bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variations in the core promoter/pre‐core region in HBV genotype C in Japanese and Northern Vietnamese patients
Authors: Truong Bui Xuan , Yano Yoshihiko , Seo Yasushi , Phuong Tran Minh , Tanaka Yasuhito , Kato Hirotaka , Miki Akira , Utsumi Takako , Azuma Takeshi , Trach Nguyen Khanh , Mizokami Masashi , Hayashi Yoshitake , Kasuga Masato 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotypes Cs (C1) and Ce (C2) are common in East Asia. To investigate the genomic difference of HBV genotype C between two separated regions, 50 subgenotype Cs‐infected Vietnamese and 70 subgenotype Ce‐infected Japanese patients were enrolled for analysis. The patients were categorized to either a hepatocellular carcinoma group (HCC) or a non‐HCC group including liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and asymptomatic carriers. HBV serology, HBV‐DNA level, and variations in core promoter/pre‐core region were examined. Phylogenetic analysis based on the full genome sequences and nucleotide sequences partly in the S gene and in the P gene revealed that all Japanese strains (70/70) were subgenotype Ce, and nearly all of the Vietnamese strains (50/51) were subgenotype Cs, excluding one subgenotype C5. C1858 and G1775 were common in the Vietnamese (64% and 40%) but not in the Japanese (0%). The prevalence of C/A1753 in Vietnamese was higher than that in the Japanese (32% vs. 17.1%), however the frequency of A1896 in the Japanese was significantly higher (32.9% vs. 12%, P < 0.05). Most of the Vietnamese patients with HCC had a high level of HBV‐DNA, the Japanese HCC had a relatively low level. In the Vietnamese, C/A1753 and C1858 were associated closely with T1762A1764, higher HBV‐DNA levels and higher HCC incidence. The multivariate analysis revealed that male, T1653 and C/A1753 were independent risk factors for HCC. The subgenotypes and unique mutations of HBV genotype C in the Vietnamese and Japanese differed, and C/A1753 and C1858 variants might play a role in the pathogenesis of liver disease in Vietnamese patients. J. Med. Virol. 79:1293–1304, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of measles virus circulating in the Indian Ocean Islands during 2005–2006 and in France in 2006
Authors: Waku‐Kouomou Diane , Landreau Dominique , Olivier Sophie , Palmyre Philippe , Benoit‐Catin Thierry , Freymuth François , Wild T. Fabian 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDespite the availability of safe and immunogenic vaccines, measles still causes significant morbidity and mortality especially in Africa. In this study, two measles outbreaks in the Indian Ocean Islands; Mayotte in 2005–2006 and Seychelles in 2006 were studied. Nasopharyngeal swabs, urine and/or blood samples were collected from patients with clinically diagnosed measles. Measles viruses were isolated in four cases from patients in Mayotte. Measles strains circulating in both outbreaks were determined to be genotype D4 when compared to the WHO reference strains. During this time, measles virus was isolated from patients in France and they were also found to belong to the same genotype. The viruses clustered into two distinct D4 subgroups; The Indian Ocean strains were similar to the Montreal‐subgroup, whereas the French strains associated with the Johannesburg‐subgroup. The Indian Ocean strains formed a homogeneous group. They shared four specific amino acids in the 3′ region of the N gene and two amino acids in the H gene, which differed from other genotype D4 viruses. This suggests that the same measles lineage circulated in Mayotte and Seychelles. Sequence comparison of the French isolates with other measles strains showed that they were more closely related to strains circulating in Germany in 2005, which had their origin in Romania. This study provides the baseline for molecular epidemiology of measles virus in Mayotte and Seychelles. The knowledge of circulating measles virus will help in documenting measles elimination program. This report also highlights the fact that progress of measles elimination is blighted continually by the phenomenon of measles importation. J. Med. Virol. 79:1381–1387, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent TIMS dating results from British Late Pleistocene vertebrate faunal localities: context and interpretation
Authors: Gilmour Mabs , Currant Andy , Jacobi Roger , Stringer Chris 
Published: July 2007

AbstractNew TIMS dates from British sites underpin and extend the growing model of mammalian faunal history during the Late Pleistocene. The sequence of British faunas during the three successive warm phases of MIS 5 presents a challenging model in which the mammal faunas of the first two temperate phases, 5e and 5c is dominated by species of a classically interglacial character, while that of the final phase, sub‐stage 5a, is dominated by bison and reindeer. This we see as the ‘cold fauna’ appearing in Britain during the cool isotope sub‐stage 5b and subsequently isolated by the rising sea level of isotope sub‐stage 5a. All these three faunas are true island faunas. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological biosignatures from relict fossilised sedimentary geological specimens: a Raman spectroscopic study
