bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mid-infrared period–magnitude relations for AGB stars
Authors: Glass I. S. , Schultheis M. , Blommaert J. A. D. L. , Sahai R. , Stute M. , Uttenthaler S. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) variables are found to obey period–luminosity relations in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) similar to those seen at KS (2.14 μm), even at 24 μm where emission from circumstellar dust is expected to be dominant. Their loci in the M, log P diagrams are essentially the same for the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and for NGC 6522 in spite of different ages and metallicities. There is no systematic trend of slope with wavelength. The offsets of the apparent magnitude versus log P relations imply a difference between the two fields of 3.8 in distance modulus. The colours of the variables confirm that a principal period with log P &gt; 1.75 is a necessary condition for detectable mass loss. At the longest observed wavelength, 24 μm, many semiregular variables have dust shells comparable in luminosity to those around Miras. There is a clear bifurcation in LMC colour–magnitude diagrams involving 24 μm magnitudes.
Drivers of Unsustainable Land Use in the Semi‐Arid Khabur River Basin, Syria
Authors: HOLE FRANK 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe semi‐arid zone of Southwest Asia, known as the Fertile Crescent, is under unprecedented stress because of agricultural development. Where rain‐fed agriculture and transhumant herding had prevailed over ten millennia, today intensive cultivation with irrigation threatens future sustainability. A number of interconnected, but uncoordinated drivers of change combine to shape the landscape and its future, and their changes make it hard to anticipate future requirements and opportunities, as well as to implement policies, whether by local stakeholders or at the national level. Among the factors that comprise the socio‐natural systems are (1) climate, (2) water and soil resources, (3) history of land use, (4) social, economic and political factors, (5) infrastructural developments (6) interstate impacts, and (7) legacies of the past. The example of the Khabur River drainage in northeastern Syria shows the dynamic interplay among these factors over the past 70 years, with implications for the way future policies and practices are developed.
History of Deforestation and Reforestation in the Dinaric Karst
Authors: KRANJC ANDREJ 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe term karst derives from the Kras plateau, which is in the northwestern part of the area now known as the Dinaric Karst. The landscape consists mostly of Mesozoic carbonate rocks and stretches along the Adriatic Sea coast for a distance of 600 km. Although the region lies parallel to the sea, the Mediterranean temperature influence is limited to a narrow coastal belt, except for the amount of precipitation, which can reach 5000 mm yr−1. Forests belonging to the Mediterranean and Euro‐Siberian – North American region, covered the primary Dinaric Karst. Human deforestation of the Karst began during the Neolithic period, 6500–6000 BC. Throughout history there have been two main reasons for deforestation; economic (the requirements of new land, pastures, timber use and trade), and social (local increases in population, mass migration, wars, raids). Mankind's perception of forest protection and preservation can be traced through documents going back to the 12th century. Reforestation is mentioned in some of them, but successful reforestation did not begin until the 1850s. Nowadays dense natural forests, extensive forest plantations, dry karst shrublands and also completely barren karst areas can all be found on the Dinaric Karst.
Lesion Profiling at Primary Isolation in RIII Mice is Insufficient in Distinguishing BSE from Classical Scrapie
Authors: Beck Katy E. , Chaplin Melanie , Stack Michael , Sallis Rosemary E. , Simonini Sarah , Lockey Richard , Spiropoulos John 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPrimary isolation of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in RIII mice generates a lesion profile believed to be reproducible and distinct from that produced by classical scrapie. This profile, which is characterized by peaks at gray matter areas 1, 4 and 7 (dorsal medulla, hypothalamus and septal nuclei), is used to diagnose BSE on primary isolation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the BSE agent could be present in sheep diagnosed with classical scrapie, using lesion profiles in RIII mice as a discriminatory method. Sixty‐two positive scrapie field cases were collected from individual farms between 1996 and 1999 and bioassayed in RIII mice. Fifty‐five of these isolates transmitted successfully to at least one mouse. Of the 31 that produced adequate data to allow lesion profile analysis, 10 showed a consistent profile with peaks at brain areas 1, 4 and 7. All inocula for this subgroup were derived from sheep of genotype ARQ/ARQ. While the 1‐4‐7‐scrapie profile exhibited similarities to BSE in RIII mice at primary isolation, it was distinguishable based on histopathology, immunohistochemistry and cluster analysis. We conclude that caution should be taken to distinguish this profile from BSE and that additional parameters should be considered to reach a final diagnosis.
