bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The
Red Clover Necrotic Mosaic Virus
RNA2
trans
-Activator Is Also a
cis
-Acting RNA2 Replication Element
Authors: Tatsuta Masahiro , Mizumoto Hiroyuki , Kaido Masanori , Mise Kazuyuki , Okuno Tetsuro 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACT

The expression of the coat protein gene requires RNA-mediated
trans
-activation of subgenomic RNA synthesis in
Red clover necrotic mosaic virus
(RCNMV), the genome of which consists of two positive-strand RNAs, RNA1 and RNA2. The
trans
-acting RNA element required for subgenomic RNA synthesis from RNA1 has been mapped previously to the protein-coding region of RNA2, whereas RNA2 is not required for the replication of RNA1. In this study, we investigated the roles of the protein-coding region in RNA2 replication by analyzing the replication competence of RNA2 mutants containing deletions or nucleotide substitutions. Our results indicate that the same stem-loop structure (SL2) that functions as a
trans
-activator for RNA-mediated coat protein expression is critically required for the replication of RNA2 itself. Interestingly, however, disruption of the RNA-RNA interaction by nucleotide substitutions in the region of RNA1 corresponding to the SL2 loop of RNA2 does not affect RNA2 replication, indicating that the RNA-RNA interaction is not required for RNA2 replication. Further mutational analysis showed that, in addition to the stem-loop structure itself, nucleotide sequences in the stem and in the loop of SL2 are important for the replication of RNA2. These findings suggest that the structure and nucleotide sequence of SL2 in RNA2 play multiple roles in the virus life cycle.
Incorporation of Three Endocytosed Varicella-Zoster Virus Glycoproteins, gE, gH, and gB, into the Virion Envelope
Authors: Maresova Lucie , Pasieka Tracy Jo , Homan Elizabeth , Gerday Erick , Grose Charles 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACT
The cytoplasmic tails of all three major varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoproteins, gE, gH, and gB, harbor functional tyrosine-based endocytosis motifs that mediate internalization. The aim of the present study was to examine whether endocytosis from the plasma membrane is a cellular route by which VZV glycoproteins are delivered to the final envelopment compartment. In this study, we demonstrated that internalization of the glycoproteins occurred in the first 24 h postinfection but was reduced later in infection. Using surface biotinylation of VZV-infected cells followed by a glutathione cleavage assay, we showed that endocytosis was independent of antibody binding to gE, gH, and gB. Subsequently, with this assay, we demonstrated that biotinylated gE, gH, and gB retrieved from the cell surface were incorporated into nascent virus particles isolated after density gradient sedimentation. To confirm and extend this finding, we repeated the above sedimentation step and specifically detected envelopes decorated with Streptavidin-conjugated gold beads on a majority of complete virions through examination by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, a gE-gI complex and a gE-gH complex were found on the virions. Therefore, the above studies established that VZV subsumed a postendocytosis trafficking pathway as one mechanism by which to deliver viral glycoproteins to the site of virion assembly in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, since a recombinant VZV genome lacking only endocytosis-competent gE cannot replicate, these results supported the conclusion that the endocytosis-envelopment pathway is an essential component of the VZV life cycle.
Understanding work related musculoskeletal pain: does repetitive work cause stress symptoms?
Authors: Bonde J P , Mikkelsen S , Andersen J H , Fallentin N , Bælum J , Svendsen S W , Thomsen J F , Frost P , Kærgaard A 
Published: December 2004

Background:Pain in the neck and upper extremity is reported with high frequency in repetitive work. Mechanical overload of soft tissues seems a plausible mechanism, but psychological factors have received considerable attention during the past decade. If psychological factors are important for development of regional pain in repetitive work, stress symptoms would likely be on the causal path.Aims:To examine whether objective measures of repetitive monotonous work are related to occurrence and development of stress symptoms.Methods:In 1994–95, 2033 unskilled workers with continuous repetitive work and 813 workers with varied work were enrolled. Measures of repetitiveness and force requirements were quantified using video observations to obtain individual exposure estimates. Stress symptoms were recorded at baseline and after approximately one, two, and three years by the Setterlind Stress Profile Inventory.Results:Repetitive work, task cycle time, and quantified measures of repetitive upper extremity movements including force requirements were not related to occurrence of stress symptoms at baseline or development of stress symptoms during three years of follow up.Conclusions:The findings do not indicate that repetitive work is associated with stress symptoms, but small effects cannot be ruled out. Thus the results question the importance of mental stress mechanisms in the causation of regional pain related to repetitive work. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution because the stress inventory has not been validated against a gold standard.
Gender dependent accumulation of dioxins in smokers
Authors: Fierens S , Eppe G , De Pauw E , Bernard A 
Published: December 2004

