bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A generic method for assignment of reliability scores applied to solvent accessibility predictions
Authors: Petersen Bent , Petersen Thomas Nordahl , Andersen Pernille , Nielsen Morten , Lundegaard Claus
Published: July 2009

Background

Estimation of the reliability of specific real value predictions is nontrivial and the efficacy of this is often questionable. It is important to know if you can trust a given prediction and therefore the best methods associate a prediction with a reliability score or index. For discrete qualitative predictions, the reliability is conventionally estimated as the difference between output scores of selected classes. Such an approach is not feasible for methods that predict a biological feature as a single real value rather than a classification. As a solution to this challenge, we have implemented a method that predicts the relative surface accessibility of an amino acid and simultaneously predicts the reliability for each prediction, in the form of a Z-score.

Results

An ensemble of artificial neural networks has been trained on a set of experimentally solved protein structures to predict the relative exposure of the amino acids. The method assigns a reliability score to each surface accessibility prediction as an inherent part of the training process. This is in contrast to the most commonly used procedures where reliabilities are obtained by post-processing the output.

Conclusion

The performance of the neural networks was evaluated on a commonly used set of sequences known as the CB513 set. An overall Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.72 was obtained, which is comparable to the performance of the currently best public available method, Real-SPINE. Both methods associate a reliability score with the individual predictions. However, our implementation of reliability scores in the form of a Z-score is shown to be the more informative measure for discriminating good predictions from bad ones in the entire range from completely buried to fully exposed amino acids. This is evident when comparing the Pearson's correlation coefficient for the upper 20% of predictions sorted according to reliability. For this subset, values of 0.79 and 0.74 are obtained using our and the compared method, respectively. This tendency is true for any selected subset.
Increased OXPHOS activity precedes rise in glycolytic rate in H-RasV12/E1A transformed fibroblasts that develop a Warburg phenotype
Authors: de Groof Ad JC , te Lindert Mariska M , van Dommelen Michiel MT , Wu Min , Willemse Marieke , Smift Amy L , Winer Mike , Oerlemans Frank , Pluk Helma , Fransen Jack AM , Wieringa Bé
Published: July 2009

Background

The Warburg phenotype in cancer cells has been long recognized, but there is still limited insight in the consecutive metabolic alterations that characterize its establishment. We obtained better understanding of the coupling between metabolism and malignant transformation by studying mouse embryonic fibroblast-derived cells with loss-of-senescence or H-RasV12/E1A-transformed phenotypes at different stages of oncogenic progression.

Results

Spontaneous immortalization or induction of senescence-bypass had only marginal effects on metabolic profiles and viability. In contrast, H-RasV12/E1A transformation initially caused a steep increase in oxygen consumption and superoxide production, accompanied by massive cell death. During prolonged culturein vitro, cell growth rate increased gradually, along with tumor forming potential inin vitroanchorage-independent growth assays andin vivotumor formation assays in immuno-deficient mice. Notably, glucose-to-lactic acid flux increased with passage number, while cellular oxygen consumption decreased. This conversion in metabolic properties was associated with a change in mitochondrial NAD+/NADH redox, indicative of decreased mitochondrial tricarboxic acid cycle and OXPHOS activity.

Conclusion

The high rate of oxidative metabolism in newly transformed cells is in marked contrast with the high glycolytic rate in cells in the later tumor stage. In our experimental system, with cells growing under ambient oxygen conditions in nutrient-rich media, the shift towards this Warburg phenotype occurred as a step-wise adaptation process associated with augmented tumorigenic capacity and improved survival characteristics of the transformed cells. We hypothesize that early-transformed cells, which potentially serve as founders for new tumor masses may escape therapies aimed at metabolic inhibition of tumors with a fully developed Warburg phenotype.
Caecal diverticulitis presenting as acute appendicitis: a case report
Authors: Cole Michelle , Ayantunde Abraham A , Payne John
Published: July 2009

Solitary caecal diverticulum is an uncommon entity and therefore difficult to diagnose except at surgery. Caecal diverticulitis is an infrequent cause of acute abdomen and usually presents in a manner similar to acute appendicitis. It is extremely difficult to differentiate it preoperative from acute appendicitis and such distinction is usually made in the operating room. The optimal management of this clinical condition is still controversial, ranging from conservative treatment with antibiotics to aggressive surgical resections.

We report a case of a 61 year old Caucasian who presented with acute onset right iliac fossa pain indistinguishable from acute appendicitis. The true diagnosis of a perforated acute caecal diverticulitis with an abscess mass was only made at operation in the presence of a macroscopically normal appendix. We reviewed the literature to highlight the difficulty of a preoperative diagnosis and the need for a high index of suspicion especially in the older age group presenting in manner similar to acute appendicitis.
Evaluation of selective embolization of thyroid arteries (SETA) as a preresective treatment in selected cases of toxic goitre
Authors: Dedecjus Marek , Tazbir Józef , Kaurzel Zbigniew , Stróżyk Grzegorz , Zygmunt Arkadiusz , Lewiński Andrzej , Brzeziński Jan
Published: July 2009

Background

in recent years, an increasing interest in the application of selective embolization of thyroid arteries (SETA) in the treatment of thyroid diseases is observed. In the present report, we analyse the value, safety and possible indications for preresective SETA in cases of large toxic goitres.

