bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induction of Plantaricin Production inLactobacillus plantarumNC8 after Coculture with Specific Gram-Positive Bacteria Is Mediated by an Autoinduction Mechanism
Authors: Maldonado Antonio , Jiménez-Díaz Rufino , Ruiz-Barba José Luis 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACTPlantaricin NC8 (PLNC8), a coculture-inducible two-peptide bacteriocin fromLactobacillus plantarumNC8, has recently been purified and genetically characterized. Analysis of an 8.1-kb NC8 DNA region downstream of the PLNC8 operon revealed the presence of at least four operons involved in bacteriocin production, showing high homology to the plantaricin cluster inL. plantarumC11. However, we found a three-component regulatory operon involving a quorum-sensing mechanism. Two of these components, the induction factor (PLNC8IF) and the histidine kinase, are novel, while the response regulator is identical to PlnD from C11. Homologous expression ofplNC8IFin NC8 allowed constitutive bacteriocin production. Heterologous expression of this gene inLactococcus lactisMG1363 produced supernatants which promoted bacteriocin production in NC8. Reverse transcription-PCR studies indicated that cocultivation of NC8 with inducing cells promoted transcription of the bacteriocin and regulatory operons in NC8. An identical result was obtained after addition of an external source of PLNC8IF. We propose that the presence of specific bacteria could act as an environmental signal that is able to switch on bacteriocin production inL. plantarumNC8 via a quorum-sensing mechanism mediated by PLNC8IF.
Characterization of Two Methanopterin Biosynthesis Mutants of
Methylobacterium extorquens
AM1 by Use of a Tetrahydromethanopterin Bioassay
Authors: Rasche Madeline E. , Havemann Stephanie A. , Rosenzvaig Mariana 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

An enzymatic assay was developed to measure tetrahydromethanopterin (H
4
MPT) levels in wild-type and mutant cells of
Methylobacterium extorquens
AM1. H
4
MPT was detectable in wild-type cells but not in strains with a mutation of either the
orf4
or the
dmrA
gene, suggesting a role for these two genes in H
4
MPT biosynthesis. The protein encoded by
orf4
catalyzed the reaction of ribofuranosylaminobenzene 5′-phosphate synthase, the first committed step of H
4
MPT biosynthesis. These results provide the first biochemical evidence for H
4
MPT biosynthesis genes in bacteria.
Characterization of Two Kinases Involved in Thiamine Pyrophosphate and Pyridoxal Phosphate Biosynthesis in
Bacillus subtilis
: 4-Amino-5-Hydroxymethyl-2-Methylpyrimidine Kinase and Pyridoxal Kinase
Authors: Park Joo-Heon , Burns Kristin , Kinsland Cynthia , Begley Tadhg P. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Two
Bacillus subtilis
genes encoding two proteins (currently annotated ThiD and YjbV) were overexpressed and characterized. YjbV has 4-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyrimidine and 4-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyrimidine pyrophosphate kinase activity and should be reannotated ThiD, and
B. subtilis
ThiD has pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine kinase activity and should be reannotated PdxK.
VpsT Is a Transcriptional Regulator Required for Expression of
vps
Biosynthesis Genes and the Development of Rugose Colonial Morphology in
Vibrio cholerae
O1 El Tor
Authors: Casper-Lindley Catharina , Yildiz Fitnat H. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Vibrio cholerae
switches between smooth and rugose colonial variants. The rugose variant produces more vibrio polysaccharides (VPS
El Tor
) and forms well-developed biofilms. Both phenotypes depend on expression of
vps
biosynthesis genes. We identified a positive transcriptional regulator of
vps
gene expression, VpsT, which is homologous to response regulators of two-component regulatory systems. Disruption of
vpsT
in the rugose variant yields smooth colonies, prevents formation of mature biofilms, and decreases
vps
gene expression. The interaction between VpsT and VpsR, a previously identified positive regulator of
vps
genes, was also investigated.
RECURRENT OSTEOID OSTEOMA OF THE LUNATE: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Arora J. , McLauchlan J. , Munro N. 
Published: February 2004

