bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
False-Positive Results in a Recombinant Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Associated Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) Nucleocapsid-Based Western Blot Assay Were Rectified by the Use of Two Subunits (S1 and S2) of Spike for Detection of Antibody to SARS-CoV
Authors: Maache Mimoun , Komurian-Pradel Florence , Rajoharison Alain , Perret Magali , Berland Jean-Luc , Pouzol Stéphane , Bagnaud Audrey , Duverger Blandine , Xu Jianguo , Osuna Antonio , Paranhos-Baccalà Glaucia 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the reactivity of the recombinant proteins expressed in
Escherichia coli
strain BL21(DE3), a Western blot assay was performed by using a panel of 78 serum samples obtained, respectively, from convalescent-phase patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) (30 samples) and from healthy donors (48 samples). As antigen for detection of SARS-CoV, the nucleocapsid protein (N) showed high sensitivity and strong reactivity with all samples from SARS-CoV patients and cross-reacted with all serum samples from healthy subjects, with either those obtained from China (10 samples) or those obtained from France (38 serum samples), giving then a significant rate of false positives. Specifically, our data indicated that the two subunits, S1 (residues 14 to 760) and S2 (residues 761 to 1190), resulted from the divided spike reacted with all samples from SARS-CoV patients and without any cross-reactivity with any of the healthy serum samples. Consequently, these data revealed the nonspecific nature of N protein in serodiagnosis of SARS-CoV compared with the S1 and S2, where the specificity is of 100%. Moreover, the reported results indicated that the use of one single protein as a detection antigen of SARS-CoV infection may lead to false-positive diagnosis. These may be rectified by using more than one protein for the serodiagnosis of SARS-CoV.
Rapid food web recovery in response to removal of an introduced apex predator
Authors: Lepak Jesse M , Kraft Clifford E , Weidel Brian C 
Published: February 2006

Non-native species have increased extinction rates, decreased diversity, altered organism distributions, and constrained ecosystem functioning in native aquatic and terrestrial communities. Although widespread fish introductions have dramatically altered fish communities in north temperate lakes, restoration of native fish communities has been rarely accomplished. This study evaluated a native fish community restoration using a stable isotope based metric. Stable isotopes from a native apex predator (lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush)) were used to measure food web changes following removal of a dominant non-native apex predator (smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)). Prior to bass removal, lake trout consumed primarily invertebrates. Within 2 years of the initiation of an experimental removal effort, lake trout δ13C values(25.9 to 24.9) and trophic position (3.53.9) increased, reflecting a switch to prey fish consumption that was supported by stomach contents analyses. Here, we show the rapid reestablishment of food web linkages within a native fish community in response to changes in principal energy sources and trophic position of a native apex predator along with the ability to quantify the extent of these changes.
Elephants Who Marry Mice are Very Unusual: The Use of the Relative Pronoun Who with Nonhuman Animals
Authors: Gilquin Gaëtanelle , Jacobs George 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis paper explores the use of the relative pronoun (who) with nonhuman animals. The paper looks at what dictionaries, an encyclopedia, grammars, publication manuals, newspapers, and news agencies say and do relative to this issue. In addition to investigating the views and practices of these authoritative publications, the study also searched a 100-million-word collection (corpus) of spoken and written English. The study found that while some reference works reject or ignore the use of (who) with nonhuman animals, other works discuss the possibility, and (who) does occur in the corpus with nonhuman animals. Explanations for such usage include psychological closeness with particular nonhuman animals and/or features shared with humans. The paper suggests that the use of (who) with nonhuman animals might play a role in promoting human attitudes and behaviors beneficial to fellow animals. However, it cautions that the correlation between language use, on the one hand, and attitudes and behaviors, on the other hand, is not a perfect one.
