bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competitive Advantage of Borrelia burgdorferi with Outer Surface Protein BBA03 during Tick-Mediated Infection of the Mammalian Host
Authors: Bestor Aaron , Rego Ryan O. M. , Tilly Kit , Rosa Patricia A. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Linear plasmid lp54 is one of the most highly conserved and differentially expressed elements of the segmented genome of the Lyme disease spirochete
Borrelia burgdorferi
. We previously reported that deletion of a 4.1-kb region of lp54 (
bba01
to
bba07
[
bba01-bba07
]) led to a slight attenuation of tick-transmitted infection in mice following challenge with a large number of infected ticks. In the current study, we reduced the number of ticks in the challenge to more closely mimic the natural dose and found a profound defect in tick-transmitted infection of the
bba01-bba07
mutant relative to wild-type
B. burgdorferi
. We next focused on deletion of
bba03
as the most likely cause of this mutant phenotype, as previous studies have shown that expression of
bba03
is increased by culture conditions that simulate tick feeding. Consistent with this hypothesis, we demonstrated increased expression of
bba03
by spirochetes in fed relative to unfed ticks. We also observed that a
bba03
deletion mutant, although fully competent by itself, did not efficiently infect mice when transmitted by ticks that were simultaneously coinfected with wild-type
B. burgdorferi
. These results suggest that BBA03 provides a competitive advantage to spirochetes carrying this protein during tick transmission to a mammalian host in the natural infectious cycle.
Mycobacterium marinum SecA2 Promotes Stable Granulomas and Induces Tumor Necrosis Factor AlphaIn Vivo
Authors: Watkins Brigitte Y. , Joshi Shilpa A. , Ball David A. , Leggett Hadley , Park Summer , Kim Janice , Austin Cary D. , Paler-Martinez Andres , Xu Min , Downing Kenneth H. , Brown Eric J. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTSecA2 is an ATPase present in some pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria, is required for translocation of a limited set of proteins across the cytosolic membrane, and plays an important role in virulence in several bacteria, including mycobacteria that cause diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy. However, the mechanisms by which SecA2 affects virulence are incompletely understood. To investigate whether SecA2 modulates host immune responsesin vivo, we studiedMycobacterium marinuminfection in two different hosts: an established zebrafish model and a recently described mouse model. Here we show thatM. marinumΔsecA2was attenuated for virulence in both host species and SecA2 was needed for normal granuloma numbers and for optimal tumor necrosis factor alpha response in both zebrafish and mice.M. marinumΔsecA2was more sensitive to SDS and had unique protrusions from its cell envelope when examined by cryo-electron tomography, suggesting that SecA2 is important for bacterial cell wall integrity. These results provide evidence that SecA2 induces granulomas and is required for bacterial modulation of the host response because it affects the mycobacterial cell envelope.
ECG SIGNAL GENERATION AND HEART RATE VARIABILITY SIGNAL EXTRACTION: SIGNAL PROCESSING, FEATURES DETECTION, AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH CARDIAC DISEASES
Authors: SWAPNA GOUTHAM , GHISTA DHANJOO N. , MARTIS ROSHAN JOY , ANG ALVIN P. C. , SREE SUBBHURAAM VINITHA 
Published: July 2012

The sum total of millions of cardiac cell depolarization potentials can be represented by an electrocardiogram (ECG). Inspection of the P–QRS–T wave allows for the identification of the cardiac bioelectrical health and disorders of a subject. In order to extract the important features of the ECG signal, the detection of the P wave, QRS complex, and ST segment is essential. Therefore, abnormalities of these ECG parameters are associated with cardiac disorders. In this work, an introduction to the genesis of the ECG is given, followed by a depiction of some abnormal ECG patterns and rhythms (associated with P–QRS–T wave parameters), which have come to be empirically correlated with cardiac disorders (such as sinus bradycardia, premature ventricular contraction, bundle-branch block, atrial flutter, and atrial fibrillation). We employed algorithms for ECG pattern analysis, for the accurate detection of the P wave, QRS complex, and ST segment of the ECG signal. We then catagorited and tabulated these cardiac disorders in terms of heart rate, PR interval, QRS width, and P wave amplitude. Finally, we discussed the characteristics and different methods (and their measures) of analyting the heart rate variability (HRV) signal, derived from the ECG waveform. The HRV signals are characterised in terms of these measures, then fed into classifiers for grouping into categories (for normal subjects and for disorders such as cardiac disorders and diabetes) for carrying out diagnosis.
