bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Characterization of Optochin-Susceptible Viridans Group Streptococci
Authors: Martín-Galiano Antonio J. , Balsalobre Luz , Fenoll Asunción , de la Campa Adela G. 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

Two clinical isolates of viridans group streptococci (VS) with different degrees of susceptibility to optochin (OPT), i.e., fully OPT-susceptible (Opt
s
) VS strain 1162/99 (for which the MIC was equal to that for
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, 0.75 μg/ml) and intermediate Opt
s
VS strain 1174/97 (MIC, 6 μg/ml) were studied. Besides being OPT susceptible, they showed characteristics typical of VS, such as bile insolubility; lack of reaction with pneumococcal capsular antibodies; and lack of hybridization with rRNA (AccuProbe)-,
lytA
-, and
pnl
-specific pneumococcal probes. However, these VS Opt
s
strains and VS type strains hybridized with
ant
, a gene not present in
S. pneumoniae
. A detailed characterization of the genes encoding the 16S rRNA and SodA classified isolates 1162/99 and 1174/97 as
Streptococcus mitis
. Analysis of the
atpCAB
region, which encodes the
c
,
a
, and
b
subunits of the F
0
F
1
H
+
-ATPase, the target of optochin, revealed high degrees of similarity between
S. mitis
1162/99 and
S. pneumoniae
in
atpC
,
atpA
, and the N terminus of
atpB
. Moreover, amino acid identity between
S. mitis
1174/97 and
S. pneumoniae
was found in α helix 5 of the
a
subunit. The organization of the chromosomal region containing the
atp
operon of the two Opt
s
VS and VS type strains was
spr1284
-
atpC
, with
spr1284
being located 296 to 556 bp from
atpC
, whereas in
S. pneumoniae
this distance was longer than 68 kb. In addition, the gene order in
S. pneumoniae
was IS
1239
-74 bp
-atpC
. The results suggest that the full OPT susceptibility of
S. mitis
1162/99 is due to the acquisition of
atpC
,
atpA
, and part of
atpB
from
S. pneumoniae
and that the intermediate OPT susceptibility of
S. mitis
1174/97 correlates with the amino acid composition of its
a
subunit.
Prevalence of sensitisation to cellulase and xylanase in bakery workers: Table 1
Authors: Elms J , Fishwick D , Walker J , Rawbone R , Jeffrey P , Griffin P , Gibson M , Curran A D 
Published: September 2003

Aims:To assess the prevalence of sensitisation to a range of exogenous fungal enzymes used in bakeries, and determine the relation between sensitisation and work related symptoms.Methods:Serum samples (n = 135) from a previous cross sectional study investigating the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and sensitisation to dust components, were reanalysed for specific IgE to the mixed enzymes cellulase, hemicellulase, and xylanase.Results:Eight (6%) of sera tested had detectable specific IgE to mixed enzymes (excluding fungal α-amylase) and 16 (12%) to fungal α-amylase. A significant increase (p = 0.03) in nasal symptoms was found in those workers sensitised to enzymes (including α-amylase and the mixed enzymes, but with or without sensitisation to wheat flour) when compared to those sensitised to wheat flour alone. Both groups had significantly greater levels of nasal symptoms in comparison to those with no evidence of sensitisation.Conclusions:The association between specific IgE to mixed enzymes, and an increased prevalence of nasal symptoms in individuals sensitised to enzymes, highlights the importance of measuring sensitisation to the full range of exogenous enzymes used in the baking industry, as well as to wheat flour.
CRITICAL NOTES ON PLATO'S POLITEIA, IX
Authors:   Slings
Published: September 2003

