bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geophones on blocks: a prototype towable geophone system for shallow land seismic investigations
Authors: Moura Rui M. , Senos Matias Manuel J. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTIn recent years some authors have given a certain amount of attention to towed seismic reflection acquisition systems. Based on some of these works we sought to design and test a system making use of currently available geophones instead of specifically designed sensors as employed in some previous works. Thus, bearing in mind that the geophone's characteristics are achieved in the conditions that they are originally designed to be employed in, i.e., coupled with a spike driven into the ground, we devoted our attention to some of the variables involved in the geophone's performance, namely the total weight, the effect of a spikeless geophone and the surfaces on which the geophone is placed. Previously, we had experimentally verified some variations in the signal response due to coupling geophones in different surface materials, such as hard soil, asphalt and concrete pavement and we noticed that these surface materials were in fact an important factor in the overall response. Hence, these materials, or as we also called them coupling agents, could be employed as a base material in the construction of a mobile seismic acquisition device composed of blocks of a certain size, on which the geophone would be then inserted and thus making it into a spikeless surface towable system. Therefore, various materials were tested in order to select one that could maintain a similar fidelity to that of the spike coupled geophone and thus contribute towards building a more time efficient and towable geophone and block system. Pinging tests revealed variations in the coupling frequency and damping characteristics of each coupling agent and from all of these tested materials one was selected for field comparative tests with the normally planted geophones with spike coupling. Finally a seismic reflection profile was acquired simultaneously with both systems, i.e., spike coupling versus cement block coupled geophones.This field test showed similar results in terms of signal levels and frequency content and therefore it was possible to observe the presence of the same reflectors and other seismic events in either of the time sections.With this experiment we propose not only a system that allows a time efficient seismic field operation but we also aim to encourage more research into the response dependency of the coupling agent of which the towable base block is made of.
Application of 3D vertical seismic profile multi‐component data to tight gas sands‡
Authors: Yan Yousheng , Xu Zengkui , Yi Mingli , Wei Xin 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTDue to the complicated geophysical character of tight gas sands in the Sulige gasfield of China, conventional surface seismic has faced great challenges in reservoir delineation. In order to improve this situation, a large‐scale 3D‐3C vertical seismic profiling (VSP) survey (more than 15 000 shots) was conducted simultaneously with 3D‐3C surface seismic data acquisition in this area in 2005. This paper presents a case study on the delineation of tight gas sands by use of multi‐component 3D VSP technology. Two imaging volumes (PP compressional wave; PSv converted wave) were generated with 3D‐3C VSP data processing. By comparison, the dominant frequencies of the 3D VSP images were 10–15 Hz higher than that of surface seismic images. Delineation of the tight gas sands is achieved by using the multi‐component information in the VSP data leading to reduce uncertainties in data interpretation. We performed a routine data interpretation on these images and developed a new attribute titled ‘Centroid Frequency Ratio of PSv and PP Waves’ for indication of the tight gas sands. The results demonstrated that the new attribute was sensitive to this type of reservoir. By combining geologic, drilling and log data, a comprehensive evaluation based on the 3D VSP data was conducted and a new well location for drilling was proposed. The major results in this paper tell us that successful application of 3D‐3C VSP technologies are only accomplished through a synthesis of many disciplines. We need detailed analysis to evaluate each step in planning, acquisition, processing and interpretation to achieve our objectives. High resolution, successful processing of multi‐component information, combination of PP and PSv volumes to extract useful attributes, receiver depth information and offset/ azimuth‐dependent anisotropy in the 3D VSP data are the major accomplishments derived from our attention to detail in the above steps.
Florfenicol pharmacokinetics in healthy adult alpacas after subcutaneous and intramuscular injection
Authors: HOLMES K. , BEDENICE D. , PAPICH M. G. 
