bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3 gene up‐regulation in a rat tail compression loading‐induced disc degeneration model
Authors: Yurube Takashi , Nishida Kotaro , Suzuki Teppei , Kaneyama Shuichi , Zhang Zhongying , Kakutani Kenichiro , Maeno Koichiro , Takada Toru , Fujii Masahiko , Kurosaka Masahiro , Doita Minoru
Published: February 2010

The rodent static compression loading‐induced disc degeneration model still has important gaps among the radiographic, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and histological schemes and the acute and chronic expression of catabolic genes such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3. Our objectives were to assess the validity of a rat tail two‐disc static compression model and to elucidate a representative catabolic marker, MMP‐3 gene alterations, throughout the degenerative process. Static compression at 1.3 MPa for up to 56 days produced progressive disc height loss in radiographs, lower nucleus intensity on T2‐weighted MRIs, and histomorphological degeneration. Real‐time RT‐PCR mRNA quantification showed significant MMP‐3 up‐regulation in nucleus pulposus cells from 7 days and a significantly progressive increase as the loading duration lengthened, with high correlations to radiological degenerative scores. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated progressively increased positive staining for MMP‐3. These results validate this animal model for disc degeneration research. Progressive mRNA and protein‐distributional up‐regulations indicate the significant role of MMP‐3 and its feasibility as a disc degenerative marker. This model should prove useful for investigating the pathomechanism and for evaluating molecular therapies for degenerative disc disease. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1026–1032, 2010
Activation of the aromatic system by the SO2CF3 group: Kinetics study and structure–reactivity relationships
Authors: Guesmi Nizar El , Boubaker Taoufik , Goumont Régis
Published: February 2010

The rate constants for the reaction of 2,6‐bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)‐4‐nitroanisole with some substituted anilines have been measured by spectrophotometric methods in methanol at various temperatures. The data are consistent with the SNAr mechanism. The effect of substituents on the rate of reaction has been examined. Good linear relationships were obtained from the plots of log k1 against Hammett σpara constants values at all temperature with negative ρ values (−1.68 to −1.11). Activation parameters Δ≠H varied from 41.6 to 54.3 kJ mol−1 and Δ≠S from −142.7 to −114.6 J mol−1 K−1. The δΔ≠H and δΔ≠S reaction constants were determined from the dependence of Δ≠H and Δ≠S activation parameters on the σ substituent constants, by analogy with the Hammett equation. A plot of Δ≠H versus Δ≠S for the reaction gave good straight line with 177°C isokinetic temperature. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 203–210, 2010
Ternary Poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile)/Poly(vinyl chloride) Blend Composites with Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Enhanced Physical Characteristics
Authors: Lim Sang‐Kyun , Hong Eun‐Pyo , Song You‐Hyun , Choi Hyoung Jin , Chin In‐Joo
Published: February 2010

We report a ternary system of poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (SAN), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites prepared by both a solution blending method and the SOAM. The MWCNT content in the composites was optimized by both TGA and mechanical characterization of binary mixtures of SAN/MWCNT and PVC/MWCNT composites. The dispersion of MWCNTs in the miscible SAN/PVC blends was characterized by FT‐Raman spectroscopy, FE‐SEM, and FE‐TEM. The distribution of MWCNTs in the SAN/PVC blends was examined in terms of their wetting coefficients and minimization of the interfacial energy. Composites prepared using the SOAM method showed superior physical properties to the SAN/PVC blends and SAN/PVC/MWCNT composites prepared using the solution blending method.

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Accessory spleen: Differential diagnosis for lymphoma in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
Authors: Georgin‐Lavialle Sophie , Aouba Achille , Canioni Danielle , Rieux‐Laucat Frédéric , Fischer Alain , Hermine Olivier
Published: February 2010

Mutations of Fas or, less frequently, Fas ligand genes result in a rare inherited lymphoid disorder called autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) in which lymphoma frequency is increased. We report on a patient with ALPS who had been splenectomized for giant splenomegaly and progressively developed a voluminous abdominal tumor. The histology of the removed tumor revealed that it was an accessory spleen exhibiting typical features of ALPS involvement, as shown by the presence of a large excess of CD3+CD4−CD8− T cells and plasma cells without a detectable monoclonal population. This observation highlights the lymphoma's differential diagnosis in this context. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:1020–1022 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization and conductivity studies of nanocomposite films with polymer networks containing polyaniline‐alginate/titanium dioxide
Authors: Basavaraja C. , Kim Na Ri , Jo Eun Ae , Huh Do Sung
Published: February 2010

