bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AGES Observations of Abell 1367
Authors: Cortese L. , Minchin R. F. , Auld R. R. , Davies J. I. , Catinella B. , Momjian E. , Rosenberg J. L. , Taylor R. , Gavazzi G. , O'Neil K. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe present 21 cm observations of 5×1 square degrees centered on the local Abell cluster 1367 obtained as part of the Arecibo Galaxy Environment Survey. This represents the first HI selected sample covering the core and the outskirts of a local cluster of galaxies. Combining the HI data with SDSS optical imaging we show that in HI selected samples follow scaling relations similar to the ones usually observed in optically selected samples. The most striking difference between HI and optically selected samples resides in their large scale distribution: while optical and X-ray observations trace the cluster potential very well, at radio wavelengths there is almost no evidence of the cluster presence.
Investigating the Relationship Between the Hot Gas and the Dark Matter Components of Galaxy Clusters.
Authors: Powell Leila C. , Kay Scott T. , Babul Arif , Mahdavi Andisheh 
Published: February 2008

AbstractVarious differences in galaxy cluster properties derived from X-ray and weak lensing observations have been highlighted in the literature. One such difference is the observation of mass concentrations in lensing maps which have no X-ray counterparts (e.g. Jee, White, Ford et al. 2005). We investigate this issue by identifying substructures in maps of projected total mass (analogous to weak lensing mass reconstructions) and maps of projected X-ray surface brightness for three simulated clusters. We then compare the 2D mass substructures with both 3D subhalo data and the 2D X-ray substructures. Here we present preliminary results from the first comparison, where we have assessed the impact of projecting the data on subhalo identification.
Searching for Dark Galaxies: The AGES VC2 Region
Authors: Taylor R. , Auld R. , Cortese L. , Davies J. , Minchin R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe VC2 strip (part of the AGES blind HI survey) spans 5x1 degrees of the Virgo Cluster, from the outskirts of the cluster to its interior. The strip covers part of subcluster A while avoiding the strong continuum source M87. 40 hours of observations were taken in January-February 2007 using the ALFA instrument on the Arecibo telescope, reaching a noise level as low as 0.5 mJy. For a 200 km/s velocity width, this gives a sensitivity limit of 6*106 Msolar at the Virgo distance (16 Mpc). Currently, 36 definite sources have been found, both by eye and with the automatic extractor Polyfind, with an additional 12 requiring follow-up observations, found only by one method.
Selective recruitment of bacteria during embryogenesis of an earthworm
Authors: Davidson Seana K , Stahl David A 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Earthworms of the family Lumbricidae harbor specific and stable populations of Acidovorax-like bacteria within their excretory organs, the nephridia. The symbionts of Eisenia foetida are deposited into the egg capsules during mating and the nephridia of the juveniles are colonized before they hatch. The timing and mechanisms governing bacterial recruitment and colonization are unknown for the earthworm-Acidovorax association. This study examined the process of colonization of the symbiotic organ during development of the embryos within the egg capsules. Bacteria associated with the developing embryos were visualized using in situ hybridization to bacterial cells and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Bacterial cells were associated with earthworm embryos during the earliest stages of development—the ova through to hatching. Three-dimensional examination of stages of development revealed an embryonic duct that recruits the Acidovorax-like symbiont cells. As each segment matures, Acidovorax-like symbiotic bacteria are recruited into this duct, excluding most other bacterial types, and remain there for a period of days prior to migration into the nephridium. After colonization of the nephridial ampulla, the canal remains bacteria-free. In addition to the known Acidovorax-like bacteria, multiple types of bacteria interact with the embryos externally and internally during the full course of development, and ultimately fill the gut lumen near the end of development prior to hatching. Colonization of the correct tissues by specific bacteria during differentiation and maturation of the organs must involve selective host defenses and signaling between the two partners to prevent over growth of nascent tissues.
