bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Control of Rhyzopertha dominica in stored rough rice through a combination of diatomaceous earth and varietal resistance
Authors: Chanbang Yaowaluk , Arthur Frank H. , Wilde Gerald E. , Throne James E. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAdults of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), the lesser grain borer, were exposed on four varieties of rough rice with Dobie indices of susceptibility of 1.1 to 1.1 (low), and four varieties with Dobie indices of susceptibility of 3.4 to 3.8 (high). The varieties with low and high Dobie indices were classified as resistant and susceptible, respectively, to R. dominica. The purpose of the study was to evaluate control of R. dominica through the use of diatomaceous earth (DE) in combination with rice varieties that were either susceptible or resistant to R. dominica. The rice was treated with varying rates of the commercial DE Insecto®, up to a maximum of 1 000 mg DE/kg of rice. Adult mortality at each application rate of DE was generally greater on three of four resistant varieties compared to three of four susceptible varieties. Progeny production from the parental generation exposed on the rice was also greater in 3 of the 4 resistant varieties compared to 3 of the 4 susceptible varieties at DE rates of 500 mg/kg or more. Progeny production in rice treated with a maximum rate of 1 000 mg/kg DE ranged from 7‐44 adults on the resistant varieties compared to 75‐155 adults on the susceptible varieties. At DE rates of 500, 750, and 1 000 mg/kg, the percentage of insect‐damaged kernels (IDK) was also greater in 3/4 resistant varieties than in the susceptible varieties. Results show combining the use of DE with varietal resistance of rough rice to R. dominica could be used to limit populations of this insect in stored rice and help prevent economic damage.
No normalisation of the tendon structure and thickness after intratendinous surgery for chronic painful midportion Achilles tendinosis: Figure 1
Authors: Alfredson H , Zeisig E , Fahlström M 
Published: October 2008

Objective:To characterise Achilles tendon structure and thickness a minimum of 8 years after intratendinous surgery.Material and Methods:Fourteen patients (16 tendons; nine men and five women, mean age 43 years, range 27–55) surgically treated (intratendinous surgery) for chronic painful midportion Achilles tendinosis, were followed with clinical examination and grey-scale ultrasonography for a minimum of 8 years (range 8–16, mean 13).Results:All patients were satisfied with the result of surgery and were active in Achilles tendon loading activities without restrictions. In all operated tendons, structural abnormalities remained and tendons remained thicker than normal tendons.Conclusions:Resection of tendinosis is associated with persistent structural abnormalities and thickening of the tendon 13 years after surgery, despite successful clinical outcomes.
Targeting physical activity in a low socioeconomic status population: observations from the Norwegian “Romsås in Motion” study
Authors: Jenum A K , Lorentzen C A N , Ommundsen Y 
Published: October 2008

Objective:To summarise the main results of a community-based study on physical activity promotion — “Romsås in Motion”.Methods:The study assessed changes in physical activity, body mass and psychosocial mediators of physical activity from a pseudo-experimental cohort study involving two districts with low socioeconomic status in Oslo, Norway. In 2000, baseline investigation included 2950 30–67-year-olds — 48% of those invited. At follow-up in 2003 we measured 1776 subjects (67% of those eligible). A set of theoretically informed strategies targeting individuals, groups and the environment were implemented, tailored towards groups with different psychosocial readiness for change. Net changes (the difference between changes in the intervention and control districts) and results of mediation analyses related to the effect of the intervention are reported.Results:The increase in physical activity measured by two questionnaires was 9.5% (p = 0.008) and 8.1% (p = 0.02), respectively. The proportion who increased their body mass was reduced by 50% compared with the control district. Participation in walking and aerobic exercise groups, having seen the “Walk the stairs” poster and used the walk path, were particularly effective intervention components. The most promising psychosocial mediators of forward transition in stages of change were physical activity identity, perceived control, support from friends and family, and self-efficacy when facing psychological barriers.Conclusion:Through a theoretically informed, low-cost, population-based intervention programme an increase in physical activity levels and a reduced weight gain were observed. Mediation findings regarding forward transition in stages of change enhance our understanding of psychosocial mechanisms of behaviour change, and may prove helpful in guiding implementation and evaluation of future interventions.
A RECORDING-BASED APPROACH FOR IDENTIFYING SEISMIC SITE LIQUEFACTION AND NONLINEARITY VIA HHT DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: ZHANG RAY RUICHONG 
Published: October 2008

