bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential binding of Escherichia coli DNA polymerases to the β‐sliding clamp
Authors: Maul Robert W. , Scouten Ponticelli Sarah K. , Duzen Jill M. , Sutton Mark D. 
Published: July 2007

Summary Escherichia coli strains expressing the mutant β159‐sliding clamp protein (containing both a G66E and a G174A substitution) are temperature sensitive for growth and display altered DNA polymerase (pol) usage. We selected for suppressors of the dnaN159 allele able to grow at 42°C, and identified four intragenic suppressor alleles. One of these alleles (dnaN780) contained only the G66E substitution, while a second (dnaN781) contained only the G174A substitution. Genetic characterization of isogenic E. coli strains expressing these alleles indicated that certain phenotypes were dependent upon only the G174A substitution, while others required both the G66E and G174A substitutions. In order to understand the individual contributions of the G66E and the G174A substitution to the dnaN159 phenotypes, we utilized biochemical approaches to characterize the purified mutant β159 (G66E and G174A), β780 (G66E) and β781 (G174A) clamp proteins. The G66E substitution conferred a more pronounced effect on pol IV replication than it did pol II or pol III, while the G174A substitution conferred a greater effect on pol III and pol IV than it did pol II. Taken together, these findings indicate that pol II, pol III and pol IV interact with distinct, albeit overlapping surfaces of the β clamp.
Purification and characterization of a novel nitrile hydratase from Rhodococcus sp. RHA1
Authors: Okamoto Sachi , Eltis Lindsay D. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe microbial degradation of nitriles is of interest for bioremediation and green chemistry. We demonstrated that the soil bacterium Rhodococcus sp. RHA1 utilizes a range of nitriles, including acetonitrile, as growth substrates. Proteomic analysis identified 13 proteins that were more abundant in acetonitrile‐grown cells, including an aliphatic amidase and a protein with no known homologue. Purification of a nitrile hydratase (NHase) from acetonitrile‐grown cells identified the unknown protein as the β subunit of a two‐subunit NHase. Sequence analysis revealed that the genes encoding the amidase (anhC) and the NHase (anhAB) occur in a 12.8 kbp cluster located on plasmid pRHL2. The anh gene cluster also encodes an acetyl‐CoA hydrolase, transcriptional regulators, a putative cobalt transporter and a protein of unknown function. Striking features of the NHase include the amino acid sequence identity (32%) and large size (63 and 56 kDa) of the α and β subunits, as well as the enzyme's metal ion content (one cobalt, two copper and one zinc). The enzyme possessed similar specificities for acetonitrile and propionitrile (kcat/Km∼7 mM−1 s−1) followed by acrylonitrile and butyronitrile. We propose that this acetonitrile hydratase (ANHase) represents the first member of a previously unknown class of NHases.
In Active Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis, Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Density is Increased on Monocytes and CD4+ T lymphocytes
Authors: Ellingsen T. , Hornung N. , Møller B. K. , Hjelm‐Poulsen J. , Stengaard‐Pedersen K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe effect of low‐dose methotrexate (MTX) treatment on the CD26 density on circulating monocytes and CD4+ T lymphocytes or levels of soluble CD26 (sCD26) has not yet been described in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While CD26 in T lymphocytes is involved in the activation and proliferation of T lymphocytes, little is known of the role of CD26 in monocytes as it has only recently been localized to monocytes. We analysed the CD26 density by flow cytometry and levels of sCD26 in plasma before initiation of MTX treatment and 12 weeks later. This was done on 34 RA patients fulfilling the 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria followed for 16 weeks after starting MTX treatment. CD26 density on monocytes was increased in RA patients compared with healthy controls before MTX treatment (P < 0.01). After 12 weeks of MTX treatment, the CD26 density on monocytes decreased significantly in the ACR‐50% group (P = 0.03), but not in the ACR‐20% and the non‐responder group (P = 0.15 and 0.87). The increased CD26 density on CD4+ T lymphocytes (P < 0.01) was unaffected by the reduction in disease activity in relation to MTX treatment. The percentage of monocytes and CD4+ T lymphocytes among peripheral blood circulating mononuclear cells did not change during MTX treatment. No effect of MTX treatment was observed on the plasma levels of sCD26. Active chronic RA is characterized by enhanced CD26 density on circulating monocytes and CD4+ T lymphocytes. MTX treatment decreased CD26 density on monocytes in the ACR‐50% responder group and was associated with decreased disease activity. The enhanced CD26 density on CD4+ T lymphocytes was uninfluenced by MTX treatment.
