bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pickup protons: Comparisons using the three‐dimensional MHD HHMS‐PI model and Ulysses SWICS measurements
Authors: Intriligator Devrie S. , Detman Thomas , Gloecker George , Gloeckler Christine , Dryer Murray , Sun Wei , Intriligator James , Deehr Charles
Published: May 2012

We report the first comparisons of pickup proton simulation results with in situ measurements of pickup protons obtained by the SWICS instrument on Ulysses. Simulations were run using the three dimensional (3D) time‐dependent Hybrid Heliospheric Modeling System with Pickup Protons (HHMS‐PI). HHMS‐PI is an MHD solar wind model, expanded to include the basic physics of pickup protons from neutral hydrogen that drifts into the heliosphere from the local interstellar medium. We use the same model and input data developed by Detman et al. (2011) to now investigate the pickup protons. The simulated interval of 82 days in 2003–2004, includes both quiet solar wind (SW) and also the October–November 2003 solar events (the “Halloween 2003” solar storms). The HHMS‐PI pickup proton simulations generally agree with the SWICS measurements and the HHMS‐PI simulated solar wind generally agrees with SWOOPS (also on Ulysses) measurements. Many specific features in the observations are well represented by the model. We simulated twenty specific solar events associated with the Halloween 2003 storm. We give the specific values of the solar input parameters for the HHMS‐PI simulations that provide the best combined agreement in the times of arrival of the solar‐generated shocks at both ACE and Ulysses. We show graphical comparisons of simulated and observed parameters, and we give quantitative measures of the agreement of simulated with observed parameters. We suggest that some of the variations in the pickup proton density during the Halloween 2003 solar events may be attributed to depletion of the inflowing local interstellar medium (LISM) neutral hydrogen (H) caused by its increased conversion to pickup protons in the immediately preceding shock.
Seismic modeling to monitor CO2 geological storage: The Atzbach‐Schwanenstadt gas field
Authors: Picotti Stefano , Carcione José M. , Gei Davide , Rossi Giuliana , Santos Juan E.
Published: May 2012

We develop a petro‐elastical numerical methodology to compute realistic synthetic seismograms and analyze the sensitivity of the seismic response when injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) in a depleted gas reservoir. The petro‐elastical model describes the seismic properties of the reservoir rock saturated with CO2, methane and brine, and allows us to estimate the distribution and saturation of CO2 during the injection process. The gas properties, as a function of the in‐situ pressure and temperature conditions, are computed with the Peng‐Robinson equation of state, taking into account the absorption of gas by brine. Wave attenuation and velocity dispersion are based on the mesoscopic loss mechanism, which is simulated by an upscaling procedure to obtain an equivalent viscoelastic medium corresponding to partial saturation at the mesoscopic scale. Having the equivalent complex and frequency‐dependent bulk (dilatational) modulus, we include shear attenuation and perform numerical simulations of wave propagation at the macroscale by solving the viscoelastic differential equations using the memory‐variable approach. The pseudo‐spectral modeling method allows general material variability and provides a complete and accurate characterization of the reservoir. The methodology is used to assess the sensitivity of the seismic method for monitoring the CO2 geological storage at the Atzbach‐Schwanestadt depleted gas‐field in Austria. The objective of monitoring is the detection of the CO2 plume in the reservoir and possible leakages of CO2. The leakages are located at different depths, where the CO2 is present as gaseous, liquid and supercritical phases. Even though the differences can be very subtle, this work shows that seismic monitoring of CO2 from the surface is possible. While the identification of shallow leakages is feasible, the detection of the plume and deep leakages, located in the caprock just above the injection formation, is more difficult, but possible by using repeatability metrics, such as the normalized RMS (NRMS) images. Considering real‐data conditions, affected by random noise, a reference detection threshold for deep leakages and the CO2 plume in the reservoir corresponds to a signal‐to‐noise ratio of about 10 dB.
Seasonal variations of midlatitude mesospheric Na layer and their tidal period perturbations based on full diurnal cycle Na lidar observations of 2002–2008
Authors: Yuan Tao , She C.‐Y. , Kawahara Takuya D. , Krueger D. A.
Published: May 2012

The Na lidar facility at Colorado State University (41°N, 105°W) started the full diurnal cycle observations of mesopause region temperature and zonal and meridional winds as well as mesospheric Na density in May 2002. In this paper, monthly means and seasonal variations of the density of mesospheric Na based on lidar observations from May 2002 to December 2008 are reported along with the amplitude and phase of tidal period perturbations. The revealed seasonal behaviors of mesospheric Na layer are generally consistent with published nocturnal climatology, with thick layers and high abundance in winter but thin layers and low abundance near summer. Tidal amplitudes of Na density are large in February–April and August–November with a dominant peak between 85 and 90 km; they are weak in summer months (May–July). The Na density tidal phase profiles, while showing downward progression, show a significant and abrupt phase shift (ideally 180 degrees). The center altitude of this phase shifting (termed switching altitude) is found to coincide with the fractional tidal amplitude (tidal amplitude over diurnal mean) minimum about 2–4 km above the centroid altitude of the associated Na layer. Taking advantage of the established temperature tidal climatology deduced from the same data set, the tidal phase behaviors between temperature and Na density and associated fractional Na density tidal amplitudes are discussed in terms of the theoretical prediction by Gardner and Shelton (1985).
New observational evidence of global seismic effects of basin‐forming impacts on the Moon from Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter data
Authors: Kreslavsky M. A. , Head J. W.
Published: May 2012