Patients and method

the study group comprised 10 patients with large toxic goitre (thyroid volume 254 ± 50 mL), including one patient with cervicomediastinal goitre and one patient with anti-thyroid drug intolerance in state of overt thyrotoxicosis. All the patients underwent SETA of the superior and/or inferior thyroid arteries, followed by thyroidectomy, performed up to thirty-six hours after SETA (23.1 ± 11 h). After embolization, selective angiographies of thyroid arteries were performed to ensure that the targeted arteries had been completely occluded.

Results and conclusion

in all the patients, SETA decreased blood flow through the thyroid. Preresective SETA reduced blood loss during and after thyroidectomy and decreased the operating time, but the differences were too small to justify routine applications of preresective SETA as an adjunct to surgical treatment of toxic goitre. On the other hand, SETA is a safe and minimally-invasive technique, which may become an attractive option for quick preparation to surgery in selected patients with toxic goitre, who present anti-thyroid drug intolerance or refuse radioactive iodine treatment.
Breast cancer-associated metastasis is significantly increased in a model of autoimmune arthritis
Authors: Das Roy Lopamudra , Pathangey Latha B , Tinder Teresa L , Schettini Jorge L , Gruber Helen E , Mukherjee Pinku
Published: July 2009

Introduction

Sites of chronic inflammation are often associated with the establishment and growth of various malignancies including breast cancer. A common inflammatory condition in humans is autoimmune arthritis (AA) that causes inflammation and deformity of the joints. Other systemic effects associated with arthritis include increased cellular infiltration and inflammation of the lungs. Several studies have reported statistically significant risk ratios between AA and breast cancer. Despite this knowledge, available for a decade, it has never been questioned if the site of chronic inflammation linked to AA creates a milieu that attracts tumor cells to home and grow in the inflamed bones and lungs which are frequent sites of breast cancer metastasis.

Methods

To determine if chronic inflammation induced by autoimmune arthritis contributes to increased breast cancer-associated metastasis, we generated mammary gland tumors in SKG mice that were genetically prone to develop AA. Two breast cancer cell lines, one highly metastatic (4T1) and the other non-metastatic (TUBO) were used to generate the tumors in the mammary fat pad. Lung and bone metastasis and the associated inflammatory milieu were evaluated in the arthritic versus the non-arthritic mice.

Results

We report a three-fold increase in lung metastasis and a significant increase in the incidence of bone metastasis in the pro-arthritic and arthritic mice compared to non-arthritic control mice. We also report that the metastatic breast cancer cells augment the severity of arthritis resulting in a vicious cycle that increases both bone destruction and metastasis. Enhanced neutrophilic and granulocytic infiltration in lungs and bone of the pro-arthritic and arthritic mice and subsequent increase in circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) may contribute to the increased metastasis. Treatment with anti-IL17 + celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory drug completely abrogated the development of metastasis and significantly reduced the primary tumor burden.

Conclusions

The data clearly has important clinical implications for patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, especially with regards to the prognosis and treatment options.
Paging Dr Love
Authors: Byrne Peter
Published: July 2009

When women's roles in the war effort brought their empowerment, from The
Flame Within (1936) to Lady in the Dark (1944), the institution of movie
psychiatry reminded women of their place - as passive recipients of male
wisdom and treatments. The female movie psychiatrist (The Flame Within) is
frequently no different from the successful but unhappy career woman (Lady
in the Dark) - their career will never bring the same fulfilment as a solid
marriage. The female movie psychiatrist must be ‘cured’ by her love for her
male patient. Dr Constance Peterson (Ingrid Bergman) has no difficulties
helping her male amnesic patient, accused of murder, escape confinement. She
marries him at the denouement of Spellbound (1945). Rather than list over a
hundred films where girl (psychiatrist) falls for boy (patient), the
challenge is to name those that deviate from this storyline. Classic
Hollywood depicted women therapists as inadequate, personally and
professionally: Knock on Wood (1954), A Perfect Furlough (1958), Wild in the
Country (1961), A Very Special Favour (1965) and A Fine Madness (1966).
Similar unhappy archetypes continue to yearn for their male patients in
modern films: Mr Jones (1993), 12 Monkeys (1995) and The Jacket (2005).
Perfect psychiatrist Dr Lowenstein must be rescued from her miserable
personal life by an affair with her patient's brother in Prince of Tides
(1991). In all these films, the only effective treatment is love. The
audience are encouraged not to dwell on the boundary violations.
My prison experience
Authors: Knight Bernice
Published: July 2009

Visiting an inner-city prison as a medical student, I was unsure how I would
respond to this mass incarceration of life. The anxiety manifesting in my
stomach as I passed through the entrance gate, the fear of how inmates would
respond to me and of names they might call. Corridors were cold, stark,
echoic, with a constant reminder of inmates' plight to end their lives in
the endless safety netting; calls from unknown locations and cells with no
relief. I don't have a mental illness, yet I felt anxious and paranoid. It
left me very concerned for those that do.
Association between common mental disorder and obesity over the
adult life course
Authors: Kivimäki Mika , Batty G. David , Singh-Manoux Archana , Nabi Hermann , Sabia Séverine , Tabak Adam G. , Akbaraly Tasnime N. , Vahtera Jussi , Marmot Michael G. , Jokela Markus
Published: July 2009

Background

Prospective data on the association between common mental disorders and
obesity are scarce, and the impact of ageing on this association is
poorly understood.