The Role of Microparticles in Inflammation and Thrombosis
Authors: Ardoin S. P. , Shanahan J. C. , Pisetsky D. S. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMicroparticles (MP) are small membrane‐bound vesicles that circulate in the peripheral blood and play active roles in thrombosis, inflammation and vascular reactivity. While MP can be released from nearly every cell type, most investigation has focused on MP of platelet, leucocyte and endothelial cell origin. Cells can release MP during activation or death. Flow cytometry is the usual method to quantify MP; the small size of these structures and lack of standardization in methodology complicate measurement. As MP contain surface and cytoplasmic contents of the parent cells and bear phosphatidylserine, antibodies to specific cell surface markers and annexin V can be used for identification. Through various mechanisms, MP participate in haemostasis and have procoagulant potential in disease. MP contribute to inflammation via their influence on cell–cell interactions and cytokine release, and MP also function in mediating vascular tone. In several disease states characterized by inflammation and vascular dysfunction, MP subpopulations are elevated, correlate with clinical events, and may have important roles in pathogenesis. In the rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, MP are potentially important markers of disease activity and have an increasingly recognized role in immunopathogenesis. It is clear that MP play an important role in atherosclerosis, and study of these structures may provide insight into the link between chronic inflammatory conditions and accelerated atherosclerosis. As biomarkers, MP allow access to usually inaccessible tissues such as the endothelium. Further research will hopefully lead to interventions targeting MP release and function.
Who is responsible for operating room management and how do we measure how well we do it?
Authors: Marjamaa R. A. , Kirvelä O. A. 
Published: July 2007

Background:  Managing the surgical process in the operating suite – often the most expensive unit in the hospital – is vital, yet challenging. While sensible management can improve efficiency, unclear managerial structures can hinder the optimal use of resources. Despite that, no previous data exists as to how the operating room management is organized and the performance monitored in our country.Methods:  A survey was sent to chief anesthesiologists and head nurses of 103 surgery units of 60 public hospitals regarding the current structures of daily management, as well as metrics and tools used for monitoring the performance of the operating room.Results:  The overall response rate was 87%. Nurses’ and anesthesiologists’ perceptions differed significantly on which care provider they held responsible for the daily operative management of the operating room. In doctors’ opinion, that person was an anesthesiologist – either alone or in combinations – more often than in nurses’ opinion (66% vs. 35%, P < 0.001). Anesthesiologists’ involvement increased by the type and size of the hospital, being greatest in the university hospitals. Operating room performance was measured most often by number of procedures in a time unit, utilization and turnover time. Monitoring was complicated by old‐fashioned information systems, and seldom seemed to lead to organizational changes.Conclusion:  The structure of the daily operative management of an operating room needs redefining. There should be more focus on collaboration and communication between the care providers.
Outcome of intensive care of homozygous alpha‐thalassaemia without prior intra‐uterine therapy
Authors: Lee Shing YR , Chow Chun B , Li Chi K , Chiu Man C 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  To review the outcome of homozygous alpha‐thalassaemia without prior intra‐uterine therapy treated in neonatal intensive care unit and identify the factors associated with survival.Methods:  The hospital records of all patients with homozygous alpha‐thalassaemia treated in our neonatal intensive care unit in the last 15 years were reviewed. A literature search beginning in the year 1980 was done to identify homozygous alpha‐thalassaemia actively treated in neonatal intensive care units. Those receiving prior intra‐uterine therapy were excluded. The following information was collected: the severity of hydrops, sizes of liver and spleen, haemoglobin level, Apgar score at 5 min, ventilator settings, timing and forms of red blood cell transfusion and presence of persistent hypoxaemia. The survivors and the non‐survivors were compared.Results:  In our centre, in the last 15 years there were six infants born with homozygous alpha‐thalassaemia who did not receive intra‐uterine therapy; one survived and five succumbed despite aggressive respiratory therapy. In our literature search there were more reports of survivors (10) than non‐survivors (six) for these infants, suggesting a reporting bias towards selection of rare cases of survival. Apgar score of four or above occurred in seven of the eight survivors with data available in the reports, whereas this occurred in four of the 11 non‐survivors (P = 0.035, Fisher Exact test). Five of the 11 survivors had abnormal neurological outcome including developmental delay and spastic quadriplegia.Conclusion:  Without prior intra‐uterine therapy, homozygous alpha‐thalassaemia has grave outlook in terms of mortality and morbidity despite aggressive respiratory therapy.
