bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INCIDENCE AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BACILLUS CEREUS IN MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS CONSUMED IN TURKEY
Authors: GÜVEN KIYMET , MUTLU MEHMET BURÇİN , AVCI ÖZGÜR 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT A total of 100 retail samples of meat and meat products were examined for Bacillus cereus using mannitol egg yolk polymyxin (MYP) agar as a selective isolation medium. Only 22.4% of the samples contained detectable levels of B. cereus, with counts ranging from log10 0.69 to 4.80 cfu/g, but a large number of other organisms up to log10 9.06 cfu/g were sometimes observed on the plates and may have masked the presence of B. cereus or inhibited growth. Two samples of soudjouck contained significant levels of B. cereus, sufficient enough to create a public health hazard. Selected isolates were tested for diarrheal enterotoxin production by a reversed passive latex agglutination (RPLA) test kit. Results showed no difference in the toxin production of B. cereus between beef, ground meat, soudjouck and pastrami samples. Plasmid‐profile analysis and susceptibility to the six commonly used antimicrobial agents were done on selected B. cereus isolates. About 96.4% of the isolates contained plasmids. Plasmid sizes ranged between 2.5 and 3.5 kb. The isolates showed a high rate of resistance to oxacillin (OXA) and amoxicillin (AMC) and a low frequency of resistance to the other antimicrobial agents, with all of them being susceptible to vancomycin (VAN). Approximately 54% of the isolates showed multiple resistance. There was no apparent relationship between drug resistance and carriage of plasmids.
The Genus
Hafnia
: from Soup to Nuts
Authors: Janda J. Michael , Abbott Sharon L. 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARY

The genus
Hafnia
, a member of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
, consists of gram-negative bacteria that are occasionally implicated in both intestinal and extraintestinal infections in humans. Despite the fact that the genus currently contains only a single species (
H. alvei
), more extensive phylogenetic depth (two or more species) is apparent based upon DNA relatedness and 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies.
Hafnia
causes a variety of systemic infections, including septicemia and pneumonia; however, its role as a gastrointestinal pathogen is controversial. Many of the data supporting a role for hafniae as enteric pathogens were incorrectly attributed to this genus rather than to the actual pathogen,
Escherichia albertii
. There are numerous gaps in our understanding of this genus, including ecologic habitats and population genetics, disease-producing role in animals, phenetic and genetic methods useful in distinguishing genomospecies within the
H. alvei
complex, and bona fide pathogenicity factors.
Microbial Adhesion in Flow Displacement Systems
Authors: Busscher Henk J. , van der Mei Henny C. 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARY
Flow displacement systems are superior to many other (static) systems for studying microbial adhesion to surfaces because mass transport and prevailing shear conditions can be adequately controlled and notoriously ill-defined slight rinsing steps to remove so-called “loosely adhering organisms” can be avoided. In this review, we present the basic background required to calculate mass transport and shear rates in flow displacement systems, focusing on the parallel plate flow chamber as an example. Critical features in the design of flow displacement systems are discussed, as well as different strategies for data analysis. Finally, selected examples of working with flow displacement systems are given for diverse biomedical applications.
Biological Basis for Syphilis
Authors: LaFond Rebecca E. , Lukehart Sheila A. 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARYSyphilis is a chronic sexually transmitted disease caused byTreponema pallidumsubsp.pallidum. Clinical manifestations separate the disease into stages; late stages of disease are now uncommon compared to the preantibiotic era.T. pallidumhas an unusually small genome and lacks genes that encode many metabolic functions and classical virulence factors. The organism is extremely sensitive to environmental conditions and has not been continuously cultivated in vitro. Nonetheless,T. pallidumis highly infectious and survives for decades in the untreated host. Early syphilis lesions result from the host's immune response to the treponemes. Bacterial clearance and resolution of early lesions results from a delayed hypersensitivity response, although some organisms escape to cause persistent infection. One factor contributing toT. pallidum's chronicity is the paucity of integral outer membrane proteins, rendering intact organisms virtually invisible to the immune system. Antigenic variation of TprK, a putative surface-exposed protein, is likely to contribute to immune evasion.T. pallidumremains exquisitely sensitive to penicillin, but macrolide resistance has recently been identified in a number of geographic regions. The development of a syphilis vaccine, thus far elusive, would have a significant positive impact on global health.
