bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
M
BH-σ relation between supermassive black holes and the velocity dispersion of globular cluster systems
Authors: Sadoun Raphael , Colin Jacques 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We find evidence that the mass MBH of central supermassive black holes (SMBHs) correlates with the velocity dispersion σGC of globular cluster systems of their host galaxies. This extends the well-known MBH–σsph relation between black hole mass and velocity dispersion of the host spheroidal component. We compile published measurements of both MBH and σGC for a sample of 13 systems and find the relation log (MBH) = α + βlog (σGC/200), with α = 8.63 ± 0.09 and β = 3.76 ± 0.52. We also consider blue (metal-poor) and red (metal-rich) globular cluster subpopulations separately and obtain a surprisingly tight correlation using only the velocity dispersion of the red clusters with α= 8.73 ± 0.09 and β= 3.84 ± 0.52 and an intrinsic scatter ɛ0= 0.22 dex compared to ɛ0= 0.27 dex for the MBH–σsph relation of our sample. We use this MBH– relation to estimate the central black hole mass in five galaxies for which is measured.
Coping behaviors used by Army wives during deployment separation and their perceived effectiveness
Authors: Blank Cherie , Adams Lori Anne , Kittelson Brian , Connors Rebecca A. , Padden Diane L. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to describe the coping behaviors used by Army wives during deployment separation, the perceived effectiveness of the coping behaviors used, and the correlation between the two variables.Data sources: A secondary analysis was conducted to examine coping use and perceived effectiveness, measured by the Jalowiec Coping Scale (JCS), in a sample of 102 Army wives surveyed during deployment separation.Conclusions: The most used coping subscales from the JCS were the optimistic and supportant and the most effective were the supportant and confrontive. The strongest correlations between coping use and effectiveness were found in the supportant subscale, which measures use of support systems (r= 0.77, p < .00), and the confrontive subscale, which includes behaviors of constructive problem solving (r= 0.62, p < .00). The use and effectiveness of individual behaviors are also identified.Implications for practice: Identifying effective and ineffective coping behaviors of spouses of deployed troops can potentially reduce stress and improve well‐being. Primary care providers should encourage military spouses to engage in optimistic thinking, seek out spiritual support, talk to others in a similar situation, and participate in physical activity.Disclosure  The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the Department of the Defense, or the United States government.
Revisiting geographies of sexuality and gender Down Under
Authors: Gorman‐Murray Andrew , Morrison Carey‐Ann 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis special issue, ‘Revisiting Geographies of Sexuality and Gender Down Under’, corresponds with the 2008 themed issue of Australian Geographer, ‘Geographies of Sexuality and Gender Down Under’. This introduction reviews some existing literature on sexual and gender geographies in Australia and New Zealand, seeking to further decentre the dominance of Anglo‐American work in these fields. It discusses how the special issue and its articles are located within both lineages of Australasian geographical scholarship on sexuality and gender and key themes of sexual and gender geographies globally. The six contributed articles are introduced and positioned within these frames of reference.
Undescended testis: its anatomical localization and aetiological factors
Authors: Kurkcuoglu Ayla , Otgun Ibrahim , Pelin Can , Zagyapan Ragıba , Agah Tekindal Mustafa 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTUndescended testis (UDT) is a very frequent clinical finding in boys. Despite its relatively high frequency, a uniform classification suitable for clinical setting is not available for the disorder. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anatomical localizations of non‐palpable testes and some potential aetiologic factors. We analysed the data for 133 patients with UDT. Physical examination and surgical outcomes of the patients were compared in terms of testicular localizations. Birth weight of the patients, gestational ages, presence of additional congenital anomalies, whether they were breastfed in infancy, age of the first diagnosis, maternal age during pregnancy, history of maternal diabetes and presence of Rh incompatibility. Using the described classification, the 101 right and 85 left impalpable testes were classified as follows: 15·8% Type I, 34·6% Type II, 17·3% Type III, 8·3% Type IV, 24·1% normal testes on the right side when manually examined. Left impalpable testes were classified as follows when manually examined as follows: 13·5% Type I, 26·3% Type II, 9·0% Type III, 15·0% Type IV and 36·1% normal testes. When we compared these results with surgical results, we found a statistically significant difference. Being familiar with anatomic localizations of undescended testes is of (vital) importance in terms of surgical approach and for possible postoperative complications. Although manual examination is an indispensable part of diagnosis, it may be insufficient to determine its localization, and thus further tests may be required. Further studies are required to investigate the aetiologic factors for UDT.
Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C: Correlation with patients’ characteristics and clinical parameters
Authors: Dong Zhi Xia , Zhou Hui Juan , Wang Jian Hua , Xiang Xiao Gang , Zhuang Yan , Guo Si Min , Gui Hong Lian , Zhao Gang De , Tang Wei Liang , Wang Hui , Xie Qing 
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the most up‐to‐date distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in China, especially the association between HCV genotypes and patients’ characteristics and clinical parameters.MethodsSera from 483 HCV antibody‐positive patients were genotyped using a HCV genotyping chip assay. The distribution of HCV genotypes, clinical parameters, modes of transmission and duration of infection were determined and the relationships among these parameters were analyzed.ResultsA total of 424 patients were successfully genotyped. HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 6 were found with a constituent ratio of 72.1%, 12.3%, 10.6% and 5.0%, respectively, in which subtypes 1b (69.1%), 2a (11.6%) and 3a (7.5%) were prevalent. The mean age of patients with genotype 1 and 2 was significantly elder than those with genotype 3 and 6 (P < 0.05). The distribution of HCV genotypes in relation to the mode of HCV transmission was remarkable (P < 0.001). Transfusion of blood and blood products was the main mode of transmission. Most genotype 1 infection (53.1%) was found in the group with a duration of HCV infection of 10–20 years. Genotype 1b was independently associated with age (P = 0.001) and mode of HCV transmission (P = 0.007).ConclusionsThe main HCV subtype was genotype 1b in Chinese patients. The prevalence of HCV genotypes was correlated with age and the mode of HCV transmission. Genotype 3a and 6 may become an increasing threat in the future.
Sterne's Manicules: Hands, Handwriting and Authorial Property in Tristram Shandy
Authors: WILLIAMS HELEN 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis article argues that in Tristram Shandy Sterne expresses his desire to be the sole owner of his literary work through images of the hand and handwriting. It explores his experimentation with the typographic manicule and his innovation in representing script in print. I suggest that Sterne represents the hand and handwriting as ambiguous markers of authenticity in order to illustrate and lament the complexities of assigning literary property in this period.
Molecular detection of protozoan parasites infecting Apis mellifera colonies in Japan
Authors: Morimoto Tomomi , Kojima Yuriko , Yoshiyama Mikio , Kimura Kiyoshi , Yang Bu , Peng Guangda , Kadowaki Tatsuhiko 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe role of protozoan parasites in honey bee health and distribution in the world is not well understood. Therefore, we carried out a molecular survey for the presence of Crithidia mellificae and Apicystis bombi in the colonies of both non‐native Apis mellifera and native Apis cerana japonica in Japan. We found that A. mellifera, but not A. c. japonica, colonies are parasitized with C. mellificae and A. bombi. Their absence in A. c. japonica colonies indicates that A. mellifera is their native host. Nevertheless, the prevalence in A. mellifera colonies is low compared with other pathogens such as viruses and Nosema microsporidia. Japanese C. mellificae isolates share well‐conserved nuclear‐encoded gene sequences with Swiss and US isolates. We have found two Japanese haplotypes (A and B) with two nucleotide differences in the kinetoplast‐encoded cytochrome b sequence. The haplotype A is identical to Swiss isolate. These results demonstrate that C. mellificae and A. bombi distribute in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and South and North Americas.
Regulation of glucose kinetics during exercise by the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor
Authors: Burmeister M. A. , Bracy D. P. , James F. D. , Holt R. M. , Ayala J. , King E. M. , Wasserman D. H. , Drucker D. J. , Ayala J. E. 
Published: August 2012

Key points
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (Glp1) regulates hepatic glucose production (HGP) and muscle glucose uptake (MGU) via its ability to stimulate insulin secretion.
Using exercise as a means to stimulate glucose flux independently of insulin secretion, we observed that Glp1 receptor (Glp1r) knockout (Glp1r−/−) mice become hyperglycaemic but display normal rates of MGU.
