bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Routes to Face Perception: Evidence From Psychophysics and Computational Modeling
Authors: Schwaninger Adrian , Lobmaier Janek S. , Wallraven Christian , Collishaw Stephan
Published: February 2010

The aim of this study was to separately analyze the role of featural and configural face representations. Stimuli containing only featural information were created by cutting the faces into their parts and scrambling them. Stimuli only containing configural information were created by blurring the faces. Employing an old‐new recognition task, the aim of Experiments 1 and 2 was to investigate whether unfamiliar faces (Exp. 1) or familiar faces (Exp. 2) can be recognized if only featural or configural information is provided. Both scrambled and blurred faces could be recognized above chance level. A further aim of Experiments 1 and 2 was to investigate whether our method of creating configural and featural stimuli is valid. Pre‐activation of one form of representation did not facilitate recognition of the other, neither for unfamiliar faces (Exp. 1) nor for familiar faces (Exp. 2). This indicates a high internal validity of our method for creating configural and featural face stimuli. Experiment 3 examined whether features placed in their correct categorical relational position but with distorted metrical distances facilitated recognition of unfamiliar faces. These faces were recognized no better than the scrambled faces in Experiment 1, providing further evidence that facial features are stored independently of configural information. From these results we conclude that both featural and configural information are important to recognize a face and argue for a dual‐mode hypothesis of face processing. Using the psychophysical results as motivation, we propose a computational framework that implements featural and configural processing routes using an appearance‐based representation based on local features and their spatial relations. In three computational experiments (Experiments 4–6) using the same sets of stimuli, we show how this framework is able to model the psychophysical data.
Global Model Analysis of Cognitive Variability
Authors: Gilden David L.
Published: February 2010

Residual fluctuations produced in typical experimental methodologies are examined as correlated noises. The effective range of the correlations was assessed by determining whether the decay over look‐back time is better described as a power law or exponential. Both of these decay laws contain free parameters and it is argued that it is not possible to distinguish their models on the basis of simple measures of goodness‐of‐fit. Global analyses that evaluate models on the basis of how well they generalize are conducted. The models are examined in terms of three constructs that all bear on generalization: cross‐validity, flexibility, and representativeness. Quantitative assessment of a large ensemble of data suggests that the correlations decay over time as a power law. The conclusion is that human residual fluctuation is a correlated fractal.
Strudel: A Corpus‐Based Semantic Model Based on Properties and Types
Authors: Baroni Marco , Murphy Brian , Barbu Eduard , Poesio Massimo
Published: February 2010

Computational models of meaning trained on naturally occurring text successfully model human performance on tasks involving simple similarity measures, but they characterize meaning in terms of undifferentiated bags of words or topical dimensions. This has led some to question their psychological plausibility (Murphy, 2002;Schunn, 1999). We present here a fully automatic method for extracting a structured and comprehensive set of concept descriptions directly from an English part‐of‐speech‐tagged corpus. Concepts are characterized by weighted properties, enriched with concept–property types that approximate classical relations such as hypernymy and function. Our model outperforms comparable algorithms in cognitive tasks pertaining not only to concept‐internal structures (discovering properties of concepts, grouping properties by property type) but also to inter‐concept relations (clustering into superordinates), suggesting the empirical validity of the property‐based approach.
On Leveraged Learning in Lexical Acquisition and Its Relationship to Acceleration
Authors: Mitchell Colleen , McMurray Bob
Published: February 2010

Children at about age 18 months experience acceleration in word learning. This vocabulary explosion is a robust phenomenon, although the exact shape and timing vary from child to child. One class of explanations, which we term collectively asleveraged learning, posits that knowledge of some words helps with the learning of others. In this framework, the child initially knows no words and so learning is slow. As more words are acquired, new words become easier and thus it is the acquisition of early words that fuels the explosion in learning. In this paper we examine the role of leveraged learning in the vocabulary spurt by proposing a simple model of leveraged learning. Our results show that leverage can change both the shape and timing of the acceleration, but that it cannot create acceleration if it did not exist in the corresponding model without leveraging. This model is then applied to the Zipfian distribution of word frequencies, which confirm that leveraging does not create acceleration, but that the relationship between frequency and the difficulty of learning a word may be complex.
High Regularities in Eye‐Movement Patterns Reveal the Dynamics of the Visual Working Memory Allocation Mechanism
Authors: Kong Xiaohui , Schunn Christian D. , Wallstrom Garrick L.
Published: February 2010

