bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinction between heavy metal and organic toxicity using EDTA chelation and microbial assays
Authors: Mazidji C. N. , Koopman B. , Bitton G. , Neita D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractUse of the EDTA chelation test in conjunction with microbioassays for general toxicity (Microtox) and heavy metal toxicity (β‐galactosidase activity) allowed us to identify the presence of heavy metal toxicity, and to distinguish between cases in which toxicity was due solely to either heavy metals, organic compounds, or a mixture of these chemicals. The technique is effective over a wide range of water hardness and pH. Screening of industrial wastewater samples by the EDTA‐microbioassay technique gave results that were consistent with chemical analysis of samples by atomic absorption. © 1992 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
Microbial degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic nitrogen heterocyclics
Authors: Liu D. , Maguire R. J. , Pacepavicius G. J. , Nagy E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractFermentor studies were conducted to examine the microbial degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene) and a polycyclic aromatic nitrogen heterocyclic (quinoline) using a mixed bacterial culture capable of utilizing these compounds as the sole carbon and energy source for growth. Half‐lives for the three PAHs in the cyclone fermentor system ranged from 1 day for naphthalene to 4 days for anthracene. Several major metabolites during the biodegradation of PAHs were also identified. These included 2‐hydroxybenzoic acid and 1‐naphthalenol (for naphthalene); 1‐phenanthrenol and 1‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthalenecarboxylic acid (for phenanthrene); and 3‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthalenecarboxylic acid (for anthracene). Thus our bacterial culture biodegraded the three PAHs by initial hydroxylation of the molecule followed by the eventual cleavage of the ring to yield the ortho‐ or meta‐cleavage intermediates, which would be further metabolized via conventional metabolic pathways. However, biodegradation of the nitrogen‐containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compound quinoline by our culture resulted in the accumulation of 4–5 metabolites, one of which has been identified as 2‐quinolinol. Work is in progress to identify the other metabolites from quinoline degradation. © 1992 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
Potential genotoxicity of sediments from the Great Lakes
Authors: Johnson B. Thomas 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThirty‐eight organic extracts of sediment samples collected from 28 sites in three Great Lakes priority areas (Grand Calumet River, Buffalo River, and Saginaw River) were evaluated with the new activated Mutatox Genotoxicity Assay. This in vitro procaryotic assay used rat hepatic S9 for exogenous metabolic activation and a dark mutant strain of the luminescent bacterium Photobacterium phosphoreum for detection of environmental DNA‐damaging substances (genotoxins). A genotoxic response was indicated when the test chemical restored the luminescent state in bacteria; the degree of light increase identified the relative genotoxicity of the sample. Within the three priority areas sampled, 27 sites showed evidence of genotoxins, 23 of 28 sites (82%) were designated genotoxic; 4 were suspect (14%), and 1 was negative (3%). Assay sensitivity to known progenotoxins arylamines (2‐aminoanthracene and 2‐aminofluorene) and polycyclic arylhydrocarbons [benzo(α)pyrene and pyrene] in complex sediment mixtures was ⩾1 μg per cuvette. The activated Mutatox Assay was a sensitive, specific, predictive, and short‐term test for detecting the presence of genotoxins in complex environmental sediments.
Different roles of P1 and P2 Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosomal stalk proteins revealed by cross‐linking
Authors: Qiu Deyi , Parada Pilar , Marcos Alberto García , Cárdenas David , Remacha Miguel , Ballesta Juan P. G. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe stalk is an essential domain of the large ribosomal subunit formed by a complex of a set of very acidic proteins bound to a core rRNA binding component. While in prokaryotes there is only one type acidic protein, L7/12, two protein families are found in eukaryotes, phosphoproteins P1 and P2, which presumably have different roles. To search for differences zero‐length cross‐linking by S‐S bridge formation was applied using Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant P1 and P2 proteins carrying single cysteine residues at various positions. The results show a more exposed location of the N‐terminal domain of the P2 proteins, which in contrast to P1, can be found as dimers when the Cys is introduced in this domain. Similarly, the Cys containing C‐terminal domain of mutant P2 proteins shows a notable capacity to form cross‐links with other proteins, which is considerably lower in the P1 type. On the other hand, mutation at the conserved C‐domain of protein P0, the eukaryotic stalk rRNA binding component, results in removal of about 14 terminal amino acids. Protein P2, but not P1, protects mutant P0 from this truncation. These results support a eukaryotic stalk structure in which P1 proteins are internally located with their C‐terminals having a restricted reactivity while P2 proteins are more external and accessible to interact with other cellular components.
