bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ribosomal Mutations as the Main Cause of Macrolide Resistance in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli
Authors: Lehtopolku Mirva , Kotilainen Pirkko , Haanperä-Heikkinen Marjo , Nakari Ulla-Maija , Hänninen Marja-Liisa , Huovinen Pentti , Siitonen Anja , Eerola Erkki , Jalava Jari , Hakanen Antti J. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine macrolide resistance mutations in
Campylobacter
species. In 76 strains studied, point mutation A to G at position 2059 of the 23S rRNA gene was detected in 30 of the 33 erythromycin-resistant strains. An amino acid insertion in the ribosomal protein L22 was found in one resistant strain without a 23S rRNA mutation. The A2059G mutation is the main cause of macrolide resistance in
Campylobacter
species.
Complete Genome of the Cellulolytic Ruminal Bacterium Ruminococcus albus 7
Authors: Suen Garret , Stevenson David M. , Bruce David C. , Chertkov Olga , Copeland Alex , Cheng Jan-Feng , Detter Chris , Detter John C. , Goodwin Lynne A. , Han Cliff S. , Hauser Loren J. , Ivanova Natalia N. , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Land Miriam L. , Lapidus Alla , Lucas Susan , Ovchinnikova Galina , Pitluck Sam , Tapia Roxanne , Woyke Tanja , Boyum Julie , Mead David , Weimer Paul J. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Ruminococcus albus
7 is a highly cellulolytic ruminal bacterium that is a member of the phylum
Firmicutes
. Here, we describe the complete genome of this microbe. This genome will be useful for rumen microbiology and cellulosome biology and in biofuel production, as one of its major fermentation products is ethanol.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Nicotine-Degrading Pseudomonas putida Strain S16
Authors: Yu Hao , Tang Hongzhi , Wang Lijuan , Yao Yuxiang , Wu Geng , Xu Ping 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas putida
S16 is an efficient degrader of nicotine. The complete genome of strain S16 (5,984,790 bp in length) includes genes related to catabolism of aromatic and heterocyclic compounds. The genes of enzymes in the core genome and a genomic island encode the proteins responsible for nicotine catabolism.
Genome Sequence of Brevibacillus laterosporus LMG 15441, a Pathogen of Invertebrates
Authors: Djukic Marvin , Poehlein Anja , Thürmer Andrea , Daniel Rolf 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Here we announce the genome sequence of the bacterium
Brevibacillus laterosporus
LMG 15441, which is a pathogen of invertebrates. The genome consists of one chromosome and two circular plasmids. Sequence analysis revealed a large potential to produce polyketides, nonribosomal peptides, and toxins.
Genome Sequence of the Probiotic Strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp.
lactis
CNCM I-2494
Authors: Chervaux Christian , Grimaldi Christine , Bolotin Alexander , Quinquis Benoit , Legrain-Raspaud Sophie , van Hylckama Vlieg Johan E. T. , Denariaz Gerard , Smokvina Tamara 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Bifidobacterium animalis
subsp.
lactis
CNCM I-2494 is part of a commercialized fermented dairy product with documented health benefits revealed by multiple randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials. Here we report the complete genome sequence of this strain, which has a circular genome of 1,943,113 bp with 1,660 open reading frames and 4 ribosomal operons.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens XH7, Which Exhibits Production of Purine Nucleosides
Authors: Yang Huilin , Liao Yuling , Wang Bin , Lin Ying , Pan Li 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the complete annotated genome sequence of
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
XH7, which is used to produce purine nucleosides in industry. The genome sequence will allow for the characterization of the molecular mechanisms underlying its beneficial properties.
Epidemiology of syphilis in Kenya: results from a nationally representative serological survey
Authors: Otieno-Nyunya Boaz , Bennett Eddas , Bunnell Rebecca , Dadabhai Sufia , Gichangi A Anthony , Mugo Nelly , Wanyungu John , Baya Isaack , Kaiser Reinhard ,   for the Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey Study Team
Published: September 2011