Investigation of heavy metal pollution of trees in a contaminated industrial area in the north of Iran
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Armin 
Published: July 2012

Phytoremediation is the technology of purging soils and water systems from heavy pollutant metals. Cadmium is one of the heavy elements, which is environmentally important due to its toxicity to humans and animals. Toxicity and accumulation of cadmium in body organs through eating contaminated food has an important role in endangering human’s health. To this end, trees of buttonwood were prepared and irrigated with nutrient solution containing cadmium chloride in 10, 15 and 20 mM for 12 months. Then the root, stem and leaf samples were harvested and the amounts of cadmium element in stem, root and leaf organs together with the growth parameters were measured. This study determined the amount of cadmium accumulated by Platanus occidentalis. Furthermore, the comparison between accumulation and transfer of cadmium in the study showed that absorption of this metal by the root is more than its amount in stem and leaf. The result of this research shows that buttonwood has the potential for cadmium accumulation without any serious damage to its growth. Regarding the extent of contaminated industrial areas, petrochemical industry, power plants and vast contaminated municipal areas, there is a great need for planting fast-growing and tolerant plants like buttonwood.
Using audit information to adjust parameter estimates for data errors in clinical trials
Authors: Shepherd Bryan E , Shaw Pamela A , Dodd Lori E 
Published: July 2012

Background Audits are often performed to assess the quality of clinical trial data, but beyond detecting fraud or sloppiness, the audit data are generally ignored. In an earlier study, using data from a nonrandomized study, Shepherd and Yu developed statistical methods to incorporate audit results into study estimates and demonstrated that audit data could be used to eliminate bias. Purpose In this article, we examine the usefulness of audit-based error-correction methods in clinical trial settings where a continuous outcome is of primary interest. Methods We demonstrate the bias of multiple linear regression estimates in general settings with an outcome that may have errors and a set of covariates for which some may have errors and others, including treatment assignment, are recorded correctly for all subjects. We study this bias under different assumptions, including independence between treatment assignment, covariates, and data errors (conceivable in a double-blinded randomized trial) and independence between treatment assignment and covariates but not data errors (possible in an unblinded randomized trial). We review moment-based estimators to incorporate the audit data and propose new multiple imputation estimators. The performance of estimators is studied in simulations. Results When treatment is randomized and unrelated to data errors, estimates of the treatment effect using the original error-prone data (i.e., ignoring the audit results) are unbiased. In this setting, both moment and multiple imputation estimators incorporating audit data are more variable than standard analyses using the original data. In contrast, in settings where treatment is randomized but correlated with data errors and in settings where treatment is not randomized, standard treatment-effect estimates will be biased. And in all settings, parameter estimates for the original, error-prone covariates will be biased. The treatment and covariate effect estimates can be corrected by incorporating audit data using either the multiple imputation or moment-based approaches. Bias, precision, and coverage of confidence intervals improve as the audit size increases. Limitations The extent of bias and the performance of methods depend on the extent and nature of the error as well as the size of the audit. This study only considers methods for the linear model. Settings much different than those considered here need further study. Conclusions In randomized trials with continuous outcomes and treatment assignment independent of data errors, standard analyses of treatment effects will be unbiased and are recommended. However, if treatment assignment is correlated with data errors or other covariates, naive analyses may be biased. In these settings, and when covariate effects are of interest, approaches for incorporating audit results should be considered.
