bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Providing the evidence: Geographic accessibility of maternity units in New Zealand
Authors: Beere Paul , Brabyn Lars 
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Public health planners should be providing evidence to the public that maternity units are fairly distributed. This research demonstrates how a Geographical Information System (GIS) can be used to provide information on travel time to the closest maternity unit from the 38 000 population census enumeration districts in New Zealand. The distribution of accessibility is mapped and regions and population groups that appear under‐serviced are highlighted. We conclude by stating that GIS accessibility models provide important evidence for health policy and that the information generated from these models should be routinely produced for a wide range of health services and communicated to the public.
China's Current Real Estate Cycle and Potential Financial Risks
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing , Sun Tao 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe real estate cycle and financial stability are closely correlated. In light of global real estate bubbles, China's real estate cycle has attracted wide attention since 1998. The present paper analyzes three driving factors in the context of the current real estate cycle; namely, economic growth, macroeconomic environment and institutional establishment. Supported by econometric analysis using quarterly data from 1992–2004, the present paper indicates that real estate will develop steadily and that housing prices will consistently rise in the relative long run. Based on quantitative analysis, it is concluded that the implications of the current real estate cycle for financial stability include risks of real estate credit exposure, government guarantees and maturity mismatch. Some corresponding policy implications are discussed, such as advancing banking reform, encouraging the rational behavior of local governments and strengthening the regulation of foreign capital flows in and out of China's real estate industry.(Edited by Xinyu Fan)
China and India: An Era of Escalating Economic Interaction
Authors: Das Dilip K. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAs ancient civilizations China and India had close cultural and commercial ties, but they drifted apart after eleventh century until the mid‐twentieth century. In the 1990s, the two emerging‐market economies once again began to interact and become economically close. The bilateral relationship was strengthened by political initiatives and determination from both sides. Their mutual trade and investment are on the rise and their new relationship has been evolving in accordance with the new diplomatic stance of conciliation. The bilateral economic bonds are likely to involve both competitive and collaborative dimensions. The two neighbors have determined to develop more extensive cooperation in regional and international affairs.(Edited by Zhinan Zhang)
How we do it: Cost–benefit analysis of implementing a telephone review system in an ENT outpatient setting
Authors: Anari S. , Arullendran P. , Reilly J. 
Published: July 2006

Keypoints• There is an increasing pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) hospital consultants to reduce the waiting times.• We have used an optional telephone review for a certain number of our outpatients so as to reduce the need for their in‐person attendance.• The result of our study, which was conducted in two phases, showed that almost half of the telephone follow‐up patients (48%) were discharged over the phone. There was a direct saving of approximately £30 per patient having a telephone follow‐up.
Human papillomavirus and head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hobbs C.G.L. , Sterne J.A.C. , Bailey M. , Heyderman R.S. , Birchall M.A. , Thomas S.J. 
Published: July 2006

Keypoints•It has been suggested that the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is specific to carcinoma of the tonsil.• We systematically reviewed studies that tested for HPV16 exposure in anatomically defined sites in the head and neck and a control group.• The association between HPV16 and cancer was strongest for tonsil (OR: 15.1, 95% CI: 6.8–33.7), intermediate for oropharynx (OR: 4.3, 95% CI: 2.1–8.9) and weakest for oral (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2–3.4) and larynx (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.0–4.2).• To investigate heterogeneity, further stratification by method of HPV16 detection, suggested that variation in the magnitude of the HPV‐cancer association with cancer site was restricted to studies using ELISA: among studies using PCR, the magnitude of the summary odds ratios was similar across the four sites.• The association between HPV16 infection and HNSCC in specific sites suggests the strongest and most consistent association is with tonsil cancer, and the magnitude of this association is consistent with an infectious aetiology.• However, the method of viral detection may be an important source of heterogeneity. Resolution of this issue will require further studies using both methods, examining associations separately in different sites.
