bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High current ion beam RF acceleration and perspectives for an
inertial fusion driver
Authors: RATZINGER U. , LIEBERMANN H. , MEUSEL O. , PODLECH H. , TIEDE R. , BARTH W. , VINZENZ W. 
Published: April 2004

The actual situation with respect to the use of an RF linac driver
for heavy ion inertial fusion (HIF) is discussed. At present, there is
no high current heavy ion linac under construction. However, in the
course of linac projects for e−, p, d, or highly
charged ions several developments were made, which may have some impact
on the design of a HIF driver. Medium- and low-β superconducting
structures suited for pulsed high current beam operation are actually
designed and investigated at several laboratories. A superconducting 40
MeV, 125 mA cw linac for deuteron acceleration is designed for the
Inertial Fusion Material Irradiation Facility (IFMIF). The Institute
for Applied Physics (IAP) is developing a superconducting 350-MHz,
19-cell prototype CH-cavity for β = 0.1. The prototype cavity will
be ready for tests in 2004. A superconducting main HIF driver linac
would considerably reduce the power losses. Moreover, it would allow
for an efficient linac operation at a higher duty factor.The
1.4-AMeV room-temperature High Current Injector HSI at Gesellschaft
für Schwerionenforschung (GSI) has been in routine operation for
more than 2 years now. With a mass-to-charge ratio of up to 65, a
current limit of 15 mA for U4+, and an energy range from 2.2
AkeV up to 1.4 AMeV, this linac is suited to gain useful experience on
the way toward the design of a HIF RF driver. The status and technical
improvements of that A/q ≤ 65, 91-MV linac are reported. Beam
dynamics calculations for Bi1+-beams show that powerful
focusing elements at the linac front end are the bottleneck with
respect to a further increase in beam current. Besides superconducting
and pulsed wire quadrupoles, the potential of the Gabor-plasma lenses
is investigated.
Clinical Predictors in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients with Computer‐Assisted Quantitative Videoendoscopic Upper Airway Analysis
Authors: Hsu Pon Poh , Tan Barrie Yau Boon , Chan Yiong Huak , Tay Hin Ngan , Lu Peter Kok Sun , Blair Robin L. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAim: To identify the clinical predictors and assist surgeons in their clinical management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A prospective study with a new approach to analyze the static and dynamic upper airway morphology between patients with OSA and normal subjects.Method: Quantitative computer‐assisted videoendoscopy (validated with upper airway magnetic resonance imaging) was performed in 49 (43 males, 6 females) patients with OSA and compared with 39 (22 males, 17 females) controls (apneahypopnea index [AHI] < 5). Absolute cross‐sectional areas and transverse and longitudinal diameters at the retropalatal and retrolingual levels were measured during end of quiet respiration and during Mueller's maneuver in the erect and supine positions, allowing us to study static and dynamic morphology (collapsibility) of the upper airway. Three thousand seven hundred forty‐four (3,744) parameters were analyzed.Results: In males, retropalatal and retrolingual areas during Mueller's maneuver in the supine position of 0.7981 cm2 (relative operating characteristics [ROC] = 0.9284, positive pressure ventilation [PPV] = 86.05%, negative pressure ventilation [NPV] = 84.62%) and 2.0648 cm2 (ROC = 0.8183, PPV = 76%, NPV = 83.33%), respectively, were found to be good predictors/cut‐off values for OSA. The retropalatal area measured in the supine position (AS1 mol/L) and collapsibility of the retropalatal area in the supine position (CAS1) were found to have significant correlations with severity of OSA. In females, the areas measured during Mueller's maneuver in the supine position of 0.522 cm2 at the retropalatal level (ROC = 1, 100% PPV and NPV) and the transverse diameter at the retrolingual level during erect Mueller's maneuver of 1.1843 cm (ROC = 0.9056, PPV = 100%, NPV = 83.33%) were found to be predictive. All measurements at the retropalatal level and in the supine position had higher predictability. Area measurements obtained during Muller's maneuver were more predictive (ROC > 0.9910) than resting measurements (ROC >0.8371). Several sex and anatomic‐site specific formulas with excellent predictability (ROC close or equal to 1) were also devised.Conclusion: Upper airway Mueller's studies are predictive and useful (independent samples t test/Mann‐Whitney U test, ROC) in identifying patients with OSA. With these sex and anatomic‐site specific OSA predictors/formulas and this innovative clinical method, we hope to assist other surgeons with quantitative clinical diagnosis, assessment, surgical planning, and outcome assessment tools for OSA patients.