Reinventing Japan Inc.: Twenty‐First Century Innovation Strategies in Japan
Authors: Holroyd Carin 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Japan has been a key player in the global competition based on scientific and technological innovation. Through a series of Science and Technology Basic Plans, the national government sought to restructure the country’s approach to scientific and technological development, with initiatives ranging from a fundamental restructuring of public universities to major investments in regional clusters. Collaboration with business has likewise been a centerpiece of the Japan strategy, as has high level political leadership of the broad initiative. This paper examines the international and national context of Japanese innovation, outlines the core elements of the Japanese innovation strategy, and provides preliminary observations about the first decade of the country’s extensive efforts to establish Japan as a global leader in the commercialization of science and technology.
Promoting University–Industry Linkages in Japan: Faculty Responses to a Changing Policy Environment
1
Authors: Walsh John P. , Baba Yasunori , Goto Akira , Yasaki Yoshihito 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Since the mid‐1990s, Japan has instituted a series of policy reforms in order to encourage greater university participation in commercial activity. Using data from a survey of scientists in engineering and biomedical fields in Japanese universities, we find that there has been a significant increase in commercial activity during this period, in particular, links to small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises. We also find that scientists are increasingly considering business potential when choosing projects. However, we find little evidence of the increasing commercialization leading to barriers to access to research tools. We also find that, despite the growing importance of formalized university–industry ties, university–industry linkages continue to be dominated by informal ties and gift‐exchange.
The Kyoto Model of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Regional Innovation Systems and Cluster Culture
Authors: Ibata‐Arens Kathryn 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Why is it that Kyoto, ancient cultural capital of Japan, a conservative and traditional place in many ways, manages to produce Japan’s most innovative (and profitable) high technology entrepreneurial firms? Further, what causes regions such as Kyoto to create a self‐sustaining critical mass, or cluster, of new venture start‐ups in emerging sectors? Can this success in ‘clustering’ entrepreneurial businesses be replicated elsewhere? For example, what are the most effective ways to encourage new start‐ups and connect fledgling firms to critical resources? The findings herein are based primarily on original case study survey and interview data from 29 life science start‐ups and the entrepreneurs at their helms, representing more than half of all life science start‐ups in Kyoto. I identify best practices in firm‐level strategy and entrepreneurship policy in what I call the Kyoto Model of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, highlighting entrepreneurial case studies of successful start‐ups. I also analyze factors leading to successful new business clusterization through analysis of entrepreneurial social networks and resource environments. Situating the findings within national innovation and entrepreneurship policies in Japan, I present a new model for regional innovation systems (RIS) and cluster emergence. I also include brief comparisons to life science clusters (and want‐to‐be clusters) in Japan and the United States, based on additional original survey and interview research in other regional clusters in each country.
Availability of Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine to Parents of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patients and Its Effect on the Healthcare Worker Vaccination Rate
Authors: Shah Shetal I. , Caprio Martha 
Published: February 2008

Background.Trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) is indicated for healthcare workers (HCWs); however, the vaccination rate in this population is estimated at 35%. We implemented a program for the administration of TIV, targeted at parents of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients.Objective.To determine the effect of availability of TIV to parents in the NICU on HCW vaccination rates.Design.Questionnaire survey after an intervention-based study.Setting.Tertiary-care neonatal intensive care unit.Participants.Physicians, nurses, and other NICU-based staff.Methods.For the 2005-2006 influenza season, parents of NICU patients were screened and administered TIV, if informed consent was obtained. As a consequence, TIV was available 20 hours/day to all staff. Previous vaccination history and comorbidities in HCWs were also assessed.Results.Of 120 neonatal HCWs, 112 (93%) were screened during the 2005-2006 season; 80 (67%) were vaccinated, compared with 49 (41%) prior to the implementation of this program (P< .03, by Student'sttest); 54 (45% of the study population, which includes senior neonatologists, fellow and resident physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, X-ray technicians and clerical staff) received TIV in the NICU, compared with the 17 (14%) of 120 HCWs the previous year; and 20 (46%) of 43 HCWs of the nursing staff were vaccinated in the NICU, whereas only 3 (7%) of 43 HWCs were vaccinated outside the unit. Attending physicians had the lowest vaccination rate, and most cited efficacy and/or side effects in their deferral. Nurses most often refused influenza vaccination because they had a fear of injection.Conclusions.Administration of TIV in the NICU is an effective means of increasing the vaccination rate among neonatal HCWs. To increase compliance with vaccination, educational efforts for nurses should emphasize the possibility of viral transmission to neonates as motivation for vaccination. Physician-directed efforts should include tolerability of vaccine side effects. Live attenuated influenza vaccine, administered intranasally, should be considered to increase vaccination rates among NICU nurses.
