bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ability of rhizosphere bacteria isolated from nematode host and non-host plants to influence the hatch in vitro of the two potato cyst nematode species, Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida
Authors: Ryan N. Aileen , Jones Peter 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSeventy bacteria, isolated from the rhizosphere of the potato cyst nematode (PCN) host plant, potato, were cultured in the presence and absence of potato root leachate (PRL) and the resultant culture filtrates were analysed for their ability to affect the hatch in vitro of the two PCN species. Of the isolates tested, nine had a significant effect on PCN hatch. Six affected Globodera pallida hatch and three affected G. rostochiensis hatch. Five of the isolates significantly increased hatch only when cultured in the presence of PRL. Three of the isolates decreased PCN hatch significantly in PRL. Only one isolate increased hatch significantly in the absence of PRL. No isolate affected the hatch of both species. Six of the nine isolates that significantly affected PCN hatch had been pre-selected by culturing on PRL. Bacterial isolates from PCN non-hosts (14 from wheat, 17 from sugar beet) were also tested for hatching activity. The principal effect of the hatch-active isolates from the PCN non-host plants was to increase PCN hatch in the presence of PRL. In contrast to the host bacteria results, the isolates from non-host plants affected only G. rostochiensis hatch (three wheat isolates and four sugar beet isolates significantly increased G. rostochiensis hatch); no such isolate affected G. pallida hatch significantly in the presence of PRL. Ten isolates (32%) from non-host plants had the ability to increase significantly the hatch of PCN in the absence of PRL (eight of these affected G. rostochiensis hatch and four affected G. pallida hatch), compared to only one bacterial isolate (1%) from a host plant. The majority of the isolates from non-hosts produced PCN species-specific effects, as with the bacteria isolated from potatoes, although two wheat isolates increased the hatch of both species significantly in the absence of PRL. Of 20 hatch-active bacterial isolates (from all three plants) identified, 70% were Bacillus spp. Other genera identified were Arthrobacter , Acinetobacter and Staphylococcus .
Heterodera circeae sp. n. and H. scutellariae sp. n. (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae) from Germany, with notes on the goettingiana group
Authors: Subbotin Sergei , Sturhan Dieter 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Two species of cyst-forming nematodes belonging to the goettingiana group are
described from woodland in Germany. Heterodera circeae sp. n., parasitising
Circaea lutetiana (Onagraceae), most closely resembles H. carotae and H.
cruciferae, from which it differs by larger cysts (430-720 μm) and longer
fenestral length (27-54 μm) and rounded stylet knobs of the second-stage
juveniles. Heterodera scutellariae sp. n., found on the labiate Scutellaria
galericulata (Lamiaceae), is distinguished from the other species of this
group by shorter body (358-437 μm) and tail (41-53 μm) of the second-stage
juveniles. The ITS-rDNA sequences of the new species are very similar and
differ from each other by only a few nucleotides. The phylogenetic position
of the new species within the group is presented based on analyses of
molecular data. A revised diagnosis of the goettingiana group is proposed.
The species of the group have lemon-shaped, ambifenestrate and abullate
(small bullae occasionally present) cysts with egg sac, long vulval slit
(> 35 μm), thin vulval bridge, low semifenestrae (average fenestral
length 30-45 μm), and weak underbridge. Second-stage juveniles are
characterised by body length > 400 μm, tail length > 45 μ m, hyaline
tail portion > 20 μm, stylet length > 20 μm, lateral field with four
incisures and small phasmids. All known species of the goettingiana group
exclusively parasitise dicotyledonous plants.
On the Epistemological Magic of Ethnographic Analysis