Since euglycaemia during exercise is typically maintained by matching rates of HGP to rates of MGU, we hypothesize that exercise‐induced hyperglycaemia in Glp1r−/− mice is due to excessive HGP.
Using innovative catheterization and isotope dilution techniques, we demonstrate that hyperglycaemia in exercising Glp1r−/− mice is associated with excessive HGP and glucagon secretion.
These results suggest an essential and novel role for basal Glp1r signalling in the suppression of alpha cell secretion during exercise.
Abstract  In response to oral glucose, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (Glp1r) knockout (Glp1r−/−) mice become hyperglycaemic due to impaired insulin secretion. Exercise also induces hyperglycaemia in Glp1r−/− mice. In contrast to oral glucose, exercise decreases insulin secretion. This implies that exercise‐induced hyperglycaemia in Glp1r−/− mice results from the loss of a non‐insulinotropic effect mediated by the Glp1r. Muscle glucose uptake (MGU) is normal in exercising Glp1r−/− mice. Thus, we hypothesize that exercise‐induced hyperglycaemia in Glp1r−/− mice is due to excessive hepatic glucose production (HGP). Wild‐type (Glp1r+/+) and Glp1r−/− mice implanted with venous and arterial catheters underwent treadmill exercise or remained sedentary for 30 min. [3‐3H]glucose was used to estimate rates of glucose appearance (Ra), an index of HGP, and disappearance (Rd). 2[14C]deoxyglucose was used to assess MGU. Glp1r−/− mice displayed exercise‐induced hyperglycaemia due to an excessive increase in Ra but normal Rd and MGU. Exercise‐induced glucagon levels were ∼2‐fold higher in Glp1r−/− mice, resulting in a ∼2‐fold higher glucagon:insulin ratio. Since inhibition of the central Glp1r stimulates HGP, we tested whether intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of the Glp1r antagonist exendin(9–39) (Ex9) in Glp1r+/+ mice would result in exercise‐induced hyperglycaemia. ICV Ex9 did not enhance glucose levels or HGP during exercise, suggesting that glucoregulatory effects of Glp1 during exercise are mediated via the pancreatic Glp1r. In conclusion, functional disruption of the Glp1r results in exercise‐induced hyperglycaemia associated with an excessive increase in glucagon secretion and HGP. These results suggest an essential role for basal Glp1r signalling in the suppression of alpha cell secretion during exercise.
A robust geometry estimation method for spiral, sequential and circular cone‐beam micro‐CT
Authors: Sawall Stefan , Knaup Michael , Kachelrieß Marc 
Published: August 2012

Purpose:The authors propose a novel method for misalignment estimation of micro‐CT scanners using an adaptive genetic algorithm.Methods:The proposed algorithm is able to estimate the rotational geometry, the direction vector of table movement and the displacement between different imaging threads of a dual source or even multisource scanner. The calibration procedure does not rely on dedicated calibration phantoms and a sequence scan of a single metal bead is sufficient to geometrically calibrate the whole imaging system for spiral, sequential, and circular scan protocols. Dual source spiral and sequential scan protocols in micro‐computed tomography result in projection data that—besides the source and detector positions and orientations—also require a precise knowledge of the table direction vector to be reconstructed properly. If those geometric parameters are not known accurately severe artifacts and a loss in spatial resolution appear in the reconstructed images as long as no geometry calibration is performed. The table direction vector is further required to ensure that consecutive volumes of a sequence scan can be stitched together and to allow the reconstruction of spiral data at all.Results:The algorithm's performance is evaluated using simulations of a micro‐CT system with known geometry and misalignment. To assess the quality of the algorithm in a real world scenario the calibration of a micro‐CT scanner is performed and several reconstructions with and without geometry estimation are presented.Conclusions:The results indicate that the algorithm successfully estimates all geometry parameters, misalignment artifacts in the reconstructed volumes vanish, and the spatial resolution is increased as can be shown by the evaluation of modulation transfer function measurements.
