bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovery of a Be/X-ray pulsar binary and associated supernova remnant in the Wing of the Small Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Hénault-Brunet V. , Oskinova L. M. , Guerrero M. A. , Sun W. , Chu Y.-H. , Evans C. J. , Gallagher J. S. , Gruendl R. A. , Reyes-Iturbide J. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
We report on a new Be/X-ray pulsar binary located in the Wing of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). The strong pulsed X-ray source was discovered with the Chandra and XMM—Newton X-ray observatories. The X-ray pulse period of 1062 s is consistently determined from both Chandra and XMM—Newton observations, revealing one of the slowest rotating X-ray pulsars known in the SMC. The optical counterpart of the X-ray source is the emission-line star 2dFS 3831. Its B0-0.5(III)e+ spectral type is determined from VLT-FLAMES and 2dF optical spectroscopy, establishing the system as a Be/X-ray binary (Be-XRB). The hard X-ray spectrum is well fitted by a power law with additional thermal and blackbody components, the latter reminiscent of persistent Be-XRBs. This system is the first evidence of a recent supernova in the low-density surroundings of NGC 602. We detect a shell nebula around 2dFS 3831 in Hα and [O iii] images and conclude that it is most likely a supernova remnant. If it is linked to the supernova explosion that created this new X-ray pulsar, its kinematic age of (2–4) × 104 yr provides a constraint on the age of the pulsar.
Relationship between “purulent bronchitis” in military populations in Europe prior to 1918 and the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic
Authors: Dennis Shanks G. , MacKenzie Alison , Waller Michael , Brundage John F. 
Published: November 2011

Please cite this paper as: Shanks et al. Relationship between “purulent bronchitis” in military populations in Europe prior to 1918 and the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(4), 235–239.Purulent bronchitis was a distinctive and apparently new lethal respiratory infection in British and American soldiers during the First World War. Mortality records suggest that purulent bronchitis caused localized outbreaks in the midst of a broad epidemic wave of lethal respiratory illness in 1916–1917. Probable purulent bronchitis deaths in the Australian Army showed an epidemic wave that moved from France to England. Purulent bronchitis may have been the clinical expression of infection with a novel influenza virus which also could have been a direct precursor of the 1918 pandemic strain.
In Vitro Fungicidal Photodynamic Effect of Hypericin on Candida Species†
Authors: Rezusta Antonio , López‐Chicón Patricia , Paz‐Cristobal Manuel P. , Alemany‐Ribes Mireia , Royo‐Díez David , Agut Montserrat , Semino Carlos , Nonell Santi , Revillo Mª Jose , Aspiroz Carmen , Gilaberte Yolanda 
Published: December 2011

