bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FusariumandCandida albicansBiofilms on Soft Contact Lenses: Model Development, Influence of Lens Type, and Susceptibility to Lens Care Solutions
Authors: Imamura Yoshifumi , Chandra Jyotsna , Mukherjee Pranab K. , Lattif Ali Abdul , Szczotka-Flynn Loretta B. , Pearlman Eric , Lass Jonathan H. , O'Donnell Kerry , Ghannoum Mahmoud A. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTFungal keratitis is commonly caused byFusariumspecies and less commonly byCandidaspecies. Recent outbreaks ofFusariumkeratitis were associated with contact lens wear and with ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens care solution, and biofilm formation on contact lens/lens cases was proposed to play a role in this outbreak. However, no in vitro model for contact lens-associated fungal biofilm has been developed. In this study, we developed and characterized in vitro models of biofilm formation on various soft contact lenses using three species ofFusariumandCandida albicans. The contact lenses tested were etafilcon A, galyfilcon A, lotrafilcon A, balafilcon A, alphafilcon A, and polymacon. Our results showed that clinical isolates ofFusariumandC. albicansformed biofilms on all types of lenses tested and that the biofilm architecture varied with the lens type. Moreover, differences in hyphal content and architecture were found between the biofilms formed by these fungi. We also found that two recently isolated keratitis-associated fusaria formed robust biofilms, while the reference ATCC 36031 strain (recommended by the International Organization for Standardization guidelines for testing of disinfectants) failed to form biofilm. Furthermore, using the developed in vitro biofilm model, we showed that phylogenetically diverse planktonic fusaria andCandidawere susceptible to MoistureLoc and MultiPlus. However,Fusariumbiofilms exhibited reduced susceptibility against these solutions in a species- and time-dependent manner. This in vitro model should provide a better understanding of the biology and pathogenesis of lens-related fungal keratitis.
Molecular Mechanism of Target Recognition by Subtilin, a Class I Lanthionine Antibiotic
Authors: Parisot Judicaël , Carey Sarah , Breukink Eefjan , Chan Weng C. , Narbad Arjan , Bonev Boyan 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT
The increasing resistance of human pathogens to conventional antibiotics presents a growing threat to the chemotherapeutic management of infectious diseases. The lanthionine antibiotics, still unused as therapeutic agents, have recently attracted significant scientific interest as models for targeting and management of bacterial infections. We investigated the action of one member of this class, subtilin, which permeabilizes lipid membranes in a lipid II-dependent manner and binds bactoprenyl pyrophosphate, akin to nisin. The role the C and N termini play in target recognition was investigated in vivo and in vitro by using the natural N-terminally succinylated subtilin as well as enzymatically truncated subtilin variants. Fluorescence dequenching experiments show that subtilin induces leakage in membranes in a lipid II-dependent manner and that N-succinylated subtilin is roughly 75-fold less active. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance was used to show that subtilin forms complexes with membrane isoprenyl pyrophosphates. Activity assays in vivo show that the N terminus of subtilin plays a critical role in its activity. Succinylation of the N terminus resulted in a 20-fold decrease in its activity, whereas deletion of N-terminal Trp abolished activity altogether.
Mefloquine-Induced Disruption of Calcium Homeostasis in Mammalian Cells Is Similar to That Induced by Ionomycin
Authors: Caridha D. , Yourick D. , Cabezas M. , Wolf L. , Hudson T. H. , Dow G. S. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTIn previous studies, we have shown that mefloquine disrupts calcium homeostasis in neurons by depletion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores, followed by an influx of external calcium across the plasma membrane. In this study, we explore two hypotheses concerning the mechanism(s) of action of mefloquine. First, we investigated the possibility that mefloquine activates non-N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptors and the inositol phosphate 3 (IP3) signaling cascade leading to ER calcium release. Second, we compared the disruptive effects of mefloquine on calcium homeostasis to those of ionomycin in neuronal and nonneuronal cells. Ionomycin is known to discharge the ER calcium store (through an undefined mechanism), which induces capacitative calcium entry (CCE). In radioligand binding assays, mefloquine showed no affinity for the known binding sites of several glutamate receptor subtypes. The pattern of neuroprotection induced by a panel of glutamate receptor antagonists was dissimilar to that of mefloquine. Both mefloquine and ionomycin exhibited dose-related and qualitatively similar disruptions of calcium homeostasis in both neurons and macrophages. The influx of external calcium was blocked by the inhibitors of CCE in a dose-related fashion. Both mefloquine and ionomycin upregulated the IP3 pathway in a manner that we interpret to be secondary to CCE. Collectively, these data suggest that mefloquine does not activate glutamate receptors and that it disrupts calcium homeostasis in mammalian cells in a manner similar to that of ionomycin.