Diagnosis and Management of Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid‐Middle Ear Effusion and Otorrhea
Authors: Brown N. E. , Grundfast K. M. , Jabre A. , Megerian C. A. , O'Malley B. W. , Rosenberg S. I. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: Spontaneous leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the middle ear can occur in adults without a history of temporal bone trauma or fracture, meningitis, or any obvious cause. Therefore, clues may be lacking that would alert the otolaryngologist that fluid medial to an intact eardrum, or fluid emanating from an eardrum perforation, is likely to be CSF fluid. A review of relevant medical literature reveals that herniation of the arachnoid membrane through a tegmen defect may be congenital, or CSF leak may occur when dynamic factors (i.e., brain pulsations or increases in intracranial pressure) produce a rent in the arachnoid membrane. Because tegmen defects may be multiple rather than single, identifying only one defect may not be sufficient for achieving definitive repair. Data on nine cases of spontaneous CSF leak to the ear in adult patients from four medical centers are presented and analyzed to provide collective information about a disorder that can be difficult to diagnose and manage.Study Design: Retrospective review of nine cases of spontaneous CSF middle ear effusion/otorrhea.Results: The majority of patients presented with symptoms of aural fullness and middle ear effusion. Many developed suspicious clear otorrhea only after insertion of a tympanostomy tube. Two patients had multiple defects in the tegmen and dura, and five patients had meningoencephaloceles confirmed intraoperatively. Five patients underwent combined middle cranial fossa/transmastoid repair. Materials used in repair included temporalis fascia, free muscle graft, Oxycel cotton, calvarial bone, pericranium, bone wax, and fibrin glue.Conclusions: CSF middle ear effusion/otorrhea can develop in adults without a prior history of meningitis or head trauma or any apparent proximate cause. Although presenting symptoms can be subtle, early suspicion and confirmatory imaging aid in establishing the diagnosis. Because surgical repair by way of a mastoid approach alone can be inadequate if there are multiple tegmen defects, a middle fossa approach alone, or in combination with a transmastoid approach, should be considered in most cases.
Hypopharyngeal Perforation Near‐Miss During Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Aviv Jonathan E. , Di Tullio Marco R. , Homma Shunichi , Storper Ian S. , Zschommler Anne , Ma Guoguang , Petkova Eva , Murphy Mark , Desloge Rosemary , Shaw Gary , Benjamin Stanley , Corwin Steven 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: The traditional blind passage of a transesophageal echocardiography probe transorally through the hypopharynx is considered safe. Yet, severe hypopharyngeal complications during transesophageal echocardiography at several institutions led the authors to investigate whether traditional probe passage results in a greater incidence of hypopharyngeal injuries when compared with probe passage under direct visualization.Study Design: Randomized, prospective clinical study.Methods: In 159 consciously sedated adults referred for transesophageal echocardiography, the authors performed transesophageal echocardiography with concomitant transnasal videoendoscopic monitoring of the hypopharynx. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive traditional (blind) or experimental (optical) transesophageal echocardiography. The primary outcome measure was frequency of hypopharyngeal injuries (hypopharyngeal lacerations or hematomas), and the secondary outcome measure was number of hypopharyngeal contacts.Results: No perforation occurred with either technique. However, hypopharyngeal lacerations or hematomas occurred in 19 of 80 (23.8%) patients with the traditional technique (11 superficial lacerations of pyriform sinus, 1 laceration of pharynx, 12 arytenoid hematomas, 2 vocal fold hematomas, and 1 pyriform hematoma) and in 1 of 79 patients (1.3%) with the optical technique (superficial pyriform laceration) (P = .001). All traumatized patients underwent flexible laryngoscopy, but none required additional intervention. Respectively, hypopharyngeal contacts were more frequent with the traditional than with the optical technique at the pyriform sinus (70.0% vs. 10.1% [P = .001]), arytenoid (55.0% vs. 3.8% [P = .001]), and vocal fold (15.0% vs. 3.86% [P = .016]).Conclusion: Optically guided trans‐esophageal echocardiography results in significantly fewer hypopharyngeal injuries and fewer contacts than traditional, blind transesophageal echocardiography. The optically guided technique may result in decreased frequency of potentially significant complications and therefore in improved patient safety.