Novel Bacterial Acetyl Coenzyme A Carboxylase Inhibitors with Antibiotic Efficacy In Vivo
Authors: Freiberg C. , Pohlmann J. , Nell P. G. , Endermann R. , Schuhmacher J. , Newton B. , Otteneder M. , Lampe T. , Häbich D. , Ziegelbauer K. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT

The pseudopeptide pyrrolidinedione antibiotics, such as moiramide B, have recently been discovered to target the multisubunit acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) carboxylases of bacteria. In this paper, we describe synthetic variations of each moiety of the modularly composed pyrrolidinediones, providing insight into structure-activity relationships of biochemical target activity, in vitro potency, and in vivo efficacy. The novel derivatives showed highly improved activities against gram-positive bacteria compared to those of previously reported variants. The compounds exhibited a MIC
90
value of 0.1 μg/ml against a broad spectrum of
Staphylococcus aureus
clinical isolates. No cross-resistance to antibiotics currently used in clinical practice was observed. Resistance mutations induced by pyrrolidinediones are exclusively located in the carboxyltransferase subunits of the bacterial acetyl-CoA carboxylase, indicating the identical mechanisms of action of all derivatives tested. Improvement of the physicochemical profile was achieved by salt formation, leading to aqueous solubilities of up to 5 g/liter. For the first time, the in vitro activity of this compound class was compared with its in vivo efficacy, demonstrating a path from compounds weakly active in vivo to agents with significant efficacy. In a murine model of
S. aureus
sepsis, the 100% effective dose of the best compound reported was 25 mg/kg of body weight, only fourfold higher than that of the comparator molecule linezolid. The obvious improvements achieved by chemical derivatization reflect the potential of this novel antibiotic compound class for future therapy.
Phase II, Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter Study Comparing the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Tefibazumab to Placebo for Treatment of
Staphylococcus aureus
Bacteremia
Authors: Weems J. John , Steinberg James P. , Filler Scott , Baddley John W. , Corey G. Ralph , Sampathkumar Priya , Winston Lisa , John Joseph F. , Kubin Christine J. , Talwani Rohit , Moore Thomas , Patti Joseph M. , Hetherington Seth , Texter Michele , Wenzel Eric , Kelley Violet A. , Fowler Vance G. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT

Tefibazumab (Aurexis), a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the surface-expressed adhesion protein clumping factor A, is under development as adjunctive therapy for serious
Staphylococcus aureus
infections. Sixty patients with documented
S. aureus
bacteremia (SAB) were randomized and received either tefibazumab at 20 mg/kg of body weight as a single infusion or a placebo in addition to an antibiotic(s). The primary objective of the study was determining safety and pharmacokinetics. An additional objective was to assess activity by a composite clinical end point (CCE). Baseline characteristics were evenly matched between groups. Seventy percent of infections were healthcare associated, and 57% had an SAB-related complication at baseline. There were no differences between the treatment groups in overall adverse clinical events or alterations in laboratory values. Two patients developed serious adverse events that were at least possibly related to tefibazumab; one hypersensitivity reaction was considered definitely related. The tefibazumab plasma half-life was 18 days. Mean plasma levels were <100 μg/ml by day 14. A CCE occurred in six patients (four placebo and two tefibazumab patients) and included five deaths (four placebo and one tefibazumab patient). Progression in the severity of sepsis occurred in four placebo and no tefibazumab patients. Tefibazumab was well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to those of other monoclonal antibodies. Additional trials are warranted to address the dosing range and efficacy of tefibazumab.