Melaleuca alternifolia(Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties
Authors: Carson C. F. , Hammer K. A. , Riley T. V. 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARYComplementary and alternative medicines such as tea tree (melaleuca) oil have become increasingly popular in recent decades. This essential oil has been used for almost 100 years in Australia but is now available worldwide both as neat oil and as an active component in an array of products. The primary uses of tea tree oil have historically capitalized on the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions of the oil. This review summarizes recent developments in our understanding of the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of the oil and its components, as well as clinical efficacy. Specific mechanisms of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action are reviewed, and the toxicity of the oil is briefly discussed.
Penicillium marneffeiInfection and Recent Advances in the Epidemiology and Molecular Biology Aspects
Authors: Vanittanakom Nongnuch , Cooper Chester R. , Fisher Matthew C. , Sirisanthana Thira 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARYPenicillium marneffei infection is an important emerging public health problem, especially among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus in the areas of endemicity in southeast Asia, India, and China. Within these regions, P. marneffei infection is regarded as an AIDS-defining illness, and the severity of the disease depends on the immunological status of the infected individual. Early diagnosis by serologic and molecular assay-based methods have been developed and are proving to be important in diagnosing infection. The occurrence of natural reservoirs and the molecular epidemiology of P. marneffei have been studied; however, the natural history and mode of transmission of the organism remain unclear. Soil exposure, especially during the rainy season, has been suggested to be a critical risk factor. Using a highly discriminatory molecular technique, multilocus microsatellite typing, to characterize this fungus, several isolates from bamboo rats and humans were shown to share identical multilocus genotypes. These data suggest either that transmission of P. marneffei may occur from rodents to humans or that rodents and humans are coinfected from common environmental sources. These putative natural cycles of P. marneffei infection need further investigation. Studies on the fungal genetics of P. marneffei have been focused on the characterization of genetic determinants that may play important roles in asexual development, mycelial-to-yeast phase transition, and the expression of antigenic determinants. Molecular studies have identified several genes involved in germination, hyphal development, conidiogenesis, and yeast cell polarity. A number of functionally important genes, such as the malate synthase- and catalase-peroxidase protein-encoding genes, have been identified as being upregulated in the yeast phase. Future investigations pertaining to the roles of these genes in host-fungus interactions may provide the key knowledge to understanding the pathogenicity of P. marneffei.
Comparison of different XPS methods for fiber surface analysis
Authors: Hultén Anette Heijnesson , Basta Jiri , Larsson Per , Ernstsson Marie 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Three different XPS methods based on the O/C atomic ratio, C1 carbon content, and Hg amount are compared in this study to quantify the surface coverage of various pulp fiber surfaces by lignin and extractives. The sensitivity of the methods to drying technique and the stability of organically bound mercury when subjected to X-ray irradiation were also investigated. Results reveal that the surfaces of all pulp fibers have a higher content of lignin and extractives than the bulk of the fibers. Similar lignin surface coverage was obtained for thermomechanical pulp fibers using the Hg, O/C, and C1 carbon methods, while the Hg method gave lower values for kraft pulp fibers than the O/C and C1 carbon methods. The O/C and C1 carbon methods are sensitive to the drying technique, i.e., air-dried samples showed a higher amount of lignin on the fiber surface than freeze-dried samples, while no or only minor differences in results were obtained using the Hg method. The Hg method was more reproducible than the other methods. Special care must be exercised during XPS analysis to minimize mercury degradation.