This study proposes an approach to identify earthquake-induced site liquefaction and/or nonlinearity from Hilbert–Huang–Transformation- or HHT-based data analysis of seismic motion recordings. The proposed approach fully utilizes unique features of the HHT method in characterizing instantaneous frequency and damping as well as temporal-frequency motion from the recordings, so as to single out and quantify liquefaction- and/or nonlinear-soil-related nonlinear phenomena shown in the recordings. With post-earthquake, site investigation as a reference, this study shows that the proposed approach is effective in characterizing site nonlinearity, quantifying nonlinear influences in site amplification, and diagnosing site liquefaction. Major results from this study are listed below.1. Predominant instantaneous frequency of earthquake motion is defined as the frequency with the largest amplitude in Hilbert amplitude spectra of the motion at a time instant, and subsequently used together with other motion features for identifying site liquefaction conditions. Analysis of 29 sets of seismic recordings with different liquefaction conditions shows that the proposed approach is more effective in detecting site liquefaction than other Fourier-based methods.2. HHT-based site amplification is defined as the ratio of marginal Hilbert amplitude spectra, similar to the Fourier-based one that is the ratio of Fourier amplitude spectra. The HHT-based site amplification can be used for effectively quantifying site nonlinearity in terms of frequency downshift in the low-frequency range and amplification-reduction factor in intermediate-frequency range in comparison with the Fourier-based one.3. Instantaneous damping, and Hilbert and marginal Hilbert damping spectra are defined in way similar to instantaneous frequency, and Hilbert and marginal Hilbert amplitude spectra, respectively. Consequently, the HHT-based site damping is found as the difference of marginal Hilbert damping spectra, which can be used as an alternative, complementary index to measure influences of site nonlinearity in seismic ground responses.
Retromalleolar Groove Impaction for the Treatment of Unstable Peroneal Tendons
Authors: Walther Markus , Morrison Robert , Mayer Bernd 
Published: October 2008

Background Several techniques are published for the treatment of peroneal tendon instability. Hypothesis The fibular retromalleolar groove impaction technique is a simple and reliable surgical procedure with low morbidity for the treatment of peroneal tendon instability. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Twenty-three consecutive patients (average age, 34.2 years; range, 16-57 years) with a symptomatic subluxation of the peroneal tendons but no other peroneal tendon injuries were included in the study. All patients were severely limited in sports participation by their symptoms. The mean preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 68.5 (range, 47-78). The reconstruction of the peroneal retromalleolar groove was performed by removing the cancellous bone behind the groove with a 3.5-mm drill. Then the entire peroneal rim was mobilized with small osteotomes at its edges and impacted into the fibula. Using this technique, it was possible to deepen the peroneal retromalleolar groove and to preserve the smooth surface of the peroneal rim at the same time. After the procedure, the patients were kept in a boot cast for 6 weeks with partial weight-bearing of 20 kg. The ankle joint was then mobilized under the supervision of a physical therapist. Linear sports activities were allowed after 7 weeks and unlimited sports after 12 weeks. Results No local wound problems were observed, and no further symptomatic subluxation or dislocation of the peroneal tendons was encountered during the 2-year follow-up. The mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved to 96.3 (range, 85-100). Conclusion Groove impaction offers a simple, quickly done procedure with low morbidity, relatively quick return to sports, and successful elimination of peroneal tendon instability.
Evaluation of human gene variant detection in amplicon pools by the GS-FLX parallel Pyrosequencer
Authors: Bordoni Roberta , Bonnal Raoul , Rizzi Ermanno , Carrera Paola , Benedetti Sara , Cremonesi Laura , Stenirri Stefania , Colombo Alessio , Montrasio Cristina , Bonalumi Sara , Albertini Alberto , Bernardi Luigi Rossi , Ferrari Maurizio , De Bellis Gianluca 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
A new priority in genome research is large-scale resequencing of genes to understand the molecular basis of hereditary disease and cancer. We assessed the ability of massively parallel pyrosequencing to identify sequence variants in pools. From a large collection of human PCR samples we selected 343 PCR products belonging to 16 disease genes and including a large spectrum of sequence variations previously identified by Sanger sequencing. The sequence variants included SNPs and small deletions and insertions (up to 44 bp), in homozygous or heterozygous state.

