bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moderated histogram equalization, an automatic means of enhancing the contrast in digital light micrographs reversibly
Authors: ENTWISTLE A. 
Published: May 2004

SummaryA means for improving the contrast in the images produced from digital light micrographs is described that requires no intervention by the experimenter: zero‐order, scaling, tonally independent, moderated histogram equalization. It is based upon histogram equalization, which often results in digital light micrographs that contain regions that appear to be saturated, negatively biased or very grainy. Here a non‐decreasing monotonic function is introduced into the process, which moderates the changes in contrast that are generated. This method is highly effective for all three of the main types of contrast found in digital light micrography: bright objects viewed against a dark background, e.g. fluorescence and dark‐ground or dark‐field image data sets; bright and dark objects sets against a grey background, e.g. image data sets collected with phase or Nomarski differential interference contrast optics; and darker objects set against a light background, e.g. views of absorbing specimens. Moreover, it is demonstrated that there is a single fixed moderating function, whose actions are independent of the number of elements of image data, which works well with all types of digital light micrographs, including multimodal or multidimensional image data sets. The use of this fixed function is very robust as the appearance of the final image is not altered discernibly when it is applied repeatedly to an image data set. Consequently, moderated histogram equalization can be applied to digital light micrographs as a push‐button solution, thereby eliminating biases that those undertaking the processing might have introduced during manual processing. Finally, moderated histogram equalization yields a mapping function and so, through the use of look‐up tables, indexes or palettes, the information present in the original data file can be preserved while an image with the improved contrast is displayed on the monitor screen.
Mantle‐like Sr–Nd isotope composition of Fe–K subalkaline granites: the Peneda–Gerês Variscan massif (NW Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Mendes A. C. , Dias G. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe Peneda–Gerês massif is one of the most representative NW Iberian late‐ to post‐orogenic Variscan granitic plutons. It resulted essentially from the subsynchronous emplacement, at 290–296 Ma, of two granitic magmas of Fe–K subalkaline affinity, with primitive isotopic composition: Sri = 0.703–0.707 and εNdi=−1.5 to −2.4. An origin by mantle input followed by mantle–crust interactions is proposed, implying the contribution of a less enriched mantle component than that involved in the genesis of synorogenic hybrid granitoids of Mg–K subalkaline affinity. A less voluminous aluminopotassic and isotopically more evolved magma (Sri=0.708–0.709 and εNdi=−3.5 to −3.9) with little or no mantle input was also generated, suggesting the involvement of lower crust materials. Therefore, this study suggests an input of juvenile magmas in late Variscan times, the mantle‐like isotope signature of Fe–K granitic magmatism being clearly related to a geodynamic setting of extensional processes, large‐scale uplift and thinning.
Neogene tectono‐sedimentary development of the western margin of the Çankırı Basin, central Turkey: reply to the comment of Kaymakçı 2003
Authors: Seyitoğlu G. , Kazancı N. , Karadenizli L. , Şen Ş. , Varol B. , Saraç G. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe Neogene succession in the western margin of Çankırı Basin is fragmented by a NNE‐trending tectonic sliver having normal faulted western and thrusted eastern margins. This newly recognized E‐vergent sliver was created by the NW–SE compression due to the North Anatolian and Kırıkkale–Erbaa Fault zones following late Pliocene, accommodating the internal deformation of the Anatolian plate. Determinations of the Kılçak, Kumartaş and Hançili formations on both sides of this tectonic sliver invalidate the stratigraphical, structural and basin evolution models previously proposed by Kaymakçı.
Practical methods for estimating the infection rate of Quercus robur acorn seedlots by Ciboria batschiana
Authors: Schröder T. , Kehr R. , Procházková Z. , Sutherland J. R. 
Published: May 2004