Cap gun burns in children
Authors: Maze Deborah AE , Holland Andrew JA 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  To document the frequency of cap gun burns in children and identify strategies for prevention of this mechanism of injury.Methods:  Retrospective case note review of children under 16 years of age treated at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead between January 1999 and December 2004 with burns secondary to toy cap guns.Results:  Five boys were treated over the 5‐year study period. None was supervised at the time of injury and in three cases the caps appeared to explode with minimal handling. All burn wounds healed without operative intervention and only one child suffered permanent sequelae from the burn injury.Conclusion:  Cap gun burns appear a rare mechanism of burn injury not previously reported. Recently produced caps may be more susceptible to spontaneous explosion. Adequate adult supervision may have prevented some of the injuries. There appears be a need for greater awareness regarding the dangers of these toys.
Sleep studies frequently lead to changes in respiratory support in children
Authors: Tan Eunicia , Nixon Gillian M , Edwards Elizabeth A 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  International guidelines recommend that children who are managed at home with mechanical respiratory support (RS) should have sleep studies performed every 6–12 months. This recommendation is based on expert opinion, with little evidence to support it. No studies have been undertaken to examine the utility of sleep studies in children on RS.Methods:  A retrospective review of sleep studies performed over a 12‐month period was undertaken at a New Zealand paediatric sleep medicine referral centre, to determine changes made to RS following sleep studies.Results:  Sixty‐one sleep studies were performed for assessment of RS in 45 children (27 boys; median age 8.3 years; range 0.4–18.6 years). Twenty‐nine (64%) children were on continuous positive airway pressure, 14 (31%) on bi‐level non‐invasive ventilation, and two (4%) on tracheostomy ventilation. A change was made to RS settings after 66% of studies. No clinical parameters predicted which children would require a change in settings.Conclusions:  Although sleep studies are expensive and time‐consuming, follow‐up studies of children on RS provide important information for optimising management into the long term.
Large-scale structure of short-lived Lyman α emitters
Authors: Shimizu Ikkoh , Umemura Masayuki , Yonehara Atsunori 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Recently discovered large-scale structure of Lyman α emitters (LAEs) raises a novel challenge to the cold dark matter (CDM) cosmology. The structure is extended over more than 50 Mpc at redshift z= 3.1, and exhibits a considerably weak angular correlation. Such properties of LAE distributions appear to be incompatible with the standard biased galaxy formation scenario in the CDM cosmology. In this Letter, by considering the possibility that LAEs are short-lived events, we attempt to build up the picture of LAEs concordant with the CDM cosmology. We find that if the lifetime of LAEs is as short as (6.7 ± 0.6) × 107 yr, the distributions of simulated galaxies successfully match the extension and morphology of large-scale structure of LAEs at z= 3.1, and also the weak angular correlation function. This result implies that LAEs at z= 3.1 do not necessarily reside in high density peaks, but tends to be located in less dense regions, in a different way from the expectation by the standard biased galaxy formation scenario. In addition, we make a prediction for the angular correlation function of LAEs at redshifts higher than 3. It is found that the prediction deviates from that made by the standard biased galaxy formation scenario even at redshifts 4 ≲z≲ 6.