Metagenome analyses of corroded concrete wastewater pipe biofilms reveal a complex microbial system
Authors: Gomez-Alvarez Vicente , Revetta Randy P , Domingo Jorge W Santo 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Concrete corrosion of wastewater collection systems is a significant cause of deterioration and premature collapse. Failure to adequately address the deteriorating infrastructure networks threatens our environment, public health, and safety. Analysis of whole-metagenome pyrosequencing data and 16S rRNA gene clone libraries was used to determine microbial composition and functional genes associated with biomass harvested from crown (top) and invert (bottom) sections of a corroded wastewater pipe.

Results
Taxonomic and functional analysis demonstrated that approximately 90% of the total diversity was associated with the phyla Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. The top (TP) and bottom pipe (BP) communities were different in composition, with some of the differences attributed to the abundance of sulfide-oxidizing and sulfate-reducing bacteria. Additionally, human fecal bacteria were more abundant in the BP communities. Among the functional categories, proteins involved in sulfur and nitrogen metabolism showed the most significant differences between biofilms. There was also an enrichment of genes associated with heavy metal resistance, virulence (protein secretion systems) and stress response in the TP biofilm, while a higher number of genes related to motility and chemotaxis were identified in the BP biofilm. Both biofilms contain a high number of genes associated with resistance to antibiotics and toxic compounds subsystems.

Conclusions
The function potential of wastewater biofilms was highly diverse with level of COG diversity similar to that described for soil. On the basis of the metagenomic data, some factors that may contribute to niche differentiation were pH, aerobic conditions and availability of substrate, such as nitrogen and sulfur. The results from this study will help us better understand the genetic network and functional capability of microbial members of wastewater concrete biofilms.
The effect of crystalloid versus medium molecular weight colloid solution on post-operative nausea and vomiting after ambulatory gynecological surgery - a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Hayes Ivan , Rathore Raza , Enohumah Kingsley , Mocanu Edgar , Kumar Deepak , McCaul Conan 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundIntravenous fluid is recommended in international guidelines to improve patient post-operative symptoms, particularly nausea and vomiting. The optimum fluid regimen has not been established. This prospective, randomized, blinded study was designed to determine if administration of equivolumes of a colloid (hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4) reduced post operative nausea and vomiting in healthy volunteers undergoing ambulatory gynecologic laparoscopy surgery compared to a crystalloid solution (Hartmann’s Solution).Methods120 patients were randomized to receive intravenous colloid (N = 60) or crystalloid (N = 60) intra-operatively. The volume of fluid administered was calculated at 1.5 ml.kg-1per hour of fasting. Patients were interviewed to assess nausea, vomiting, anti-emetic use, dizziness, sore throat, headache and subjective general well being at 30 minutes and 2, 24 and 48 hours post operatively. Pulmonary function testing was performed on a subgroup.ResultsAt 2 hours the proportion of patients experiencing nausea (38.2 %vs17.9%, P = 0.03) and the mean nausea score were increased in the colloid compared to crystalloid group respectively (1.49 ± 0.3vs0.68 ± 0.2, P = 0.028). The incidence of vomiting and anti-emetic usage was low and did not differ between the groups. Sore throat, dizziness, headache and general well being were not different between the groups. A comparable reduction on post-operative FVC and FEV-1 and PEFR was observed in both groups.ConclusionsIntra-operative administration of colloid increased the incidence of early postoperative nausea and has no advantage over crystalloid for symptom control after gynaecological laparoscopic surgery.
