bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chloramphenicol‐Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Neutrophils
Authors: Páez Paulina L. , Becerra María C. , Albesa Inés 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of chloramphenicol in order to determine its potential toxic effects on human neutrophils, by using assays of reactive oxygen species (ROS) determination, nitrite measurement and antioxidant systems. Chloramphenicol enabled the oxidative stress response of neutrophils and increased the ROS production at 2, 4, 8 and 16 µg/ml, while ROS generation decreased at high concentrations (32 µg/ml). The nitroblue tetrazolium assay shows that neutrophils incubated with chloramphenicol increased the intracellular ROS, with the extracellular production rising with a corresponding increase in antibiotic concentration. Enzymatic activities – superoxide dismutase, catalase and diaphorase enzymes – increased after chloramphenicol treatment, while the glutathione level decreased in neutrophils incubated with antibiotic. The results obtained in the present work suggest that the study of susceptibility to oxidative stress in neutrophils before chloramphenicol treatment could be adequate for in vitro toxicity screening.
Observation time to first detection of double neutron star mergers by gravitational wave observatories
Authors: Coward D. M. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
We constrain the uncertainty in waiting times for detecting the first double neutron star (DNS) mergers by gravitational wave observatories. By accounting for the Poisson fluctuations in the rate density of DNS mergers and galaxy space density inhomogeneity in the local Universe, we define a detection ‘zone’ as a region in a parameter space constrained by the DNS merger rate and two Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) operation parameters: an observation horizon distance and a science run duration. Assuming a mean rate of about 80 DNS mergers per Milky Way galaxy Myr−1, we find a 1/20 chance of observing a merger by an enhanced LIGO in only 1 yr of observation. The minimum waiting time and temporal zone width for an advanced LIGO sensitivity are much shorter and imply that there is a 95 per cent probability of detecting a DNS merger in less than 60 d and a 1/20 chance of a first detection in about 1 d. At the 5 per cent probability threshold for a first detection, we find that the effect of galaxy clusters on detection is smoothed out and may only influence detection rates after 5–10 yr observation time.
Isolation and characterization of novel microsatellites from the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Authors: MIRO‐HERRANS AIDA T. , VELEZ‐ZUAZO XIMENA , ACEVEDO JENNY P. , MCMILLAN W. OWEN 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe isolated and characterized 12 microsatellite loci from the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). The loci exhibited a variable number of alleles that ranged from three to 14 with an average observed heterozygosity of 0.70 (SD 0.18) across 40 hawksbill turtles from the Caribbean. The polymorphism exhibited individually and in combination makes them suitable for fine‐scale genetic studies. In particular, the low probability of identity and high paternity exclusion of these markers makes them highly useful for parentage and relatedness studies. These new markers greatly increase the power of genetic studies directed towards the conservation of this endangered species.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Epidendrum puniceoluteum, an endemic orchid from the Atlantic Rainforest
Authors: PINHEIRO F. , SANTOS M. O. , PALMA‐SILVA C. , BARROS F. , MEYER D. , SALATINO A. , SOUZA A. P. , COZZOLINO S. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract Epidendrum puniceoluteum is an endemic orchid of Atlantic Rainforest, restricted to few populations only due to the destruction and fragmentation of its native habitat. Here, we report on the development of 10 microsatellite markers isolated from this orchid species. Genetic variability was characterized in two distant populations from Brazil coast. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from two to 12 and with an average of 6.4 alleles per locus. These microsatellites should be valuable tools for studying both fine‐scale genetic structure of scattered E. puniceoluteum population and patterns will be useful genetic markers for other closely related taxa.
Identification and characterization of nuclear microsatellite loci in the aquatic moss Platyhypnidium riparioides (Brachytheciaceae)
Authors: HUTSEMÉKERS V. , RISTERUCCI A. M. , RICCA M. , BOLES S. , HARDY O. J. , SHAW A. J. , VANDERPOORTEN A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractEight microsatellite loci from the aquatic moss Platyhypnidium riparioides were identified using the method of microsatellite‐enriched libraries. Polymorphism was assessed in a sample of four populations of 20 individuals each from four streams of the Meuse hydrographic basin in southern Belgium. The markers amplified three to seven alleles per locus. Comparison of observed and expected heterozygosities as well as F‐statistics (FST = 0.62) reveals a significant genetic differentiation among populations. These markers will be useful for further investigation of population genetic structure and diversity at different nested spatial scales.
Evaluation of the Simultaneous Multiple Pulse Repetition Frequency Algorithm for Weather Radar
Authors: Ruzanski Evan , Hubbert John C. , Chandrasekar V. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Performance of the simultaneous multiple pulse repetition frequency algorithm (SMPRF) for recovery of mean power and mean Doppler velocity is investigated using simulated weather radar data. Operation and functionality of the algorithm is described; methods to estimate mean power values using statistical inversion and to estimate mean velocity from unevenly spaced autocorrelation function samples are presented and analyzed. A simulation technique for constructing multiple pulse repetition interval data is described and the algorithm performance results are presented for an example SMPRF code using three weather profiles. This leads to the development of an error structure related to factors influencing moment recovery, including finite-length time series effects, the effects of overlaid echoes that create an effective signal-to-noise ratio that limits moment recovery performance, and the effects of spectrum width and radar frequency related to coherence time.
Investigating Seasonal PR–TMI Calibration Differences
Authors: Dinku Tufa , Anagnostou Emmanouil N. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Seasonal differences in the calibration of overland passive microwave rain retrieval are investigated using Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) and precipitation radar (PR). Four geographic regions from southern Africa, South Asia, the Amazon basin, and the southeastern United States are selected. Three seasons are compared for each region. Two scenarios of algorithm calibration are considered. In the first, the parameter sets are derived by calibrating the TMI algorithm with PR in each season. In the second scenario, common parameter sets are derived from the combined dataset of all three seasons. The parameter sets from both scenarios are then applied to the validation dataset of each season to determine the effect of seasonal calibration. Furthermore, calibration parameters from one season are also applied to another season, and results are compared against those derived using the season’s own parameters. Appreciable seasonal differences are observed for the U.S. region, while there are no significant differences between using individual seasonal calibration and the all-season calibration for the other regions. However, using one season’s parameter set to retrieve rainfall for another season is associated with increased uncertainty. It is also shown that the performance of the retrieval varies by season.
Boundary Layer Energy Transport and Cumulus Development over a Heated Mountain: An Observational Study
Authors: Demko J. Cory , Geerts Bart , Miao Qun , Zehnder Joseph A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAircraft and surface measurements of the boundary layer transport of mass and moisture toward an isolated, heated mountain are presented. The data were collected around the Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona, 20–30 km in diameter, during the North American monsoon, on days with weak winds and cumulus congestus to cumulonimbus development over the mountain. Flights in the boundary layer around the mountain and surface station data indicate that mountain-scale anabatic surface wind generally develops shortly after sunrise, peaking at ∼1 m s−1 in strength close to solar noon. There is some evidence for a toroidal heat island circulation, with divergence in the upper boundary layer. The aircraft data and mainly the diurnal surface temperature and pressure patterns confirm that this circulation is driven by surface heating over the mountain. Three case studies suggest that growth spurts of orographic cumulus and cumulonimbus are not preceded by enhanced mountain-scale mass convergence near the surface, and that the decay of orographic deep convection is associated with divergence around the mountain.
A Sequential Variational Algorithm for Data Assimilation in Oceanography and Meteorology
Authors: Dobricic Srdjan 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
This study theoretically establishes a sequential variational (SVAR) method for the data assimilation in oceanography and meteorology defined on the model space. Requiring a significantly smaller amount of computer memory, theoretically SVAR gives the same optimal model state estimate as the four-dimensional variational data assimilation method. Its computational cost is similar to that of the four-dimensional variational data assimilation and representer methods. In addition to the optimal state estimates, SVAR computes error covariances at the end of the assimilation window. These advantageous properties of the new algorithm are obtained by combining the sequential methodology with suitable definitions of several new l2 norms, which implicitly provide required estimates.
Attributions for psychobiological changes in ecstasy/MDMA and other polydrug users
Authors: Soar K , Parrott A , Turner J 
Published: July 2008

