidis
into human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) is mediated by fibronectin bound to the outer membrane protein Opc, which forms a molecular bridge to α5β1-integrins. This interaction results in cytoskeletal remodeling and uptake of the bacteria. In this study we identified and characterized the intracellular signals involved in integrin-initiated uptake of
N. meningitidis
. We determined that the Src protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are activated in response to contact with
N. meningitidis
. Inhibition of Src PTK activity by the general tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein and the specific Src inhibitor PP2 reduced Opc-mediated invasion of HBMEC and human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells up to 90%. Moreover, overexpression of the cellular Src antagonist C-terminal Src kinase (CSK) also significantly reduced
N. meningitidis
invasion. Src PTK-deficient fibroblasts were impaired in the ability to internalize
N. meningitidis
and showed reduced phosphorylation of the cytoskeleton and decreased development of stress fibers. These data indicate that the Src family PTKs, particularly the Src protein, along with other proteins, are important signal proteins that are responsible for the transfer of signals from activated integrins to the cytoskeleton and thus mediate the endocytosis of
N. meningitidis
into brain endothelial cells.
Histophilus somniIbpA DR2/Fic in Virulence and Immunoprotection at the Natural Host Alveolar Epithelial Barrier
Authors: Zekarias Bereket , Mattoo Seema , Worby Carolyn , Lehmann Jason , Rosenbusch Ricardo F. , Corbeil Lynette B. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTNewly recognized Fic family virulence proteins may be important in many bacterial pathogens. To relate cellular mechanisms to pathogenesis and immune protection, we studied the cytotoxicity of theHistophilus somniimmunoglobulin-binding protein A (IbpA) direct repeat 2 Fic domain (DR2/Fic) for natural host target cells. Live virulent IbpA-producingH. somnistrain 2336, a cell-free culture supernatant (CCS) of this strain, or recombinant DR2/Fic (rDR2/Fic) caused dramatic retraction and rounding of bovine alveolar type 2 (BAT2) epithelial cells. IbpA-deficientH. somnistrain 129Pt and a Fic motif His298Ala mutant rDR2/Fic protein were not cytotoxic. The cellular mechanism of DR2/Fic cytotoxicity was demonstrated by incubation of BAT2 cell lysates with strain 2336 CCS or rDR2/Fic in the presence of [α-32P]ATP, which resulted in adenylylation of Rho GTPases and cytoskeletal disruption. Since IbpA is not secreted by type III or type IV secretion systems, we determined whether DR2/Fic entered the host cytoplasm to access its Rho GTPase targets. AlthoughH. somnidid not invade BAT2 cells, DR2/Fic was internalized by cells treated withH. somni, CCS, or the rDR2/Fic protein, as shown by confocal immunomicroscopy. Transwell bacterial migration assays showed that large numbers of strain 2336 bacteria migrated between retracted BAT2 cells, but IbpA-deficient strain 129Pt did not cross a monolayer unless the monolayer was pretreated with strain 2336 CCS or rDR2/Fic protein. Antibody to rDR2/Fic or passively protective convalescent-phase serum blocked IbpA-mediated cytotoxicity and inhibitedH. somnitransmigration across BAT2 monolayers, confirming the role of DR2/Fic in pathogenesis and corresponding to the results forin vivoprotection in previous animal studies.
Using geographical information systems to assess the equitable distribution of traffic-calming measures: translational research
Authors: Rodgers Sarah E , Jones Sarah J , Macey Steven M , Lyons Ronan A 
Published: February 2010

ObjectiveTo assess whether traffic-calming features are equitably distributed in the UK.DesignCross-sectional database utilising geographical information system (GIS) and population data.SettingFour large regions in England and Wales, including areas in south Wales, south-west England, east Midlands and Surrey, for which map data were available.Main outcome measuresThe total proportion of road segments traffic calmed and the likelihood of road segments being traffic calmed by deprivation fifth.ResultsA total of 3.7% of road segments was traffic calmed on 95 791 km of road length. A higher proportion of traffic-calmed road segments was found in deprived areas when population density was taken into account. The odds of traffic calming in the most deprived areas, compared with the most affluent areas, was 2.83 (95% CI 2.815 to 2.835).ConclusionsHigh resolution map data can be manipulated within a GIS to enable the distribution of traffic-calming measures to be assessed over large areas. There are very few traffic-calmed roads in any area and there is scope for more. Deprived areas have substantially more traffic calming. Making such data available to the public should be tested as an advocacy tool to increase the provision of traffic-calming features.
Spatial discontinuity of Optomotor-blind expression in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc disrupts epithelial architecture and promotes cell sorting
Authors: Shen Jie , Dahmann Christian , Pflugfelder Gert O 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Decapentaplegic (Dpp) is one of the best characterized morphogens, required for dorso-ventral patterning of the Drosophila embryo and for anterior-posterior (A/P) patterning of the wing imaginal disc. In the larval wing pouch, the Dpp target gene optomotor-blind (omb) is generally assumed to be expressed in a step function above a certain threshold of Dpp signaling activity.