Osteoid osteoma is a benign tumour of bone that rarely localises in the carpal bones. Its treatment by curettage and bone grafting is considered to be curative and its recurrence is thought to be rare. We report a case of an osteoid osteoma of the lunate, which recurred seven years after the initial operation. Recurrent osteoid osteoma of the lunate bone has not been reported in the literature. We present this case report for its atypical presentation and diagnostic difficulty and also to alert the readers of the possibility of an osteoid osteoma as a cause of the chronic unexplained wrist pain in young adults.
Homologous fission event(s) implicated for chromosomal polymorphisms among five species in the genus <i>Equus</i>
Authors: Myka J.L. , Lear T.L. , Houck M.L. , Ryder O.A. , Bailey E. 
Published: February 2004

The genus <i>Equus</i> is unusual in that five of the ten extant species have documented centric fission (Robertsonian translocation) polymorphisms within their populations, namely <i>E. hemionus onager</i>, <i>E. hemionus kulan</i>, <i>E. kiang</i>, <i>E. africanus somaliensis</i>, and <i>E. quagga burchelli</i>. Here we report evidence that the polymorphism involves the same homologous chromosome segments in each species, and that these chromosome segments have homology to human chromosome 4 (HSA4). Bacterial artificial chromosome clones containing equine genes SMARCA5 (ECA2q21 homologue to HSA4q31. 21) and UCHL1 (ECA3q22 homologue to HSA4p13) were mapped to a single metacentric chromosome and two unpaired acrocentrics by FISH mapping for individuals possessing odd numbers of chromosomes. These data suggest that the polymorphism is either ancient and conserved within the genus or has occurred recently and independently within each species. Since these species are separated by 1–3 million years of evolution, this polymorphism is remarkable and worthy of further investigations.
The Legal Hermeneutics of Al-shāfi'ī and Ibn Qutayba: A Reconsideration*
Authors: Lowry Joseph 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn a 1993 monograph Norman Calder argued that Shāfi ī's (d. 204/820) Risāla must be a product of the early fourth/tenth centuries. Calder's argument, which has not been seriously challenged, rested mostly on a comparison of the Risāla's hermeneutic techniques with those of Ibn Qutayba's (d. 276/889) Ta wīl mukhtalif al-hadīth. A comparison of these two works shows that the evidence is much more equivocal than Calder allowed. Moreover, the overriding purposes of the two works differ to an extent which robs Calder's argument of much of its force. A close examination of the two authors' hermeneutics shows, however, that Ibn Qutayba's relatively unsystematic Ta wīl stands closer to classical usūl al-fiqh in several important respects than does Shāfi'ī's Risāla. The relationship between the two works is thus broadly consistent with their traditional datings and ascriptions.
The Common Link and its Relation to the Madār
Authors: Ozkan Halit 
Published: February 2004