Aims

To examine the association between common mental disorders and obesity
(body mass index 30 kg/m2) across the adult life course.

Method

The participants, 6820 men and 3346 women, aged 35–55 were screened four
times during a 19-year follow-up (the Whitehall II study). Each screening
included measurements of mental disorders (the General Health
Questionnaire), weight and height.

Results

The excess risk of obesity in the presence of mental disorders increased
with age (P = 0.004). The estimated proportion of people
who were obese was 5.7% at age 40 both in the presence and absence of
mental disorders, but the corresponding figures were 34.6% and 27.1% at
age 70. The excess risk did not vary by gender or according to ethnic
group or socioeconomic position.

Conclusions

The association between common mental disorders and obesity becomes
stronger at older ages.
Residential alternatives to acute psychiatric hospital admission: systematic review
Authors: Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Slade Mike , Jagielska Dorota , Johnson Sonia
Published: July 2009

Background

Reducing use of hospital wards and improving their quality are central aims of mental health service policy. However, no comprehensive synthesis is available of evidence on residential alternatives to standard acute psychiatric wards.

Aims

To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of and satisfaction with residential alternatives to standard acute in-patient mental health services.

Method

A systematic search identified controlled studies comparing residential alternatives with standard in-patient services. Studies were described and assessed for methodological quality. Results from higher quality studies are presented and discussed.

Results

Twenty-seven relevant studies were identified. Nine studies of moderate quality provide no contraindication to identified alternative service models and limited preliminary evidence that community-based alternatives may be cheaper and individuals more satisfied than in standard acute wards.

Conclusions

More research is needed to establish the effectiveness of service models and target populations for residential alternatives to standard acute wards. Community-based residential crisis services may provide a feasible and acceptable alternative to hospital admission for some people with acute mental illness.
Do prenatal risk factors cause psychiatric disorder? Be wary of
causal claims
Authors: Thapar Anita , Rutter Michael
Published: July 2009

Many prenatal risk factors are known to have adverse consequences on fetal
development and there is increasing interest in effects on the mental health
of offspring. However, associations with prenatal risk factors may arise
because of postnatal risk or through confounders, including inherited ones.
As a result, caution is required in assuming causation.
Factors affecting patient satisfaction with the psychiatric ward round: retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Labib Peter Lawrence Zaki , Brownell Lisa
Published: July 2009

Aims and Method

A questionnaire was distributed to patients in a psychiatric hospital in Birmingham, UK, to identify the factors that affect their satisfaction with the ward round.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 42 patients (53% response rate). Waiting time was the only variable to be significantly correlated with total score of patient satisfaction. Regression analysis also identified diagnosis and patients meeting their consultant before the first ward round as significant predictors of patient satisfaction.

Clinical Implications

Reducing waiting time and ensuring that the consultant meets the patient before the first ward round would make a significant improvement to the in-patient experience, without causing much disruption to standard clinical practice.
Ethnicity and outcome of appeal after detention under the Mental Health Act 1983
Authors: Nilforooshan Ramin , Amin Rizkar , Warner James
Published: July 2009

Aims and Method

There is insufficient research into the relationship between ethnicity and appeals against detention under mental health legislation. We sought to identify rates and success of appeals in different ethnic groups through a retrospective analysis of all detentions under the Mental Health Act 1983 over 1 year.

Results

We found high rates of appeals overall, with substantial differences between ethnic groups (36 (39%) White British compared with 71 (63%) Black Caribbean (P = 0.0001) and 21 (68%) White Irish (P = 0.01) individuals (Yates corrected chi-squared)). Success rates on appeal were very low in all groups.

Clinical Implications

There are significant ethnic differences in appeals against detention under the Mental Health Act.
NHS psychiatry: the need for constructive debate. Invited commentary on … The trouble with NHS psychiatry in England
Authors: Hawley Chris , Drummond Lynne , Knight Jackie
Published: July 2009

Two recent articles, ‘The trouble with NHS psychiatry in England’ and ‘Wake-up call for British psychiatry’ have levelled severe criticisms against the NHS provider systems for people with mental disorders. In response, we argue that such severe criticisms are not fully justified. We propose that there are six areas for debate: ideological matters, policy intentions, empirical questions, operational issues and professional activities. Under this simple six-point taxonomy it might be possible to have a more sophisticated debate about how all parties should work together to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
Bringing the State Back In, Yet Again: The Debate on Socioreligious Reform in Late-Nineteenth-Century India
Authors: Lamba Rinku
Published: July 2009

