bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms within the Interleukin‐1 Gene Family and Unexplained Late Intrauterine Fetal Death: A Multi‐center Study
Authors: Huber Ambros , Grimm Christoph , Jirecek Stefan , Zeillinger Robert , Husslein Peter , Hefler Lukas 
Published: February 2005

Problem:  Interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) mediated inflammatory processes have been proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of late unexplained intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). We determined whether common polymorphisms within the IL‐1 gene locus can serve as candidate genes for this condition.Method of study:  In a multi‐center case–control study, we evaluated the −889 C/T polymorphism of the IL‐1alpha gene (IL1A), the −511 C/T polymorphism of the IL‐1beta promoter (IL1B promoter), the +3953 C/T polymorphism of IL‐1beta exon 5 (IL1B exon 5), and a 86 base pair repeat in intron 2 of the IL‐1 receptor antagonist gene (IL1RN) in 94 women with IUFD and 94 healthy controls using pyrosequencing.Results:  No significant associations were found between the presence of polymorphic alleles of IL1A (P = 0.9), IL1B promoter (P = 0.3), IL1B exon 5 (P = 0.9), and IL1RN intron 2 (P = 0.7) and the incidence of IUFD. In women with IUFD, polymorphisms were not associated with the timing of fetal death and birth weight.Conclusions:  Polymorphisms within the IL1 gene family are not associated with the occurrence of IUFD overall and do not modulate the clinical characteristics of affected pregnancies in a large series of Caucasian women.
Role of Apoptosis Controlled by Cytochrome c Released from Mitochondria for Luteal Function in Human Granulosa Cells
Authors: Makino Aiko , Ozaki Yasuhiko , Matsubara Hirokazu , Sato Takeshi , Ikuta Katsuo , Nishizawa Yuji , Suzumori Kaoru 
Published: February 2005

Problem:  The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between apoptosis by the mitochondrial pathway and luteal function in human granulosa cells.Method of study:  Granulosa cells were obtained by ultrasound‐guided follicular aspiration from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. After the addition of RU486, cells were stained with a mitochondria‐specific fluorescent dye, MitoTracker Red CMxRos. Using flow cytometry and National Institute of Health image, the mitochondrial fluorescent area was measured. After staining with Hoechst 33258 dye, the number of apoptotic bodies per 1000 cells were counted at random on photomicrographs. Homogenates were used for sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis using antibodies against cytochrome c or caspase‐3.Results:  The incidence of apoptotic bodies increased and the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased time dependently. The opposite effect was observed dose dependently with RU486 treatment. Western blot analysis showed increased cytochrome c expression, after treatment with 1–2 μg/mL of RU486 which then decreased with 5–10 μg/mL of RU486. Caspase‐3 expression increased dose dependently with RU486.Conclusions:  These results suggest that the activation of caspase‐3 caused by cytochrome c released from mitochondria plays an important role in apoptosis‐related luteal function in human granulosa cells.
RHEOLOGICAL, MELTING AND MICROSTRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF CHEDDAR AND MOZZARELLA CHEESES AFFECTED BY DIFFERENT FREEZING METHODS
Authors: REID DAVID S. , YAN HONG 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT Three cheeses were treated by (1) blast, (2) precooling plus blast, (3) liquid nitrogen and (4) precooling plus liquid nitrogen freezing methods. Mozzarella I and Cheddar cheeses treated by all methods had lower shear strength than their controls, excepting Mozzarella I treated by (1) was similar to its control. Mozzarella II treated by (1) and (2) had higher shear strength than its control but by (3) and (4) it had less. The failure stresses of Cheddar and Mozzarella I cheeses treated by (1) and (2) were significantly lower than their controls, while treated Mozzarella II had opposite results. Mozzarella I treated by (2) had meltability similar to its control and by (1) had lower meltability. Mozzarella II meltability was significantly reduced by (1) and (2). Stretchability was greatly improved using both methods for Mozzarella I but not for Mozzarella II. Cryo‐stage Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that the microstructural differences caused by (1) and (2) were apparent in Cheddar and Mozzarella II but not in Mozzarella I.
Pathways to Success in M&A
Authors: Mamdani Mahmoud , Noah David 
Published: February 2005