New maps of kilometer‐scale topographic roughness and concavity of the Moon reveal a very distinctive roughness signature of the proximal ejecta deposits of the Orientale basin (the Hevelius Formation). No other lunar impact basin, even the just‐preceding Imbrium basin, is characterized by this type of signature although most have similar types of ejecta units and secondary crater structures. The preservation of this distinctive signature, and its lack in basins formed prior to Orientale, is interpreted to be the result of seismically induced smoothing caused by this latest major basin‐forming event. Intense seismic waves accompanying the Orientale basin‐forming event preceded the emplacement of its ejecta in time and operated to shake and smooth steep and rough topography associated with earlier basin deposits such as Imbrium. Orientale ejecta emplaced immediately following the passage of the seismic waves formed the distinctive roughness signature that has been preserved for almost 4 billion years.
Second‐order two‐dimensional solution for the drainage of recharge based on Picard's iteration technique: A generalized Dupuit‐Forchheimer equation
Authors: Castro‐Orgaz O. , Giráldez J. V. , Robinson N. I.
Published: May 2012

Aquifer recharge is one of the most important problems in hydrology from both theoretical and practical points of view. One of the most widely accepted methods to deal with this problem is the use of the Dupuit‐Forchheimer theory. This theory assumes that the water table is almost horizontal, the vertical velocity is zero, and the horizontal velocity is uniform with depth. Surfaces of seepage are not considered. Despite these strong limitations the theory is applied, and success is frequently found in many cases despite its fundamental assumptions being violated. In this work an approximate 2‐D solution to the problem is sought on the basis of Picard's iteration technique, from which a second‐order differential equation for recharge problems is found. On the basis of this solution, a modified, analytical Dupuit‐Forchheimer (DF) ellipse is found which compares favorably with the full 2‐D solution of the problem. The analytical developments of this theory provide a generalized DF theory which permits as an outcome the analytical determination of the surface of seepage.
Impact of Arctic sea‐ice retreat on the recent change in cloud‐base height during autumn
Authors: Sato Kazutoshi , Inoue Jun , Kodama Yasu‐Masa , Overland James E.
Published: May 2012

Cloud‐base observations over the ice‐free Chukchi and Beaufort Seas in autumn were conducted using a shipboard ceilometer and radiosondes during the 1999–2010 cruises of the Japanese R/V Mirai. In comparison with cloud‐base heights in an ice‐covered case (the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean project in 1998), our ice‐free results showed a 30% decrease (increase) in the frequency of low clouds with a ceiling below (above) 500 m. Temperature profiles revealed that the boundary layer was well developed over the ice‐free ocean in the 2000s, whereas a stable layer dominated during the ice‐covered period in 1998. The change in surface boundary conditions likely resulted in the difference in cloud‐base height, although it had little impact on air temperatures in the mid‐ and upper troposphere. Data from the 2010 R/V Mirai cruise were investigated in detail in terms of air‐sea temperature difference. Stratus clouds near the sea surface were predominant under a warm advection situation, whereas stratocumulus clouds with a cloud‐free layer were significant under a cold advection situation. The threshold temperature difference between sea surface and air temperatures for distinguishing the dominant cloud types was 3 K. Anomalous upward turbulent heat fluxes associated with the sea‐ice retreat have likely contributed to warming of the lower troposphere.
Introducing surface waves in a coupled wave‐atmosphere regional climate model: Impact on atmospheric mixing length
Authors: Rutgersson A. , Nilsson E. O. , Kumar R.
Published: May 2012

The marine atmospheric boundary layer is strongly influenced by the moving surface in the presence of surface waves; the impact depends on the wave conditions and the interaction with the atmosphere. Previous studies using measurements as well as numerical simulations with large‐eddy simulations have shown that surface waves propagating faster than the wind (swell) alter the surface exchange as well as turbulence properties in the atmosphere. This impact is here introduced in a coupled wave‐atmosphere regional climate model with a so‐called E − l turbulence scheme (where E is the turbulent kinetic energy and l is a mixing length). A wave age dependent coefficient (here called Wmix) is added to the mixing length in the turbulence parameterization. This acts similarly to inducing additional convection, with larger mixing length and increased eddy diffusivity, when we have near neutral stratification and strong swell. For shallow boundary layers the regional coupled climate model shows a larger response to the introduced wave coupling with increased near surface wind speed and smaller wind gradient between the surface and middle part of the boundary layer. The impact for the studied areas is relatively minor for parameters averaged over 1 year, but for limited periods and specific situations the impact is larger. One could expect a larger impact in areas with stronger swell dominance. We thus conclude that the impact of swell waves on the mixing in the boundary layer is not insignificant and should be taken into account when developing wave‐atmosphere coupled regional climate models or global climate models.
Archaea of the Miscellaneous Crenarchaeotal Group are abundant, diverse and widespread in marine sediments
Authors: Kubo Kyoko , Lloyd Karen G , F Biddle Jennifer , Amann Rudolf , Teske Andreas , Knittel Katrin
Published: May 2012