AbstractHypericin is a natural photosensitizer considered for the new generation of photodynamic therapy (PDT) drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro fungicidal effect of hypericin PDT on various Candida spp., assessing its photocytotoxicity to keratinocytes (HaCaT) and dermal fibroblasts (hNDF) to determine possible side effects. A 3 log fungicidal effect was observed at 0.5 McFarland for two Candida albicans strains, Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei with hypericin concentrations of 0.625, 1.25, 2.5 and 40 μm, respectively, at a fluence of 18 J cm−2 (LED lamp emitting at 602 ± 10 nm). To obtain a 6 log reduction, significantly higher hypericin concentrations and light doses were needed (C. albicans 5 μm, C. parapsilosis 320 μM and C. krusei 320 μM; light dose 37 J cm−2). Keratinocytes and fibroblasts can be preserved by keeping the hypericin concentration below 1 μm and the light dose below 37 J cm−2. C. albicans appears to be suitable for treatment with hypericin PDT without significant damage to cutaneous cells.
Assessment of bone grafts placed within an oral and maxillofacial training programme for implant rehabilitation
Authors: Kaing L , Grubor D , Chandu A 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  This study aimed to review the survival of bone grafting procedures, performed by surgical trainees and assess factors affecting survival of these bone grafts as an adjunct to implant rehabilitation.Methods:  Data were collected from patients between 2003 and 2009 receiving bone grafting. Graft failure was defined as any complete or partial graft loss, graft which had to be removed or regrafted, or was unable to have an implant placed. Implant survival rates were not assessed in this study.Results:  Seventy‐five patients received 86 bone grafts over a period of 7 years. Overall graft survival was 87.3% with 7 complete graft failures (8.1%) and 3 partial graft failures (4.6%). All failed grafts were of the block graft type, predominately in the anterior maxilla. The main reason for failure was secondary infection. Other complications occurred in about 27% of patients. Factors significantly increasing the risk of graft failure included use of bone block augmentation (p = 0.001), mixed autogenous/bone substitute grafts (p = 0.007) and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.006). Smoking was not found to affect graft survival.Conclusions:  Good results were found in a series of patients treated in an oral and maxillofacial training programme. Care should be taken in regards to planning block grafts in diabetic patients.
Surveillance of Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli in Irish Bovine Dairy Herds
Authors: Lynch M. J. , Fox E. M. , O’Connor L. , Jordan K. , Murphy M. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryVerocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) are highly significant zoonotic threats to public health, and have been the causative agent implicated in numerous high‐profile outbreaks affecting large numbers of people. Serovar O157 is most frequently linked with human illness; however, other serovars, such as O26, O103, O111 and O145, have also been implicated. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence and virulence determinants of these five serovars in Irish dairy farm herds, and their milk. Using real‐time PCR (RTi‐PCR), bovine rectal faecal swabs and raw milk samples, along with milk filters, were screened for the presence of vt genes. Positive samples were then screened for the five serovars using sero‐specific PCR. Serovar‐positive samples were subjected to immunomagnetic separation, to isolate viable VTEC strains. These isolates were subsequently screened for four virulence factors: vt1, vt2, eaeA and hlyA. Three hundred and eighty six of the 600 rectal faecal swabs, 85 of the 117 milk‐filters and 43 of the 120 bulk‐tank milk samples, were positive for vt genes. From these 514 total vt‐positive samples, 58 O26, 162 O103, 1 O111, 324 O145 and 26 O157 positives were detected by sero‐specific RTi‐PCR. Immunomagnetic separation yielded 12 O26, 26 O103, 0 O111, 19 O145 and 10 O157 isolates. Ten of these isolates contained at least one of the four virulence determinants screened for (i.e. vt1, vt2, eaeA and hlyA). Of these 10 isolates, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis showed that two of the O26 isolates from different farms were indistinguishable. Two O157 isolates were also indistinguishable. This study found serovars O103 and O145 to be the most prevalent in samples tested. Apart from the occurrence of VTEC in dairy herds, this study shows a high occurrence of vt genes in the environment, creating the possibility of horizontal gene transfer and emergence of new VTEC strains.
Hand‐assisted laparoscopic adhesiolysis of extensive small intestinal adhesions in a mare after breeding injury
Authors: Delling U. , Stoebe S. , Brehm W. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryIn this article we report the course of disease in a mare following severe vaginal injury during natural cover. Although the genital injury healed completely, the mare developed extensive intra‐abdominal intestinal adhesions causing complete small intestinal obstruction 2 years after the incident. The adhesion was not accessible during initial emergency laparotomy and a standing, hand‐assisted laparoscopic adhesiolysis and jejuno‐jejunal end‐to‐end anastomosis were subsequently performed. The mare was subjected to euthanasia 10 weeks after surgery due to recurrence of abdominal pain. The pertaining literature is discussed in regards to this case.
GraXSR Proteins Interact with the VraFG ABC Transporter To Form a Five-Component System Required for Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide Sensing and Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Falord Mélanie , Karimova Gouzel , Hiron Aurélia , Msadek Tarek 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