Identification of the core transmembrane complex of the Legionella Dot/Icm type IV secretion system
Authors: Vincent Carr D. , Friedman Jonathan R. , Jeong Kwang Cheol , Buford Emily C. , Miller Jennifer L. , Vogel Joseph P. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryType IV secretion systems (T4SS) are utilized by a wide range of Gram negative bacteria to deliver protein and DNA substrates to recipient cells. The best characterized T4SS are the type IVA systems, which exhibit extensive similarity to the Agrobacterium VirB T4SS. In contrast, type IVB secretion systems share almost no sequence homology to the type IVA systems, are composed of approximately twice as many proteins, and remain largely uncharacterized. Type IVB systems include the Dot/Icm systems found in the pathogens Legionella and Coxiella and the conjugative apparatus of IncI plasmids. Here we report the first extensive characterization of a type IVB system, the Legionella Dot/Icm secretion apparatus. Based on biochemical and genetic analysis, we discerned the existence of a critical five‐protein subassembly that spans both bacterial membranes and comprises the core of the secretion complex. This transmembrane connection is mediated by protein dimer pairs consisting of two inner membrane proteins, DotF and DotG, which are able to independently associate with DotH/DotC/DotD in the outer membrane. The Legionella core subcomplex appears to be functionally analogous to the Agrobacterium VirB7‐10 subcomplex, suggesting a remarkable conservation of the core subassembly in these evolutionarily distant type IV secretion machines.
Prevalence and phenotypic evaluation of Candida dubliniensis in pregnant women with vulvovaginal candidosis in a university hospital in Ankara
Authors: Us E. , Cengiz S.A. 
Published: October 2006

Summary Candida dubliniensis is very similar to Candida albicans in terms of genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. As the hormonal milieu of the vagina during pregnancy, characterised by a lack of maternal cell‐mediated immunity, enhances Candida colonisation and serves as a risk factor for symptomatic expression, investigation into the isolation of C. dubliniensis in vaginal discharges of pregnant women with vulvovaginal candidosis was made. A total of 77 Candida isolates obtained from 60 patients positive for vulvovaginal candidosis collected from 218 pregnant women were investigated for C. dubliniensis subsistence. In total 41 Candida species phenotypically identified as C. albicans on the basis of a positive germ tube test and carbohydrate assimilation tests were screened for the presence of C. dubliniensis. Phenotypic tests for differentiation of C. dubliniensis from C. albicans, such as growth at 42 and 45 °C on Sabouraud dextrose agar, appearance on CHROMagar and colony morphology on Cornmeal–Tween‐80 agar and Staib agar were carried out. Only one strain (2.43%) was phenotypically identified as C. dubliniensis. According to our study, a combination of at least five phenotypic methods is necessary for an exact diagnosis of C. dubliniensis. Large‐scale studies of pregnant women are required to discover the aetiological importance of this yeast.