This essay seeks to complicate the intellectual landscape of late-nineteenth-century colonial India by probing the manner in which Indian social reformers negotiated the possibilities for social change in the context of colonial rule. Particular attention is paid to the views of the prominent social reformer Mahadev Govind Ranade during the controversy over the Age of Consent Bill. Ranade noted the relevance of the instrumentalities of the state in securing the vital interests of those subject to relations of domination; he was able to do so without neglecting to address the issue that state power in his time vested in a colonial regime. By providing resources to delink state power from colonial power, the conclusions yielded by the analysis in this essay unsettle an influential hypothesis according to which Indian nationalists, from the late nineteenth century onward, did not want the colonial state to intervene in the reform of “traditional” Indian society. Unsettling this hypothesis has at least two implications: it enables a fresh appraisal of the resources of modern Indian political thought, and it creates positive conceptual space for considering the role of state power in alleviating relations of domination in times marked by the advent of neocolonialism.
Rotational accelerations stabilize leading edge vortices on revolving fly wings
Authors: Lentink David , Dickinson Michael H.
Published: July 2009

The aerodynamic performance of hovering insects is largely explained by the presence of a stably attached leading edge vortex (LEV) on top of their wings. Although LEVs have been visualized on real, physically modeled, and simulated insects, the physical mechanisms responsible for their stability are poorly understood. To gain fundamental insight into LEV stability on flapping fly wings we expressed the Navier–Stokes equations in a rotating frame of reference attached to the wing's surface. Using these equations we show that LEV dynamics on flapping wings are governed by three terms: angular,centripetal and Coriolis acceleration. Our analysis for hovering conditions shows that angular acceleration is proportional to the inverse of dimensionless stroke amplitude, whereas Coriolis and centripetal acceleration are proportional to the inverse of the Rossby number. Using a dynamically scaled robot model of a flapping fruit fly wing to systematically vary these dimensionless numbers, we determined which of the three accelerations mediate LEV stability. Our force measurements and flow visualizations indicate that the LEV is stabilized by the `quasi-steady' centripetal and Coriolis accelerations that are present at low Rossby number and result from the propeller-like sweep of the wing. In contrast, the unsteady angular acceleration that results from the back and forth motion of a flapping wing does not appear to play a role in the stable attachment of the LEV. Angular acceleration is, however, critical for LEV integrity as we found it can mediate LEV spiral bursting, a high Reynolds number effect. Our analysis and experiments further suggest that the mechanism responsible for LEV stability is not dependent on Reynolds number, at least over the range most relevant for insect flight (100<Re<14,000). LEVs are stable and continue to augment force even when they burst. These and similar findings for propellers and wind turbines at much higher Reynolds numbers suggest that even large flying animals could potentially exploit LEV-based force augmentation during slow hovering flight, take-offs or landing. We calculated the Rossby number from single-wing aspect ratios of over 300 insects, birds, bats, autorotating seeds, and pectoral fins of fish. We found that, on average, wings and fins have a Rossby number close to that of flies (Ro=3). Theoretically,many of these animals should therefore be able to generate a stable LEV, a prediction that is supported by recent findings for several insects, one bat,one bird and one fish. This suggests that force augmentation through stably attached (leading edge) vortices could represent a convergent solution for the generation of high fluid forces over a quite large range in size.
Secretagogues stimulate electrogenic HCO3–secretion in the ileum of the brushtail possum,Trichosurus vulpecula:evidence for the role of a Na+/HCO3– cotransporter
Authors: Bartolo Ray C. , Harfoot Natalie , Gill Mike , McLeod Bernie J. , Butt A. Grant
Published: July 2009

Fluid secretion is essential for intestinal function and, in eutherian mammals, is driven by electrogenic Cl– transport, which is dependent upon a bumetanide-sensitive, basolateral Na+/K+/2 Cl– cotransporter, NKCC1. However, ileal secretion in the brushtail possum, a marsupial, involves a fundamentally different process, since NKCC1 expression is low in this tissue and the secretagogue-induced short circuit current (Isc)is insensitive to bumetanide. In view of these differences we have investigated the basis of the secretory response of the possum ileum. In the Ussing chamber the secretory Isc is independent of Cl– but dependent upon Na+ and serosal HCO3–/CO2, suggesting that secretagogues stimulate electrogenic HCO3–secretion. In agreement with this, serosal DIDS(4,4′-diisothiocyano-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonate; 1 mmol l–1) inhibited the secretory response. However, acetazolamide(1 mmol l–1) and serosal amiloride (1 mmol l–1) had little effect, indicating that HCO3– secretion is driven by HCO3– transport from the serosal solution into the cell, rather than hydration of CO2 by carbonic anhydrase. Consistent with this the pancreatic variant of the electrogenic Na+/HCO3– cotransporter (pNBC) is highly expressed in the ileal epithelium and is located in the basolateral membrane of the epithelial cells, predominantly in the mid region of the villi, with lower levels of expression in the crypts and no expression in the villous tips. We conclude that the secretory response of the possum ileum involves electrogenic HCO3– secretion driven by a basolateral pNBC and that the ileal HCO3–secretion is associated with a specialised function of the possum ileum, most probably related to hindgut fermentation.
Validation of the use of doubly labeled water for estimating metabolic rate in the green turtle (Chelonia mydas L.): a word of caution
Authors: Jones T. Todd , Hastings Mervin D. , Bostrom Brian L. , Andrews Russel D. , Jones David R.
Published: July 2009

