bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Human Adenovirus Causing Nosocomial Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Ishiko Hiroaki , Shimada Yasushi , Konno Tsunetada , Hayashi Akio , Ohguchi Takeshi , Tagawa Yoshitsugu , Aoki Koki , Ohno Shigeaki , Yamazaki Shudo 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTIn 2000, we encountered cases of nosocomial infections with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) at a university hospital in Kobe, in the western part of Japan. Two human adenovirus (HAdV) strains, Kobe-H and Kobe-S, were isolated from patients with nosocomial EKC infection. They were untypeable by existing neutralizing antisera; however, the isolate was neutralized with homologous antisera. We then encountered several cases of EKC due to nosocomial infections in eye clinics in different parts of Japan. A total of 80 HAdVs were isolated from patients with EKC at eight different hospitals. The partial hexon gene sequences of the isolates were determined and compared to those of the prototype strains of 51 serotypes. All isolates had identical partial hexon nucleotide sequences. Phylogenetic analysis classified these isolates into species of HAdV-D. The isolates showed 93.9 to 96.7% nucleotide identity with HAdV-D prototype strains, while all 32 HAdV-D prototype strains ranged from 93.2 to 99.2% identity. The sequences of the loop 2 and fiber knob regions from the representative strain, Kobe-H, were dissimilar in all prototype strains of 51 serotypes. We believe that this virus is a novel serotype of HAdV that causes EKC.
Detection of the
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Carbapenemase Type 2 Carbapenem-Hydrolyzing Enzyme in Clinical Isolates of
Citrobacter freundii
and
K. oxytoca
Carrying a Common Plasmid
Authors: Rasheed J. Kamile , Biddle James W. , Anderson Karen F. , Washer Laraine , Chenoweth Carol , Perrin John , Newton Duane W. , Patel Jean B. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

The
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC) was detected in carbapenem-resistant isolates of
Citrobacter freundii
and
Klebsiella oxytoca
recovered from different patients in a Michigan hospital. Restriction analysis and hybridization with a KPC-specific probe showed the
bla
KPC-2
genes of these two genera of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
are carried on a common plasmid.
Structural Basis for the Receptor Binding Specificity of Norwalk Virus
Authors: Bu Weiming , Mamedova Aygun , Tan Ming , Xia Ming , Jiang Xi , Hegde Rashmi S. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT
Noroviruses are positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis. They recognize human histo-blood group antigens as receptors in a strain-specific manner. The structures presented here were analyzed in order to elucidate the structural basis for differences in ligand recognition of noroviruses from different genogroups, the prototypic Norwalk virus (NV; GI-1) and VA387 (GII-4), which recognize the same A antigen but differ in that NV is unable to bind to the B antigen. Two forms of the receptor-binding domain of the norovirus coat protein, the P domain and the P polypeptide, that were previously shown to differ in receptor binding and P-particle formation properties were studied. Comparison of the structures of the NV P domain with and without A trisaccharide and the NV P polypeptide revealed no major ligand-induced changes. The 2.3-Å cocrystal structure reveals that the A trisaccharide binds to the NV P domain through interactions with the residues Ser377, Asp327, His329, and Ser380 in a mode distinct from that previously reported for the VA387 P-domain-A-trisaccharide complex. Mutational analyses confirm the importance of these residues in NV P-particle binding to native A antigen. The α-GalNAc residue unique to the A trisaccharide is buried deeply in the NV binding pocket, unlike in the structures of A and B trisaccharides bound to VA387 P domain, where the α-fucose residue forms the most protein contacts. The A-trisaccharide binding mode seen in the NV P domain complex cannot be sterically accommodated in the VA387 P domain.
A Point Mutation Leading to Hepatitis C Virus Escape from Neutralization by a Monoclonal Antibody to a Conserved Conformational Epitope
Authors: Keck Zhen-Yong , Olson Oakley , Gal-Tanamy Meital , Xia Jinming , Patel Arvind H. , Dreux Marlène , Cosset Francois-Loïc , Lemon Stanley M. , Foung Steven K. H. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT
A challenge in hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine development is defining conserved protective epitopes. A cluster of these epitopes comprises an immunodominant domain on the E2 glycoprotein, designated domain B. CBH-2 is a neutralizing human monoclonal antibody to a domain B epitope that is highly conserved. Alanine scanning demonstrated that the epitope involves residues G523, G530, and D535 that are also contact residues for E2 binding to CD81, a coreceptor required for virus entry into cells. However, another residue, located at position 431 and thus at a considerable distance in the linear sequence of E2, also contributes to the CBH-2 epitope. A single amino acid substitution at this residue results in escape from CBH-2-mediated neutralization in a genotype 1a virus. These results highlight the challenges inherent in developing HCV vaccines and show that an effective vaccine must induce antibodies to both conserved and more invariant epitopes to minimize virus escape.
Head, face and neck injury in youth rugby: incidence and risk factors
Authors: McIntosh A S , McCrory P , Finch C F , Wolfe R 
Published: April 2008

