bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistence and clearance of differentSalmonellaserovars in buildings housing laying hens
Authors: CARRIQUE-MAS J. J. , BRESLIN M. , SNOW L. , McLAREN I. , SAYERS A. R. , DAVIES R. H. 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYWe investigated factors associated with persistence of differentSalmonellaserovars in buildings housing laying hens in Great Britain using survival analysis. A total of 264 incidents ofSalmonelladetection occurring between July 1998 and August 2007 in 152 houses were recorded. For incidents involvingSalmonellaEnteritidis (SE), both the rodent score of the house and the type of house were positively associated with persistence. For non-SE serovars, only the type of house was associated with persistence. Persistence of SE in the houses was longest (>15 months) in step-cage and cage-scraper houses when high levels of rodents were present, and lowest in non-cage and cage-belt houses. We estimated that 42% (95% CI 23·3–63·1) of SE incidents may be cleared during the lay period, and this was related to elimination of rodents from the houses. From January 2009, EU legislation will ban the sale of fresh eggs from SE-positive andS. Typhimurium-positive flocks over their remaining lifespan. If infection is eliminated from such flocks, they would cease to represent a public health risk.
Light regulation of Ca2+in the cone photoreceptor synaptic terminal
Authors: CHOI SUE-YEON , JACKMAN SKYLER , THORESON WALLACE B. , KRAMER RICHARD H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractRetinal cones are depolarized in darkness, keeping voltage-gated Ca2+channels open and sustaining exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. Light hyperpolarizes the membrane potential, closing Ca2+channels and suppressing exocytosis. Here, we quantify the Ca2+concentration in cone terminals, with Ca2+indicator dyes. Two-photon ratiometric imaging of fura-2 shows that global Ca2+averages ~360 nM in darkness and falls to ~190 nM in bright light. Depolarizing cones from their light to their dark membrane potential reveals hot spots of Ca2+that co-label with a fluorescent probe for the synaptic ribbon protein ribeye, consistent with tight localization of Ca2+channels near ribbons. Measurements with a low-affinity Ca2+indicator show that the local Ca2+concentration near the ribbon exceeds 4μM in darkness. The high level of Ca2+near the ribbon combined with previous estimates of the Ca2+sensitivity of release leads to a predicted dark release rate that is much faster than observed, suggesting that the cone synapse operates in a maintained state of synaptic depression in darkness.
ENSO and variability of the Antarctic Peninsula pelagic marine ecosystem
Authors: Loeb Valerie J. , Hofmann Eileen E. , Klinck John M. , Holm-Hansen Osmund , White Warren B. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe West Antarctic Peninsula region is an important source of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) in the Southern Ocean. From 1980–2004 abundance and concentration of phytoplankton and zooplankton, krill reproductive and recruitment success and seasonal sea ice extent here were significantly correlated with the atmospheric Southern Oscillation Index and exhibited three- to five-year frequencies characteristic of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability. This linkage was associated with movements of the Southern Antarctic Circumpolar Current Front and Boundary, a changing influence of Antarctic Circumpolar Current and Weddell Sea waters, and eastward versus westward flow and mixing processes that are consistent with forcing by the Antarctic Dipole high-latitude climate mode. Identification of hydrographic processes underlying ecosystem variability presented here were derived primarily from multi-disciplinary data collected during 1990–2004, a period with relatively stable year-to-year sea ice conditions. These results differ from the overwhelming importance of seasonal sea ice development previously established using 1980–1996 data, a period marked by a major decrease in sea ice from the Antarctic Peninsula region in the late 1980s. These newer results reveal the more subtle consequences of ENSO variability on biological responses. They highlight the necessity of internally consistent long-term multidisciplinary datasets for understanding ecosystem variability and ultimately for establishing well-founded ecosystem management. Furthermore, natural environmental variability associated with interannual- and decadal-scale changes in ENSO forcing must be considered when assessing impacts of climate warming in the Antarctic Peninsula–Weddell Sea region.