Nine novel, polymorphic microsatellite markers for the study of threatened Caribbean acroporid corals
Authors: BAUMS I. B. , DEVLIN‐DURANTE M. K. , BROWN L. , PINZÓN J. H. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractCaribbean reef‐building corals in the genus Acropora have been declining dramatically since the 1980s and are now listed as threatened. The study of their complex reproductive system (mixed asexual and sexual) and their population structure requires highly polymorphic nuclear genetic markers. Of eight previously developed microsatellite loci for A. palmata, only five behaved in a Mendelian fashion and only four reliably amplified the sister species, A. cervicornis. Here, nine novel microsatellite markers are presented that dramatically increase the power to distinguish between asexual and sexual reproductive events and may help to refine population boundaries and gene flow across their ranges.
Isomeric cysteinyldopas provide a (photo)degradable bulk component and a robust structural element in red human hair pheomelanin
Authors: Greco Giorgia , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Panzella Lucia , Ito Shosuke , Napolitano Alessandra , D’Ischia Marco 
Published: February 2009

SummaryAlkaline H2O2 degradation of red hair pheomelanin gave, besides 6‐(2‐amino‐2‐carboxyethyl)‐2‐carboxy‐4‐hydroxybenzothiazole (BTCA), a new product which was identified as 7‐(2‐amino‐2‐carboxyethyl)‐2‐carboxy‐4‐hydroxybenzothiazole (BTCA‐2) originating from 2‐S‐cysteinyldopa (2SCD) derived units. BTCA‐2 was also obtained from a variety of pheomelanic tissues and synthetic pigments. Simultaneous determination of BTCA and BTCA‐2 in segments of red hair locks taken at variable distances from the scalp in a group of 19 individuals indicated an abrupt drop of BTCA yields on passing from root to tip, whereas BTCA‐2 values remained virtually constant throughout hair length. Analysis of 4‐amino‐3‐hydroxyphenylalanine (AHP) and 3‐aminotyrosine (AT) in the same lock segments showed a closely similar trend, whereas yields of thiazole‐2,4,5‐tricarboxylic acid (TTCA) increased with increasing the distance from the scalp. Prolonged exposure of hair locks to sunlight caused a significant decrease in BTCA‐, but not BTCA‐2‐yielding elements. Finally, model studies showed a substantial degradation of 5SCD‐, but not 2SCD‐derived units, during pheomelanin synthesis in vitro. It is concluded that red hair pheomelanin consists of a degradable 5SCD‐derived bulk component associated with stable 2SCD‐derived units. Structural degradation occurs during hair growth probably as a result of oxidative processes related in part to sun exposure.
Biomechanical comparison of suture anchor versus margin convergence plus suture anchor for rotator cuff repair
Authors: Chen Shi‐yi , Malcarney Hilary L , Murrell George A C 
Published: February 2009

Objective:  To evaluate results of margin convergence versus suture anchors in rotator cuff repair, and to determine which method is mechanically superior.Methods:  Eighteen kangaroo shoulders were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6). A full thickness tendon defect 1.0 cm × 1.5 cm in size was created in the supraspinatus tendon at humeral insertion, simulating a massive rotator cuff tear. Three different techniques were employed for rotator cuff repair: (i) Mitek GII suture anchor alone (Group 1); (ii) margin convergence alone (Group 2); and (iii) margin convergence plus Mitek GII suture anchor (Group 3). Combined loads were applied to each specimen. After completion of cyclic loading, the construct was loaded to failure. ANOVA and LSD (Least Significant Difference) multiple comparisons of the means were applied to results.Results:  Cyclic load testing showed progressive gap formation in each repaired specimen with increasing cycles. Group 1 reached 50% failure at an average of 34 cycles, Group 2 at 75 cycles and Group 3 at 73 cycles. There were significant difference between Groups 1 and 2, and Groups 1 and 3 (P ≤ 0.001). After 100 loading cycles, the average gap size was 6.8 mm, 6.1 mm and 4.7 mm in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. There was a significant difference between Groups 1 and 3 (P ≤ 0.015). All specimens eventually reached failure.Conclusion:  Rotator cuff repairs with margin convergence +/− suture anchor were far stronger than suture anchor alone, both in gap formation and ultimate failure load. However, progressive gap formation with cyclic loading seems inevitable after cuff repair, which may facilitate clinical understanding of the phenomena of re‐tear or residual defect.