Polyaniline nanocomposite films were chemically synthesized in the presence of alginate template by varying the concentration of TiO2 in the composites. Characterization of the composite samples by FTIR, UV‐Vis spectra (UV), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicates the formation of polyaniline‐alginate/titanium dioxide (PAT) composites. The morphology analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) also supports the formation of the composites. Temperature‐dependent DC conductivity of the polyaniline‐alginate (PA) and PAT composites was studied in the range of 300 ≤ T ≤ 500 K. UV‐Vis and FTIR spectral studies reveal that the alginate is a good template for the chemical interaction between polyaniline and TiO2, which suggests that the micelles formed by the anilinium‐alginate cations containing TiO2 are responsible for the transport properties of the PAT composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1754–1761, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Comparative characterization of random‐sequence proteins consisting of 5, 12, and 20 kinds of amino acids
Authors: Tanaka Junko , Doi Nobuhide , Takashima Hideaki , Yanagawa Hiroshi
Published: February 2010

Screening of functional proteins from a random‐sequence library has been used to evolve novel proteins in the field of evolutionary protein engineering. However, random‐sequence proteins consisting of the 20 natural amino acids tend to aggregate, and the occurrence rate of functional proteins in a random‐sequence library is low. From the viewpoint of the origin of life, it has been proposed that primordial proteins consisted of a limited set of amino acids that could have been abundantly formed early during chemical evolution. We have previously found that members of a random‐sequence protein library constructed with five primitive amino acids show high solubility (Doi et al., Protein Eng Des Sel 2005;18:279–284). Although such a library is expected to be appropriate for finding functional proteins, the functionality may be limited, because they have no positively charged amino acid. Here, we constructed three libraries of 120‐amino acid, random‐sequence proteins using alphabets of 5, 12, and 20 amino acids by preselection using mRNA display (to eliminate sequences containing stop codons and frameshifts) and characterized and compared the structural properties of random‐sequence proteins arbitrarily chosen from these libraries. We found that random‐sequence proteins constructed with the 12‐member alphabet (including five primitive amino acids and positively charged amino acids) have higher solubility than those constructed with the 20‐member alphabet, though other biophysical properties are very similar in the two libraries. Thus, a library of moderate complexity constructed from 12 amino acids may be a more appropriate resource for functional screening than one constructed from 20 amino acids.
A reported archaeal mechanosensitive channel is a structural homolog of MarR‐like transcriptional regulators
Authors: Liu Zhenfeng , Walton Troy A. , Rees Douglas C.
Published: February 2010

Several archaeal mechanosensitive (MS) channels have been reported, including one from Thermoplasma volcanium designated MscTV. Here, we report the crystal structure of MscTV at 1.6‐Å resolution. Unexpectedly, MscTV was found to be a water‐soluble protein exhibiting a winged helix‐turn‐helix (wHTH) motif, which is the signature of the MarR (multiple antibiotic resistance regulator) family of transcriptional regulators. A cell‐based osmotic downshock functional assay demonstrated that MscTV was unable to protect a knockout strain of Escherichia coli from hypoosmotic shock, further indicating that it does not function as a MS channel. We propose this protein be renamed MLPTv for MarR‐like protein from T. volcanium.
Discovery and characterization of a mammalian amyloid disaggregation activity
Authors: Murray Amber N. , Solomon James P. , Wang Ya‐Juan , Balch William E. , Kelly Jeffery W.
Published: February 2010

The formation of amyloid, a cross‐β‐sheet fibrillar aggregate, is associated with a variety of aging‐associated degenerative diseases. Herein, we report the existence of a mammalian amyloid disaggregase activity that is present in all tissues and cell types tested. Homogenates from mammalian tissues and cell lines are able to disaggregate amyloid fibrils composed of amyloid β (Aβ)1–40 or the 8 kDa plasma gelsolin fragment. The mammalian disaggregase activity is sensitive to proteinase K digestion and can be uncoupled from proteolysis activity using a protease inhibitor cocktail. Amyloid disaggregation and proteolysis activities are remarkably resistant to changes in temperature and pH. Identification and manipulation of the proteins responsible for the amyloid disaggregation/degradation activities offers the possibility of ameliorating aggregation‐associated diseases.
Quantum skyrmions and the stability of an SO(3) quantum spin‐glass
Authors: Marino E. C. , da Conceição C. M. S.
Published: February 2010

We explore the order–disorder duality relation existing between the spin degrees of freedom and the skyrmion topological excitations in a quenched, disordered SO(3) quantum spin system described by a Heisenberg hamiltonian with nearest neighbor interactions and a Gaussian distribution of couplings. The quantum skyrmion correlation functions are evaluated in each of the phases presented by the system. These realize all possibilities allowed by the duality relation. There is a spin‐glass phase at finite temperature, where the skyrmion correlator have a power‐law behavior. The Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) mechanism stabilizes this phase.
Attosecond quantum fluid dynamics of H2 molecule in a strong time‐dependent magnetic field
Authors: Vikas
Published: February 2010

