bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence and causes of death in HIV‐infected persons receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy compared with estimates for the general population of similar age and from the same geographical area
Authors: Martínez E , Milinkovic A , Buira E , De Lazzari E , León A , Larrousse M , Loncá M , Laguno M , Blanco JL , Mallolas J , García F , Miró JM , Gatell JM 
Published: April 2007

BackgroundSince the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the incidence of death in HIV‐infected patients has dramatically decreased, and causes of death other than those related to HIV infection have increased, although it is unclear how these parameters compare with those in the age‐matched general population living in the same geographical region.MethodsConsecutive HIV‐infected adults who were prescribed HAART in our hospital were prospectively followed from January 1997 to December 2004 or until death, loss to follow‐up or discontinuation of HAART. Estimations of the annual incidence and causes of death in the general population of similar age in Catalonia per calendar year in the study period were obtained and compared with those in the HIV‐infected cohort.ResultsThere were 235 deaths among the 4471 patients on HAART (5%). The incidence of mortality decreased over time in HIV‐infected patients (P<0.001; χ2 test for trend), although it has remained approximately five times higher than that for the age‐matched general population. AIDS‐related events were the most common cause of death (n=95; 40%), although they significantly decreased over time (P<0.001; χ2 test for trend), whereas liver diseases (P<0.001; χ2 test for trend) and non‐AIDS‐defining infections (P=0.008; χ2 test for trend) significantly increased over time. Infections in general (33 times higher), liver diseases (11 times higher) and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (5 times higher) were overrepresented as causes of death in the HIV‐infected cohort compared with the age‐matched general population.ConclusionsNon‐AIDS‐defining infectious diseases, liver diseases, and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma represent specific targets for efforts to further decrease mortality in HIV‐infected patients receiving HAART.
Kinematics of bipedalism in Propithecus verreauxi
Authors: Wunderlich R. E. , Schaum J. C. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBipedalism is rare in primates and has evolved in two distantly related groups: hominoids and indrids. Although copious data are available on the mechanics of bipedal locomotion in hominoids and vertical clinging and leaping (VCL) in indrids, no research has addressed the unique mode of bipedal locomotion exhibited by select indrid primates. Propithecus verreauxi is a highly specialized indrid vertical clinger and leaper that uses a peculiar form of bipedalism on the ground. The objectives of this study were to describe the bipedal gait of Propithecus, to assess the influence of VCL specializations on the kinematic patterns and propulsion mechanisms used by Propithecus during bipedalism, and to compare Propithecus bipedalism with the bipedal gaits of other primates capable of using bipedalism. Video was collected of five adult P. verreauxi moving bipedally in a seminatural setting at the Duke University Primate Center. Duty factor, footfall patterns, joint angles and center of mass movement were quantified in the sagittal plane for 73 steps. Propithecus uses a bipedal gallop, a gait unique to Propithecus. The kinematic similarities (e.g. large hip and knee angular excursions and preparatory countermovements) between bipedal galloping and VCL lead us to suggest that Propithecus takes advantage of specializations for VCL to conserve energy during bipedal galloping. Propithecus also walks bipedally at slower speeds. When Propithecus walks, it utilizes a relatively compliant gait similar to that of other primate facultative bipeds (Pan, Hylobates). During bipedal walking, energy conservation may be sacrificed for increased balance and reduced joint loads.
Sensitivity to masked conditioned stimuli predicts conditioned response magnitude under masked conditions
Authors: Cornwell Brian R. , Echiverri Aileen M. , Grillon Christian 
Published: April 2007

AbstractExpression of conditioned fear has been reported to be independent of perceptual awareness of conditioned stimuli (CSs). Previous studies have been criticized, however, for not adequately assessing perceptual awareness. We fear‐conditioned participants to one of two symbols and measured skin conductance responses to dichoptically masked and unmasked CSs. Participants also performed a target detection task and sensitivity (d′) to the masked conditioned stimuli (CS+, CS−) was measured. Results showed that sensitivity under masking conditions was related to conditioned responses to masked CSs but not unmasked CSs. Thus, a strong relationship between expression of conditioned fear and awareness of the CS+ emerges when the latter is assessed by signal detection methods. Without consensus on how awareness should be defined, these findings bring balance to previous studies that have typically used less sensitive assessments of awareness.
