bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chandra and Swift observations of the quasi-persistent neutron star transient EXO 0748—676 back to quiescence
Authors: Degenaar N. , Wijnands R. , Wolff M. T. , Ray P. S. , Wood K. S. , Homan J. , Lewin W. H. G. , Jonker P. G. , Cackett E. M. , Miller J. M. , Brown E. F. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
The quasi-persistent neutron star X-ray transient and eclipsing binary EXO 0748−676 recently started the transition to quiescence following an accretion outburst that lasted more than 24 years. We report on two Chandra and 12 Swift observations performed within five months after the end of the outburst. The Chandra spectrum is composed of a soft, thermal component that fits to a neutron star atmosphere model with kT∞∼ 0.12keV, joined by a hard power-law tail that contributes ∼20 per cent of the total 0.5–10 keV unabsorbed flux. The combined Chandra/Swift data set reveals a relatively hot and luminous quiescent system with a temperature of kT∞∼ 0.11–0.13keV and a bolometric thermal luminosity of ∼8.1 × 1033–1.6 × 1034(d/7.4kpc)2ergs −1. We discuss our results in the context of cooling neutron star models.
Analytical Solution of Advective Mixing in a Conduit
Authors: Li Guangquan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe permeable conduit wall in a karst aquifer allows for water and solute to be exchanged between conduits and the limestone matrix. Contaminant sequestered in the limestone matrix is flushed into conduits following flood events. The contaminant released from the permeable wall will then mix with conduit water and will be transported downgradient in the conduit. A one‐dimensional advection‐dispersion equation is presented to describe this mixing‐transport incorporating water flow and solute flux through the conduit wall. An analytical solution ignoring conduit dispersion is derived using the method of characteristics. Scale analysis is performed to provide a general guideline to estimate when conduit dispersion can be neglected. The solution also can be used to compute the distribution of solute in the matrix before flushing.
Mortality burden of the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic in Europe
Authors: Ansart Séverine , Pelat Camille , Boelle Pierre‐Yves , Carrat Fabrice , Flahault Antoine , Valleron Alain‐Jacques 
Published: April 2009

Background  The origin and estimated death toll of the 1918–1919 epidemic are still debated. Europe, one of the candidate sites for pandemic emergence, has detailed pandemic mortality information.Objective  To determine the mortality impact of the 1918 pandemic in 14 European countries, accounting for approximately three‐quarters of the European population (250 million in 1918).Methods  We analyzed monthly all‐cause civilian mortality rates in the 14 countries, accounting for approximately three‐quarters of the European population (250 million in 1918). A periodic regression model was applied to estimate excess mortality from 1906 to 1922. Using the 1906–1917 data as a training set, the method provided a non‐epidemic baseline for 1918–1922. Excess mortality was the mortality observed above this baseline. It represents the upper bound of the mortality attributable to the flu pandemic.Results  Our analysis suggests that 2·64 million excess deaths occurred in Europe during the period when Spanish flu was circulating. The method provided space variation of the excess mortality: the highest and lowest cumulative excess/predicted mortality ratios were observed in Italy (+172%) and Finland (+33%). Excess‐death curves showed high synchrony in 1918–1919 with peak mortality occurring in all countries during a 2‐month window (Oct–Nov 1918).Conclusions  During the Spanish flu, the excess mortality was 1·1% of the European population. Our study highlights the synchrony of the mortality waves in the different countries, which pleads against a European origin of the pandemic, as was sometimes hypothesized.