First Report of Corky Ringspot Caused by Tobacco rattle virus on Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) in Michigan
Authors: Kirk W. W. , Gieck S. L. , Crosslin J. M. , Hamm P. B. 
Published: February 2008

Potato is the fourth most important agricultural commodity in Michigan and is grown for table stock, chip processing, and seed. Tubers are either processed or fresh packed immediately following harvest or sent to storage. Tubers of potato cv. FL1879 representing two separate fields in Huron County were removed from separate storage facilities in February and March of 2007, and substantial internal necrosis was observed in 1 to 2% of the tubers. Symptoms included arcs similar to those caused by Tobacco rattle virus (TRV). This virus is a member of the genus Tobravirus and is transmitted by a number of species of stubby-root nematodes (Paratrichodorus or Trichodorus spp.). Stubby-root nematodes have been reported previously from Michigan (1). To confirm the presence of TRV, nucleic acid extractions were made from these symptomatic tubers (3). Samples were initially tested for TRV by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using primers specific to the 16 kDa open reading frame on genomic RNA-1 (2). Samples from both storage facilities were positive. The 463-bp RT-PCR product, amplified with these primers, was sequenced (GenBank Accession No. EU315227) and was 99.6% identical to the corresponding region of two TRV isolates from Florida and Washington (GenBank Accession Nos. AF055912 and EU315226, respectively). In addition, sap from cv. FL1879 tuber samples was used to transmit the virus mechanically to tobacco cv. Samsun NN, which produced typical TRV symptoms following inoculation, and sap extracts from the tobacco leaves also tested positive with antiserum specific to TRV upon subsequent ELISA testing. Corky ringspot can result in substantial losses, with entire potato fields being rejected because of internal tuber damage. Once found, fields must be considered permanently at risk to this disease due to the large host range of both the virus and the nematode vector. This disease has been previously found in the United States in California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and it is likely present in Indiana. To our knowledge, this is the first report of corky ringspot and TRV on potato in Michigan. References: (1) G. W. Bird and N. Knobloch. Plant Dis. Rep. 60:76, 1976. (2) J. M. Crosslin and P. E. Thomas. Am. Potato J. 72:605, 1995. (3) G. G. Presting et al. Phytopathology 85:436, 1995.
First Report of Hainesia lythri Causing Leaf Spots of Paeonia suffruticosa in China
Authors: Zhang M. , Li H. L. , Zhao A. L. , Zhang J. X. 
Published: February 2008

Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) is known as “the king of flowers” for its beautiful and showy flowers. It is regarded as the symbol flower of China and is cultivated throughout the country. During the summer of 2006, a leaf spot was observed on tree peony cultivated in the Zhengzhou area of Henan Province, and in 2007, the leaf spot was observed in the Luoyang area. In some gardens, the leaf spot affected more than 50% of the plants. Early symptoms appeared as small, round, water-soaked lesions on the leaves. Lesions expanded into 5 to 35-mm-diameter spots that were circular or irregular, brown to dark brown, with pale brown margins. Later, the center of some lesions dropped out. Signs of the suspected pathogen were usually seen on the leaf spots after an abundant rainfall. Lesions contained numerous, pale brown, cupulate conidiomata with salmon-colored spore masses. Conidiophores (70 × 1 to 2 μm) were hyaline, branched, septate, and filiform. Conidia (5.5 to 7.5 × 1.5 to 2 μm) were hyaline, aseptate, and cymbiform to allantoid. The pathogen was identified as Hainesia lythri on the basis of the morphology. This fungus infects a wide variety of hosts including P. suffruticosa, Acer pseudoplatanus, Calluna sp., Dissotis paucistellata, Epilobium angustifolium, and Eucalyptus saligna (3). The fungus was isolated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium using conidia from conidiomata found on symptomatic leaf tissue; the fungus produced gray-to-brown colonies. Pathogenicity was tested by inoculating 10 leaves on one 5-year-old tree with a mycelia plug from the colony (0.5 cm in diameter); leaves inoculated with plugs of PDA medium served as controls. Inoculated leaves were covered with plastic for 24 h to maintain high relative humidity and incubated at 25 to 28°C. After 5 days, 100% of the inoculated leaves showed symptoms identical to those observed on leaves from P. suffruticosa infected in the field while controls remained symptom free. Reisolation of the fungus from lesions on inoculated leaves confirmed that the causal agent was H. lythri. Thus, we concluded that H. lythri is the causal agent of leaf spots of P. suffruticosa. To our knowledge, this is the first report of H. lythri infecting P. suffruticosa in China. H. lythri has been previously reported on Paeonia in Japan and Korea (1,2). References: (1) W. D. Cho and H. D. Shin, eds. List of Plant Diseases in Korea. 4th ed. Korean Society of Plant Pathology, 2004. (2) M. E. Palm. Mycologia 83:787, 1991. (3) B. C. Sutton. The Coelomycetes. CAB International Publishing, New York, 1980.
