bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Razas locales y fibras caprinas, bases para un desarrollo rural del norte de la Patagonia Argentina
Authors: Lanari M.R. , Pérez Centeno M. , Arrigo J. , Debenedetti S. , Abad M.
Published: November 2009

En el norte de la Patagonia (Argentina) los sistemas caprinos son extensivos de subsistencia, con baja incorporación de tecnología. Unos 6000 pequeños productores, crían 700.000 cabras de Razas locales (Criolla Neuquina, Colorada Pampeana y otras) y 550.000 Angora, produciendo Cashmere y Mohair. La producción de Cashmere está en desarrollo, estimándose un potencial de 15 tn. Dada la gran variabilidad poblacional para características de fibra se espera buena respuesta a la selección. Apoyados en procesos participativos se busca desarrollar productos artesanales e industriales. La producción de Mohair se encuentra en mejoramiento. Argentina es el cuarto productor mundial de esta fibra (825 tn). Su desarrollo actual es promovido por el “Programa Mohair”, basado en: organización, aplicación de tecnologías apropiadas de esquila y clasificación, manejo reproductivo y mejoramiento. El “Programa” comercializa en conjunto el 10% de la producción total del país, con criterios de calidad y comercio justo. Se observan soluciones a problemas productivos, facilitadas mediante el fortalecimiento de las organizaciones y la participación protagónica de los productores. La extensión y transferencia de tecnologías apropiadas han mejorado los productos en cantidad y calidad además de poner en valor los procesos productivos tradicionales. En los casos del Cashmere y Mohair encontramos productores fuertemente arraigados a su tierra y a sus cabras, de las cuales dependen, que se ven valorizados superando las restricciones propias del sistema.
Cognitive Therapy Trainees’ Self-Reflections on their Professional Learning
Authors: Niemi Päivi M. , Tiuraniemi Juhani
Published: November 2009

Background: The widening scope of cognitive therapy models and strategies poses a challenge for designing cognitive therapy training. What are the core skills to be learned? What do learners view as important to learn and what are the skills and knowledge they focus on? Aims: The present study describes the perceptions of CT trainees of both what is important and what is difficult to learn. We also analyse what the trainees focus on when evaluating their professional learning. In addition, we report on changes in self-assessed skills during the training. Method: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected after 2 years of training (n = 39) in three programmes and after the entire 4-year training in four programmes (n = 53). Results: Significant progress was reported in all domains of therapist skills, most clearly in cognitive and constructivist strategies. The trainees practised most those skills they considered important to be learned and, consequently, they also attained a higher level of mastery in these skills. The trainees’ learning orientation and foci of self-reflections remained relatively unchanged. They focused on technical and conceptual skills and knowledge, whereas interpersonal skills were peripheral in their self-reflection. Conclusions: Pedagogical and theoretical implications of the findings are discussed.
Spatiotemporal patterns of terrestrial carbon cycle during the 20th century
Authors: Piao Shilong , Ciais Philippe , Friedlingstein Pierre , de Noblet‐Ducoudré Nathalie , Cadule Patricia , Viovy Nicolas , Wang Tao
Published: November 2009

We evaluated how climate change, rising atmospheric CO2 concentration, and land use change influenced the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle for the last century using a process‐based ecosystem model. Over the last century, the modeled land use change emitted about 129 Pg of C to the atmosphere. About 76% (or 98 Pg C) of this emission, however, was offset by net C uptake on land driven by climate changes and rising atmospheric CO2 concentration. Thus, the modeled net release of C from the terrestrial ecosystems to the atmosphere from 1901 to 2002 is about 31 Pg C. Global net primary productivity (NPP) has significantly increased by 14% during the last century, especially since the 1970s. From 1980 to 2002, global NPP increased with an average increase rate of 0.4% yr−1. At global scale, such an increase seems to be primarily attributed to the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, and then to precipitation change. Over the last 2 decades, climate change and rising CO2 forced the land carbon sink (1.6 Pg C yr−1 for 1980s and 2.2 Pg C yr−1 for 1990s) to be larger than land use change driven carbon emissions (1.0 Pg C yr−1 for 1980s and 1.2 Pg C yr−1 for 1990s), resulting a net land sink of 0.5 Pg C yr−1 in the 1980s and of 1.0 Pg C yr−1 in the 1990s. The largest C emission from land use change appeared in tropical regions with an average emission of 0.6 Pg C yr−1 in 1980s and 0.7 Pg C yr−1 in 1990s, which is slightly larger than net carbon uptake due to CO2 fertilization and climate change. Thus, net carbon balance of tropical lands is close to neutral over the past 2 decades (about 0.13 Pg C yr−1 in 1980s and 0.03 Pg C yr−1 in 1990s). We also found that current global warming has already started accelerating C loss from terrestrial ecosystems, by enhanced decomposition of soil organic carbon. In response to warming trends only, the global net carbon uptake significantly decreased, offsetting about 70% of the increase in global net carbon uptake owing to CO2 fertilization during 1980–2002. The global terrestrial C cycle also shows large year‐to‐year variations, and different regions have quite distinct dominant drivers. Generally, interannual changes of carbon fluxes in tropical and temperate ecosystems are mainly explained by precipitation variability, while temperature variability plays a major role in boreal ecosystems.
Unusual declining phase of solar cycle 23: Weak semi‐annual variations of auroral hemispheric power and geomagnetic activity
Authors: Luan Xiaoli , Wang Wenbin , Burns Alan G. , Solomon Stanley C. , Zhang Yongliang , Paxton Larry J.
Published: November 2009