Members of the highly diverse Miscellaneous Crenarchaeotal Group (MCG) are globally distributed in various marine and continental habitats. In this study, we applied a polyphasic approach (rRNA slot blot hybridization, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and catalyzed reporter deposition FISH) using newly developed probes and primers for the in situ detection and quantification of MCG crenarchaeota in diverse types of marine sediments and microbial mats. In general, abundance of MCG (cocci, 0.4 μm) relative to other archaea was highest (12–100%) in anoxic, low-energy environments characterized by deeper sulfate depletion and lower microbial respiration rates (P=0.06 for slot blot and P=0.05 for qPCR). When studied in high depth resolution in the White Oak River estuary and Hydrate Ridge methane seeps, changes in MCG abundance relative to total archaea and MCG phylogenetic composition did not correlate with changes in sulfate reduction or methane oxidation with depth. In addition, MCG abundance did not vary significantly (P>0.1) between seep sites (with high rates of methanotrophy) and non-seep sites (with low rates of methanotrophy). This suggests that MCG are likely not methanotrophs. MCG crenarchaeota are highly diverse and contain 17 subgroups, with a range of intragroup similarity of 82 to 94%. This high diversity and widespread distribution in subsurface sediments indicates that this group is globally important in sedimentary processes.
Chromokinesins: localization-dependent functions and regulation during cell division
Authors: Vanneste David , Ferreira Vanessa , Vernos Isabelle
Published: May 2012

The bipolar spindle is a highly dynamic structure that assembles transiently around the chromosomes and provides the mechanical support and the forces required for chromosome segregation. Spindle assembly and chromosome movements rely on the regulation of microtubule dynamics and a fine balance of forces exerted by various molecular motors. Chromosomes are themselves central players in spindle assembly. They generate a RanGTP gradient that triggers microtubule nucleation and stabilization locally and they interact dynamically with the microtubules through motors targeted to the chromatin. We have previously identified and characterized two of these so-called chromokinesins: Xkid (kinesin 10) and Xklp1 (kinesin 4). More recently, we found that Hklp2/kif15 (kinesin 12) is targeted to the chromosomes through an interaction with Ki-67 in human cells and is therefore a novel chromokinesin. Hklp2 also associates with the microtubules specifically during mitosis, in a TPX2 (targeting protein for Xklp2)-dependent manner. We have shown that Hklp2 participates in spindle pole separation and in the maintenance of spindle bipolarity in metaphase. To better understand the function of Hklp2, we have performed a detailed domain analysis. Interestingly, from its positioning on the chromosome arms, Hklp2 seems to restrict spindle pole separation. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge of the function and regulation of the different kinesins associated with chromosome arms during cell division, including Hklp2 as a novel member of this so-called chromokinesin family.
The role of motor proteins in endosomal sorting
Authors: Hunt Sylvie D. , Stephens David J.
Published: May 2012

Microtubule motor proteins play key roles in the spatial organization of intracellular organelles as well as the transfer of material between them. This is well illustrated both by the vectorial transfer of biosynthetic cargo from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus as well as the sorting of secretory and endocytic cargo in the endosomal system. Roles have been described for dynein and kinesin motors in each of these steps. Cytoplasmic dynein is a highly complex motor comprising multiple subunits that provide functional specialization. The family of human kinesins includes over 40 members. This complexity provides immense functional diversity, yet little is known of the specific requirements and functions of individual motors during discrete membrane trafficking steps. In the present paper, we describe some of the latest findings in this area that seek to define the mechanisms of recruitment and control of activity of microtubule motors in spatial organization and cargo trafficking through the endosomal network.
Redox signalling via the cellular thiolstat
Authors: Jacob Claus
Published: May 2012

Research conducted during the last two decades has provided evidence for the existence of an extensive intracellular redox signalling, control and feedback network based on different cysteine-containing proteins and enzymes. Together, these proteins enable the living cell to sense and respond towards external and internal redox changes in a measured, gradual, appropriate and mostly reversible manner. The (bio)chemical basis of this regulatory ‘thiolstat’ is provided by the complex redox chemistry of the amino acid cysteine, which occurs in vivo in various sulfur chemotypes and is able to participate in different redox processes. Although our knowledge of the biological redox behaviour of sulfur (i.e. cysteine or methionine) is expanding, numerous questions still remain. Future research will need to focus on the individual proteins involved in this redox system, their particular properties and specific roles in cellular defence and survival. Once it is more fully understood, the cellular thiolstat and its individual components are likely to form prominent targets for drug design.
The 2011 Joint Sino–U.K. Protein Symposium
Authors: Chang Zengyi , Isaacs Neil
Published: May 2012