Authors: Edwards Howell G. M. , Jorge Villar Susana E. , Pullan Derek , Hargreaves Michael D. , Hofmann Beda A. , Westall Frances 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMorphological biosignatures (features related to life) and associated terrestrial sedimentary structures that provide possible sampling targets for the remote astrobiological exploration of planets have been analysed using Raman spectroscopic techniques. The spectral data from a suite of samples comprising crypto‐chasmoendoliths, preserved microbial filaments and relict sedimentary structures comprise a preliminary database for the establishment of key Raman biosignatures. This will form the basis for the evaluation of prototype miniaturised instrumentation for the proposed ESA ExoMars mission scheduled for 2013. The Raman spectral biosignatures of carotenoids and scytonemin, organic biomolecules characteristic of the cyanobacterial colonisation of geological matrices and biogeologically modified minerals are also identifiable in the sedimentary specimen materials. The results of this study demonstrate the basis of the molecular recognition of extinct and extant exobiology that will feed into the elemental structural analyses of morphological structures provided by associated SEM, XRD and laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) techniques on robotic analytical landers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of 3‐Arm Star Block Copolymers by Combination of “Core‐First” and “Coupling‐Onto” Methods Using ATRP and Click Reactions
Authors: Gao Haifeng , Min Ke , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThree‐arm star block copolymers were successfully synthesized by combination of “core‐first” and “coupling‐onto” strategies. First, polystyrene 3‐arm star polymers (PS‐Br)3 with high bromine chain‐end functionality were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using the core‐first method. After complete transformation of the bromo groups to azido groups by nucleophilic substitution with sodium azide, the product (PS‐N3)3 was used for click reactions with alkyne‐terminated poly(ethylene oxide) chains (PEO‐alkyne) and produced 3‐arm star block copolymers (PS‐b‐PEO)3 via the coupling‐onto method. The efficiency of the coupling reaction was influenced by the preservation of chain‐end functionalities in both (PS‐N3)3 and PEO‐alkyne precursors. The azido functionality in the (PS‐N3)3 star precursors was determined as high as 97% by gradient polymer elution chromatography (GPEC) analysis of the coupling product between (PS‐N3)3 and propargyl alcohol. During the coupling reactions between (PS‐N3)3 and PEO‐alkyne, the functionality of PEO‐alkyne was ca. 100%. In the final coupling product, the molar fraction of the targeted (PS‐b‐PEO)3 star block polymers containing three block arms was ca. 85% and the fraction of the star polymers with two block arms and one homopolymer arm, (PS)‐(PS‐b‐PEO)2, was ca. 11%.magnified image
Atomic Force Microscopic Observations on the Crystalline Morphology of Poly(ethylene naphthalate)/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Chua Yang Choo , Wu Shucheng , Li Lin , Lu Xuehong 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAtomic force microscopic observations on an isothermally crystallized poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN)/clay nanocomposite suggest that the presence of nanoclay alters the lamellar organization in PEN mainly in three ways: 1) physically blocking the crystal growth front and creating wide amorphous regions within the spherulites, which may then be filled by secondary lamellae branching out from the primary lamellae of the same spherulite, or primary lamellae developed from other nearby nucleating centers; 2) inducing random twisting of lamellae; and 3) causing irregular crystallite growth fronts, with the protrusion of some leading lamellae. In particular, the physical hindrance imposed by clay tends to be more prevalent for lamellae that grow roughly perpendicular to the clay long axes. This may give rise to an anisotropic crystalline morphology if the clay layers exhibit a preferred orientation induced by flow.magnified image
Effect of Block Order of ABA‐ and BAB‐Type NIPAAm/HEMA Triblock Copolymers on Thermoresponsive Behavior of Solutions