Antifungal diterpenes from the bark of Cryptomeria japonica D. Don
Authors: Kofujita Hisayoshi , Fujino Youji , Ota Michikazu , Takahashi Kouetsu 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Bioassay-guided isolation of compounds from n-hexane extracts of the bark of Cryptomeria japonica resulted in six abietane- and two pimarane-type diterpenoids, including a new compound, 12-methoxy-6α,11-dihydroxyabieta-8,11,13-triene. The structure of the new substance was established by spectral analyses and comparison with related compounds. The antifungal activities of these diterpenes were evaluated against the phytopathogenic fungi Alternaria alternata, Pyricularia oryzae, Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum. The diterpenes showed moderate antifungal activity against the fungi examined.
Rapid analysis of transgenic trees using transmittance near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR)
Authors: Yamada Tatsuhiko , Yeh Ting-Feng , Chang Hou-Min , Li Laigeng , Kadla John F. , Chiang Vincent L. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Genetic engineering of trees has generated a large amount of interest in the development of highly improved transgenic trees. To efficiently monitor and control the properties of the transgenic products, a rapid, mini-scale analytical method is required. Transmittance near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was chosen as a fast analysis tool for characterizing the chemical properties of the transgenic products. Pellets were prepared from 75 mg of wood meal and directly scanned using transmittance NIR spectroscopy. Very strong correlations were obtained between the NIR data and conventional wet-chemistry results for the lignin content, S/G ratio, cellulose and xylose content. The results indicate that transmittance NIR is a powerful tool for determining and screening the chemical properties of transgenic trees.
Reinforcing potential of wood pulp-derived microfibres in a PVA matrix
Authors: Chakraborty Ayan , Sain Mohin , Kortschot Mark 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
In this study, the reinforcing potential of cellulose “microfibres” obtained from bleached softwood kraft pulp was demonstrated in a matrix of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Microfibres are defined as fibres of cellulose of 0.1–1 μm in diameter, with a corresponding minimum length of 5–50 μm. Films cast with these microfibres in PVA showed a doubling of tensile strength and a 2.5-fold increase in stiffness with 5% microfibre loading. The theoretical stiffness of a microfibre was calculated as 69 GPa. The study also demonstrated that the strength of the composite was greater at 5% microfibre loading compared to 10% loading. Comparative studies with microcrystalline cellulose showed that the minimum aspect ratio of the reinforcing agent is more criticalthan its crystallinity in providing reinforcement in the composite.
Interrelationship between the severity of heat treatments and sieve fractions after impact ball milling: a mechanical test for quality control of thermally modified wood
Authors: Rapp Andreas Otto , Brischke Christian , Welzbacher Christian Robert 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Thermal modification processes improve the durability and dimensional stability of wood, but strength properties, especially dynamic ones, are compromised. Results from standard dynamic strength testing, such as impact bending tests, suffer from high variability and therefore require a high number of replicates. To overcome this, a new test method named high-energy multiple impact (HEMI) was developed by investigating heat-treated Picea abies Karst., Abies alba Mill. and untreated Robinia pseudoacacia L. The method is based on crushing small specimens by thousands of impacts from pounding steel balls in a heavy vibratory mill. The level of destruction was determined by sieving and analyzing the size distribution of the fragments. We calculated the resistance to impact milling (RIM) based on the mass of the size fractions. RIM shows a linear correlation with the intensity of the thermal treatment. The HEMI test method has the following advantages: small number of specimens, short time for specimen preparation, small variances, and high reproducibility of results.