ObjectivesThe authors used data from the Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey (KAIS) 2007 to determine the prevalence of syphilis and associated risk factors among adults aged 15–64 years.MethodsKAIS was a nationally representative population-based sero-survey that examined demographic and behavioural indicators and serological testing for syphilis, HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in adults aged 15–64 years. The authors analysed data from 8935 women and 6727 men with complete syphilis results. Logistic regression models stratified by sex were used to assess potential factors associated with syphilis sero-prevalence.ResultsOverall, 262 adults tested positive for syphilis (1.8%, 95% CI 1.5% to 2.1%); sero-prevalence was similar among women and men (1.7%, 95% CI 1.3% to 2.0% and 1.9%, 95% CI 1.5% to 2.3%, respectively). Syphilis prevalence was the highest among men with HIV (6.4%, 95% CI 3.1% to 9.7%) and HSV-2 (4.5%, 95% CI 3.4% to 5.7%) infection. Independent risk factors for syphilis included HIV (men only, adjusted OR (AOR) 3.4, 95% CI 1.6% to 7.1%), HSV-2 (women, AOR 3.5, 95% CI 2.1% to 5.8%; men AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3% to 3.7%), lack of male circumcision (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3% to 3.7%), poorest or poorer versus richest wealth index (women, AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0% to 4.2%; men AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4% to 4.9%) and no primary versus secondary or more education in men (AOR 4.8, 95% CI 2.0% to 11.7%).ConclusionsSyphilis prevalence in the general population in Kenya is relatively low and eradication could be possible but would require intensified syphilis prevention and control efforts, including routine screening in HIV, sexually transmitted infection and antenatal care clinics as well as in family planning and male circumcision settings.
An Extended Model for the Potential Intensity of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Frisius Thomas , Schönemann Daria 
Published: September 2011