Authors: Zhao Xiaoli , Liu Wenguang , Chen Dayong , Lin Xiaoze , Lu William W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractABA and BAB triblock thermoresponsive copolymers (A = N‐isopropylacrylamide, B = 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) have been synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). BAB is shown to exhibit a higher transition temperature and a good solubility in water compared to ABA with the same composition and concentration. The differences are attributed to the distinct micellar structure, which is regulated by the block order of the copolymers. It is speculated that ABA and BAB copolymers separately form branch and flower micelles in water, which mainly influence the course of phase transition. The moduli of the ABA copolymer solution are higher than those of the BAB above gel point. In terms of hypothesized micelle models, it is proposed that the ‘branch’ micelles of the ABA solution preferably form more physical interconnections.magnified image
Foundations, promises and uncertainties of personalized medicine
Authors: Bottinger Erwin P. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPersonalized medicine introduces the promise to use molecular markers that signal the risk of disease or its presence before clinical signs and symptoms appear. This information underlies a new healthcare strategy focused on prevention and early intervention, rather than reaction to advanced stages of disease. Such a strategy can delay disease onset or minimize symptom severity. The molecular foundations that enable personalized medicine include detection of variation in nucleotide sequence of genes and in characteristic patterns of gene expression, proteins and metabolites. Genetic and molecular patterns are correlated with disease manifestations, drug responses, treatment prognosis, or prediction of predisposition to future disease states. However, the uncertainties for personalized medicine are considerable, including economic, ethical, legal, and societal questions. Although much of its promise remains unproven to date, the foundations of personalized medicine appear solid and evidence is accumulating rapidly pointing to its growing importance in healthcare (Fig. 1). Mt Sinai J Med 74:15–21, 2007. © 2007 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Job of the Bible: Leprosy or scabies?
Authors: Appelboom Thierry , Cogan Elie , Klastersky Jean 
Published: July 2007

AbstractProposing a medical diagnosis a posteriori of a person who died a long time ago is not as impossible as it sounds if sufficient medical history is available.A whole book of the Bible is devoted to Job and his trials. The diagnosis of leprosy has been generally accepted by medieval commentators because the verses of the Book speak of ulcers disseminated over the skin, and also because leprosy is an exemplary sanction imposed by way of example by God to punish those who have committed a sin.In this paper, we have taken the different verses with a medical content from the Book of Job, and reconstructed the clinical picture as if the patient had turned up in the 21st century in order to see if the diagnosis of leprosy may be called into question, and to discuss the limits of the medico‐historic approach.The clinical picture of the disease consists of deterioration in the general condition, with widespread pain, confusion, skin eruptions, bilious vomiting, and so on.Under these conditions, if Job did exist, and if the retrospective medical history is reliable, the most likely diagnosis is that of scabies rather than leprosy. Mt Sinai J Med 74:36–39, 2007. © 2007 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
The domain reduction method for dynamic coupled consolidation problems in geotechnical engineering
Authors: Kontoe Stavroula , Zdravkovic Lidija , Potts David 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper presents an extension of the domain reduction method (DRM) to deal with dynamic coupled consolidation problems. The DRM, developed by Bielak et al. (Bull. Seismol. Soc. Am. 2003; 93(2): 817–824), is a two‐step procedure that aims at reducing the domain that has to be modelled numerically by a change of governing variables. The seismic excitation is directly introduced into the computational domain and an artificial boundary is needed only to absorb the scattered energy of the system. The extended formulation of the DRM is presented and validated for linear and nonlinear analyses in a boundary value problem. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rational addictive cycles (‘binges’) under a budget constraint
Authors: Feichtinger Gustav 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe consider an individual whose utility at any moment depends not only on the current consumption of a good but also on the habit accumulated by past consumption. The rational decision maker maximizes the discounted utility stream over an infinite time horizon subject to a budget which can be replenished by habit‐dependent earnings. Addiction to the good requires that past consumption increases the marginal utility of current consumption. It is shown that strong complementarity might imply persistent oscillations in the optimal consumption pattern. Using Hopf bifurcation theory, we prove the existence of stable limit cycles in a numerical example.