As part of the celebrations marking its Centenary, the Biochemical Society held a joint meeting in Shanghai with the Chinese Protein Society to commemorate the many long-standing collaborations between biochemists from the U.K. and China. Under the overall theme of structural biology of proteins, presentations covering both historical and current research were given by a number of leading biochemists from both countries. Papers based on these talks have been prepared for this issue of Biochemical Society Transactions.
The yeast prion protein Ure2: insights into the mechanism of amyloid formation
Authors: Chen Li-Jun , Sawyer Elizabeth B. , Perrett Sarah
Published: May 2012

Ure2, a regulator of nitrogen metabolism, is the protein determinant of the [URE3] prion state in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Upon conversion into the prion form, Ure2 undergoes a heritable conformational change to an amyloid-like aggregated state and loses its regulatory function. A number of molecular chaperones have been found to affect the prion properties of Ure2. The studies carried out in our laboratory have been aimed at elucidating the structure of Ure2 fibrils, the mechanism of amyloid formation and the effect of chaperones on the fibril formation of Ure2.
Recent development of 3C and 3CL protease inhibitors for anti-coronavirus and anti-picornavirus drug discovery
Authors: Ramajayam R. , Tan Kian-Pin , Liang Po-Huang
Published: May 2012

SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus) caused infection of ~8000 people and death of ~800 patients around the world during the 2003 outbreak. In addition, picornaviruses such as enterovirus, coxsackievirus and rhinovirus also can cause life-threatening diseases. Replication of picornaviruses and coronaviruses requires 3Cpro (3C protease) and 3CLpro (3C-like protease) respectively, which are structurally analogous with chymotrypsin-fold, but the former is a monomer and the latter is dimeric due to an extra third domain for dimerization. Subtle structural differences in the S2 and S3 pockets of these proteases make inhibitors selective, but some dual inhibitors have been discovered. Our findings as summarized in the present review provide new potential anti-coronavirus and anti-picornavirus therapeutic agents and a clue to convert 3CLpro inhibitors into 3Cpro inhibitors and vice versa.
Arginine deiminase modulates endothelial tip cells via excessive synthesis of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Zhuo Wei , Song Xiaomin , Zhou Hao , Luo Yongzhang
Published: May 2012

ADI (arginine deiminase), an enzyme that hydrolyses arginine, has been reported as an anti-angiogenesis agent. However, its molecular mechanism is unclear. We have demonstrated for the first time that ADI modulates the angiogenic activity of endothelial tip cells. By arginine depletion, ADI disturbs actin filament in endothelial tip cells, causing disordered migratory direction and decreased migration ability. Furthermore, ADI induces excessive synthesis of ROS (reactive oxygen species), and activates caspase 8-, but not caspase 9-, dependent apoptosis in endothelial cells. These findings provide a novel mechanism by which ADI inhibits tumour angiogenesis through modulating endothelial tip cells.
Towards defining the complement of mammalian WFDC-domain-containing proteins
Authors: Bingle Colin D.
Published: May 2012

WFDC (whey/four-disulfide core)-domain-containing proteins are defined by the possession of one or more 40–50 amino acid domains that include eight conserved cysteine residues linked by four characteristic intramolecular disulfide bonds. Some also contain other structural domains, whereas in many the WFDC-domain is the only domain present. The WFDC-domain is not limited to mammals but is widespread across all lineages. There is increasing evidence to suggest that mammalian WFDC-domain-containing proteins are undergoing rapid molecular evolution and as might be expected they exhibit low levels of sequence similarity coupled with multiple examples of species-specific gene acquisition and gene loss. The characteristic structural domain (that is generally encoded by a single exon) makes these proteins relatively easy to identify in databases. This review will outline the repertoire of such domains within the mouse, but similar principles can be applied to the identification of all proteins within individual species.
SLPI and inflammatory lung disease in females
Authors: McKiernan Paul J. , McElvaney Noel G. , Greene Catherine M.
Published: May 2012

During the course of certain inflammatory lung diseases, SLPI (secretory leucoprotease inhibitor) plays a number of important roles. As a serine antiprotease it functions to protect the airways from proteolytic damage due to neutrophil and other immune cell-derived serine proteases. With respect to infection it has known antimicrobial and anti-viral properties that are likely to contribute to host defence. Another of its properties is the ability to control inflammation within the lung where it can interfere with the transcriptional induction of pro-inflammatory gene expression induced by NF-κB (nuclear factor κB). Thus, factors that regulate the expression of SLPI in the airways can impact on disease severity and outcome. Gender represents once such idiosyncratic factor. In females with CF (cystic fibrosis), it is now thought that circulating oestrogen contributes, in part, to the observed gender gap whereby females have worse disease and poorer prognosis than males. Conversely, in asthma, sufferers who are females have more frequent exacerbations at times of low-circulating oestrogen. In the present paper, we discuss how SLPI participates in these events and speculate on whether regulatory mechanisms such as post-transcriptional modulation by miRNAs (microRNAs) are important in the control of SLPI expression in inflammatory lung disease.
SLPI and elafin: multifunctional antiproteases of the WFDC family
Authors: Scott Aaron , Weldon Sinéad , Taggart Clifford C.
Published: May 2012