For many if not most publicly traded companies, acquisition capabilities remain a critical component of sustainable longterm growth and profitability. And even as investors press companies to return excess capital through dividends and stock buybacks, the market continues to assign premium valuations to companies that earn above‐average returns through a combination of internal investment and judicious acquisition spending.This article begins by describing major challenges facing acquirers in the current business and regulatory environment. Then, after showing how M&A can be used to address strategic goals, the authors identify key elements in the M&A strategies of three highly successful companies: General Electric, Danaher, and Illinois Tool Works.
Emergence and Evolution of Enfuvirtide Resistance following Long-Term Therapy Involves Heptad Repeat 2 Mutations within gp41
Authors: Xu L. , Pozniak A. , Wildfire A. , Stanfield-Oakley S. A. , Mosier S. M. , Ratcliffe D. , Workman J. , Joall A. , Myers R. , Smit E. , Cane P. A. , Greenberg M. L. , Pillay D. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to track the evolution of sequence changes in both the heptad region 1 (HR1) and HR2 domains of gp41 associated with resistance to enfuvirtide (ENF) in a patient cohort receiving long-term ENF treatment. We studied 17 highly antiretroviral agent-experienced patients receiving long-term ENF treatment with virological rebound or a lack of suppression. Sixty-two samples obtained after between 5 and 107 weeks of ENF therapy were analyzed. Baseline samples from 15 of these 17 patients were available for analysis. Viruses from five samples from four patients were also sequenced after the cessation of ENF therapy. Drug susceptibilities were assessed by a pseudotype virus reporter assay. We identified HR1 and HR2 sequence changes over time in relation to the baseline sequences. Mutations in HR1 (amino acids 36 to 45) were noted in all cases, including previously unreported changes N42Q/H and N43Q. In addition to a range of HR2 sequence changes at polymorphic sites, isolates from 6 of 17 (35%) patients developed an S138A substitution in the HR2 domain at least 8 weeks after the start of ENF treatment and also subsequent to the first emergence of HR1 mutations. In most, but not all, cases the S138A mutation accompanied HR1 mutations at position 43. Molecular modeling demonstrates the close proximity of S138A with amino acids 40 and 45 in HR1. Of note, isolates in samples available from four patients demonstrated the loss of both the HR1 and the S138A HR2 mutations following the cessation of therapy. We show that the S138A HR2 mutation increased the level of resistance by approximately threefold over that conferred by the HR1 mutation N43D. Continual evolution of HR1 in the domain from amino acids 36 to 45 was observed during long-term ENF therapy. We have identified, for the first time, an ENF resistance-associated HR2 mutation, S138A, which appeared in isolates from 6 of 17 patients with virological failure and demonstrated its potential to contribute to drug resistance. We propose that this represents a possible secondary and/or compensatory mutation, particularly when it coexists with mutations at position 43 in HR-1.
Novel Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphonate Analogues with Potent Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Activities
Authors: Ying C. , Holý A. , Hocková D. , Havlas Z. , De Clercq E. , Neyts J. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

Novel acyclic nucleoside phosphonates with a pyrimidine base preferentially containing an amino group at C-2 and C-4 and a 2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethoxy or (
R
)-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propoxy group at C-6 selectively inhibit the replication of wild-type and lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B viruses. The activity of the most potent compounds was comparable to that of adefovir.
Integrons and Transposons on the
Salmonella
enterica
Serovar Typhimurium Virulence Plasmid
Authors: Villa Laura , Carattoli Alessandra 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

A virulence plasmid was identified in a multidrug-resistant
Salmonella
enterica
serotype Typhimurium strain carrying the
spvC
,
rck
, and
pefA
virulence genes and two class 1 integrons linked to the Tn
21
and Tn
1696
transposons. A novel trimethoprim resistance gene, designated
dfrA23
, was also identified within the integron region. The association of multidrug resistance and virulence determinants represents an interesting example of virulence plasmid evolution.
International Clone of
Neisseria
meningitidis
Serogroup A with Tetracycline Resistance Due to
tet
(B)
Authors: Crawford Sharon A. , Fiebelkorn Kristin R. , Patterson Jan E. , Jorgensen James H. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