The GraSR two-component system (TCS) controls cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) resistance in
Staphylococcus aureus
through the synthesis of enzymes that increase bacterial cell surface positive charges, by
d
-alanylation of teichoic acids and lysylination of phosphatidylglycerol, leading to electrostatic repulsion of CAMPs. The GraS histidine kinase belongs to the “intramembrane-sensing kinases” subfamily, with a structure featuring a short amino-terminal sensing domain, and two transmembrane helices separated only by a short loop, thought to be buried in the cytoplasmic membrane. The GraSR TCS is in fact a multicomponent system, requiring at least one accessory protein, GraX, in order to function, which, as we show here, acts by signaling through the GraS kinase. The
graXRS
genes are located immediately upstream from genes encoding an ABC transporter,
vraFG
, whose expression is controlled by GraSR. We demonstrated that the VraFG transporter does not act as a detoxification module, as it cannot confer resistance when produced on its own, but instead plays an essential role by sensing the presence of CAMPs and signaling through GraS to activate GraR-dependent transcription. A bacterial two-hybrid approach, designed to identify interactions between the GraXSR and VraFG proteins, was carried out in order to understand how they act in detecting and signaling the presence of CAMPs. We identified many interactions between these protein pairs, notably between the GraS kinase and both GraX and the VraG permease, indicating the existence of an original five-component system involved in CAMP sensing and signal transduction to promote
S. aureus
resistance.
Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Aeromonas Strains Isolated from Clinical and Environmental Sources to 26 Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Aravena-Román Max , Inglis Timothy J. J. , Henderson Barbara , Riley Thomas V. , Chang Barbara J. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

We determined the susceptibilities of 144 clinical and 49 environmental
Aeromonas
strains representing 10 different species to 26 antimicrobial agents by the agar dilution method. No single species had a predominantly nonsusceptible phenotype. A multidrug nonsusceptible pattern was observed in three (2.1%) clinical strains and two (4.0%) strains recovered from diseased fish. Common clinical strains were more resistant than the corresponding environmental isolates, suggesting that resistance mechanisms may be acquired by environmental strains from clinical strains.
Ampicillin Enhances Daptomycin- and Cationic Host Defense Peptide-Mediated Killing of Ampicillin- and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Sakoulas George , Bayer Arnold S. , Pogliano Joseph , Tsuji Brian T. , Yang Soo-Jin , Mishra Nagendra N. , Nizet Victor , Yeaman Michael R. , Moise Pamela A. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

We studied an ampicillin- and vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
(VRE) isolate from a patient with endocarditis and bacteremia refractory to treatment with daptomycin (6 mg/kg of body weight) plus linezolid. Blood cultures cleared within 24 h of changing therapy to daptomycin (12 mg/kg) plus ampicillin. We examined the effects of ampicillin on daptomycin-induced growth inhibition and killing, surface charge, and susceptibility to several prototypical host defense cationic antimicrobial peptides. MICs and time-kill curves with daptomycin were assessed in the presence and absence of ampicillin. The impact of ampicillin on surface charge was assessed by flow cytometry and a poly-
l
-lysine binding assay. The effects of ampicillin preexposures upon VRE killing by five distinct cationic peptides of different structure, charge, origin, and mechanism of action were analyzed using the epidermal cathelicidin LL-37, thrombin-induced platelet microbicidal proteins (tPMPs), and a synthetic congener modeled after tPMP microbicidal domains (RP-1), human neutrophil peptide-1 (hNP-1), and polymyxin B (bacteria derived). Fluoroscein-Bodipy-labeled daptomycin was used to evaluate daptomycin binding to VRE membranes in the presence or absence of ampicillin. In media containing ampicillin (25 to 100 mg/liter), daptomycin MICs decreased from 1.0 to 0.38 mg/liter. Based on time-kill analysis and an
in vitro
pharmacodynamic model, ampicillin enhanced daptomycin activity against the study VRE from a bacteriostatic to a bactericidal profile. VRE grown in ampicillin (25 to 150 mg/liter) demonstrated an incremental reduction in its relative net positive surface charge. When grown in the presence (versus absence) of ampicillin (25 and 100 mg/liter), the VRE strain (i) was more susceptible to killing by LL-37, tPMPs, hNP-1, and RP-1 but not to polymyxin B and (ii) exhibited greater binding to Bodipy-labeled daptomycin. We conclude that ampicillin induces reductions in net positive bacterial surface charge of VRE, correlating with enhanced bactericidal effects of cationic calcium-daptomycin and a diverse range of other cationic peptides
in vitro
. While the mechanism(s) of such β-lactam-mediated shifts in surface charge remains to be defined, these finding suggest a potential for β-lactam-mediated enhancement of activity of both daptomycin and innate host defense peptides against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Physics of Bacterial Morphogenesis
Authors: Sun Sean X. , Jiang Hongyuan 
Published: December 2011