Marine turtles often have extremely high water turnover accompanied by a low field metabolic rate (FMR), a combination that can contraindicate the use of doubly labelled water (DLW). Therefore, we conducted a validation study to assess the suitability of the DLW technique for determining FMR of marine turtles. Six green turtles (22.42±3.13 kg) were injected with DLW and placed in a tank of seawater with a respirometer for continuous monitoring of oxygen consumption (MR) over a 5-day period. Trials were conducted for turtles in both fed and fasted states. Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) was determined in a dry respirometer and used to calculate energy expenditure. For fed and fasted turtles, total body water (TBW) was 66.67±3.37% and 58.70±7.63% of body mass, and water flux rates were 9.57±1.33%and 6.14±0.65% TBW day–1, respectively. Water turnover in fasted turtles was 36% lower than that of fed turtles but MR (from oxygen consumption) of fasted turtles (13.77±1.49 kJ kg–1day–1) was 52% lower than in fed turtles (28.66±5.31 kJ kg–1 day–1). Deuterium to oxygen-18 turnover rate (kd:ko) ratios averaged 0.91±0.02 for fed turtles and 1.07±0.16 for fasted turtles. Fed turtles had a mean group difference of 8% and a mean individual difference of 53% between DLW and respirometry. The DLW method gave negative MR values in fasted turtles and could not be compared with respirometry data. Researchers should use caution when applying the DLW method in marine reptiles, especially when high water flux causes >90% of the labeled oxygen turnover to be due to water exchange.
Postprandial changes in enteric electrical activity and gut blood flow in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) acclimated to different temperatures
Authors: Gräns Albin , Albertsson Fredrik , Axelsson Michael , Olsson Catharina
Published: July 2009

Enteric electrical activity, cardiac output and gut blood flow were measured in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) acclimated to either 10°C or 16°C. Enteric electrical activity showed, in both the fasted and postprandial state, a distinct pattern with clusters of burst-like events interspersed by silent periods. The frequency of electrical events increased postprandially for both acclimation groups. Event frequency increased from 3.0±0.5 to 9.6±1.4 events min–1 and from 5.9±0.9 to 11.8±2.0 events min–1 in the 10°C and 16°C groups, respectively. Similarly, the number of events per cluster increased postprandially for both acclimation groups. Gut blood flow, cardiac output and heart rate increased after feeding. The gut blood flow significantly increased in both groups and peaked at 257±19% and 236±22% in the 10°C and 16°C groups, respectively. There was a strong correlation between the number of events and gut blood flow at both temperatures. Comparison between the two groups showed that fish acclimated to 16°C may have an increased cost of sustaining the basal activity of the gut compared with the group acclimated to 10°C. In conclusion, we have for the first time measured enteric electrical activity in vivo in a fish species and we have also demonstrated a strong correlation between gut blood flow and enteric electrical activity in fasted and postprandial fish.
Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases during dehydration in the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis
Authors: Malik Amal Idris , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: July 2009

In its native environment the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis,can experience seasonally arid conditions that impose dehydration stress. Activation of intracellular signal transduction cascades can mediate and coordinate biochemical responses to ameliorate dehydration stress. This study examines the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade,analyzing responses of both upstream and downstream components in six tissues of X. laevis experiencing medium and high levels of dehydration,16.6±1.59 and 28.0±1.6% of total body water lost, respectively. Immunoblotting was used to assess the three tiers in this mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade: the initiating MAPK kinase kinases (c-Raf,MEKK), the MAPK kinase (MEK1/2), and finally the MAPK (ERK1/2). The amount of active phosphorylated c-RafSer338 rose by 2- to 2.5-fold under high dehydration in muscle, lung and skin whereas MEKK protein levels rose in these organs and also increased 4-fold in liver. As a result, phosphorylated active MEK1/2Ser217/221 increased significantly by 2- to 6-fold during dehydration which, in turn, led to 2- to 6-fold increases in phospho-ERKThr202/Tyr204 content in all tissues except skin. Given this clear demonstration of ERK cascade activation, two downstream targets of ERK2 were then evaluated. The amount of phosphorylated active transcription factor, STAT3Ser727 and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase(RSKSer380) increased particularly in muscle, lung and kidney. Furthermore, RSK activation was correlated with a 5- to 8-fold increase in phosphorylation of its target, S6 ribosomal protein. Overall, the results show a strong conserved activation of the ERK cascade in X. laevis tissues in response to dehydration.
The dynamic process of cognitive mapping in the absence of visual cues:human data compared with animal studies
Authors: Yaski Osnat , Portugali Juval , Eilam David
Published: July 2009