Clinical and biochemical characteristics of normotensive patients with primary aldosteronism: a comparison with hypertensive cases
Authors: Médeau Virginie , Moreau François , Trinquart Ludovic , Clemessy Maud , Wémeau Jean‐Louis , Vantyghem Marie Christine , Plouin Pierre‐François , Reznik Yves 
Published: February 2008

SummaryObjective  It is unknown why some patients with biochemical evidence of primary aldosteronism (PA) do not develop hypertension. We aimed to compare clinical and biochemical characteristics of normotensive and hypertensive patients with PA.Design and patients  Retrospective comparison of 10 normotensive and 168 hypertensive patients with PA for office or ambulatory blood pressure, serum potassium, plasma aldosterone and renin concentrations; the aldosterone : renin ratio, and tumour size. Comparison of initial hormonal pattern and drop in blood pressure following adrenalectomy in five normotensive and nine hypertensive patients matched for age, sex and body mass index.Results  The 10 normotensive patients were women and presented with hypokalemia or an adrenal mass. Age, plasma aldosterone and renin concentrations were similar in normotensive and hypertensive cases, but kalemia and body mass index were significantly lower in the normotensive patients. Mean tumour diameter was larger in the normotensive patients than in the hypertensive matched patients with an adenoma (P < 0·01). In normotensive patients, diastolic blood pressure and upright aldosterone correlated negatively with kalemia. Blood pressure was lowered similarly after adrenalectomy in five normotensive PA patients and in their matched hypertensive counterparts. Aldosterone synthase expression was detected in four out of five adrenal tumours.Conclusions  Blood pressure may be normal in patients with well‐documented PA. The occurrence of hypokalemia, despite a normal blood pressure profile, suggests that protective mechanisms against hypertension are present in normotensive patients.
Vitamin D and bone health in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Wolfenden Linda L. , Judd Suzanne E. , Shah Reshma , Sanyal Rupan , Ziegler Thomas R. , Tangpricha Vin 
Published: February 2008

SummaryBackground  Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have chronic pancreatic insufficiency leading to malabsorption of fat‐soluble vitamins, including vitamin D which can contribute to poor skeletal health and respiratory function.Objective  This study evaluated the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and its impact on bone and respiratory health in adults with CF.Design and measurements  This was a retrospective study in which data were collected from medical records over a 2‐year period. Data included patient demographics, lung function, biochemical data, bone mineral densities, X‐rays and ascertainment of use of vitamin supplements. Data were collected from medical records at a single accredited CF Center. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and bone mineral density studies were also collected.Patients  A total of 185 adults with CF were identified with a mean age of 29 ± 9 years.Results  The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency [25(OH)D < 75 nmol/l] was 76%. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 58·8 ± 30 nmol/l. Use of specific vitamin D supplementation was protective against vitamin D insufficiency whereas use of multivitamins was not. There was a small, but significant, positive association between serum 25(OH)D and FEV1 per cent predicted after controlling for age, gender, BMI and race (R2 = 0·30, P < 0·001). A high prevalence (27%) of vertebral fractures was detected on lateral chest X‐ray.Conclusions  The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and poor skeletal health is high in the US CF population. Vitamin D status appears to be positively associated with lung function. Prospective studies to examine the impact of correction of vitamin D insufficiency on skeletal and lung health in adult CF are warranted.