Results
The DNA was combined in 4 pools containing from 27 to 164 amplicons and from 8,9 to 50,8 Kb to sequence for a total of 110 Kb. Pyrosequencing generated over 80 million base pairs of data. Blind searching for sequence variations with a specifically designed bioinformatics procedure identified 465 putative sequence variants, including 412 true variants, 53 false positives (in or adjacent to homopolymeric tracts), no false negatives. All known variants in positions covered with at least 30× depth were correctly recognized.

Conclusion
Massively parallel pyrosequencing may be used to simplify and speed the search for DNA variations in PCR products. Our results encourage further studies to evaluate molecular diagnostics applications.
Regulatory and structural properties differentiating the chromosomal and the bacteriophage-associated Escherichia coli O157:H7 Cu, Zn Superoxide Dismutases
Authors: D'Orazio Melania , Scotti Raffaella , Nicolini Laura , Cervoni Laura , Rotilio Giuseppe , Battistoni Andrea , Gabbianelli Roberta 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Highly virulent enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains possess three sodC genes encoding for periplasmic Cu, Zn superoxide dismutases: sodC, which is identical to the gene present in non-pathogenic E. coli strains, and sodC-F1 and sodC-F2, two nearly identical genes located within lambdoid prophage sequences. The significance of this apparent sodC redundancy in E. coli O157:H7 has not yet been investigated.

Results
We report that strains deleted of one or more sodC genes are less resistant than the wild type strain to a challenge with hydrogen peroxide, thus confirming their involvement in the bacterial antioxidant apparatus. To understand if the different sodC genes have truly overlapping functions, we have carried out a comparison of the functional, structural and regulatory properties of the various E. coli O157:H7 SodC enzymes. We have found that the chromosomal and prophagic sodC genes are differentially regulated in vitro. sodC is exclusively expressed in aerobic cultures grown to the stationary phase. In contrast, sodC-F1 and sodC-F2 are expressed also in the logarithmic phase and in anaerobic cultures. Moreover, the abundance of SodC-F1/SodC-F2 increases with respect to that of SodC in bacteria recovered from infected Caco-2 cells, suggesting higher expression/stability of SodC-F1/SodC-F2 in intracellular environments. This observation correlates with the properties of the proteins. In fact, monomeric SodC and dimeric SodC-F1/SodC-F2 are characterized by sharp differences in catalytic activity, metal affinity, protease resistance and stability.

Conclusion
Our data show that the chromosomal and bacteriophage-associated E. coli O157:H7 sodC genes have different regulatory properties and encode for proteins with distinct structural/functional features, suggesting that they likely play distinctive roles in bacterial protection from reactive oxygen species. In particular, dimeric SodC-F1 and SodC-F2 possess physico-chemical properties which make these enzymes more suitable than SodC to resist the harsh environmental conditions which are encountered by bacteria within the infected host.
Genotypic and phenotypic diversity of Bacillus spp. isolated from steel plant waste
Authors: Freitas Dulcecleide B , Reis Mariana P , Lima-Bittencourt Cláudia I , Costa Patrícia S , Assis Paulo S , Chartone-Souza Edmar , Nascimento Andréa MA 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Molecular studies of Bacillus diversity in various environments have been reported. However, there have been few investigations concerning Bacillus in steel plant environments. In this study, genotypic and phenotypic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among 40 bacterial isolates recovered from steel plant waste were investigated using classical and molecular methods.