Antibiotic Coresistance in Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing
Enterobacteriaceae
and In Vitro Activity of Tigecycline
Authors: Morosini María-Isabel , García-Castillo María , Coque Teresa M. , Valverde Aránzazu , Novais Ângela , Loza Elena , Baquero Fernando , Cantón Rafael 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT

The spread of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms, particularly those harboring the CTX-M-type enzymes, both in the hospital and in the community, is difficult to discontinue due to the successful mobilization and evolution of the genetic elements harboring ESBL genes and coresistance rates in these isolates. The activities of tigecycline against 285 non-clonally related isolates (172 from
Escherichia coli
, 84 from
Klebsiella
spp., 20 from
Enterobacter
spp., 5 from
Salmonella
spp., and 4 from
Citrobacter
spp.) expressing well-characterized ESBLs and recovered in our hospital and its community area of influence were comparatively assessed (CLSI microdilution). Susceptibility rates for meropenem, imipenem, tigecycline, amikacin, and piperacillin-tazobactam were 100%, 100%, 97.5%, 93.3%, and 93%, respectively. Tigecycline (mode MIC, 0.5 μg/ml; MIC
90
, 1 μg/ml) was 4- to 256-fold more active than doxycycline and minocycline (mode MIC range, 2 to 128 μg/ml). CTX-Ms were the most frequent ESBLs (61.4%), 65.8% in community and 58.6% in nosocomial isolates. CTX-M-9 (22%), CTX-M-14 (15.8%), and CTX-M-10 (14%) were the most represented derivatives. SHV and TEM variants constituted 22.8% and 15.8% of the ESBLs, respectively. Overall coresistance rates were as follows: gentamicin, 27.4%; tobramycin, 27.4%; amikacin, 6.7%; and chloramphenicol, 29.1%. Sulfonamide (61.7%), trimethoprim (52.3%), streptomycin (50.5%), and ciprofloxacin (37.2%) resistance levels were significantly (
P
< 0.001) associated with CTX-M-9 producers. No tigecycline resistance was observed, although seven
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates exhibited intermediate MICs (4 μg/ml). Tigecycline, lacking cross-resistance with other compounds, could represent an opportunity to reduce the intensity of selection for ESBL-producing organisms derived from the use of other antimicrobial agents. However, this in vitro promise requires support from clinical studies.
In Vitro Activities of Dalbavancin and 12 Other Agents against 329 Aerobic and Anaerobic Gram-Positive Isolates Recovered from Diabetic Foot Infections
Authors: Goldstein Ellie J. C. , Citron Diane M. , Warren Yumi A. , Tyrrell Kerin L. , Merriam C. Vreni , Fernandez Helen T. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT

Tests of dalbavancin's in vitro activity against 209 aerobic and 120 anaerobic isolates from pretreatment diabetic foot infections showed an MIC
90
of ≤0.125 μg/ml against methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA), methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA), and 120 anaerobes (
Clostridium perfringens
, other clostridia,
Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus
,
Finegoldia magna
, and
Anaerococcus prevotii
), compared to respective MIC
90
s for MSSA and MRSA of 0.5 and 1 μg/ml for vancomycin, 4 and 4 μg/ml for linezolid, 0.5 and 0.5 μg/ml for daptomycin, and 0.25 and >8 μg/ml for clindamycin.
Evolution of Drug Resistance in Different Sublineages of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Beijing Genotype
Authors: Mokrousov Igor , Jiao Wei Wei , Sun Gui Zhi , Liu Jia Wen , Valcheva Violeta , Li Mo , Narvskaya Olga , Shen A Dong 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT

We compared the population structure and drug resistance patterns of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strains currently circulating in the Beijing area of China. One hundred thirteen of 123 strains belonged to the Beijing family genotypes defined by spoligotyping. The Beijing genotype strains were further subdivided into old and modern sublineages on the basis of NTF locus analysis. A stronger association with resistance to the more recently introduced antituberculosis drugs has been observed for old versus modern strains of the Beijing genotype, suggesting that its different sublineages may differ in their mechanisms of adaptation to drug selective pressure.