Seasonal variations of geomagnetic activity during the declining phase of solar cycle 23 (SC23‐D, 2002–2007) have been studied using auroral hemispheric power (HP), solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) data and the Kp index. The well known semi‐annual variations of geomagnetic activity, with peaks occurring during equinoxes, were virtually absent during SC23‐D. This makes SC23‐D markedly different from previous solar cycles which had clear semi‐annual variations. In SC23‐D, both Kp and HP had unusual peaks around the December solstice (in years 2003, 2004 and 2006) and August (in years 2004 and 2005), instead of at the equinoxes. These peaks appeared to be associated with solar wind/IMF and the consequent merging electric field peaks in the same periods. Furthermore, the absolute values and relative changes of the Kp index were much smaller in SC23‐D than in other solar cycles. The very weak dynamic pressure and southward IMF in SC23‐D might also limit the regular modulation effects that contribute to the occurrence of peaks in equinoxes.
Rugged lava flows on the Moon revealed by Earth‐based radar
Authors: Campbell Bruce A. , Hawke B. Ray , Carter Lynn M. , Ghent Rebecca R. , Campbell Donald B.
Published: November 2009

Basaltic volcanism is widespread on the lunar nearside, and returned samples suggest that the mare‐forming magmas had low viscosity that led to primarily sheet‐like deposits. New 70‐cm wavelength radar observations that probe several meters beneath the lunar surface reveal differences in mare backscatter properties not explained by age or compositional variations. We interpret areas of high backscatter and high circular polarization ratio in Maria Serenitatis, Imbrium, and Crisium as having an enhanced abundance of decimeter‐scale subsurface rocks relative to typical mare‐forming flows. The 3.5 b.y survival of these differences implies an initial platy, blocky, or ridged lava flow surface layer with thickness of at least 3–5 m. Such rugged morphology might arise from episodic changes in magma effusion rate, as observed for disrupted flood basalt surfaces on the Earth and Mars, very high flow velocities, or increased viscosity due to a number of factors. Significant information on lunar mare eruption conditions may thus be obtained from long‐wavelength radar probing of the shallow subsurface.
Mapping Curie temperature depth in the western United States with a fractal model for crustal magnetization
Authors: Bouligand Claire , Glen Jonathan M. G. , Blakely Richard J.
Published: November 2009

We have revisited the problem of mapping depth to the Curie temperature isotherm from magnetic anomalies in an attempt to provide a measure of crustal temperatures in the western United States. Such methods are based on the estimation of the depth to the bottom of magnetic sources, which is assumed to correspond to the temperature at which rocks lose their spontaneous magnetization. In this study, we test and apply a method based on the spectral analysis of magnetic anomalies. Early spectral analysis methods assumed that crustal magnetization is a completely uncorrelated function of position. Our method incorporates a more realistic representation where magnetization has a fractal distribution defined by three independent parameters: the depths to the top and bottom of magnetic sources and a fractal parameter related to the geology. The predictions of this model are compatible with radial power spectra obtained from aeromagnetic data in the western United States. Model parameters are mapped by estimating their value within a sliding window swept over the study area. The method works well on synthetic data sets when one of the three parameters is specified in advance. The application of this method to western United States magnetic compilations, assuming a constant fractal parameter, allowed us to detect robust long‐wavelength variations in the depth to the bottom of magnetic sources. Depending on the geologic and geophysical context, these features may result from variations in depth to the Curie temperature isotherm, depth to the mantle, depth to the base of volcanic rocks, or geologic settings that affect the value of the fractal parameter. Depth to the bottom of magnetic sources shows several features correlated with prominent heat flow anomalies. It also shows some features absent in the map of heat flow. Independent geophysical and geologic data sets are examined to determine their origin, thereby providing new insights on the thermal and geologic crustal structure of the western United States.
Processes impacting on stratification in a region of freshwater influence: Application to Liverpool Bay
Authors: Verspecht F. , Rippeth T. P. , Howarth M. J. , Souza A. J. , Simpson J. H. , Burchard H.
Published: November 2009

Wind is shown to have an important influence on water column structure and residual circulation through a straining mechanism in the Liverpool Bay region of freshwater influence. By combining a long‐term data set of water column observations collected from a mooring we estimate the horizontal gradients in temperature and salinity that are used to drive a one‐dimensional turbulence model. Various combinations of the processes that impact the stratification are investigated, including the wind speed and direction, horizontal buoyancy gradient, and the tidal amplitude. From this we assess the significance of these processes and find that the effect of wind direction is important in determining water column structure. Both observations and a modeling study show that an offshore wind accelerates the development of stratification on the ebb tide and decelerates the destruction of stratification on the flood tide due to a “wind straining” process. The reverse situation occurs for an onshore wind.
9aaTAD Prediction result (2006)
Authors: Piskacek Martin
Published: November 2009