Results
16S rDNA partial sequencing assigned all the isolates to the Bacillus genus, with close genetic relatedness to the Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus groups, and to the species Bacillus sphaericus. tDNA-intergenic spacer length polymorphisms and the 16S–23S intergenic transcribed spacer region failed to identify the isolates at the species level. Genomic diversity was investigated by molecular typing with rep (repetitive sequence) based PCR using the primer sets ERIC2 (enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus), (GTG)5, and BOXAIR. Genotypic fingerprinting of the isolates reflected high intraspecies and interspecies diversity. Clustering of the isolates using ERIC-PCR fingerprinting was similar to that obtained from the 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic tree, indicating the potential of the former technique as a simple and useful tool for examining relationships among unknown Bacillus spp. Physiological, biochemical and heavy metal susceptibility profiles also indicated considerable phenotypic diversity. Among the heavy metal compounds tested Zn, Pb and Cu were least toxic to the bacterial isolates, whereas Ag inhibited all isolates at 0.001 mM.

Conclusion
Isolates with identical 16S rRNA gene sequences had different genomic fingerprints and differed considerably in their physiological capabilities, so the high levels of phenotypic diversity found in this study are likely to have ecological relevance.
Landmark guidance and vector navigation in outbound desert ants
Authors: Merkle Tobias , Wehner Rüdiger 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARY
This study deals with the influence landmark information has on the foraging behaviour of the desert ant, Cataglyphis fortis, especially with the interaction of such landmark information with the ants' path integration system. We show in the first experiment that desert ants that are captured immediately after leaving their nest and then transferred to a remote test area search for the nest rather than activate their previous path integration vector. In a second experiment, the ants had been trained to a landmark corridor on their way to the feeder. In the critical test situation,they were again captured immediately after they had left the nest and transferred to a test field where they faced one of the following three situations: (1) the same landmark corridor as used during the training phase,(2) no landmarks at all and (3) a landmark corridor rotated by 90 deg. as compared with the training situation. Nearly all ants in test situation (1)eventually followed the landmark corridor but most of them never reached the fictive feeder. In situation (2), the ants searched around the nest entrance. In situation (3), approximately one half of the ants searched for the nest,whereas most of the other ants followed the landmark corridor, i.e. headed in a completely wrong direction. Hence, familiar landmarks do not only influence the foraging behaviour of desert ants, e.g. in making the ants start their foraging runs but can even out-compete the ants' path integration system.
Clinical Impact of New Prostate-Specific Antigen WHO Standardization on Biopsy Rates and Cancer Detection
Authors: Jansen F H , Roobol M , Bangma C H , van Schaik R H N 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackground: Clinicians may be unaware that replacement of the historical total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) standard with the WHO 96/670 international standard leads to difficulties in interpreting tPSA results. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between the Hybritech and WHO calibrations of the Beckman Coulter tPSA assay, and to assess the impact on prostate cancer (PCa) detection.Methods: tPSA concentrations were measured in 106 serum samples with both Hybritech and WHO calibrations. The established relationships were used for an in silico experiment with a cohort of 5865 men. Differences in prostate biopsy rates, PCa detection, and characteristics of missed cancers were calculated at biopsy thresholds of 3.0 and 4.0 μg/L.Results: A linear relationship was observed between the 2 calibrations, with a 20.3% decrease in tPSA values with the WHO standard compared with the Hybritech calibration. Applying the WHO calibration to the cohort of 5865 men yielded a 20% or 19% decrease in prostate biopsies and a 19% or 20% decrease in detected cancers compared with the Hybritech calibration, at a cutoff for biopsy of 3.0 or 4.0 μg/L, respectively. The decrease in detected cancers declined to 9% or 11% if an abnormal result in a digital rectal examination or a transrectal ultrasound evaluation was used as trigger for prostate biopsy (cutoff of 3.0 or 4.0 μg/L, respectively).Conclusions: Application of the WHO standard for tPSA assays with commonly used tPSA thresholds leads to a significant decrease in PCa detection. Careful assessment of the relationship between the WHO standard and the thresholds used for prostate biopsy is hence necessary.