Authors: Mort Joel , Slone D. Jason 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAnalyses of religious behavior by cultural (i.e., hermeneutic) scholars of religion are impoverished because the intuitive interpretive method employed in fieldwork analysis fails to fill an explanatory gap in religious studies because of (1) the reliance upon informant (ethnographic) data that itself requires explanation, and because of (2) the rejection of relevant scientific explanatory models required to explain that data. We argue that fieldwork is often necessary for data acquisition but not sufficient for analysis, that stringent methods of evaluation are a necessary component of the analysis of religious behavioral data, and that such tools are currently available to scholars willing to engage methods and theories outside the humanities. Noticing tendencies in ethnographic interpretation, examining fresh interdisciplinary approaches, and revisiting fundamental meta-theoretical issues concerning the nature of explanatory reasoning may help to mitigate the generally ineffective state of scholarship in the field.
Distinct roles for donor- and host-derived antigen-presenting cells and costimulatory molecules in murine chronic graft-versus-host disease: requirements depend on target organ
Authors: Anderson Britt E. , McNiff Jennifer M. , Jain Dhanpat , Blazar Bruce R. , Shlomchik Warren D. , Shlomchik Mark J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe application of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD can be divided into acute and chronic forms that likely have different requirements for initiation and pathogenesis mechanisms. In prior studies we demonstrated that residual host antigen-presenting cells (APCs) were required to initiate acute GVHD (aGVHD) mediated by CD8 T cells. In contrast, here we demonstrate that either donor or host APCs can initiate CD4-mediated GVHD in a model that has features of chronic GVHD (cGVHD). Both donor and host APCs must provide CD80/86-dependent costimulation to elicit maximal cGVHD, and there is no GVHD when both donor and host lack CD80/86. Finally, we were surprised to find that, although either donor or host APCs are sufficient to stimulate skin cGVHD, donor APCs play a dominant role in intestinal cGVHD. Both CD40 and CD80/86 are critical for donor APC function in intestinal cGVHD, but only CD80/86 is required for skin cGVHD. Thus, there are target-tissue–specific differences in APC requirements. These results identify differences in APC requirements between CD8-mediated aGVHD and CD4-mediated cGVHD. They further highlight donor APCs as additional targets for GVHD therapy.
Thrombin induces endocytosis of endoglin and type-II TGF-β receptor and down-regulation of TGF-β signaling in endothelial cells
Authors: Tang Hua , Low Brad , Rutherford Stacey A. , Hao Qin 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThrombin activates protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) on endothelial cells (ECs) and is critical for angiogenesis and vascular development. However, the mechanism underlying the proangiogenic effect of thrombin has not been elucidated yet. Here, we report the discovery of a novel functional link between thrombin-PAR1 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathways. We showed that thrombin via PAR1 induced the internalization of endoglin and type-II TGF-β receptor (TβRII) but not type-I receptors in human ECs. This effect was mediated by protein kinase C-ζ (PKC-ζ) since specific inhibition of PKC-ζ caused an aggregation of endoglin or TβRII on cell surface and blocked their internalization by thrombin. Furthermore, acute and long-term pretreatment of ECs with thrombin or PAR1 peptide agonist suppressed the TGF-β–induced serine phosphorylation of Smad2, a critical mediator of TGF-β signaling. Moreover, activation of PAR1 led to a profound and spread cytosolic clustering formation of Smad2/3 and markedly prevented Smad2/3 nuclear translocation evoked by TGF-β1. Since TGF-β plays a crucial role in the resolution phase of angiogenesis, the down-regulation of TGF-β signaling by thrombin-PAR1 pathway may provide a new insight into the mechanism of the proangiogenic effect of thrombin.
Improvement of alignment accuracy utilizing sequentially conserved motifs
Authors: Chakrabarti Saikat , Bhardwaj Nitin , Anand Prem A , Sowdhamini Ramanathan 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
Multiple sequence alignment algorithms are very important tools in molecular biology today. Accurate alignment of proteins is central to several areas such as homology modelling, docking studies, understanding evolutionary trends and study of structure-function relationships. In recent times, improvement of existing progressing programs and implementation of new iterative algorithms have made a significant change in this field.