Gene-Specific Effects of Antisense Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomer-Peptide Conjugates onEscherichia coliandSalmonella entericaSerovar Typhimurium in Pure Culture and inTissue Culture
Authors: Tilley Lucas D. , Hine Orion S. , Kellogg Jill A. , Hassinger Jed N. , Weller Dwight D. , Iversen Patrick L. , Geller Bruce L. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThe objective was to improve efficacy of antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) by improving their uptake into bacterial cells. Four different bacterium-permeating peptides, RFFRFFRFFXB, RTRTRFLRRTXB, RXXRXXRXXB, and KFFKFFKFFKXB (X is 6-aminohexanoic acid and B isβ -alanine), were separately coupled to two different PMOs that are complementary to regions near the start codons of a luciferase reporter gene (luc) and a gene required for viability (acpP). Luc peptide-PMOs targeted tolucinhibited luciferase activity 23 to 80% in growing cultures ofEscherichia coli. In cell-free translation reactions, Luc RTRTRFLRRTXB-PMO inhibited luciferase synthesis significantly more than the other Luc peptide-PMOs or the Luc PMO not coupled to peptide. AcpP peptide-PMOs targeted toacpPinhibited growth ofE. coliorSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium to various extents, depending on the strain. The concentrations of AcpP RFFRFFRFFXB-PMO, AcpP RTRTRFLRRTXB-PMO, AcpP KFFKFFKFFKXB-PMO, and ampicillin that reduced CFU/ml by 50% after 8 h of growth (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50]) were 3.6, 10.8, 9.5, and 7.5μ M, respectively, inE. coliW3110. Sequence-specific effects of AcpP peptide-PMOs were shown by rescuing growth of a merodiploid strain that expressedacpPwith silent mutations in the region targeted by AcpP peptide-PMO. In Caco-2 cultures infected with enteropathogenicE. coli(EPEC), 10 μM AcpP RTRTRFLRRTXB-PMO or AcpP RFFRFFRFFXB-PMO essentially cleared the infection. The IC50of either AcpP RTRTRFLRRTXB-PMO or AcpP RFFRFFRFFXB-PMO in EPEC-infected Caco-2 culture was 3 μM. In summary, RFFRFFRFFXB, RTRTRFLRRTXB, or KFFKFFKFFXB, when covalently bonded to PMO, significantly increased inhibition of expression of targeted genes compared to PMOs without attached peptide.
Four-Dimensional Data Assimilation and Balanced Dynamics
Authors: Neef Lisa J. , Polavarapu Saroja M. , Shepherd Theodore G. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The problem of spurious excitation of gravity waves in the context of four-dimensional data assimilation is investigated using a simple model of balanced dynamics. The model admits a chaotic vortical mode coupled to a comparatively fast gravity wave mode, and can be initialized such that the model evolves on a so-called slow manifold, where the fast motion is suppressed. Identical twin assimilation experiments are performed, comparing the extended and ensemble Kalman filters (EKF and EnKF, respectively). The EKF uses a tangent linear model (TLM) to estimate the evolution of forecast error statistics in time, whereas the EnKF uses the statistics of an ensemble of nonlinear model integrations.
Specifically, the case is examined where the true state is balanced, but observation errors project onto all degrees of freedom, including the fast modes. It is shown that the EKF and EnKF will assimilate observations in a balanced way only if certain assumptions hold, and that, outside of ideal cases (i.e., with very frequent observations), dynamical balance can easily be lost in the assimilation. For the EKF, the repeated adjustment of the covariances by the assimilation of observations can easily unbalance the TLM, and destroy the assumptions on which balanced assimilation rests. It is shown that an important factor is the choice of initial forecast error covariance matrix. A balance-constrained EKF is described and compared to the standard EKF, and shown to offer significant improvement for observation frequencies where balance in the standard EKF is lost. The EnKF is advantageous in that balance in the error covariances relies only on a balanced forecast ensemble, and that the analysis step is an ensemble-mean operation. Numerical experiments show that the EnKF may be preferable to the EKF in terms of balance, though its validity is limited by ensemble size. It is also found that overobserving can lead to a more unbalanced forecast ensemble and thus to an unbalanced analysis.
Very Early Formation of Big, Liquid Drops Revealed by ZDR in Continental Cumulus
Authors: Knight Charles A. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Examination of the early radar echo histories of several vigorous, cumulus clouds in northeast Colorado and northwest Kansas, with sensitive, dual-polarization radar, reveals the formation of millimeter-sized water drops at about the same time that the conventional, first precipitation echo (from ice) forms aloft. The early, positive ZDR values appear in the vicinity of the 0°C level (the radar data do not specify height accurately) and soon extend both above and below it. Positive ZDR is found within and to the upwind side of the updraft, separate from the conventional first precipitation echoes, which appear first at higher altitude, generally downwind of the updraft core, and have no significantly positive ZDR. Big, liquid drops were not expected this early in the formation of continental cumulus. The early presence of supercooled water drops larger than cloud droplets may be a significant factor in the glaciation of these clouds.