SummaryThe pathogenic fungus, Ciboria batschiana infects acorns prior to fall collection and if they are not freed of the fungus by thermotherapy seedlots can suffer serious losses during subsequent storage. However, since thermotherapy is time‐consuming and expensive, and sometimes has undesirable side‐effects, its use is not justified without knowing if and how intensively a seedlot is infected. It is demonstrated here that typical lesions on the surface of the cotyledons are a reliable indicator of infection by C. batschiana and that a method based on mycelium development on incubated cotyledons allows C. batschiana infection levels to be determined within 1–2 weeks. There were no significant differences in estimated C. batschiana infection levels between the visual assessment of the lesions before the incubation and the visual assessment of outgrowing mycelium from these lesions after the incubation. Using one or both of the described methods a decision can be made on the necessity for thermotherapy of acorn seedlots, i.e. before nursery sowing or long‐term, cold storage. The test based on mycelium development on incubated cotyledons can also be used for quality control following thermotherapy.
The Magnitude of the Association between Fluoroquinolone Use and Quinolone-Resistant
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
May Be Lower than Previously Reported
Authors: Bolon Maureen K. , Wright Sharon B. , Gold Howard S. , Carmeli Yehuda 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

Case-control analyses of resistant versus susceptible isolates have implicated fluoroquinolone exposure as a strong risk factor for fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
. We suspect that such methodology may overestimate this association. A total of 84 cases with fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates and 578 cases with fluoroquinolone-susceptible isolates of
Escherichia coli
or
Klebsiella pneumoniae
were compared with 608 hospitalized controls in parallel multivariable analyses. For comparison of previous estimates, the results of 10 published case-control studies of risk for fluoroquinolone resistance in isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
were pooled by using a random-effects model. Exposure to fluoroquinolones was significantly positively associated with fluoroquinolone resistance (odds ratio [OR], 3.17) and negatively associated with fluoroquinolone susceptibility (OR, 0.18). Multivariable analyses yielded similar estimates (ORs, 2.04 and 0.10, respectively). As data on antibiotic exposure were limited to inpatient prescriptions, misclassification of fluoroquinolone exposure in persons who received fluoroquinolones as outpatients may have led to an underestimation of the true effect size. Pooling the results of previously published studies in which a direct comparison of fluoroquinolone-resistant and fluoroquinolone-susceptible cases was used resulted in a markedly higher effect estimate (OR, 18.7). Had we directly compared resistant and susceptible cases, our univariate OR for the association between fluoroquinolone use and the isolation of resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
would have been 19.3, and the multivariate OR would have been 16.5. Fluoroquinolone use is significantly associated with the isolation of fluoroquinolone-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
; however, previous studies likely exaggerated the magnitude of this association.
Genetic Environments of the
rmtA
Gene in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Clinical Isolates
Authors: Yamane Kunikazu , Doi Yohei , Yokoyama Keiko , Yagi Tetsuya , Kurokawa Hiroshi , Shibata Naohiro , Shibayama Keigo , Kato Haru , Arakawa Yoshichika 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

