bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Rigid Cervical Collars on Internal Jugular Vein Dimensions
Authors: Stone Michael B. , Tubridy Catherine M. , Curran Robert 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectives:  Prior research has demonstrated that rigid cervical collars cause an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). The mechanism for this effect is unclear and one proposed mechanism involves obstruction of venous outflow in the neck. Ultrasound (US) allows assessment of internal jugular vein dimensions and may yield information regarding the mechanism for the increase in ICP seen with rigid collar application.Methods:  Forty‐two healthy volunteers underwent US examination of the internal jugular vein before and after cervical collar application. Internal jugular vein cross‐sectional areas were compared with and without the cervical collar in place.Results:  The cross‐sectional area of the internal jugular vein increased significantly (p < 0.0001) after application of the cervical collar. The mean percentage increase in cross‐sectional area was 37% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 20% to 53%).Conclusions:  Internal jugular vein cross‐sectional area increases after application of a rigid cervical collar. This supports the hypothesis that venous obstruction in the neck may contribute to the increase in ICP seen after rigid collar application.ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:100–102 © 2009 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
The Montage Workshop ‐ The Recreation of Realization
Authors: Søndergaard Astrid , Entwistle Johanne Mose 
Published: December 2009

This paper argues that we need to rethink our way of representing ethnographic data within user driven innovation processes (hereafter UDI process) in order to ensure that the complex life worlds of users inform the entire technical development process. To ensure this we argue that:

We need to re‐create the process of realization of user complexity that the anthropologist goes through in the field and engage our technical partners in this ‘re‐creation of realization’.
To meet this challenge we have sought inspiration within filmmaking and based on the principles of filmic montage theory we have developed ‘the montage workshop’.
This method challenges the way we handle and represent ethnographic data to technical partners and by doing so it also challenges the current roles of anthropologists, technical partners and users within a UDI project.
Isolation and characterization of Cupriavidus basilensis HMF14 for biological removal of inhibitors from lignocellulosic hydrolysate
Authors: Wierckx Nick , Koopman Frank , Bandounas Luaine , De Winde Johannes H. , Ruijssenaars Harald J. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryThe formation of toxic fermentation inhibitors such as furfural and 5‐hydroxy‐2‐methylfurfural (HMF) during acid (pre‐)treatment of lignocellulose, calls for the efficient removal of these compounds. Lignocellulosic hydrolysates can be efficiently detoxified biologically with microorganisms that specifically metabolize the fermentation inhibitors while preserving the sugars for subsequent use by the fermentation host. The bacterium Cupriavidus basilensis HMF14 was isolated from enrichment cultures with HMF as the sole carbon source and was found to metabolize many of the toxic constituents of lignocellulosic hydrolysate including furfural, HMF, acetate, formate and a host of aromatic compounds. Remarkably, this microorganism does not grow on the most abundant sugars in lignocellulosic hydrolysates: glucose, xylose and arabinose. In addition, C. basilensis HMF14 can produce polyhydroxyalkanoates. Cultivation of C. basilensis HMF14 on wheat straw hydrolysate resulted in the complete removal of furfural, HMF, acetate and formate, leaving the sugar fraction intact. This unique substrate profile makes C. basilensis HMF14 extremely well suited for biological removal of inhibitors from lignocellulosic hydrolysates prior to their use as fermentation feedstock.
In Vitro
Resistance Selection Studies of RLP068/Cl, a New Zn(II) Phthalocyanine Suitable for Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Giuliani Francesco , Martinelli Manuele , Cocchi Annalisa , Arbia Debora , Fantetti Lia , Roncucci Gabrio 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