Solving constrained minimum‐time robot problems using the sequential gradient restoration algorithm
Authors: Lee Allan Y. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn this paper three constrained minimum‐time control problems of a two‐link manipulator are solved using the sequential gradient and restoration algorithm (SGRA). In addition to the hard bounds on the control torques commonly considered in the literature, we also consider cases with bounded output power and with a constrained shoulder arm. The inequality constraints considered are reduced via Valentine‐type transformations to non‐differential path equality constraints. The SGRA is then used to solve these transformed problems with equality constraints. The results obtained indicate that at least one of the two controls is at its limits at any instant in time. The remaining control then adjusts itself so that none of the system constraints is violated. Hence the minimum‐time control is either a pure bang–bang control or a combined bang—bang/singular control.
Metastatic ependymoma: A multi‐institutional retrospective analysis of prognostic factors
Authors: Zacharoulis Stergios , Ji Lingyun , Pollack Ian F. , Duffner Patricia , Geyer Russel , Grill Jacques , Schild Steven , Jaing Tang‐Her , Massimino Maura , Finlay Jonathan , Sposto Richard 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPurposeMetastatic ependymoma is exceedingly rare at diagnosis with variable prognosis reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors in children with metastatic ependymoma.ProcedureData regarding diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up for 40 patients from eight institutional cohorts were collected.ResultsTwenty‐nine (72%) patients were less than 36 months of age at the time of diagnosis, 28% were females, and 90% of the patients had posterior fossa tumors. Gross total resection (GTR) of the primary tumor was achieved in 16 patients (40%). Adjuvant therapy was variable and included craniospinal irradiation (CSRT), chemotherapy, and chemotherapy with focal irradiation. The 5‐year event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) from the time of diagnosis were 29% (±7%) and 43% (±8%), respectively. Age at diagnosis was associated significantly with both EFS and OS (P < 0.001 for EFS, and P = 0.01 for OS). Patients who were 24–35 months of age at diagnosis had a 5‐year EFS of 66% and a 5‐year OS of 73%; both survival rates were superior to those of patients younger than 24 months of age or older than 36 months. Patients with GTR achieved a 5‐year EFS of 35% and OS of 59%, compared to a 5‐year EFS of 25% and OS of 32% for patients who did not achieve GTR (P = 0.12 for EFS, P = 0.03 for OS).ConclusionsGTR should be attempted in patients with metastatic ependymoma. A subgroup of patients between 24 and 35 months might have a favorable outcome. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:231–235. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High Performance Proteomics: 7th HUPO Brain Proteome Project Workshop March 7–9, 2007 Wellcome Trust Conference Centre, Hinxton, UK
Authors: Hamacher Michael , Stephan Christian , Eisenacher Martin , Lewczuk Piotr , Wiltfang Jens , Martens Lennart , Vizcaíno Juan Antonio , Kwon Kyung‐Hoon , Yoo Jong Shin , Park Young Mok , Beckers Johannes , Horsch Marion , de Angelis Martin Hrabé , Cho Zang‐Hee , Apweiler Rolf , Meyer Helmut E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe Wellcome Trust Conference Centre at Hinxton, UK, was the meeting place of the 7th HUPO Brain Proteome Project Workshop entitled “High Performance Proteomics”. It started on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 with a steering committee meeting followed by a two days series of talks dealing with the standardization and handling of tissues, body fluids as well as of proteomics data. The presentation and accompanying vivid discussions created a picture of actual strategies and standards in recent proteomics.