The European lithosphere: an introduction
Authors: Gee David G. , Stephenson Randell A. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Europe provides on outstanding field laboratory for studying lithospheric processes through time: for tracing the results of plate movements from the present back into the early Precambrian. This book has been designed to focus on tectonic processes in the European lithosphere through these three billion years and how they may have changed during this time. Two things are particularly striking: the importance of plate tectonics far back through the Proterozoic into the Archaean, and the significance of tectonic inheritance, older structures and rheologies guiding, even defining, the younger evolution. Basement structure has a profound influence on subsequent basin evolution and the distribution of geo-resources. The economic importance of understanding these processes cannot be overestimated.
Understanding the dynamics responsible for the construction of continental lithosphere requires integrated interpretation of geological, geophysical and geochemical observations. Hypotheses often benefit from testing by numerical and analogue modelling. In practice, one technology - multi-channel, near-vertical reflection profiling - has played a leading role in connecting surface observations to the deep crust and mantle structure. Combined with other geophysical methods, deep reflection profiling has guided the interpretation of the processes that created the
The European part of the Eurasian continent, reaching from the Ural Mountains in the east to the Iberian Peninsula in the west and from the Mediterranean into the high Arctic, has a lithosphere that can readily be treated in two parts, east and west (Fig. 1). Most of eastern Europe is dominated by the old, cold East European Craton (EEC), partly covered by
Deep Europe today: geophysical synthesis of the upper mantle structure and lithospheric processes over 3.5 Ga
Authors: Artemieva Irina M. , Thybo Hans , Kaban Mikhail K. 
Published: July 2007

abstract
We present a summary of geophysical models of the subcrustal lithosphere of Europe. This includes the results from seismic (reflection and refraction profiles, P- and S-wave tomography, mantle anisotropy), gravity, thermal, electromagnetic, elastic and petro-logical studies of the lithospheric mantle. We discuss major tectonic processes as reflected in the lithospheric structure of Europe, from Precambrian terrane accretion and subduction to Phanerozoic rifting, volcanism, subduction and continent-continent collision. The differences in the lithospheric structure of Precambrian and Phanerozoic Europe, as illustrated by a comparative analysis of different geophysical data, are shown to have both a compositional and a thermal origin. We propose an integrated model of physical properties of the European subcrustal lithosphere, with emphasis on the depth intervals around 150 and 250 km. At these depths, seismic velocity models, constrained by body- and surface-wave continent-scale tomography, are compared with mantle temperatures and mantle gravity anomalies. This comparison provides a framework for discussion of the physical or chemical origin of the major lithospheric anomalies and their relation to large-scale tectonic processes, which have formed the present lithosphere of Europe.
Post-Variscan evolution of the lithosphere in the area of the European Cenozoic Rift System
Authors: Ziegler P. A. , Schumacher M. E. , Dèzes P. , Van Wees J.-D. , Cloetingh S. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
The European Cenozoic Rift System (ECRIS) transects Variscan basement, Permo-Carboniferous troughs and Late Permian to Mesozoic series, deposited in thermal sag basins, which are exposed on rift-related arches. We have analysed processes governing the transformation of the orogenically destabilized Variscan lithosphere into end-Cretaceous stabilized cratonic lithosphere, prior to its renewed Cenozoic rift-related destabilization. In the ECRIS area, crustal and lithospheric thicknesses at present are in the range of 24-35 km and 60-120 km, respectively. The Variscan orogen was characterized at the time of its end-Westphalian consolidation by 45-60 km deep crustal roots, marking major sutures. During the Stephanian-Early Permian wrench-induced collapse of the Variscan orogen, subducted lithospheric slabs were detached, causing upwelling of the asthenosphere, thermal thinning and/or partial delamina-tion of the lithospheric mantle, and regional uplift. By mid-Permian times, the crust was thinned to 28-35 km owing to its regional erosional unroofing, localized mechanical stretching and the interaction of mantle-derived melts with its basal parts. By mid-Permian times, when the temperature of the asthenosphere returned to ambient levels, thermal subsidence of the lithosphere commenced, controlling development of a system of Late Permian and Mesozoic intracratonic basins. These experienced repeated minor subsidence accelerations, related to the build-up of far-field stresses, which did not involve renewed lithospheric destabilization. Modelling of observed subsidence curves indicates that during the mid-Permian lithospheric thicknesses ranged in the ECRIS area between 40 and 80 km, but had increased by the end of the Cretaceous to 100-120 km. Cenozoic rifting and mantle-plume activity caused renewed lithospheric thinning.