Abstract Ecstasy [3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)] use has been associated with a number of psychopathological problems. However, research suggests that reported symptoms might be associated more with heavy polydrug use in general rather than ecstasy per se. The current study aimed to determine the role of other drug use in reports of long-term effects by some ecstasy-polydrug users. Problematic ecstasy users ( n = 53), reporting problems which they attributed to ecstasy use, were compared with non-problematic ecstasy users ( n = 62), polydrug ( n = 62) and alcohol/nicotine using controls ( n = 111). Drug use was recorded, and positive and negative life changes were assessed along with which previous drug use, if any, they attributed these changes too. Both ecstasy groups reported higher drug use compared with polydrug controls. Polydrug and ecstasy users more often reported life changes compared with non-drug users, and ecstasy users appeared to experience more life changes than polydrug users, with problematic ecstasy users experiencing most alterations. Ecstasy users reported changes more to a combination of drugs than to one specific drug, suggesting that polydrug use in these groups has an impact on their life experiences. These findings emphasise that research into the psychological effects of ecstasy should not underestimate the role of other polydrug use.
Strong position-dependent effects of sequence mismatches on signal ratios measured using long oligonucleotide microarrays
Authors: Rennie Catriona , Noyes Harry A , Kemp Stephen J , Hulme Helen , Brass Andy , Hoyle David C 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background
Microarrays are an important and widely used tool. Applications include capturing genomic DNA for high-throughput sequencing in addition to the traditional monitoring of gene expression and identifying DNA copy number variations. Sequence mismatches between probe and target strands are known to affect the stability of the probe-target duplex, and hence the strength of the observed signals from microarrays.