Two new species of Philautus (Anura, Ranidae, Rhacophorinae) from the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Bossuyt Franky , Biju  
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe oriental shrubfrog genus Philautus (Anura, Ranidae, Rhacophorinae) is a large group of direct-developing frogs that still holds several undescribed species on the Indian subcontinent. Here we describe two new species, Philautus anili sp. nov. and Philautus dubois sp. nov. from Wayanad (Kerala) and Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu), respectively. Both species were collected from the township, where they are abundant in roadside vegetation and gardens, illustrating that several of the most common Western Ghats frogs are still not scientifically described. The two species are clearly distinct from all known species, but are morphologically similar to each other. However, Philautus anili differs from P. dubois by its larger snout-to-vent length, the sharp canthus rostralis, and the tibia that is longer than the femur.
The effect of water level reduction on larval duration in the red-crowned toadlet Pseudophryne australis (Anura: Myobatrachidae): Bet-hedging or predictive plasticity?
Authors: Thumm Karen , Mahony Michael 
Published: February 2006

AbstractField observations indicate that when faced with the desiccation of their ephemeral ponds, the tadpoles of Pseudophryne australis, a semi-endotrophic myobatrachid frog, do not accelerate metamorphosis, and total reproductive losses are a frequent event. In this experiment we tested whether tadpoles were able to accelerate developmental rates when subjected to a decline in the water level. Tadpoles were divided into three treatments: water was held either at a constant level, or was removed at a slow or a fast rate. There were no significant differences in the mean length of larval duration in the three groups, and the distribution of ages at metamorphosis was asynchronous in all treatments. Metamorphosis first started at day 39 and continued in similar proportions up to day 57 in all treatments, after which a higher proportion of tadpoles from the desiccation treatments metamorphosed than in the constant deep-water group. This trend was reflected in statistically significant, but minor differences in developmental stage between treatments. These results suggest a combination of diversified bet-hedging and predictive plasticity. There was a significant positive relationship between age and weight at metamorphosis.
The karyology of Vipera aspis, V. atra, V. hugyi, and Cerastes vipera
Authors: Odierna Gaetano , Gentilli Augusto , Zuffi Marco , Aprea Gennaro 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIn the current paper we show the results obtained using standard and banding staining methods (Ag-NOR-, CMA3-, C-banding and sequential colorations (or Alu I digestions) + CMA3 + DAPI) in specimens of Cerastes vipera, Vipera aspis, V. atra, and V. hugyi. Cerastes vipera presented chromosomal characters, primitive in snakes, as a karyotype of 2n = 36 chromosomes, with 16 biarmed macrochromosomes and 20 microchromosomes, NORs on one microchromosome pair and absence of cytologically evident sex chromosomes, at least with the methods used. The three taxa of Vipera studied showed chromosomal characters either derived, or primitive or at an initial stage of differentiation. All three species showed a karyotype (derived) of 2n = 42 chromosomes with 22 macro- and 20 micro-chromosomes; they all showed NORs on one micro-chromosome pair and presented Z and W chromosomes at an initial stage of differentiation. Sexchromosomes Z and W, were in fact homomorphic, but the former was near all euchromatic, while the W chromosome was almost completely heterochromatic. All the three taxa of Vipera resulted, however, karyologically diversified, mainly due to the number of macro-chromosomes pairs with a centromeric, CMA3 positive heterochromatin: almost all the pairs in V. aspis, two pairs in V. atra and absent in V. hugyi.
The Daily Offering Meal in the Ritual of Amenhotep I: An Instance of the Local Adaptation of Cult Liturgy
Authors: McClain J. Brett , Cooney Kathlyn 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis article reexamines a limestone ostrakon of the Ramesside period, incompletely published by its previous editors, that was originally part of the Michaelides collection and is now owned by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The ostrakon contains a small portion of a long text known as the "Ritual of Amenhotep I." The ostrakon lists a "menu" of items to be presented to Amen-Re and the deified Amenhotep I as part of the offering meal (dbh htp.w) during the daily offering ritual. This ritual meal awakens the god from a wounded state, empowering his body and thus his divine agency. Through repeated and patterned actions of offering accompanied by chanted speech imbued with symbolic meaning, the participants are given experience of hidden cosmological processes that lie beyond the boundaries of normal knowledge. The ritual meal can be described as a liminal rite of awakening and healing for the god and, by extension, for the entire community of which this god is a patron. We present this ritual performance as a case study examining how mythological narrative and state rituals can be adapted for local cult use.