A View from the Corner Bar: Sérgio Porto’s Satirical Crônicas and the Democradura
Authors: McCann Bryan 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
This article explores the nature and influence of the satirical journalism of Sérgio Porto, alias Stanislaw Ponte Preta, in Brazil from 1964 to 1968. Porto’s daily column in the Última Hora newspaper lampooned the Brazilian military dictatorship for its corruption, self-satisfaction, and ignorance and denounced its violence. At the same time, Porto carefully distanced himself from the radical left, appealing to a moderate popular audience. This strategy undermined the regime’s attempt to build a popular base of support and enabled Porto to avoid censorship during the early years of the regime. Porto’s death in 1968 coincided with an intensification of regime repression that made his style of moderate opposition increasingly untenable. Porto’s example inspired the more self-consciously rebellious new journalists of the subsequent stage of the dictatorship, particularly the editors of the subversive magazine O Pasquim. The article explores both the importance and the limitations of the moderate, sensual opposition delineated in Porto’s columns.
Remarques sur la transformation des épithètes nfr ḫpr(.w) dans les cartouches du nom de naissance de Thoutmosis III
Authors: Biston-Moulin Sebastien 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Reconsideration of the question of recarving (or erasing) the epithet nfr ḫpr in the name of son of Re of Tuthmosis III. It was suggested that these alterations could be the work of Thutmose III himself. Several evidences from the temple of Amun-Ra at Karnak shows however that this hypothesis must be rejected. The changes have occurred after the Amarna period. Based on these observations a new hypothesis related to the close resemblance of the epithet with the praenomen of Amenhotep IV – Akhenaten is raised regarding the nature and distri-bution of these changes rather erratic in a temple or even on a single wall.
„Denn was ich Ihnen als Phantasie bezeichnet habe, das liegt seit vorgestern Morgen im Museum.“. Einige Marginalien zum Ankauf der Keilschriftkorrespondenz aus Amarna durch J. P. A. Erman
Authors: Gertzen Thomas L. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Based on the examination of the correspondence between the director of the Egyptian and Near Eastern Departments of Berlin Museums, J. P. A. Erman, with his former academic teacher, G. M. Ebers at Leipzig and the director general of Berlin Museums, R. Schöne, this paper is to discuss the background of the purchase of the diplomatic correspondence found at Tell Amarna in 1888 from the hands of the Austrian carpet-dealer T. Graf, who incidentally also was an old school friend of Ebers.
Funerary Spells at Saqqara South: Some Considerations about the Inscriptions of Anu’s Coffin (Sq20X) and their Date
Authors: Russo Barbara 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
This article concerns burial equipment found intact at Saqqara South in 1935. The owner, Anu, reused an annex of an Old Kingdom mastaba; his equipment included two inscribed coffins, one of which is no longer preserved. The case of this official is noteworthy, since it documents the mortuary traditions of the “spells of Nut”, derived from the Pyramid Texts and further manipulated after the end of the Old Kingdom. The detailed study of this inscription on Sq20X, Anu’s inner coffin, sheds light on the links with other Middle Kingdom sources (particularly S1C, Da1C, Da2–4X). Moreover, the archaeological, prosopographical and textual data have been integrated to propose a probable date for this official at the very end of the Eleventh or early Twelfth Dynasties.
A Facile Method to Synthesis Hollow Silica Ellipsoids and Their Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Henan , Akins Daniel L. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTWe have utilized wet-chemical etching of ellipsoidal silica nanoparticles to form silica nanoshells of a range of elliptical morphologies. The thicknesses of the silica ellipsoidal nanoshells are controlled through variation of synthesis conditions. A mechanism has been proposed to explain how the nanoshells are formed, and we have demonstrated that the porosity of the silica ellipsoid plays a role in the dissolution-regrowth process. We have also, via appropriate functionalization of the silica surface, coated the ellipsoidal nanoshells with Au nanoparticles.