Published: July 2011

Holmes, K., Bedenice, D., Papich, M. G. Florfenicol pharmacokinetics in healthy adult alpacas after subcutaneous and intramuscular injection.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 382–388.A single dose of florfenicol (Nuflor®) was administered to eight healthy adult alpacas at 20 mg/kg intramuscular (i.m.) and 40 mg/kg subcutaneous (s.c.) using a randomized, cross‐over design, and 28‐day washout period. Subsequently, 40 mg/kg florfenicol was injected s.c. every other day for 10 doses to evaluate long‐term effects. Maximum plasma florfenicol concentrations (Cmax, measured via high‐performance liquid chromatography) were achieved rapidly, leading to a higher Cmaxof 4.31 ± 3.03 μg/mL following administration of 20 mg/kg i.m. than 40 mg/kg s.c. (Cmax: 1.95 ± 0.94 μg/mL). Multiple s.c. dosing at 48 h intervals achieved a Cmaxof 4.48 ± 1.28 μg/mL at steady state. The area under the curve and terminal elimination half‐lives were 51.83 ± 11.72 μg/mL·h and 17.59 ± 11.69 h after single 20 mg/kg i.m. dose, as well as 99.78 ± 23.58 μg/mL·h and 99.67 ± 59.89 h following 40 mg/kg injection of florfenicol s.c., respectively. Florfenicol decreased the following hematological parameters after repeated administration between weeks 0 and 3: total protein (6.38 vs. 5.61 g/dL,P < 0.0001), globulin (2.76 vs. 2.16 g/dL,P < 0.0003), albumin (3.61 vs. 3.48 g/dL,P = 0.0038), white blood cell count (11.89 vs. 9.66 × 103/μL,P < 0.044), and hematocrit (27.25 vs. 24.88%,P < 0.0349). Significant clinical illness was observed in one alpaca. The lowest effective dose of florfenicol should thus be used in alpacas and limited to treatment of highly susceptible pathogens.
Streptococcus pyogenes antigen I/II‐family polypeptide AspA shows differential ligand‐binding properties and mediates biofilm formation
Authors: Maddocks Sarah E. , Wright Christopher J. , Nobbs Angela H. , Brittan Jane L. , Franklin Linda , Strömberg Nicklas , Kadioglu Aras , Jepson Mark A. , Jenkinson Howard F. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThe streptococcal antigen I/II (AgI/II)‐family polypeptides are cell wall‐anchored adhesins expressed by most indigenous oral streptococci. Proteins sharing 30–40% overall amino acid sequence similarities with AgI/II‐family proteins are also expressed by Streptococcus pyogenes. The S. pyogenes M28_Spy1325 polypeptide (designated AspA) displays an AgI/II primary structure, with alanine‐rich (A) and proline‐rich (P) repeats flanking a V region that is projected distal from the cell. In this study it is shown that AspA from serotype M28 S. pyogenes, when expressed on surrogate host Lactococcus lactis, confers binding to immobilized salivary agglutinin gp‐340. This binding was blocked by antibodies to the AspA‐VP region. In contrast, the N‐terminal region of AspA was deficient in binding fluid‐phase gp‐340, and L. lactis cells expressing AspA were not agglutinated by gp‐340. Deletion of the aspA gene from two different M28 strains of S. pyogenes abrogated their abilities to form biofilms on saliva‐coated surfaces. In each mutant strain, biofilm formation was restored by trans complementation of the aspA deletion. In addition, expression of AspA protein on the surface of L. lactis conferred biofilm‐forming ability. Taken collectively, the results provide evidence that AspA is a biofilm‐associated adhesin that may function in host colonization by S. pyogenes.