Results
We show that the transcription factor Omb forms, in fact, a symmetrical gradient on both sides of the A/P compartment boundary. Disruptions of the Omb gradient lead to a re-organization of the epithelial cytoskeleton and to a retraction of cells toward the basal membrane suggesting that the Omb gradient is required for correct epithelial morphology. Moreover, by analysing the shape of omb gain- and loss-of-function clones, we find that Omb promotes cell sorting along the A/P axis in a concentration-dependent manner.

Conclusions
Our findings show that Omb distribution in the wing imaginal disc is described by a gradient rather than a step function. Graded Omb expression is necessary for normal cell morphogenesis and cell affinity and sharp spatial discontinuities must be avoided to allow normal wing development.
Defining species specific genome differences in malaria parasites
Authors: Liew Kingsley JL , Hu Guangan , Bozdech Zbynek , Peter Preiser R 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
In recent years a number of genome sequences for different plasmodium species have become available. This has allowed the identification of numerous conserved genes across the different species and has significantly enhanced our understanding of parasite biology. In contrast little is known about species specific differences between the different genomes partly due to the lower sequence coverage and therefore relatively poor annotation of some of the draft genomes particularly the rodent malarias parasite species.

Results
To improve the current annotation and gene identification status of the draft genomes of P. berghei, P. chabaudi and P. yoelii, we performed genome-wide comparisons between these three species. Through analyses via comparative genome hybridizations using a newly designed pan-rodent array as well as in depth bioinformatics analysis, we were able to improve on the coverage of the draft rodent parasite genomes by detecting orthologous genes between these related rodent parasite species. More than 1,000 orthologs for P. yoelii were now newly associated with a P. falciparum gene. In addition to extending the current core gene set for all plasmodium species this analysis also for the first time identifies a relatively small number of genes that are unique to the primate malaria parasites while a larger gene set is uniquely conserved amongst the rodent malaria parasites.

Conclusions
These findings allow a more thorough investigation of the genes that are important for host specificity in malaria.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in irritable bowel syndrome: are there any predictors?
Authors: Reddymasu Savio C , Sostarich Sandra , McCallum Richard W 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which excessive levels of bacteria, mainly the colonic-type species are present in the small intestine. Recent data suggest that SIBO may contribute to the pathophysiology of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The purpose of this study was to identify potential predictors of SIBO in patients with IBS.

Methods
Adults with IBS based on Rome II criteria who had predominance of bloating and flatulence underwent a glucose breath test (GBT) to determine the presence of SIBO. Breath samples were obtained at baseline and at 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 minutes after ingestion of 50 g of glucose dissolved in 150 mL of water. Results of the glucose breath test, which measures hydrogen and methane levels in the breath, were considered positive for SIBO if 1) the hydrogen or methane peak was >20 ppm when the baseline was <10 ppm, or 2) the hydrogen or methane peak increased by 12 ppm when baseline was ≥10 ppm.

Results
Ninety-eight patients were identified who underwent a GBT (mean age, 49 y; 78% female). Thirty-five patients (36%) had a positive GBT result suggestive of SIBO. A positive GBT result was more likely in patients >55 years of age (odds ratio [OR], 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-9.0) and in females (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.1-14.5). Hydrogen was detected more frequently in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (OR, 8; 95% CI, 1.4-45), and methane was the main gas detected in patients with constipation-predominant IBS (OR, 8; 95% CI, 1.3-44). There was no significant correlation between the presence of SIBO and the predominant bowel pattern or concurrent use of tegaserod, proton pump inhibitors, or opiate analgesics.

Conclusions
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was present in a sizeable percentage of patients with IBS with predominance of bloating and flatulence. Older age and female sex were predictors of SIBO in patients with IBS. Identification of possible predictors of SIBO in patients with IBS could aid in the development of successful treatment plans.