Biofilm formation in the life cycle of the cellulolytic actinomycete Thermobifida fusca
Authors: Alonso A. N. , Pomposiello P. J. , Leschine S. B. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTActinomycetes have been used with enormous success in industrial processes; however, little is known about biofilm formation by these filamentous microbes, or community development on insoluble substrates such as cellulose. We hypothesized that biofilm formation is a general strategy used by actinomycetes in the degradation of cellulose, and that it may serve as a means for these microbes to secure nutrients and persist in their environments. The objective of this study was to examine biofilm production byThermobifida fusca, an actinomycete that rapidly degrades cellulose by means of a well-characterized extracellular cellulase system.Thermobifida fuscacells grew as biofilms attached to both nutritive (e.g. dialysis tubing membrane) and non-nutritive surfaces. Dialysis tubing was colonized byT. fuscaaleuriospores but not by mycelial pellets, except when mycelial pellets were disrupted by sonication. Microscopic examination of surface-attached growth revealed structures characteristic of biofilms, with cells embedded in fibrous material suggestive of an extracellular polymeric matrix. Concanavalin A bound to the extracellular polymeric substance of biofilms and mycelial pellets, indicating alpha-linkedd-mannosyl and/or alpha-linkedd-glucosyl residues. The carbohydrate content of both biofilms and mycelial pellets increased during growth. Also, DNase I inhibited biofilm production, suggesting a role for extracellular DNA inT. fuscabiofilm development. Cellulose degradation and expression ofcelE(encoding endoglucanase E5) was similar forT. fuscabiofilms and mycelial pellets. Results of this study indicate that, in the life cycle of this actinomycete, cellulose is specifically colonized by aleuriospores, which germinate, grow and degrade cellulose, ultimately developing into biofilms encased in a carbohydrate-containing exopolymeric matrix, a hallmark of biofilm production.
Polymorphic (NH): As Polyimidogen and Ammonium Azide Structure-types
Authors: Bucknum Michael 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper reports a productive discussion of bonding principles in the non-metallic 2nd row hydrides. It suggests the inversion of a bonding character, potentially from hydrides of B & C, which may display unsaturation and electronic deficiency accompanied by electronic delocalization in 1D or 2D or 3D. Contrasted with the opposite possibility, within the finite number of hydrides of N, O and F, that display apparently extensive H-bonding and subsequently proton delocalization in 1D and 2D (in HF & ice polymorphs, respectively), and now potentially in 3D in a corresponding hydride of N called Rice's blue material, or perhaps polyimidogen. Where polyimidogen is a crystalline NH lattice that is a polymorph of the ammonium azide structure-type thus.
Desferroxamine infusion increases cerebral blood flow: a potential association with hypoxia-inducible factor-1
Authors: Sorond Farzaneh A. , Shaffer Michele L. , Kung Andrew L. , Lipsitz Lewis A. 
Published: November 2008

Finding an effective means to improve cerebral perfusion during hypoxic/ischaemic stress is essential for neuroprotection. Studies in animal models of stroke have shown that desferroxamine activates HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor-1), reduces brain damage and promotes functional recovery. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of desferroxamine infusion on the cerebral circulation in humans. Fifteen volunteers were enrolled in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. We measured cerebral blood flow velocity by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in the middle cerebral artery, arterial blood pressure, end-tidal CO2, as well as HIF-1 protein and serum lactate dehydrogenase concentrations in response to 8 h of desferroxamine compared with placebo infusion. Cerebrovascular resistance was calculated from the ratio of steady-state beat-to-beat values for blood pressure to blood flow velocity. We found that desferroxamine infusion was associated with a significant cerebral vasodilation. Moreover, decreased cerebrovascular resistance was temporally correlated with an increased HIF-1 protein concentration as well as HIF-1 transcriptional activation, as measured by serum lactate dehydrogenase concentration. The findings of the present study provide preliminary data suggesting that activators of HIF-1, such as desferroxamine, may protect neurons against ischaemic injury by dilating cerebral vessels and enhancing cerebral perfusion.
Herzerkrankungen und Zahnstörfelder
Authors: Lechner Johann 
Published: November 2008

ZusammenfassungDie klassische „Chronische Kieferostitis” oder NICO
(Neuralgia Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis) ist ein Phänomen, das in
der Medizin bis heute kaum wahrgenommen wird. NICO ist eine Mangelversorgung in
Form einer chronisch-trophischen Störung im Kieferknochen. Sie zeichnet
sich histologisch aus durch Vermehrung der Fettzellen und mukoide Degeneration
der Spongiosa. Damit ist die NICO eine „Silent inflammation”. Die
Diagnostik dieser Erkrankung ist schwierig. Mit computergestützter
Ultraschalltechnik kann eine wissenschaftlich abgesicherte Diagnose eines
ostitischen/osteolytischen Kieferareals gestellt werden. Aus der Vielfalt der
systemischen Wirkungen eines NICO-Zahnstörfeldes werden Herzbeschwerden
speziell beleuchtet, die mit einer Kasuistik aus der Praxis des Autors belegt
wird.