Were Hittite Kings Divinely Anointed? A Palaic Invocation to the Sun-God and Its Significance for Hittite Religion
Authors: Yakubovich Ilya 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to improve our understanding of a difficult Palaic invocation to the Sun-god, and to elucidate its implications for the study of Hittite religion. The first part of my account contains linguistic and philological discussion that concludes with a new translation of the scrutinized fragment. According to my interpretation, the Sun-god is requested to anoint the Hittite king and to exalt him. This is the only clear evidence that the gods were thought to be personally responsible for the anointment of Hittite kings. A counterpart to this nontrivial concept is well known from the Hebrew Bible and is inherited by the Christian tradition.The second part of this paper, which is meant to be accessible to all the historians of religion, discusses the anointment as a rite of passage among the Hittites, as well as the relevant parallels in other Ancient Near Eastern cultures. I am arguing that anointment with oil was extended to both Hittite priestly kings and certain other categories of Hittite priests, and that the underlying purpose of this act was ritual cleansing. The spread of this rite to those cultures where kings were not at the head of the religious hierarchy boosted the secondary association of divine anointment with empowerment rather that purification.
Low-Level Jets over the Mid-Atlantic States: Warm-Season Climatology and a Case Study
Authors: Zhang Da-Lin , Zhang Shunli , Weaver Scott J. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Although considerable research has been conducted to study the characteristics of the low-level jets (LLJs) over the Great Plains states, little is known about the development of LLJs over the Mid-Atlantic states. In this study, the Mid-Atlantic LLJ and its associated characteristics during the warm seasons of 2001 and 2002 are documented with both the wind profiler data and the daily real-time model forecast products. A case study with three model sensitivity simulations is performed to gain insight into the three-dimensional structures and evolution of an LLJ and the mechanisms by which it developed. It is found that the Mid-Atlantic LLJ, ranging from 8 to 23 m s−1, appeared at an average altitude of 670 m and on 15–25 days of each month. About 90% of the 160 observed LLJ events occurred between 0000 and 0600 LST, and about 60% had southerly to westerly directions. Statistically, the real-time forecasts capture most of the LLJ events with nearly the right timing, intensity, and altitude, although individual forecasts may not correspond to those observed. For a selected southwesterly LLJ case, both the observations and the control simulation exhibit a pronounced diurnal cycle of horizontal winds in the lowest 1.5 km. The simulation shows that the Appalachian Mountains tend to produce a sloping mixed layer with northeasterly thermal winds during the daytime and reversed thermal winds after midnight. With additional thermal contrast effects associated with the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the daytime low-level winds vary significantly from the east coast to the mountainous regions. The LLJ after midnight tends to be peaked preferentially around 77.5°W near the middle portion of the sloping terrain, and it decreases eastward as a result of the opposite thermal gradient across the coastline from the mountain-generated thermal gradient. Although the Mid-Atlantic LLJ is much weaker and less extensive than that over the Great Plains states, it has a width of 300–400 km (to its half-peak value) and a length scale of more than 1500 km, following closely the orientation of the Appalachians. Sensitivity simulations show that eliminating the surface heat fluxes produces the most significant impact on the development of the LLJ, then topography and the land–sea contrast, with its area-averaged intensity reduced from 12 m s−1 to about 6, 9, and 10 m s−1, respectively.