ObjectivesIn this study, the incidence of head, neck and facial injuries in youth rugby was determined, and the associated risk factors were assessed.DesignData were extracted from a cluster randomised controlled trial of headgear with the football teams as the unit of randomisation. No effect was observed for headgear use on injury rates, and the data were pooled.SettingGeneral school and club-based community competitive youth rugby in the 2002 and 2003 seasons.ParticipantsYoung male rugby union football players participating in under-13, under 15, under 18 and under 21 years competitions. Eighty-two teams participated in year 1 and 87 in year 2.Main outcome measuresInjury rates for all body regions combined, head, neck and face calculated for game and missed game injuries.Results554 head, face and neck injuries were recorded within a total of 28 902 h of rugby game exposure. Level of play and player position were related to injury risk. Younger players had the lowest rates of injury; forwards, especially the front row had the highest rate of neck injury; and inside backs had the highest rate of injuries causing the player to miss a game. Contact events, including the scrum and tackle, were the main events leading to injury.ConclusionInjury prevention must focus on the tackle and scrum elements of a youth rugby game.
Personal best marathon performance is associated with performance in a 24-h run and not anthropometry or training volume
Authors: Knechtle B , Wirth A , Knechtle P , Zimmermann K , Kohler G 
Published: April 2008

Objective:In this study, the influence of anthropometric and training parameters on race performance in ultra-endurance runners in a 24-h run was investigated.Design:Descriptive field study.Setting:24-h run in Basel 2007.Participants:15 male Caucasian ultra-runners (mean (SD) 46.7 (5.8 years), 71.1 (6.8 kg), 1.76 (0.07 m), body mass index 23.1 (1.84 kg/m2)).Interventions:None.Main outcome measures:Age, body mass, body height, length of lower limbs, skin-fold thicknesses, circumference of extremities, skeletal muscle mass, body mass, percentage of body fat, and training volume in 15 successful finishers were determined to correlate anthropometric and training parameters with race performance.Results:No significant association (p>0.05) was found between the reached distance and the anthropometric properties. There was also no significant association between the reached distance with the weekly training hours, running years, the number of finished marathons and the number of finished 24-h runs. The reached distance was significantly (p<0.05) positively correlated with the personal best marathon performance (r2 = 0.40) and the personal best 24-h run distance (r2 = 0.58). Furthermore, the personal best marathon performance was significantly and positively correlated (p<0.01) with the best personal 24-h run distance (r2 = 0.76).Conclusions:Anthropometry and training volume does not seem to have a major effect on race performance in a 24-h run. Instead, a fast personal best marathon time seems to be the only positive association with race performance in a 24-h run.
The Y chromosome-specific STS marker MS2 and its peripheral regions on the Y chromosome of the dioecious plantSilene latifolia
Authors: Ishii Kotaro , Sugiyama Ryuji , Onuki Megumi , Kazama Yusuke , Sachihiro Matsunaga  , Kawano Shigeyuki 
Published: April 2008