Resistance to antimicrobial agents is emerging in a wide variety of nosocomial and community-acquired pathogens. The development of alternative therapies against nosocomial infections caused by clinically relevant pathogens represents a major public health concern. RLP068/Cl is a novel Zn(II) phthalocyanine proposed as a photosensitizer suitable for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) for localized infections. Its ability, following activation by light, to induce resistance in three major human pathogens after 20 daily passages was studied. Simultaneously for the same strains, the ability of daily sequential subcultures in subinhibitory concentrations of RLP068/Cl to develop resistant mutants without illumination was evaluated. We demonstrate that 20 consecutive APDT treatments with RLP068/Cl did not result in any resistant mutants and that, in dark conditions, only
Staphylococcus aureus
strains had increased MICs of RLP068/Cl. However, even in this case, the susceptibility of the mutated bacteria to APDT was not affected by their MIC increase.
Inhibitor Resistance in the KPC-2 β-Lactamase, a Preeminent Property of This Class A β-Lactamase
Authors: Papp-Wallace Krisztina M. , Bethel Christopher R. , Distler Anne M. , Kasuboski Courtney , Taracila Magdalena , Bonomo Robert A. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

As resistance determinants, KPC β-lactamases demonstrate a wide substrate spectrum that includes carbapenems, oxyimino-cephalosporins, and cephamycins. In addition, clinical strains harboring KPC-type β-lactamases are often identified as resistant to standard β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor combinations in susceptibility testing. The KPC-2 carbapenemase presents a significant clinical challenge, as the mechanistic bases for KPC-2-associated phenotypes remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate resistance by KPC-2 to β-lactamase inhibitors by determining that clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam are hydrolyzed by KPC-2 with partition ratios (
k
cat
/
k
inact
ratios, where
k
inact
is the rate constant of enzyme inactivation) of 2,500, 1,000, and 500, respectively. Methylidene penems that contain an
sp
2
-hybridized C
3
carboxylate and a bicyclic R1 side chain (dihydropyrazolo[1,5-c][1,3]thiazole [penem 1] and dihydropyrazolo[5,1-c][1,4]thiazine [penem 2]) are potent inhibitors:

K
m

of penem 1, 0.06 ± 0.01 μM, and

K
m

of penem 2, 0.006 ± 0.001 μM. We also demonstrate that penems 1 and 2 are mechanism-based inactivators, having partition ratios (
k
cat
/
k
inact
ratios) of 250 and 50, respectively. To understand the mechanism of inhibition by these penems, we generated molecular representations of both inhibitors in the active site of KPC-2. These models (i) suggest that penem 1 and penem 2 interact differently with active site residues, with the carbonyl of penem 2 being positioned outside the oxyanion hole and in a less favorable position for hydrolysis than that of penem 1, and (ii) support the kinetic observations that penem 2 is the better inhibitor (
k
inact
/

K
m

= 6.5 ± 0.6 μM
−1
s
−1
). We conclude that KPC-2 is unique among class A β-lactamases in being able to readily hydrolyze clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam. In contrast, penem-type β-lactamase inhibitors, by exhibiting unique active site chemistry, may serve as an important scaffold for future development and offer an attractive alternative to our current β-lactamase inhibitors.
Glycerol Monolaurate Inhibits
Candida
and
Gardnerella vaginalis In Vitro
and
In Vivo
but Not
Lactobacillus
Authors: Strandberg Kristi L. , Peterson Marnie L. , Lin Ying-Chi , Pack Melinda C. , Chase David J. , Schlievert Patrick M. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