The cop operon is required for copper homeostasis and contributes to virulence in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Shafeeq Sulman , Yesilkaya Hasan , Kloosterman Tomas G. , Narayanan Geetha , Wandel Michal , Andrew Peter W. , Kuipers Oscar P. , Morrissey Julie A. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryHigh levels of copper are toxic and therefore bacteria must limit free intracellular levels to prevent cellular damage. In this study, we show that a number of pneumococcal genes are differentially regulated by copper, including an operon encoding a CopY regulator, a protein of unknown function (CupA) and a P1‐type ATPase, CopA, which is conserved in all sequenced Streptococcus pneumoniae strains. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated that the cop operon is induced by copper in vitro, repressed by the addition of zinc and is autoregulated by the copper‐responsive CopY repressor protein. We also demonstrate that the CopA ATPase is a major pneumococcal copper resistance mechanism and provide the first evidence that the CupA protein plays a role in copper resistance. Our results also show that copper homeostasis is important for pneumococcal virulence as the expression of the cop operon is induced in the lungs and nasopharynx of intranasally infected mice, and a copA‐ mutant strain, which had decreased growth in high levels of copper in vitro, showed reduced virulence in a mouse model of pneumococcal pneumonia. Furthermore, using the copA‐ mutant we observed for the first time in any bacteria that copper homeostasis also appears to be required for survival in the nasopharynx.
Comment on ‘Insights from the Mw 6.3, 2009 L’Aquila earthquake (central Apennines) to unveil new seismogenic sources through their surface signature: the adjacent San Pio Fault’ by Bucciet al.(2011)
Authors: Messina Paolo , Galli Paolo , Giaccio Biagio 
Published: July 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 280–282, 2011AbstractWe question the approach followed by the Authors in identifying a presumed ‘new’ fault, and particularly the uncritical use made of topographic profiles, in which morphological features of different ages and origins are crudely correlated, creating the fake image of fault‐tilting. We also point out the incorrect age attribution of faulted deposits – assumed without any analytical determination and/or stratigraphical framework – which has yielded serious errors as far as the timing of fault activity is concerned. These mistakes have led to incorrect conclusions and unavoidable repercussions for seismic hazard assessment of a region which has been just tragically struck by a disruptive earthquake.
Inflammatory polyps following successful HLA‐matched cord blood transplantation in a patient with X‐linked lymphoproliferative syndrome
Authors: Buchbinder David , Younes Bassam , Sassoon Aaron , Soni Amit , Hsieh Loan , Puthenveetil Geetha , Stites Jill , Ness‐Jorden Tristen , Neudorf Steven , Nugent Diane 
Published: July 2011

Buchbinder D, Younes B, Sassoon A, Soni A, Hsieh L, Puthenveetil G, Stites J, Ness‐Jorden T, Neudorf S, Nugent D. Inflammatory polyps following successful HLA‐matched cord blood transplantation in a patient with X‐linked lymphoproliferative syndrome.Abstract:  Gastrointestinal complications following HSCT are numerous and include a variety of issues resulting in hepatic, biliary, pancreatic, and intestinal compromise. In the context of an underlying state of immune dysregulation, novel complications may arise including autoimmunity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with XLP who was successfully treated with HSCT using an HLA‐matched unrelated cord blood unit that was complicated by the development of inflammatory polyps of the colon. Given the underlying diagnosis of XLP and its associated immune dysregulation, the challenge of understanding unique gastrointestinal manifestations of autoimmunity following HSCT is discussed.
Pyrosequencing of a hypervariable region in the internal transcribed spacer 2 to identify clinical yeast isolates
Authors: Pannanusorn Srisuda , Elings Marlene Axner , Römling Ute , Fernandez Victor 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThe incidence of invasive fungal infection has increased significantly. A majority of the infections is caused by yeast. Clinically important yeast show species‐specific differences in susceptibility to antifungal agents therefore rapid and accurate identification of the pathogen is essential. We aimed to validate pyrosequencing of 40 nucleotides in the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) for species identification of yeast. Amplification of ITS2 and pyrosequencing of targeted region were performed in 940 clinical isolates of yeast. A local database containing the 40 nucleotide ITS2 sequences of 33 species of medically important yeast was generated using published sequences of type strains. The sequencing results were searched against the local database using the BLAST algorithm to identify the species of yeast. The length of sequences obtained from pyrosequencing averaged between 40–61 nucleotides. Pyrosequencing identified 940 clinical isolates of yeast down to 14 species level, whereby 931 isolates belonged to genus Candida (11 species), four of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, three of Malassezia pachydermatis and two of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. In addition, intraspecies specific sequence variations in Candida albicans and Candida glabrata were detected. Pyrosequencing of 40 nucleotides in ITS2 is reliable for species identification of yeast. This methodology can contribute to the high quality management of patients with fungal infections.