Atypical Sinusitis in Adults Must Lead to Looking for Cystic Fibrosis and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Authors: Coste A. , Girodon E. , Louis S. , Prulière‐Escabasse V. , Goossens M. , Peynègre R. , Escudier E. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractHypotheses/Objectives: In adults, purulent pansinusitis or nasal polyposis starting early in life or that is permanently infected or associated either with chronic bronchial infection, infertility, or situs inversus are uncommon. In these atypical cases of chronic sinusitis (ACS), a primary dysfunction of the mucociliary clearance can be suspected. Adult patients with ACS were therefore investigated to detect primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) or cystic fibrosis (CF).Study Design: Open, prospective study.Patients and Methods: Forty‐two patients with ACS were investigated with ciliary beat frequency and ultrastructure analysis in nasal cells and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutation analysis in blood leukocytes.Results: The diagnosis of PCD was confirmed in seven (17%) patients. At least one CFTR gene mutation was detected in 16 (38%) patients. The diagnosis of CF was suggested in three (7%) compound heterozygous patients. Another 13 (31%) patients were heterozygous for a CFTR gene mutation or a complex allele. Comparison of clinical features of ACS showed that only a family history of chronic sinusitis (P < .01) or chronic bronchitis (P < .02) and the presence of diffuse bronchiectasis (P < .0001) or serous otitis media (P < .0001) were significantly more frequent in PCD patients than in patients carrying CFTR gene mutations or those without PCD or CFTR gene mutations.Conclusions: ACS should be considered a remarkable entity in which congenital abnormalities of epithelial cells are frequently detected (55% of patients). The higher frequency of mutations in ACS patients compared with the general population suggests that heterozygoty for CFTR gene mutation could be a sinusitis‐causing status.
Microbial Superantigens Induce Glucocorticoid Receptor β and Steroid Resistance in a Nasal Explant Model
Authors: Fakhri Samer , Tulic Meri , Christodoulopoulos Pota , Fukakusa Motonori , Frenkiel Saul , Leung Donald Y. M. , Hamid Qutayba A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjective: To study the role of superantigen (SAg) in inducing glucocorticoid (GC) receptor β and steroid resistance in an explant model of nasal tissue.Methods: Nasal tissue was obtained from inferior turbinates of controls and ragweed (RW)‐sensitive patients. Tissue samples were incubated with SAg of staphylococcal enterotoxin B. In addition, tissue samples from RW‐sensitive patients were incubated with RW allergen in the presence and absence of both SAg and dexamethasone (DEX). The expression of GC receptor β was assessed by immunocytochemistry. The expression of interleukin (IL)‐2 and IL‐4 mRNA was assessed by in situ hybridization.Results: SAg induced an increase in the expression of GC receptor β in atopic tissue and to a lesser extent in nonatopic tissue. The most significant induction of GC receptor β was observed in response to SAg and RW in atopic tissue. Stimulation of atopic tissue with RW alone and SAg alone induced IL‐4 and IL‐2 mRNA, respectively. Incubation of atopic tissue with both SAg and RW induced both IL‐2 and IL‐4 mRNA. The increase in IL‐4 mRNA expression was blunted by the addition of DEX to atopic tissue stimulated with RW alone but not to tissue stimulated by both RW and SAg.Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that SAgs induce steroid resistance in atopic nasal explant tissue by up‐regulating the expression of GC receptor β. Furthermore, we have shown that the up‐regulation of GC receptor β is a local event that is associated with the coexpression of IL‐2 and IL‐4 mRNA.
Maxillomandibular Expansion for the Treatment of Sleep‐Disordered Breathing: Preliminary Result
Authors: Guilleminault Christian , Li Kasey K. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjective: To assess the outcomes of maxillomandibular expansion (MME) by distraction osteogenesis (DO) for the treatment of sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB).Methods: This was a prospective study of six consecutive patients with SDB. All of the patients have maxillary and mandibular constriction and were treated with MME. Variables examined include age, sex, body mass index (BMI), polysomnographic results (PSG), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the extent of the widening of the maxilla and mandible.Results: All six patients (4 males) completed MME for the treatment of SDB. The mean age was 22.2 ± 11.4 years. The mean maxillary expansion was 10.3 ± 3.0 mm, and the mean mandibular expansion was 9.5 ± 2.9 mm. ESS improved from 10.2 ± 1.9 to 5 ± 2.9. The mean apnea/ hypopnea index (AHI) improved from 13.2 ± 15.6 to 4.5 ± 5.8 events per hour, and the mean lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) improved from 88.2 ± 2.9% to 91.3 ± 3.3%. The mean esophageal pressure improved from −20 ± 11.3 cm H2O to −8 ± 3.6 cm H2O. No complications were encountered, and the follow‐up period was 18.1 ± 9.8 months.Conclusion: The result suggests that MME improves SDB in patients with maxillary and mandibular constriction and can be a valid treatment.