Quantum fluid dynamics of hydrogen molecule evolving in a strong time‐dependent magnetic field of order >109 G, at internuclear separation R = 1.4 a.u., is presented in a parallel internuclear and magnetic field axis configuration. Time‐dependent density functional computations are performed through a generalized nonlinear time‐dependent Schrödinger equation, which is based on a quantum fluid dynamics approach. The computations reveal interesting dynamics, taking place on the attosecond timescale, in the time‐dependent electronic charge‐density distribution of hydrogen molecule. A distinctive feature of these dynamics is the field‐dependent crossing between different spin‐states as observed in the time‐independent studies of hydrogen molecule in strong static magnetic fields. These crossovers are further elaborated in relevance to the transitions observed in the behavior of correlation energy and exchange energy of hydrogen molecule with magnetic field strength in real‐time. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Adaptation to sensory loss
Authors: Voss Patrice , Collignon Olivier , Lassonde Maryse , Lepore Franco
Published: February 2010

The human brain has the remarkable ability to adapt to changes in its environment by benefiting from its ‘plastic’ properties. Following brain injury, the amputation of a limb, or the loss of a sensory input such as peripheral blindness, brain circuitry often seems to be able to reorganize itself in order to compensate for the handicap by being recruited to carry out tasks not associated with their prior ‘default’ functioning. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the brain's remarkable ability to adapt to changes in its environment, particularly when it is faced with a sensory loss. Two excellent models to study this phenomenon are provided by blind and deaf individuals. In both cases, studies have shown that they appear to compensate for the loss of sensory input with enhanced abilities in their remaining senses. These behavioral modifications are often coupled with changes in cerebral processing, generally in the form of crossmodal recruitment of deaffarented primary and secondary sensory areas. We will also discuss the possible mechanisms underlying these changes and whether the functional topography of these regions present in unimpaired individuals is preserved in blindness and deafness. The notion of a critical period for plastic changes will also be discussed and its importance will be shown to be twofold. On the one hand, the functional relevance of crossmodal processing appears to decrease as a function of the age of onset of the deficiency. On the other hand, the more cortical reorganization takes place, the less likely brain areas will be able to process input from its original sensory modality. This is especially important for deaf individuals as auditory input can now be restored thanks to cochlear implants. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics

Neuroscience > Development
Seasonal and diurnal variation of convective available potential energy (CAPE) using COSMIC/FORMOSAT‐3 observations over the tropics
Authors: Narendra Babu A. , Nee J. B. , Kumar Karanam Kishore
Published: February 2010

The global pattern of convective available potential energy (CAPE) at seasonal and diurnal time scales is discussed using 1 year of COSMIC/FORMOSAT‐3 satellite observations. The calculation of CAPE using temperature and humidity measurements of COSMIC is described. The estimated CAPE is grouped into 5 × 5 grid and is further classified into four seasons, namely, winter, spring, summer, and autumn. The CAPE magnitudes in general have high values over land as compared to oceanic region, which confirmed the consistency of CAPE calculations. The systematic migration of CAPE from Northern Hemisphere to Southern Hemisphere is observed during Northern Hemisphere summer to winter, coinciding with the movement of intertropical convergence zone. Once the seasonal pattern is established, the composite diurnal patterns of CAPE with 2 h resolution are obtained by combing all the observations in one season. Diurnal variation of CAPE has shown domination of semidiurnal variations at some latitudes (12 h) and diurnal variation (24 h) at some other latitudes. The mean removed CAPE is then subjected to Fourier analysis to extract the diurnal variation amplitudes. During the observational period, larger CAPE magnitudes are observed over the Indian Ocean during most of the seasons, comparable in magnitude to that of the land regions. As the CAPE and precipitation patterns have correlation, the present study demonstrated the capability of COSMIC/FORMOSAT‐3 to study the diurnal patterns of CAPE, which will have implications in interpreting the tropical diurnal precipitation patterns.
Mineralogical and chemical characterization of lunar highland soils: Insights into the space weathering of soils on airless bodies
Authors: Taylor Lawrence A. , Pieters Carlé , Patchen Allan , Taylor Dong‐Hwa S. , Morris Richard V. , Keller Lindsay P. , McKay David S.
Published: February 2010

With reflectance spectroscopy, one is measuring only properties of the fine‐grained regolith most affected by space weathering. The Lunar Soil Characterization Consortium has undertaken the task of coordinated characterization of lunar soils, with respect to their mineralogical and chemical makeup. It is these lunar soils that are being used as “ground truth” for all airless bodies. Modal abundances and chemistries of minerals and glasses in the finest size fractions (20–45, 10–20, and <10 μm) of four Apollo 14 and six Apollo 16 highland soils have been determined, as well as their bulk chemistry and IS/FeO values. Bidirectional reflectance measurements (0.3–2.6 μm) of all samples were performed in the Reflectance Experiment Laboratory. A significant fraction of nanophase Fe0 (np‐Fe0) appears to reside in agglutinitic glasses. However, as grain size of a soil decreases, the percentage of total iron present as np‐Fe0 increases significantly, whereas the agglutinitic glass content rises only slightly; this is evidence for a large contribution to the IS/FeO values from the surface‐correlated nanophase Fe0, particularly in the <10 μm size fraction. The compositions of the agglutinitic glasses in these fine fractions of the highland soils are different from the bulk chemistry of that size; however, compositional trends of the glasses are not the same as those observed for mare soils. It is apparent that the glasses in the highland soils contain chemical components from outside their terrains. It is proposed that the Apollo 16 soils have been adulterated by the addition of impact‐transported soil components from surrounding maria.
Measurement of interfacial shear strength in single wall carbon nanotubes reinforced composite using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Roy Debdulal , Bhattacharyya Sanjib , Rachamim A. , Plati A. , Saboungi Marie-Louise
Published: February 2010