Analysis of long‐term outcomes of double‐strut bone graft for osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Wang Yi‐sheng , Yin Li , Lu Zhong‐dao , Wu Xue‐jian , Liu Hong‐jian 
Published: February 2009

Objective:  To analyze the long‐term effect of double‐strut bone graft for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).Methods:  A total of 366 adult patients with ONFH in 466 hips underwent double‐strut bone graft from March 1988 to January 1999. Of them, 186 patients with 206 hips and an average age of 32.2 years (range, 20–60 years) were followed up for more than five years, up to January 2006. Based on the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) classification, there were 36 hips in stage IIB, and 30, 40, 40, 32 and 28 in stage IIC, IIIA, IIIB, IIIC and IV, respectively. The functional results of affected hips were evaluated by the hundred forked method.Results:  Hip pain in all patients disappeared or alleviated greatly after the operation. The height of the femoral head improved to various extents, and the range of motion of the hip joint increased. The patients were followed up for 5–16 years, (average 10.5 years). The total scores increased significantly postoperatively (P < 0.01). The rate of excellent and good results was 83.3%, 80.0%, 75.0%, 65.0%, 40.6% and 28.6% in stage IIB, IIC, IIIA, IIIB, IIIC and IV, respectively (63.6% for the whole group).Conclusion:  The long–term effect of double‐strut bone graft for ONFH is satisfactory in relation to staging of ONFH. Favorable results can be expected in young ONFH patients in stage IIB, IIC, and IIIA, IIIB.
Prospective Nationwide Study of
Aeromonas
Infections in France
Authors: Lamy Brigitte , Kodjo Angeli , Laurent Frédéric 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

We report a systematic prospective multicenter nationwide study of clinical
Aeromonas
infections in France. During 6 months (May to October 2006), 78 cases of aeromonosis were reviewed for risk factors and clinical, microbiological, and antimicrobial susceptibility data. They included wound infections (44%), bacteremia (26%), enteritis (19%), respiratory tract infections (6%), and miscellaneous (5%) infections.
Staphylococcus lugdunensis
, a Common Cause of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the Community
Authors: Böcher Sidsel , Tønning Birgitte , Skov Robert L. , Prag Jørgen 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus lugdunensis
, a rare cause of severe infections such as native valve endocarditis, often causes superficial skin infections similar to
Staphylococcus aureus
infections. We initiated a study to optimize the identification methods in the routine laboratory, followed by a population-based epidemiologic analysis of patients infected with
S. lugdunensis
in Viborg County, Denmark. Recognition of a characteristic
Eikenella corrodens
-like odor on Columbia sheep blood agar combined with colony pleomorphism and prominent β-hemolysis after 2 days of incubation, confirmed by API-ID-32 Staph, led to an 11-fold increase in the detection of
S. lugdunensis
. By these methods we found 491
S. lugdunensis
infections in 4 years, corresponding to an incidence of 53 per 100,000 per year, an increase from 5 infections per 100,000 inhabitants in the preceding years. Seventy-five percent of the cases were found in general practice; these were dominated by skin abscesses (36%), wound infections (25%), and paronychias (13%). Fifty-six percent of the infections occurred below the waist, and toes were the most frequently infected site (21%). Only 3% of the patients suffered from severe invasive infections. The median age was 52 years, and the male/female ratio was 0.69. Our study shows that
S. lugdunensis
is a common cause of skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTI) and is probably underrated by many laboratories.
S. lugdunensis
should be accepted as a significant pathogen in SSTI and should be looked for in all routine bacteriological examinations, and clinicians should be acquainted with the name and the pathology of the bacterium.