Antifungal drug susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans from clinical sources in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Bii Christine C. , Makimura Koichi , Abe Shigeru , Taguchi Haruhiko , Mugasia Olga M. , Revathi Gutura , Wamae Njeri C. , Kamiya Shigeru 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe serotypes and mating types of 80 clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans from Kenya were studied and subjected to broth microdilution susceptibility testing to amphotericin B (AMP), flucytosin, fluconazole (FLC), itraconazole (ITC) and miconazole (MCZ). The isolates included C. neoformans var. grubii– 75 of 80 (serotype A; 93.7%), C. neoformans var. neoformans– three of 80 (3.8%) and C. neoformans var. gattii– two (serotype B; 2.5%). Mating experiment confirmed all the isolates to be α‐mating type. Seventy‐eight (97.5%) of the isolates had minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ≤0.5 μg ml−1 to AMP and at 1 μg ml−1, 100% of the isolates were inhibited. Flucytosin resistance was observed in 21% with MIC in which 90% of the isolates were inhibited (MIC90) of 64 μg ml−1. Only 23.8% of the strains were susceptible to FLC with 65% susceptible dose‐dependent (SDD) and 11.2% resistant. Itraconazole susceptibility was 61.3% while the rest were either SDD or resistant. The MIC90 for ITC and MCZ were 0.5 and 2 μg ml−1 respectively.The study reports the serotypes, mating types and highlights the existence of azoles resistance in C. neoformans in Nairobi which calls for antifungal drug resistance surveillance as prophylactic use of FLC increases because of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Dose‐finding comparative study of 2 weeks of luliconazole cream treatment for tinea pedis – comparison between three groups (1%, 0.5%, 0.1%) by a multi‐center randomised double‐blind study
Authors: Watanabe Shinichi , Takahashi Hisashi , Nishikawa Takeji , Takiuchi Iwao , Higashi Nobuhiko , Nishimoto Katsutaro , Kagawa Saburo , Yamaguchi Hideyo , Ogawa Hideoki 
Published: October 2006

SummaryLuliconazole is a newly developed imidazolyl antifungal agent. A randomised double‐blind comparative study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of 1% luliconazole cream (group A), 0.5% cream (group B) and 0.1% cream (group C), in tinea pedis (interdigital type and plantar type), when used once daily for 2 weeks. Follow‐ups were performed at 4 weeks after the end of topical treatment. A total of 241 patients were enrolled and 213 patients were evaluated for efficacy. Rates of improvement of skin lesions in the A, B and C groups assessed at week 4 were 90.5%, 91.0% and 95.8%, respectively. Rates of mycological cure (negative result of microscopy) in the A, B and C groups assessed at week 4 were 79.7%, 76.1%, 72.2% and at week 6 (at 4 weeks after the end of topical treatment) were 87.7%, 94%, 88.9%, respectively. For the mycological effect on tinea pedis of the interdigital type at 2 weeks, the negative conversion of fungi showed a concentration‐dependent relationship and indicated a difference in tendency statistically 81.1% (1%– treatment), 62.9% (0.5%– treatment), 58.3% (0.1%– treatment) (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.079) and there was a trend between three groups by Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel method (P = 0.038). The incidence of adverse events in which a causal relationship to this drug could not be ruled out was low (2.6%). All of the adverse events were mild in severity and insignificant clinically.
Multiple neonatal staphylococcal cold abscesses of the large folds
Authors: Huber F , Léauté‐Labrèze C , Lina G , Sarlangue J , Taïeb A , Boralevi F 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground  We describe three neonates who presented around the tenth day of life with multiple bilateral fluctuating cold abscesses situated in the lymph node areas, with secondary fistulation but without associated fever or general symptoms.Results  In all cases, Staphylococcus aureus was found in the abscesses and the umbilicus with similar antibiograms. The evolution was good and the children remained in good health afterwards.Conclusion  Disseminated neonatal staphylococcal infections with a benign evolution are not commonly described in the medical literature. Clinically, cold inflammatory abscesses of the large folds associated with omphalitis may correspond to either transient bacteriemia well controlled in an immunocompetent host or more likely a local contamination process.
Burow's grafts in the facial region
Authors: Cabeza‐Martínez R , Leis V , Campos M , De La Cueva P , Suárez R , Lázaro P 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground  Full‐thickness skin grafts are an important tissue source for reconstructive surgery. Burow's grafts are full‐thickness skin grafts that use adjacent lax skin as the donor site. This technique has also been referred to as island grafts, dog‐ear grafts or adjacent‐tissue skin grafts.Objective  The objective was to describe the technique of Burow's grafts for reconstruction of facial defects taking account of its benefits and limitations.Methods  The operative technique is simple: after a circular excision of the cutaneous lesion, we enlarged the excision line (towards one or both sides of the defect) following the relaxed tension lines. We created a secondary triangular defect by excising skin that is then used for the graft (as donor site). After adequate undermining, we proceeded to direct linear closure of this secondary defect. Finally, the graft was placed and sutured in the remaining defect.Results  The proximity of the donor site provides an excellent tissue match because colour, hair density, texture, sebaceous features and thickness are similar to the recipient site. A good cosmetic result is therefore ensured.Conclusion  Burow's grafts can be a good choice for reconstruction of extensive facial surgical defects because of aesthetic results. In addition, it is a simple technique that can be performed in one sole surgical act, with local anaesthesia and without changing the operative site.