Recently reported, 9aaTAD transcription factors p53, VP16, MLL/ALL, E2A, HSF1, NF-IL6, NFAT1 and NF-kB interact directly with the general coactivator CBP/p300 aside from already referred TAF9. All four domains of CBP/p300 - KIX, TAZ1, TAZ2 and IBiD provide multiple interactions with 9aaTADs, e.g. p53. Annotation of predicted 9aa TAD using Pattern search ScanProsite on ExPASy and relevant experimental data are listed.
The Utility of Physical Activity in the Management of Global Cardiometabolic Risk
Authors: Janiszewski Peter M. , Ross Robert
Published: November 2009

Major health organizations promote the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, composed of sufficient daily physical activity and a balanced diet for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease risk. In particular, it is recommended that adults accumulate 30min of moderate‐intensity aerobic physical activity on most days of the week. Despite these recommendations, a physically active lifestyle is seldom adopted, and the majority of the North American population remains sedentary. Although the optimal strategy for promoting physical activity in today's environment remains elusive, the evidence for the utility of physical activity in the management of risk factors for T2D and cardiovascular disease is overwhelming. This review examines the influence of aerobic‐type physical activity on components of global cardiometabolic risk, that is, the traditional and emerging risk factors for cardiovascular disease and T2D, including visceral obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemia, thrombosis, inflammation, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Where possible, specific consideration is given to the independent effects of an acute bout of physical activity vs. chronic physical activity with weight loss vs. chronic physical activity without weight loss.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity After Exercise: Focus on Insulin Signaling
Authors: Frøsig Christian , Richter Erik A.
Published: November 2009

After a single bout of exercise, the ability of insulin to stimulate glucose uptake is markedly improved locally in the previously active muscles. This makes exercise a potent stimulus counteracting insulin resistance characterizing type 2 diabetes (T2D). It is believed that at least part of the mechanism relates to an improved ability of insulin to stimulate translocation of glucose transporters (GLUT4) to the muscle membrane after exercise. How this is accomplished is still unclear; however, an obvious possibility is that exercise interacts with the insulin signaling pathway to GLUT4 translocation allowing for a more potent insulin response. Parallel to unraveling of the insulin signaling cascade, this has been investigated within the past 25 years. Reviewing existing studies clearly indicates that improved insulin action can occur independent of interactions with proximal insulin signaling. In contrast, more recent observations indicate that interactions exist at the distal signaling level of AS160 and atypical protein kinase C (aPKC). Although the functional interpretation is lacking, these novel observations may present a breakthrough in understanding the beneficial interplay between exercise and insulin action.
Degradation of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria by neutral oxygen atoms
Authors: Cvelbar U. , Mozetic M. , Hauptman N. , Klanjšek-Gunde M.
Published: November 2009

The degradation of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria during treatment with neutral oxygen atoms was monitored by scanning electron microscopy. Experiments were performed in an afterglow chamber made from borosilicate glass. The source of oxygen atoms was remote inductively coupled radiofrequency oxygen plasma. The density of atoms at the samples was 8×1020 m−3. The treatment was performed at room temperature. The first effect was the removal of dried capsule. Capsule on exposed parts of bacteria was removed after receiving the dose of 6×1023 at./m2, while the parts of capsule filling the gaps between bacteria were removed after receiving the dose of 2.4×1024 m−2. After removing the capsule, degradation continued as etching of bacterial cell wall. The etching was rather nonuniform as holes with diameter of several 10 nm were observed. The cell wall was removed after receiving the dose of about 7×1024 m−2. The etching probabilities were about 2×10−5 for the capsule and 2×10−6 for the cell wall. The results were explained by different compositions of capsule and the cell wall.
Effect of kinetic growth parameters on leakage current and ferroelectric behavior of BiFeO3 thin films
Authors: Shelke Vilas , Harshan V. N. , Kotru Sushma , Gupta Arunava
Published: November 2009

Epitaxial BiFeO3 thin films have been grown on (100)-oriented SrTiO3 and Nb-doped SrTiO3 substrates using the pulsed laser deposition technique under identical thermodynamic and variable kinetic conditions. The variation of growth kinetics through laser fluence and pulse repetition rate had minimal effect on the structure and magnetic properties of films. However, large changes were observed in the microstructure, with initial island growth mode approaching toward step-flow type growth and roughness reducing from 12.5 to 1.8 nm for 50 nm thick film. Correspondingly, the leakage current density at room temperature dropped consistently by almost four orders of magnitude. The dominant mechanism in low leakage current films was space-charge-limited conduction. These findings suggest that the issue of leakage current can be dealt favorably by controlling kinetic growth parameters. The application of high electric field and observation of maximum polarization value up to 103 μC/cm2 could be possible in these samples. An appearance of saturated hysteresis behavior depending upon bottom electrode was also observed. This fact is qualitatively explained on the basis of recent concepts of switchability and polarity of thin film-electrode interface.
Extension of the Rosencwaig–Gersho–Fernelius photothermal deflection spectroscopy model to account for multiple reflections in epitaxial samples
Authors: Chan I. C. W. , Beaudoin M.
Published: November 2009