Galectins and Gliomas
Authors: Le Mercier Marie , Fortin Shannon , Mathieu Véronique , Kiss Robert , Lefranc Florence 
Published: April 2009

AbstractMalignant gliomas, especially glioblastomas, are associated with a dismal prognosis. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, glioblastoma patients still have a median survival expectancy of only 14 months. This poor prognosis can be at least partly explained by the fact that glioma cells diffusely infiltrate the brain parenchyma and exhibit decreased levels of apoptosis, and thus resistance to cytotoxic drugs. Galectins are a family of mammalian beta‐galactoside‐binding proteins characterized by a shared characteristic amino acid sequence. They are expressed differentially in normal vs. neoplastic tissues and are known to play important roles in several biological processes such as cell proliferation, death and migration. This review focuses on the role played by galectins, especially galectin‐1 and galectin‐3, in glioma biology. The involvement of these galectins in different steps of glioma malignant progression such as migration, angiogenesis or chemoresistance makes them potentially good targets for the development of new drugs to combat these malignant tumors.
Flood risk management and planning policy in a time of policy transition: the case of the Wapshott Road Planning Inquiry, Surrey, England
Authors: Tunstall S. , McCarthy S. , Faulkner H. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis paper focuses on an English case study example of decision making on development and flood risk. It was carried out through qualitative document analysis and 13 in‐depth interviews with flood risk professionals and others in the Lower Thames Valley. It illustrates the recent shift in policy in England from flood defence to a flood risk management approach with an increased emphasis on spatial planning and development control. It shows that decision makers take time to come to terms with new government policy. Despite the more prescriptive government guidance on development and flood risk in Planning Policy Guidance 25 and later documents, there remains scope for disagreements, for example, over what constitutes ‘safe’ development in flood risk areas. Other sustainability objectives can still weigh heavily against flood risk in local decision making. The potential contributions of modelling, and new visualisation techniques in the flood risk management and planning context are considered.
tossm: an R package for assessing performance of genetic analytical methods in a management context
Authors: MARTIEN KAREN K. , GREGOVICH DAVE , BRAVINGTON MARK V. , PUNT ANDRÉ E. , STRAND ALLAN E. , TALLMON DAVID A. , TAYLOR BARBARA L. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract tossm (Testing of Spatial Structure Methods) is a package for testing the performance of genetic analytical methods in a management context. In the tossm package, any method developed to detect population genetic structure can be combined with a mechanism for creating management units (MUs) based on the genetic analysis. The resulting Boundary‐Setting Algorithm (BSA) dictates harvest boundaries with a genetic basis. These BSAs can be evaluated with respect to how well the MUs they define meet management objectives.
Id2 suppression of p15 counters TGF‐β‐mediated growth inhibition of melanoma cells
Authors: Schlegel Natalie C. , Eichhoff Ossia M. , Hemmi Silvio , Werner Sabine , Dummer Reinhard , Hoek Keith S. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryProliferative resistance to transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) is regarded as a critical turning point in the malignant progression of many cancer types. In melanoma this resistance is associated with more aggressive metastatic behaviour. A recent study by our group identified proliferative and invasive subtypes of melanoma cultures and found that these are, respectively, susceptible and resistant to TGF‐β suppression of proliferation. Here, using previously characterised proliferative and invasive phenotype melanoma cultures, we explored molecular responses involved in modulating susceptibility to TGF‐β‐mediated inhibition of proliferation. The Id2 gene was identified as being expressed more strongly in invasive phenotype cells less susceptible to TGF‐β repression than in proliferative phenotype cells. We correlated TGF‐β repression of Id2 gene expression in proliferative phenotype cells with p15Ink4b induction and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, ectopic Id2 expression in proliferative phenotype cells counteracted p15Ink4b induction and consequently protected them from TGF‐β‐mediated inhibition of proliferation. We conclude that transition to increased aggressiveness in melanoma cells requires Id2 upregulation to suppress TGF‐β induction of p15Ink4b and thus help to circumvent TGF‐β‐mediated inhibition of proliferation.
Mock Jacobi forms in basic hypergeometric series
Authors: Kang Soon-Yi 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWe show that someq-series such as universal mock theta functions are linear sums of theta quotients and mock Jacobi forms of weight 1/2, which become holomorphic parts of real analytic modular forms when they are restricted to torsion points and multiplied by suitable powers ofq. We also prove that certain linear sums ofq-series are weakly holomorphic modular forms of weight 1/2 due to annihilation of mock Jacobi forms or completion by mock Jacobi forms. As an application, we obtain a relation between the rank and crank of a partition.
