bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anaerobic exercise in pediatric cystic fibrosis
Authors: Klijn Peter H. , Terheggen‐Lagro Suzanne W. , van der Ent Cornelis K. , van der Net Janjaap , Kimpen Jan L. , Helders Paul J. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractAnaerobic fitness is important for daily functioning of children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of anaerobic performance in CF. Anaerobic performance was measured in 39 children with CF (mean age, 13.2 ± 1.8 (SD) years, forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV1) 81.6 ± 22.1% predicted), using a Wingate anaerobic test. Significant associations were found for peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) with fat‐free mass (FFM) body weight, body mass index, maximal isometric muscle force, and aerobic capacity. Pulmonary function was correlated with anaerobic indices when controlled for FFM. Multiple regression analysis indicated that FFM and FEV1 accounted for 82% and 86% of the variability in PP and MP, respectively. Patients with moderate CF (FEV1 < 80%), as compared to mild CF (FEV1 ≥ 80%), had higher PP (difference = 85 W, 95% CI = 27–144 W) and MP (difference = 53 W, 95% CI = 42–63 W) at equivalent FFM. Our results indicate that FFM and pulmonary function are important determinants of anaerobic exercise performance in children with CF. With progression of pulmonary disease, anaerobic performance may be enhanced. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:223–229. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Survey for g‐proteins in the prokaryotic genomes: Prediction of functional roles based on classification
Authors: Pandit Shashi B. , Srinivasan N. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe members of the family of G‐proteins are characterized by their ability to bind and hydrolyze guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to guanosine diphosphate (GDP). Despite a common biochemical function of GTP hydrolysis shared among the members of the family of G‐proteins, they are associated with diverse biological roles. The current work describes the identification and detailed analysis of the putative G‐proteins encoded in the completely sequenced prokaryotic genomes. Inferences on the biological roles of these G‐proteins have been obtained by their classification into known functional subfamilies. We have identified 497 G‐proteins in 42 genomes. Seven small GTP‐binding protein homologues have been identified in prokaryotes with at least two of the diagnostic sequence motifs of G‐proteins conserved. The translation factors have the largest representation (234 sequences) and are found to be ubiquitous, which is consistent with their critical role in protein synthesis. The GTP_OBG subfamily comprises of 79 sequences in our dataset. A total of 177 sequences belong to the subfamily of GTPase of unknown function and 154 of these could be associated with domains of known functions such as cell cycle regulation and t‐RNA modification. The large GTP‐binding proteins and the α‐subunit of heterotrimeric G‐proteins are not detected in the genomes of the prokaryotes surveyed. Proteins 2003;52:585–597. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolation and characterization of the Arabidopsis organ fusion gene HOTHEAD
Authors: Krolikowski Katherine A. , Victor Jennifer L. , Wagler Tina Nussbaum , Lolle Susan J. , Pruitt Robert E. 
Published: August 2003

SummaryThe outer epidermal plant cell wall and cuticle play an important role in regulating both abiotic and biotic interactions between the plant and its environment. In addition to acting as a protective barrier that limits water loss, the effects of detrimental irradiation and invasion by pathogens, the epidermis also offers an interface that is inert to interactions between organs and ensures proper separation and expansion of organs at the growing points of the plant. Here, we describe the molecular cloning and characterization of HOTHEAD (HTH), a gene required to limit cellular interactions between contacting epidermal cells during floral development. HTH is a member of a small gene family in Arabidopsis and encodes an enzyme related to a group of FAD‐containing oxidoreductases that have been described in several other species. Characterization of 11 independently derived mutant alleles suggests that key amino acids are shared between these related groups of enzymes and identify a cluster of other functionally important residues that are highly conserved only within the Arabidopsis gene family. Our findings add this new type of enzyme to a growing list of enzymes that have been shown to be involved in regulating post‐genital organ fusion. Expression analysis of the HTH gene shows that it is expressed in all tissues tested, including roots, and is not epidermis‐specific. Furthermore, the sequence data unequivocally show that none of the alleles isolated are epigenetic alleles as suggested by genetic behavior previously observed at this locus.