RET genotypes in sporadic medullary thyroid cancer: studies in a large Italian series
Authors: Fugazzola Laura , Muzza Marina , Mian Caterina , Cordella Daniela , Barollo Susi , Alberti Luisella , Cirello Valentina , Dazzi Davide , Girelli Maria Elisa , Opocher Giuseppe , Beck‐Peccoz Paolo , Persani Luca 
Published: February 2008

SummaryBackground  Highly discrepant data about the different distribution of RET germline single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among patients with sporadic medullary thyroid cancer (sMTC) and controls are available.Design and patients  In the present case‐control study, a wide panel of seven RET SNPs has been tested in the largest sMTC series and in a matched control group.Results  None of the investigated polymorphisms show a significantly different distribution in patients with sMTC when compared to controls. Twenty haplotypes and 57 genotypes were generated, and their association with the disease and with the clinical features were statistically evaluated. Interestingly, 14 genotypes were found to be unique to sMTC patients and 25 to controls. Two haplotypes and three genotypes, all including the intronic variants IVS1‐126 and IVS14‐24, were significantly associated with sMTC patients and with a higher tumour aggression. The functional activity of the only nonsynonymous RET variant (c.2071C > A, G691S) was tested for the first time. Interestingly, Western blot analyses showed that the fraction of Ret9‐G691S protein located at the plasma membrane level was overrepresented when compared to Ret9‐WT, suggesting facilitated targeting at the cell membrane for this variant. However, no transforming activity was shown in a focus formation assay on cells carrying the Ret9‐G691S, against a possible oncogenic role of G691S variant.Conclusions  RET genotypes including two intronic RET variants were associated with the risk of developing sMTC and to more aggressive behaviour. Further studies are warranted to elucidate whether these RET genotypes are in linkage disequilibrium with another susceptibility gene or whether these variants could play a role in the genesis of sMTC per se.
Regulation and functional impact of lipopolysaccharide induced Nod2 gene expression in the murine epididymal epithelial cell line PC1
Authors: Mühlbauer Marcus , Cheely Adam W. , Yenugu Suresh , Jobin Christian 
Published: February 2008

SummaryEpididymitis represents a serious threat to male fertility and usually develops following secondary bacterial infection of the epididymis such as urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted diseases. Surprisingly, very little is known about the innate host response triggered by bacterial infection in the male reproductive tract. In this study we investigated the regulation and function of Nod2 in epididymal epithelial cells following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The immortalized epididymal epithelial cell line PC1 (proximal caput 1) constitutively expressed Toll‐like receptor 4, MD‐2, CD‐14 but not Nod2 messenger RNA. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0·5 μg/ml) rapidly induced IκB phosphorylation and degradation, RelA nuclear translocation and phosphorylation, which correlated with enhanced transcriptional activity (four‐fold) in PC1 cells. The LPS and lipid A rapidly (1 hr) induced Nod2 messenger RNA accumulation in a dose‐dependent manner. RelA and RNApolII recruitment to the Nod2 gene promoter was enhanced in LPS‐stimulated cells. Molecular blockade of nuclear factor‐κB signalling with adenovirus 5 (Ad5) IκBAA or adenovirus 5 double‐negative (Ad5dn) IKKβ prevented LPS‐induced Nod2 gene expression. Functionally, Nod2 upregulation enhanced muramyl dipeptide (MDP) ‐induced tumour necrosis factor messenger RNA accumulation in PC1 cells. We conclude that epididymal epithelial cells mount an innate response following LPS exposure which leads to upregulation of Nod2 and enhanced responsiveness to the microbial product MDP. The rapid Nod2 upregulation in epididymal epithelial cells is probably part of a complex innate host response aimed at protecting the male reproductive tract from the deleterious impact of bacteria.