SLPI (secretory leucoprotease inhibitor) and elafin represent the archetypal members of the WFDC [WAP (whey acidic protein) four disulfide core] family of proteins, and were originally characterized as protease inhibitors but have since been shown to possess a wider repertoire of activities. These functions include antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, suggesting that these proteins may play key roles in the innate immune response, and indicate the potential to develop some of these proteins as novel therapeutics. Susceptibility to host and bacterial protease cleavage may, however, limit the efficacy of recombinant protein therapies in diseases with a high protease burden such as CF (cystic fibrosis) lung disease. To overcome this problem, further refinement of the native proteins will be required to provide effective treatment strategies.
Therapeutic potential of human elafin
Authors: Shaw Lee , Wiedow Oliver
Published: May 2012

Elafin is an endogenous human protein composed of an N-terminal transglutaminase substrate motif and a C-terminal WAP (whey acidic protein)-domain with antiproteolytic properties. Elafin is expressed predominantly in epithelial tissue and potently inhibits the neutrophil-derived serine proteases elastase and proteinase-3 by a competitive tight-binding mechanism. Furthermore, it inhibits EVE (endogenous vascular elastase). Studies on several animal models show that antiprotease augmentation with human elafin is an effective strategy in the treatment of inflammatory vascular, systemic and pulmonary diseases and of inflammation triggered by reperfusion injury. This raises the possibility that elafin might be effective in the treatment of a variety of human inflammatory diseases. In a Phase I clinical trial, elafin was well tolerated. Phase II trials are underway to investigate the therapeutic effects of elafin on post-operative inflammation and the clinical consequences of major surgery. Of particular interest is the reduction of post-operative morbidity after oesophagus cancer surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery and kidney transplantation.
Mitochondrial quality control in aging and lifespan control of the fungal aging model Podospora anserina
Authors: Osiewacz Heinz D.
Published: May 2012

Aging of biological systems is a fundamental process controlled by a complex network of molecular pathways. In the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina, a model in which organismal aging can conveniently be analysed, mitochondria play a central role. A wide range of relevant pathways were identified that contribute to the maintenance of a population of functional mitochondria. These pathways act in a hierarchical manner, but all the pathways are limited in capacity. At the end of the life cycle, when the various surveillance pathways are overwhelmed and damage has passed certain thresholds, programmed cell death brings the life of individual P. anserina to an end.
Apoptosis-inducing antifungal peptides and proteins
Authors: De Brucker Katrijn , Cammue Bruno P.A. , Thevissen Karin
Published: May 2012

Despite the availability of various classes of antimycotics, the treatment of patients with systemic fungal infections is challenging. Therefore the development of new antifungals is urgently required. Promising new antifungal candidates are antimicrobial peptides. In the present review, we provide an overview of antifungal peptides isolated from plants, insects, amphibians and mammals that induce apoptosis. Their antifungal spectrum, mode of action and toxicity are discussed in more detail.
Surface enhanced fluorescence on three dimensional silver nanostructure substrate
Authors: Dong Jun , Qu Shixian , Zhang Zhenglong , Liu Meicen , Liu Gaining , Yan Xiaoqing , Zheng Hairong
Published: May 2012

Multi-dimensional metallic nanostructures were fabricated by self-assembling silver nanoparticles on 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane-modified glass substrate and using p-aminothiophenol molecule as a linker. Surface enhanced fluorescence was investigated for Rhodamine 6G fluorophore molecules on the prepared 2D and 3D substrates. The experimental observation showed that the 3D nanostructured substrate presented stronger fluorescence enhancement, comparing with what was observed on the 2D nanoparticle arrays. Higher intensity of local electric field and stronger coupling of surface plasmon resonance in 3D silver nanostructure enhanced the excitation and emission of fluorophore molecules more effectively, leading to a stronger fluorescence enhancement on 3D nanostructured substrate. The result suggests that a metallic substrate with 3D nanostructures can produce better fluorescence enhancement, which is important for studying the mechanism and expanding the potential applications of enhanced fluorescence effect.
High-strength silk protein scaffolds for bone repair
Authors: Mandal Biman B. , Grinberg Ariela , Seok Gil Eun , Panilaitis Bruce , Kaplan David L.
Published: May 2012

Biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration represent a major focus of orthopedic research. However, only a handful of polymeric biomaterials are utilized today because of their failure to address critical issues like compressive strength for load-bearing bone grafts. In this study development of a high compressive strength (~13 MPa hydrated state) polymeric bone composite materials is reported, based on silk protein-protein interfacial bonding. Micron-sized silk fibers (10–600 µm) obtained utilizing alkali hydrolysis were used as reinforcement in a compact fiber composite with tunable compressive strength, surface roughness, and porosity based on the fiber length included. A combination of surface roughness, porosity, and scaffold stiffness favored human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell differentiation toward bone-like tissue in vitro based on biochemical and gene expression for bone markers. Further, minimal in vivo immunomodulatory responses suggested compatibility of the fabricated silk-fiber-reinforced composite matrices for bone engineering applications.
Worry about terror among young adults living in ongoing security uncertainty
Authors: Peleg Ora , Mass‐Friedman Michelle
Published: May 2012