Thirteen
Neisseria
meningitidis
clinical isolates from Africa, Asia, and the United States for which the tetracycline MICs were elevated (≥8 μg/ml) were examined for 14 recognized resistance genes. Only the drug efflux mechanism encoded by
tet
(B) was detected. All isolates were in serogroup A, belonged to complex ST-5, and were closely related by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis.
New Integron-Associated Gene Cassette Encoding a 3-
N
-Aminoglycoside Acetyltransferase
Authors: Levings Renee S. , Partridge Sally R. , Lightfoot Diane , Hall Ruth M. , Djordjevic Steven P. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

A fifth gene cassette containing an
aacC
gene,
aacCA5
, was found in an
aacCA5-aadA7
cassette array in a class 1 integron isolated from a multiply drug resistant
Salmonella enterica
serovar Kentucky strain. The AacC-A5 or AAC(3)-Ie acetyltransferase encoded by
aacCA5
is related to other AAC(3)-I enzymes and confers resistance to gentamicin.
Monitoring and Characterization of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in
Escherichia coli
Strains from Healthy and Sick Animals in Spain in 2003
Authors: Briñas Laura , Moreno Miguel Angel , Teshager Tirushet , Sáenz Yolanda , Porrero María Concepción , Domínguez Lucas , Torres Carmen 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

Genes encoding CTX-M-14, CTX-M-9, CTX-M-1, CTX-M-32, SHV-12, TEM-52, or CMY-2 β-lactamases were detected in 21
Escherichia coli
strains recovered during 2003 from sick animals (11 of 459 [2.4%] strains) and healthy animals (10 of 158 [6.3%] strains) in Spain. Twelve of these strains harbored
bla
CTX-M
genes and showed unrelated pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns.
Evaluation of Ceftobiprole in a Rabbit Model of Aortic Valve Endocarditis Due to Methicillin-Resistant and Vancomycin-Intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Chambers Henry F. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

Ceftobiprole is a novel broad-spectrum cephalosporin that binds with high affinity to PBP 2a, the methicillin-resistance determinant of staphylococci, and is active against methicillin- and vancomycin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
. Ceftobiprole was compared to vancomycin in a rabbit model of methicillin-resistant
S
.
aureus
aortic valve endocarditis. Ceftobiprole and vancomycin were equally effective against endocarditis caused by methicillin-resistant
S
.
aureus
strain 76, whereas ceftobiprole was more effective than vancomycin against the vancomycin-intermediate
S
.
aureus
strain HIP5836. The activity of ceftobiprole against drug-resistant strains of
S
.
aureus
warrants its further clinical development.
Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism of [
14
C]Remofovir in Rats and Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Lin Chin-Chung , Xu Christine , Zhu Nanqun , Lourenco David , Yeh Li-Tain 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

Single-dose pharmacokinetics and metabolism of [
14
C]remofovir was studied in rats and monkeys following intravenous (i.v.) and oral administration (30 mg/kg of body weight). Oral absorption and bioavailability were 29.7 and 5.42% in rats and 65.6 and 19.4% in monkeys, respectively. Following i.v. administration, the elimination half-life for remofovir was 0.7 h in both rats and monkeys. Total body clearance was 5.85 liters/h/kg in rats and 2.60 liters/h/kg in monkeys; apparent volume of distribution was 5.99 liters/kg in rats and 2.70 liters/kg in monkeys. Following oral administration, remofovir was extensively converted to 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine (PMEA) and other metabolites in both species. In rats, excretion of total radioactivity in urine accounted for 61.8% of the i.v. dose and 12.9% of the oral dose, while in monkeys it accounted for 43.3% of the i.v. dose and 34.9% of the oral dose. Following i.v. dosing of [
14
C]remofovir, fecal excretion of radioactivity accounted for 37.5% of the dose in rats and 17.4% of the dose in monkeys, indicating significant biliary excretion of the drug in animals. PMEA and metabolite A were the major urinary metabolites in both species after i.v. and oral administration of remofovir.
Molecular Analysis of Resistance to Streptogramin A Compounds Conferred by the Vga Proteins of Staphylococci
Authors: Chesneau Olivier , Ligeret Heidi , Hosan-Aghaie Negin , Morvan Anne , Dassa Elie 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