Streptococcus pneumoniae Transposon Tn
1545
/Tn
6003
Changes to Tn
6002
Due to Spontaneous Excision in Circular Form of the
erm
(B)- and
aphA3
-Containing Macrolide-Aminoglycoside-Streptothricin (MAS) Element
Authors: Palmieri Claudio , Mingoia Marina , Massidda Orietta , Giovanetti Eleonora , Varaldo Pietro E. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

The macrolide-aminoglycoside-streptothricin (MAS) element, an ∼4.2-kb insertion containing
erm
(B) and
aphA3
resistance determinants, distinguishes
Streptococcus pneumoniae
transposon Tn
1545
/Tn
6003
from Tn
6002
. Here, it is shown to be an unstable genetic element that, although it lacks recombinase genes, can exploit long,
erm
(B)-containing direct repeats acting as
att
sites for spontaneous excision that may result in loss. Consequent to excision, which is RecA independent, Tn
1545
/Tn
6003
changes to Tn
6002
. In pneumococcal populations harboring Tn
1545
/Tn
6003
, the latter appears to coexist with Tn
6002
.
Cigarette Smoke Increases Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation via Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kulkarni Ritwij , Antala Swati , Wang Alice , Amaral Fábio E. , Rampersaud Ryan , LaRussa Samuel J. , Planet Paul J. , Ratner Adam J. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

The strong epidemiological association between cigarette smoke (CS) exposure and respiratory tract infections is conventionally attributed to immunosuppressive and irritant effects of CS on human cells. Since pathogenic bacteria such as
Staphylococcus aureus
are members of the normal microbiota and reside in close proximity to human nasopharyngeal cells, we hypothesized that bioactive components of CS might affect these organisms and potentiate their virulence. Using
Staphylococcus aureus
as a model organism, we observed that the presence of CS increased both biofilm formation and host cell adherence. Analysis of putative molecular pathways revealed that CS exposure decreased expression of the quorum-sensing
agr
system, which is involved in biofilm dispersal, and increased transcription of biofilm inducers such as
sarA
and
rbf
. CS contains bioactive compounds, including free radicals and reactive oxygen species, and we observed transcriptional induction of bacterial oxidoreductases, including superoxide dismutase, following exposure. Moreover, pretreatment of CS with an antioxidant abrogated CS-mediated enhancement of biofilms. Exposure of bacteria to hydrogen peroxide alone increased biofilm formation. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that CS induces staphylococcal biofilm formation in an oxidant-dependent manner. CS treatment induced transcription of
fnbA
(encoding fibronectin binding protein A), leading to increased binding of CS-treated staphylococci to immobilized fibronectin and increased adherence to human cells. These observations indicate that the bioactive effects of CS may extend to the resident microbiota of the nasopharynx, with implications for the pathogenesis of respiratory infection in CS-exposed humans.
Galactose Metabolism Plays a Crucial Role in Biofilm Formation by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Chai Yunrong , Beauregard Pascale B. , Vlamakis Hera , Losick Richard , Kolter Roberto 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Galactose is a common monosaccharide that can be utilized by all living organisms via the activities of three main enzymes that make up the Leloir pathway: GalK, GalT, and GalE. In
Bacillus subtilis
, the absence of GalE causes sensitivity to exogenous galactose, leading to rapid cell lysis. This effect can be attributed to the accumulation of toxic galactose metabolites, since the
galE
mutant is blocked in the final step of galactose catabolism. In a screen for suppressor mutants restoring viability to a
galE
null mutant in the presence of galactose, we identified mutations in
sinR
, which is the major biofilm repressor gene. These mutations caused an increase in the production of the exopolysaccharide (EPS) component of the biofilm matrix. We propose that UDP-galactose is the toxic galactose metabolite and that it is used in the synthesis of EPS. Thus, EPS production can function as a shunt mechanism for this toxic molecule. Additionally, we demonstrated that galactose metabolism genes play an essential role in
B. subtilis
biofilm formation and that the expressions of both the
gal
and
eps
genes are interrelated. Finally, we propose that
B. subtilis
and other members of the
Bacillus
genus may have evolved to utilize naturally occurring polymers of galactose, such as galactan, as carbon sources.