Intraurban Differences of Surface Energy Fluxes in a Central European City
Authors: Offerle B. , Grimmond C. S. B. , Fortuniak K. , Pawlak W. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSurface properties, such as roughness and vegetation, which vary both within and between urban areas, play a dominant role in determining surface–atmosphere energy exchanges. The turbulent heat flux partitioning is examined within a single urban area through measurements at four locations in Łódź, Poland, during August 2002. The dominant surface cover (land use) at the sites was grass (airport), 1–3-story detached houses with trees (residential), large 2–4-story buildings (industrial), and 3–6-story buildings (downtown). However, vegetation, buildings, and other “impervious” surface coverage vary within some of these sites on the scale of the turbulent flux measurements. Vegetation and building cover for Łódź were determined from remotely sensed data and an existing database. A source-area model was then used to develop a lookup table to estimate surface cover fractions more accurately for individual measurements. Bowen ratios show an inverse relation with increasing vegetation cover both for a site and, more significant, between sites, as expected. Latent heat fluxes at the residential site were less dependent on short-term rainfall than at the grass site. Sensible heat fluxes were positively correlated with impervious surface cover and building intensity. These results are consistent with previous findings (focused mainly on differences between cities) and highlight the value of simple measures of land cover as predictors of spatial variations of urban climates both within and between urban areas.
Snowmelt-Related Flood Risk in Appalachia: First Estimates from a Historical Snow Climatology
Authors: Graybeal Daniel Y. , Leathers Daniel J. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
A first attempt has been made toward quantifying the risk of snowmelt-related flooding in the central and southern Appalachian Mountains of the United States (from 35° to 42°N). In the last decade, two major events occurred within the region, prompting this study. Snowfall and snow depth data were collected from the cooperative observer network, quality controlled, and summarized at seasonal resolution (December–March). For establishing regional patterns, the period of 1971–2000 was selected. For testing fits of candidate probability distributions, and for focusing on the sparsely sampled higher elevations, this criterion was relaxed to include as many data from the mid- to late century as were reasonably admissible. Results indicate that the two-parameter Gumbel distribution fit best both the seasonal total snowfall and seasonal maximum snow depth. That distribution was then used to map return periods associated with critical seasonal snowfall and maximum snow depth masses. Seasonal snowfall amounts linked to a role for snowmelt in flooding were found to occur at return periods of from 2–5 yr in Pennsylvania and West Virginia to 10–200 yr in North Carolina. More generally, at elevations of at least 600 m throughout the region, return periods of 10–25 yr were estimated for critical levels of two flood-related criteria: seasonal total snowfall and maximum snow depth. In addition to providing valuable climatological information to aid forecasters and analysts, the results also support the need for further work toward understanding the role of snow in Appalachian floods.
Modeling of the Coastal Boundary Layer and Pollutant Transport in New England
Authors: Angevine Wayne M. , Tjernström Michael , Žagar Mark 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Concentrations of ozone exceeding regulatory standards are regularly observed along the coasts of New Hampshire and Maine in summer. These events are primarily caused by the transport of pollutants from urban areas in Massachusetts and farther south and west. Pollutant transport is most efficient over the ocean. The coastline makes transport processes complex because it makes the structure of the atmospheric boundary layer complex. During pollution episodes, the air over land in daytime is warmer than the sea surface, so air transported from land over water becomes statically stable and the formerly well-mixed boundary layer separates into possibly several layers, each transported in a different direction. This study examines several of the atmospheric boundary layer processes involved in pollutant transport. A three-dimensional model [the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS)] run on grids of 2.5 and 7.5 km is used to examine the winds, thermodynamic structure, and structure of tracer plumes emitted from Boston, Massachusetts, and New York City, New York, in two different real cases—one dominated by large-scale transport (22–23 July 2002) and one with important mesoscale effects (11–14 August 2002). The model simulations are compared with measurements taken during the 2002 New England Air Quality Study. The model simulates the basic structure of the two different episodes well. The boundary layer stability over the cold water is weaker in the model than in reality. The tracer allows for easy visualization of the pollutant transport.