The Vga and Msr resistance determinants, encoded by mobile genetic elements in various staphylococcal strains, belong to a family of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins whose functions and structures are ill defined. Their amino acid sequences are similar to those of proteins involved in the immunity of streptomycetes to the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin antibiotics that they produce. Sequence analysis of the genomes of the gram-positive bacteria with low G+C contents revealed that Lmo0919 from
Listeria monocytogenes
is more closely related to Vga variants than to Msr variants. In the present study we compared the antibiotic resistance profiles conferred by the Vga-like proteins in two staphylococcal hosts. It was shown that Vga(A), the Vga(A) variant [Vga(A)v], and Lmo0919 can confer resistance to lincosamides and streptogramin A compounds, while only Vga(B) is able to increase the level of resistance to pristinamycin, a mixture of streptogramin A and streptogramin B compounds. By using polyclonal antibodies, we found that the Vga(A) protein colocalized with the β subunit of the F
1
-F
0
ATPase in the membrane fractions of staphylococcal cells. In order to identify functional units in these atypical ABC proteins, such as regions that might be involved in substrate specificity and/or membrane targeting, we analyzed the resistance phenotypes conferred by various plasmids carrying parts or modified versions of the
vga
(A) gene and we determined the subcellular localization of the gene products. Only polypeptides composed of two ABC domains were detected in the cell membranes. No region of drug specificity was identified. Resistance properties were dependent on the integrities of both Walker B motifs.
Physical activity levels during phase IV cardiac rehabilitation in a group of male myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Woolf-May K , Bird S 
Published: February 2005

Objective:To determine physical activity levels during phase IV cardiac rehabilitation in 31 male myocardial infarction patients (median age 62, range 53–77 years).Methods:Patients recorded daily physical activity over 16 weeks in a diary. Diaries were analysed for total general physical activity (TGPA), leisure time physical activity (LTPA), and “active for life” exercise classes (AFL). Pre- and post-observation period (OP) subjects underwent a 10 m shuttle walking test (SWT) to determine changes in aerobic fitness. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) determined exercise intensity. Estimated gross energy expenditure (EEE) was determined by a regression equation between RPE and Vo2(l min−1) during SWT. A total of 97% of subjects were on lipid lowering medication.Results:There were no correlations between Vo2(l min−1) and body mass, therefore kcal min−1indicated activity intensity. There were no significant changes in physical activity patterns or in aerobic fitness. Estimated total LTPA (median 1376, range 128–3380 kcal week−1) was less than that recommended to improve aerobic fitness and/or slow progression of coronary artery disease. Sixteen subjects attended a median of 29 (range 1–46) AFL during LTPA; one way ANOVA showed these subjects worked at greater EEE (AFL, n = 16, 6.6 (standard deviation 1.4)vno-AFL, n = 15, 5.1 (1.8) EEE kcal min−1, p = 0.017).Conclusion:Physical activity was stable, but patients’ EEE appeared insufficient to improve aerobic fitness or slow progression of coronary artery disease. It was suggested that the promotion of LTPA and the availability of AFL classes should be reconsidered.
Silicon-on-Insulator Wafer Bonding-Wafer Thinning Technological Evaluations
Authors: Haisma J. , Spierings G. A. C. M. , Biermann U. K. P. , Pals J. A. 
Published: February 2005

The realization of wafer-scale Silicon-on-Insulator by Van der Waals wafer bonding and subsequent thinning of one of the wafers is described for 100 mm wafers. The bonding of two silicon wafers is brought about by Van der Waals forces which are found to be sufficiently strong for a tight bond at wafer distances of less than 1 nm. This condition requires wafer surfaces which are extremely flat and free of dust particles. Usually the bonding susceptibility is enhanced by a short polishing step.
Van der Waals bonding (dipole bonding) is sufficiently strong to withstand the thinning procedure, but bonding is often enhanced by an anneal step (chemical bonding) before thinning. Four thinning procedures are described:
1. Electroless chemical thinning: Selective etching of highly doped bulk material of an active wafer using an electrochemically controlled HF–HNO3–HAc–H2O etchant down to a low-dope, low etch-rate epilayer.
2. Chemical thinning: Electrochemically controlled chemical etching of p-type bulk material of an active wafer down to a p/n junction, where electrochemical passivation of an n-type silicon epilayer occurs.
3. Thinning down to a tribochemical polish stop: In this technique an active wafer is polished until grooves filled with Si3N4 are encountered. The removal rate then becomes small while SOI remains in the areas between the grooves.
4. Polish without stopper: By adapting the existing optical polishing technology, extreme control of flatness and parallelism of wafer surfaces can be achieved. It then becomes possible to polish homogeneously down to SOI layers a few microns thick over a 100 mm wafer. In procedures 1 and 2 an acceptable surface quality is obtained by applying a final tribochemical polishing step. Experimental results of the four technologies are presented.
In these technologies, tribochemical polishing is crucial. The necessity of this polishing technology as an off-line facility is discussed in the broader context of ICs of the future.
Study on the Crystal Structure of CdInGaS4 and Cd3InGaS6 by Computer Simulation Method
Authors: Matsushita Hiroaki , Nomura Shigetaka , Ando Shizutoshi , Endo Saburo , Irie Taizo 
Published: February 2005