The Fernelius extension to the Rosencwaig–Gersho theory for photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS) is modified to take into account multiple reflections and light trapping within a thin film-on-substrate system where both the thin film and the substrate can be absorbing. The extended model is used to simulate the PDS signal from bulk GaAs and GaNAs epilayers grown on GaAs substrates. While the PDS magnitude signal shows a strong dependence on the light trapping effects, the phase signal remains almost insensitive to this effect. However, the PDS relative phase is very sensitive to the sample thickness.
Decoupling two-step anodization in anodic aluminum oxide
Authors: Lee Kwang Hong , Wong C. C.
Published: November 2009

It is well known that ordered anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) can be fabricated by a two-step anodization process, but in the current approach, pore size and interpore spacing are coupled because the ordering mechanism is expected to be the same in both steps. Here, we demonstrate that, by using a different approach during the second anodization step, we can vary the pore size independently (either shrunk or enlarged), while preserving the ordering of AAO inherited from the first step. This approach is based on changing the electrolyte in the second step, while applying the same voltage as the first step. These results imply that ordering in AAO is strongly dependent on the coupled effect of electrolyte and voltage in the first step, whereas ordering in the second step is only affected by the voltage, quite independent of the electrolyte used. With this decoupling, AAO template processing should become more versatile.
Hyperfine spectroscopy of the 1s5−2p9 transition of A39r
Authors: Welte J. , Steinke I. , Henrich M. , Ritterbusch F. , Oberthaler M. K. , Aeschbach-Hertig W. , Schwarz W. H. , Trieloff M.
Published: November 2009

We report on the first experimental determination of the hyperfine structure of the 1s5−2p9 transition in A39r. We give a detailed description of the sample preparation, spectroscopy cell cleaning, and spectroscopic setup. The resulting set of parameters consists of the hyperfine constants of the levels involved and the isotopic shift between A39r and A40r. With the achieved precision all laser frequencies necessary for the implementation of atom trap trace analysis for A39r, i.e., laser cooling and repumping frequencies, are now known.
Field dependence of the adiabatic temperature change in second order phase transition materials: Application to Gd
Authors: Franco V. , Conde A. , Romero-Enrique J. M. , Spichkin Y. I. , Zverev V. I. , Tishin A. M.
Published: November 2009

The field dependence of the adiabatic temperature change ΔTad of second order phase transition materials is studied, both theoretically and experimentally. Using scaling laws, it is demonstrated that, at the Curie temperature, the field dependence of ΔTad is characterized by H1/Δ. Therefore, as the magnetic entropy change ΔSM follows a H(1−α)/Δ power law, these two dependencies coincide only in the case of a mean field model. A phenomenological construction of a universal curve for ΔTad is presented, and its theoretical justification is also given. This universal curve can be used to predict the response of materials in different conditions not available in the laboratory (extrapolations in field or temperature), for enhancing the resolution of the data and as a simple screening procedure for the characterization of materials.
Ab initio molecular dynamics simulation of photoisomerization in azobenzene in the nπ∗ state
Authors: Ootani Yusuke , Satoh Kiminori , Nakayama Akira , Noro Takeshi , Taketsugu Tetsuya
Published: November 2009

Photoisomerization mechanism of azobenzene in the lowest excited state S1(nπ∗) is investigated by ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation with the RATTLE algorithm, based on the state-averaged complete active space self-consistent field method. AIMD simulations show that cis to trans isomerization occurs via two-step rotation mechanism, accompanying rotations of the central NN part and two phenyl rings, and this process can be classified into two types, namely, clockwise and counterclockwise rotation pathways. On the other hand, trans to cis isomerization occurs via conventional rotation pathway where two phenyl rings rotate around the NN bond. The quantum yields are calculated to be 0.45 and 0.28±0.14 for cis to trans and trans to cis photoisomerizations, respectively, which are in very good agreement with the corresponding experimental results.
Superhydrophobic floatability of a hydrophilic object driven by edge effect
Authors: Chang Feng-Ming , Sheng Yu-Jane , Tsao Heng-Kwong
Published: November 2009

It is generally believed that a water-repellent surface is necessary for small insects to stand on water. Through a combined experimental and theoretical study, we demonstrate that an object with hydrophilic surface can float with apparent contact angle greater than 90° due to edge effect. The apparent contact angle rises with increasing loading even to a value typically displayed only by superhydrophobic surfaces. On the basis of free energy minimization, two regimes are identified. When buoyancy controls, the meniscus meets the object with the intrinsic contact angle. As surface tension dominates, however, contact angle is regulated by total force balance.
Superparamagnetic limit to spin-polarized vacuum tunneling from Fe-coated W(001) tips
Authors: Niu Y. R. , Altman M. S.
Published: November 2009