The present study aimed to investigate the behavior involved in constructing spatial representation in humans. For this, blindfolded adult human subjects were introduced into an unfamiliar environment, where they were requested to move incessantly for 10 min. Analysis of the locomotor activity of the participants revealed the following exploratory behaviors: (1)`looping'; (2) `wall-following'; (3) `step-counting'; (4) `cross-cutting'; and(5) `free traveling'. Looping is a typical exploratory mode of sightless explorers, based on returning to a recently traveled place. Wall-following is common in enclosed spaces, whereby explorers follow the perimeter of the environment. Both looping and wall-following are based on an egocentric frame of reference by which explorers obtain information about the shape, size and landmarks in the environment. Blindfolded explorers displayed step-counting in order to scale the environment and the relationships in it. Altogether,exploration by looping, wall-following and step-counting resulted in an allocentric spatial representation. The acquisition of spatial representation was manifested by cross-cutting and free travel, with subjects walking in a relatively fast and decisive manner. In light of the above modes of activity,we suggest that exploration of an unfamiliar environment is a synergetic self-organized process (synergetic inter-representation networks, SIRN model);an interplay between external and internal representations. According to this model, the interplay gives rise to an order parameter, such as the environment's dimensions or geometry, enabling progression to a subsequent exploratory behavior. This dynamic and sequential interplay reaches a steady state when a spatial representation (i.e. `cognitive map') is established.
Alternative oxidase in animals: unique characteristics and taxonomic distribution
Authors: McDonald Allison E. , Vanlerberghe Greg C. , Staples James F.
Published: July 2009

Alternative oxidase (AOX), a ubiquinol oxidase, introduces a branch point into the respiratory electron transport chain, bypassing complexes III and IV and resulting in cyanide-resistant respiration. Previously, AOX was thought to be limited to plants and some fungi and protists but recent work has demonstrated the presence of AOX in most kingdoms of life, including animals. In the present study we identified AOX in 28 animal species representing nine phyla. This expands the known taxonomic distribution of AOX in animals by 10 species and two phyla. Using bioinformatics we found AOX gene sequences in members of the animal phyla Porifera, Placozoa, Cnidaria, Mollusca, Annelida,Nematoda, Echinodermata, Hemichordata and Chordata. Using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with degenerate primers designed to recognize conserved regions of animal AOX, we demonstrated that AOX genes are transcribed in several animals from different phyla. An analysis of full-length AOX sequences revealed an amino acid motif in the C-terminal region of the protein that is unique to animal AOXs. Animal AOX also lacks an N-terminal cysteine residue that is known to be important for AOX enzyme regulation in plants. We conclude that the presence of AOX is the ancestral state in animals and hypothesize that its absence in some lineages,including vertebrates, is due to gene loss events.
Elemental and configural processing of odour mixtures in the newborn rabbit
Authors: Coureaud Gérard , Hamdani Younes , Schaal Benoist , Thomas-Danguin Thierry
Published: July 2009

The processing of odour mixtures by young organisms is poorly understood. Recently, the perception of an AB mixture, known to engage configural perception in adult humans, was suggested also to be partially configural in newborn rabbits. In particular, pups did not respond to AB after they had learned A or B. However, two alternative hypotheses might be suggested to explain this result: the presence in the mixture of a novel odorant that inhibits the response to the learned stimulus, and the unevenness of the sensory and cognitive processes engaged during the conditioning and the behavioural testing. We conducted four experiments to explore these alternative hypotheses. In experiment 1, the learning of A or B ended in responses to mixtures including a novel odorant (AC or BC). Experiment 2 pointed to the absence of overshadowing. Therefore, a novelty effect cannot explain the non-response to AB after the learning of A or B. In experiment 3,pups having learned A or B in AC or BC did not respond to AB. However, they generalized odour information acquired in AB to AC or BC in experiment 4. Thus, the balancing of the perceptual tasks between the conditioning and retention test does not enhance the response to the AB mixture. To sum up, the present experiments give concrete support to the partially configural perception of specific odour mixtures by newborn rabbits.
Proximity Ligation Measurement of the Complex between Prostate Specific Antigen and α1-Protease Inhibitor
Authors: Zhu Lei , Koistinen Hannu , Landegren Ulf , Stenman Ulf-Håkan
Published: July 2009

Background: Prostate specific antigen (PSA)–α1-protease inhibitor complex (PSA-API) is a minor form of PSA in serum. It may be useful for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, but its specific detection is hampered by nonspecific background. To avoid this, we developed an immunoassay for PSA-API based on proximity ligation.

Methods: We used a monoclonal antibody (mAb) to total PSA (tPSA) to capture PSA, while using another anti-tPSA mAb together with an anti-API mAb as probes. We measured PSA-API by quantification of amplified DNA strands conjugated to the probes. We measured serum PSA-API in 84 controls and 55 men with PCa who had PSA concentrations of 4.0–10 μg/L.