AbstractI examine here the use of the term madār in the Muslim hadīth literature in an effort to reassess G.H.A. Juynboll's claim that this term is equivalent to his common link. I argue that there are significant differences between the understanding and use of madār by both classical and contemporary Muslim scholars, on the one hand, and Juynboll's notion of the common link, on the other. After summarizing Juynboll's conclusions, I present and discuss some examples of the use of madār chosen from authoritative hadīth commentaries and rijāl books; discuss how Muslim scholars understood the term madār; and reevaluate Juynboll's ideas about the related terms, mutābi'āt and shawāhid.
Fatwā and War: On the Allegiance of the American Muslim Soldiers in the Aftermath of September 11
Authors: Nafi Basheer 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe domination of the world system by the nation-state poses a formidable challenge to modern Islamic political and juristic discourse, especially when the state is secular and non-Islamic. In this article, I examine a collective fatwā, issued a few weeks after the September 11 attacks on Washington D. C. and New York City. The fatwā gave permission to American Muslim soldiers to participate in the American military efforts against the perpetrators of the attacks, even if that involved the declaration of war against a Muslim country. By giving such permission, the fatwā implies that the principle allegiance of the American Muslim soldier is to his own country, especially in a situation of war. Issued by a group of Muslim 'ulama' and intellectuals with a Salafī-reformist background, this fatwā represents an Islamic attempt by Muslims to address some of the major changes in the world system. I also examine Muslim opposition to the fatwā, mostly from other Islamic Salafī circles, which points to a profound division within Salafism.
A Murābaha Transaction in An English Court - The London High Court of 13th February 2002 in Islamic Investment Company of the Gulf (Bahamas) Ltd. V. Symphony Gems N.V. & Ors.
Authors: Bälz Kilian 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIslamic finance is based on the application of Sharī'a rules to modern financing transactions. The Islamic finance industry has grown considerably over the last two decades and Islamic financing transactions today often have a global reach. As a consequence, traditional Islamic contractual structures are reformulated in the language of international commercial agreements and Sharī'a a based transactions are adjudicated in non-Islamic jurisdictions. In examining a recent case of the London High Court dealing with an Islamic murābaha agreement this essay investigates the complex interaction between and among Islamic contractual structures, English style contractual drafting and principles of international commercial law.
Using Grounded Theory to Examine People's Attitudes Toward How Animals are Used
Authors: Vrij Aldert , Nunkoosing Karl , Knight Sarah , Cherryman Julie 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis study uses qualitative methodology to examine why people have different attitudes toward different types of nonhuman animal use. Seventeen participants took part in a semi-structured interview. The study used Grounded Theory to analyze the interviews and developed a model that consists of 4 major themes: (a) "attitudes toward animals," (b) "knowledge of animal use procedures," (c) "perceptions of choice," and (d) "cost-benefit analysis. "The findings illustrate that cognitive processing, characteristics of the species of animal being used, and the type of animal use can all influence attitudes toward animal use. Because previous research has focused on participant variables such as age and gender to explain variance in attitudes toward animal use (Furnham & Pinder, 1990; Kellert & Berry, 1981) and measured attitudes toward animal use in general (rather than distinguishing between different types of use) (Armstrong & Hutchins, 1996), these findings can add to knowledge of people's views on animal use. This paper discusses how such views may be justified and maintained.
Controlling the Wilderness: The Work of Wilderness Officers
Authors: Lawson Helene 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIdeologies having roots in the legal structure of the system of wildlife protection characterize the work culture of the Pennsylvania wilderness officer. This paper examines these ideologies and the characteristically strong social solidarity of the community of wilderness officers. Wilderness officers are both law enforcement agents and conservationists. They mediate between human and animal as well as between what is considered scientific management and what is considered unenlightened and even lawless behavior. In performing this boundary work, wilderness officers participate in the social construction of the science of land management, which views animals as renewable resources. The wilderness officer's job is to insure the continuation of this resource as a part of the natural heritage of Pennsylvania and the United States. The wilderness officer's concept of "animal" becomes a byproduct of this social construction and of the culture of hunting that supports it. The rural upbringing common to many officers suits them ideally to their task.
An Exploration of the Sculptures of Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh, Scotland, and the Brown Dog, Battersea, South London, England
Authors: Kean Hilda 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis article analyzes the sculptural depiction of two nonhuman animals, Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh, Scotland and the Brown Dog in Battersea, South London, England. It explores the ways in which both these cultural depictions transgress the norm of nineteenth century dog sculpture. It also raises questions about the nature of these constructions and the way in which the memorials became incorporated within particular human political spaces. The article concludes by analyzing the modern "replacement" of the destroyed early twentieth century statue of the Brown Dog and suggests that the original meaning of the statue has been significantly altered.
As Charming as a Pig:The Discursive Construction of the Relationship Between Pigs and Humans
Authors: Stibbe Arran 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn the past, pigs were kept near their guardians' (owners') homes, ate leftovers from their guardians' kitchens and enjoyed a generally close relationship with humans. The closeness of the relationship, combined with its ultimate end in the killing of the pig, led to a sense of shame (Leach, 1964). This shame manifested itself in negative expressions about pigs within the English language, which remain to this day. However, the relationship between humans and pigs is becoming increasingly distant, with decisions affecting pigs' lives made in the offices of agricultural industry executives far from the intensive farms on which the pigs live. The new relationship has led to the evolution of a new discourse about pigs, that of the modern pork industry. Because of its technical and scientific nature, this new discourse does not contain the explicit insults of mainstream discourse.Yet, embedded within it are a series of implicit ideological assumptions designed to justify the confinement and exploitation of pigs in high intensity farms. This paper investigates the discourses surrounding pigs in both mainstream (British) culture and the pork industry and discusses attempts to challenge these discourses.
A Bird in the House: An Anthropological Perspective on Companion Parrots
Authors: Anderson Patricia 
Published: February 2004