Development, Mechanical Properties, and Fracture Toughness of Chilled Pb/Sb/Sn/As Alloy-Al2SiO5 (Kaolinite) Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Hemanth Joel 
Published: March 2006

Qualitative tests of some of the lead alloys indicate that a fine grain structure with sufficient strength is necessary for various industrial applications. The presence of tin arsenide phase aids the maintenance of small grain sizes and a smooth spread with no pores. A more quantitative investigation has been undertaken in this study to enhance its mechanical properties and to determine the influence of various factors on the kinetics of grain growth of the lead-rich grains in the molten state. The study shows that developing Pb/Sb/Sn/As alloy-Al2SiO5 (kaolinite) composite and chilling during solidification are important in determining the microstructure and mechanical properties of the complex composite. Chilled lead alloy composite is produced for cable sheathing and as a roofing material for chemical industries, where strength and fine grain structure are demanded. In this study, the size of Al2SiO5 particulates added varies between 50 and 100 mm and its content is varied from 3 to 12 by wt% in steps of 3%. Ingots are cast using vortex route method employing different types of end chills (made of copper, steel, cast iron, and silicon carbide, respectively) of 25 mm thick set in the mold to study the effect of volumetric heat capacity (VHC) of the chill on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), fracture toughness, hardness, and microstructure of the composite. The superior mechanical properties of the composite developed, particularly its UTS, fracture toughness, and hardness are discussed in relation to their microstructure. Results of the investigation reveal that there is good bonding throughout with consistency in the matrix and as the Al2SiO5 content is increased, the strength, fracture toughness, and hardness also increase remarkably.
Improved lung function and symptom control with formoterol on demand in asthma
Authors: Cheung D. , van Klink H. C. J. , Aalbers R. 
Published: February 2006

Many asthma patients remain symptomatic despite maintenance therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and salbutamol as rescue medication. In the present study the relative efficacy and preference for as-needed formoterol compared with salbutamol was examined.In total, 211 patients with a mean age of 45 yrs (mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 77% predicted normal), using ICS, were randomised to 3 weeks' double-blind treatment with as-needed formoterol 4.5 μg Turbuhaler® and with as-needed salbutamol 100 μg Turbuhaler® in a cross-over fashion.Overall, lung function and symptom control were better with as-needed formoterol than with as-needed salbutamol. During as-needed formoterol treatment daytime and night-time symptom scores were lower, peak expiratory flow and FEV1were higher and patients experienced fewer disturbed nights (34%) compared with as-needed salbutamol. Patients preferred the formoterol treatment to salbutamol. Of the 162 patients expressing a preference, formoterol was preferred by 68% (95% confidence interval: 60–75). Subjective assessment of effectiveness also favoured formoterol, which was perceived as slightly faster acting than salbutamol.In conclusion, as-needed formoterol improved symptoms and lung function compared with salbutamol and was perceived as more effective and at least as fast acting for symptom relief.
Hypertension prevalence in obstructive sleep apnoea and sex: a population-based case–control study
Authors: Hedner J. , Bengtsson-Boström K. , Peker Y. , Grote L. , Råstam L. , Lindblad U. 
Published: February 2006

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a recognised risk factor for hypertension (HT). The current authors investigated confounders of this association in a sex-balanced community-based sample of patients with HT (n = 161) from the Skaraborg Hypertension and Diabetes Project (n = 1,149) and normotensive controls (n = 183) from an age and sex stratified community-based population sample (n = 1,109). All participants underwent ambulatory home polysomnography.Severe OSA (apnoea-plus-hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥30 events·h−1) was found in 47 and 25% of hypertensive and normotensive males, respectively. The corresponding numbers in females were 26 and 24%, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) for HT increased across AHI tertiles from 1.0 to 2.1 (95% confidence interval: 0.9–4.5) and 1.0 to 3.7 (95% CI: 1.7–8.2) in males, but not in females where the OR increased from 1.0 to 1.8 (95% CI: 0.8–3.9) and 1.0 to 1.6 (95% CI: 0.7–3.5). Regression analysis correcting for age, body mass index (or waist–hip ratio) and smoking did not eliminate the association between OSA and HT in males.The present data suggest that obstructive sleep apnoea is highly prevalent in both the general population and in patients with known hypertension. The contribution of obstructive sleep apnoea to hypertension risk may be sex dependent and higher in males than in females.