Decay resistance, extractive content, and water sorption capacity of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Lebed.) heartwood timber
Authors: Venäläinen Martti , M. Harju Anni , Terziev Nasko , Laakso Tapio , Saranpää Pekka 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The aim of this study was to find chemical or physical properties of Siberian larch heartwood timber that correlate with the variation in decay resistance. Juvenile heartwood from 24-year-old grafts of 15 clones was exposed to three brown-rot fungi according to the standard in vitro decay test (European standard EN 113). The mass losses caused by the brown rot fungi Coniophora puteana, Poria placenta, and Gloeophyllum trabeum were 20%, 28% and 17% of the dry mass, respectively. The average mass loss over the three fungi had a strong negative correlation with the concentration of taxifolin (r=–0.673, P=0.006), as well as with the concentration of total phenolics determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay (r=–0.677, P=0.006). Thus, the concentration of flavonoids is a promising property for indirect measurement of the decay resistance of Siberian larch timber. The most abundant heartwood extractives, arabinogalactans, had a non-significant relationship with the decay resistance, but their concentration correlated positively with the capacity of the wood to adsorb water (r=0.736, P=0.002). The hygroscopic properties of the wood or the wood density were not associated with the decay resistance.
Novel Applications of the Deep-Hole Drilling Technique for Measuring Through-Thickness Residual Stress Distributions
Authors: Kingston EJ , Stefanescu D , Mahmoudi AH , Truman CE , Smith DJ 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
This paper presents novel applications of the deep-hole drilling technique for residual stress measurement in components. The results outline the versatility of this technique for application in complex situations such as residual stress measurement in very thick components, components with difficult access to the measurement location, very large components, components requiring high spatial resolution, and components requiring detailed near surface residual stress distribution. The deep-hole drilling measurements were compared with results obtained using other measurement techniques. Excellent agreement was found between the results.
Relationship Between Paste Volume and Cementitious Materials Content in Hardened Concrete
Authors: Cong DX 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
A linear regression equation is developed between the paste volumes via the point count method and total cementitious materials contents of 31 concrete samples with known mix proportions. The equation has a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.96 and a standard deviation of 13.6 kg/m3. The equation can be used to calculate the total cementitious materials content based on the paste volume measured via point count and the water-to-cementitious-materials ratio estimated petrographically, and the result is more accurate than the traditional method currently used by many concrete petrographers. The equation is equally effective for portland cement concrete and concrete containing fly ash. In addition, the effect of fly ash, and the traditional method for estimating the cementitious materials content are further discussed.
Reactor Dosimetry Issues During Justification of Extension of Service Life of Nonrestorable Equipment of Russian VVER
Authors: Borodkin G , Khrennikov N , Dmitriev A , Miroshnichenko M , Grivizirsky V 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Reactor dosimetry issues have been analyzed in every aspect of extension of service life of non-restorable equipment of the Russian Vodo-Vodianoy Energetichesky Reactor (rus.) (VVER)-type reactors. A special attention has been focused on the role of neutron fluence and fluence rate uncertainties in prediction of the lifetime of the equipment. Results of analysis of service life justification of the first generation VVERs have been presented. A comparison of calculational and experimental dosimetry results are discussed in this paper. Usefulness of the Niobium-93 technique of fluence measurements as applied to template and trepan specimen dosimetry is especially emphasized in this paper.
Suppressor Analysis of a Histone Defect Identifies a New Function for the Hda1 Complex in Chromosome Segregation
Authors: Kanta Hasna , Laprade Lisa , Almutairi Abeer , Pinto Inés 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Histones are essential for the compaction of DNA into chromatin and therefore participate in all chromosomal functions. Specific mutations in HTA1, one of the two Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes encoding histone H2A, have been previously shown to cause chromosome segregation defects, including an increase in ploidy associated with altered pericentromeric chromatin structure, suggesting a role for histone H2A in kinetochore function. To identify proteins that may interact with histone H2A in the control of ploidy and chromosome segregation, we performed a genetic screen for suppressors of the increase-in-ploidy phenotype associated with one of the H2A mutations. We identified five genes, HHT1, MKS1, HDA1, HDA2, and HDA3, four of which encode proteins directly connected to chromatin function: histone H3 and each of the three subunits of the Hda1 histone deacetylase complex. Our results show that Hda3 has functions distinct from Hda2 and Hda1 and that it is required for normal chromosome segregation and cell cycle progression. In addition, HDA3 shows genetic interactions with kinetochore components, emphasizing a role in centromere function, and all three Hda proteins show association with centromeric DNA. These findings suggest that the Hda1 deacetylase complex affects histone function at the centromere and that Hda3 has a distinctive participation in chromosome segregation. Moreover, these suppressors provide the basis for future studies regarding histone function in chromosome segregation.