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: APACHE II Score, Dissemination, and Survival
Authors: Yilmazlar Tuncay , Ozturk Ersin , Alsoy Alpaslan , Ozguc Halil 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackgroundFirst described more than a century ago, necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) continue to cause high mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to elucidate the factors affecting the outcome of patients presenting with an NSTI.MethodsTo determine the factors affecting mortality from NSTIs, the records of 67 patients were retrospectively assessed for the following parameters: age, sex, time between initiation of symptoms and admission to the clinic, presence of systemic coexisting disease, APACHE II score, origin of infection, dissemination of the NSTI, and method of therapy.ResultsThe patients were 41 men (61.2%) and 26 women (38.8%) with a mean age of 54.9 ± 1.73 years. The overall mortality rate was 49% (33/67). Multivariate analysis determined that APACHE II scores of 13 or higher (p = 0.001) and NSTI dissemination (p = 0.02) were risk factors affecting the mortality of patients with NSTIs.ConclusionBy considering these two factors, more accurate outcome prediction may be possible, which may be useful for directing the management of patients with NSTIs.
Physiological tympanostomy
Authors: Misurya V. K. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryPHYSIOLOGICAL tympanostomy is advanced as a ‘substitute’ eustachian tube because it opens regularly only on swallowing, as does the ‘natural’ eustachian tube. The efficacy of the physiological tympanostomy operation was first proved in experimental animals (two dogs). Subsequently, six patients with eustachian insufficiency were successfully managed by this new surgical technique within period of one year, with no post-operative complications. The hearing improved and the middle ears remained air-filled.The method seems to have the following merits: permanent ventilation of the tympanum with preservation of an intact drum (from the functional point of view); no tympanophonia or autophonia; simple technique, short operative period (five minutes); no risk of postoperative complications; and no danger of ascending infection of the middle ear from the ear canal. The demerits appear to be: drainage not ensured; no facility to increase the middle ear pressure by the Valsalva manoeuvre or, Politzerization.
Markers for benzimidazole resistance in human parasitic nematodes?
Authors: PRICHARD ROGER K. 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYBenzimidazole (BZ) resistance is widespread and appears to be readily selected in a variety of nematode parasites of animals. There have been reports of a lack of efficacy of BZ anthelmintics against soil transmitted nematode parasites of humans. However, resistance to BZs in nematodes of humans has not been confirmed. It is difficult to perform tests to confirm anthelmintic resistance in humans for a variety of technical and ethical reasons. The use of anthelmintic drugs for the control of helminth parasites in people is increasing massively as a result of numerous programmes to control gastrointestinal nematode parasites in children, the Global Program for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis and other programmes. Many of these programmes are dependent on BZ anthelmintics and this will increase the pressure for resistance development to BZ anthelmintics in nematode parasites of people. We need to perform monitoring for anthelmintic resistance in these programmes and we need new tools to make that monitoring sensitive, inexpensive and practical. There is a real need for DNA-based markers for BZ resistance in nematode parasites of humans. We have a reasonable understanding of the molecular mechanisms and genetics of BZ resistance in some nematode parasites of animals and similar mechanisms are likely to prevail in nematodes of humans. Based on the likelihood that similar single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) will be involved in BZ resistance in human, as in animal nematode parasites, rapid SNP assays have been developed for possible BZ resistance development in Wuchereria bancrofti.