Results
We report an alignment algorithm that combines progressive dynamic algorithm, local substructure alignment and iterative refinement to achieve an improved, user-interactive tool. Large-scale benchmarking studies show that this FMALIGN server produces alignments that, aside from preservation of functional and structural conservation, have accuracy comparable to other popular multiple alignment programs.

Conclusions
The FMALIGN server allows the user to fix conserved regions in equivalent position in the alignment thereby reducing the chance of global misalignment to a great extent. FMALIGN is available at http://caps.ncbs.res.in/FMALIGN/Home.html
The Drosophila methyl-DNA binding protein MBD2/3 interacts with the NuRD complex via p55 and MI-2
Authors: Marhold Joachim , Brehm Alexander , Kramer Katja 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
Methyl-DNA binding proteins help to translate epigenetic information encoded by DNA methylation into covalent histone modifications. MBD2/3 is the only candidate gene in the Drosophila genome with extended homologies to mammalian MBD2 and MBD3 proteins, which represent a co-repressor and an integral component of the N ucleosome R emodelling and D eacetylase (NuRD) complex, respectively. An association of Drosophila MBD2/3 with the Drosophila NuRD complex has been suggested previously. We have now analyzed the molecular interactions between MBD2/3 and the NuRD complex in greater detail.

Results
The two MBD2/3 isoforms precisely cofractionated with NuRD proteins during gel filtration of extracts derived from early and late embryos. In addition, we demonstrate that MBD2/3 forms multimers, and engages in specific interactions with the p55 and MI-2 subunits of the Drosophila NuRD complex.

Conclusion
Our data provide novel insights into the association between Drosophila MBD2/3 and NuRD proteins. Additionally, this work provides a first analysis of the architecture of the Drosophila NuRD complex.
Validity of the Clock Drawing Test in predicting reports of driving problems in the elderly
Authors: Diegelman Nathan M , Gilbertson Alan D , Moore Jeffrey L , Banou Evangelia , Meager Michael R 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
This study examined the use of the Folstein Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) and the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) in predicting retrospective reports of driving problems among the elderly. The utility of existing scoring systems for the CDT was also examined.

Methods
Archival chart records of 325 patients of a geriatric outpatient clinic were reviewed, of which 162 had CDT results (including original clock drawings). T-test, correlation, and regression procedures were used to analyze the data.

Results
Both CDT and MMSE scores were significantly worse among non-drivers than individuals who were currently or recently driving. Among current or recent drivers, scores on both instruments correlated significantly with the total number of reported accidents or near misses, although the magnitude of the respective correlations was small. Only MMSE scores, however, significantly predicted whether or not any accidents or near misses were reported at all. Neither MMSE nor CDT scores predicted unique variance in the regressions.

Conclusions
The overall results suggest that both the MMSE and CDT have limited utility as potential indicators of driving problems in the elderly. The demonstrated predictive power for these instruments appears to be redundant, such that both appear to assess general cognitive function versus more specific abilities. Furthermore, the lack of robust prediction suggests that neither are sufficient to serve as stand-alone instruments on which to solely base decisions of driving capacity. Rather, individuals who evidence impairment should be provided a more thorough and comprehensive assessment than can be obtained through screening tools.
Comparative evaluation of diode laser versus argon laser photocoagulation in patients with central serous retinopathy: A pilot, randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN84128484]
Authors: Verma Lalit , Sinha Rajesh , Venkatesh Pradeep , Tewari HK 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the efficacy of diode laser photocoagulation in patients with central serous retinopathy (CSR) and to compare it with the effects of argon green laser.

Methods
Thirty patients with type 1 unilateral CSR were enrolled and evaluated on parameters like best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, amsler grid for recording scotoma and metamorphopsia, contrast sensitivity using Cambridge low contrast gratings and fluorescein angiography to determine the site of leakage.
Patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups according to the statistical random table using sequence generation. In Group 1 (n = 15), diode laser (810 nm) photocoagulation was performed at the site of leakage while in Group 2 (n = 15), eyes were treated with argon green laser (514 nm) using the same laser parameters. Patients were followed up at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after laser.