Aims:To evaluate the contribution of tobacco smoking to dioxin accumulation.Methods:Dioxin (17 PCDD/F) concentrations in fasting blood from 251 subjects (161 never smokers, 54 past smokers, and 36 current smokers) were quantified.Results:Whereas serum dioxin concentrations of male smokers were on average 40% higher than those of non-smokers, in women, smoking was associated with significantly lower serum dioxin levels. A synergistic potentiation of dioxin metabolism by tobacco smoke in women is postulated to explain these paradoxical findings.Conclusions:Current smoking is associated with gender dependent effects on dioxin body burden and is a potential source of confounding in human studies using blood dioxins as indicators of exposure.
Work related physical activity and risk of a hospital discharge diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or flutter: the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study
Authors: Frost L , Frost P , Vestergaard P 
Published: December 2004

Background and Aims:Excessive sporting activities have been associated with risk of atrial fibrillation. To study if work related physical activity also confers risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter, the association between work related physical strain and the risk of a hospital discharge diagnosis (inpatient as well as outpatient) of atrial fibrillation or flutter was examined.Methods:A population based prospective cohort study was conducted from December 1993 to December 2001 among 19 593 men and 18 807 women with a mean age at baseline of 56 years (range 50–65 years) in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study. The physical strain during working hours was categorised as sedentary, light, or heavy, and analysed using proportional hazard models. Subjects were followed up in the Danish National Registry of Patients and in the Danish Civil Registration System.Results:During follow up (mean 5.7 years) a hospital discharge diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or flutter occurred in 305 men and 113 women. When using the risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter associated with sedentary work at a sitting position as a reference, no excess risk (unadjusted as well as adjusted) was found of atrial fibrillation or flutter associated with sedentary work in a standing position, light workload, or heavy workload in men or women.Conclusion:No evidence was found of an association between physical activities during working hours and risk of a hospital discharge diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or flutter for men and women in the age group of 50–65 years.
Mortality in New Zealand workers exposed to phenoxy herbicides and dioxins
Authors: ’t Mannetje A , McLean D , Cheng S , Boffetta P , Colin D , Pearce N 
Published: December 2004

Aims:To evaluate mortality in New Zealand phenoxy herbicide producers and sprayers exposed to dioxins.Methods:Phenoxy herbicide producers (n = 1025) and sprayers (n = 703) were followed up from 1 January 1969 and 1 January 1973 respectively to 31 December 2000. A total of 813 producers and 699 sprayers were classified as exposed to dioxin and phenoxy herbicides. Standardised mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated using national mortality rates.Results:At the end of follow up, 164 producers and 91 sprayers had died. Cancer mortality was reduced for sprayers (SMR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.14) and increased in exposed production workers (SMR = 1.24, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.67), especially for synthesis workers (SMR = 1.69), formulation and lab workers (SMR = 1.64), and maintenance/waste treatment/cleaning workers (SMR = 1.46). Lymphohaematopoietic cancer mortality was increased in exposed production workers (SMR = 1.65, 95% CI 0.53 to 3.85), especially for multiple myeloma (SMR = 5.51, 95% CI 1.14 to 16.1). Among sprayers, colon cancer (SMR = 1.94, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.83) showed increased mortality.Conclusions:Results showed 24% non-significant excess cancer mortality in phenoxy herbicide producers, with a significant excess for multiple myeloma. Associations were stronger for those exposed to multiple agents including dioxin during production. Overall cancer mortality was not increased for producers and sprayers mainly handling final technical products, although they were likely to have been exposed to TCDD levels far higher than those currently in the general New Zealand population.
Biomonitoring of a worker population exposed to platinum dust in a catalyst production plant
Authors: Petrucci F , Violante N , Senofonte O , Cristaudo A , Di Gregorio M , Forte G , Alimonti A 
Published: December 2004

Aims:To evaluate the occupational exposure to platinum in an industrial plant engaged in the production, recovery, and recycling of catalytic converters for the automotive traction and chemical industries.Methods:Pt was determined in airborne particulate matter, and blood, urine, and hair of 106 exposed workers, 21 controls from the plant’s administrative offices, and 25 unexposed subjects.Results:The highest air Pt level was found in the department of the plant in which supports are coated with acid metal solutions, where values of 2.39 and 4.83 μg/m3respectively were found in environmental airborne particulate matter and in air collected using personal sampler devices. The percentage of soluble Pt was also highest in this area, varying from 24% to 44% of the total. The biological data confirmed this trend, with mean concentrations in this site being higher than in other working areas: 1.86 μg/l (urine), 0.38 μg/l (blood), and 2.26 μg/kg (hair). The workers employed in the administrative sector, who were not directly exposed to Pt, had levels of contaminant lower than those of other workers, albeit 2–20 times higher than those of external controls. High correlations were obtained between Pt levels detected in airborne samples using personal devices and those found in urine and hair, but not in blood.Conclusions:The background level of Pt in all areas of the factory implies widespread exposure for the workers. The most reliable biomarker was urine. Hair cannot be considered a good index of time related exposure, at least until more reliable methods of washing can be found that are able to remove exogenous Pt completely.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL INNOVATIVENESS (PORGI) ON IS&T EMPLOYEE CONTINUANCE: A LISREL MODEL
Authors: SOCKEL HY , MAK BRENDA 
Published: December 2004