Fitness Cost and Impaired Survival in Penicillin-Resistant
Streptococcus gordonii
Isolates Selected in the Laboratory
Authors: Haenni Marisa , Moreillon Philippe 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT

Cycling of
Streptococcus gordonii
(115 times) with penicillin resulted in a MIC increase of more than 100-fold, from 0.008 to 2 μg/ml. The 2-μg/ml MIC maximum was already reached after 36 passages but resulted in impaired fitness. Although the MIC did not increase further, fitness was partially recovered during the 79 additional cycles.
Nonrandom association patterns at northern long-eared bat maternity roosts
Authors: Garroway Colin J. , Broders Hugh G. 
Published: November 2007

Bats are among the most ecologically diverse mammalian orders. Most species live in groups for at least a portion of their life cycle and behavioural evidence suggests that individuals of many species live within complex nonrandomly assorting societies. However, rigorous quantitative characterizations of bat societies have been rare because of the difficulties inherent in studying these highly mobile, small, nocturnal animals. Here we use an automated monitoring system (PIT tags), telemetry, and recently developed analytical techniques to investigate the social organization (size, sexual composition, and spatiotemporal cohesion) and social structure (pattern of social interactions and relationships among individuals) of a colony of free-living northern long-eared bats, Myotis septentrionalis (Trouessart, 1897). Cluster analysis of HWI (half-weight association index) for all pairs and permutation tests indicate that colonies consist of multiple, nonrandomly assorting subgroups. A plot of the temporal persistence of relationships (standardized lagged association rate) showed that roosting groups dissociate over periods of approximately 10 days after which subsets of individuals remain associated throughout the summer roosting season. A model representing a two-levelled social structure of long-term (whole summer) and short-term (up to 10 days) acquaintances best fit the lagged association rate. Subgroups were most cohesive during the lactation period, but we found no evidence for the effects of minimum nightly temperature on subgroup cohesion.
Genetic structure of black rat populations in a rural plague focus in Madagascar
Authors: Gilabert A. , Loiseau A. , Duplantier J.-M. , Rahelinirina S. , Rahalison L. , Chanteau S. , Brouat C. 
Published: November 2007

The genetic structure of reservoir populations is a key characteristic in understanding the persistence of infectious diseases in natural systems. In the Highlands of Madagascar, where plague has persisted since 1920, the black rat, Rattus rattus (L., 1758), is the sole species acting as a reservoir of the disease. Ecological surveys have shown a clear correlation between the locations of the plague-persistence area in Madagascar (above 800 m elevation) and the distribution area of one endemic plague vector, the flea Synopsyllus fonquerniei , which is found exclusively on rats living outdoors. This clear habitat segregation has led to the suggestion that R. rattus populations in the central highlands are divided into indoor- and outdoor-dwelling populations. Using eight microsatellite markers, we analysed the genetic structure of R. rattus populations living within a human plague focus in relation to habitat and geographic distance. We found that habitat by itself was not a structuring factor, unlike geographic distance. Nevertheless, the significant genotypic differentiation of R. rattus populations that was found at a fine spatial scale might relate to differences in population dynamics between rats in indoor and outdoor habitats.
Terrestrial gastropod responses to an ecosystem-level calcium manipulation in a northern hardwood forest
Authors: Skeldon Monica A. , Vadeboncoeur Matthew A. , Hamburg Steven P. , Blum Joel D. 