This paper is the ninth instalment of a series of notes intended as a companion to the new Oxford Classical Text of the
Politeia
(
Platonis Rempvblicam
recognovit brevique adnotatione critica instruxit S.R. Slings, Oxonii 2003). The following passages are treated: 571c2, 573d1, 573d3, 575c3, 576c3, 576d3, 578e5, 579d10-1, 583c10, 585a8, 586e1, 589a2, 590d3.
Protein Inhibitor of Activated Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 Interacts with the N-Terminal Domain of Mineralocorticoid Receptor and Represses Its Transcriptional Activity: Implication of Small Ubiquitin-Related Modifier 1 Modification
Authors: Pascual-Le Tallec Laurent , Kirsh Olivier , Lecomte Marie-Christine , Viengchareun Say , Zennaro Maria-Christina , Dejean Anne , Lombès Marc 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
Molecular mechanisms underlying mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)-mediated gene expression are not fully understood but seem to largely depend upon interactions with specific coregulators. To identify novel human MR (hMR) molecular partners, yeast two-hybrid screenings performed using the N-terminal domain as bait, allowed us to isolate protein inhibitor of activated signal transducer and activator of transcription (PIAS)1 and PIASxβ, described as SUMO (small ubiquitin-related modifier) E3-ligases. Specific interaction between PIAS1 and hMR was confirmed by glutathione-S-transferase pull-down experiments and N-terminal subdomains responsible for physical contacts were delineated. Transient transfections demonstrated that PIAS1 is a corepressor of aldosterone-activated MR transactivation but has no significant effect on human glucocorticoid receptor transactivation. The agonist or antagonist nature of the bound ligand also determines PIAS1 corepressive action. We provided evidence that PIAS1 conjugated SUMO-1 to hMR both in vitro and in vivo. Deciphering the unique sumoylation pattern of hMR, which possesses five consensus SUMO-1 binding sites, by combinatorial lysine substitutions, revealed a major impact of sumoylation on hMR properties. Using a murine mammary tumor virus promoter, PIAS1 action was independent of sumoylation whereas with glucocorticoid response element promoter, PIAS1 corepressive action depended on hMR sumoylation status. Taken together, our results identify a novel function for PIAS1 which interacts with the N-terminal domain of hMR and represses its ligand-dependent transcriptional activity, at least in part, through SUMO modifications.
Joint homeostasis
Authors: Saris D. B. F. , Dhert W. J. A. , Verbout A. J. 
Published: September 2003

The discrepancy between successful experimental studies of cartilage repair and the clinical results is unexplained. We have evaluated the effect of metabolic alterations in joint homeostasis owing to an articular defect on the outcome of cartilage repair using tissue engineering methods. We used 21 adolescent Dutch goats divided into three groups. The control knees were left untreated while the contralateral knee was randomised to receive either no treatment (N), early treatment (E) or late treatment (L). The metabolism of proteoglycans in the surrounding joint surface was determined and correlated with the O’Driscoll score used to quantify the histological aspect of the repair of the defect. Synthesis of proteoglycan (PG) was increased in all groups. The release of glucosaminoglycan (GAG) was significantly higher in the untreated but not after early transplantation (1.3 v 1.8 NS). The cartilage repair scores in the early treatment group were not as good as those of the normal control group, but were significantly better when compared with both the untreated defects and the late treated defects. Defects which had been treated late showed a significantly decreased score when compared with those which had had early treatment or the normal control group and did not differ (p = 0.12) from those with no treatment. The histological and biochemical scores closely resembled the macroscopic and functional parameters which showed a significant deterioration for the late treated group and those without treatment compared with animals treated early. Thus, tissue-engineered cartilage repair is negatively influenced by altered matrix metabolism. Early treatment showed significantly better results for repair of cartilage than late or no treatment, with a concurrent decrease in the detrimental disturbance of cartilage metabolism which constituted a protective effect on the articulation.
Mechanical and dynamic mechanical studies of resol/vinyl acetate‐2‐ethylhexylacrylate/ hexamethoxymethylmelamine interpenetrating network systems
Authors: Datta Chandan , Basu Diya , Banerjee Amaranth 
Published: September 2003