The aim of the current study was to investigate worry about terror as a mediating variable, with the exogenous variables being media viewing, differentiation of self, and trait anxiety, and the endogenous variables being somatic symptoms and perceptions of security‐related stress. Participants were divided into two groups by age/academic level: 248 high school students and 191 university students. A pathway correlation model was used to investigate worry about terror as a mediating variable. The central finding was that worry about terror was a significant mediating variable in the relationship between the extent of media viewing following terror events and the level of perception of security‐related stress. That is, young people who said they worried a lot reported a high level of stress relating to the terror events they saw covered in the media. In addition, trait anxiety was found to have an effect on stress perception only via the level of worry about terror. This means that high levels of stress are not experienced by all highly trait‐anxious people, but only by those who suffer from higher levels of worry about terror.
A COMMON CAUSE
Authors: Cousin Glynis , Fine Robert
Published: May 2012

This paper explores connections and disconnections in the study of racism and antisemitism within sociological inquiry. It begins with an exposition of how certain prominent theorists of racism and antisemitism (e.g., Du Bois, Fanon, Arendt) have in the past identified important connections between these fields of exclusion and persecution in the making of European modernity. While their analysis of connections between racism and antisemitism may have been uneven and provisional, the more recent tendency to replace such connectivity with separatist or even oppositional readings has been a step backward. This tendency toward what we call ‘methodological separatism’ impoverishes our sociological imagination for a number of reasons. First, it neglects the extent to which prejudice and persecution in relation to Muslims, Jews and Black people are connected phenomena in the formation of European modernity. Second, it encourages divisive and competitive analytical approaches which lock their protagonists in rival camps and reproduce aspects of the language of racism they oppose. While affirming the distinctive characteristics of anti-Black and anti-Jewish racisms, we argue that the development of a more integrated approach is required to enable our understanding of how modernity continues to operate.
Markedness effects in Norwegian–English bilinguals: Task-dependent use of language-specific letters and bigrams
Authors: van Kesteren Ron , Dijkstra Ton , de Smedt Koenraad
Published: May 2012

This study investigates how bilinguals use sublexical language membership information to speed up their word recognition process in different task situations. Norwegian–English bilinguals performed a Norwegian–English language decision task, a mixed English lexical decision task, or a mixed Norwegian lexical decision task. The mixed lexical decision experiments included words from the nontarget language that required a “no” response. The language specificity of the Bokmål (a Norwegian written norm) and English (non)words was varied by including language-specific letters (“smør”, “hawk”) or bigrams (“dusj”, “veal”). Bilinguals were found to use both types of sublexical markedness to facilitate their decisions, language-specific letters leading to larger effects than language-specific bigrams. A cross-experimental comparison indicates that the use of sublexical language information was strategically dependent on the task at hand and that decisions were based on language membership information derived directly from sublexical (bigram) stimulus characteristics instead of indirectly via their lexical representations. Available models for bilingual word recognition fail to handle the observed marker effects, because all consider language membership as a lexical property only.
Trends in Aminoglycoside Use and Gentamicin-Resistant Gram-Negative Clinical Isolates in US Academic Medical Centers: Implications for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: Ababneh Mera , Harpe Spencer , Oinonen Michael , Polk Ron E.
Published: May 2012

Objective.

To measure trends in aminoglycoside antibiotic use and gentamicin-resistant clinical isolates across a network of hospitals and compare network-level relationships with those of individual hospitals.

Design.

Longitudinal observational investigation.

Setting.

US academic medical centers.

Participants.

Adult inpatients.

Methods.

Adult aminoglycoside use was measured from 2002 or 2003 through 2009 in 29 hospitals. Hospital-wide antibiograms assessed gentamicin resistance by proportions and incidence rates for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. Mixed-effects analysis of variance was used to assess the significance of changes in aminoglycoside use and changes in resistance rates and proportions. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess the relationship between aminoglycoside use and resistance.

Results.

Mean aminoglycoside use declined by 41%, reflecting reduced gentamicin (P <.0001) and tobramycin (P = .005) use; amikacin use did not change. The rate and proportion of gentamicin-resistant P. aeruginosa decreased by 48% (P < .0001) and 31% (P < .0001), respectively. The rate and proportion of gentamicin-resistant E. coli increased by 166% and 124%, respectively (P < .0001), and they were related to increasing quinolone resistance in E. coli. Resistance among K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii did not change. Relationships between aminoglycoside use and resistance at the network level were highly variable at the individual hospital level.

Conclusions.