Decreased number of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in preeclampsia
Authors: TOLDI GERGELY , ŠVEC PETER , VÁSÁRHELYI BARNA , MÉSZÁROS GERGO , RIGÓ JÁNOS , TULASSAY TIVADAR , TRESZL ANDRÁS 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSystemic inflammation is characteristic for preeclampsia (PE). A hypothesis for immune dysregulation is that the function of regulatory T cells (CD4+FoxP3+, Tregs) inhibiting the activation of lymphocytes is impaired. We investigated the proportion of Tregs and their cellular network in preeclamptic women. Fifteen preeclamptic and 17 healthy pregnant women were enrolled in the 32nd gestational week (median age 29 (range 22–45) and 32 (range 26–38) years, respectively). PE was diagnosed according to international criteria at a median of 30 gestational weeks (range 21–31). Peripheral blood was taken and blood mononuclear cells were isolated. Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of regulatory (CD4+FoxP3+) T cells, lymphoid and myeloid dendritic cells, natural killer and natural killer T cells, naive and memory and activated CD4+ and CD8+cells. The proportion of Tregs and that of naive CD4+CD45RA+ cells was lower in preeclamptic than in control women (p = 0.025, p = 0.04, respectively). The proportion of other investigated cell types did not differ. Low Treg numbers may support the notion that PE shares similar features to autoimmune disorders. Low Treg numbers are not reflected in the proportion of activated lymphocytes, at least in this stage of pregnancy. This does not exclude, however, the functional alterations of these cell types.
Effect of availability of fetal ECG monitoring on operative deliveries
Authors: KALE ANITA , CHONG YAP‐SENG , BISWAS ARIJIT 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective. The objective of our study was to test the hypothesis that the availability and selective use of STAN® in conjunction with cardiotocography for intrapartum monitoring, lowers the incidence of operative deliveries for fetal distress. Design. Observational study. Setting. Delivery suite of the National University Hospital, Singapore. Methods. The data regarding intrapartum cesarean sections and instrumental vaginal deliveries for presumed fetal distress and the condition of the neonate at birth (Apgar scores at one and five minutes and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were collected over two consecutive three‐year periods. In the first triennium, only external cardiotocography was used for intrapartum fetal surveillance and in the second triennium STAN® monitoring was available for use in the delivery suite. Results. With the availability and selective use of STAN® monitoring, there was a significant decrease in the number of instrumental deliveries for fetal distress (from 66 out of 520 (0.9%) to 36 out of 474 (0.5%), p<0.025), the number of admissions to the NICU (from 418 (5.6%) to 311 (4.6%), p <0.01) and the number of neonates with Apgar score of seven or less at five minutes (from 192 (2.6%), p<0.001 to 113 (1.7%), p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of emergency cesarean sections for fetal distress during the two time periods. Conclusion. Intrapartum monitoring of term fetuses with cardiotocography combined with selective use of ST analysis leads to a significant reduction in the number of operative deliveries for suspected fetal distress with no adverse effect on neonatal outcome.
Complexity reduction in context-dependent DNA substitution models
Authors: Majoros William H. , Ohler Uwe 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMotivation: The modeling of conservation patterns in genomic DNA has become increasingly popular for a number of bioinformatic applications. While several systems developed to date incorporate context-dependence in their substitution models, the impact on computational complexity and generalization ability of the resulting higher order models invites the question of whether simpler approaches to context modeling might permit appreciable reductions in model complexity and computational cost, without sacrificing prediction accuracy.Results: We formulate several alternative methods for context modeling based on windowed Bayesian networks, and compare their effects on both accuracy and computational complexity for the task of discriminating functionally distinct segments in vertebrate DNA. Our results show that substantial reductions in the complexity of both the model and the associated inference algorithm can be achieved without reducing predictive accuracy.Contact: bmajoros@duke.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
CleaveLand: a pipeline for using degradome data to find cleaved small RNA targets
Authors: Addo-Quaye Charles , Miller Webb , Axtell Michael J. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ∼20- to 22-nt long endogenous RNA sequences that play a critical role in the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic genomes. Confident identification of miRNA targets is vital to understand their functions. Currently available computational algorithms for miRNA target prediction have diverse degrees of sensitivity and specificity and as a consequence each predicted target generally requires experimental confirmation. miRNAs and other small RNAs that direct endonucleolytic cleavage of target mRNAs produce diagnostic uncapped, polyadenylated mRNA fragments. Degradome sequencing [also known as PARE (parallel analysis of RNA ends) and GMUCT (genome-wide mapping of uncapped transcripts)] samples the 5′-ends of uncapped mRNAs and can be used to discover in vivo miRNA targets independent of computational predictions. Here, we describe a generalizable computational pipeline, CleaveLand, for the detection of cleaved miRNA targets from degradome data. CleaveLand takes as input degradome sequences, small RNAs and an mRNA database and outputs small RNA targets. CleaveLand can thus be applied to degradome data from any species provided a set of mRNA transcripts and a set of query miRNAs or other small RNAs are available.