SUMMARY
Bacterial cells utilize three-dimensional (3D) protein assemblies to perform important cellular functions such as growth, division, chemoreception, and motility. These assemblies are composed of mechanoproteins that can mechanically deform and exert force. Sometimes, small-nucleotide hydrolysis is coupled to mechanical deformations. In this review, we describe the general principle for an understanding of the coupling of mechanics with chemistry in mechanochemical systems. We apply this principle to understand bacterial cell shape and morphogenesis and how mechanical forces can influence peptidoglycan cell wall growth. We review a model that can potentially reconcile the growth dynamics of the cell wall with the role of cytoskeletal proteins such as MreB and crescentin. We also review the application of mechanochemical principles to understand the assembly and constriction of the FtsZ ring. A number of potential mechanisms are proposed, and important questions are discussed.
Peptidoglycan Hydrolases of Escherichia coli
Authors: van Heijenoort Jean 
Published: December 2011

SUMMARY

The review summarizes the abundant information on the 35 identified peptidoglycan (PG) hydrolases of
Escherichia coli
classified into 12 distinct families, including mainly glycosidases, peptidases, and amidases. An attempt is also made to critically assess their functions in PG maturation, turnover, elongation, septation, and recycling as well as in cell autolysis. There is at least one hydrolytic activity for each bond linking PG components, and most hydrolase genes were identified. Few hydrolases appear to be individually essential. The crystal structures and reaction mechanisms of certain hydrolases having defined functions were investigated. However, our knowledge of the biochemical properties of most hydrolases still remains fragmentary, and that of their cellular functions remains elusive. Owing to redundancy, PG hydrolases far outnumber the enzymes of PG biosynthesis. The presence of the two sets of enzymes acting on the PG bonds raises the question of their functional correlations. It is difficult to understand why
E. coli
keeps such a large set of PG hydrolases. The subtle differences in substrate specificities between the isoenzymes of each family certainly reflect a variety of as-yet-unidentified physiological functions. Their study will be a far more difficult challenge than that of the steps of the PG biosynthesis pathway.
Fascin expression in endocervical neoplasia: correlation with tumour morphology and growth pattern
Authors: Stewart Colin J R , Crook Maxine , Loi Sarah 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundFascin is an actin-binding protein that potentiates migratory and invasive behaviour in neoplastic cells and has been shown to be upregulated in various malignancies. In this study fascin expression was assessed in adenocarcinoma in situ (ACIS) and invasive adenocarcinoma of the endocervix, and the results were correlated with tumour growth patterns (papillary, glandular or infiltrative).MethodsFascin immunoreactivity was assessed in 10 cases of ACIS and in 34 cervical adenocarcinomas, 15 of which also included an in situ component. Staining within normal epithelium and stromal elements was also noted.ResultsNormal endocervical epithelium and 23/25 ACIS lesions were fascin-negative. Most invasive tumour elements were also unstained but 13/32 adenocarcinomas that exhibited a glandular growth pattern showed focal fascin immunoreactivity mainly towards the basal aspect of the larger tumour glands. These fascin-positive cells often showed a morphological alteration similar to that seen in infiltrative tumour areas. None of the papillary tumour elements, present in 12 cases, was fascin-positive. Twenty adenocarcinomas included a focal infiltrative component, often distributed at the advancing or deep tumour margin (invasive front), and these tumour cells were usually fascin-positive. Staining was also observed in normal parabasal squamous cells, endothelial and dendritic cells.ConclusionsNovel fascin expression occurs during the development and progression of some endocervical neoplasms. Fascin immunoreactivity within infiltrative neoplastic elements suggests that this protein may have an important role in areas of active tumour invasion.
Agronomic, breeding, and biotechnological approaches to parasitic plant management through manipulation of germination stimulant levels in agricultural soils
Authors: Fernández-Aparicio M. , Westwood J.H. , Rubiales D. 
Published: December 2011

A number of plant species have adapted to parasitize other plants, and some parasitic species pose severe constraints to major crops. The role of strigolactones and other metabolites present in host root exudates as germination stimulants for weedy root parasitic weed seeds has been known for the last 40 years. Recently, the ecological and developmental roles of strigolactones have been clarified by the discovery that they are a new class of plant hormone that controls shoot branching and serve as host recognition signals for mycorrhizal fungi. Parasitic plants also recognize these chemicals and use them to coordinate their life cycle with that of their host. Here we review agronomic practices that use parasitic germination stimulant production as a target for manipulation to control parasitic weeds.
Fractographic features on joints of KTB drill cores (Bavaria, Germany)
Authors: Bankwitz P. , Bankwitz E. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