Published: November 2007

The effects of acid deposition on soil calcium (Ca), and in turn on land snail populations, have been of heightened concern for several decades. We compiled a 10 year record (1997–2006) of gastropod abundance on two small watersheds at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, one of which was treated with a Ca addition in 1999. In years 3–7 post Ca addition, snail abundance in the treated watershed was 73% higher than in the reference area (p < 0.001); there was no significant difference in the 3 years prior to treatment, and no significant difference in slug abundance in any year. We analyzed relationships between snail density and microsite spatial variation in leaf-litter Ca concentration, litter-layer thickness, tree species composition, slope, dead wood, and forest-floor light level. We found that snail abundance was significantly correlated with litter Ca concentration (p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with the importance value of American beech (p = 0.05). Isotopic-tracer analysis indicated that, on average, 76% of Ca in snail shells 5 years post treatment was derived from the added Ca. However, interannual variation in snail numbers indicates that other factors beyond available Ca have a strong influence on snail abundance.
Socio-spatial organization of Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) in a low-density population of central Europe
Authors: Do Linh San Emmanuel , Ferrari Nicola , Weber Jean-Marc 
Published: November 2007

We studied the socio-spatial organization of Eurasian badgers (or European badgers), Meles meles (L., 1758), in a low-density population (estimate 1.8 badgers/km2) inhabiting a semi-rural area of western Switzerland. For this purpose, 8 badgers (5 males and 3 females) were caught at 5 different main setts and were radio-tracked between May 1994 and November 1996. The size of individual home ranges varied from 0.27 to 3.74 km2 (1.69 ± 1.33 km2 (mean ± SD), n = 8, 100% MCP), seemingly according to local variations in habitat productivity. Individual home ranges were spatially stable, but their size decreased significantly during winter (0.26 ± 0.42 km2, n = 7, 100% MCP). Badger social units consisted of 1–5 adults and (or) subadults (2.2 ± 1.5 animals, n = 9) and their yearly offspring. Group-range size varied from 0.57 to 3.74 km2 (2.12 ± 1.30 km2, n = 4) and seemed to be influenced by the spatial distribution pattern of food resources. Indeed, each group range encompassed approximately the same surface of agricultural land (about 0.60 km2). Territories were not well marked, some group ranges partly overlapped. Latrines, which were not numerous and principally located inside rather than along borders of group ranges, were only used irregularly or sporadically. This prompts us to encourage the reconsideration of the role of territorial behaviour in promoting group formation in Eurasian badgers.
PACKING A TRUCK — NOW WITH A TWIST!
Authors: EISENBRAND FRIEDRICH , FUNKE STEFAN , KARRENBAUER ANDREAS , REICHEL JOACHIM , SCHÖMER ELMAR 
Published: November 2007

In an industry project with a German car manufacturer we are faced with the challenge of placing a maximum number of uniform rigid rectangular boxes in the interior of a car trunk. The problem is of practical importance due to a European industry norm which requires car manufacturers to state the trunk volume according to this measure. No really satisfactory automated solution for this problem has been known in the past. In spite of its NP hardness, combinatorial optimization techniques, which consider only grid-aligned placements, produce solutions which are very close to the one achievable by a human expert in several hours of tedious work. The remaining gap is mostly due to the constraints imposed by the chosen grid. In this paper we present a new approach which combines the grid-based combinatorial method with Simulated Annealing on a continuous model. This allows us to explore arbitrary orientations and placements of boxes, hence closing the gap even further, and – in some cases – even surpass the manual expert solution. The implemented software system allows our industrial partner to incorporate the trunk volume in a very early stage of the car design process without relying on a repeated and cumbersome manual evaluation of the volume.
Wafer Bonding of Magneto-Optic Garnet and its Application to Waveguide Optical Devices
Authors: Mizumoto Tetsuya , Saito Hideki , Sakurai Kazumasa , Shoji Yuya 
Published: November 2007

Bonding a magneto-optic garnet to III-V compound semiconductor and LiNbO3 is discussed focused on the application to waveguide optical isolators. Two types of waveguide isolators, an interferometric isolator and a semi-leaky isolator, are described. The interferometric isolator uses nonreciprocal phase shift. The isolator has the advantage of integratability with optical active devices, since we can use a GaInAsP guiding layer. The semi-leaky isolator, which is composed of a magneto-optic garnet guiding and a LiNbO3 upper cladding layer has the advantages of large fabrication tolerance and wide operating wavelength range.	The performance of fabricated isolators is also described.