Development and Evaluation of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay To DetectHistoplasma capsulatumAntigenuria in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Scheel Christina M. , Samayoa Blanca , Herrera Alejandro , Lindsley Mark D. , Benjamin Lynette , Reed Yvonne , Hart John , Lima Sandra , Rivera Blanca E. , Raxcaco Gabriella , Chiller Tom , Arathoon Eduardo , Gómez Beatriz L. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTHistoplasma capsulatuminfection causes significant morbidity and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals, particularly those in countries with limited access to rapid diagnostics or antiretroviral therapies. The fungus easily disseminates in persons with AIDS, resulting in progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH), which can progress rapidly to death if undiagnosed. The availability of a simple, rapid method to detectH. capsulatuminfection in less developed countries where the infection is endemic would dramatically decrease the time to diagnosis and treatment of PDH. We have developed an antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect PDH antigenuria in infected patients. The assay uses polyclonal antibodies againstH. capsulatumas both capture and detection reagents, and a standard reference curve is included to quantify antigenuria and ensure reproducibility. We evaluated this assay using specimens collected from patients with AIDS and culture-proven histoplasmosis in a Guatemalan clinic (n= 48), from healthy persons (n= 83), and from patients with other, nonhistoplasmosis diseases (n= 114). The ELISA demonstrated a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 95% in detectingH. capsulatumantigen in urine. This assay relies on simple technology that can be performed in institutions with limited resources. Use of this test will facilitate rapid diagnosis of PDH in countries where mortality is high, expediting treatment and likely reducing PDH-related mortality.
Effect of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) Vaccination of the Dam on PCV2 Replication In Utero
Authors: Madson D. M. , Patterson A. R. , Ramamoorthy S. , Pal N. , Meng X. J. , Opriessnig T. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTThe aims of this study were to determine if porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) vaccination of the dam is effective in preventing fetal PCV2 infection and reproductive failure. Twelve pregnant, PCV2-naïve sows were randomly divided into four groups, with three sows in each group. Group 1 sows served as noninoculated, nonvaccinated negative controls, group 2 sows were vaccinated with a commercially available PCV2 vaccine at 28 days of gestation and were not inoculated, group 3 sows were vaccinated at 28 days of gestation and inoculated with PCV2b at 56 days of gestation, and group 4 sows were inoculated with PCV2b but were not vaccinated. Serum samples from all sows were collected weekly throughout the gestation period, and sows were allowed to farrow naturally. At parturition, sow colostrum samples, presuckle serum samples, and tissues from the piglets were collected. Reproductive failure was not observed under the study conditions. PCV2 vaccination induced PCV2-specific immunoglobulin G and serum neutralizing antibodies in sows from groups 2 and 3 and prevented detectable PCV2 viremia in the dams after challenge. In group 3, PCV2 DNA was detected in colostrum samples, fetuses, and live-born pigs; however, microscopic lesions and PCV2-specific antigen were not present in any of the fetuses in this group. The results from this study indicate that vertical transmission of PCV2 can occur in PCV2-vaccinated dams.
Evaluation of Low-Colony-Number Counts of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
on Solid Media as a Microbiological Marker of Cross-Contamination
Authors: Ribeiro F. K. C. , Lemos E. M. , Hadad D. J. , Leão S. C. , Viana-Niero C. , Dietze R. , Johnson J. L. , Eisenach K. D. , Palaci M. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT
Low-colony-number counts on solid media are considered characteristic of cross-contamination, although they are normally observed in true-positive cultures from some groups of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate low-yield growth cultures as a microbiological marker for cross-contamination. We evaluated 106 cultures with <15 colonies from 94 patients, and the proportions of false-positive cultures were 0.9% per sample and 1.1% per patient, which indicates that low-yield growth is not a reliable marker of cross-contamination.