AbstractEmanuel’s theory of hurricane potential intensity (E-PI) makes use of the assumption that slantwise convective instability vanishes in a steady-state vortex of a tropical cyclone. In the framework of an extended mathematical potential intensity model it is shown that relaxing this assumption and including an eye results in a larger maximum wind speed compared to that of the predictions made by E-PI. Previous studies by Bryan and Rotunno demonstrate that the effect of unbalanced flow considerably contributes to maximum winds in excess of E-PI (“superintensity”). The authors argue that the proposed mechanism induced by convective instability provides another possible explanation for simulated and observed tropical cyclones exceeding E-PI in addition to flow imbalance. Further evidence for the relevance of conditional instability in mature tropical cyclones to superintensity is given by the fact that convective available potential energy arises in numerical simulations of tropical cyclones. This is demonstrated by means of an axisymmetric cloud model that is in qualitative agreement with the analytical model. These simulations reveal a dependence of superintensity on the amount of CAPE outside the eyewall and also reproduce the decrease in superintensity with increased horizontal diffusion as found in previous studies.
A Statistical Adjustment of Regional Climate Model Outputs to Local Scales: Application to Platja de Palma, Spain
Authors: Amengual A. , Homar V. , Romero R. , Alonso S. , Ramis C. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Projections of climate change effects for the System of Platja de Palma (SPdP) are derived using a novel statistical technique. Socioeconomic activities developed in this settlement are very closely linked to its climate. Any planning for socioeconomic opportunities in the mid- and long term must take into account the possible effects of climate change. To this aim, daily observed series of minimum and maximum temperatures, precipitation, relative humidity, cloud cover, and wind speed have been analyzed. For the climate projections, daily data generated by an ensemble of regional climate models (RCMs) have been used. To properly use RCM data at local scale, a quantile–quantile adjustment has been applied to the simulated regional projections. The method is based on detecting changes in the cumulative distribution functions between the recent past and successive time slices of the simulated climate and applying these, after calibration, to the recent past (observed) series. Results show an overall improvement in reproducing the present climate baseline when using calibrated series instead of raw RCM outputs, although the correction does not result in such clear improvement when dealing with very extreme rainfalls. Next, the corrected series are analyzed to quantify the climate change signal. An increase of the annual means for temperatures together with a decrease for the remaining variables is projected throughout the twenty-first century. Increases in weak and intense daily rainfalls and in high extremes for daily maximum temperature can also be expected. With this information at hand, the experts planning the future of SPdP can respond more effectively to the problem of local adaptation to climate change.
Regression Models for Outlier Identification (Hurricanes and Typhoons) in Wave Hindcast Databases
Authors: Mínguez R. , Reguero B. G. , Luceño A. , Méndez F. J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe development of numerical wave prediction models for hindcast applications allows a detailed description of wave climate in locations where long-term instrumental records are not available. Wave hindcast databases (WHDBs) have become a powerful tool for the design of offshore and coastal structures, offering important advantages for the statistical characterization of wave climate all over the globe (continuous time series, wide spatial coverage, constant time span, homogeneous forcing, and more than 60-yr-long time series). However, WHDBs present several deficiencies reported in the literature. One of these deficiencies is related to typhoons and hurricanes, which are inappropriately reproduced by numerical models. The main reasons are (i) the difficulty of specifying accurate wind fields during these events and (ii) the insufficient spatiotemporal resolution used. These difficulties make the data related to these events appear as “outliers” when compared with instrumental records. These bad data distort results from calibration and/or correction techniques. In this paper, several methods for detecting the presence of typhoons and/or hurricane data are presented, and their automatic outlier identification capabilities are analyzed and compared. All the methods are applied to a global wave hindcast database and results are compared with existing hurricane and buoy databases in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and North Atlantic Ocean.
Observational Undersampling in Tropical Cyclones and Implications for Estimated Intensity
Authors: Uhlhorn Eric W. , Nolan David S. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The maximum surface wind speed is an important parameter for tropical cyclone operational analysis and forecasting, since it defines the intensity of a cyclone. Operational forecast centers typically refer the wind speed to a maximum 1- or 10-min averaged value. Aircraft reconnaissance provides measurements of surface winds; however, because of the large variation of winds in the eyewall, it remains unclear to what extent observing the maximum wind is limited by the sampling pattern. Estimating storm intensity as simply the maximum of the observed winds is generally assumed by forecasters to underestimate the true storm intensity. The work presented herein attempts to quantify this difference by applying a methodology borrowed from the observing system simulation experiment concept, in which simulated “observations” are drawn from a numerical model. These “observations” may then be compared to the actual peak wind speed of the simulation. By sampling a high-resolution numerical simulation of Hurricane Isabel (2003) with a virtual aircraft equipped with a stepped-frequency microwave radiometer flying a standard “figure-four” pattern, the authors find that the highest wind observed over a flight typically underestimates the 1-min averaged model wind speed by 8.5% ± 1.5%. In contrast, due to its corresponding larger spatial scale, the 10-min averaged maximum wind speed is far less underestimated (1.5% ± 1.7%) using the same sampling method. These results support the National Hurricane Center’s practice, which typically assumes that the peak 1-min wind is somewhat greater than the highest observed wind speed over a single reconnaissance aircraft mission.
Characteristics of pncA mutations in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Yu-Chi , Huang Shiang-Fen , Yu Kwok-Woon , Lee Yu-Chin , Feng Jia-Yih , Su Wei-Juin 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Pyrazinamide (PZA) is an important first-line drug in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) treatment. However, the unreliable results obtained from traditional susceptibility testing limits its usefulness in clinical settings. The detection of pncA gene mutations is a potential surrogate of PZA susceptibility testing, especially in MDRTB isolates. The impact of genotypes of M. tuberculosis in pncA gene mutations also remains to be clarified.

Methods
MDRTB isolates were collected from six hospitals in Taiwan from January 2007 to December 2009. pncA gene sequencing, pyrazinamidase activity testing, and spoligotyping were performed on all of the isolates. PZA susceptibility was determined by the BACTEC MGIT 960 PZA method. The sensitivity and specificity of pncA gene analysis were estimated based on the results of PZA susceptibility testing.