Results
The mean BCVA in group 1 improved from a pre-laser decimal value of 0.29 ± 0.14 to 0.84 ± 0.23 at 4 weeks and 1.06 ± 0.09 at 12 weeks following laser. In group 2, the same improved from 0.32 ± 0.16 to 0.67 ± 0.18 at 4 weeks and 0.98 ± 0.14 at 12 weeks following laser. The improvement in BCVA was significantly better in group 1 (p < 0.0001) at 4 weeks. At 4 weeks following laser, all the patients in group1 were free of scotoma while 6 patients in group 2 had residual scotoma (p < 0.05). The mean contrast sensitivity in group 1 improved from pre-laser value of 98.4 ± 24.77 to 231.33 ± 48.97 at 4 weeks and 306.00 ± 46.57 at 12 weeks following laser. In group 2, the same improved from 130.66 ± 31.95 to 190.66 ± 23.44 at 4 weeks and 215.33 ± 23.25 at 12 weeks. On comparative evaluation, a significantly better (p < 0.001) improvement was noted in group 1.

Conclusion
Diode laser may be a better alternative to argon green laser whenever laser treatment becomes indicated in patients with central serous retinopathy in terms of faster visual rehabilitation and better contrast sensitivity. In addition, diode laser also has the well-recognized ergonomic and economic advantages.
Pudendal nerve decompression in perineology : a case series
Authors: Beco Jacques , Climov Daniela , Bex Michèle 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
Perineodynia (vulvodynia, perineal pain, proctalgia), anal and urinary incontinence are the main symptoms of the pudendal canal syndrome (PCS) or entrapment of the pudendal nerve. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bilateral pudendal nerve decompression (PND) on the symptoms of the PCS, on three clinical signs (abnormal sensibility, painful Alcock's canal, painful "skin rolling test") and on two neurophysiological tests: electromyography (EMG) and pudendal nerve terminal motor latencies (PNTML). The second aim was to study the clinical value of the aforementioned clinical signs in the diagnosis of PCS.

Methods
In this retrospective analysis, the studied sample comprised 74 female patients who underwent a bilateral PND between 1995 and 2002. To accomplish the first aim, the patients sample was compared before and at least one year after surgery by means of descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. The second aim was achieved by means of a statistical comparison between the patient's group before the operation and a control group of 82 women without any of the following signs: prolapse, anal incontinence, perineodynia, dyschesia and history of pelvi-perineal surgery.

Results
When bilateral PND was the only procedure done to treat the symptoms, the cure rates of perineodynia, anal incontinence and urinary incontinence were 8/14, 4/5 and 3/5, respectively. The frequency of the three clinical signs was significantly reduced. There was a significant reduction of anal and perineal PNTML and a significant increase of anal richness on EMG. The Odd Ratio of the three clinical signs in the diagnosis of PCS was 16,97 (95% CI = 4,68 – 61,51).

Conclusion
This study suggests that bilateral PND can treat perineodynia, anal and urinary incontinence. The three clinical signs of PCS seem to be efficient to suspect this diagnosis. There is a need for further studies to confirm these preliminary results.
Reticulate sympatric speciation in Cameroonian crater lake cichlids
Authors: Schliewen Ulrich K , Klee Barbara 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
Traditionally the rapid origin of megadiverse species flocks of extremely closely related species is explained by the combinatory action of three factors: Disruptive natural selection, disruptive sexual selection and partial isolation by distance. However, recent empirical data and theoretical advances suggest that the diversity of complex species assemblages is based at least partially on the hybridization of numerous ancestral allopatric lineages that formed hybrids upon invasion of new environments. That reticulate speciation within species flocks may occur under sympatric conditions after the primary formation of species has been proposed but not been tested critically.