We investigated the effects of glycerol monolaurate (GML) on
Lactobacillus
,
Candida
, and
Gardnerella vaginalis
human vaginal microflora. Our previous work demonstrated that 6 months of GML treatment vaginally does not alter lactobacillus counts in monkeys.
Candida
and
G. vaginalis
are commonly associated with vaginal infections in women, many becoming chronic or recurrent.
In vitro
growth inhibition studies determined the effects of GML (0 to 500 μg/ml) against multiple
Candida
species and
G. vaginalis
. A randomized, double-blind study investigated the effects of GML on vaginal microflora
Lactobacillus
,
Candida
, and
G. vaginalis
in colonized or infected women (
n
= 36). Women self-administered intravaginal gels containing 0% (
n
= 14), 0.5% (
n
= 13), or 5% (
n
= 9) GML every 12 h for 2 days. Vaginal swabs were collected before and immediately after the first gel administration and 12 h after the final gel administration. Swabs were tested for
Lactobacillus
,
Candida
,
G. vaginalis
, and GML.
In vitro
GML concentrations of 500 μg/ml were candicidal for all species tested, while a concentration of 10 μg/ml was bactericidal for
G. vaginalis
. Control and GML gels applied vaginally in women did not alter vaginal pH or
Lactobacillus
counts. Control gels reduced
G. vaginalis
counts but not
Candida
counts, whereas GML gels reduced both
Candida
and
G. vaginalis
. No adverse events were reported by participating women. GML is antimicrobial for
Candida
and
G. vaginalis in vitro
. Vaginal GML gels in women do not affect
Lactobacillus
negatively but significantly reduce
Candida
and
G. vaginalis
.
Murine Model of a Disseminated Infection by the Novel Fungus
Fonsecaea monophora
and Successful Treatment with Posaconazole
Authors: Calvo Enrique , Pastor F. Javier , Rodríguez M. Mar , Mayayo Emilio , Salas Valentina , Guarro Josep 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

We have evaluated the efficacy of posaconazole, amphotericin B, and itraconazole in a murine model of disseminated infection by
Fonsecaea monophora
. Of these three antifungal drugs tested, posaconazole prolonged survival significantly and reduced the fungal load in most of the organs tested. Bioassay studies demonstrated the relationship between posaconazole levels and dose escalation in serum and brain tissue. Posaconazole may have a clinical role in the treatment of disseminated infections by
F. monophora
.
Resistance-Associated Mutations to Etravirine (TMC-125) in Antiretroviral-Naïve Patients Infected with Non-B HIV-1 Subtypes
Authors: Maïga Almoustapha Issiaka , Descamps Diane , Morand-Joubert Laurence , Malet Isabelle , Derache Anne , Cisse Mamadou , Koita Victoria , Akonde Alain , Diarra Bah , Wirden Marc , Tounkara Anatole , Verlinden Yvan , Katlama Christine , Costagliola Dominique , Masquelier Bernard , Calvez Vincent , Marcelin Anne-Genevieve 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTSusceptibility to etravirine (ETR), an expanded-spectrum nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), is dependent on the type and number of NNRTI resistance-associated mutations (RAMs). Studies have shown that some HIV-1 subtypes may have natural polymorphisms described as ETR RAMs. This study addresses the prevalence of ETR RAMs in treatment-naïve patients infected with HIV-1 non-B subtypes and its potential impact on ETR susceptibility. The prevalence of ETR RAMs in 726 antiretroviral-naïve patients infected with non-B HIV-1 subtypes was studied. ETR genotypic resistance was interpreted according to Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le SIDA and Stanford algorithms. NNRTI phenotypic susceptibilities of samples with at least one ETR RAM were measured. Overall, 75 (10.3%) of 726 sequences harbored at least one ETR RAM: sequences from 72 patients (10%) each had one ETR RAM, and sequences from 3 patients (0.4%) each had two ETR RAMs (V90I and Y181C in one case and V90I and A98G in two cases). None of the viruses had three or more ETR RAMs, and none were consequently classified as resistant to ETR. All sequences with two ETR RAMs belonged to subtype CRF02_AG. The presence of one ETR RAM was statistically more frequent in subtype CRF02_AG than in other non-B subtypes (P= 0.004). Three new mutation profiles (E138A and V179I, Y181C and H221Y, and V90I and Y181C) showing decreased ETR phenotypic susceptibility were identified. In conclusion, although the prevalence of ETR RAMs in treatment-naïve patients infected with non-B HIV-1 subtypes was 10%, in most cases this had no significant impact on ETR susceptibility. However, the transmission of drug-resistant viruses with Y181C in a non-B genetic background has a potential for impact on ETR susceptibility.
Fusobacterium nucleatumEnvelope Protein FomA Is Immunogenic and Binds to the Salivary Statherin-Derived Peptide
Authors: Nakagaki Hidetaka , Sekine Shinichi , Terao Yutaka , Toe Masahiro , Tanaka Muneo , Ito Hiro-O , Kawabata Shigetada , Shizukuishi Satoshi , Fujihashi Kohtaro , Kataoka Kosuke 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTWe have previously shown that one of the minimal active regions of statherin, a human salivary protein, for binding toFusobacterium nucleatumis a YQPVPE amino acid sequence. In this study, we identified the FomA protein ofF. nucleatum, which is responsible for binding to the statherin-derived YQPVPE peptide. Overlay analysis showed that a 40-kDa protein of theF. nucleatumcell envelope (40-kDa CE) specifically bound to the YQPVPE peptide. The equilibrium association constant between the affinity-purified 40-kDa CE and the YQPVPE peptide was 4.30 × 106. Further, the purity and amino acid sequence analyses of the purified 40-kDa CE revealed approximately 98.7% (wt/wt) purity and a high degree of homology with FomA, a major porin protein ofF. nucleatum. Thus, a FomA-deficient mutant failed to bind to the YQPVPE peptide. In addition, increased levels of a FomA-specific mucosal IgA antibody (Ab) and plasma IgG and IgA Abs were seen only in mice immunized nasally with cholera toxin (CT) and the purified 40-kDa FomA protein. Interestingly, saliva from mice that received FomA plus CT as a mucosal adjuvant nasally preventedin vitrobinding ofF. nucleatumto statherin-coated polyvinyl chloride plates. Taken together, these results suggest that induction of specific immunity to the 40-kDa FomA protein ofF. nucleatum, which specifically binds to the statherin-derived peptide, may be an effective tool for preventing the formation ofF. nucleatumbiofilms in the oral cavity.
Moss carpets constrain the fertilizing effects of herbivores on graminoid plants in arctic polygon fens
Authors: Pouliot Rémy , Rochefort Line , Gauthier Gilles 
Published: December 2009