Probing Population Dynamics of
Trypanosoma cruzi
during Progression of the Chronic Phase in Chagasic Patients
Authors: D'Ávila Daniella Alchaar , Macedo Andréa Mara , Valadares Helder Magno Silva , Gontijo Eliane Dias , de Castro Ana Maria , Machado Carlos Renato , Chiari Egler , Galvão Lúcia Maria Cunha 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

Our research aimed to characterize the genetic profiles of 102
Trypanosoma cruzi
isolates recently obtained from 44 chronic chagasic patients from different regions of the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás in Brazil. At least two isolates were obtained from each patient at different times in order to study the parasite population dynamics during disease progression in the chronic phase. The isolates were characterized molecularly by genotyping the 3′ region of the 24Sα rRNA, the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 2 (COII) gene, and the intergenic region of the spliced leader intergenic region (SL-IR) gene. Seventy-seven isolates were analyzed for nine microsatellite loci. The data presented here show a strong correlation between the
T. cruzi
lineage II (
T. cruzi
II) and human infection in these regions of Brazil. Interestingly, isolates from two patients were initially characterized (by rRNA genotyping) as
T. cruzi
I and hybrid strains, but subsequent analyses of the COII and SL-IR genes confirmed that those isolates belonged to
T. cruzi
III and a hybrid group, respectively. Our results confirm the risk of misclassifying
T. cruzi
isolates on the basis of analysis of a single molecular marker. The microsatellite profiles showed that different isolates obtained from the same patient were genetically identical and monoclonal. Exceptions were observed for
T. cruzi
isolates from two patients who presented differences for the SCLE11 locus and also from two other patients who showed amplification of three peaks for a microsatellite locus (TcAAAT6), implying that they were multiclonal. On the basis of the findings of the studies described here, we were not able to establish a correlation between the clinical forms of Chagas' disease and the genetic profiles of the
T. cruzi
isolates.
Correlation of Cefoxitin MICs with the Presence of
mecA
in
Staphylococcus
spp
Authors: Swenson Jana M. , Brasso William B. , Ferraro Mary Jane , Hardy Dwight J. , Knapp Cynthia C. , Lonsway David , McAllister Sigrid , Reller L. Barth , Sader Helio S. , Shortridge Dee , Skov Robert , Weinstein Melvin P. , Zimmer Barbara L. , Patel Jean B. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

This report describes the results of an 11-laboratory study to determine if a cefoxitin broth microdilution MIC test could predict the presence of
mecA
in staphylococci. Using breakpoints of ≤4 μg/ml for
mecA
-negative and ≥6 or 8 μg/ml for
mecA
-positive isolates, sensitivity and specificity based on
mecA
or presumed
mecA
for
Staphylococcus aureus
at 18 h of incubation were 99.7 to 100% in three cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broths tested. For coagulase-negative strains at 24 h of incubation, breakpoints of ≤2 μg/ml for
mecA
-negative and ≥4 μg/ml for
mecA
-positive isolates gave sensitivity and specificity of 94 to 99% and 69 to 80%, respectively.
Canine Distemper Virus Selectively Inhibits Apoptosis Progression in Infected Immune Cells
Authors: Pillet Stéphane , von Messling Veronika 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTMorbillivirus infections are characterized by severe leukopenia and immune suppression that develop even before the onset of clinical signs. To characterize in more detail the fate of the immune cells during the critical first week, we evaluated the overall viability, level of apoptosis, cell cycle status, and extent of infection in different immune tissues of ferrets inoculated with a lethal canine distemper virus (CDV) strain. Initial experiments with MDCK cells, a canine epithelial cell line, revealed that CDV infection resulted in only a marginal increase in apoptosis at high infection levels and that infected cells were more resistant to chemically induced apoptosis. In ferrets, levels of viability and early and late apoptosis remained stable in thymus and lymph node, where more than 80% of cells were infected, whereas a gradual albeit small increase in apoptosis was observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and spleen. Furthermore, the progression of spontaneous apoptosis in infected cells was inhibited, while the proportion of apoptotic noninfected “bystander” cells increased. The distribution of cells in the different stages of the cell cycle in the bone marrow was not affected, but dividing cells in the thymus decreased by 50%, and a 10-fold increase in cell division was noted in the spleen. It is unlikely that the extent of infection-induced cell death and cell cycle alterations alone can account for the dramatic leukopenia observed in this model. The investigation of additional mechanisms is therefore warranted.