IMPORTANCE
Bacteria switch from unicellular to multicellular states by producing extracellular matrices that contain exopolysaccharides. In such aggregates, known as biofilms, bacteria are more resistant to antibiotics. This makes biofilms a serious problem in clinical settings. The resilience of biofilms makes them very useful in industrial settings. Thus, understanding the production of biofilm matrices is an important problem in microbiology. In studying the synthesis of the biofilm matrix of
Bacillus subtilis
, we provide further understanding of a long-standing microbiological observation that certain mutants defective in the utilization of galactose became sensitive to it. In this work, we show that the toxicity observed before was because cells were grown under conditions that were not propitious to produce the exopolysaccharide component of the matrix. When cells are grown under conditions that favor matrix production, the toxicity of galactose is relieved. This allowed us to demonstrate that galactose metabolism is essential for the synthesis of the extracellular matrix.
The ‘impact’ of force filtering cut-off frequency on the peak knee abduction moment during landing: artefact or ‘artifiction’?
Authors: Roewer Benjamin D , Ford Kevin R , Myer Gregory D , Hewett Timothy E 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundJoint moments computed using inverse dynamic techniques are important estimators of net joint loads. Joints moments computed from marker position and ground reaction force data filtered using different cut-off frequencies may capture changes in moment magnitudes at a single joint that exceed normal physiological response. Peak external knee abduction moment (KAM) generated during landing (ie, the drop vertical jump, DVJ) predicts anterior cruciate ligament injury risk using marker and force data filtered at different cut-off frequencies. The purpose of the current investigation was to determine the effects of using the same low cut-off frequencies versus different cut-off frequencies on joint moment magnitudes to evaluate if artificial smoothing attenuates actual resultant joint loads related to injury risk.MethodsTwenty-two female, high school volleyball players performed three maximum DVJs in a laboratory setting. The average peak KAM was computed for each knee using marker and force data filtered with the same low cut-off frequencies and different cut-off frequencies.ResultsPeak KAMs were significantly larger using different cut-off frequencies. The order of athletes ranked based on the magnitude of their peak KAMs did not significantly change across all filtering cut-off frequencies.ConclusionsThe magnitude of peak KAM may differ when the same low or different higher cut-off frequencies are used to filter marker and ground reaction forces (GRF) data collected using standard motion capture equipment. It is not clear to what extent the decrease in peak KAM reported when the same low cut-off frequencies were used was solely due to attenuation of the GRF signal.
Six months fixed duration multidrug therapy in paucibacillary leprosy: risk of relapse and disability in Agra PB cohort study
Authors: Kumar Anil , Girdhar Anita , Girdhar Bhavneswar Kumar 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundMany studies have focused on multidrug therapy (MDT) for multibacillary (MB) leprosy and rarely on long-term outcome of paucibacillary (PB) leprosy having recommendation of therapy for 6 months fixed duration therapy for PB patients. Studies on measuring risk of disability are rare. The present study is to assess the cure; default, relapse and disability in a prospective cohort of PB leprosy during follow-up of >4 years after treatment.DesignProspective.SettingPrimary in our field area of Agra District.Participants920 PB leprosy patients entered the study, 621 completed treatment, 599 followed finally including 271 males, no ethnic differentiation, patients of all age groups except for children below 5 years and old persons above 70 years were not included.Treatment6 months fixed duration MDT as recommended by WHO.Primary and secondary outcomesTreatment completion, cure, relapse and development of disability based on clinical assessment by well-experienced doctors.Statistical methodsData have been analysed using SPSS software, risk is computed as incidence per 100 person–years (PY) and test of significance used.ResultsStudy reports 91% cure rate. Incidence of relapse was 1.3/100 PY with no significant variation by age, sex, delay in detection, patches and nerves. Crude incidence of disability was 2.2% and varied significantly by age and nerve thickening but not by sex, number of patches, nerves and delay in treatment. Incidence of disability was 0.50/100 PY in treatment completed and 0.43 among defaulters.ConclusionThe study concludes that relapses do occur after MDT treatment but at the level of 1–2%, incidence of disability remains low (<1/100 PY) in PB leprosy. Low incidence of relapse and disability suggests that 6 months therapy is quite effective. However, further improvement may help to improve its efficacy. Longer follow-up may add to efficacy measures.