Multiplexed Real-Time PCR Assay for Discrimination of
Plasmodium
Species with Improved Sensitivity for Mixed Infections
Authors: Shokoples Sandra E. , Ndao Momar , Kowalewska-Grochowska Kinga , Yanow Stephanie K. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

The implementation of real-time PCR for the diagnosis of malaria has been hampered by poor sensitivity for the detection of mixed infections. We have optimized a method that enhances the sensitivity of detection of minor species in mixed infections within a single multiplex reaction. Our assay uses species-specific forward primers in combination with a conserved reverse primer and largely overcomes primer competition for the minor species DNA. With a blind panel of clinical samples, we successfully identified the species in 13/16 mixed infections. This assay was further validated with 91 blood samples and demonstrated a specificity and sensitivity for single infections of 100% compared with nested PCR as the “gold standard.” This test has been implemented for routine confirmation of malaria species in Alberta, Canada. In comparison with species identification by microscopy, the real-time PCR test demonstrated greater sensitivity for the identification of species causing low-level and mixed infections and for the discrimination of
Plasmodium
species other than
Plasmodium falciparum
. Our experience supports a role for real-time PCR in the identification of malarial species in conjunction with microscopy.
Molecular Diagnosis of Disseminated Adiaspiromycosis Due toEmmonsia crescens
Authors: Dot J.-M. , Debourgogne A. , Champigneulle J. , Salles Y. , Brizion M. , Puyhardy J. M. , Collomb J. , Plénat F. , Machouart M. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTEmmonsia crescensis a saprophytic fungus that is distributed worldwide, causing diseases mostly in rodents. It has also been described, though rarely, as an etiologic agent of pulmonary pathology in humans, potentially leading to death. A case of pulmonary adiaspiromycosis is reported in a 30-year-old immunocompetent man. The patient presented with a history of several weeks of weakness, cough, fever, and weight loss of 10 kg. Clinical and radiographic findings showed pulmonary lesions consistent with tuberculosis or histoplasmosis, but no pathogen was found with classical microbiological procedures. The diagnosis of adiaspiromycosis due toEmmonsia crescenswas initially made using molecular biology techniques. Histological observations subsequently confirmed the presence of adiaspores in granulomas. To our knowledge, this is the first case of adiaspiromycosis diagnosed by PCR and sequencing. The patient was treated with itraconazole and was seen at 1 month with symptomatic improvement. Here we will discuss this rare fungal infection and its difficult treatment and diagnosis. As represented in this case, molecular biology is a powerful method to optimize diagnostic tests and therefore improve the care of the infected patient.
Rotavirus Antagonizes Cellular Antiviral Responses by Inhibiting the Nuclear Accumulation of STAT1, STAT2, and NF-κB
Authors: Holloway Gavan , Truong Thanhmai T. , Coulson Barbara S. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTA vital arm of the innate immune response to viral infection is the induction and subsequent antiviral effects of interferon (IFN). Rotavirus reduces type I IFN induction in infected cells by the degradation of IFN regulatory factors. Here, we show that the monkey rotavirus RRV and human rotavirus Wa also block gene expression induced by type I and II IFNs through a mechanism allowing signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and STAT2 activation but preventing their nuclear accumulation. In infected cells, this may allow rotavirus to block the antiviral actions of IFN produced early in infection or by activated immune cells. As the intracellular expression of rotavirus nonstructural proteins NSP1, NSP3, and NSP4 individually did not inhibit IFN-stimulated gene expression, their involvement in this process is unlikely. RRV and Wa rotaviruses also prevented the tumor necrosis factor alpha-stimulated nuclear accumulation of NF-κB and NF-κB-driven gene expression. In addition, NF-κB was activated by rotavirus infection, confirming earlier findings by others. As NF-κB is important for the induction of IFN and other cytokines during viral infection, this suggests that rotavirus prevents cellular transcription as a means to evade host responses. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of this strategy by a double-stranded RNA virus.