A novel method of measuring interfacial shear strength using Raman peak shift is reported. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) functionalized with biomolecules have been used to form a composite with polyvinyl alcohol. Type I collagen has proven to improve the load transfer from the matrix to the tubes leading to improvement of interfacial shear strength. Collagen interacts with single wall CNTs and probably wraps around it. When a composite structure is formed with the collagen, load transfer takes place through the collagen molecule. The interfacial strength of the nanotubes-matrix interface was found to be larger than 160 MPa, which is significantly higher than that observed before. A similar shear strength is estimated using a simple analytical calculation.
The observation of formation and annihilation of solitons and standing strain wave superstructures in a two-dimensional colloidal crystal
Authors: Chui Yu-Hang , Sengupta Surajit , Snook Ian K. , Binder Kurt
Published: February 2010

Confining a colloidal crystal within a long narrow channel produced by two parallel walls can be used to impose a mesoscale superstructure of a predominantly mechanical elastic character [Chui et al., EPL 83, 58004 (2008)]. When the crystal is compressed in the direction perpendicular to the walls, we obtain a structural transition when the number of rows of particles parallel to the walls decreases by one. All the particles of this vanishing row are distributed throughout the crystal. If the confining walls are structured (say with a corrugation along the length of the walls), then these extra particles are distributed neither uniformly nor randomly; rather, defect structures are created along the boundaries resembling “soliton staircases,” inducing a nonuniform strain pattern within the crystal. Here, we study the conditions of stability, formation, and annihilation of these solitons using a coarse grained description of the dynamics. The processes are shown by comparing superimposed configurations as well as molecular animations obtained from our simulations. Also, the corresponding normal and shear stresses during the transformation are calculated. A study of these dynamical processes should be useful for controlling strain wave superstructures in the self-assembly of various nano- and mesoscaled particles.
Plakophilin 1 stimulates translation by promoting eIF4A1 activity
Authors: Wolf Annika , Krause-Gruszczynska Malgorzata , Birkenmeier Olaf , Ostareck-Lederer Antje , Hüttelmaier Stefan , Hatzfeld Mechthild
Published: February 2010

Plakophilins 1–3 (PKP1–3) are desmosomal proteins of the p120ctn family of armadillo-related proteins that are essential for organizing the desmosomal plaque. Recent findings identified PKPs in stress granules, suggesting an association with the translational machinery. However, a role of PKPs in controlling translation remained elusive so far. In this study, we show a direct association of PKP1 with the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1 (eIF4A1). PKP1 stimulated eIF4A1-dependent translation via messenger RNA cap and encephalomyocarditis virus internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) structures, whereas eIF4A1-independent translation via hepatitis C virus IRES was not affected. PKP1 copurified with eIF4A1 in the cap complex, and its overexpression stimulated eIF4A1 recruitment into cap-binding complexes. At the molecular level, PKP1 directly promoted eIF4A1 adenosine triphosphatase activity. The stimulation of translation upon PKP1 overexpression correlated with the up-regulation of proliferation and cell size. In conclusion, these findings identify PKP1 as a regulator of translation and proliferation via modulation of eIF4A1 activity and suggest that PKP1 controls cell growth in physiological and pathological conditions.
Signal sequence insufficiency contributes to neurodegeneration caused by transmembrane prion protein
Authors: Rane Neena S. , Chakrabarti Oishee , Feigenbaum Lionel , Hegde Ramanujan S.
Published: February 2010

Protein translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum is mediated by signal sequences that vary widely in primary structure. In vitro studies suggest that such signal sequence variations may correspond to subtly different functional properties. Whether comparable functional differences exist in vivo and are of sufficient magnitude to impact organism physiology is unknown. Here, we investigate this issue by analyzing in transgenic mice the impact of signal sequence efficiency for mammalian prion protein (PrP). We find that replacement of the average efficiency signal sequence of PrP with more efficient signals rescues mice from neurodegeneration caused by otherwise pathogenic PrP mutants in a downstream hydrophobic domain (HD). This effect is explained by the demonstration that efficient signal sequence function precludes generation of a cytosolically exposed, disease-causing transmembrane form of PrP mediated by the HD mutants. Thus, signal sequences are functionally nonequivalent in vivo, with intrinsic inefficiency of the native PrP signal being required for pathogenesis of a subset of disease-causing PrP mutations.
Naive tumor-specific CD4+ T cells differentiated in vivo eradicate established melanoma
Authors: Xie Ying , Akpinarli Akgül , Maris Charles , Hipkiss Edward L. , Lane Malcolm , Kwon Eun-Kyung M. , Muranski Pawel , Restifo Nicholas P. , Antony Paul Andrew
Published: February 2010