Superparamagnetic fluctuations of magnetization in thin Fe films that coat a sharp W(001) tip are evident in the spin polarization of field emitted electrons. Fluctuations of polarization between four transverse directions that align with the tip ⟨100⟩ directions are consistent with the in-plane biaxial magnetization of Fe films on macroscopic W(001) surfaces. This superparamagnetic behavior imposes a limit to spin polarized vacuum tunneling applications that proves to be more stringent than the suppression of the Curie temperature in thin films due to finite size effects.
RAFT-Mediated Emulsion Polymerization of Styrene in Water using a Reactive Polymer Nanoreactor
Authors: Urbani Carl N. , Monteiro Michael J.
Published: November 2009

We have demonstrated a nanoreactor methodology to produce polystyrene nanoparticles with narrow molecular weight distributions (MWD) and control over the final particle size distributions. Our reactive thermoresponsive diblock copolymer nanoreactor is an ideal setting to carry out otherwise difficult reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-mediated polymerizations, resulting in surfactant-free nanoparticles that can be tuned to size and MWD. By confining the MacroRAFT agent within the nanoreactor, the poor P(DMA68-b-NIPAM73)-SC(=S)SC4H9 (PNIPAM) leaving group on the MacroCTA behaves as a highly active MacroCTA through kinetic rather than thermodynamic control. The Mn was close to theory with low polydispersity indices (PDIs) (<1.2). The particle size increased with the ratio of styrene to nanoreactors and with very narrow particle size distributions. However, we found that there was a limited amount of styrene monomer that can be encapsulated into the nanoreactor, leading to polymerizations stopping well before full conversion. This problem was overcome through the addition of a non-reactive thermoresponsive diblock copolymer, which resulted in Mns close to 340 K and low PDIs.
Manuscript received: 15 April 2009.
Manuscript accepted: 15 July 2009.
Synergistic Interaction Between ATRP and RAFT: Taking the Best of Each World
Authors: Kwak Yungwan , Nicolaÿ Renaud , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: November 2009

This review covers recent developments on the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to produce well controlled (co)polymers. This review discusses the relative reactivity of the R group in ATRP and RAFT, provides a comparison of dithiocarbamate (DC), trithiocarbonate (TTC), dithioester (DTE), and xanthate versus bromine or chlorine, and an optimization of catalyst/ligand selection. The level of control in iniferter polymerization with DC was greatly improved by the addition of a copper complex. New TTC inifers with bromopropionate and bromoisobutyrate groups have been prepared to conduct, concurrently or sequentially, ATRP from Br-end groups, ATRP from the TTC moiety, and RAFT polymerization from the TTC moiety, depending on the combination of monomer and catalyst employed in the reaction. The use of concurrent ATRP/RAFT (or copper-catalyzed RAFT polymerization or ATRP with dithioester leaving groups), resulted in improved control over the synthesis of homo- and block (co)polymers and allowed preparation of well-defined high-molecular-weight polymers exceeding 1 million. Block copolymers that could not be prepared previously have been synthesized by sequential ATRP and RAFT polymerization using a bromoxanthate inifer. A simple, versatile, and one-step method involving atom-transfer radical addition–fragmentation (ATRAF) for the preparation of various chain transfer agents (including DC, DTE, and xanthate) in high purity is discussed and a one-pot, two-step polymerization starting with a RAFT agent synthesized by ATRAF, followed by polymerization, is demonstrated.
Selective
N
-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase inhibition reveals a key role for endogenous palmitoylethanolamide in inflammation
Authors: Solorzano Carlos , Zhu Chenggang , Battista Natalia , Astarita Giuseppe , Lodola Alessio , Rivara Silvia , Mor Marco , Russo Roberto , Maccarrone Mauro , Antonietti Francesca , Duranti Andrea , Tontini Andrea , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Tarzia Giorgio , Piomelli Daniele
Published: November 2009

Identifying points of control in inflammation is essential to discovering safe and effective antiinflammatory medicines. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring lipid amide that, when administered as a drug, inhibits inflammatory responses by engaging peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α). PEA is preferentially hydrolyzed by the cysteine amidase
N
-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA), which is highly expressed in macrophages. Here we report the discovery of a potent and selective NAAA inhibitor,
N
-[(3
S
)-2-oxo-3-oxetanyl]-3-phenylpropanamide [(
S
)-OOPP], and show that this inhibitor increases PEA levels in activated leukocytes and blunts responses induced by inflammatory stimuli both in vitro and in vivo. These effects are stereoselective, mimicked by exogenous PEA, and abolished by PPAR-α deletion. (
S
)-OOPP also attenuates inflammation and tissue damage and improves recovery of motor function in mice subjected to spinal cord trauma. The results suggest that PEA activation of PPAR-α in leukocytes serves as an early stop signal that contrasts the progress of inflammation. The PEA-hydrolyzing amidase NAAA may provide a previously undescribed target for antiinflammatory medicines.
Inward-facing conformation of glutamate transporters as revealed by their inverted-topology structural repeats
Authors: Crisman Thomas J. , Qu Shaogang , Kanner Baruch I. , Forrest Lucy R.
Published: November 2009