Comparison of Five Genotypic Techniques for Identification of Optochin-Resistant Pneumococcus-Like Isolates
Authors: Verhelst Rita , Kaijalainen Tarja , De Baere Thierry , Verschraegen Gerda , Claeys Geert , Van Simaey Leen , De Ganck Catharine , Vaneechoutte Mario 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACT

Three PCR techniques (amplification of the
psaA
,
ply
, and
lytA
genes) and a commercial kit (AccuProbe [GenProbe, San Diego, Calif.], based on hybridization with the 16S rRNA gene), all four of which claimed to be specific for
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, were used to identify 49 alpha-hemolytic streptococcal isolates suspected of being pneumococci. The definite phenotypic identification of these organisms as
S. pneumoniae
was difficult when optochin susceptibility and the presence of a capsule were taken as markers. Furthermore,
Rsa
I digestion of the amplified 16S rRNA gene was applied. All 49 strains were optochin resistant. Eleven of these were encapsulated and were identified as pneumococci by all tests. Twenty of the 38 unencapsulated strains were unambiguously identified as nonpneumococci by all tests. The identities of another 18 unencapsulated strains remained inconclusive due to highly variable reactions for all phenotypic and genotypic techniques applied. The AccuProbe test was positive for seven strains for which the results of the other tests were inconclusive.
Rsa
I restriction of the amplified 16S rRNA gene confirmed the AccuProbe result for all strains, while the result of the
psaA
-specific PCR was in concordance with encapsulation for all strains. The results presented here indicate that identification problems continue to exist for some strains, despite the application of genotypic and phenotypic tests in combination. We found the
psaA
-specific PCR to be the genotypic technique best suited for the identification of genuine pneumococci and optochin-resistant pneumococci.
Epidemiology and Outcome of Nosocomial and Community-Onset Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Diekema D. J. , Beekmann S. E. , Chapin K. C. , Morel K. A. , Munson E. , Doern G. V. 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACT

We performed a prospective study of bloodstream infection to determine factors independently associated with mortality. Between February 1999 and July 2000, 929 consecutive episodes of bloodstream infection at two tertiary care centers were studied. An ICD-9-based Charlson Index was used to adjust for underlying illness. Crude mortality was 24% (14% for community-onset versus 34% for nosocomial bloodstream infections). Mortality attributed to the bloodstream infection was 17% overall (10% for community-onset versus 23% for nosocomial bloodstream infections). Multivariate logistic regression revealed the independent associations with in-hospital mortality to be as follows: nosocomial acquisition (odds ratio [OR] 2.6,
P
< 0.0001), hypotension (OR 2.6,
P
< 0.0001), absence of a febrile response (
P
= 0.003), tachypnea (OR 1.9,
P
= 0.001), leukopenia or leukocytosis (total white blood cell count of <4,500 or >20,000,
P
= 0.003), presence of a central venous catheter (OR 2.0,
P
= 0.0002), and presence of anaerobic organism (OR 2.5,
P
= 0.04). Even after adjustments were made for underlying illness and length of stay, nosocomial status of bloodstream infection was strongly associated with increased total hospital charges (
P
< 0.0001). Although accounting for about half of all bloodstream infections, nosocomial bloodstream infections account for most of the mortality and costs associated with bloodstream infection.