This paper explores how employees' perception of an organization's innovativeness impacts their desire to continue an association with the organization. The study uses Structural Equation Modeling — LISREL to explore the relationship between latent constructs of the employees' Perceived Job Satisfaction, and Perceived Organizational Innovativeness (PORGI) with their desire for (employment) Continuance with the organization. PORGI is measured through perceived innovation management, organizational career culture, personnel and innovation management policies. The latent construct of "Employee Continuance" is measured through loyalty and a desire to stay. The latent construct of Job Satisfaction is measured by the perceived job satisfaction of the employees. A survey was conducted among Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) employees and the data was analyzed using LISREL confirmatory factor analysis. The results indicate that Perceived Organizational Innovativeness and Job Satisfaction have significant impact on employee retention. Employees that perceived the organization as being innovative demonstrated higher levels of loyalty and had a higher desire to stay connected with their organization. The study concludes that it behooves organizations to support innovative technologies, if only to improve employee retention. Additional organizational implications and technological adoption strategies to strengthen employee retention are discussed.
Applications of a Multiple Linear Regression Model to the Analysis of Relationships between Eastward- and Westward-Moving Intraseasonal Modes
Authors: Roundy Paul E. , Frank William M. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Multiple linear regression models with nonlinear power terms may be applied to find relationships between interacting wave modes that may be characterized by different frequencies. Such regression techniques have been explored in other disciplines, but they have not been used in the analysis of atmospheric circulations. In this study, such a model is developed to predict anomalies of westward-moving intraseasonal precipitable water by utilizing the first through fourth powers of a time series of outgoing longwave radiation that is filtered for eastward propagation and for the temporal and spatial scales of the tropical intraseasonal oscillations. An independent and simpler compositing method is applied to show that the results of this multiple linear regression model provide a better description of the actual relationships between eastward- and westward-moving intraseasonal modes than a regression model that includes only the linear predictor.
A statistical significance test is applied to the coefficients of the multiple linear regression model, and they are found to be significant over broad regions of the Tropics. Correlations between the predictors are shown to not significantly influence results for this case.
Results show that this regression model reveals physical relationships between eastward- and westward-moving intraseasonal modes. The physical interpretation of these regression relationships is given in a companion paper.
The Normal Anterior Cruciate Ligament as a Model for Tensioning Strategies in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Grafts
Authors: Arnold Markus P. , Verdonschot Nico , van Kampen Albert 
Published: December 2004

Background There is some confusion about the relationship between the tension placed on the graft and the joint position used in the fixation of anterior cruciate ligament grafts. This is because of deficiency in accurate basic science about this important interaction in the normal and reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament. Hypothesis If the normal femoral attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament can be preserved and the tibial insertion isolated and tested, an accurate force-flexion curve of the human anterior cruciate ligament can be mapped out and used as a standard for proper graft tensioning protocols in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods In 10 fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees, an isolated bone plug containing the tibial anterior cruciate ligament insertion was connected with a custom-made tensiometer. The knees were moved through the whole range of motion; the starting point chosen was an anterior cruciate ligament tension of 10 N, which was applied at 10 ° of knee flexion and resulted in a baseline curve. This curve was compared with the results recorded when the starting point was below the baseline curve, similar to, or above it. Results The anterior cruciate ligament showed low tension close to slackness in midflexion after starting with 10 N at 10 ° of flexion. Starting points below the baseline curve shifted the whole curve downward; those above the baseline curve increased the force in the anterior cruciate ligament, resulting in a tight anterior cruciate ligament in midflexion. Clinical Relevance The normal anterior cruciate ligament shows a physiological laxity in midflexion. This study gives guidelines for tensioning protocols in anterior cruciate ligament grafts to replicate the force-flexion curve characteristics of the normal anterior cruciate ligament.
Gait Patterns after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction are Related to Graft Type
Authors: Webster Kate E. , Wittwer Joanne E. , O'Brien Jason , Feller Julian A. 
Published: December 2004