Nine
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains showing very high levels of resistance to various aminoglycosides have been isolated from clinical specimens in seven separate Japanese hospitals in five prefectures since 1997. These strains harbor the newly identified 16S rRNA methylase gene (
rmtA
). When an
rmtA
gene probe was hybridized with genomic DNAs of the nine strains digested with EcoRI, two distinct patterns were observed. The 11.1- and 15.8-kb regions containing the
rmtA
genes of strains AR-2 and AR-11, respectively, were sequenced and compared. In strain AR-2, a transposase gene-like sequence (sequence 1) and a probable tRNA ribosyltransferase gene (
orfA
) were located upstream of
rmtA
, and a Na
+
/H
+
antiporter gene-like sequence (sequence 2) was identified downstream of
rmtA
. This 6.2-kbp insert (the
rmtA
locus) was flanked by 262-bp κγ elements. Part of the
orfQ
gene adjacent to an inverted repeat was found outside of the
rmtA
locus. In strain AR-11, the
rmtA
gene and sequence 2 were found, but the 5′ end of the
orfA
gene was truncated and replaced with IS
6100
. An
orfQ-orfI
region was present on each side of the
rmtA
gene in strain AR-11. The G+C content of the
rmtA
gene was about 55%, and since the newly identified
rmtA
gene may well be mediated by some mobile genetic elements such as Tn
5041
, further dissemination of the
rmtA
gene could become an actual clinical problem in the near future.
Interactions between Atazanavir-Ritonavir and Tenofovir in Heavily Pretreated Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients
Authors: Taburet Anne-Marie , Piketty Christophe , Chazallon Corine , Vincent Isabelle , Gérard Laurence , Calvez Vincent , Clavel Francois , Aboulker Jean-Pierre , Girard Pierre-Marie 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to assess the pharmacokinetic behavior of atazanavir-ritonavir when it is coadministered with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Eleven patients enrolled in Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA (National Agency for AIDS Research, Paris, France) trial 107 were included in this pharmacokinetic study. They received atazanavir at 300 mg and ritonavir at 100 mg once a day (QD) from day 1 to the end of study. For the first 2 weeks, their nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) treatments remained unchanged. Tenofovir DF was administered QD from day 15 to the end of the study. Ongoing NRTIs were selected according to the reverse transcriptase genotype of the HIV isolates from each patient. The values of the pharmacokinetic parameters for atazanavir and ritonavir were measured before (day 14 [week 2]) and after (day 42 [week 6]) initiation of tenofovir DF and are reported for the 10 patients who completed the study. There was a significant decrease in the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC
0-24
) for atazanavir with the addition of tenofovir DF (AUC
0-24
ratio, 0.75; 90% confidence interval, 0.58 to 0.97;
P
= 0.05). There was a trend for a decrease in the minimum concentrations of atazanavir and ritonavir in plasma when they were combined with tenofovir, but none of the differences reached statistical significance. The median decreases in the HIV RNA loads at week 2 and week 6 were 0.1 and 0.2 log copies/ml, respectively. In summary, our data are consistent with the existence of a significant interaction between atazanavir and tenofovir DF.
Ciprofloxacin Dimers Target Gyrase in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Gould Katherine A. , Pan Xiao-Su , Kerns Robert J. , Fisher L. Mark 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

We have examined the antipneumococcal activities of novel quinolone dimers in which ciprofloxacin was tethered to itself or to pipemidic acid by linkage of C-7 piperazinyl rings. Symmetric 2,6-lutidinyl- and
trans
-butenyl-linked ciprofloxacin dimers (dimers 1 and 2, respectively) and a pipemidic acid-ciprofloxacin dimer (dimer 3) had activities against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
strain 7785 that were comparable to that of ciprofloxacin, i.e., MICs of 2, 1, and 4 to 8 μg/ml versus an MIC of 1 to 2 μg/ml, respectively. Surprisingly, unlike ciprofloxacin (which targets topoisomerase IV), several lines of evidence revealed that the dimers act through gyrase in
S. pneumoniae
. First, ciprofloxacin-resistant
parC
mutants of strain 7785 remained susceptible to dimers 1 to 3, whereas a
gyrA
mutation conferred a four- to eightfold increase in the dimer MIC but had little effect on ciprofloxacin activity. Second, dimer 1 selected first-step
gyrA
(S81Y or S81F) mutants (MICs, 8 to 16 μg/ml) that carried wild-type topoisomerase IV
parE-parC
genes. Third, dimers 1 and 2 promoted comparable DNA cleavage by
S. pneumoniae
gyrase and topoisomerase IV, whereas ciprofloxacin-mediated cleavage was 10-fold more efficient with topoisomerase IV than with gyrase. Fourth, the GyrA S81F and ParC S79F enzymes were resistant to dimers, confirming that the resistance phenotype is largely silent in
parC
mutants. Although a dimer molecule could bind very tightly by bridging quinolone binding sites in the enzyme-DNA complex, the greater potency of ciprofloxacin against gyrase and topoisomerase IV suggests that dimers 1 to 3 bind in a monomeric fashion. The bulky C-7 side chain may explain dimer targeting of gyrase and activity against efflux mutants. Tethered quinolones have potential as mechanistic tools and as novel antimicrobial agents.
Efficacy of Cidofovir in a Murine Model of Disseminated Progressive Vaccinia
Authors: Neyts Johan , Leyssen Pieter , Verbeken Erik , De Clercq Erik 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTAn animal model that mimics progressive disseminated vaccinia was elaborated. To this end nude (athymic) mice were inoculated intracutaneously with vaccinia virus in the lumbosacral area. Viral replication (DNA) in the skin was detected as early as day 2 postinfection (p.i.). Mice developed typical vaccinia lesions at the site of inoculation by day 4 to 6 p.i. By about 2 weeks p.i., the infection had spread all over the body, a situation reminiscent of disseminated vaccinia in humans. The infection resulted in viremia and spread of the virus to visceral organs, as well as to the brain. Topical treatment with cidofovir, initiated at the day of infection or at day 1 p.i., completely protected against virus-induced cutaneous lesions and against associated mortality. When treatment was initiated at a later time (day 2 to 5 p.i.), a partial but marked protective effect was noted, which can be explained by the fact that by that time, the virus had spread from the skin to the visceral organs. Next, infected animals were left untreated until the time (∼2 weeks p.i.) at which disseminated vaccinia had developed. When systemic treatment with cidofovir was initiated at that time, it caused lesions to heal and regress. In most of these animals, lesions had completely (or almost completely) disappeared by day 10 to 15 after the start of therapy. The observation that cidofovir is able to cause healing of disseminated vaccinia lesions in animals should have implications for the therapy of complications of vaccination against smallpox.
In Vitro Activity of OPT-80 against
Clostridium difficile
Authors: Ackermann Grit , Löffler Birgit , Adler Daniela , Rodloff Arne C. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