Real-Time PCR Assay To Detect Smallpox Virus
Authors: Sofi Ibrahim M. , Kulesh David A. , Saleh Sharron S. , Damon Inger K. , Esposito Joseph J. , Schmaljohn Alan L. , Jahrling Peter B. 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACT
We developed a highly sensitive and specific assay for the rapid detection of smallpox virus DNA on both the Smart Cycler and LightCycler platforms. The assay is based on TaqMan chemistry with the orthopoxvirus hemagglutinin gene used as the target sequence. With genomic DNA purified from variola virus Bangladesh 1975, the limit of detection was estimated to be approximately 25 copies on both machines. The assay was evaluated in a blinded study with 322 coded samples that included genomic DNA from 48 different isolates of variola virus; 25 different strains and isolates of camelpox, cowpox, ectromelia, gerbilpox, herpes, monkeypox, myxoma, rabbitpox, raccoonpox, skunkpox, vaccinia, and varicella-zoster viruses; and two rickettsial species at concentrations mostly ranging from 100 fg/μl to 1 ng/μl. Contained within those 322 samples were variola virus DNA, obtained from purified viral preparations, at concentrations of 1 fg/μl to 1 ng/μl. On the Smart Cycler platform, 2 samples with false-positive results were detected among the 116 samples not containing variola virus tested; i.e., the overall specificity of the assay was 98.3%. On the LightCycler platform, five samples with false-positive results were detected (overall specificity, 95.7%). Of the 206 samples that contained variola virus DNA ranging in concentrations from 100 fg/μl to 1 ng/μl, 8 samples were considered negative on the Smart Cycler platform and 1 sample was considered negative on the LightCycler platform. Thus, the clinical sensitivities were 96.1% for the Smart Cycler instrument and 99.5% for the LightCycler instrument. The vast majority of these samples were derived from virus-infected cell cultures and variola virus-infected tissues; thus, the DNA material contained both viral DNA and cellular DNA. Of the 43 samples that contained purified variola virus DNA ranging in concentration from 1 fg/μl to 1 ng/μl, the assay correctly detected the virus in all 43 samples on both the Smart Cycler and the LightCycler platforms. The assay may be useful for the early detection of smallpox virus infections should such infections occur as a result of a deliberate or an accidental recurrence.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Hemoplasma Species: an International Study
Authors: Tasker S. , Helps C. R. , Day M. J. , Harbour D. A. , Shaw S. E. , Harrus S. , Baneth G. , Lobetti R. G. , Malik R. , Beaufils J. P. , Belford C. R. , Gruffydd-Jones T. J. 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACT

Nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequences for feline and canine hemoplasma isolates from Europe, Australia, Africa, and Asia showed almost 100% identity to those previously reported for United States isolates. Partial sequences of the RNA subunit of the RNase P gene were also determined, and RNase P-based phylogenetic analysis showed that the hemoplasmas are most closely related to the members of the
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
group.
Genomic Analysis ofMycobacterium tuberculosisComplex Strains Used for Production of Purified Protein Derivative
Authors: Inwald Jacqueline , Hinds Jason , Palmer Si , Dale James , Butcher Philip D. , Hewinson R. Glyn , Gordon Stephen V. 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACTThe genomes of the tuberculin production strainsMycobacterium bovisAN5 andMycobacterium tuberculosisDT were compared to genome-sequenced tubercle bacilli by using DNA microarrays. Neither the AN5 nor DT strain suffered extensive gene deletions during in vitro passage. This suggests that bovine tuberculin made fromM. bovisAN5 is suitable to detect infection with presently prevalentM. bovisstrains.
Vertical Transmission of the Hepatitis C Virus to Infants of Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Negative Mothers: Molecular Evolution of Hypervariable Region 1 in Prenatal and Perinatal or Postnatal Infections
Authors: Caudai C. , Battiata M. , Riccardi M. P. , Toti M. , Bonazza P. , Padula M. G. , Pianese M. , Valensin P. E. 
Published: August 2003

ABSTRACT
In a prospective study of 33 infants born to hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive human immunodeficiency virus-negative mothers the vertical transmission of HCV occurred in 6.8%. The evolution of HCV infection in two babies was studied from birth up to 5 or 6 years of age, and the sequencing of the hypervariable region (HVR) of the putative envelope-encoding E2 region of the HCV genome was performed. The HVR1 sequence variability and the different serological profiles during follow-up could reflect the differences in HCV transmission routes, HCV genotypes, and clinical evolution of infection.