Sex determination in Silene latifolia uses the XX/XY system. The recent evolution of dioecy in S. latifolia provides a unique opportunity to study the early stages of Y chromosome evolution. However, the current Y chromosome map still contains many large gaps with no available markers. In this study, a sequence tagged site (STS) marker, MS2, was isolated and mapped to the same locus as L8 on the Y chromosome. To investigate the peripheral regions of MS2, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library was constructed from a male plant, and the BAC clone containing MS2 (MS2-9d12F) was isolated from 32 640 clones with an average insert size of 115 kb. A 109-kb insert of the BAC clone was analyzed. BLASTX analysis showed 11 sequences similar to some known proteins, most of which are retrotransposon-like elements. The ORF Finder predicted 9 ORFs within MS2-9d12F. RT-PCR analyses revealed that only 4 of the 9 predicted ORFs are expressed in both male and female plants. These 4 ORFs are candidates for genes having counterparts on both the X and Y chromosomes. Dot-matrix plot analysis and a BLASTN search revealed LTR-like sequences close to the retrotransposon-like elements and high similarity to 3 known genomic sequences of S. latifolia. These results suggest an accumulation of retrotransposons and segmental duplications in peripheral regions of MS2 during the early stage of sex chromosome evolution.
Microsatellite discovery from BAC end sequences and genetic mapping to anchor the soybean physical and genetic maps
Authors: Shoemaker Randy C. , Grant David , Olson Terry , Warren Wesley C. , Wing Rod , Yu Yeisoo , Kim HyeRan , Cregan Perry , Joseph Bindu , Futrell-Griggs Montona , Will Nelson  , Davito Jon , Walker Jason , Wallis John , Kremitski Colin , Scheer Debbie , Clifton Sandra W. , Graves Tina , Nguyen Henry , Wu Xiaolei , Luo Mingcheng , Dvorak Jan , Nelson Rex , Cannon Steven , Tomkins Jeff , Schmutz Jeremy , Stacey Gary , Jackson Scott 
Published: April 2008

Whole-genome sequencing of the soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘Williams 82’) has made it important to integrate its physical and genetic maps. To facilitate this integration of maps, we screened 3290 microsatellites (SSRs) identified from BAC end sequences of clones comprising the ‘Williams 82’ physical map. SSRs were screened against 3 mapping populations. We found the AAT and ACT motifs produced the greatest frequency of length polymorphisms, ranging from 17.2% to 32.3% and from 11.8% to 33.3%, respectively. Other useful motifs include the dinucleotide repeats AG, AT, and AG, with frequency of length polymorphisms ranging from 11.2% to 18.4% (AT), 12.4% to 20.6% (AG), and 11.3% to 16.4% (GT). Repeat lengths less than 16 bp were generally less useful than repeat lengths of 40–60 bp. Two hundred and sixty-five SSRs were genetically mapped in at least one population. Of the 265 mapped SSRs, 60 came from BAC singletons not yet placed into contigs of the physical map. One hundred and ten originated in BACs located in contigs for which no genetic map location was previously known. Ninety-five SSRs came from BACs within contigs for which one or more other BACs had already been mapped. For these fingerprinted contigs (FPC) a high percentage of the mapped markers showed inconsistent map locations. A strategy is introduced by which physical and genetic map inconsistencies can be resolved using the preliminary 4× assembly of the whole genome sequence of soybean.
Effects of organic compounds and recycling on ozone absorption in a portable water purification unit
Authors: Yao P. X. , Hendrawan F. B. , Bi H. T. , Wang J. H. , Fu J. 
Published: April 2008

The absorption of ozone gas in a portable bubbling unit was investigated. First, six types of bubblers were tested under identical operating conditions with a gas flow rate of 1 L/min and a water volume of 1.5 L. A simple mass transfer model with the liquid phase assumed to be completely mixed and the axial ozone gas concentration gradient neglected was used to obtain the overall mass transfer coefficient, KLa, by fitting experimental data. The effect of organic compounds in the water on ozone absorption and liquid ozone concentration buildup was investigated experimentally using phenol as a model compound. It was found that the existence of phenol significantly reduced the liquid ozone concentration because absorbed ozone is consumed for the destruction of phenol, leading to the delay in liquid phase ozone concentration buildup. The implication is that the disinfection time was prolonged when water of high organic compounds concentration is to be purified. Using the completely stirred tank reactor model, the gas recycling is simulated and demonstrated to be effective for enhancing ozone utilization efficiency in the small portable water purification unit.
Adsorption and desorption of ammonium by clinoptilolite adsorbent in municipal wastewater treatment systems
Authors: Hedström Annelie , Rastas Amofah Lea 
Published: April 2008