Mean aminoglycoside use declined in this network of US hospitals and was associated with significant and opposite changes in rates of resistance for some organisms and no change for others. At the individual hospital level, antibiograms appear to be an unreliable reflection of antibiotic use, at least for aminoglycosides.
Fabrication of horizontally aligned ultra-long single-walled carbon nanotubes on Si substrates using the fast-heating chemical vapor deposition method
Authors: Nguyen Ba Thang , Than Xuan Tinh , Nguyen Van Chuc , Tam Ngo Thi Thanh , Bui Hung Thang , Nguyen Xuan Nghia , Phan Hong Khoi , Phan Ngoc Minh
Published: May 2012

In this paper we study the growth of horizontally aligned ultra-long single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) (5 mm) on oxidized silicon substrates by the fast-heating chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Ferric chloride (FeCl
3) and ethanol (C
2
H
5
OH) solution are used as catalyst and carbon source, respectively. The influence of growth conditions such as temperature, time and gas flow rates on the SWCNTs’ growth is studied in detail. The morphologies and structure of the SWCNTs are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The experimental results demonstrate that by fast-heating CVD of ethanol at a temperature of 900 °C for 60 min, the SWCNTs have high quality. They are clean, ultra-long (mm), highly dense and as straight as parallel lines.
Nuclear import of isoforms of the cytomegalovirus kinase pUL97 is mediated by differential activity of NLS1 and NLS2 both acting through classical importin-α binding
Authors: Webel Rike , Solbak Sara M. Ø. , Held Christian , Milbradt Jens , Groß Andrea , Eichler Jutta , Wittenberg Thomas , Jardin Christophe , Sticht Heinrich , Fossen Torgils , Marschall Manfred
Published: May 2012

The multifunctional protein kinase pUL97 of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) strongly determines the efficiency of virus replication. Previously, the existence of two pUL97 isoforms that arise from alternative translational initiation and show a predominant nuclear localization was described. Two bipartite nuclear localization sequences, NLS1 and NLS2, were identified in the N terminus of the large isoform, whilst the small isoform exclusively contained NLS2. The current study found the following: (i) pUL97 nuclear localization in HCMV-infected primary fibroblasts showed accumulations in virus replication centres and other nuclear sections; (ii) in a quantitative evaluation system for NLS activity, the large isoform showed higher efficiency of nuclear translocation than the small isoform; (iii) NLS1 was mapped to aa 6–35 and NLS2 to aa 190–213; (iv) using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, the binding of both NLS1 and NLS2 to human importin-α was demonstrated, stressing the importance of individual arginine residues in the bipartite consensus motifs; (v) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of pUL97 peptides confirmed an earlier statement about the functional requirement of NLS1 embedding into an intact α-helical structure; and (vi) a bioinformatics investigation of the solvent-accessible surface suggested a high accessibility of NLS1 and an isoform-specific, variable accessibility of NLS2 for interaction with importin-α. Thus, the nucleocytoplasmic transport mechanism of the isoforms appeared to be differentially regulated, and this may have consequences for isoform-dependent functions of pUL97 during virus replication.
Polymorphisms in Toll-like receptor 3 confer natural resistance to human herpes simplex virus type 2 infection
Authors: Svensson Alexandra , Tunbäck Petra , Nordström Inger , Padyukov Leonid , Eriksson Kristina
Published: May 2012

Lack of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) functional activity predisposes children to human herpesvirus 1 (HSV-1) encephalitis. In this study, we have investigated whether there is any link between TLR3 and adult HSV-2 infection by studying genetic variations in TLR3. The frequency of four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TLR3 gene in 239 patients with genital HSV-2 infection and 162 healthy controls, as well as the impact of these variants on TLR3 gene-expression levels, were compared. Two SNPs in the TLR3 gene (rs13126816 and rs3775291) were associated with a reduced incidence of HSV-2 infection. The minor allelic variants at both rs13126816 and rs3775291 were more common among healthy HSV-2-seronegative subjects than among HSV-2-infected individuals. This was even more apparent in HSV-1-seronegative individuals. There was, however, no association between any of the four TLR3 SNPs and HSV-2 disease severity, as they were expressed at similar proportions in asymptomatic and symptomatic HSV-2-infected patients alike. Furthermore, when assessing TLR3 mRNA expression in a limited number of HSV-2-infected individuals, we found that individuals carrying the homozygous genotypes for the minor alleles had significantly higher levels of TLR3 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to HSV-2 stimulation than individuals that were homozygous for the major allele variants. Taken together, these results suggest that genetic variations in TLR3 may affect the susceptibility to HSV-2 infection in humans.
Mid- and Long-Term Results of Endovascular Treatment in Thoracic Aorta Blunt Trauma
Authors: Irace Luigi , Laurito Antonella , Venosi Salvatore , Irace Francesco Giosuè , Malay Alban , Gossetti Bruno , Bresadola Luciano , Gattuso Roberto , Martinelli Ombretta
Published: May 2012