In vitro differentiated CD8+ T cells have been the primary focus of immunotherapy of cancer with little focus on CD4+ T cells. Immunotherapy involving in vitro differentiated T cells given after lymphodepleting regimens significantly augments antitumor immunity in animals and human patients with cancer. However, the mechanisms by which lymphopenia augments adoptive cell therapy and the means of properly differentiating T cells in vitro are still emerging. We demonstrate that naive tumor/self-specific CD4+ T cells naturally differentiated into T helper type 1 cytotoxic T cells in vivo and caused the regression of established tumors and depigmentation in lymphopenic hosts. Therapy was independent of vaccination, exogenous cytokine support, CD8+, B, natural killer (NK), and NKT cells. Proper activation of CD4+ T cells in vivo was important for tumor clearance, as naive tumor-specific CD4+ T cells could not completely treat tumor in lymphopenic common gamma chain (γc)–deficient hosts. γc signaling in the tumor-bearing host was important for survival and proper differentiation of adoptively transferred tumor-specific CD4+ T cells. Thus, these data provide a platform for designing immunotherapies that incorporate tumor/self-reactive CD4+ T cells.
Epitaxial growth of barium hexaferrite film on wide bandgap semiconductor 6H–SiC by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Cai Z , Goodrich T L , Sun B , Chen Z , Harris V G , Ziemer K S
Published: February 2010

Epitaxial barium ferrite (BaM) films have been successfully grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for the first time on 6H silicon carbide substrates by using a 10 nm single crystalline MgO (1 1 1)//SiC(0 0 0 1) template, also grown by MBE. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the thin MgO template in the early stages of film growth prevented the diffusion of Si into the BaM film. Background oxygen pressure (containing both O atoms and O2, but no ionic species) is critical for determining the chemistry and surface structure of BaM. An oxygen deficient or rich environment will cause impurity phases of Fe3O4 or α-BaFe2O4, respectively. For BaM films grown in an optimal oxygen environment, x-ray diffraction showed a strong c-axis perpendicular to the substrate plane while the pole figure exhibited reflections consistent with epitaxial growth. Vibrating sample magnetometry showed a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy field of 16 200 Oe and a magnetization (as 4πM
s) of 4.1 kG.
Gene function prediction from synthetic lethality networks via ranking on demand
Authors: Lippert Christoph , Ghahramani Zoubin , Borgwardt Karsten M.
Published: February 2010

Motivation: Synthetic lethal interactions represent pairs of genes whose individual mutations are not lethal, while the double mutation of both genes does incur lethality. Several studies have shown a correlation between functional similarity of genes and their distances in networks based on synthetic lethal interactions. However, there is a lack of algorithms for predicting gene function from synthetic lethality interaction networks.

Results: In this article, we present a novel technique called kernelROD for gene function prediction from synthetic lethal interaction networks based on kernel machines. We apply our novel algorithm to Gene Ontology functional annotation prediction in yeast. Our experiments show that our method leads to improved gene function prediction compared with state-of-the-art competitors and that combining genetic and congruence networks leads to a further improvement in prediction accuracy.

Contact:  christoph.lippert@tuebingen.mpg.de

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Clinical trial: the efficacy and safety of oral PF‐03491390, a pancaspase inhibitor – a randomized placebo‐controlled study in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: SHIFFMAN M. L. , POCKROS P. , MCHUTCHISON J. G. , SCHIFF E. R. , MORRIS M. , BURGESS G.
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 969–978

Background  Elevated serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) reflect hepatocellular injury in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Increased apoptosis and activated caspases are present in these patients. PF‐03491390 inhibits multiple caspases and lowers serum AST and ALT levels in patients with chronic liver diseases.

Aim  To determine if treatment with an oral pancaspase inhibitor could reduce serum AST and ALT in patients with HCV.

Methods  Double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐dose study in 204 patients treated with placebo or PF‐03491390 (5, 25 or 50 mg) orally twice daily (b.d.) for up to 12 weeks. Serum AST and ALT were monitored weekly.

Results  Significant reductions in serum AST and ALT were observed within 1 week of initiating PF‐03491390 in all treatment groups (P < 0.0001). These reductions in AST and ALT were maintained throughout the 12 week treatment period and returned to baseline levels when PF‐03491390 was discontinued. Increasing the dose did not further lower AST or ALT. The most frequently reported adverse events were headache and fatigue.