Glutamate transporters regulate synaptic concentrations of this neurotransmitter by coupling its flux to that of sodium and other cations. Available crystal structures of an archeal homologue of these transporters, GltPh, resemble an extracellular-facing state, in which the bound substrate is occluded only by a small helical hairpin segment called HP2. However, a pathway to the cytoplasmic side of the membrane is not clearly apparent. We previously modeled an alternate state of a transporter from the neurotransmitter:sodium symporter family, which has an entirely different fold, solely on the presence of inverted-topology structural repeats. In GltPh, we identified two distinct sets of inverted-topology repeats and used these repeats to model an inward-facing conformation of the protein. To test this model, we introduced pairs of cysteines into the neuronal glutamate transporter EAAC1, at positions that are >27 Å apart in the crystal structures of GltPh, but ≈10 Å apart in the inward-facing model. Transport by these mutants was activated by pretreatment with the reducing agent dithithreitol. Subsequent treatment with the oxidizing agent copper(II)(1,10-phenantroline)
3
abolished this activation. The inhibition of transport was potentiated under conditions thought to promote the inward-facing conformation of the transporter. By contrast, the inhibition was reduced in the presence of the nontransportable substrate analogue
d
,
l
-threo-β-benzyloxyaspartate, which favors the outward-facing conformation. Other conformation-sensitive accessibility measurements are also accommodated by our inward-facing model. These results suggest that the inclusion of inverted-topology repeats in transporters may provide a general solution to the requirement for two symmetry-related states in a single protein.
Differential quantum tunneling contributions in nitroalkane oxidase catalyzed and the uncatalyzed proton transfer reaction
Authors: Major Dan T. , Heroux Annie , Orville Allen M. , Valley Michael P. , Fitzpatrick Paul F. , Gao Jiali
Published: November 2009

The proton transfer reaction between the substrate nitroethane and Asp-402 catalyzed by nitroalkane oxidase and the uncatalyzed process in water have been investigated using a path-integral free-energy perturbation method. Although the dominating effect in rate acceleration by the enzyme is the lowering of the quasiclassical free energy barrier, nuclear quantum effects also contribute to catalysis in nitroalkane oxidase. In particular, the overall nuclear quantum effects have greater contributions to lowering the classical barrier in the enzyme, and there is a larger difference in quantum effects between proton and deuteron transfer for the enzymatic reaction than that in water. Both experiment and computation show that primary KIEs are enhanced in the enzyme, and the computed Swain-Schaad exponent for the enzymatic reaction is exacerbated relative to that in the absence of the enzyme. In addition, the computed tunneling transmission coefficient is approximately three times greater for the enzyme reaction than the uncatalyzed reaction, and the origin of the difference may be attributed to a narrowing effect in the effective potentials for tunneling in the enzyme than that in aqueous solution.
The Continuity of Innovation: The Civil War Experience
Authors: Thomson Ross
Published: November 2009

Capitalist development involves ongoing technological changes in which a series of innovations develop and diffuse.Wars and other discontinuities periodically break the process, thwarting some innovations and generating others. Wartime experience hence illuminates the question of whether innovation responds to the changing economic environment or maintains earlier directions. The paper examines the roles of peacetime factors and wartime dislocations in the development of three Civil War innovations, firearms, shoe mechanization, and petroleum. Using patent data, government procurement records, and selected firm records to compare antebellum and wartime activities, I argue for the continuity of innovation in its content and in the occupation, network status, and location of patentees. Wartime innovation evolved out of antebellum firms, networks, and inventors. It drew on machinists, engineers, and applied scientists to transfer critical antebellum capabilities into innovating sectors. The war accelerated innovations in firearms and shoe mechanization and may have slowed petroleum innovation. Whereas the North continued antebellum innovation processes during the war, the South, with little capability in any of the sectors, was unable to innovate successfully even when military need was strong.
Red cell distribution width: an inexpensive and powerful prognostic marker in heart failure
Authors: Al‐Najjar Yahya , Goode Kevin M. , Zhang Jufen , Cleland John G.F. , Clark Andrew L.
Published: November 2009

Aims

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is prognostic in patients with heart failure (HF), but it has not been compared with N‐terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP). We sought to make this comparison.

Methods and results

Patients referred to a specialist HF clinic between 2001 and 2008 were assessed comprehensively including medical history, echocardiogram, and blood tests. Cox‐regression was used to assess the multivariable relationship between RDW, NT‐proBNP, and all‐cause mortality. A total of 1087 patients were recruited; median (IQR) follow‐up was 52 months (29–66); age 72 years (64–78); 74% male; 70% ischaemic heart disease; 20% diabetic; 85% NYHA ≥ 2, and 63% with at least moderate LV impairment (EF < 35% equivalent). In a multivariable model, both RDW and NT‐proBNP were independently prognostic (RDW: χ2 = 21.8 vs. 49.1 both P < 0.001). In a model using quartiles of each variable, the relative risk for each was similar for the second and third quartiles compared with the first. A larger increase in risk for NT‐proBNP is seen in the fourth quartile.