Thermo-mechanical controls on Alpine deformation of NW Europe
Authors: Cloetingh S. , Ziegler P. A. , Beekman F. , Andriessen P. A. M. , Hardebol N. , Van Wijk J. , Dèzes P. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
The lithosphere of the Northern Alpine foreland has undergone a polyphase evolution with an intense interplay between upper mantle thermal perturbations and stress-induced intraplate deformation that points to the importance of lithospheric folding of the thermally weakened lithosphere. In this paper we address relationships between deeper lithospheric processes, neotectonics and surface processes in the Northern Alpine foreland with special emphasis on tectonically induced topography. We focus on lithosphere memory and neotectonics with special attention to the thermo-mechanical structure of the lithosphere, mechanisms of large-scale intraplate deformation, Late Neogene anomalies in subsidence and uplift, and links with surface processes and topography evolution.
Modes of basin (de)formation, lithospheric strength and vertical motions in the Pannonian-Carpathian system: inferences from thermo-mechanical modelling
Authors: Cloetingh S. , Bada G. , Matenco L. , Lankreijer A. , Horváth F. , Dinu C. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
After a rapid multiphase evolution and a transition from passive to active rifting during late Early Miocene to Pliocene times, the Pannonian Basin has been subjected to compressional stresses leading to gradual basin inversion during Quaternary times. Stress modelling demonstrates the significance of the interaction of external plate-boundary forces and the effect of gravitational stresses caused by continental topography and crustal thickness variation. Flexural modelling and fission-track studies have elucidated the complex interplay of flexural downloading during collision, followed by rapid unroofing by unflexing and isostatic rebound of the lithosphere. The stretching and subsidence history of the Pannonian Basin, the temporal and spatial evolution of the flexure of the Carpathian lithosphere, and the lithospheric strength of the region reflect a complex history of this segment of the Eurasia-Africa collision zone. The polyphase evolution of the Pannonian-Carpathian system has resulted in strong lateral and temporal variation in thermo-mechanical properties in the area. Modelling results suggest that, as a whole, the Pannonian Basin has been an area of pronounced lithospheric weakness since Cretaceous time, shedding light on the high degree of strain localization in this region. This basin, the hottest in continental Europe, has a lithosphere of extremely low rigidity, making it prone to multiple tectonic reactivations. Another feature is the noticeable absence of lithospheric strength in the mantle lithosphere of the Pannonian Basin. Modelling studies suggest pronounced lateral variations in lithospheric strength along the Carpathians and their foreland, which have influenced the thrust load kinematics and post-collisional tectonic history. The inferences and models discussed in this paper are constrained by a large geophysical database, including seismic profiles, gravity and heat-flow data.
Ranges and basins in the Iberian Peninsula: their contribution to the present topography
Authors: Vergés Jaume , Fernàndez Manel 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
The Iberian Peninsula, at the western end of the Alpine-Himalayan Belt, displays a complex structure with mountain ranges of diverse structural trends and sedimentary basins between them. The Iberian Peninsula also shows an elevated mean topography, the highest in Europe. In this short paper, we investigate the Alpine evolution of the Iberian Peninsula since Mesozoic times, when Iberia was isolated as an independent plate. This occurred from Albian (formation of the northern plate boundary) to Oligocene times (end of the Pyrenean Orogeny). Iberia was squeezed between Africa and Europe during Tertiary times and all previously established Mesozoic extensional basins were inverted, as were some of the Hercynian structures. The opening of the Valencia Trough, cutting the eastern margin of the Iberian Peninsula, began in Oligocene times. Concomitant crustal and lithospheric stretching during the Neogene along the eastern margin of Iberia produced limited uplifts, some of which are still active. The modern topography of the Iberian Peninsula was developed mainly as the result of three main tectonothermal mechanisms since late Palaeozoic times: variations in crustal densities, and possibly mantle depletion, inherited from the Hercynian Orogeny; crustal and lithospheric thickening during Tertiary compression; and upper mantle thinning during the Neogene-Quaternary.