Conclusion  PF‐03491390 significantly reduced serum AST and ALT levels in patients with chronic HCV, and was well tolerated over 12 weeks.
Recruitment subsidies support tree subpopulations in non‐preferred tropical forest habitats
Authors: Zuidema Pieter A. , Yamada Toshihiro , During Heinjo J. , Itoh Akira , Yamakura Takuo , Ohkubo Tatsuhiro , Kanzaki Mamoru , Tan Sylvester , Ashton Peter S.
Published: February 2010

1. A large share of tree species in tropical forests exhibit preference for certain habitats, resulting in strong abundance differences across habitats. While the occurrence of such habitat preference is now documented for over a thousand species, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. How are subpopulations in non‐preferred habitats able to survive? Theoretical studies have suggested that these subpopulations are maintained by source–sink dynamics –‘recruitment subsidies’ from high‐density to low‐density subpopulations – but empirical tests are lacking.

2. Here, we evaluate the role of recruitment subsidies in maintaining subpopulations of a rainforest tree in non‐preferred habitats. Our study species Scaphium borneense (Sterculiaceae) shows strong habitat preference for drier ridges at Lambir Hills, Malaysia, where it occurs at ninefold higher densities than in the wetter valleys. On slopes, Scaphium occurs at intermediate densities.

3. We estimated source–sink exchange between subpopulations in three habitats in a 52‐ha plot, using nearest‐neighbour analyses. We found evidence for strong recruitment subsidies to the non‐preferred habitats: 83–91% of recruits (of 1 cm diameter) in the valley had likely mother trees in another habitat. For slope recruits this was 54–78%.

4. We then used 10‐year demographic data to construct multi‐state matrix models that included the dynamics within, and exchange of recruits between subpopulations. We found that blocking recruitment subsidies to valley and slope subpopulations led to strong reductions in subpopulation growth rates over 100 years (λ100). By contrast, λ100 of the ridge population was hardly affected by blocking recruitment exchange.

5. Elasticity analysis confirmed the importance of recruitment subsidies for λ100 in valley and slope subpopulations: elasticity of recruitment subsidies to these subpopulations was three to five times larger than local recruitment. Again, the reverse pattern was found for the preferred habitat, where elasticity for recruitment from other habitats was very low.

6.
Synthesis. Our results show that recruitment subsidies can be crucial for maintaining subpopulations of tropical tree species in non‐preferred habitats. To the extent that such source–sink dynamics are common among tropical tree species, this mechanism may play a role in maintaining high tree diversity in tropical forests.
Research to realisation: the challenging path for novel pest management products in Australia
Authors: Gregg Peter C , Greive Kerryn A , Del Socorro Alice P , Hawes Anthony J
Published: February 2010

In this Overview, we explore the linkages between basic research and the commercial development of novel pest management products in Australia. Despite the large volume of research in fundamental and applied aspects of entomology, very few new pest management products are developed and commercialised in Australia. Reasons for this include demanding and expensive regulatory requirements which (as in many other countries) mean that commercial development is the province of large multinational agrochemical companies. We describe the Australian regulatory system and the opportunities and difficulties it can present, using examples from recently registered Australian products, Magnet® moth attractant and the MOOV® range of insect repellents. The science behind these products is described in a series of papers in this issue of Australian Journal of Entomology. We also explore some of the commercial imperatives in novel product development, and aspects of the interactions between researchers and commercial partners. Finally, we discuss potential advantages of Australia as a locale for commercial development of novel products.
Capsule Endoscopy in Examination of Esophagus for Lesions After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: A Potential Tool to Select Patients With Increased Risk of Complications
Authors: DI BIASE LUIGI , DODIG MILAN , SALIBA WALID , SIU ALAN , SANTISI JANICE , POE STACY , SANAKA MADHUSUDHAN , UPCHURCH BENNIE , VARGO JOHN , NATALE ANDREA
Published: February 2010

Capsule Endoscopy in Examination of Esophagus. Background: Esophageal injury can result from left atrial radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy, with added concern because of its possible relationship to the development of atrial‐esophageal (A‐E) fistulas.

Objective:
Evaluate utility of esophageal capsule endoscopy to detect esophageal lesions as a complication of RFA therapy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods:
Consecutive patients with AF who underwent left atrial RFA therapy and received capsule endoscopy within 48 hours postablation. Video was reviewed by a single gastroenterologist. The medical records were also reviewed for symptoms immediately postablation and at the 3‐month follow‐up.

Results:
A total of 93 consecutive patients were included and 88 completed the study and were analyzed. The prevalence of esophageal lesions was 17% (15/88 patients). Nine percent (8/88) of these patients had lesions anatomically consistent with the location of the ablation catheter. Six patients with positive capsule findings had symptoms of chest pain (3/6, 50%), throat pain (2/6, 33%), nausea (1/6, 17%), and abdominal pain (1/6, 17%). An additional 24 patients were symptomatic postablation, but with normal capsule findings. All patients with identified lesions by capsule endoscopy received oral proton pump inhibitor therapy, and were instructed to contact the Cleveland Clinic in the event of worsening symptoms. No delayed complications were reported at the 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion:
This study supports the use of capsule endoscopy as a tool for the detection of esophageal injury post‐RFA therapy. PillCam ESO is well tolerated and provides satisfactory images of the areas of interest in the esophagus without potential risk related to insufflation with regular esophagogastroduodenoscopy. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 839‐844, August 2010)
Soluble Dietary Fiber
Authors: Chawla R. , Patil G.R.
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  Soluble dietary fibers (SDFs) are present in small quantities in almost each and every commodity and in combination with insoluble dietary fiber contribute towards total dietary fiber. The beneficial properties of SDFs have been associated with their significant role in human physiological function. Reductions in cholesterol level and blood pressure, prevention of gastrointestinal problems, protection against onset of several cancers, which include colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer, increased mineral bioavailability, and many more are the salient features of their potential. Some of the new unexplored soluble fibers are still under investigation for their use in a variety of commercial foodstuffs. This review outlines the various SDFs available, their major sources, and their potential functional role in human health.
Influence of Interface Characteristics on the Mechanical Properties of Hi‐Nicalon type‐S or Tyranno‐SA3 Fiber‐Reinforced SiC/SiC Minicomposites
Authors: Sauder C. , Brusson A. , Lamon J.
Published: February 2010