Brain potentials in perception: Picture complexity and emotional arousal
Authors: Bradley Margaret M. , Hamby Steven , Löw Andreas , Lang Peter J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEvent‐related potentials (ERPs) were measured while participants viewed affectively arousing and neutral pictures depicting either simple figure–ground compositions or more complex scenes to assess the timing and topography of perceptual and emotional modulation. Emotional pictures elicited a larger late positive potential than neutral pictures in a 400–700‐ms window over centro‐parietal sensors both for pictures with simple figure–ground composition and for more complex scenes. Picture composition affected ERPs beginning earlier (around 150 ms), with simple figure–ground compositions eliciting less positivity over posterior sensors and less negativity over frontal sensors. Emotionality had little effect on modulation of these early ERPs. These data suggest that the late centro‐parietal positive potential primarily reflects motivational relevance, and that earlier posterior (and anterior) components reflect, at least in part, differences in a picture's perceptual organization.
Two new chemically peculiar stars with resolved, magnetically split lines
Authors: Hubrig S. , Nesvacil N. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
We report the discovery of resolved, magnetically split lines in two chemically peculiar stars, the SrEuCr star HD 92499 and the Bp SiCr star HD 157751. From FEROS spectra, we have measured a mean magnetic field modulus of 8.5 kG for HD 92499 and a mean magnetic field modulus of 6.6 kG for HD 157751. Both stars have small projected rotational velocities: v sin i= 3.0 km s−1 and 8.5 km s−1, respectively. Our preliminary abundance analysis reveals an ionization imbalance of rare earths in HD 92499, indicating the abundance pattern typical of rapidly oscillating Ap stars. Cr and Fe are found to be strongly overabundant in HD 157751.
Antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial isolates from corneal ulcers of dogs in Taiwan
Authors: Lin C.‐T. , Petersen‐Jones S. M. 
Published: April 2007

Objectives:To analyse antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria associated with ulcerative keratitis in dogs.Methods:Bacteria isolated from 190 eyes with ulcerative keratitis were identified, and the antibiotic susceptibility of isolates was studied.Results:In total, 258 species of bacteria were isolated from the 190 eyes. Of the isolates, 78 per cent were Gram‐positive and 28 per cent were Gram‐negative bacteria. The most commonly isolated Gram‐positive bacteria in dogs wereStaphylococcusspp (49 per cent),Streptococcusspp (7 per cent) andCorynebacteriumspp (7 per cent); whilePseudomonas aeruginosa(7·6 per cent) andEscherichia coli(5·8 per cent) were the commonest Gram‐negative pathogens. Resistance to commonly used ophthalmic antibiotics was seen inStaphylococcus,Streptococcus,Corynebacterium,PseudomonasandEscherichiaspecies isolates.ClinicalSignificance:Isolates from dogs with corneal ulcers in Taiwan may be resistant to several commonly used ophthalmic preparations. Ciprofloxacin showed good action against most isolates, with the notable exception ofStreptococcusspecies. Chloramphenicol or cephalothin had the best in vitro action against theStreptococcusspecies isolates.
Sultam Thiourea Inhibition of West Nile Virus
Authors: Barklis Eric , Still Amelia , Sabri Mohammad I. , Hirsch Alec J. , Nikolich-Zugich Janko , Brien James , Dhenub Tenzin Choesang , Scholz Isabel , Alfadhli Ayna 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTWe have identified sultam thioureas as novel inhibitors of West Nile virus (WNV) replication. One such compound inhibited WNV, with a 50% effective concentration of 0.7 μM, and reduced reporter expression from cells that harbored a WNV-based replicon. Our results demonstrate that sultam thioureas can block a postentry, preassembly step of WNV replication.