Results: The detection limit of the assay was 6.6 ng/L. The proportion of PSA-API to tPSA (%PSA-API) tended to be lower in men with PCa (2.8%) than without cancer (3.3%) but was not statistically significant (P = 0.363). When used alone, %PSA-API [area under the curve (AUC) 0.546] did not improve detection of PCa, whereas %fPSA (AUC 0.710) and the sum of %fPSA and %PSA-API (AUC 0.723) did. At 90% diagnostic sensitivity, the diagnostic specificity for cancer was not significantly better for %fPSA + %PSA-API than for %fPSA alone (36% vs 30%).

Conclusions: Proximity ligation eliminated nonspecific background, enabling accurate measurement of PSA-API in serum specimens with moderately increased tPSA. The combined use of %PSA-API and %fPSA provided a modest improvement for PCa detection, but based on the current study cohort, it is uncertain whether the improvement has clinical utility. .
Syringyl-type simple plant phenolics as mediating oxidants in laccase catalyzed degradation of lignocellulosic materials: Model compound studies 10th EWLP, Stockholm, Sweden, August 25–28, 2008
Authors: Nousiainen Paula , Maijala Pekka , Hatakka Annele , Martínez Angel T. , Sipilä Jussi
Published: July 2009

The utility of simple syringyl-type phenolics of plant origin and some common synthetic compounds were compared with regard to their ability to act as laccase mediators in the oxidation of non-phenolic lignin model compounds. It was demonstrated that syringyl-type phenols, especially acetosyringone and methyl syringate, were able to mediate the oxidation of substrates of high oxidation potential by a laccase with a low redox potential. A mediator dose around 10% showed good performance compared to the equimolar quantities needed when the synthetic compounds 1-hydroxybenzotriazole or N-hydroxyacetanilide were used.
Titration of free phenolic groups in pulps 10th EWLP, Stockholm, Sweden, August 25–28, 2008
Authors: Delmas Delphine , Lachenal Dominique , Mortha Gérard , Marlin Nathalie , Calais Christophe
Published: July 2009

The ClO2 titration method for in situ measurement of free phenolic groups in pulp has been improved to minimize interferences from other groups susceptible to react with ClO2. The method is based upon the reaction between free phenolic groups and chlorine dioxide at a temperature of 0°C, in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide. Theoretically, one free phenolic group consumes two molecules of ClO2. The pH of the ClO2 treatment was advantageously fixed at 6.7 using a phosphate buffer, and a new protocol was proposed to avoid any possible interference of quinone groups (either present in pulp or formed during the procedure) on the residual ClO2 titration step. The results obtained on isolated lignin samples were compared to those measured by 31P NMR spectroscopy. The ClO2 method gave substantially higher values, for reasons which deserve further investigation.
The influence of mannanase and endoglucanase treatment on the fibre stability of spruce CTMP
Authors: Strey Grethe , Wesley-Smith James , Wolfaardt Francois
Published: July 2009

An increase in moisture during printing can lead to movement of fibres, such as puffing (return of a fibre to its uncollapsed state), twisting, and lifting of fibres out of the paper web. Spruce fibres are especially subject to these movements, contributing to weak bonding and increased surface roughness. The aim of the present study was to treat spruce pulp with enzymes to improve fibre bonding and stability. Spruce chemi-thermo-mechanical pulp was prepared in the laboratory and treated with mannanase, endoglucanase, and with a combination of these enzymes. Strength properties were evaluated before and after wetting of handsheets and their transverse sections were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Handsheet properties before and after rewetting as well as measurement of lumen area of fibres proved to be effective in evaluating fibre movement and puffing. The treatment of pulp with mannanase or endoglucanase improved fibre stability; however, endoglucanase treatment resulted in a loss of strength. Mannanase appeared to modify the cell walls, making them more susceptible to beating and resulting in improved fibre development and inter-fibre bonding. Endoglucanase possibly damaged fibrils, and fibre degradation instead of fibre development occurred during beating. Stability of thin-walled fibres improved more than thick-walled fibres after enzyme treatment.
Study of the sorption-desorption properties of pine wood at the initial stage of decay by wood-rot fungi 10th EWLP, Stockholm, Sweden, August 25–28, 2008
Authors: Chirkova Jelena , Irbe Ilze , Andersone Ingeborga , Andersons Bruno
Published: July 2009

Hot water extraction of pine wood was carried out after 10 days of exposure to brown-rot fungi (Gloeophyllum trabeum, Coniophora puteana and Poria placenta) and a white-rot fungus (Coriolus versicolor). The microstructure of the wood cell wall was analysed by the water vapour sorption method. The content and composition of monosaccharides in the extracts were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Despite the absence of essential mass losses at the initial stage of the contact with the fungi, slight changes in the cell wall microstructure can be observed, namely, the hydrophobisation and the change in the character of porosity in the region of 1–10 nm pore sizes. After hot water treatment, the mass decreases considerably, i.e., to 25% for the control and brown-rot treated samples and more than 30% for the white-rot treated sample. The sorption-desorption isotherms for the washed control sample and brown-rot samples were not changed practically, but the isotherm was changed clearly in the case of the white-rot treated sample. The microstructure of the white-rot sample changed after hot water washing radically and was accompanied with the formation of wide mesopores in the range of 5–9 nm width.
Chelating and antioxidant activity of lignans from Chilean woods (Cupressaceae)
Authors: Donoso-Fierro César , Becerra José , Bustos-Concha Evelyn , Silva Mario
Published: July 2009