Effect of peritoneal dialysis on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and endostatin of the peritoneum in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: GAO DAN , ZHAO ZHAN‐ZHENG , LIANG XIAN‐HUI , LI YAN , CAO YING , LIU ZHANG‐SUO 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT:Aim:  The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and endostatin (ES) in human peritoneum and investigate the relationship between them and peritoneum neoangiogensis in the patients with uraemia and peritoneal dialysis (PD).Methods:  Peritoneal biopsies were obtained from normal subjects (n = 8), uraemic predialysis patients (n = 12) and PD patients (n = 10). The mRNA expression of VEGF, bFGF and ES in peritoneal tissues were measured through real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of VEGF, bFGF and ES in peritoneal tissues were determined through western blot. Microvessel density (MVD) of peritoneal tissue was assessed using immunohistochemistry with CD34 monoclonal antibody.Results:  The mRNA and protein of VEGF, bFGF and ES were expressed in all peritoneal samples. Compared with the normal control group, the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF and bFGF in peritoneal tissues were all significantly upregulated in the uraemic predialysis and PD group (all P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the protein expression of ES were significantly upregulated in the uraemic predialysis and PD group (all (P < 0.05), but the mRNA expression of ES did not have obvious differences in the uraemic predialysis and PD group as compared to the normal control group (P > 0.05). MVD of peritoneal tissue were increased in the uraemic predialysis and PD group compared with the normal group (all P < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between VEGF mRNA expression and MVD, bFGF mRNA expression and MVD.Conclusion:  The mRNA expression of VEGF and bFGF, the protein expression of VEGF, bFGF, and ES and microvessel density (MVD) are increased both in the uraemic predialysis and PD patients. These results show that uraemia circumstances and non‐physiological compatibility of peritoneal dialysis solution might increase VEGF, bFGF and ES expression and MVD, which might participate in the increment of the peritoneum neoangiogensis and ultrafiltration failure in PD patients.
Pollen source affects female reproductive success and early offspring traits in the rare endemic plantPolemonium vanbruntiae(Polemoniaceae)
Authors: BERMINGHAM LAURA HILL , BRODY ALISON K. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractUnderstanding the relative magnitudes of inbreeding and outbreeding depression in rare plant populations is increasingly important for effective management strategies. There may be positive and negative effects of crossing individuals in fragmented populations. Conservation strategies may include introducing new genetic material into rare plant populations, which may be beneficial or detrimental based on whether hybrid offspring are of increased or decreased quality. Thus, it is important to determine the effects of pollen source on offspring fitness in rare plants. We established pollen crosses (i.e. geitonogamous‐self, autonomous‐self, intrasite‐outcross, intersite‐outcross and open‐pollinated controls) to determine the effects of pollen source on fitness (seeds/fruit and seed mass) and early offspring traits (probability of germination, number of leaves, leaf area and seedling height) in the rare plantPolemonium vanbruntiae. Open‐pollinated, intrasite‐outcross and geitonogamous‐self treatments did not differ in fitness. However, plants receiving autonomous‐self pollen had the lowest fitness and the lowest probability of seed germination. Intersite‐outcross plants contained fewer seeds/fruit, but seeds germinated at higher frequencies and seedlings were more vigorous. We also detected heterosis at the seed germination stage. These data may imply that natural populations ofP. vanbruntiaeexhibit low genetic variation and little gene flow. Evidence suggests that deleterious alleles were not responsible for reduced germination; rather environmental factors, dichogamy, herkogamy and/or lack of competition among pollen grains may have caused low germinability in selfed offspring. Although self‐pollination may provide some reproductive assurance inP. vanbruntiae, the result is a reduction in germination and size‐related early traits for selfed offspring.
Real‐time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): anatomical changes during physiological voiding in men
Authors: Hocaoglu Yasemin , Roosen Alexander , Herrmann Karin , Tritschler Stefan , Stief Christian , Bauer Ricarda M. 