Regulation of Hyphal Morphogenesis and the DNA Damage Response by the Aspergillus nidulans ATM Homolog AtmA
Authors: Malavazi Iran , Semighini Camile P , von Zeska Kress Marcia Regina , Harris Steven D , Goldman Gustavo H 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is an inherited disorder characterized by progressive loss of motor function and susceptibility to cancer. The most prominent clinical feature observed in A-T patients is the degeneration of Purkinje motor neurons. Numerous studies have emphasized the role of the affected gene product, ATM, in the regulation of the DNA damage response. However, in Purkinje cells, the bulk of ATM localizes to the cytoplasm and may play a role in vesicle trafficking. The nature of this function, and its involvement in the pathology underlying A-T, remain unknown. Here we characterize the homolog of ATM (AtmA) in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. In addition to its expected role in the DNA damage response, we find that AtmA is also required for polarized hyphal growth. We demonstrate that an atmA mutant fails to generate a stable axis of hyphal polarity. Notably, cytoplasmic microtubules display aberrant cortical interactions at the hyphal tip. Our results suggest that AtmA regulates the function and/or localization of landmark proteins required for the formation of a polarity axis. We propose that a similar function may contribute to the establishment of neuronal polarity.
Concerted Evolution of Two Novel Protein Families in Caenorhabditis Species
Authors: Thomas James H 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Among a large number of homologous gene clusters in C. elegans, two gene families that appear to undergo concerted evolution were studied in detail. Both gene families are nematode specific and encode small secreted proteins of unknown function. For both families in three Caenorhabditis species, concerted groups of genes are characterized by close genomic proximity and by genes in inverted orientation. The rate of protein evolution in one of the two families could be calibrated by comparison with a closely related nonconcerted singleton gene with one-to-one orthologs in all three species. This comparison suggests that protein evolution in concerted gene clusters is two- to sevenfold accelerated. A broader survey of clustered gene families, focused on adjacent inverted gene pairs, identified an additional seven families in which concerted evolution probably occurs. All nine identified families encode relatively small proteins, eight of them encode putative secreted proteins, and most of these have very unusual amino acid composition or sequence. I speculate that these genes encode rapidly evolving antimicrobial peptides.
A Simple Genetic Incompatibility Causes Hybrid Male Sterility in Mimulus
Authors: Sweigart Andrea L , Fishman Lila , Willis John H 
Published: January 2006

AbstractMuch evidence has shown that postzygotic reproductive isolation (hybrid inviability or sterility) evolves by the accumulation of interlocus incompatibilities between diverging populations. Although in theory only a single pair of incompatible loci is needed to isolate species, empirical work in Drosophila has revealed that hybrid fertility problems often are highly polygenic and complex. In this article we investigate the genetic basis of hybrid sterility between two closely related species of monkeyflower, Mimulus guttatus and M. nasutus. In striking contrast to Drosophila systems, we demonstrate that nearly complete hybrid male sterility in Mimulus results from a simple genetic incompatibility between a single pair of heterospecific loci. We have genetically mapped this sterility effect: the M. guttatus allele at the hybrid male sterility 1 (hms1) locus acts dominantly in combination with recessive M. nasutus alleles at the hybrid male sterility 2 (hms2) locus to cause nearly complete hybrid male sterility. In a preliminary screen to find additional small-effect male sterility factors, we identified one additional locus that also contributes to some of the variation in hybrid male fertility. Interestingly, hms1 and hms2 also cause a significant reduction in hybrid female fertility, suggesting that sex-specific hybrid defects might share a common genetic basis. This possibility is supported by our discovery that recombination is reduced dramatically in a cross involving a parent with the hms1–hms2 incompatibility.