Acquisition of Polyfunctionality by Epstein-Barr Virus-Specific CD8
+
T Cells Correlates with Increased Resistance to Galectin-1-Mediated Suppression
Authors: Smith Corey , Beagley Leone , Khanna Rajiv 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

Latent membrane antigen 1 and -2 (LMP-1/2)-specific CD8
+
T cells from newly diagnosed and relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) patients display a selective functional impairment. In contrast, CD8
+
T cells specific for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear proteins and lytic antigens retain normal T-cell function. Reversion to a dysfunctional phenotype of LMP-1/2-specific T cells is coincident with the regression of HL. To delineate the potential basis for this differential susceptibility for the loss of function, we have carried out a comprehensive functional analysis of EBV-specific T cells using ex vivo multiparametric flow cytometry in combination with assessment of antigen-driven proliferative potential. This analysis revealed that LMP-1/2-specific T cells from healthy virus carriers display a deficient polyfunctional profile compared to that of T cells specific for epitopes derived from EBV nuclear proteins and lytic antigens. Furthermore, LMP-specific T-cells are highly susceptible to galectin-1-mediated immunosuppression and are less likely to degranulate following exposure to cognate peptide epitopes and poorly recognized endogenously processed epitopes from virus-infected B cells. More importantly, ex vivo stimulation of these T cells with an adenoviral vector encoding multiple minimal CD8
+
T-cell epitopes as a polyepitope, in combination with a γC cytokine, interleukin-2, restored polyfunctionality and shielded these cells from the inhibitory effects of galectin-1.
Polarization Restricts Hepatitis C Virus Entry into HepG2 Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Mee Christopher J. , Harris Helen J. , Farquhar Michelle J. , Wilson Garrick , Reynolds Gary , Davis Christopher , van IJzendoorn Sven C. D. , Balfe Peter , McKeating Jane A. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT
The primary reservoir for hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication is believed to be hepatocytes, which are highly polarized with tight junctions (TJ) separating their basolateral and apical domains. HepG2 cells develop polarity over time, resulting in the formation and remodeling of bile canalicular (BC) structures. HepG2 cells expressing CD81 provide a model system to study the effects of hepatic polarity on HCV infection. We found an inverse association between HepG2-CD81 polarization and HCV pseudoparticle entry. As HepG2 cells polarize, discrete pools of claudin-1 (CLDN1) at the TJ and basal/lateral membranes develop, consistent with the pattern of receptor staining observed in liver tissue. The TJ and nonjunctional pools of CLDN1 show an altered association with CD81 and localization in response to the PKA antagonist Rp-8-Br-cyclic AMPs (cAMPs). Rp-8-Br-cAMPs reduced CLDN1 expression at the basal membrane and inhibited HCV infection, supporting a model where the nonjunctional pools of CLDN1 have a role in HCV entry. Treatment of HepG2 cells with proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha and gamma interferon, perturbed TJ integrity but had minimal effect(s) on cellular polarity and HCV infection, suggesting that TJ integrity does not limit HCV entry into polarized HepG2 cells. In contrast, activation of PKC with phorbol ester reduced TJ integrity, ablated HepG2 polarity, and stimulated HCV entry. Overall, these data show that complex hepatocyte-like polarity alters CLDN1 localization and limits HCV entry, suggesting that agents which disrupt hepatocyte polarity may promote HCV infection and transmission within the liver.