Results
We reconstructed the phylogeny of a complex cichlid species flock confined to the tiny Cameroonian crater lake Barombi Mbo using both mitochondrial and nuclear (AFLP) data. The nuclear phylogeny confirms previous findings which suggested the monophyly and sympatric origin of the flock. However, discordant intra-flock phylogenies reconstructed from mitochondrial and nuclear data suggest strongly that secondary hybridization among lineages that primarily diverged under sympatric conditions had occurred. Using canonical phylogenetic ordination and tree-based tests we infer that hybridization of two ancient lineages resulted in the formation of a new and ecologically highly distinct species, Pungu maclareni.

Conclusions
Our findings show that sympatric hybrid speciation is able to contribute significantly to the evolution of complex species assemblages even without the prior formation of hybrids derived from allopatrically differentiated lineages.
Perspectives, Preferences, Care Practices, and Outcomes Among Older and Middle-Aged Patients With Late-Stage Cancer
Authors: Rose Julia Hannum , O'Toole Elizabeth E. , Dawson Neal V. , Lawrence Renee , Gurley Diana , Thomas Charles , Hamel Mary Beth , Cohen Harvey J. 
Published: November 2004

Purpose To evaluate relationships among physician and cancer patient survival estimates, patients' perceived quality of life, care preferences, and outcomes, and how they vary across middle-aged and older patient groups. Patients and Methods Subjects were from the Study to Understand Prognoses and Preferences for Risks of Treatments (SUPPORT) prospective cohort studied in five US teaching hospitals (from 1989 to 1994), and included 720 middle-aged (45 to 64 years) and 696 older (≥ 65 years) patients receiving care for advanced cancer. Perspectives were assessed in physician and patient/surrogate interviews; care practices and outcomes were determined from hospital records and the National Death Index. General linear models were used within age groups to obtain adjusted estimates. Results Although most patients had treatment goals to relieve pain, treatment preferences and care practices were linked only in the older group. For older patients, preference for life-extending treatment was associated with more therapeutic interventions and more documented discussions; cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) preference was linked to more therapeutic interventions and longer survival. For middle-aged patients, better perceived quality of life was associated with preferring CPR. In both groups, patients' higher survival estimates were associated with preferences for life-prolonging treatment and CPR; physicians' higher survival estimates were associated with patients' preferences for CPR, fewer documented treatment limitation discussions about care, and actual 6-month survival. More discussions were associated with readmissions and earlier death. More aggressive care was not related to outcomes. Conclusion Fewer older patients preferred CPR or life-prolonging treatments. Although older patients’ goals for aggressive treatment were related to care, this was not so for middle-aged patients. Aggressive care was not related to prolonged life in either group.
Stress concentration factor and minimum hub length predictions for hollow tubes with internal and external flanges subjected to axial loading
Authors: Gowhari-Anaraki A. R , Hardy S J , Adibi-Asl R 
Published: November 2004

This paper presents equations for estimating the elastic stress concentration factor Kt and minimum hub length δ in hollow tubes with internal and external flanges subjected to symmetrical axial pressure over the flat section of the flanges. Results from an extensive finite element study are supported by a limited number of experimental tests. The experimental Kt values are compared with data obtained numerically by the present authors and very good agreement was found between the two methods. Minimum hub lengths, which are an important parameter for fabrication, have been derived on the basis of Saint Venant's principle. It is seen that Kt and δ follow similar trends, being functions of several geometric parameters. Kt and δ values for the internal and external flange-tube intersections contained in this paper cover the most common practical range of geometries. The effect of tube wall radial pre-load (which can result from the compressive radial interface pressure established in the shrink-fitting process, compressive radial residual stress due to the autofrettage process or any other reinforcing process) on Kt and δ has also been studied. Furthermore, the effect of eccentric loading has been studied, using an experimental approach with one geometry. The extensive range of Kt and δ values obtained from the analyses is used to obtain useful prediction equations, using a statistical multiple non-linear regression model and a high level of accuracy is demonstrated. Finally, a direct relationship between elastic stress concentration factor, which is readily available, and minimum hub length, which usually requires a complex numerical analysis, is provided.