The tensile behavior of CVI SiC/SiC composites with Hi‐Nicalon type‐S (Hi‐NicalonS) or Tyranno‐SA3 (SA3) fibers was investigated using minicomposite test specimens. Minicomposites contain a single tow. The mechanical behavior was correlated with microstructural features including tow failure strength and interface characteristics. The Hi‐NicalonS fiber‐reinforced minicomposites exhibited a conventional damage‐tolerant response, comparable to that observed on composites reinforced by untreated Nicalon or Hi‐Nicalon fibers and possessing weak fiber/matrix interfaces. The SA3 fiber‐reinforced minicomposites exhibited larger interfacial shear stresses and erratic behavior depending on the fiber PyC coating thickness. Differences in the mechanical behavior were related to differences in the fiber surface roughness.
Peeling the Onion: Getting Inside Experience-Based Leadership Development
Authors: McCall Morgan W.
Published: February 2010

There doesn't seem to be much disagreement that experience should be at the heart of leadership development. The energy in the commentaries was around building on the existing foundation of knowledge about experience-based leadership development, bolstering certain areas to make it more complete and usable. I examine more closely several of the issues raised in the commentaries: the role of training and education in leadership development, increasing the probability that the desired learning from experience actually happens, and the transfer of learning.
The Social and Economic Imperative of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Supportive Organizational Policies
Authors: King Eden B. , Cortina José M.
Published: February 2010

The central premise of this article is that organizations have social and economic interests in building policies and practices that support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) workers. This argument is based on empirical evidence that (a) LGBT workers continue to face discrimination at work from which they are not protected under federal law, and (b) discrimination has negative consequences for individual's mental and physical health, and on reasoning that (c) organizations share responsibility for the social good of the communities in which they operate. We offer practical suggestions for creating LGBT-supportive organizations and propose that industrial–organizational psychologists have an ethical obligation to support such efforts.
Stated and Unstated Opportunities and Barriers to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Supportive Organizations
Authors: King Eden B. , Cortina José M.
Published: February 2010

This response highlights the common themes across the commentaries that reflect both opportunities and barriers to the successful creation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered supportive organizations. In addition, in the interest of comprehensiveness, we describe additional perspectives and points that were not offered in the dialogue. Finally, in line with the evidence presented in the focal paper, we urge readers to consider their own roles in advocating for equity.
Histamine H3 receptor activation decreases kainate‐induced hippocampal gamma oscillations in vitro by action potential desynchronization in pyramidal neurons
Authors: Andersson Richard , Lindskog Maria , Fisahn André
Published: February 2010

The study of rhythmic electrical activity in slice preparations has generated important insights into neural network function. While the synaptic mechanisms involved in the generation of in vitro network oscillations have been studied widely, little is known about the modulatory influence exerted on rhythmic activity in neuronal networks by neuropeptides and biogenic amines. Gamma oscillations play an important role in cognitive processes and are altered or disrupted in disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and schizophrenia. Given the importance of gamma oscillations for learning, memory and cognition processes as well as the recent interest in histamine H3 receptors in the development of pro‐cognitive drugs to treat disorders such as AD and schizophrenia, it is relevant to study the impact of histaminergic mechanisms on network gamma oscillations. Here we show for the first time a modulation of gamma oscillation by histaminergic mechanisms. Selective activation of the H3 receptor by R‐α‐methylhistamine significantly reduces the power of kainate‐induced gamma oscillations, but not carbachol‐induced gamma oscillations, in the rat hippocampal slice preparation without affecting oscillation frequency. This effect is neither caused by a decrease in excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic currents, nor a decrease in cellular excitability. Instead, we find that the decrease in oscillation power following H3 receptor activation results from a desynchronization of pyramidal neuron action potential firing with regard to the local field potential oscillation cycle. Our data provide a possible mechanism of action for histamine in regulating gamma oscillations in the hippocampal network.
A Simple Statistical Thermodynamics Experiment
Authors: LoPresto Michael C.
Published: February 2010