Results
We describe a large-scale investigation of microarray hybridisations to murine probes with known sequence mismatches, demonstrating that the effect of mismatches is strongly position-dependent and for small numbers of sequence mismatches is correlated with the maximum length of perfectly matched probe-target duplex. Length of perfect match explained 43% of the variance in log2 signal ratios between probes with one and two mismatches. The correlation with maximum length of perfect match does not conform to expectations based on considering the effect of mismatches purely in terms of reducing the binding energy. However, it can be explained qualitatively by considering the entropic contribution to duplex stability from configurations of differing perfect match length.

Conclusion
The results of this study have implications in terms of array design and analysis. They highlight the significant effect that short sequence mismatches can have upon microarray hybridisation intensities even for long oligonucleotide probes.
All microarray data presented in this study are available from the GEO database [1], under accession number [GEO: GSE9669]
Tuberculosis vaccine strain Mycobacterium bovis BCG Russia is a natural recA mutant
Authors: Keller Peter M , Böttger Erik C , Sander Peter 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background
The current tuberculosis vaccine is a live vaccine derived from Mycobacterium bovis and attenuated by serial in vitro passaging. All vaccine substrains in use stem from one source, strain Bacille Calmette-Guérin. However, they differ in regions of genomic deletions, antigen expression levels, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy.

Results
As a RecA phenotype increases genetic stability and may contribute restricting the ongoing evolution of the various BCG substrains while maintaining their protective efficacy, we aimed to inactivate recA by allelic replacement in BCG vaccine strains representing different phylogenetic lineages (Pasteur, Frappier, Denmark, Russia). Homologous gene replacement was achieved successfully in three out of four strains. However, only illegitimate recombination was observed in BCG substrain Russia. Sequence analyses of recA revealed that a single nucleotide insertion in the 5' part of recA led to a translational frameshift with an early stop codon making BCG Russia a natural recA mutant. At the protein level BCG Russia failed to express RecA.