AbstractAlthough companion birds are the third most-common animal companion—after dogs and cats—in U.S. households, few anthrozoological publications focus on them. This study examines the role of companion parrots in American households. The study combines a literature review with the results of a survey of bird owners and participant observation. The study uses the resulting qualitative and quantitative data in addressing the social dynamics of companion parrot ownership in the household. The data support the impression that companion parrots increasingly are being considered family members, or "Fids" ("Feathered Kids"), thus following current trends in American society that accord companion animals in general a greater investment in time, money, and emotion. However, the general public is not well informed about the complexities of captive parrot care, and psittacine wellness is an important concern.
Strain Behavior of the Distal Achilles Tendon
Authors: Lyman Jeffrey , Weinhold Paul S. , Almekinders Louis C. 
Published: February 2004

Background The changes associated with Achilles insertional tendinopathy (AIT) are seen in the anterior portion of the Achilles tendon near its calcaneal insertion. Strain behavior of this portion of the tendon was evaluated. Hypothesis The highest strains are in the anterior portion of the tendon. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Six cadaveric legs were tested. While moving through a functional range of ankle motion, strains in five different regions of the tendon insertion were tested. First, the load on the tendon was increased from 30 to 170 N in the starting, plantar flexed position. Then, the ankle was moved from a plantar flexed position into dorsiflexion. Results Strains in the posterior sites increased significantly (P < 0.001) as the movement into dorsiflexion occurred. This was significantly (P < 0.01) different than the anterior sites, which showed a trend toward decreasing strain. Conclusions Although the anterior portion of the Achilles tendon is generally affected in AIT, relative strain shielding is seen in this portion of the tendon. These findings suggest that the role of repetitive tensile loads in the causation of AIT is more complex than often described. Clinical Relevance These findings may explain the variable therapeutic response following measures aimed at decreasing tensile loads on the tendon.
Cartilage Lesions of the Patella in Recurrent Patellar Dislocation
Authors: Nomura Eiki , Inoue M. 
Published: February 2004

Background The etiology of patellar cartilage lesions in recurrent patellar dislocation has been poorly understood. Hypothesis The pathology of cartilage lesions of the patella accompanied by recurrent patellar dislocation can be analyzed. Study Design Series of case reports. Methods In 70 knees from 57 patients with recurrent patellar dislocation, the cartilage lesions of the patella were examined using arthroscopy and/or macroscopic observation. The average age of the patients was 22 years (range, 13 to 40 years). Lesions that involved only softening were not included. Results Sixty-seven knees (96%) had articular cartilage lesions of the patella, and only 3 knees had no change. Fissuring was observed in 53 knees (76%). The most common site of fissuring was on the central dome. There were basically two types of fissuring: multiple longitudinal fissuring and marginal/radial fissuring. Fibrillation and/or erosion were observed in 54 knees (77%). Of these, 40 knees had fissuring and 14 did not have fissuring. The main site of fibrillation and/or erosion was the medial facet. Conclusions Cartilage lesions of the patella in recurrent patellar dislocation cases were very common. Fissuring was observed mainly on the central dome, and fibrillation and/or erosion were observed mainly on the medial facet.
Inflammatory Response of Human Tendon Fibroblasts to Cyclic Mechanical Stretching
Authors: Li Zhaozhu , Yang Guoguang , Khan Mustafa , Stone David , Woo Savio L-Y. , Wang James H-C. 
Published: February 2004