We conducted a fertilization experiment in polygon fens that were grazed by Greater Snow Geese on Bylot Island (Canadian Arctic) to determine whether mosses can interfere with nutrient cycling and thereby prevent a direct fertilizing effect of herbivore faeces on vascular plants. We measured the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and faecal addition on growth parameters and nutrient content of graminoids and mosses over a 2 year period. Growth and nutrient content of graminoids were enhanced only for high levels of N addition (5 g·m–2 per season), and showed little response to P addition. Although the growth of mosses showed a slight response to N or P addition, it is primarily nutrient content that was generally enhanced at all levels of fertilization. In many cases, stronger responses were detected when N and P were applied in combination, rather than singly. Addition of goose droppings had no effect on any measured parameters. Our results suggest that bryophytes act as a natural barrier by absorbing nutrients from external additions, thus blocking the access of highly assimilable nutrients to graminoid plant roots. At increased levels of N addition, bryophytes were apparently saturated so the nutrient surplus leached down to roots and was thus available for graminoid plant growth. The presence of a thick moss layer likely explains why the deposition of faeces by herbivores such as geese has no effect on graminoid growth in arctic polygon fens.
Differences in cellular structure regulate stem elongation of alpine and prairie ecotypes ofStellaria longipesgrown under two contrasting temperature regimes
Authors: Thuy Dang T. Thu , Yeung Edward C. , Chinnappa C. C. 
Published: December 2009

The objectives of this study were to explore differences in the structural features of stem elongation in alpine and prairie ecotypes of Stellaria longipes Goldie in response to two contrasting temperature regimes. The two ecotypes were grown under warmer, 28 °C (day) – 22 °C (night), and cooler, 10 °C (day) – 4 °C (night) temperatures, and under the same light irradiance (∼120 µmol·m–2·s–1) and photoperiod (16 h). Temperature exerts a significant effect on the stem elongation of alpine and prairie ecotypes of S. longipes. Significant retardation of growth occurred in plants grown in cooler temperatures (10 °C (day) – 4 °C (night)), while growth was profoundly enhanced when plants were grown under warmer conditions (28 °C (day) – 22 °C (night)). The ecotypes exhibited differential responses to temperature (owing to differences in their cellular structure), particularly in cell length, the timing of cell wall thickening, the deposition of phenolic compounds, and the changes in cortical microtubule orientation.
Topology of thermogenic tissues ofAlocasia macrorrhizos(Araceae) inflorescences
Authors: Ivancic Anton , Roupsard Olivier , Quero-García José , Sisko Metka , Urbanek Krajnc Andreja , Lebot Vincent 
Published: December 2009