Thin Film Composite Heterostructures of Oxide Multicomponent Perovskites for Electronics
Authors: Endo Kazuhiro , Badica Petre , Arisawa Shunichi , Kezuka Hiroshi , Nanto Hidehito , Ikenaga Noriaki , Seto Masahiro , Saito Hiroshi , Endo Tamio 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTOxide materials for electronics show recently significant progress. Among the most interesting are oxide composite heterostructures made of thin films. They are taking advantage of integration, anisotropy and synergetic concepts leading to new types of devices and functionalities. Remarkable is that, in the last few years, new devices and artificial materials showing new phenomena were demonstrated. At the same time, their synthesis, processing or fabrication is very often by complex, sophisticated, and, hence, by expensive methods. For further industrial implementation, deep understanding of the growth principles and concepts is required. On a higher level, understanding of the bi-directional relationship between the general and particular principles becomes important and deserves much attention. The immediate benefit is that knowledge on growth for one material can be transferred to another one. This may lead for search of less expensive but optimum technological approaches and can also lead to generation of new materials and devices. In our work we have analyzed the relationship between the particular and general growth principles for some oxide multicomponent perovskites. Materials used in our examples are Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O and YBa2Cu3O7, (Ca, Sr)CuO2, (Ca, Ba)CuO2 and Bi4Ti3O12. Presented thin films or heterostructures are with c-axis and non-c-axis orientations. We discuss and we review based on our results film-substrate lattice relationships, principles to control the growth mechanism, the morphology/roughness, the uniformity, and the stability domain and inter diffusion aspects.
Formation of Nanoparticles of Organic Molecules by Liquid Laser Ablation
Authors: Akimoto Ikuko , Ohata Masahiro , Ozaki Nobuhiko , Ping Gu 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTWe carried out laser ablation of three organic molecules, rubrene (Rb), Oralith Brilliant Pink R (BP) and quinacridonequinone (QQ) in a poor solvent, water. As a result, nanoparticles of BP and QQ were formed, but those of Rb were not formed because of photodissociation. For a rigid molecule, QQ, optical properties of colloidal solutions were investigated in relation to the size of the included nanoparticles. A linear correlation between the blue shift of the absorption peak energy and the decrease in the diameter of the nanoparticles was found, indicating that the nanoparticle diameter can be easily estimated from the absorption spectrum of a colloidal solution. From the solution, a nanoparticle film was fabricated on an electrode by the electrophoretic deposition method.
Influence of serotype, cell type, tissue composition, and time after inoculation on gene expression in recombinant adeno-associated viral vector–transduced equine joint tissues
Authors: Mason Jeffrey B. , Vandenberghe Luk H. , Xiao Ru , Wilson James M. , Richardson Dean W. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate transduction efficiency of gene therapy for treatment of osteoarthritis in horses.
Sample—Cartilage and synovial tissues were aseptically collected from the stifle joints of 3 Thoroughbreds; horses were 3, 7, and 12 years old and free from sepsis and long-term drug treatment and were euthanized for reasons unrelated to joint disease.
Procedures—Gene transfer experiments were performed with 8 recombinant adeno-associated viral vector (rAAV) serotypes in monolayer-cultured equine chondrocytes, synovial cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells and in cartilage and synovial tissues.
Results—Serotypes rAAV2/5 and rAAV2/2 yielded the highest transduction efficiency in cultured cells 6 days after transduction. Synovial cells and mesenchymal stromal cells were more readily transduced than were chondrocytes. Serotype rAAV2/6.2 yielded the highest rate of gene expression in both cartilage and synovial tissues at 6 days after inoculation. However, at 30 and 60 days after inoculation, gene expression of serotypes rAAV2/2 and rAAV2/5 surpassed that of rAAV2/6.2 and all other serotypes.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Maximally expressing serotypes changed between 6 and 30 days in tissues; however, the most efficient serotypes for transduction of joint cells over time were also the most efficient serotypes for transduction of joint tissues. In addition, the low transduction efficiency of articular cartilage tissue was paralleled by a low transduction efficiency of isolated chondrocytes. This suggested that the typically low transduction efficiency of articular cartilage may be attributable in part to the low transduction efficiency of the chondrocytes and not solely a result of the dense cartilage matrix.