Clostridium difficile
remains the major cause of nosocomial diarrhea. Reports on impaired susceptibility of
C. difficile
to metronidazole and vancomycin and frequent relapses of patients after therapy necessitate the search for new substances. With this study, the activity of OPT-80, a new macrocycle, against 207
C. difficile
strains and against other obligately anaerobic bacteria was tested. OPT-80 showed high in vitro activity against all
C. difficile
strains tested.
Genetic Basis of Erythromycin Resistance in Oral Bacteria
Authors: Villedieu A. , Diaz-Torres M. L. , Roberts A. P. , Hunt N. , McNab R. , Spratt D. A. , Wilson M. , Mullany P. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

We determined the prevalence of erythromycin-resistant bacteria in the oral cavity and identified
mef
and
erm
(B) as the most common resistance determinants. In addition, we demonstrate the genetic linkage, on various Tn
1545
-like conjugative transposons, between erythromycin and tetracycline resistance in a number of isolates.
The management of facial injuries in rugby union
Authors: Hayton M J , Stevenson H I , Jones C D , Frostick S P 
Published: May 2004

Background:There are as yet no guidelines in rugby union for the management of facial lacerations which account for one-third of total injuries sustained by players.Method:We devised a questionnaire to establish the current standards in rugby union clubs in England. The questionnaire covered such issues as inadequate wound cleansing, inappropriate suture material, the use of sterile suture equipment, and advice required for suture removal.Results:We recommend that a dedicated medical room should be available in all clubs, the doctor should always wear gloves, and local anaesthetic and sterile suture packs and instruments should be provided.
NONCOMMUTATIVE DE RHAM COHOMOLOGY OF FINITE GROUPS
Authors: CASTELLANI L. , CATENACCI R. , DEBERNARDI M. , PAGANI C. 
Published: May 2004

We study de Rham cohomology for various differential calculi on finite groups G up to order 8. These include the permutation group S3, the dihedral group D4 and the quaternion group Q. Poincaré duality holds in every case, and under some assumptions (essentially the existence of a top form) we find that it must hold in general. A short review of the bicovariant (noncommutative) differential calculus on finite G is given for selfconsistency. Exterior derivative, exterior product, metric, Hodge dual, connections, torsion, curvature, and biinvariant integration can be defined algebraically. A projector decomposition of the braiding operator is found, and used in constructing the projector on the space of two-forms. By means of the braiding operator and the metric a knot invariant is defined for any finite group.
Effect of Diuresis on P‐Wave Duration and Dispersion
Authors: Song Jessica , Kalus James S. , Caron Michael F. , Kluger Jeffrey , White C. Michael 
Published: May 2004