The prevalence of acne in the north of Portugal
Authors: Amado JM , Matos ME , Abreu AM , Loureiro L , Oliveira J , Verde A , Massa A 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground  Acne is a disease that affects almost all teenagers (60–90%), and it is the pathology exhibiting the highest morbidity in the 10–24 year‐olds age group. There are no consistent data at national level by which we can evaluate the preponderance of this pathology in the Portuguese population.Objective  To estimate the prevalence of acne in teenage school students (10–12 year‐olds).Study design  A study was carried out involving all 8 regions in the north of Portugal. One school per region was selected at random.Results  As expected, the figure we obtained for the prevalence of this pathology was high (82.4%) with males being the most affected. Nevertheless, only 44% of the affected treated their acne, although the face is the part of the body most affected. In the females high androgenization (which is manifested by the presence of hair on the upper lip and on the side of the face) doubles the median of the degree of acne registered. Regional asymmetry was found in relation to information about the disorder. The degrees of acne are higher in schools in the interior. In the more rural areas, the pharmacist still plays an important role in prescribing treatment.Conclusion  As a rule, individuals are correctly informed about acne, confirming that the search for treatment and awareness of its value are generally helping to gradually eliminate some of the stigmas from the past.
Medical savings accounts: opportunities for cost savings?
Authors: Zaric Gregory S. , Hoch Jeffrey S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractInterest in medical savings accounts (MSAs) as a potential tool to reduce healthcare costs has been widespread. A small number of countries have either implemented or run pilot programs of MSAs, and vigorous policy debates have taken place in several other countries about the potential merits of introducing MSAs as a method of paying for health care. In this paper we develop a model to assess the cost saving potential of MSAs in a publicly funded healthcare system. We assume that the public healthcare payer may choose between reimbursing healthcare expenditures through an MSA or through a form of third‐party payer insurance. We use the model to identify the conditions under which MSAs may reduce costs. We illustrate using data on healthcare expenditures from Canada.
Tight bounds for the identical parallel machine scheduling problem
Authors: Haouari Mohamed , Gharbi Anis , Jemmali Mahdi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe address the problem of minimizing makespan on identical parallel machines. We propose new lower bounding strategies and heuristics for this fundamental scheduling problem. The lower bounds are based on the so‐called lifting procedure. In addition, two optimization‐based heuristics are proposed. These heuristics require iteratively solving a subset‐sum problem. We present the results of computational experiments that provide strong evidence that the new proposed lower and upper bounds consistently outperform the best bounds from the literature.
Analytic network approach for selecting suppliers considering different cooperation patterns
Authors: Chen Sheu Hua , Lee Hong Tau 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis paper aims to examine the weights of criteria and identify the choice of cooperation patterns simultaneously while evaluating and selecting suppliers for a manufacturing company. While the weighting process for the criteria is affected by the cooperation pattern that the company intends to pursue, the cooperation patterns are also affected by the emphasis on some specific criteria. The analytic network process that draws support from the concept of the Markov process is used to manipulate the interdependence situation. The decision‐maker becomes aware of the choice of cooperation patterns with the suppliers by analyzing the weighting process for the criteria in the supplier selection process. It is different from the general way of determining the cooperation pattern subjectively. This also gives the decision‐maker a chance to examine his previous decision. A numerical example has been used to verify the effectiveness of the approach. Although, in our example, only a single evaluator is involved in the evaluation process, the proposed approach is still applicable to the situation of multi‐evaluators provided that data have been preprocessed appropriately.
Discrete‐time spare ordering policy with randomized lead times and discounting
Authors: Giri B. C. , Dohi T. , Kaio N. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe paper considers a generalized discrete‐time order‐replacement model for a single unit system, which is subject to random failure when in operation. Two types of discrete randomized lead times are considered for a spare unit; one is for regular (preventive) order and another is for expedited (emergency) order. The model is formulated based on the discounted cost criterion. The underlying two‐dimensional optimization problem is reduced to a simple one‐dimensional one and then the optimal ordering policy for the spare unit is characterized under two extreme conditions: (i) unlimited inventory time and (ii) zero inventory time for the spare unit. A numerical example is used to determine the optimal spare‐ordering policy numerically and to examine the sensitivity of the model parameters.