Conclusion

Red cell distribution width is a readily available test in the HF‐population with similar independent prognostic power to NT‐proBNP across the first to third quartiles. Prognostic models in HF should include RDW and further investigation is necessary to determine the pathological mechanism of the relationship.
Lessons from the Front Lines: The Prehospital Experience of the 2009 Novel H1N1 Outbreak in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Smith Erin C. , Burkle Frederick M. , Holman Paul F. , Dunlop Justin M. , Archer Frank L.
Published: November 2009

The H1N1 (swine influenza) 2009 outbreak in Victoria, Australia, provided a unique opportunity to review the prehospital response to a public health emergency. As part of Ambulance Victoria’s response to the outbreak, relevant emergency response plans and pandemic plans were instigated, focused efforts were aimed at encouraging the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and additional questions were included in the call-taking script for telephone triage of emergency calls to identify potential cases of H1N1 from the point of call. As a result, paramedics were alerted to all potential cases of H1N1 influenza or any patient who met the current case definition before their arrival on the scene and were advised to use appropriate PPE. During the period of May 1 to July 2, Ambulance Victoria telephone triaged 1598 calls relating to H1N1 (1228 in metropolitan areas and 243 in rural areas) and managed 127 calls via a referral service that provides specific telephone triage for potential H1N1 influenza cases based on the national call-taking script. The referral service determines whether a patient requires an emergency ambulance or can be diverted to other resources such as flu clinics. Key lessons learned during the H1N1 outbreak include a focused need for continued education and communication regarding infection control and the appropriate use of PPE. Current guidelines regarding PPE use are adequate for use during an outbreak of infectious disease. Compliance with PPE needs to be addressed through the use of intra-agency communications and regular information updates early in the progress of the outbreak. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3(Suppl 2):S154–S159)
Rapid identification of Legionella species by mass spectrometry
Authors: Moliner Claire , Ginevra Christophe , Jarraud Sophie , Flaudrops Christophe , Bedotto Marielle , Couderc Carine , Etienne Jerome , Fournier Pierre-Edouard
Published: November 2009

Legionella species are facultative, intracellular bacteria that infect macrophages and protozoa, with the latter acting as transmission vectors to humans. These fastidious bacteria mostly cause pulmonary tract infections and are routinely identified by various molecular methods, mainly PCR targeting the mip gene and sequencing, which are expensive and time-consuming. Recently, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) has emerged as a rapid and inexpensive method for identification of bacterial species. This study evaluated the use of MALDI-TOF-MS for rapid species and serogroup identification of 21 Legionella species recognized as human pathogens. To this end, a reference MS database was developed including 59 Legionella type strains, and a blind test was performed using 237 strains from various species. Two hundred and twenty-three of the 237 strains (94.1 %) were correctly identified at the species level, although ten (4.2 %) were identified with a score lower than 2.0. Fourteen strains (5.9 %) from eight species were misidentified at the species level, including seven (3.0 %) with a significant score, suggesting an intraspecific variability of protein profiles within some species. MALDI-TOF-MS was reproducible but could not identify Legionella strains at the serogroup level. When compared with mip gene sequencing, MALDI-TOF-MS exhibited a sensitivity of 99.2 and 89.9 % for the identification of Legionella strains at the genus and species level, respectively. This study demonstrated that MALDI-TOF-MS is a reliable tool for the rapid identification of Legionella strains at the species level.
An RNA helicase, CrhR, regulates the low-temperature-inducible expression of heat-shock genes groES, groEL1 and groEL2 in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Prakash Jogadhenu S. S. , Krishna Pilla Sankara , Sirisha Kodru , Kanesaki Yu , Suzuki Iwane , Shivaji Sisinthy , Murata Norio
Published: November 2009

ThecrhRgene for RNA helicase, CrhR, was one of the most highly induced genes when the cyanobacteriumSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 was exposed to a downward shift in ambient temperature. Although CrhR may be involved in the acclimatization of cyanobacterial cells to low-temperature environments, its functional role during the acclimatization is not known. In the present study, we mutated thecrhRgene by replacement with a spectinomycin-resistance gene cassette. The resultant ΔcrhRmutant exhibited a phenotype of slow growth at low temperatures. DNA microarray analysis of the genome-wide expression of genes, and Northern and Western blotting analyses indicated that mutation of thecrhRgene repressed the low-temperature-inducible expression of heat-shock genesgroEL1andgroEL2, at the transcript and protein levels. The kinetics of thegroESLco-transcript and thegroEL2transcript after addition of rifampicin suggested that CrhR stabilized these transcripts at an early phase, namely 5–60 min, during acclimatization to low temperatures, and enhanced the transcription of these genes at a later time, namely 3–5 h. Our results suggest that CrhR regulates the low-temperature-inducible expression of these heat-shock proteins, which, in turn, may be essential for acclimatization ofSynechocystiscells to low temperatures.
Different effects of transcriptional regulators MarA, SoxS and Rob on susceptibility of Escherichia coli to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs): Rob-dependent CAMP induction of the marRAB operon
Authors: Warner Douglas M. , Levy Stuart B.
Published: November 2009

Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs), a component of the mammalian immune system, protect the host from bacterial infections. The roles of the Escherichia coli transcriptional regulators MarA, SoxS and Rob in susceptibility to these peptides were examined. Overexpression of marA, either in an antibiotic-resistant marR mutant or from a plasmid, decreased bacterial susceptibility to CAMPs. Overexpression of the soxS gene from a plasmid, which decreased susceptibility to antibiotics, unexpectedly caused no decrease in CAMP susceptibility; instead it produced increased susceptibility to different CAMPs. Deletion or overexpression of rob had little effect on CAMP susceptibility. The marRAB operon was upregulated when E. coli was incubated in sublethal amounts of CAMPs polymyxin B, LL-37 or human β-defensin-1; however, this upregulation required Rob. Deletion of acrAB increased bacterial susceptibility to polymyxin B, LL-37 and human β-defensin-1 peptides. Deletion of tolC yielded an even greater increase in susceptibility to these peptides and also led to increased susceptibility to human α-defensin-2. Inhibition of cellular proton-motive force increased peptide susceptibility for wild-type and acrAB deletion strains; however, it decreased susceptibility of tolC mutants. These findings demonstrate that CAMPs are both inducers of marA-mediated drug resistance through interaction with Rob and also substrates for efflux in E. coli. The three related transcriptional regulators show different effects on bacterial cell susceptibility to CAMPs.
Role of an RNA polymerase interacting protein, MsRbpA, from Mycobacterium smegmatis in phenotypic tolerance to rifampicin
Authors: Dey Abhinav , Verma Amit Kumar , Chatterji Dipankar
Published: November 2009

Rifampicin and its derivatives are at the forefront of the current standard chemotherapeutic regimen for active tuberculosis; they act by inhibiting the transcription activity of prokaryotic RNA polymerase. Rifampicin is believed to interact with the β subunit of RNA polymerase. However, it has been observed that protein–protein interactions with RNA polymerase core enzyme lead to its reduced susceptibility to rifampicin. This mechanism became more diversified with the discovery of RbpA, a novel RNA polymerase-binding protein, in Streptomyces coelicolor that could mitigate the effect of rifampicin on RNA polymerase activity. MsRbpA is a homologue of RbpA in Mycobacterium smegmatis. On deciphering the role of MsRbpA in M. smegmatis we found that it interacts with RNA polymerase and increases the rifampicin tolerance levels, both in vitro and in vivo. It interacts with the β subunit of RNA polymerase. However, it was found to be incapable of rescuing rifampicin-resistant RNA polymerases in the presence of rifampicin at the respective IC50.
Adherence to gastroprotection and the risk of NSAID‐related upper gastrointestinal ulcers and haemorrhage
Authors: VAN SOEST E. M. , STURKENBOOM M. C. J. M. , DIELEMAN J. P. , VERHAMME K. M. C. , SIERSEMA P. D. , KUIPERS E. J.
Published: November 2009

Background  Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) complications are a well‐recognized risk of NSAID treatment, requiring preventive measures in high‐risk patients. Adherence to gastroprotective agents (GPAs) in NSAID users has been suggested to be suboptimal.

Aim  To investigate the association between adherence to GPAs (proton pump inhibitors or H2‐receptor antagonists) and the risk of NSAID‐related UGI ulcers or haemorrhage in high‐risk patients.

Methods  A population‐based nested case‐control study was conducted within a cohort of new NSAID users with at least one risk factor for a NSAID‐related UGI complication, identified in the Dutch IPCI database during 1996–2005. Adherence to GPAs was calculated as the proportion of NSAID treatment days covered (PDC) by a GPA prescription. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results  Fifteen percent of the non‐selective NSAID users received GPAs. The risk of a NSAID‐related UGI complication among NSAID users increased 16% for every 10% decrease in adherence. Compared to patients with a PDC of >80%, patients with PDCs of 20–80% and <20% had a 2.5‐fold (95% CI: 1.0–6.7) respectively 4.0‐fold (95% CI: 1.2–13.0) increased risk.

Conclusion  There is a strong inverse relationship between adherence to GPAs and the risk of UGI complications in high‐risk NSAID users.
Review article: the treatment of hepatitis C virus recurrence after liver transplantation
Authors: ARJAL R. R. , BURTON JR J. R. , VILLAMIL F. , ROSEN H. R.
Published: November 2009

Background  Recurrent hepatitis C represents a major challenge for the liver transplant community. Given the potentially significant impact that hepatitis C recurrence has on graft and patient survival, several treatment strategies have been utilized to prevent/slow the progression to hepatitis C‐related graft failure.

Aim  To review the efficacy and applicability of treatment strategies for managing recurrent hepatitis C.

Methods  Search of MEDLINE (1990 to December 2006) and national meeting abstracts. Search terms included hepatitis C, liver transplantation, treatment, sustained virological response (SVR), and end of treatment virological response. An emphasis was placed on randomized trials.

Results  The largest study of treatment prior to liver transplantation (n = 124) achieved SVR in 24%. Eight randomized trials (n = 383) examined the efficacy of preemptive therapy with SVR ranging from 0–33%. Eligibility for treatment was low and dose reduction common. Four randomized trials (n = 245; all abstracts) have reported SVR from 33–42% for treating those with histological evidence of recurrent disease.

Conclusions  Therapies for treating hepatitis C recurrence have limited applicability and tolerability, and they have a low SVR. Based on available results, preemptive therapy is not recommended. Pegylated interferon and ribavirin is currently the preferred choice for treating established recurrence. There is an urgent need for safer and more effective anti‐viral therapy in this situation.