Enterobacteriaceae
Bloodstream Infections: Presence of Integrons, Risk Factors, and Outcome
Authors: Daikos George L. , Kosmidis Chris , Tassios Panayotis T. , Petrikkos George , Vasilakopoulou Alexandra , Psychogiou Mina , Stefanou Ioanna , Avlami Athina , Katsilambros Nikolaos 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

A prospective observational study was conducted to identify factors associated with bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by integron-carrying
Enterobacteriaceae
and to evaluate the clinical significance of integron carriage. Consecutive patients with
Enterobacteriaceae
BSIs were identified and followed up until discharge or death. Identification of blood isolates and susceptibility testing were performed by the Wider I automated system.
int-1
-specific PCR, conserved-segment PCR, and DNA sequencing were used to determine the presence, length, and content of integrons. The relatedness among the isolates was examined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Two hundred fifty episodes of
Enterobacteriaceae
BSI occurred in 233 patients; 109 (43.6%) were nosocomial, 82 (32.8%) were community acquired, and 59 (23.6%) were health care associated. Integrons were detected in 11 (13.4%) community-acquired, 24 (40.7%) health care-associated, and 46 (42.2%) nosocomial isolates. Integron-carrying organisms were more likely to exhibit resistance to three or more classes of antimicrobials (odds ratio [OR], 9.84; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 5.31 to 18.23;
P
< 0.001) or to produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (OR, 5.75; 95% CI, 2.38 to 13.89;
P
< 0.001) or a VIM-type metallo-β-lactamase (
P
, 0.003). Inter- or intraspecies integron transfer and cross-transmission of integron-carrying clones were observed. Use of cotrimoxazole (OR, 4.77; 95% CI, 1.81 to 12.54;
P
< 0.001) and a nosocomial or other health care setting (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.30 to 7.22;
P
, 0.01) were independently associated with BSIs caused by integron-carrying
Enterobacteriaceae
. Patients with a nonurinary source of bacteremia (OR, 9.46; 95% CI, 2.77 to 32.32;
P
< 0.001) and a Pitt bacteremia score of ≥4 (OR, 23.36; 95% CI, 7.97 to 68.44;
P
< 0.001) had a significantly higher 14-day mortality rate, whereas integron carriage did not affect clinical outcomes. These findings may have implications affecting antibiotic policies and infection control measures.
Modular Structure of Microcin H47 and Colicin V
Authors: Azpiroz María F. , Laviña Magela 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT
Microcins are gene-encoded peptide antibiotics produced by enterobacteria that act on strains of gram-negative bacteria. In this work, we concentrated on higher-molecular-mass microcins, i.e., those possessing 60 or more amino acids. They can be subdivided into unmodified and posttranslationally modified peptides. In both cases, they exhibit conserved C-terminal sequences that appear to be characteristic of each subgroup. In the hypothesis that these sequences could correspond to domains, gene fusions between the activity genes for the unmodified microcin colicin V and the modified microcin H47 were constructed. These two microcins differ in their mode of synthesis, uptake, target, and specific immunity. Through this experimental approach, chimeric peptides with exchanged C-terminal sequences were encoded. Cells carrying the fusions in different genetic contexts were then assayed for antibiotic production. Many of them produced antibiotic activities with recombinant properties: the toxicity of one microcin and the mode of uptake of the other. The results led to the identification of a modular structure of colicin V and microcin H47, with the recognition of two domains in their peptide chains: a toxic N-terminal domain and an uptake C-terminal domain. This modular design would be shared by other microcins from each subgroup.
Human Monoclonal Antibody AVP-21D9 to Protective Antigen Reduces Dissemination of the
Bacillus anthracis
Ames Strain from the Lungs in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Peterson Johnny W. , Comer Jason E. , Baze Wallace B. , Noffsinger David M. , Wenglikowski Autumn , Walberg Kristin G. , Hardcastle Jason , Pawlik Jennifer , Bush Kathryn , Taormina Joanna , Moen Scott , Thomas John , Chatuev Bagram M. , Sower Laurie , Chopra Ashok K. , Stanberry Lawrence R. , Sawada Ritsuko , Scholz Wolfgang W. , Sircar Jagadish 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Dutch-belted and New Zealand White rabbits were passively immunized with AVP-21D9, a human monoclonal antibody to protective antigen (PA), at the time of
Bacillus anthracis
spore challenge using either nasal instillation or aerosol challenge techniques. AVP-21D9 (10 mg/kg) completely protected both rabbit strains against lethal infection with
Bacillus anthracis
Ames spores, regardless of the inoculation method. Further, all but one of the passively immunized animals (23/24) were completely resistant to rechallenge with spores by either respiratory challenge method at 5 weeks after primary challenge. Analysis of the sera at 5 weeks after primary challenge showed that residual human anti-PA levels decreased by 85 to 95%, but low titers of rabbit-specific anti-PA titers were also measured. Both sources of anti-PA could have contributed to protection from rechallenge. In a subsequent study, bacteriological and histopathology analyses revealed that
B. anthracis
disseminated to the bloodstream in some naïve animals as early as 24 h postchallenge and increased in frequency with time. AVP-21D9 significantly reduced the dissemination of the bacteria to the bloodstream and to various organs following infection. Examination of tissue sections from infected control animals, stained with hematoxylin-eosin and the Gram stain, showed edema and/or hemorrhage in the lungs and the presence of bacteria in mediastinal lymph nodes, with necrosis and inflammation. Tissue sections from infected rabbits dosed with AVP-21D9 appeared comparable to corresponding tissues from uninfected animals despite lethal challenge with
B. anthracis
Ames spores. Concomitant treatment with AVP-21D9 at the time of challenge conferred complete protection in the rabbit inhalation anthrax model. Early treatment increased the efficacy progressively and in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, AVP-21D9 could offer an adjunct or alternative clinical treatment regimen against inhalation anthrax.