The cores of the superdeep drilling in Bavaria (KTB: Continental Deep Drilling, Windischeschenbach) were used to estimate the orientation of the contemporary maximum horizontal stress by several methods in the KTB-field laboratory, including a study of core disking, borehole break-outs, cuttings and relaxation of the cores. Core disking surfaces are one type of coring-induced joint occurring in quasi-isotropic parts of the rock. Fractographic features on core disking surfaces aid in understanding the core disking process. We determined the
in situ
stress orientation from fractographic structures on common coring-induced fractures, which are present in all sections of the cores. This analysis is based on the symmetry of joint characteristics (3D shape and surface features of joint planes). The symmetry axes of these joint features are related to the principal stress axes, which permits a determination of the orientation of the recent maximum and minimum horizontal stress axis (
S
H
≠
S
h
).
Fracture surface markings in Liassic limestone at Lavernock Point, South Wales
Authors: Roberts John C. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

A study of fracture surface markings (FSM) on three joint sets, striking at 190, 335 and 280°, cutting a 2.5 m thick slice of interbedded limestones and mudstones of lower Liassic age, yields evidence which enables determination of the orientation of the palaeostress field at the time of joint formation. A specific element of the FSM, namely the border planes, or the twist hackle, has been used to determine the orientation of σ
1
, in that these twist-hackle structures are considered to be developed normal to the remote tensile stress σ
3
. In the case of the joint sets striking at 335 and 190°, the sense of rotation of the twist plane would suggest that for both sets σ
1
was aligned N-S and almost parallel to bedding. Other FSM features suggest that the 190° set propagated rapidly with S-type plumose markings being the most common. The small angle of border plane rotation (10–15°) suggests that all of the joint sets propagated under relatively low confining pressures. The sense of border plane rotation on the 335 and 190° sets suggests that there is a possible conjugate relationship between them. However, the other main joint set which strikes at 280° cannot be accounted for by simultaneous development in a N-S aligned σ
1
which might have caused the development of the 335–190° joint sets.
Resistance to BRAF Inhibitors: Unraveling Mechanisms and Future Treatment Options
Authors: Villanueva Jessie , Vultur Adina , Herlyn Meenhard 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway has emerged as a central target for melanoma therapy due to its persistent activation in the majority of tumors. Several BRAF inhibitors aimed at curbing MAPK pathway activity are currently in advanced stages of clinical investigation. However, their therapeutic success is limited by the emergence of drug resistance, as responses are transient and tumors eventually recur. To develop effective and long-lasting therapies for melanoma patients, it is essential to understand the mechanisms underlying resistance to BRAF inhibitors. Here, we briefly review recent preclinical studies that have provided insight into the molecular mechanisms of resistance to BRAF inhibitors and discuss potential strategies to treat drug-resistant melanomas. Cancer Res; 71(23); 7137–40. ©2011 AACR.
The Pax-5 Gene: A Pluripotent Regulator of B-cell Differentiation and Cancer Disease
Authors: O'Brien Pierre , Morin Pier , Ouellette Rodney J. , Robichaud Gilles A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The Pax-5 oncogene encodes a potent transcription factor that plays a key role in B-cell development and cancerous processes. In normal B-lymphopoiesis, Pax-5 accomplishes a dual function by activating B-cell commitment genes while concomitantly repressing non–B-lineage genes. Given the pivotal importance of Pax-5–mediated processes in B-cell development, an aberrant regulation of Pax5 expression has consistently been associated with B-cell cancers, namely, lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemias. More recently, Pax-5 gene expression has been proposed to influence carcinogenic events in tissues of nonlymphoid origin by promoting cell growth and survival. However, in other cases, Pax-5 products have opposing effects on proliferative activity, thus redefining its generally accepted role as an oncogene in cancer. In this review, we attempt to summarize recent findings about the function and regulation of Pax-5 gene products in B-cell development and related cancers. In addition, we present new findings that highlight the pleiotropic effects of Pax-5 activity in a number of other cancer types. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7345–50. ©2011 AACR.