Deletion of murine kininogen gene 1 (mKng1) causes loss of plasma kininogen and delays thrombosis
Authors: Merkulov Sergei , Zhang Wan-Ming , Komar Anton A. , Schmaier Alvin H. , Barnes Ellen , Zhou Yihua , Lu Xincheng , Iwaki Takayuki , Castellino Francis J. , Luo Guangbin , McCrae Keith R. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractHigh-molecular-weight kininogen (HK) plays an important role in the assembly of the plasma kallikrein-kinin system. While the human genome contains a single copy of the kininogen gene, 3 copies exist in the rat (1 encoding K-kininogen and 2 encoding T-kininogen). Here, we confirm that the mouse genome contains 2 homologous kininogen genes, mKng1 and mKng2, and demonstrate that these genes are expressed in a tissue-specific manner. To determine the roles of these genes in murine development and physiology, we disrupted mKng1, which is expressed primarily in the liver. mKng1−/− mice were viable, but lacked plasma HK and low-molecular-weight kininogen (LK), as well as ΔmHK-D5, a novel kininogen isoform that lacks kininogen domain 5. Moreover, despite normal tail vein bleeding times, mKng1−/− mice displayed a significantly prolonged time to carotid artery occlusion following Rose Bengal administration and laser-induced arterial injury. These results suggest that a single gene, mKng1, is responsible for production of plasma kininogen, and that plasma HK contributes to induced arterial thrombosis in mice.
Endothelin Potentiates TRPV1 via ETAReceptor-Mediated Activation of Protein Kinase C
Authors: Plant Tim D , Zöllner Christian , Kepura Frauke , Mousa Shaaban S , Eichhorst Jenny , Schaefer Michael , Furkert Jens , Stein Christoph , Oksche Alexander 
Published: November 2007

Background:Endothelin-1 (ET-1) both stimulates nociceptors and sensitizes them to noxious stimuli, an effect probably mediated by the ETAreceptor (ETAR) expressed in sensory neurons. The cellular mechanisms of this ET-1-mediated effect are only poorly understood. TRPV1, the heat-, pH- and capsaicin-sensitive cation channel already known to be modulated by a number of cellular mediators released in response to noxious stimuli and during inflammation, is a potential target for the action of ET-1.Results:We studied the effects of ET-1 on TRPV1 in sensory neurons from the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and in HEK293 cells coexpressing TRPV1 and the ETAR. Specific125I-ET-1 binding sites (817 ± 92 fmol/mg) were detected in membrane preparations of DRG with an ETAR/ETBR ratio of 60:40. In an immunofluorescence analysis, coexpression of TRPV1 and the ETAR was found in a subpopulation of primary sensory neurons. ET-1 strongly potentiated capsaicin-induced TRPV1 currents in some neurons, and in HEK293 cells co-expressing TRPV1 and the ETAR. Weaker potentiation was observed in HEK293 cells coexpressing TRPV1 and the ETBR. ETAR activation also increased responses to low pH and heat. In HEK293 cells, strong potentiation of TRPV1 like that induced by ET-1 via the ETAR could be induced by PKC activation, but not with activators of the adenylyl cyclase or the PKA pathway. Furthermore, inhibition of PKC with bisindolylmaleimide X (BIM X) or mutation of the PKC phosphorylation site S800 completely prevented ETAR-mediated potentiation.Conclusion:We conclude that ET-1 potentiates TRPV1 by a PKC-dependent mechanism and that this could play a major role in the algogenic and hyperalgesic effects of ET-1 described in previous studies.
Ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, radiography, and clinical assessment of inflammatory and destructive changes in fingers and toes of patients with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Wiell Charlotte , Szkudlarek Marcin , Hasselquist Maria , Møller Jakob M , Vestergaard Aage , Nørregaard Jesper , Terslev Lene , Østergaard Mikkel 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to assess ultrasonography (US) for the detection of inflammatory and destructive changes in finger and toe joints, tendons, and entheses in patients with psoriasis-associated arthritis (PsA) by comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), projection radiography (x-ray), and clinical findings. Fifteen patients with PsA, 5 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 5 healthy control persons were examined by means of US, contrast-enhanced MRI, x-ray, and clinical assessment. Each joint of the 2nd–5th finger (metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal [PIP] joints, and distal interphalangeal [DIP] joints) and 1st–5th metatarsophalangeal joints of both hands and feet were assessed with US for the presence of synovitis, bone erosions, bone proliferations, and capsular/extracapsular power Doppler signal (only in the PIP joints). The 2nd–5th flexor and extensor tendons of the fingers were assessed for the presence of insertional changes and tenosynovitis. One hand was assessed by means of MRI for the aforementioned changes. X-rays of both hands and feet were assessed for bone erosions and proliferations. US was repeated in 8 persons by another ultrasonographer. US and MRI were more sensitive to inflammatory and destructive changes than x-ray and clinical examination, and US showed a good interobserver agreement for bone changes (median 96% absolute agreement) and lower interobserver agreement for inflammatory changes (median 92% absolute agreement). A high absolute agreement (85% to 100%) for all destructive changes and a more moderate absolute agreement (73% to 100%) for the inflammatory pathologies were found between US and MRI. US detected a higher frequency of DIP joint changes in the PsA patients compared with RA patients. In particular, bone changes were found exclusively in PsA DIP joints. Furthermore, bone proliferations were more common and tenosynovitis was less frequent in PsA than RA. For other pathologies, no disease-specific pattern was observed. US and MRI have major potential for improved examination of joints, tendons, and entheses in fingers and toes of patients with PsA.
Ovulatory Response to Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Associated with a Polymorphism in the STK11 Gene
Authors: Legro Richard S. , Barnhart Huiman X. , Schlaff William D. , Carr Bruce R. , Diamond Michael P. , Carson Sandra A. , Steinkampf Michael P. , Coutifaris Christos , McGovern Peter G. , Cataldo Nicholas A. , Gosman Gabriella G. , Nestler John E. , Giudice Linda C. , Ewens Kathryn G. , Spielman Richard S. , Leppert Phyllis C. , Myers Evan R. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Context: Clomiphene and insulin sensitizers such as metformin are used to induce ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the ovulatory response is variable, and the causes of this variation are poorly understood.
Objective: Our objective was to identify predictive genetic polymorphisms and other determinants of ovulatory response.
Design: This was a substudy of a multicenter randomized clinical trial.
Setting: This study was performed at academic medical centers and their affiliates.
Participants: A total of 312 women with PCOS were included in the study.
Main Outcome Measures: Historical, biometric, biochemical, and genetic parameters were performed.
Results: We found that the C allele of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the STK11 gene (expressed in liver; also known as LKB1) was associated with a significantly decreased chance of ovulation in PCOS women treated with metformin. In an analysis of ovulation per cycle, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) comparing the C/C genotype to the G/G genotype was 0.30 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14, 0.66], and the OR for the C/G genotype vs. the G/G genotype was also 0.30 (95% CI 0.14, 0.66). In an analysis of metformin-treated subjects, we found that the percentage of women who ovulated increased with the number of G alleles present: 48% (10 of 21) of C/C women, 67% (32 of 48) of C/G women, and 79% (15 of 19) of G/G women ovulated. We also found that increased frequency of ovulation was associated with lower body mass index (BMI) [adjusted OR of 2.36 (95% CI 1.65, 3.36) and 2.05 (95% CI 1.46, 2.88), respectively, for comparisons of BMI less than 30 vs. BMI equal to or more than 35, BMI 30–34 vs. BMI equal to or more than 35, in the analysis of ovulation per cycle], a lower free androgen index (FAI) [adjusted OR of 1.59 (95% CI 1.17, 2.18) for FAI &lt; 10 vs. FAI ≥ 10], and a shorter duration of attempting conception [adjusted OR of 1.63 (95% CI 1.20, 2.21) for &lt; 1.5 vs. ≥ 1.5 yr].
Conclusions: We have demonstrated that a polymorphism in STK11, a kinase gene expressed in liver and implicated in metformin action, is associated with ovulatory response to treatment with metformin alone in a prospective randomized trial. The interaction with the effects of changes in modifiable factors (e.g. BMI or FAI) requires further study.