Background The cellular and molecular mechanisms for the development of tendinopathy are not clear, but inflammatory mediators produced by tendon fibroblasts in response to repetitive mechanical loading may be an important factor. Hypotheses (1) Cyclic stretching of tendon fibroblasts affects the production of leukotriene B4 and the expression of 5-lipoxygenase; and (2) the production level of leukotriene B4 is inversely related to that of prostaglandin E2. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Human patellar tendon fibroblasts were uniaxially stretched in the presence of indomethacin (25 μM) or MK-886 (10 μM). After stretching for 4 hours, followed by 4 hours rest, levels of prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, and expression of 5-lipoxygenase were measured. Results Stretched tendon fibroblasts increased the levels of leukotriene B4 but did not appreciably change the expression of 5-lipoxygenase. Indomethacin decreased the cellular production of prostaglandin E2 but caused increased leukotriene B4 levels. MK-886 caused decreased production of leukotriene B4 but increased production of prostaglandin E2. Conclusions Cyclic stretching of human tendon fibroblasts increases the production of prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4. Blocking prostaglandin E2 production leads to increased leukotriene B4 levels and vice versa. Clinical Relevance The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of tendon inflammation might increase the levels of leukotriene B4 within the tendon, potentially contributing to the development of tendinopathy.
An Evaluation of the Apprehension, Relocation, and Surprise Tests for Anterior Shoulder Instability
Authors: Lo Ian K. Y. , Nonweiler Blake , Woolfrey Michael , Litchfield Robert , Kirkley Alexandra 
Published: February 2004

Background Although there are many studies describing tests for shoulder instability, there are few assessing the validity of these tests in diagnosing anterior shoulder instability. Purpose To assess the validity of the apprehension, relocation, and surprise tests as predictors of anterior shoulder instability. Study Design Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Methods Forty-six patients with a clear diagnosis of one of the following shoulder disorders were evaluated by four independent, blinded examiners: traumatic anterior instability (18), rotator cuff tendinosis (17), posterior instability (2), glenohumeral osteoarthritis (4), or multidirectional instability (5). Interobserver reliability was also determined. Results In subjects who had a feeling of apprehension on all three tests, the mean positive and negative predictive values were 93.6% and 71.9%, respectively. The surprise test was the single most accurate test (sensitivity = 63.89%; specificity = 98.91%). An improvement in the feeling of apprehension or painwith the relocation test added little to the value of the tests. Interobserver reliability was determined to be 0.83. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance The results of this study suggest that a positive instability exam on all three tests is highly specific and predictive of traumatic anterior glenohumeral instability.
The Accessory Anteroinferior Tibiofibular Ligament as a Cause of Talar Impingement
Authors: Nikolopoulos Constantinos E. , Tsirikos Athanasios I. , Sourmelis Savas , Papachristou Georgios 
Published: February 2004

Background A distal fascicle of the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament has been reported as a possible cause of anterolateral ankle impingement. Hypothesis This fascicle represents an independent accessory ligament in the anterior aspect of the inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis. Study Design Descriptive anatomical study. Methods The inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis was exposed in 24 fresh-frozen cadaveric ankles. Morphological characteristics of the inferior tibiofibular ligaments and interactions between the anterior ligaments and the talus were investigated in different degrees of ankle motion. Results A separate accessory anterior ligament was identified in 22 specimens. Its orientation was parallel and distal to the anterior tibiofibular ligament, from which it was separated by a fibrofatty septum. Its length ranged from 17 to 22 mm, its thickness from 1 to 2 mm, and its width from 3 to 5 mm. Impingement of this ligament against the talar dome was documented in all specimens in neutral ankle position, with bending of the ligamentous bands in dorsiflexion. Distraction maneuvers reproducing traction during arthroscopic approaches relieved contact. Conclusions An accessory anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament with distinct anatomical features was recognized. Clinical Relevance Based on its increased incidence in the cadaver ankles, the accessory ligament reflects a normal anatomical finding. Nevertheless, it could lead to anterolateral impingement in cases with coexistent ankle instability.