Sex allocation in Telenomus busseolae, a solitary parasitoid of concealed eggs: the influence of host patch size
Authors: Bayram Ahmet , Salerno Gianandrea , Conti Eric , Wajnberg Eric , Bin Ferdinando , Kornoşor Serpil 
Published: April 2004

Abstract Telenomus busseolae Gahan (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) is an important egg parasitoid of noctuid stem borers of gramineous crops, attacking egg masses of Sesamia spp. Under natural conditions, and whatever the host species attacked, these egg masses are generally concealed under the leaf sheaths or other narrow spaces, and vary greatly in size. In the work presented here, the influence of host patch size (4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 eggs per mass) on the sex ratio and sex sequence pattern of ovipositing T. busseolae was investigated in the laboratory using Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefebvre) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) as host. The results are similar to those described for other parasitoids of aggregated hosts, and are in accordance with the Local Mate Competition model. With increasing egg mass size, the overall sex ratio (proportion of males) decreased, although additional males were laid at the end of the sequence in the larger masses (64 and 128 eggs). Sex sequence pattern always followed a males‐first strategy, i.e., with a higher proportion of males at the beginning, but the whole sex ratio sequence was influenced by the size of the egg mass. Such results in a parasitoid of concealed eggs are compared to those observed in parasitoids of exposed eggs and discussed in terms of parasitoid reproductive strategies and evolutionary adaptations.
Specific recognition of rpsO mRNA and 16S rRNA by Escherichia coli ribosomal protein S15 relies on both mimicry and site differentiation
Authors: Mathy Nathalie , Pellegrini Olivier , Serganov Alexander , Patel Dinshaw J. , Ehresmann Chantal , Portier Claude 
Published: April 2004

SummaryThe ribosomal protein S15 binds to 16S rRNA, during ribosome assembly, and to its own mRNA (rpsO mRNA), affecting autocontrol of its expression. In both cases, the RNA binding site is bipartite with a common subsite consisting of a G•U/G‐C motif. The second subsite is located in a three‐way junction in 16S rRNA and in the distal part of a stem forming a pseudoknot in Escherichia coli rpsO mRNA. To determine the extent of mimicry between these two RNA targets, we determined which amino acids interact with rpsO mRNA. A plasmid carrying rpsO (the S15 gene) was mutagenized and introduced into a strain lacking S15 and harbouring an rpsO–lacZ translational fusion. Analysis of deregulated mutants shows that each subsite of rpsO mRNA is recognized by a set of amino acids known to interact with 16S rRNA. In addition to the G•U/G‐C motif, which is recognized by the same amino acids in both targets, the other subsite interacts with amino acids also involved in contacts with helix H22 of 16S rRNA, in the region adjacent to the three‐way junction. However, specific S15–rpsO mRNA interactions can also be found, probably with A(−46) in loop L1 of the pseudoknot, demonstrating that mimicry between the two targets is limited.
Morphing molecular specificities between Arm‐peptide and NUT‐RNA in the antitermination complexes of bacteriophages λ and P22
Authors: Franklin Naomi C. 
Published: April 2004

SummaryBacteriophage λ's N‐protein includes a 17‐amino‐acid segment, Arm, rich in arginine and having specific affinity for a 15‐nucleotide RNA stem–loop called BOX‐B. Parallel but different Arm/BOX‐B sequences in λ's cousin, phage P22, account for some of the type specificity that distinguishes λ from P22: the N of each works only with its cognate BOX‐B in vivo. We find that the specificity of Nλ can be shifted gradually to that of N22 by substituting sets of particular amino acids from Arm22 into Arm of Nλ. The determinative amino acids are generally those shown by nuclear magnetic resonance to contact BOX‐B RNA; gain or loss of these contact amino acids is reasonably expected to contribute to the affinity of each amino acid sequence. Intermediate sequences may show no function with either BOX‐B, or weak function with both BOX‐Bλ and BOX‐B22, the latter suggesting possible evolutionary paths for specificity shifts.