AbstractResol was solution blended with vinyl acetate–2‐ethylhexylacrylate (VAc–EHA) resin in aqueous medium, in varying weight fractions, with hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM) as crosslinker, and data was compared with a control. The present work was aimed at getting an optimum combination of tensile strength, dynamic mechanical strength, impact strength, and toughness by synthesis of an interpenetrating network (IPN) of the resins. The control gave a semi‐IPN system, in which the resol crosslinked, while the acrylic did not, whereas the blend, where HMMM was the crosslinker, gave a full IPN system. Full IPNs of the resol/VAc–EHA system had higher moduli and ultimate tensile strength than the semi‐IPNs. Dynamic mechanical study showed that full IPN systems have higher Tg values than semi‐IPN systems. The impact strength increases with increasing proportions of VAc–EHA copolymer. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1765–1771, 2003
Effect of purified Trichoderma reesei cellulases on formation of cotton powder from cotton fabric
Authors: Heikinheimo Lea , Miettinen‐Oinonen Arja , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur , Buchert Johanna 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe mode of action of monocomponent purified Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolases (CBHI and CBHII) and endoglucanases (EGI and EGII) on cotton fabrics was studied by analyzing the weight loss of the fabric, the reducing sugars, the soluble oligosaccharides and the molecular weight of the cotton powder formed. The impact of mechanical action on these factors was also evaluated. EGI and EGII released the highest amounts of reducing sugars and soluble oligosaccharides in both treatments with or without additional mechanical action. After cellulase treatment without additional mechanical action, all of the cellulases were found to have reduced the molecular weight of cotton poplin powder. When mechanical action was combined with enzyme treatments, only EGII reduced the molecular weight. The weight loss of EG‐treated fabrics was clearly higher than the weight loss of CBH‐treated fabrics with both low and high mechanical action levels. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1917–1922, 2003
Generations Lost: A Cancer Genetics Case Report
Authors: Matloff Ellen T. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe process of cancer genetic counseling can unearth issues that, sometimes unbeknownst to the counselor, are emotionally and psychologically significant to the patient. The following case report illustrates how the precounseling process of obtaining a medical chart on a deceased parent affected two sister counselees. This medical chart helped these sisters to reconnect with the mother they lost as children and to better understand her struggle with breast cancer. This case also chronicles the counselor's professional growth and discovery during this process.
Subsequent Mortality in Medically Serious Suicide Attempts: A 5 Year Follow-Up
Authors: Beautrais Annette L. 
Published: September 2003

Objective: To document mortality in a consecutive series of 302 individuals who made medically serious suicide attempts and were followed-up for 5 years. Method: All sources of mortality were examined in a 5 year prospective study of 302 individuals who made medically serious suicide attempts. Mortality data were obtained by checks with the national mortality database and, for suicide and accidental deaths, were confirmed by review of coronial records. Results: Within 5 years of making a medically serious suicide attempt, one in 11 (8.9%) participants had died. Most deaths (59.2%) were by suicide. Comparison of mortality in this series with rates expected in a comparable general population sample showed the excess mortality was attributable to death by suicide and by motor vehicle accidents. Conclusion: Mortality among those who make medically serious suicide attempts is high. These findings imply the need for the development of enhanced and long-term treatment, follow-up and surveillance programmes for those who make medically serious suicide attempts.
TRIZAL study: switching from successful HAART to TrizivirTM (abacavir‐lamivudine‐zidovudine combination tablet): 48 weeks efficacy, safety and adherence results
Authors: Katlama C , Fenske S , Gazzard B , Lazzarin A , Clumeck N , Mallolas J , Lafeuillade A , Mamet J‐P , Beauvais L 
Published: September 2003

ObjectiveTo assess the antiviral efficacy, safety, and adherence in subjects who switched to Trizivir™ following long‐term HIV‐1 RNA suppression.Study designA randomized, open‐label, multicentre, 48‐week comparative study in subjects who have received two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors plus a protease inhibitor or an nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or three nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors for at least 6 months, with a history of undetectable plasma HIV‐1 RNA since initiation of therapy and plasma viral load of < 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL at screening.MethodsSubjects were randomized 1:1 to continue their current treatment or to switch to a simplified treatment with Trizivir™ administered twice daily. Assessments included plasma HIV‐1 RNA, lymphocyte counts, clinical laboratory evaluations, adverse events, and adherence to treatment (obtained via subject self‐report). Treatment failure was defined as a plasma viral load of ≥ 400 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL on two consecutive occasions or premature discontinuation of randomized treatment.ResultsAt week 48, the proportion of treatment failures in Trizivir™ arm (23/106, 22%) was noninferior to that observed in continued arm (23/103, 22%) with a treatment difference stratified by prior ART of 1.2%[‐10.1; 12.5]. Incidence of adverse events was similar in both treatment groups. The incidence of possible hypersensitivity reaction in the Trizivir™ arm was 10%. Significant reductions in cholesterol and triglyceride plasma levels were observed in the Trizivir™ arm (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively).ConclusionSwitching to Trizivir™ offers a potent and simplified regimen with equivalent efficacy and significant improvement in lipid abnormalities compared to continued triple therapy.
The classical problem of the calculus of variations in the autonomous case: Relaxation and Lipschitzianity of solutions
Authors: Cellina Arrigo 
Published: September 2003