Availability: The code and documentation for CleaveLand is freely available under a GNU license at http://www.bio.psu.edu/people/faculty/Axtell/AxtellLab/Software.html
Contact: mja18@psu.edu
Elective Parotidectomy in the Management of Advanced Auricular Malignancies
Authors: Osborne Ryan F. , Shaw Travis , Zandifar Hootan , Kraus Dennis 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective: The purpose of this study is to determine whether elective parotidectomy is necessary in patients with clinically and radiographically N0 parotid disease with isolated primary auricular nonmelanoma cutaneous malignancies. Auricular malignancies are typically managed by wedge resection or wide local excision. Although small lesions are easily managed by conservative excision, large bulky tumors, those with multifocal involvement, and recalcitrant lesions, often require more extensive resection including total auriculectomy, parotidectomy, and/or neck dissection.Study Design: A 10‐year retrospective case review from four tertiary university medical centers from 1992 to 2002.Methods: Information was retrospectively retrieved using a database of patients from the department of pathology. Seventy‐one charts were reviewed. Patients with a clinical history of advanced nonmelanoma auricular carcinoma undergoing elective parotidectomy and/or neck dissection with clinically and radiographically N0 nodal disease were evaluated for the presence of occult parotid metastasis. All patients underwent parotidectomy in conjunction with a total auriculectomy for surgical extirpation of their primary auricular carcinoma. Parotid specimens were evaluated for histopathologic evidence of metastatic neoplastic disease.Results: Pathological examination showed no histological evidence of occult parotid metastasis in all 19 patients who underwent elective parotidectomy in the presence of clinically and radiographically N0 nodal disease of the parotid or cervical regions.Conclusions: Parotidectomy may not be necessary in the surgical management of advanced auricularcarcinoma in the absence of clinically positive parotid disease or external auditory canal involvement.
Sexual Problems After Total or Partial Laryngectomy
Authors: Singer Susanne , Danker Helge , Dietz Andreas , Kienast Ulrike , Pabst Friedemann , Meister Eberhard F. , Oeken Jens , Thiele Alexander , Schwarz Reinhold 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectives: To investigate sexual problems that can occur after laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer surgery and to specify possible influencing factors.Study Design: Multi‐institutional cross‐sectional study.Methods: Two hundred six patients were interviewed in person using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire, Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ‐H&N35), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a structured interview assessing alcohol and tobacco consumption, sociodemographic data, and specific sexual problems. Type of surgery, tumor site, and tumor stage were documented according to the participants' medical records. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to assess the independent impact of each factor.Results: More than half of the patients in our study reported having reduced libido and sexual enjoyment after treatment. Sixty percent considered it an important issue for their contentment with life. Sexual difficulties were found to be unrelated with gender, formal education, alcohol and tobacco consumption, type of surgery (partial vs. total laryngectomy), radiotherapy, and tumor site. Psychological distress (F = 46.27, P < .001) was seen to have a strong independent impact on the occurrence of sexual difficulties and stage of disease (F = 4.50, P < .05) and age (F = 4.79, P < .05), a moderate independent impact.Conclusions: Reduced libido and sexual enjoyment is a common problem after laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer surgery. However, it is not caused by the oncological treatment but rather by the cancer itself. Depression is often associated with sexual problems. Both should be discussed in medical consultations with head and neck cancer patients when appropriate to provide adequate treatment.
Anatomy of the Middle‐Turn Cochleostomy
Authors: Isaacson Brandon , Roland Peter S. , Wright Charles G. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective: Middle‐turn cochleostomies are occasionally used for cochlear implant electrode placement in patients with labyrinthitis ossificans. This study evaluates the anatomic characteristics of the middle‐turn cochleostomy and its suitability for placement of implant electrodes.Methods: Ten cadaveric human temporal bones were dissected using a facial recess approach. A middle‐turn cochleostomy was drilled 2 mm anterior to the oval window and just inferior to the cochleariform process. The preparations were then stained with osmium tetroxide and microdissections were performed. The location of the cochleostomy on the cochlear spiral and its path through the various cochlear compartments were evaluated in all 10 specimens. A Cochlear Corporation depth gauge was inserted in five of the specimens and insertion trauma, number of contact rings, and depth of insertion were recorded.Results: Eight of the 10 cochleostomies were placed at approximately 360° on the cochlear spiral, near the transition between the basal and middle turns. In one case, the cochleostomy was found to enter the cochlear apex and in another it entered scala vestibuli of the proximal basal turn. The cochleostomy entered scala media in six bones and scala vestibuli in four specimens. A depth gauge was inserted in five specimens. The number of contacts placed within the cochlear lumen ranged from four to nine. There was evidence of insertional trauma to the lateral wall of the cochlear duct, basilar membrane, and Reissner's membrane, but no evidence of fractures to the osseous spiral lamina or modiolus.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that electrodes inserted via a middle‐turn cochleostomy are likely to enter scala vestibuli and have access to the middle‐ and apical‐cochlear turns. It is also possible that the electrode could be directed into the descending portion of the basal turn depending on cochleostomy orientation. Middle‐turn cochleostomy seems to be a viable alternative for electrode placement when preservation of residual hearing is not a concern.