Study Aim. Evaluation of results in blunt injury of the thoracic aorta (BAI) endovascular treatment.Materials and Methods. Sixteen patients were treated for BAI. Thirteen patients had associated polytrauma, 4 of these had a serious hypotensive status and 4 had an hemothorax. In the remaining 3, two had a post-traumatic false aneurysm of the isthmus and 1 had a segmental dissection. In those 13 patients a periaortic hematoma was associated to hemothorax in 4. All patients were submitted to an endovascular treatment, in two cases the subclavian artery ostium was intentionally covered.Results. One patient died for disseminated intravascular coagulation. No paraplegia was recorded. No ischemic complications were observed. A type I endoleak was treated by an adjunctive cuff. During the followup (1–9 years) 3 patients were lost. A good patency and no endoleaks were observed in all cases. One infolding and 1 migration of the endografts were corrected by an adjunctive cuff.Conclusion. The medium and long term results of the endovascular treatment of BAI are encouraging with a low incidence rate of mortality and complications. More suitable endo-suite and endografts could be a crucial point for the further improvement of these results.
Investigating the Influence of Anthropogenic Forcing on Observed Mean and Extreme Sea Level Pressure Trends over the Mediterranean Region
Authors: Barkhordarian Armineh
Published: May 2012

We investigate whether the observed mean sea level pressure (SLP) trends over the Mediterranean region in the period from 1975 to 2004 are significantly consistent with what 17 models projected as response of SLP to anthropogenic forcing (greenhouse gases and sulphate aerosols, GS). Obtained results indicate that the observed trends in mean SLP cannot be explained by natural (internal) variability. Externally forced changes are detectable in all seasons, except spring. The large-scale component (spatial mean) of the GS signal is detectable in all the 17 models in winter and in 12 of the 17 models in summer. However, the small-scale component (spatial anomalies about the spatial mean) of GS signal is only detectable in winter within 11 of the 17 models. We also show that GS signal has a detectable influence on observed decreasing (increasing) tendency in the frequencies of extremely low (high) SLP days in winter and that these changes cannot be explained by internal climate variability. While the detection of GS forcing is robust in winter and summer, there are striking inconsistencies in autumn, where analysis points to the presence of an external forcing, which is not GS forcing.
Survival after Locoregional Treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Cohort Study in Real-World Patients
Authors: Signoriello Simona , Annunziata Annalisa , Lama Nicola , Signoriello Giuseppe , Chiodini Paolo , De Sio Ilario , Daniele Bruno , Di Costanzo Giovanni G. , Calise Fulvio , Olivieri Graziano , Castaldo Vincenzo , Lanzetta Rosario , Piai Guido , Marone Giampiero , Visconti Mario , Fusco Mario , Di Maio Massimo , Perrone Francesco , Gallo Ciro , Gaeta Giovanni B.
Published: May 2012

Evidence of relative effectiveness of local treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is scanty. We investigated, in a retrospective cohort study, whether surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), and transarterial embolization with (TACE) or without (TAE) chemotherapy resulted in different survival in clinical practice. All patients first diagnosed with HCC and treated with any locoregional therapy from 1998 to 2002 in twelve Italian hospitals were eligible. Overall survival (OS) was the unique endpoint. Three main comparisons were planned: RFA versus PEI, surgical resection versus RFA/PEI (combined), TACE/TAE versus RFA/PEI (combined). Propensity score method was used to minimize bias related to non random treatment assignment. Overall 425 subjects were analyzed, with 385 (91%) deaths after a median followup of 7.7 years. OS did not significantly differ between RFA and PEI (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.79–1.57), between surgery and RFA/PEI (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.64–1.41) and between TACE/TAE and RFA/PEI (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.66–1.17). 5-year OS probabilities were 0.14 for RFA, 0.18 for PEI, 0.27 for surgery, and 0.15 for TACE/TAE. No locoregional treatment for HCC was found to be more effective than the comparator. Adequately powered randomized clinical trials are still needed to definitely assess relative effectiveness of locoregional HCC treatment.
Isolation, Characterization, and Identification of Biological Control Agent for Potato Soft Rot in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Ali M. E. , Khan A. A. , Akanda A. M. , Uddin Md. Kamal , Hashim U. , Abd Hamid S. B.
Published: May 2012

A total of 91 isolates of probable antagonistic bacteria of potato soft rot bacteriumErwinia carotovorasubsp.carotovora(Ecc) were extracted from rhizospheres and endophytes of various crop plants, different soil varieties, and atmospheres in the potato farming areas of Bangladesh. Antibacterial activity of the isolated probable antagonistic bacteria was testedin vitroagainst the previously identified most common and most virulent soft rot causing bacterial strain Ecc P-138. Only two isolates E-45 and E-65 significantly inhibited thein vitrogrowth of Ecc P-138. Physiological, biochemical, and carbon source utilization tests identified isolate E-65 as a member of the genusBacillusand the isolate E-45 asLactobacillussp. The stronger antagonistic activity against Ecc P-138 was found in E-65in vitroscreening and storage potatoes. E-65 reduced the soft rot infection to 22-week storage potatoes of different varieties by 32.5–62.5% in model experiment, demonstrating its strong potential to be used as an effective biological control agent for the major pectolytic bacteria Ecc. The highest (62.5%) antagonistic effect of E-65 was observed in the Granola and the lowest (32.7%) of that was found in the Cardinal varieties of the Bangladeshi potatoes. The findings suggest that isolate E-65 could be exploited as a biocontrol agent for potato tubers.