We consider the problem of minimizing

∫

a

b

L
(
x
(
t
)
,

x

′

(
t
)
)

d
t
,

x
(
a
)
=
A
,
x
(
b
)
=
B
.

\begin{equation*}\int _{a}^{b} L(x(t),x^{\prime }(t)) \, dt, \qquad x(a)=A, x(b)=B.\end{equation*}

Under the assumption that the Lagrangian

L
L

is continuous and satisfies a growth assumption that does not imply superlinear growth, we provide a result on the relaxation of the functional and show that a solution to the minimum problem is Lipschitzian.
An index for gauge-invariant operators and the Dixmier-Douady invariant
Authors: Nistor Victor , Troitsky Evgenij 
Published: September 2003

LetG→B\mathcal {G}\to Bbe a bundle of compact Lie groups acting on a fiber bundleY→BY \to B. In this paper we introduce and study gauge-equivariantKK-theory groupsKGi(Y)K_\mathcal {G}^i(Y). These groups satisfy the usual properties of the equivariantKK-theory groups, but also some new phenomena arise due to the topological non-triviality of the bundleG→B\mathcal {G}\to B. As an application, we define a gauge-equivariant index for a family of elliptic operators(Pb)b∈B(P_b)_{b \in B}invariant with respect to the action ofG→B\mathcal {G}\to B, which, in this approach, is an element ofKG0(B)K_\mathcal {G}^0(B). We then give another definition of the gauge-equivariant index as an element ofK0(C∗(G))K_0(C^*(\mathcal {G})), theKK-theory group of the Banach algebraC∗(G)C^*(\mathcal {G}). We prove thatK0(C∗(G))≃KG0(G)K_0(C^*(\mathcal {G})) \simeq K^0_\mathcal {G}(\mathcal {G})and that the two definitions of the gauge-equivariant index are equivalent. The algebraC∗(G)C^*(\mathcal {G})is the algebra of continuous sections of a certain field ofC∗C^*-algebras with non-trivial Dixmier-Douady invariant. The gauge-equivariantKK-theory groups are thus examples of twistedKK-theory groups, which have recently turned out to be useful in the study of Ramond–Ramond fields.
Free‐radical attachment of nadic anhydride onto poly(alkylene terephthalate)s
Authors: Sasaki Akinobu , White James L. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThere has been little research on poly(alkylene terephthalate) modification by graft copolymerization with vinyl monomers. There is no reported information on graft polymerization in the molten state. In this study, nadic anhydride was grafted onto poly(butylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) with a free‐radical initiator in an internal mixer. The influence of the monomer and initiator concentrations on the degree of grafting was investigated. The degradation of these polymers was investigated and characterized with their complex melt viscosity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1839–1845, 2003
Measuring and modeling the rheological data of diglycidylether of bisphenol‐A during polymerization for finite element analyses
Authors: Blumenstock T. , Woicke N. , Eyerer P. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractFinite element analyses (FEA) of thermosets are often performed on the basis of rheological data for fully cured resin. For the FEA of thermosets during curing, a material model is established and a technique is demonstrated, which allows the rheological data of the linear viscoelastic material to be derived. As the moduli are sensitive to conversion, all measured properties are related to temperature and conversion. Therefore the basis for the rheological data has to be a suitable reaction kinetic. Based on the kinetics shear and compression properties are measured independently and modeled mathematically with the focus to gain a formulation, which is suitable for FEA. The considered time constants are in the range between one second and one month as these times are relevant for the investigated relaxation times. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1868–1872, 2003
Nonparticipation in Huntington's Disease Predictive Testing: Reasons for Caution in Interpreting Findings
Authors: Binedell Julia , Soldan Jo R. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractWhen given the opportunity to clarify their genetic status, most individuals at risk for Huntington's disease (HD) currently show a preference not to know. Our understanding of the characteristics of those who do not request HD predictive testing, and the factors influencing their decision, lags behind our knowledge of test applicants. In the light of our experience with interviewing a random sample of nonparticipants in an ongoing study, we critically analyze research concerning the differences between participants and nonparticipants in HD predictive testing programs and the interpretive characterization of these two groups. The findings concerning nonparticipants are limited to a small sample of the at‐risk population, with the problems of biased samples and low response rates. We discuss this and other aspects of research in this area, notably the context and timing of data collection and the predominantly questionnaire‐based methodology, that lead us to interpret the conclusions drawn about these two groups with caution.
Success Factors in Product Innovation: A Selective Review of the Literature
Authors: Johne F. Axel , Snelson Patricia A. 
Published: September 2003