Comparing the predicted and actual rolls of combinations of both two and three dice can help to introduce many of the basic concepts of statistical thermodynamics, including multiplicity, probability, microstates, and macrostates, and demonstrate that entropy is indeed a measure of randomness, that disordered states (those of higher entropy) are more likely than more ordered ones. It can also show that predictions based on statistics are more accurate with larger samples of data. What follows is a simple experiment introducing some of the basic elements of statistical thermodynamics that can be a light and even fun way to end a unit on thermodynamics, often the end of a challenging first semester of introductory physics.
Authentication schemes for multimedia streams
Authors: Hefeeda Mohamed , Mokhtarian Kianoosh
Published: February 2010

With the rapid increase in the demand for multimedia services, securing the delivery of multimedia content has become an important issue. Accordingly, the problem of multimedia stream authentication has received considerable attention by previous research and various solutions have been proposed. However, these solutions have not been rigorously analyzed and contrasted to each other, and thus their relative suitability for different streaming environments is not clear. This article presents comprehensive analysis and comparison among different schemes proposed in the literature to authenticate multimedia streams. Authentication schemes for nonscalable and scalable multimedia streams are analyzed. To conduct this analysis, we define five important performance metrics, which are computation cost, communication overhead, receiver buffer size, delay, and tolerance to packet losses. We derive analytic formulas for these metrics for all considered authentication schemes to numerically analyze their performance. In addition, we implement all schemes in a simulator to study and compare their performance in different environments. The parameters for the simulator are carefully chosen to mimic realistic settings. We draw several conclusions on the advantages and disadvantages of each scheme. We extend our analysis to authentication techniques for scalable streams. We pay careful attention to the flexibility of scalable streams and analyze its impacts on the authentication schemes. Our analysis and comparison reveal the merits and shortcomings of each scheme, provide guidelines on choosing the most appropriate scheme for a given multimedia streaming application, and could stimulate designing new authentication schemes or improving existing ones. For example, our detailed analysis has led us to design a new authentication scheme that combines the best features of two previous schemes.
A Fixed Point Approach to the Stability of an Additive-Quadratic-Cubic-Quartic Functional Equation
Authors: Lee JungRye , Kim Ji-hye , Park Choonkil
Published: February 2010

Using the fixed point method, we prove the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of the following additive-quadratic-cubic-quartic functional equation "Equation missing" in Banach spaces.
Accounting for Difficulties faced in Materializing a Transnational ENGO Conservation Network: A Case-Study from the Mediterranean
Authors: Botetzagias Iosif , Robinson Prue , Venizelos Lily
Published: February 2010

This paper investigates a rarely visited theme in academic research, namely the reasons hindering successful trans-national networking of environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs). We visit this theme by analyzing the MEDSETCON initiative, an attempt in the late 1990s-early 2000s to create a Mediterranean Sea Turtle Conservation network, which ultimately bore no fruit. Prior research had emphasized the role played by individual and organizational characteristics as well as the issue's urgency, relevance and importance. In the case of MEDSETCON, all of these “environmental” conditions were met, yet the network did not materialize. We argue that this was because, albeit necessary, the conditions identified by other research are not in themselves sufficient. Thus we inform prior research by pointing out that networking is, ceteris paribus, also the outcome of successful resource exchanges between prospective members. Accordingly, we argue that individual ENGOs pursue networking to the extent that they feel that this will enhance some of their sources of leverage (the intellectual, political, fiscal and membership assets they need for operating and promoting their agenda), thus in effect exchanging stocks of one kind of leverage for another.
Imagination: A Hermeneutical Tool for the Study of the Hebrew Bible
Authors: de Hulster Izaak
Published: February 2010

Biblical scholars use the word 'imagination' more and more often, but in different cases 'imagination' covers different concepts. In order to reach a more systematic application of 'imagination' in hermeneutics and Old Testament Studies in general, there is a need to explore the possible uses of 'imagination'. This article comprises: 1) a theoretical introduction extending what Barth and Steck wrote in their classical primer on exegetical methods; 2) a section on imagination and history; 3) a heuristic classifying survey of Brueggemann's use of the word 'imagination'; 4) a reflection on how imagination is restricted by parameters of time and place. The article distinguishes between imagination of ancient people and of people nowadays, but deals with the interplay of both as well. It further reflects on the informed, controlled use of imagination in hermeneutics. After a brief comment on "moral imagination," a survey and mapping of the uses of imagination in hermeneutics rounds off the article. This will make clear how the different notions referred to with the word 'imagination' are related and why it is important to consider them as interdependent concepts. Although the majority of the examples will be taken from the Hebrew Bible, the thoughts expressed here are applicable to the study of the New Testament as well and some more specific New Testament issues and related literature will be referred to.
Erfgoed
Authors: Ronnes Hanneke
Published: February 2010

Erfgoed: de geschiedenis van een begrip
Amsterdam University Press, the Netherlands, 2007. Frans Grijzenhout (ed.). Volume 5 in the series Dutch History of Concepts, Amsterdam University Press