Background Although there is a tendency toward gait normalization after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, altered moments about the knee flexion-extension axis have been reported. It is possible that these gait alterations relate to donor site morbidity associated with the graft harvest. Hypothesis There is a relationship between graft type and external knee moments during walking. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Three groups were compared: 17 patellar tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients (mean, 11 months after surgery), 17 hamstring tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients (mean, 9.3 months after surgery), and 17 matched controls. A 3-dimensional motion analysis and force plate system was used to determine sagittal plane kinematics and kinetics of the lower limb during comfortable-speed walking. Results There were significant differences in the moments about the knee that related to graft type. The external knee flexion moment at midstance was significantly smaller than that in the control knees in 65% of patients in the patellar tendon group and 29% of patients in the hamstring tendon group. In contrast, the external knee extension moment at terminal stance was significantly smaller than that in the control knees in 53% of subjects in the hamstring tendon group and 23% of subjects in the patellar tendon group. Conclusions There are graft-specific differences in knee biomechanics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction that appear to relate to the donor site. Clinical Relevance Considerable debate continues as to whether the patellar tendon or the hamstring tendon graft is preferable for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. It is therefore clinically relevant to understand the biomechanical differences in knee function associated with both graft types.
The Drop-Jump Screening Test
Authors: Noyes Frank R. , Barber-Westin Sue D. , Fleckenstein Cassie , Walsh Cathy , West John 
Published: December 2004

Background A valgus lower limb alignment has been noted during noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries. A video dropjump test can indicate an athlete's ability to control lower limb axial alignment in the coronal plane. Hypotheses Female athletes have decreased knee separation distances on landing and acceleration; male athletes have a neutrally aligned lower limb position. A neuromuscular training program will significantly increase knee separation distance in female athletes. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods The authors tested 325 female and 130 male athletes aged 11 to 19 years. The distance between the hips, knees, and ankles was measured during a drop-jump test. The separation distance between the knees and ankles was normalized by the hip separation distance. A neuromuscular training program (Sportsmetrics) was completed by 62 female athletes, and their jump-landing characteristics were reexamined. Results A marked decrease in knee separation distance was found on takeoff in 80% of female athletes and in 72% of male athletes. There was no difference between male and female athletes in the normalized knee and ankle separation distance during the landing and takeoff phases. The knee separation distance on landing was 23 ± 9 cm in the female athletes and 22 ± 8 cm in the male athletes. The normalized knee separation distance was 51% ± 19% in the female athletes and 51% ± 15% in the male athletes. After training, statistically significant increases were found in the female athletes in the knee separation distance on landing (29 ± 8 cm, P<. 0001) and in the normalized knee separation distance (68% ± 18%, P<. 0001). The trained female athletes had significantly greater knee separation distance and normalized knee separation distance than did the males (P<. 0001). Conclusions The majority of untrained female and male athletes demonstrated a valgus alignment appearance on the video test. After neuromuscular training, female athletes had improved knee separation distances and a more neutral lower limb alignment on landing and takeoff.
A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Subacromial Injection of Betamethasone and Xylocaine to Xylocaine alone in Chronic Rotator Cuff Tendinosis
Authors: Alvarez Christine M. , Litchfield Robert , Jackowski Dianne , Griffin Sharon , Kirkley Alexandra 
Published: December 2004

Background Rotator cuff tendinosis is a common problem with significant health and economic effects. Nonoperative management includes the widespread use of subacromial steroid injections despite the lack of evidence of its efficacy. Hypothesis A subacromial injection of betamethasone will be more effective than xylocaine alone in improving the quality of life, impingement sign, and range of motion in patients who have chronic rotator cuff tendinosis or partial rotator cuff tears. Study Design Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods Patients with rotator cuff tendinosis or partial cuff tear with symptoms longer than 6 months, with failure of 6 weeks of physical therapy and 2 weeks of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, who were older than 30 years of age, and who showed > 50% improvement with the Neer impingement test were stratified for Workplace Safety and Insurance Board status and previous injection. Outcome measures—the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons standardized form; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand; active forward elevation; active internal rotation; active external rotation; and the Neer impingement sign—were assessed at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks after injection. The injection into the subacromial space contained either 5 mL of 2% xylocaine alone or 4 mL of 2% xylocaine and 1 mL (6 mg) of betamethasone in an opaque syringe. Results In 58 patients (betamethasone group, n = 30; xylocaine group, n = 28), the authors found no statistically significant difference between the 2 treatment groups for all outcomes and time intervals. The scores for the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index at 3 months were xylocaine = 45.4% ± 13% and betamethasone = 56.3% ± 17% (P=. 13). At 6 months, the scores were xylocaine = 51% ± 32% and betamethasone = 59% ± 26% (P=. 38). All other outcomes showed similar values. As well, similar results were found for 2 and 6 weeks after injection. Both groups showed improvement from baseline in all outcomes. Conclusions With the numbers available for this study, the authors found betamethasone to be no more effective in improving the quality of life, range of motion, or impingement sign than xylocaine alone in patients with chronic rotator cuff tendinosis for all follow-up time intervals evaluated.