Thermogenesis and heat generating tissues in inflorescences of the giant taro ( Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G. Don) were studied from December 2005 to February 2006, on the Island of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. Temperatures were recorded in the ambient air, in the peduncle tissue, and on 12 positions within spadices during periods of maximum thermogenic activity, in the early morning hours of the female and male phases. The study showed that there were three thermogenic tissues: the sterile appendix, the fertile male part, and the differentiated sterile area below the fertile male part. During the female phase, heat was generated by the sterile appendix and the differentiated sterile area below the fertile male part, the smallest region of the spadix (mean ± SD = 0.86 ± 0.24 cm, 3.17% of the spadix length), and most probably by the fertile male part. Within the spadix, average temperatures gradually increased from the base of the female part and reached the first peak at the midpoint of the differentiated sterile area below the fertile male part (36.11 ± 1.54 °C). After that, they gradually decreased towards the midpoint of the fertile male part and increased again, reaching a second (main) peak at 1/4 of the sterile appendix height (44.83 ± 1.87 °C). From 1/4 to 1/2 of the appendix height they remained at more or less the same level, and then they decreased towards the tip of the spadix. During the male phase, heat was generated only within the fertile male part.
Wetting front advancing column test for measuring unsaturated hydraulic conductivity
Authors: Li X. , Zhang L. M. , Fredlund D. G. 
Published: December 2009

Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is the primary soil parameter required when performing seepage analyses for unsaturated–saturated soil systems. Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is also one of the most difficult parameters to measure because of the time involved and the limited suction measurement range (e.g., 0∼1500 kPa in a test using the steady-state method). In this study, a new wetting front advancing method was developed for measuring unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. The wetting front advancing method simulates and monitors a soil wetting process through a large-scale soil column. A new interpretative procedure was developed to calculate the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity based on the monitored water content, suction, and wetting front advancing velocity. The proposed technique is used to measure the unsaturated hydraulic conductivities of five soils, which vary from gravel to clay. The results indicate that the proposed technique is time-saving (i.e., requires several days for a complete test) and is applicable over wide ranges of suctions and unsaturated hydraulic conductivities. The measured unsaturated hydraulic conductivity using the wetting front advancing method is similar to that obtained using the instantaneous profile method, with the latter covering narrower ranges of soil suction and hydraulic conductivity.
NONDEGENERATE UMBILICS, THE PATH FORMULATION AND GRADIENT BIFURCATION PROBLEMS
Authors: FURTER JACQUES-ELIE , SITTA ANGELA MARIA 
Published: December 2009

Parametrized contact-equivalence is a successful theory for the understanding and classification of the qualitative local behavior of bifurcation diagrams and their perturbations. Path formulation is an alternative point of view making explicit the singular behavior due to the core of the bifurcation germ (when the parameters vanish) from the effects of the way parameters enter. We show how to use path formulation to classify and structure efficiently multiparameter bifurcation problems in corank 2 problems. In particular, the nondegenerate umbilics singularities are the generic cores in four situations: the general or gradient problems, with or without ℤ2 symmetry where ℤ2 acts on the second component of ℝ2 via κ(x,y) = (x,-y). The universal unfolding of the umbilic singularities have an interesting "Russian doll" type of structure of miniversal unfoldings in all those categories. With the path formulation approach we can handle one, or more, parameter situations using the same framework. We can even consider some special parameter structure (for instance, some internal hierarchy of parameters). We classify the generic bifurcations with 1, 2 or 3 parameters that occur in those cases. Some results are known with one bifurcation parameter, but the others are new. We discuss some applications to the bifurcation of a loaded cylindrical panel. This problem has many natural parameters that provide concrete examples of our generic diagrams around the first interaction of the buckling modes.