Acetylsalicylic Acid Pretreatment, Concomitant Heparin Therapy and the Risk of Early Intracranial Hemorrhage following Systemic Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Schmülling Susanne , Rudolf Jobst , Strotmann-Tack Timm , Grond Martin , Schneweis Susanne , Sobesky Jan , Thiel Alexander , Heiss Wolf-Dieter 
Published: August 2003

<i>Background:</i> The risk of intracerebral hemorrhage in systemic thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke after acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) pretreatment or with subsequent heparin is controversially discussed. <i>Methods:</i> 300 consecutive stroke patients were treated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in a prospective open study (92 pretreated with ASA, 202 ASA nonusers) with 3 months of follow-up. After thrombolysis, 122 patients received low-dose, 153 patients high-dose heparin. <i>Results:</i> Logistic regression analysis showed no relationship of hemorrhagic complications within the first 48 h to ASA pretreatment (p = 0.15), or heparin application (p = 0.38), but dependency on stroke severity (NIHSS) at baseline (p = 0.01). <i>Conclusion:</i> ASA pretreatment does not increase the risk of symptomatic bleeding after systemic thrombolysis with rt-PA, even if thrombolysis is followed by anticoagulation.
Chemical processing as a tool to generate ovalbumin variants with changed stability
Authors: Kosters Hans A. , Broersen Kerensa , de Groot Jolan , Simons Jan‐Willem F. A. , Wierenga Peter , de Jongh Harmen H. J. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractProcessing of ovalbumin may result in proteins that differ more than 23°C in denaturation temperature while the structural fold is not significantly affected. This is achieved by 1) conversion of positive residues into negative ones (succinylation); 2) elimination of negative charges (methylation); 3) reducing the proteins hydrophobic exposure (glycosylation); 4) increasing the hydrophobic exposure (lipophilization); or by 5) processing under alkaline conditions and elevated temperature (S‐ovalbumin). The effect on the structural fold was investigated using a variety of biochemical and spectroscopic tools. The consequences of the modification on the thermodynamics of the protein was studied using differential scanning calorimetry and by monitoring the tryptophan fluorescence or ellipticity at 222 nm of protein samples dissolved in different concentrations of guanidine‐HCl. The impact of the modification on the denaturation temperature scales for all types of modifications with a free energy change of about 1 kJ per mol ovalbumin per Kelvin (or 0.0026 kJ per mol residue per K). The nature of the covalently coupled moiety determines the impact of the modification on the protein thermodynamics. It is suggested that especially for lipophilized protein the water‐binding properties are substantially lowered. Processing of globular proteins in a controlled manner offers great opportunities to control a desired functionality, for example, as texturizer in food or medical applications. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals. Biotechnol Bioeng 84: 61–70, 2003.
Use of confocal scanning laser microscopy to measure the concentrations of aerial and penetrative hyphae during growth of Rhizopus oligosporus on a solid surface
Authors: Nopharatana Montira , Mitchell David A. , Howes Tony 
Published: August 2003

AbstractIn order to develop a method for use in investigations of spatial biomass distribution in solid‐state fermentation systems, confocal scanning laser microscopy was used to determine the concentrations of aerial and penetrative biomass against height and depth above and below the substrate surface, during growth of Rhizopus oligosporus on potato dextrose agar. Penetrative hyphae had penetrated to a depth of 0.445 cm by 64 h and showed rhizoid morphology, in which the maximum biomass concentration, of 4.45 mg dry wt cm−3, occurred at a depth of 0.075 cm. For aerial biomass the maximum density of 39.54 mg dry wt −3 occurred at the substrate surface. For both aerial and penetrative biomass, there were two distinct regions in which the biomass concentration decayed exponentially with distance from the surface. For aerial biomass, the first exponential decay region was up to 0.1 cm height. The second region above the height of 0.1 cm corresponded to that in which sporangiophores dominated. This work lays the foundation for deeper studies into what controls the growth of fungal hyphae above and below the surfaces of solid substrates. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 84: 71–77, 2003.