Conclusion
According to phylogenetic analyses BCG Russia is an ancient vaccine strain most closely related to the parental M. bovis. We hypothesize that recA inactivation in BCG Russia occurred early and is in part responsible for its high degree of genomic stability, resulting in a substrain that has less genetic alterations than other vaccine substrains with respect to M. bovis AF2122/97 wild-type.
Profiling of serum and tissue high abundance acute-phase proteins of patients with epithelial and germ line ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yeng , Lim Boon-Kiong , Peh Suat-Cheng , Abdul-Rahman Puteri Shafinaz , Hashim Onn Haji 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background
Acute-phase response involves the simultaneous altered expression of serum proteins in association to inflammation, infection, injury or malignancy. Studies of the acute-phase response usually involve determination of the levels of individual acute-phase serum proteins. In the present study, the acute-phase response of patients with epithelial (EOCa) and germ-line (GOCa) ovarian carcinoma was investigated using the gel-based proteomic approach, a technique which allowed the simultaneous assessment of the levels of the acute-phase serum high abundance proteins. Data obtained were validated using ELISA and immunostaining of biopsy samples.

Results
Enhanced expression of clusterin (CLU), α1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin and leucine rich glycoprotein was detected in all patients. However, the levels of α1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) was only enhanced in EOCa patients, while patients with GOCa were typically characterized by elevated levels of ceruloplasmin but lower levels of α2-HS glycoprotein. The enhanced expression of CLU in EOCa and GOCa patients and up-regulated expression of ACT specifically in EOCa patients were confirmed by ELISA. Immunohistochemical staining of biopsy samples of EOCa and GOCa patients demonstrated correlation of the acute-phase protein expression.

Conclusion
Patients with EOCa and GOCa demonstrated distinctive aberrant expression of serum and tissue high abundance acute-phase proteins compared to negative control women.
The influence of survivin shRNA on the cell cycle and the invasion of SW480 cells of colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Zhonghong Liu , Lianjie Lin , Changqing Zheng , Ying He , Yu Jin , Yan Lin 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background
The objective was to understand the influence of Survivin plasmid with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) on the cell cycle, invasion, and the silencing effect of Survivin gene in the SW480 cell of colorectal carcinoma.

Methods
A eukaryotic expression vector, PGCH1/Survivin shRNA, a segment sequence of Survivin as target, was created and transfected into colorectal carcinoma cell line SW480 by the non-lipid method. The influence on the Survivin protein was analyzed by Western blotting, while the cell cycle, cell apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry, and invasion of the cell was analyzed by Transwell's chamber method.

Results
After the transfection of PGCH1/Survivin shRNA, the expression of Survivin protein in SW480 cells was dramatically decreased by 60.68%, in which the cells were stopped at G2/M phase, even though no apoptosis was detected. The number of transmembranous cells of the experimental group, negative control group, and blank control group were 14.46 ± 2.11, 25.12 ± 8.37, and 25.86 ± 7.45, respectively (P <0.05).

Conclusion
Survivin shRNA could significantly reduce the expression of Survivin protein and invasion of SW480 cells. Changes in cell cycle were observed, but no apoptosis was induced.
Health care costs, long-term survival, and quality of life following intensive care unit admission after cardiac arrest
Authors: Graf Jürgen , Mühlhoff Cecile , Doig Gordon S , Reinartz Sebastian , Bode Kirsten , Dujardin Robert , Koch Karl-Christian , Roeb Elke , Janssens Uwe 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Introduction
The purpose of this study was to investigate the costs and health status outcomes of intensive care unit (ICU) admission in patients who present after sudden cardiac arrest with in-hospital or out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Methods
Five-year survival, health-related quality of life (Medical Outcome Survey Short Form-36 questionnaire, SF-36), ICU costs, hospital costs and post-hospital health care costs per survivor, costs per life year gained, and costs per quality-adjusted life year gained of patients admitted to a single ICU were assessed.