A new Ralstonia solanacearum high‐affinity mannose‐binding lectin RS‐IIL structurally resembling the Pseudomonas aeruginosa fucose‐specific lectin PA‐IIL
Authors: Sudakevitz Dvora , Kostlánová Nikola , Blatman‐Jan Gitit , Mitchell Edward P. , Lerrer Batia , Wimmerová Michaela , Katcoff Don J. , Imberty Anne , Gilboa‐Garber Nechama 
Published: April 2004

SummaryThe plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum produces two lectins, each with different affinity to fucose. We described previously the properties and sequence of the first lectin, RSL (subunit Mr 9.9 kDa), which is related to fungal lectins (Sudakevitz, D., Imberty, A., and Gilboa‐Garber, N., 2002, J Biochem 132: 353–358). The present communication reports the discovery of the second one, RS‐IIL (subunit Mr 11.6 kDa), a tetrameric lectin, with high sequence similarity to the fucose‐binding lectin PA‐IIL of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RS‐IIL recognizes fucose but displays much higher affinity to mannose and fructose, which is opposite to the preference spectrum of PA‐IIL. Determination of the crystal structure of RS‐IIL complexed with a mannose derivative demonstrates a tetrameric structure very similar to the recently solved PA‐IIL structure (Mitchell, E., et al., 2002, Nature Struct Biol 9: 918–921). Each monomer contains two close calcium cations that mediate the binding of the monosaccharide and explain the outstandingly high affinity to the monosaccharide ligand. The binding loop of the cations is fully conserved in RS‐IIL and PA‐IIL, whereas the preference for mannose versus fucose can be attributed to the change of a three‐amino‐acid sequence in the ‘specificity loop’.
MotE serves as a new chaperone specific for the periplasmic motility protein, MotC, in Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Eggenhofer Elke , Haslbeck Martin , Scharf Birgit 
Published: April 2004

SummaryThe flagella of Sinorhizobium meliloti rotate solely clockwise and vary their rotary speed to provoke changes in the swimming path. This mode of motility control has its molecular corollary in two novel motility proteins, MotC and MotD, present in addition to the ubiquitous MotA/MotB energizing proton channel. MotC binds to the periplasmic portion of MotB, whereas MotD interacts with FliM at the cytoplasmic face of the rotor. We report here the assignment and analysis of a fifth motility protein, MotE. Deletion of motE resulted in aggregation and decay of the periplasmic MotC protein and, as a consequence, in paralysis of the cell. The 179‐residue MotE protein bears an N‐terminal signal peptide and is rapidly secreted to the periplasm, where it forms stable dimers that are linked by a disulphide bridge between the cysteine 53 residues. Both, the monomeric and the dimeric MotE bind to MotC, and dimerization is essential for MotE stability in the periplasm. We conclude that MotE is a periplasmic chaperone specific for MotC being responsible for its proper folding and stability. We also propose that the MotE dimer serves as a shuttle to target MotC to its binding site at MotB.
Identification of AbrB‐regulated genes involved in biofilm formation by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Hamon Mélanie A. , Stanley Nicola R. , Britton Robert A. , Grossman Alan D. , Lazazzera Beth A. 
Published: April 2004

Summary Bacillus subtilis is a ubiquitous soil bacterium that forms biofilms in a process that is negatively controlled by the transcription factor AbrB. To identify the AbrB‐regulated genes required for biofilm formation by B. subtilis, genome‐wide expression profiling studies of biofilms formed by spo0A abrB and sigH abrB mutant strains were performed. These data, in concert with previously published DNA microarray analysis of spo0A and sigH mutant strains, led to the identification of 39 operons that appear to be repressed by AbrB. Eight of these operons had previously been shown to be repressed by AbrB, and we confirmed AbrB repression for a further six operons by reverse transcription‐PCR. The AbrB‐repressed genes identified in this study are involved in processes known to be regulated by AbrB, such as extracellular degradative enzyme production and amino acid metabolism, and processes not previously known to be regulated by AbrB, such as membrane bioenergetics and cell wall functions. To determine whether any of these AbrB‐regulated genes had a role in biofilm formation, we tested 23 mutants, each with a disruption in a different AbrB‐regulated operon, for the ability to form biofilms. Two mutants had a greater than twofold defect in biofilm formation. A yoaW mutant exhibited a biofilm structure with reduced depth, and a sipW mutant exhibited only surface‐attached cells and did not form a mature biofilm. YoaW is a putative secreted protein, and SipW is a signal peptidase. This is the first evidence that secreted proteins have a role in biofilm formation by Bacillus subtilis.