With only two to five slots of visual working memory (VWM), humans are able to quickly solve complex visual problems to near optimal solutions. To explain the paradox between tightly constrained VWM and impressively complex human visual problem‐solving ability, we propose several principles for dynamic VWM allocation. In particular, we propose that complex visual information is represented in a temporal manner using only a few slots of VWM that include global and local visual chunks. We built a model of human traveling salesman problem solving based on these principles of VWM allocation and tested the model with eye‐movement data. Exactly as the model predicted, human eye movements during traveling salesman problem solving have precise quantitative regularities with regard to both the general statistical pattern of attentional fixations and how they vary across individuals with different VWM capacities. Even though VWM capacity is very limited, eye movements dynamically allocate VWM resources to both local and global information, enabling attention to fine details without loss of the big picture.
Predicting Voting Behavior of Young Adults: The Importance of Information, Motivation, and Behavioral Skills
Authors: Glasford Demis E.
Published: February 2010

The information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) model has been shown reliably to predict and change a number of behaviors (Fisher & Fisher, 2000). In light of low voter turnout among young adults, the present research examines the utility of the IMB model to predict voting behavior among this population. The predictive validity of the IMB model for voting behavior was tested, as well as its unique contribution to explaining voting behavior, over and above the theory of reasoned action (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980) and the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1985). As expected, the variables specified by the IMB model uniquely predicted intention to vote (Study 1) and voting behavior (Study 2), over and above the 2 other models.
Self‐Representations in Immersive Virtual Environments1
Authors: Bailenson Jeremy N. , Blascovich Jim , Guadagno Rosanna E.
Published: February 2010

This experiment varied whether individuals interacted with virtual representations of themselves or of others in an immersive virtual environment. In the self‐representation condition, half of the participants interacted with a self‐representation that bore photographic resemblance to them, whereas the other half interacted with a self‐representation that bore no resemblance to them. In the other‐representation condition, participants interacted with a representation of another individual. The experimental design was a 2 (Participant Gender) × 3 (Agent Identity: high‐similarity self‐representation vs. low‐similarity self‐representation vs. other representation). Overall, participants displayed more intimacy‐consistent behaviors for representations of themselves than others. Implications of using immersive virtual environment technology for studying the self are discussed.
Immunohistochemical analysis of RNA‐induced silencing complex‐related proteins AGO2 and TNRC6A in prostate and esophageal cancers
Authors: YOO NAM JIN , HUR SOO YOUNG , KIM MIN SUNG , LEE JI YOUL , LEE SUG HYUNG
Published: February 2010

Yoo NJ, Hur SY, Kim MS, Lee JY, Lee SH. Immunohistochemical analysis of RNA‐induced silencing complex‐related proteins AGO2 and TNRC6A in prostate and esophageal cancers. APMIS 2010; 118: 271–6.

Evidence exists that microRNA (miRNA), which regulates gene expression, is frequently deregulated in cancers. A mature miRNA directs a RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC) to its target messenger RNA, and causes inhibition of gene transcription. Ago proteins and TNRC proteins are main components of the RISC and participate in miRNA‐induced gene silencing. However, expression status of Ago and TNRC proteins has not yet been studied in human cancer tissues. In this study, we attempted to explore whether expressions of Ago2 and TNRC6A are altered in prostate carcinomas (PCA) and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC). We analyzed the expression of Ago2 and TNRC6A in 107 PCA and 58 ESCC tissues by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray (TMA) method. In the prostate, Ago2 was not expressed in normal glandular cells, while it was expressed in 50.0% of prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and 57.0% of the PCA. TNRC6A was not expressed in normal prostate cells, while it was expressed in 55.0% of the PIN and 63.6% of the PCA in cytoplasm and nucleus. In the esophagus, neither Ago2 nor TNRC6A was expressed in normal squamous cells, while Ago2 and TNRC6A were expressed in 58.6% and 62.1% of the ESCC, respectively. However, neither the expression of Ago2 or TNRC6A was associated with pathologic characteristics of the cancers, including age, sex, Gleason score (PCA) and stage. The increased expressions of Ago2 and TNRC6A in both PCA and ESCC compared with their normal cells suggested that over‐expression of these proteins may be related to miRNA functions and might play a role in tumorigenesis of PCA and ESCC.
Synthetic constrained peptide selectively binds and antagonizes death receptor 5
Authors: Vrielink Johanna , Heins Mariette S. , Setroikromo Rita , Szegezdi Eva , Mullally Margaret M. , Samali Afshin , Quax Wim J.
Published: February 2010