Natural zeolites as clinoptilolite may be used to recover wastewater ammonium, decrease the nitrogen content in the effluent from on-site sanitation systems and in wastewater treatment plants when nitrification–denitrification efficiency is low. The objective of this study was to estimate the ammonium adsorption capacity of clinoptilolite when being loaded with wastewater. Phosphorus and potassium sorption, ammonium desorption with tap water, and clogging were also studied. The study was performed by column experiments. Results of the investigation showed the ammonium adsorption capacity to increase with decreasing grain size, and the highest experimental adsorption capacity was 2.7 mg NH4-N/g. The breakthrough occurred immediately, probably due to a too high loading rate. Phosphorus and potassium sorption were minor. Of adsorbed ammonium, 23% was desorbed by tap water and desorption was more pronounced during saturated conditions. Filter clogging was extensive and probably caused by particles in the effluent wastewater and by microbiological growth.
Immunochemical studies and genetic background of twoNeisseria meningitidisisolates expressing unusual capsule polysaccharide antigens with specificities of both serogroup Y and W135
Authors: Tsang Raymond S.W. , Tsai Chao Ming , Henderson Averil M. , Tyler Shaun , Law Dennis K.S. , Zollinger Wendell , Jamieson Frances 
Published: April 2008

We described 2 unusual Neisseria meningitidis strains isolated from epidemiologically unrelated invasive meningococcal disease cases in Ontario, Canada. Both isolates have features typical of serogroup Y N. meningitidis: are of serotype 2c, are of the multi-locus sequence types typical of the serogroup Y strains in Canada, and are genotyped as serogroup Y based on a previously described PCR–ELISA method that detects the serogroup-Y-specific siaD gene. However, both strains were poly-agglutinable in both anti-Y and anti-W135 antisera. Further studies on 1 of these 2 isolates showed the presence of glucose and galactose as well as sialic acids in its purified capsular polysaccharide, suggesting the presence of both serogroup Y and serogroup W135 polysaccharides. Rabbit antisera produced to this strain contained antibodies to both purified serogroup Y and serogroup W135 capsular polysaccharides. Absorption experiments with either serogroup Y or serogroup W135 bacteria confirmed the presence of antibodies to these 2 different polysaccharides. DNA sequencing of the cps operon from both isolates revealed a siaD gene with 99.7% homology to the published siaD sequence from a serogroup Y strain but with 3 point mutations that all resulted in amino acid changes. How these strains may affect results of routine surveillance, PCR diagnosis, and immuno-protection by vaccination are discussed.
Effect of anntrCmutation on amino acid or urea utilization and on nitrogenase switch-off inHerbaspirillum seropedicae
Authors: Gusso Claudio L. , de Souza Emanuel M. , Rigo Liu Un , de Oliveira Pedrosa Fábio , Yates M.G. , de M Rego Fabiane G. , Klassen Giseli 
Published: April 2008

Herbaspirillum seropedicae is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium that grows well with ammonium chloride or sodium nitrate as alternative single nitrogen sources but that grows more slowly with l-alanine, l-serine, l-proline, or urea. The ntrC mutant strain DCP286A was able to utilize only ammonium or urea of these nitrogen sources. The addition of 1 mmol·L–1ammonium chloride to the nitrogen-fixing wild-type strain inhibited nitrogenase activity rapidly and completely. Urea was a less effective inhibitor; approximately 20% of nitrogenase activity remained 40 min after the addition of 1 mmol·L–1urea. The effect of the ntrC mutation on nitrogenase inhibition (switch-off) was studied in strain DCP286A containing the constitutively expressed gene nifA of H. seropedicae. In this strain, nitrogenase inhibition by ammonium was completely abolished, but the addition of urea produced a reduction in nitrogenase activity similar to that of the wild-type strain. The results suggest that the NtrC protein is required for assimilation of nitrate and the tested amino acids by H. seropedicae. Furthermore, NtrC is also necessary for ammonium-induced switch-off of nitrogenase but is not involved in the mechanism of nitrogenase switch-off by urea.
Strong Convergence Theorems for Nonexpansive Semigroups without Bochner Integrals
Authors: Saejung Satit 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe prove a convergence theorem by the new iterative method introduced by Takahashi et al. (2007). Our result does not use Bochner integrals so it is different from that by Takahashi et al. We also correct the strong convergence theorem recently proved by He and Chen (2007).
Finding Alternatives and Reduced Formulations for Process-Based Models
Authors: Bernhardt Knut 
Published: April 2008