Wood species resistant to biodegradation by fungi contain phenolic compounds with proven fungicidal activity. Saprophytic fungi are able to colonize wood and later begin to break down its polymeric components through metal-dependent reactions. These generate free radicals at the onset of the degradation process. Later on, extracellular enzymes are active that use metallic cofactors. Five lignans were isolated from the methanolic extracts of the Chilean heartwoods (Austrocedrus chilensis, Fitzroya cupressoides, and Pilgerodendron uviferum) belonging to the Cupressaceae: isotaxiresinol, secoisolariciresinol, isolariciresinol, didemethylmatairesinol, and matairesinol. Their structures were determined spectroscopically. The antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts and the isolated compounds was determined in vitro against the radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and their iron-chelating capacity was evaluated by the Chrome Azurol S assay. All isolated methanolic extracts and lignans exhibited antioxidant activity against DPPH and Fe-chelating capacity with values greater than 87%. This may be interpreted that the antioxidant properties and metal-chelating capacity of these compounds have a protective effect on the wood of these species when exposed to attacks by saprophytic fungi.
Comparison of Corrosion Rate Measurement of Copper, Zinc, and C1018 Steel Using Electrochemical Frequency Modulation and Traditional Methods
Authors: Loveday David , Rodgers Robert
Published: July 2009

Experimental aspects of making corrosion rate measurements with the electrochemical frequency modulation technique (EFM) have been discussed. Corrosion rate and corrosion kinetic parameters can be obtained without prior knowledge of the Tafel slopes. Several cases were considered using a dummy cell designed to mimic a corrosion reaction. These approaches were then applied to copper, zinc, and carbon steel samples and the results were compared to more traditional electrochemical techniques like polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Good agreement has been observed between traditional methods and EFM.
Evaluation of Petroleum Products
Authors:   Sectional Committee Z11
Published: July 2009

Description

Exhaust valve performance and exhaust valve materials in gasoline engines have been recognized as a serious limitation to engine development since about 1910. There is good reason to believe that exhaust valve behavior was limiting engine performance even prior to 1910. With the best of current exhaust valve materials and designs, exhaust valve behavior is today only a minor limitation to engine performance and development. However, in some cases cost precludes the use of such materials or designs. Exhaust valves operate at elevated temperatures, usually in the range of about 1200 to 1400 F., but parts of the valve may in some cases reach 1600 F. and more. It is obvious that an exhaust valve material should possess, at operating temperature, a maximum of strength, of resistance to stretching, and of chemical inertness to oxygen and other constituents of the combustible charge prior to and after burning. Hardness of the material at operating temperature has recently been recognized as an additional desirable property, in order to avoid pounding, pitting, etc., of the portion of the valve which makes contact with the seat in the cylinder. A number of additional properties are now recognized as desirable or necessary attributes of an outstanding exhaust valve material, as will be pointed out later.
Development of Functional Grease Test Methods for the Aircraft Industry
Authors: Moreton D. H.
Published: July 2009

The tremendously increased use of ball bearings in modern aircraft has emphasized the need for a closer evaluation of lubricants for these bearings. Operational experience during the war and recent commercial practice has indicated that many of our present standardized test methods for grease evaluation for aircraft are in need of replacement or, in some cases, just an overhaul. It is quite natural that methods which had proved quite satisfactory for automotive and commercial practice should be the first to be employed in qualifying greases for aircraft use.—The tremendous impetus of war and global operation resulted in the present test methods more-or-less adapted to aircraft greases. Such early and commendable methods are found in the early Army-Navy AN grease specifications. As the result of the vast amount of aircraft activity during the war, service data began to trickle back to the aircraft manufacturers and to the Services' technical centers indicating, somewhat vaguely in many cases, the equipment in which the lubricants were failing. There evolved from these reports and much additional pleading for service experience, the third step in this evolutionary process which is now taking place, namely the actual tailoring of test methods to the peculiar functional requirements of aircraft. The newer AN specifications and requirements of commercial aircraft manufacturers contain numerous tests which at least have the appearance of being functional tests, that is, the grease is required to qualify itself in a test method which attempts to duplicate the requirements it must actually meet in service. This cannot be done without some element of hazard. Good reliable service experience is still too rare to be able to predict with certainty the actual environmental conditions that the grease will be subjected to even if the mechanical device used in an absolute duplicate of its service counterpart. Every effort should be bent toward designing the environmental conditions of the test not toward needless severity, but rather toward optimum requirements. There have been too many instances of setting environmental conditions fora functional test which have excluded greases that proved eminently satisfactory in service.