Results
A total of 66 MDRTB isolates, including 37 Beijing and 29 non-Beijing strains, were included for analysis. Among these isolates, 36 (54.5%) were PZA-resistant and 30 (45.5%) were PZA-susceptible. The PZA-resistant isolates were more likely to have concomitant resistance to ethambutol and streptomycin. Thirty-seven mutation types out of 30 isolates were identified in the pncA gene, and most of them were point mutations. The sensitivities of pncA gene sequencing for PZA susceptibility in overall isolates, Beijing and non-Beijing strains were 80.6%, 76.2%, and 86.7% respectively, and the specificities were 96.7%, 93.8%, and 100% respectively.

Conclusions
More than half of the MDRTB isolates in this study are PZA-resistant. Analysis of pncA gene mutations helped to identify PZA-susceptible MDRTB isolates, especially in non-Beijing strains.
Cigarette smoke extract upregulates heme oxygenase-1 via PKC/NADPH oxidase/ROS/PDGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway in mouse brain endothelial cells
Authors: Shih Ruey-Horng , Cheng Shin-Ei , Hsiao Li-Der , Kou Yu Ru , Yang Chuen-Mao 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
In the brain, the inducible form of heme oxygenase (HO-1) has been recently demonstrated to exacerbate early brain injury produced by intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke which incident rate has been correlated with cigarette smoking previously. Interestingly, cigarette smoke (CS) or chemicals present in CS have been shown to induce HO-1 expression in various cell types, including cerebral endothelial cells. However, the mechanisms underlying CS modulating HO-1 protein expression are not completely understood in the brain vessels.

Objective
The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying CS modulating HO-1 protein expression in cerebral endothelial cells.

Methods
Cultured cerebral endothelial cells (bEnd.3) were used to investigate whether a particulate phase of cigarette smoke extract (PPCSE) regulates HO-1 expression and to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in HO-1 expression in bEnd.3 cells.

Results
We demonstrated that PPCSE (30 μg/ml) significantly induced HO-1 protein expression and its enzymatic activity in bEnd.3 cells determined by western blotting and bilirubin formation, respectively. PPCSE-induced HO-1 expression was mediated through phosphatidylcholine phospholipase C (PC-PLC), PKCδ, and PI3K/Akt which were observed by pretreatment with their respective pharmacological inhibitors or transfection with dominant negative mutants of PKCδ and Akt. ROS scavenger (N-acetyl-L-cysteine, NAC) blocked the PPCSE-induced ROS generation and HO-1 expression. Pretreatment with selective inhibitors of PKCδ (rottlerin) and NADPH oxidase [diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) and apocynin (APO)] attenuated the PPCSE-induced NADPH oxidase activity, ROS generation, and HO-1 expression. In addition, we found that PPCSE induced PI3K/Akt activation via NADPH oxidase/ROS-dependent PDGFR phosphorylation.

Conclusions
Taken together, these results suggested that PPCSE-induced HO-1 expression is mediated by a PC-PLC/PKCδ/NADPH oxidase-dependent PDGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway in bEnd.3 cells.
Randomized Trial of Tamoxifen Versus Combined Tamoxifen and Octreotide LAR Therapy in the Adjuvant Treatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women: NCIC CTG MA.14
Authors: Pritchard Kathleen I. , Shepherd Lois E. , Chapman Judith-Anne W. , Norris Brian D. , Cantin Jacques , Goss Paul E. , Dent Susan F. , Walde David , Vandenberg Ted A. , Findlay Brian , O'Reilly Susan E. , Wilson Carolyn F. , Han Lei , Piura Ettie , Whelan Timothy J. , Pollak Michael N. 
Published: September 2011