Published: July 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Micturition cysturethrography or video urodynamics can show sequences of the micturition cycle, but are limited to show all participating structures at one. MRI is a non invasive imaging methodology to describe the anatomy of physiological voiding or voiding dysfunction.In our study we provide preliminary insight in anatomical changes in the lower urinary tract during physiological micturition in males. This imaging methodology may help detecting anatomical differences in individuals with voiding disorders. Further, we presume that the vertical contraction of the ventral prostate seem to contribute to the initiation of successful micturition, additionally to the funnelling of the bladderneck.OBJECTIVE
To investigate the interactions between the bladder, urethra, pelvic floor and the function of the prostate during ‘normal’ voiding.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In all, 16 men with no history of urinary incontinence, urgency or obstructive voiding dysfunction were enrolled. We analysed the interaction between the bladder, urethra, pelvic floor and changes in the prostate during the Valsalva manoeuvre and voiding using real‐time magnetic resonance imaging (rtMRI).
The axis through the external sphincter (AES) to pubo‐coccygeal line (PC‐line) and the angle between the axis of the os pubis (AOP) and ventral prostate (VP) was measured before and at the end of voiding. Additionally, the angle between the AOP and the VP was measured during the Valsalva manoeuvre.
Change of position, or contraction, of the VP was measured.
RESULTS
The mean age of the men was 69.8 years and mean prostate volume 33.1 mL.
Before voiding, the mean AES to PC‐line was 10.5 mm. At the end of voiding, the mean AES to PC‐line was 20 mm.
The mean angle between AOP/VP was 31.6° in the storage phase and increased to a mean of 54.5° during voiding.
During the Valsalva manoeuvre, the angle between the AOP/VP remained constant.
There was a mean vertical contraction of the VP of 48.25 mm before voiding and a declining of the cranio‐caudal distance of the VP with a mean of 33.92 mm during voiding.
CONCLUSIONS
All the men in our study showed relaxation of the pelvic floor, followed by a descent of the bladder neck. Voiding could not be initiated unless the prostate rotated around the symphysis.
The study suggests that both the rotation and a vertical contraction of the prostate precede voiding.
The anatomy of physiological voiding or voiding dysfunction can be investigated non‐invasively using rtMRI.
Phosphodiesterase type 9 (PDE9) in the human lower urinary tract: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Nagasaki Shuji , Nakano Youichi , Masuda Mariko , Ono Katsuhiko , Miki Yasuhiro , Shibahara Yukiko , Sasano Hironobu 
Published: July 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Localization of PDE9 in human LUT has not been reported in the literature, although PDE5 was reported to be abundantly present only in smooth muscle cells using immunohistochemistry.This is the first reported study which demonstrated the expression of PDE9 in the urothelium and neuron cells in the intramural ganglia of human LUT. Patterns of PDE9 localization were clearly different from those of PDE5, which suggest that functions of PDE9 were therefore considered to be different from those of PDE5 in human LUT.OBJECTIVES
To examine the roles of the one of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)‐specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs), PDE9, in human lower urinary tract (LUT), we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) using autopsy specimens.
To demonstrate the potential functional differences between PDE5 and PDE9 in human LUT, the localization of PDE5 and PDE9 was also compared using laser‐capture microdissection (LCM)/reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) method.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We immunolocalized PDE9 in human bladder (60 cases) and prostate (40) specimens using IHC.
We performed LCM/RT‐PCR evaluation in six human bladders to determine the differential expression patterns of PDE5 and PDE9.
RESULTS
PDE9 immunoreactivity was detected in the bladder urothelium of all the cases and in 85% of the prostatic urethral urothelium.
PDE9 immunoreactivity was detected in the perikaryon of the intramural ganglia.
LCM/RT‐PCR evaluation showed that PDE5 mRNA was exclusively detected in smooth muscle cells but PDE9 mRNA was mainly detected in the urothelium of the human bladder.
CONCLUSION
PDE9 is widely distributed in the urothelial epithelium of the human LUT and its potential roles may be different from those of PDE5.