In today's increasingly competitive climate, more and more managers are having to update themselves on the range of factors that determine product innovation success. Such successes can be measured at the project (product) level or at the program level. Axel Johne and Patricia Snelson have prepared a review of factors associated with achieving success in a high proportion of recently developed new products.The authors address practical questions, such as the following: To what extent can product innovation be planned? Should development tasks be scheduled sequentially or in parallel? What is the proper degree of formality in effective new product decision making? What are the optimal organizational arrangements?The article concentrates on recent writings, drawing chiefly from journal articles published after 1980, including a large number from the Journal of Product Innovation Management. Factors contributing to success are ordered according to the now well‐known McKinsey 7 Ss framework popularized by Peters and Waterman in their book In Search of Excellence. Detailed development tasks are considered according to the schema advanced by Crawford in his book New Products Management.
A Perspective on Creativity
Authors: Altier William J. 
Published: September 2003

New products professionals intuitively understand the need for creative thought; however, to many, creativity remains an elusive concept. In the abstract, it has little value, yet translated to creative product ideas, it can help to create exciting growth opportunities.Drawing from his experiences William Altier discusses how we can make creativity happen. He discusses a series of triggers for creativity, the importance of thorough problem definition and barriers to creative thought. Finally, he recommends a simple path to creative ideas, emphasizing the need to rearrange our thinking about conventional relationships. This can transform our thinking about existing products.
High-Dose Azithromycin versus High-Dose Amoxicillin-Clavulanate for Treatment of Children with Recurrent or Persistent Acute Otitis Media
Authors: Arrieta Antonio , Arguedas Adriano , Fernandez Pilar , Block Stan L. , Emperanza Paz , Vargas Sergio L. , Erhardt William A. , de Caprariis Pascal J. , Rothermel Constance D. 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

Infants and young children, especially those in day care, are at risk for recurrent or persistent acute otitis media (AOM). There are no data on oral alternatives to high-dose amoxicillin-clavulanate for treating AOM in these high-risk patients. In this double-blind, double-dummy multicenter clinical trial, we compared a novel, high-dose azithromycin regimen with high-dose amoxicillin-clavulanate for treatment of children with recurrent or persistent AOM. Three hundred four children were randomized; 300 received either high-dose azithromycin (20 mg/kg of body weight once a day for 3 days) or high-dose amoxicillin-clavulanate (90 mg/kg divided twice a day for 10 days). Tympanocentesis was performed at baseline; clinical response was assessed at day 12 to 16 and day 28 to 32. Two-thirds of patients were aged ≤2 years. A history of recurrent, persistent, or recurrent plus persistent AOM was noted in 67, 18, and 14% of patients, respectively. Pathogens were isolated from 163 of 296 intent-to-treat patients (55%). At day 12 to 16, clinical success rates for azithromycin and amoxicillin-clavulanate were comparable for all patients (86 versus 84%, respectively) and for children aged ≤2 years (85 versus 79%, respectively). At day 28 to 32, clinical success rates for azithromycin were superior to those for amoxicillin-clavulanate for all patients (72 versus 61%, respectively;
P
= 0.047) and for those aged ≤2 years (68 versus 51%, respectively;
P
= 0.017). Per-pathogen clinical efficacy against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
and
Haemophilus influenzae
was comparable between the two regimens. The rates of treatment-related adverse events for azithromycin and amoxicillin-clavulanate were 32 and 42%, respectively (
P =
0.095). Corresponding compliance rates were 99 and 93%, respectively (
P
= 0.018). These data demonstrate the efficacy and safety of high-dose azithromycin for treating recurrent or persistent AOM.