Purpose Somatostatin analogs act directly on breast cancer cells and indirectly on insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. This trial was undertaken to assess whether octreotide would lower insulin and IGF-1 levels and reduce risk of breast cancer recurrence. Patients and Methods The NCIC CTG MA.14 (NCIC Clinical Trials Group MA.14) trial randomly assigned postmenopausal women to 5 years of tamoxifen 20 mg daily (TAM) or TAM plus 2 years of octreotide 90 mg depot intramuscular injections monthly (TAM-OCT) as adjuvant therapy. The primary end point was event-free survival (EFS). Secondary end points were relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), toxicity, and effects of treatment on IGF physiology. Results Among 667 women with a median follow-up of 7.9 years, 220 events occurred—108 with TAM-OCT and 112 with TAM. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs; TAM-OCT to TAM) were 0.93 for EFS (95% CI, 0.71 to 1.22; P = .62), 0.84 for RFS (95% CI, 0.59 to 1.18; P = .31), and 0.97 for OS (95% CI, 0.69 to 1.37; P = .86). Among patients with normal baseline gallbladder imaging, cholecystectomy was required in 23.0% of those receiving TAM-OCT but in only 1.4% of those receiving TAM (P < .001). At 4 months, TAM-OCT had significantly (P < .001) lowered IGF-1, IGF binding protein 3, and C-peptide levels. Older age (P = .02), tumor size (P = .001), nodal status (P = .01), high C-peptide levels (P < .001), and higher body mass index (BMI) in models excluding C-peptide (P < .001) were associated with poorer EFS in multivariate analysis. Conclusion Octreotide-related changes in circulating IGF-1 and C-peptide levels were statistically significant. Octreotide did not add significant clinical benefit. High C-peptide levels (surrogate for insulin secretion rate) and high BMI were associated with poor outcome.
Alterations in intramuscular water movement associated with mechanical changes in human skeletal muscle fibers: an evaluation using magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging and B-mode ultrasonography
Authors: Yanagisawa Osamu , Kurihara Toshiyuki , Fukubayashi Toru 
Published: September 2011

Background Intramuscular water movement is expected to be affected by the mechanical changes of the muscle fibers. However, the effect of changes in fiber length (FL) and pennation angle (PA) on the water movement has not been sufficiently investigated in human skeletal muscles. Purpose To determine the relationship between intramuscular water movement and the mechanical changes in human muscle fibers. Material and Methods Axial magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted images of the right leg (eight men) were taken using a 1.5-Tesla device with the ankle joint maximally dorsiflexed and maximally plantar flexed. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of both the dorsiflexors (the superficial and deep parts of the tibialis anterior) and the plantar flexors (medial gastrocnemius and soleus) were calculated along three orthogonal axes (S-I: superior-to-inferior, A-P: anterior-to-posterior, and R-L: right-to-left). FL and PA of both muscle groups were also calculated from longitudinal B-mode ultrasound images with the ankle joint maximally dorsiflexed and plantar flexed. Results There was a significant increase in the ADC in superficial ( P < 0.05) and deeP ( P < 0.05) parts of the dorsiflexors in the S-I direction when the ankle was plantar flexed and in the A-P and R-L directions when the ankle was dorsiflexed ( P < 0.05). The plantar flexors showed significantly elevated ADC in the S-I direction when the ankle was dorsiflexed ( P < 0.05), and in the A-P and R-L directions when the ankle was plantar flexed ( P < 0.05). The dorsiflexors also showed significantly increased PA and decreased FL values when the ankle was dorsiflexed ( P < 0.05). The plantar flexors displayed similar morphological changes when the ankle was plantar flexed ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Water diffusion is affected by structural changes in the long axis of the muscle fibers, namely the changes in PA and FL.
Laughing all the way to freedom?: Contemporary stand-up comedy and democracy in South Africa
Authors: Seirlis Julia Katherine 
Published: September 2011

AbstractStand-up comedy raises questions about the quality of and limits to democracy in post-apartheid South Africa. It does so by telling a before democracy and after apartheid story in the mushrooming of comedians and comedy venues and in the generational differences between comedians and their approaches to comedy since 1994. This before-and-after story marks out boundaries between the old puritanical strictures and censorship of the National Party's apartheid and the new possibilities for freedom and enjoyment in a democracy riddled with profound social and political problems of extreme violence and poverty — and run by the ANC, a ruling party with a strong sense of entitlement to State power.