Adsorption of Cytosine on a Mercury Electrode
Authors: Sieńko Dorota , Nieszporek Jolanta , Nieszporek Krzysztof , Gugała Dorota , Saba Jadwiga 
Published: October 2006

The electrosorption behavior of cytosine at the mercury electrode/acetic buffer of pH 4 and 5 interfaces was determined from the double-layer differential capacity measurements extrapolated to zero frequency. Solutions of cytosine were prepared to cover the range from 1 × 10-4 to 6 × 10-3 mol dm-3. Adsorption of cytosine was described by the adsorption isotherms constants derived from the surface pressure data as a function of electrode charge density and bulk concentration. The obtained values of the relative surface excesses Γ′ were higher in the acetic buffer of pH 4 than of pH 5. Maximum of cytosine adsorption in the mentioned buffers was at -581 and -551 mV, respectively. The values of the standard Gibbs energy ∆G° obtained from the Frumkin isotherm were higher in the buffer of pH 4 than of pH 5. The values of the interaction parameter A indicated weaker repulsive interaction between adsorbed molecules of cytosine in the former buffer. The adsorption parameters obtained from the virial isotherm confirmed corresponding parameters obtained from the Frumkin isotherm. The dependences of ΦM-2 on the relative surface excess at a constant charge density were analyzed in order to calculate the electrostatic parameters of the inner layer.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Hexamethyleneimine-templated TS-1 Supported by Active Seeds
Authors: Zhang Haijiao , Liu Yueming , Wu Haihong , Jiang Yongwen , Chen Li , He Mingyuan , Wu Peng 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
The titanosilicate of TS-1 is skillfully hydrothermally synthesized from an inorganic silica source and a cheaper structure-directing agent (SDA) of hexamethyleneimine (HMI) with the assistant of active seeds of TS-1 precursor.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Metastable VO2 Nanorods as Cathode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Fu , Zhao Xuemei , Xu Hai , Yuan Cunguang 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Metastable VO2 nanorods, designated as VO2(B) with diameters of 80–250 nm were synthesized via a PEG-assisted hydrothermal approach. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. The electrochemical properties of as-obtained VO2(B) nanorods were studied by galvanostatic tests. The as-synthesized VO2(B) nanorods showed an initial discharge capacity of 310 and 250 mA h g−1 in the 30th cycle in the potential range 1–3.5 V.
Electronic Patient Data Confidentiality Practices Among Surgical Trainees: Questionnaire Study
Authors: Mole Damian J , Fox Colin , Napolitano Giulio 
Published: October 2006

INTRODUCTION The objective of this work was to evaluate the safeguards implemented by surgical trainees to protect the confidentiality of electronic patient data through a structured questionnaire sent to Northern Ireland surgical trainees. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS A group of 32 basic and higher surgical trainees attending a meeting of the Northern Ireland Association of Surgeons-in-Training were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding their computer use, UK Data Protection Act, 1988 registration and electronic data confidentiality practices. RESULTS Of these 32 trainees, 29 returned completed questionnaires of whom 26 trainees regularly stored sensitive patient data for audit or research purposes on a computer. Only one person was registered under the Data Protection Act, 1988. Of the computers used to store and analyse sensitive data, only 3 of 14 desktops, 8 of 19 laptops and 3 of 14 hand-held computers forced a password logon. Of the 29 trainees, 16 used the same password for all machines, and 25 of 27 passwords were less than 8 characters long. Two respondents declined to reveal details of their secure passwords. Half of all trainees had never adjusted their internet security settings, despite all 14 desktops, 16 of 19 laptops and 5 of 14 hand-helds being routinely connected to the internet. Of the 29 trainees, 28 never encrypted their sensitive data files. Ten trainees had sent unencrypted sensitive patient data over the internet, using a non-secure server. CONCLUSIONS Electronic data confidentiality practices amongst Northern Ireland surgical trainees are unsafe. Simple practical measures to safeguard confidentiality are recommended.