Study Objective. To evaluate the effects of changing volume status on P‐wave duration and dispersion in patients with decompensated heart failure.Design. Prospective analysis.Setting. Hospital cardiology unit.Patients. Twenty‐one patients with symptoms of decompensated heart failure who were treated with diuretics on admission.Intervention. Twelve‐lead electrocardiograms were obtained at baseline and after diuresis. Average, minimum, and maximum P‐wave duration and P‐wave dispersion (minimum minus maximum duration) were determined.Measurements and Main Results. P‐wave duration was measured manually in all 12 leads by using a 0.5‐mm‐scale precision ruler and magnifying lens. After 40 ± 23 hours of diuresis, 3 ± 1 L of fluid was removed. A significant correlation was found between average P‐wave duration and amount of fluid removed (r = −0.59, p=0.015). Also, average and maximum P‐wave duration were significantly decreased with diuresis (p=0.001 and 0.022, respectively). No other P‐wave variables were significantly affected.Conclusions. Diuresis may attenuate electrophysiologic changes caused by fluid overload.
Failure of Computerized Treatment Suggestions to Improve Health Outcomes of Outpatients with Uncomplicated Hypertension: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Murray Michael D. , Harris Lisa E. , Overhage J. Marc , Zhou Xiao‐Hua , Eckert George J. , Smith Faye E. , Buchanan Nancy Nienaber , Wolinsky Fredric D. , McDonald Clement J. , Tierney William M. 
Published: May 2004

Study Objective. To assess the effects of evidence‐based treatment suggestions for hypertension made to physicians and pharmacists using a comprehensive electronic medical record system.Design. Randomized controlled trial with a 2 times 2 factorial design of physician and pharmacist interventions, which resulted in four groups of patients: physician intervention only, pharmacist intervention only, intervention by physician and pharmacist, and intervention by neither physician nor pharmacist (control).Setting. Academic primary care internal medicine practice.Subjects. Seven hundred twelve patients with uncomplicated hypertension.Measurements and Main Results. Suggestions were displayed to physicians on computer workstations used to write outpatient orders and to pharmacists when filling prescriptions. The primary end point was generic health‐related quality of life. Secondary end points were symptom profile and side effects from antihypertensive drugs, number of emergency department visits and hospitalizations, blood pressure measurements, patient satisfaction with physicians and pharmacists, drug therapy compliance, and health care charges. In the control group, implementation of care changes in accordance with treatment suggestions was observed in 26% of patients. In the intervention groups, compliance with suggestions was poor, with treatment suggestions implemented in 25% of patients for whom suggestions were displayed only to pharmacists, 29% of those for whom suggestions were displayed only to physicians, and 35% of the group for whom both physicians and pharmacists received suggestions (p=0.13). Intergroup differences were neither statistically significant nor clinically relevant for generic health‐related quality of life, symptom and side‐effect profiles, number of emergency department visits and hospitalizations, blood pressure measurements, charges, or drug therapy compliance.Conclusion. Computer‐based intervention using a sophisticated electronic physician order‐entry system failed to improve compliance with treatment suggestions or outcomes of patients with uncomplicated hypertension.
Crystallographic report: Bis(N‐cyclohexyl,N‐methyldithiocarbamato)zinc(II)
Authors: Chan Meng Yin , Lai Chian Sing , Tiekink Edward R. T. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe mononuclear structure of Zn[S2CN(Me)Cy)]2 features a tetrahedral zinc center defined by two chelating dithiocarbamate ligands. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallographic report: Dimeric chlorobis(hexamethylenedithiocarbamato)antimony(III) di‐chloroform solvate
Authors: Liu Yu , Tiekink Edward R. T. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe structure of Sb(S2CN(CH2)6)2Cl, is dimeric owing to SbCl bridges and features a distorted six‐coordinate geometry for antimony; there are two solvent chloroform molecules per dimer. The geometry is based on a capped octahedron as a result of the presence of a stereochemically active lone pair of electrons. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallographic report: Supramolecular structure of 2‐aminonicotinatodimethylthallium(III), [TlMe2(2anic)]n
Authors: Toma Monica , Sánchez Agustín , García‐Tasende María S. , Casas José S. , Sordo José , Castellano Eduardo E. , Ellena Javier 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe title compound displays an overall two‐dimensional supramolecular arrangement comprising [TlMe2(2anic)] units linked by TlN bonds and weak Tl···O interactions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.