Dynamics in Prophage Content of Invasive and Noninvasive M1 and M28
Streptococcus pyogenes
Isolates in The Netherlands from 1959 to 1996
Authors: Vlaminckx Bart J. M. , Schuren Frank H. J. , Montijn Roy C. , Caspers Martien P. M. , Beitsma M. M. , Wannet Wim J. B. , Schouls Leo M. , Verhoef Jan , Jansen Wouter T. M. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) disease reemerged in The Netherlands in the late 1980s. To seek an explanation for this resurgence, the genetic compositions of 22 M1 and 19 M28 GAS strains isolated in The Netherlands between 1960s and the mid-1990s were analyzed by using a mixed-genome DNA microarray. During this four-decade period, M1 and especially M28 strains acquired prophages on at least eight occasions. All prophages carried a superantigen (s
peA2
,
spe
C,
spe
K) or a streptodornase (
sdaD2
,
sdn
), both associated with invasive GAS disease. Invasive and noninvasive GAS strains did not differ in prophage acquisition, suggesting that there was an overall increase in the pathogenicity of M1 and M28 strains over the last four decades rather than emergence of hypervirulent subclones. The increased overall pathogenic potential may have contributed to the reemergence of invasive GAS disease in The Netherlands.
Synergism between the Low-Level Jet and Organized Convection at Its Exit Region
Authors: Saulo Celeste , Ruiz Juan , Skabar Yanina García 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Previous studies suggest that the enhanced meridional extent of some South American low-level jet events (known as Chaco jets) is a consequence of a positive feedback between the low-level wind and strong convection that is usually observed at their exit region. To assess how this interaction takes place, a Chaco low-level jet event observed between 18 and 19 December 2002 (i.e., during the South America Low-Level Jet Experiment) and the associated mesoscale convective system that evolved at its exit region have been selected to perform numerical experiments where diabatic heating effects associated with phase changes can be quantified. This case study has also been used to analyze the diurnal oscillations related to planetary boundary layer (PBL) mechanisms in order to describe whether the observed evolution of the low-level wind can be explained either by PBL-related forcing or by the interaction with convection. The sensitivity experiments confirm that there is a positive feedback at low levels between convection and the northerly wind flow that becomes accelerated and also aids in the identification of a strong coupling between organized convection and the upper-level circulation, resulting in an increase of the upper-level jet strength downstream of the simulated precipitation area. A conceptual model of how these systems (i.e., convection, low- and upper-level jets) mutually interact is proposed, which differs from coupling mechanisms documented for the Great Plains low-level jet.