This paper addresses the problem of model complexity commonly arising in constructing and using process-based models with intricate interactions. Apart from complex process details the dynamic behavior of such systems is often limited to a discrete number of typical states. Thus, models reproducing the system's processes in all details are often too complex and over-parameterized. In order to reduce simulation times and to get a better impression of the important mechanisms, simplified formulations are desirable. In this work a data adaptive model reduction scheme that automatically builds simple models from complex ones is proposed. The method can be applied to the transformation and reduction of systems of ordinary differential equations. It consists of a multistep approach using a low dimensional projection of the model data followed by a Genetic Programming/Genetic Algorithm hybrid to evolve new model systems. As the resulting models again consist of differential equations, their process-based interpretation in terms of new state variables becomes possible. Transformations of two simple models with oscillatory dynamics, simulating a mathematical pendulum and predator-prey interactions respectively, serve as introductory examples of the method's application. The resulting equations of force indicate the predator-prey system's equivalence to a nonlinear oscillator. In contrast to the simple pendulum it contains driving and damping forces that produce a stable limit cycle.
The w∂yiqtol and the Volitive Sequence
Authors: Baden Joel 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to explore afresh the use of the w∂yiqtol form in Biblical Hebrew. The particular concern of this paper is to delineate the precise meaning of the form in both volitive and indicative contexts. It is argued that this form always carries the connotation of purpose or result, regardless of its context. The paper concludes with an assessment of the impact of these data on the understanding of the volitive sequence in Biblical Hebrew.
Did the Masoretes Get it Wrong? The Vocalization and Accentuation of Ezekiel xxviii 12-19
Authors: Patmore Hector 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this article I argue that the Masoretic vowel pointing and accentuation of Ezekiel xxviii 12-19 have been added in such a way as to obscure the 'intended meaning' of the consonantal text. Focussing on verses 13 and 14 I ask first, how the scribes who have added the vocalisation and accentuation have read the text. Using the conventions of syntax and semantic range of the vocabulary employed I argue that the vocalisation and accentuation create an awkward reading of the consonantal text. I then suggest how the consonantal text might more 'naturally' be read. I conclude by making some tentative suggestions as to why the vocalisation and accentuation might have been added in the way that they have, and by posing some questions regarding the relationship of this text to Genesis ii-iii.
The Delinquent Daughter and Legal Innovation in Deuteronomy xxii 20-21
Authors: Fleishman Joseph 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this article I attempt to demonstrate that the part of the law in Deut xxii 20-21, which concerns the sin and punishment of a daughter who harms the honor of her parents and their authority over her, includes a legal innovation. The girl's behavior is tantamount to cursing her father and mother, a crime punishable by death according to Exod xxi 17. The girl's delinquency while still in her father's house led to her loss of virginity; it undermined her parents' authority, and consequently she deserved that severe penalty. The new law in Deuteronomy significantly restricts the applicability of such a sentence. Only in cases where a daughter has 'cursed' her parents by delinquent behavior (as in Deut xxii 20-21) is she sentenced to death.
An Examination of Synoptic Portions within the Vulgate
Authors: Everson David 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this article, the author compares the synoptic portions of Samuel/Kings and Chronicles within the Vulgate (i.e. examining Jerome's treatment of Hebrew temporal clauses, conjunctions, particles, word order, along with his omissions and additions) and considers those results in light of the remaining books of the Vulgate Old Testament. It is argued that Jerome became demonstrably less dependent upon the ancient versions and introduced innovations of translation theretofore unseen. This increasing sensitivity to Hebrew syntax reflected in the Vulgate of Chronicles and elsewhere would likewise suggest an increase in Jerome's knowledge and proficiency with regard to the Hebrew language.
"Beguile your soul" (Sir xiv 16; xxx 23): An Epicurean eme in Ben Sira
Authors: Holloway Paul 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDuring the Hellenistic period, the different philosophical schools developed different theories and techniques of consolation. Epicurean technique called for distracting the mourner by pleasant memories and was widely practiced, even by those who were not philosophical hedonists. The technique was altered slightly as it passed into popular use, where in it came to be conceived as a kind of mental dissimulation or even as a therapeutic "beguiling" of the mind by any of a number of pleasant distractions. This forms the likely background to Ben Sira's advice to those confronting death at xiv 16 and xxx 23 to "beguile your soul," an observation that provides further evidence of Ben Sira's contact with and measured appropriation of Hellenistic intellectual culture.