The crystal structures of CdInGaS4 and Cd3InGaS6 were studied by a computer simulation method using the experimental X-ray powder diffraction pattern. The ratio of the Van der Weals length between three “packs” in CdInGaS4 was determined to be 2.75:4.5:2.75. It is concluded that Cd3InGaS6 is not a single compound but has a laminated structure composed of CdS and CdInGaS4. In order to interpret the ratio of the intensity of diffraction lines, a type of stacking of Cd and S layers is proposed.
Carrier Injection Characteristics in Diamine/ZnSe Organic-Inorganic Thin-Film Heterostructures for Blue Electroluminescence
Authors: Fujita Shizuo , Yoshie Tomoyuki , Kohama Kazumasa , Yoichi Kawakami Yoichi Kawakami , Shigeo Fujita Shigeo Fujita 
Published: February 2005

Blue electroluminescence, peaking at a wavelength
nearly corresponding to the band gap of ZnSe, is observed in
a Au/diamine(TAD)/ZnSe/GaAs/In structure,
where TAD/ZnSe layers are successively grown on a GaAs substrate
using molecular beam epitaxy/deposition.
Investigations of carrier injection characteristics
at the heterostructure revealed that
(i) electrons and holes accumulate at the TAD/ZnSe interface
under positive bias application to the Au electrode,
(ii) a strong electric field formed by the accumulated electrons
and holes, ∼107 V/cm2,
lowers the potential barriers at the TAD/ZnSe interface
for both electrons and holes,
(iii) holes injected from TAD to ZnSe recombine with electrons,
resulting in sharp blue electroluminescence in the ZnSe layer.
The similarity of these processes to those at practical
organic/organic interfaces suggests that
these kinds of tunneling injections are commonly applicable
for explanation of the operation of organic electroluminescent devices.
The Vpr protein from HIV-1: distinct roles along the viral life cycle
Authors: Le Rouzic Erwann , Benichou Serge 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
The genomes of human and simian immunodeficiency viruses (HIV and SIV) encode the gag, pol and env genes and contain at least six supplementary open reading frames termed tat, rev, nef, vif, vpr, vpx and vpu. While the tat and rev genes encode regulatory proteins absolutely required for virus replication, nef, vif, vpr, vpx and vpu encode for small proteins referred to "auxiliary" (or "accessory"), since their expression is usually dispensable for virus growth in many in vitro systems. However, these auxiliary proteins are essential for viral replication and pathogenesis in vivo. The two vpr- and vpx-related genes are found only in members of the HIV-2/SIVsm/SIVmac group, whereas primate lentiviruses from other lineages (HIV-1, SIVcpz, SIVagm, SIVmnd and SIVsyk) contain a single vpr gene. In this review, we will mainly focus on vpr from HIV-1 and discuss the most recent developments in our understanding of Vpr functions and its role during the virus replication cycle.
The role of the vomeronasal system in food preferences of the gray short-tailed opossum, Monodelphis domestica
Authors: Halpern Mimi , Daniels Yasmine , Zuri Ido 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Although feeding deficits have been reported in snakes and lizards following vomeronasal system disruption, no deficit has been previously reported in a mammal. We tested gray short-tailed opossums with items from four different food categories prior to occluding access to the vomeronasal organ. Preoperatively, opossums preferred meat to fruit or vegetables. Following occlusion of the nasopalatine canal, but not after control treatment, opossums failed to demonstrate food preferences.