Privatization and the allure of franchising: a Zambian feasibility study
Authors: Fiedler John L. , Wight Jonathan B. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractEfforts to privatize portions of the health sector have proven more difficult to implement than had been anticipated previously. One common bottleneck encountered has been the traditional organizational structure of the private sector, with its plethora of independent, single physician practices. The atomistic nature of the sector has rendered many privatization efforts difficult, slow and costly—in terms of both organizational development and administration. In many parts of Africa, in particular, the shortages of human and social capital, and the fragile nature of legal institutions, undermine the appeal of privatization. The private sector is left with inefficiencies, high prices and costs, and a reduced effective demand. The result is the simultaneous existence of excess capacity and unmet need.One potential method to improve the efficiency of the private sector, and thereby enhance the likelihood of successful privatization, is to transfer managerial technology—via franchising—from models that have proven successful elsewhere. This paper presents a feasibility analysis of franchizing the successful Bolivian PROSALUD system's management package to Zambia. The assessment, based on PROSALUD's financial model, demonstrates that technology transfer requires careful adaptation to local conditions and, in this instance, would still require significant external assistance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study of water fluxes in a residential area: 1. Rainfall, roof runoff and evaporation: the effect of slope and aspect
Authors: Ragab R. , Bromley J. , Rosier P. , Cooper J. D. , Gash J. H. C. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractAn experimental study of water fluxes from roofs in a residential area has quantified water fluxes from different types of roof and identified the major controls on the process. Roofs with pitches of 0°, 22° and 50° and orientations of 15° (from true north) (NNE) and 103° (ESE) were selected. A novel automatic system for monitoring has been developed. Noticeable differences in rainfall, runoff and evaporation were found for different roof slopes, aspects and heights. Depending on height, flat roofs collected 90 to 99% of rainfall recorded at ground level. Roofs with a 22° slope; facing south‐south‐west (i.e. facing the prevailing wind) captured most rain, whereas east‐south‐east facing roofs with slopes of 50° received the least. Depending on the roof slope, the average rainfall captured ranged from 62 to 93% of that at ground level. For the same slope, the results indicated that from roofs orientated normal to the prevailing wind; (i) captured rainfall was higher, (ii) evaporation was higher and (iii) runoff was less than that from roofs having other aspects. Monthly variations in the runoff–rainfall ratio followed the rainfall distribution, being lowest in summer and highest in winter. The highest mean ratio (0·91) was associated with the steeper roof slope; the lowest ratio (0·61) was for roofs facing the prevailing wind direction. For the same amount of rainfall, the runoff generated from a steeper roof was significantly higher than that generated by a moderate roof slope, but the lowest runoff was from roofs facing the prevailing wind. The results have also shown that the amount of runoff collected (under UK climatic condition) was sufficient to supply an average household in the studied area with the major part of its annual water requirements. The use of this water not only represents a financial gain for house owners but also will help protect the environment by reducing demand on water resources through the reduction of groundwater abstraction, construction of new reservoirs, and a reduction of the flood risk as its in situ use is considered a preventive measure known as a source control. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling water balances in an Alpine catchment through exploitation of emergent properties over changing time scales
Authors: Eder G. , Sivapalan M. , Nachtnebel H. P. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThis paper is addressed towards the problem of extracting appropriate model structures by systematic analysis of rainfall‐runoff relationships in gauged catchments. The Upper Enns catchment in the Austrian Alps is selected as the basis of this study. The downward approach championed by Klemes is followed, which involves stepwise adjustment of model structure to capture the observed streamflow variability progressively at the annual, monthly, and then on to daily time scales. Throughout, we focus on emergent properties of the hydrological system at the various time scales, as detected in key signature plots and hydrographs, and model complexity is always kept to the minimum required. Any further alteration or calibration of parameter values is avoided, either with change of scales or in response to inadequate predictions. The downward approach presented leads to parsimonious water balance models with excellent performance and the minimum set of parameters, with a good balance being achieved between model performance and complexity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between canopy height and the reference value of surface conductance for closed coniferous stands
Authors: Komatsu Hikaru 
Published: August 2003

AbstractWhen estimating the dry‐canopy evaporation rate of coniferous stands using the Penman–Monteith equation, it is crucial to determine the reference value of surface conductance Gs. This paper examines the relationship between canopy height and the reference value of Gs based on the maximum value of Gs with a vapour pressure deficit ≥ 1·0 kPa, Ĝs max. There is a clear correlation between canopy height and Ĝs max when the projected leaf area index ≥3·0. This suggests that using this relationship will enable more accurate determination of the reference value of Gs for closed stands. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.