Meso-β-scale Pressure Dips Associated with Typhoons
Authors: Fudeyasu Hironori , Iizuka Satoshi , Hayashi Taiichi 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Using a mesoscale model, the formation process of a pressure dip, which was characterized by a rapid decrease and subsequent increase in surface pressure lasting less than an hour, was investigated. A simulated pressure dip accompanied by Typhoon Zeb was closely related to warm potential temperature anomalies in the lower troposphere. As the typhoon moved into the midlatitude westerlies, the inflow of a dry air mass into the moist region of the typhoon occurred to the west of the typhoon center. Then, a downdraft developed due to evaporation and sublimation. Below the melting levels where there were fewer hydrometeors, however, evaporation was insufficient to offset the adiabatic warming. As a result, warm potential temperature anomalies were created in the lower level, resulting in the formation of a pressure dip. The features of a pressure dip associated with other typhoons observed over Japan were also examined. The features were summarized as follows: 1) the pressure dip was observed only on the western side of the typhoon center at a distance of 50–300 km from the center, 2) the pressure dip was accompanied by a sudden cessation of rainfall, and 3) all typhoons with a pressure dip were found during boreal autumn when large-scale environmental conditions were characterized by westerlies with a trough and a dry air mass to the west of Japan at upper levels and fronts at lower levels. The formation process of the simulated pressure dip in other typhoons was found to be similar to that of Typhoon Zeb. The present study suggests that pressure dip is an inherent feature of the asymmetric structure of a typhoon undergoing transition to a extratropical cyclone.
Comparison of Narrow Bipolar Events with Ordinary Lightning as Proxies for the Microwave-Radiometry Ice-Scattering Signature
Authors: Jacobson Abram R. , Boeck William , Jeffery Christopher 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
The narrow bipolar event (NBE) is a unique lightning discharge that has a short (∼10 μs) overall duration, lacks a prior leader phase, and produces too little light output to be visible by optical lightning detectors on satellites. NBEs thus have basic differences from ordinary lightning discharges, which occur in flashes lasting up to a fraction of a second, carry significant current in a “stroke” only after a leader stage that prepares the conductive channel, and produce copious light that is recordable from space. Thus, the authors are motivated to determine whether the meteorological setting of NBEs differs from, or is similar to, that of ordinary lightning. A previous paper started this project of comparing NBEs with ordinary lightning by comparing the placement of either type of lightning within spatial structures of cloud depth, as revealed by infrared cloud-top temperature. That previous study employed lightning data from the Los Alamos Sferic Array (LASA) in Florida. The present paper extends this approach to comparing LASA NBEs with ordinary lightning events’ spatial relationships to radiometric cloud imagery from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) 85-GHz channels. This form of radiometric imagery reveals the location of deep, active convective cores with more acute spatial selectivity than does the infrared cloud-top temperature. It was found that the behaviors of NBEs and ordinary lighting are, once again, indistinguishable, but with regard this time to proximity to deep convective cores as revealed by TMI.
Calibrated Surface Temperature Forecasts from the Canadian Ensemble Prediction System Using Bayesian Model Averaging
Authors: Wilson Laurence J. , Beauregard Stephane , Raftery Adrian E. , Verret Richard 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Bayesian model averaging (BMA) has recently been proposed as a way of correcting underdispersion in ensemble forecasts. BMA is a standard statistical procedure for combining predictive distributions from different sources. The output of BMA is a probability density function (pdf), which is a weighted average of pdfs centered on the bias-corrected forecasts. The BMA weights reflect the relative contributions of the component models to the predictive skill over a training sample. The variance of the BMA pdf is made up of two components, the between-model variance, and the within-model error variance, both estimated from the training sample. This paper describes the results of experiments with BMA to calibrate surface temperature forecasts from the 16-member Canadian ensemble system. Using one year of ensemble forecasts, BMA was applied for different training periods ranging from 25 to 80 days. The method was trained on the most recent forecast period, then applied to the next day’s forecasts as an independent sample. This process was repeated through the year, and forecast quality was evaluated using rank histograms, the continuous rank probability score, and the continuous rank probability skill score. An examination of the BMA weights provided a useful comparative evaluation of the component models, both for the ensemble itself and for the ensemble augmented with the unperturbed control forecast and the higher-resolution deterministic forecast. Training periods around 40 days provided a good calibration of the ensemble dispersion. Both full regression and simple bias-correction methods worked well to correct the bias, except that the full regression failed to completely remove seasonal trend biases in spring and fall. Simple correction of the bias was sufficient to produce positive forecast skill out to 10 days with respect to climatology, which was improved by the BMA. The addition of the control forecast and the full-resolution model forecast to the ensemble produced modest improvement in the forecasts for ranges out to about 7 days. Finally, BMA produced significantly narrower 90% prediction intervals compared to a simple Gaussian bias correction, while achieving similar overall accuracy.