Results
One hundred ten of 354 patients (31%) were alive 5 years after hospital discharge. The mean health status index of 5-year survivors was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.70 to 0.85). Women rated their health-related quality of life significantly better than men did (0.87 versus 0.74; P < 0.05). Costs per hospital discharge survivor were 49,952 €. Including the costs of post-hospital discharge health care incurred during their remaining life span, the total costs per life year gained were 10,107 €. Considering 5-year survivors only, the costs per life year gained were calculated as 9,816 € or 14,487 € per quality-adjusted life year gained. Including seven patients with severe neurological sequelae, costs per life year gained in 5-year survivors increased by 18% to 11,566 €.

Conclusion
Patients who leave the hospital following cardiac arrest without severe neurological disabilities may expect a reasonable quality of life compared with age- and gender-matched controls. Quality-adjusted costs for this patient group appear to be within ranges considered reasonable for other groups of patients.
Splice Variant-Dependent Regulation of β-Cell Sodium-Calcium Exchange by Acyl-Coenzyme As
Authors: Hamming Kevin S. C. , Riedel Michael J. , Soliman Daniel , Matemisz Laura C. , Webster Nicola J. , Searle Gavin J. , MacDonald Patrick E. , Light Peter E. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe sodium-calcium exchanger isoform 1 (NCX1) is intimately involved in the regulation of calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis in many tissues including excitation-secretion coupling in pancreatic β-cells. Our group has previously found that intracellular long-chain acyl-coenzyme As (acyl CoAs) are potent regulators of the cardiac NCX1.1 splice variant. Despite this, little is known about the biophysical properties of β-cell NCX1 splice variants and the effects of intracellular modulators on their important physiological function in health and disease. Here, we show that the forward-mode activity of β-cell NCX1 splice variants is differentially modulated by acyl-CoAs and is dependent both upon the intrinsic biophysical properties of the particular NCX1 splice variant as well as the side chain length and degree of saturation of the acyl-CoA moiety. Notably, saturated long-chain acyl-CoAs increased both peak and total NCX1 activity, whereas polyunsaturated long-chain acyl-CoAs did not show this effect. Furthermore, we have identified the exon within the alternative splicing region that bestows sensitivity to acyl-CoAs. We conclude that the physiologically relevant forward-mode activity of NCX1 splice variants expressed in the pancreatic β-cell are sensitive to acyl-CoAs of different saturation and alterations in intracellular acyl-CoA levels may ultimately lead to defects in Ca2+-mediated exocytosis and insulin secretion.
Defining a Role for Novel Biomarkers in Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Bonaca Marc P , Morrow David A 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Background: Biomarkers play a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. Active investigation has brought forward an increasingly large number of novel candidate markers; however, few of these markers have yet to be incorporated into routine clinical use.
Content: This review discusses biomarkers currently used in the setting of acute coronary syndromes. In this context, we assess the contemporary unmet needs for novel biomarkers in acute ischemic heart disease and the related challenges faced in developing new biomarkers to the point of integration into clinical practice. In particular, we address the impact of the availability of increasingly sensitive biomarkers of myocardial necrosis on the potential roles for novel biomarkers of inflammation, thrombosis, and ischemia.
Summary: Although active investigation has produced a growing list of candidate novel biomarkers for the care of patients with cardiovascular disease, it has become increasingly challenging to find appreciable incremental clinical benefit for their addition to existing markers, in particular newer, more analytically sensitive cardiac troponin assays. A major challenge for researchers and clinicians will be to demonstrate whether candidate novel markers are useful in improving diagnosis and guiding clinical treatment.