Automated Measurement of 25-OH Vitamin D3 on the Roche Modular E170 Analyzer
Authors: Leino Aila , Turpeinen Ursula , Koskinen Pertti 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackground: The first commercial direct automated immunoassay specific for 25-OH vitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) was recently introduced for use on Roche Diagnostics immunoassay analyzers. We assessed the analytical performance of the Elecsys 25-OH-D3 assay on a Roche Modular E 170 analyzer.Methods: The Elecsys 25-OH-D3 assay is a direct electrochemiluminescence immunoassay for human serum or plasma. It is a competitive assay in which the binding protein of vitamin D is inactivated during incubation. The assay employs a polyclonal antibody directed against 25-OH vitamin D3. We compared the 25-OH-D3 assay to assays performed with RIA, HPLC, and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).Results: At concentrations of 48, 76, and 124 nmol/L, within-run CVs were 5.1%, 3.1%, and 7.1% and total CVs were 12.1%, 7.4%, and 10.6%, respectively. A comparison of Elecsys 25-OH vitamin D3 with RIA yielded the regression equation: Elecsys = 1.114 × RIA – 6.15 (Sy|x = 15.7 nmol/L; n = 163). The corresponding equation with HPLC was: Elecsys = 1.077 × HPLC + 5.442 (Sy|x = 13.9 nmol/L; n = 67) and with LC-MS/MS: Elecsys = 0.887 × LC-MS/MS + 5.046 (Sy|x =12.4 nmol/L; n = 64). Contrary to LC-MS/MS, with the cutoff of 50 nmol/L (deficiency vs normal), approximately 10% of samples were misclassified as normal with RIA and Elecsys. Plasma samples were observed to have markedly higher concentrations than serum samples.Conclusions: The Elecsys concentrations of 25-OH-D3 were in good overall agreement with those determined with LC-MS/MS and RIA. However, large between-method variation was observed in individual patient samples. Use of serum rather than plasma is preferred owing to the higher results observed with plasma samples.
Assessing the Impact of the Frequency of Quality Control Testing on the Quality of Reported Patient Results
Authors: Parvin Curtis A 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Background: The traditional measure used to evaluate QC performance is the probability of rejecting an analytical run that contains a critical out-of-control error condition. The probability of rejecting an analytical run, however, is not affected by changes in QC-testing frequency. A different performance measure is necessary to assess the impact of the frequency of QC testing.
Methods: I used a statistical model to define in-control and out-of-control processes, laboratory testing modes, and quality control strategies.
Results: The expected increase in the number of unacceptable patient results reported during the presence of an undetected out-of-control error condition is a performance measure that is affected by changes in QC-testing frequency. I derived this measure for different out-of-control error conditions and laboratory testing modes and showed that a worst-case expected increase in the number of unacceptable patient results reported can be estimated. The laboratory thus has the ability to design QC strategies that limit the expected number of unacceptable patient results reported.
Conclusions: To assess the impact of the frequency of QC testing on QC performance, it is necessary to move beyond thinking in terms of the probability of accepting or rejecting analytical runs. A performance measure based on the expected increase in the number of unacceptable patient results reported has the dual advantage of objectively assessing the impact of changes in QC-testing frequency and putting focus on the quality of reported patient results rather than the quality of laboratory batches.