The Signal Peptide of a Simple Retrovirus Envelope Functions as a Posttranscriptional Regulator of Viral Gene Expression
Authors: Caporale Marco , Arnaud Frederick , Mura Manuela , Golder Matthew , Murgia Claudio , Palmarini Massimo 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Retroviruses use different strategies to regulate transcription and translation and exploit the cellular machinery involved in these processes. This study shows that the signal peptide of the envelope glycoprotein (Env) of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) plays a major role in posttranscriptional viral gene expression. Expression of the JSRV Env in
trans
increases viral particle production by mechanisms dependent on (i) its leader sequence, (ii) an intact signal peptide cleavage site, (iii) a
cis
-acting RNA-responsive element located in the viral genome, (iv) Crm1, and (v) B23. The signal peptide of the JSRV Env (JSE-SP) is 80 amino acid residues in length and contains putative nuclear localization and export signals, in addition to an arginine-rich RNA binding motif. JSE-SP localizes both in the endoplasmic reticulum and in the nucleus, where it colocalizes with nucleolar markers. JSE-SP is a multifunctional protein, as it moderately enhances nuclear export of unspliced viral mRNA and considerably increases viral particle release by favoring a posttranslational step of the replication cycle.
Receptor-Dependent and -Independent Axonal Retrograde Transport of Poliovirus in Motor Neurons
Authors: Ohka Seii , Sakai Mai , Bohnert Stephanie , Igarashi Hiroko , Deinhardt Katrin , Schiavo Giampietro , Nomoto Akio 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT
Poliovirus (PV), when injected intramuscularly into the calf, is incorporated into the sciatic nerve and causes an initial paralysis of the inoculated limb in transgenic (Tg) mice carrying the human PV receptor (hPVR/CD155) gene. We have previously demonstrated that a fast retrograde axonal transport process is required for PV dissemination through the sciatic nerves of hPVR-Tg mice and that intramuscularly inoculated PV causes paralytic disease in an hPVR-dependent manner. Here we showed that hPVR-independent axonal transport of PV was observed in hPVR-Tg and non-Tg mice, indicating that several different pathways for PV axonal transport exist in these mice. Using primary motor neurons (MNs) isolated from these mice or rats, we demonstrated that the axonal transport of PV requires several kinetically different motor machineries and that fast transport relies on a system involving cytoplasmic dynein. Unexpectedly, the hPVR-independent axonal transport of PV was not observed in cultured MNs. Thus, PV transport machineries in cultured MNs and in vivo differ in their hPVR requirements. These results suggest that the axonal trafficking of PV is carried out by several distinct pathways and that MNs in culture and in the sciatic nerve in situ are intrinsically different in the uptake and axonal transport of PV.
The
Autographa californica
Multicapsid Nucleopolyhedrovirus GP64 Protein: Analysis of Transmembrane Domain Length and Sequence Requirements
Authors: Li Zhaofei , Blissard Gary W. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

GP64, the major envelope glycoprotein of the
Autographa californica
multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus budded virion, is important for host cell receptor binding and mediates low-pH-triggered membrane fusion during entry by endocytosis. Previous transmembrane (TM) domain replacement studies showed that the TM domain serves a critical role in GP64 function. To extend the prior studies and examine specific sequence requirements of the TM domain, we generated a variety of GP64 TM domain mutations. The mutations included 4- to 8-amino-acid deletions, as well as single and multiple point mutations. While most TM domain deletion constructs remained fusion competent, those containing deletions of eight amino acids from the C terminus did not mediate detectable fusion. The addition of a hydrophobic amino acid (A, L, or V) to the C terminus of construct C8 (a construct that contains a TM domain deletion of eight amino acids from the C terminus) restored fusion activity. These data suggest that the membrane fusion function of GP64 is dependent on a critical length of the hydrophobic TM domain. All GP64 proteins with a truncated TM domain mediated detectable virion budding with dramatically lower levels of efficiency than wild-type GP64. The effects of deletions of various lengths and positions in the TM domain were also examined for their effects on viral infectivity. Further analysis of the TM domain by single amino acid substitutions and 3-alanine scanning mutations identified important but not essential amino acid positions. These studies showed that amino acids at positions 485 to 487 and 503 to 505 are important for cell surface expression of GP64, while amino acids at positions 483 to 484 and 494 to 496 are important for virus budding. Overall, our results show that specific features and amino acid sequences, particularly the length of the hydrophobic TM domain, play critical roles in membrane anchoring, membrane fusion, virus budding, and infectivity.