The kind of early radar coverage illustrated here would be a priceless adjunct to aircraft studies of precipitation formation in cumulus. Microphysical data from aircraft must be interpreted with numerical models in order to deduce (or verify) the processes, and such models require the kind of early data illustrated here, both for initialization and verification.
Parameterization of Pressure Perturbations in a PBL Mass-Flux Model
Authors: Lappen Cara-Lyn , Randall David A. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
In a companion paper, the authors presented a boundary layer parameterization that was based on the mass-flux concept and included an internally consistent representation of the vertical flux of horizontal momentum. In the present paper, the authors show how the framework of that model can be used to determine the perturbation pressure field, by solving the anelastic pressure equation. The pressure covariances needed to close the parameterization can then be diagnosed. Tests show very encouraging agreement of the pressure statistics with results obtained from large-eddy simulations.
Estimating Open-Ocean Barotropic Tidal Dissipation: The Hawaiian Ridge
Authors: Zaron Edward D. , Egbert Gary D. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The generalized inverse of a regional model is used to estimate barotropic tidal dissipation along the Hawaiian Ridge. The model, based on the linear shallow-water equations, incorporates parameterizations for the dissipation of energy via friction in the bottom boundary layer and form drag due to internal waves generated at topographic slopes. Sea surface height data from 364 orbit cycles of the Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX)/Poseidon satellite mission are used to perform inversions at eight diurnal and semidiurnal tidal frequencies. It is estimated that the barotropic M2 tide loses energy at a rate of 19 GW, of which 88% is lost within 250 km of the ridge, presumably via conversion to the internal or baroclinic tide. Uncertainty in the assumed model error and wave drag in the forward model suggest that M2 dissipation values from 18 to 25 GW are consistent with the altimetric observations. Other barotropic tidal constituents are estimated to lose a total of 5.7 GW. The spatial distribution of barotropic dissipation along the ridge is similar to that inferred from three-dimensional primitive equation models, and it is largely insensitive to details of assumed model and data errors. Dissipation at semidiurnal frequencies is most intense at the French Frigate Shoals with lesser, but significant, contributions at other sites. Diurnal tidal dissipation is concentrated to the east of the French Frigate Shoals, at the Gardner Pinnacles. Further work with three-dimensional models will be necessary to determine the fate of the energy that is removed from the barotropic tide.
Persistent Near-Diurnal Internal Waves Observed above a Site of M2 Barotropic-to-Baroclinic Conversion
Authors: Carter Glenn S. , Gregg Michael C. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Near-diurnal internal waves were observed in velocity and shear measurements from a shipboard survey along a 35-km section of the Kaena Ridge, northwest of Oahu. Individual waves with upward phase propagation could be traced for almost 4 days even though the ship transited approximately 20 km. Depth–time maps of shear were dominated by near-diurnal waves, despite the fact that Kaena Ridge is a site of considerable M2 barotropic-to-baroclinic conversion. Guided by recent numerical and observational studies, it was found that a frequency of ½M2 (i.e., 24.84-h period) was consistent with these waves. Nonlinear processes are able to transfer energy within the internal wave spectrum. Bicoherence analysis, which can distinguish between nonlinearly coupled waves and waves that have been independently excited, suggested that the ½M2 waves were nonlinearly coupled with the dominant M2 internal tide only between 525- and 595-m depth. This narrow depth range corresponded to an observed M2 characteristic emanating from the northern edge of the ridge. The observations occurred in close proximity to the internal tide generation region, implying a rapid transfer of energy between frequencies. Strong nonlinear interactions seem a likely mechanism. Nonlinear transfers such as these could complicate attempts to close local single-constituent tidal energy budgets.