Apoptosis or programmed cell death is an inherent part of the development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. Dysregulation of apoptosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and autoimmune disorders. Tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) is able to induce apoptosis by binding death receptor (DR)4 (TRAIL‐R1) and DR5 (TRAIL‐R2), which makes TRAIL an interesting and promising therapeutic target. To identify peptides that specifically interact with DR5, a disulfide‐constrained phage display peptide library was screened for binders towards this receptor. Phage‐displayed peptides were identified that bind specifically to DR5 and not to DR4, nor any of the decoy receptors. We show that the synthesized peptide, YCKVILTHRCY, in both monomeric and dimeric forms, binds specifically to DR5 in such a way that TRAIL binding to DR5 is inhibited. Surface plasmon resonance studies showed higher affinity towards DR5 for the dimeric form then the monomeric form of the peptide, with apparent Kd values of 40 nm versus 272 nm, respectively. Binding studied on cell lines by flow cytometry analyses showed concentration‐dependent binding. Upon co‐incubation with increasing concentrations of TRAIL, the peptide binding was reduced. Moreover, both the monomeric and dimeric forms of the peptide reduced TRAIL‐induced cell death in Colo205 colon carcinoma cells. The peptide, YCKVILTHRCY, or its derivates, may be a useful investigative tool for dissecting signalling via DR5 relative to DR4 or could act as a lead peptide for the development of therapeutic agents in diseases with dysregulated TRAIL‐signalling.
Mode of Action Considerations in the Quantitative Assessment of Tumour Responses in the Liver
Authors: Boobis Alan R.
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  Chemical carcinogenesis is a complex, multi‐stage process and the relationship between dose and tumour formation is an important consideration in the risk assessment of chemicals. Extrapolation from empirical dose–response relationships obtained in experimental studies has been criticized, as it fails to take into account information on mode of action. Strategies for incorporating mode of action information into the risk assessment of chemical carcinogens are described, with a focus on hepatic cancer. Either toxicokinetic or toxicodynamic processes can be addressed. Whilst the former have been the focus of more attention to date, for example by using physiologically based modelling, there is increasing interest in the development of mode of action‐based toxicodynamic models. These have the advantage that they do not require extreme assumptions, and may be amenable to paramaterization using human data. This is rarely if ever possible when using conventional dose–tumour response relationships. The approaches discussed are illustrated using chloroform as a case study. This compound is converted to a cytotoxic metabolite, phosgene, by CYP2E1 in liver and/or kidney. Cytotoxicity results in proliferative regeneration, with increased probability of tumour formation. Both physiologically based toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic models have been developed, and it is possible to use probabilistic approaches incorporating, for example, data on the distribution of hepatic CYP2E1 levels. Mode of action can provide an invaluable link between observable, experimental data, on both toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, and chemical‐specific risk assessment, based on physiological approaches.
A Case Report of Spontaneous Concurrent Bilateral Rupture of the Quadriceps Tendons in a Patient With Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Matokovic Damir , Matijasevic Boris , Petrić Petar , Crnkovic Tomislav , Škorvaga Sanja
Published: February 2010

In patients with chronic renal failure, many complications may develop that involve all organ systems, especially the locomotor system. Spontaneous concurrent bilateral rupture of the quadriceps tendons is a very rare complication in patients with chronic renal failure, usually occurring in patients under 50 years of age. Although there are numerous causes that lead to tendon weakness and rupture, most authors agree that secondary hyperparathyroidism plays a major role in the pathogenesis of tendon rupture. Soft tissue and perivascular calcifications, diminished local circulation, reduced tendon elasticity, impaired collagen metabolism, nerve lesions, repeated trauma, and articular swelling contribute to tendon weakness and rupture. A patient is presented in whom spontaneous concurrent bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture occurred at the age of 34, after seven years of hemodialysis therapy. Timely diagnosis and operative management with primary tendon suturing followed by physiotherapy produced a good anatomical and functional result.
ADJUSTING FLOW PROPERTIES OF MOLTEN MILK CHOCOLATE BY MEANS OF EMULSIFIERS AND FAT
Authors: GHORBEL DORRA , SAÏDI INSAF , SLEMA MOURAD BEN , GHARSALLAH MOUNA
Published: February 2010

Flow properties of milk chocolate were measured at different emulsifier (soy lecithin or polyglycerol polyricinoleate [PGPR]) and fat (cocoa butter) contents. Measurements were carried out using a rotary viscometer equipped with the coaxial cylinders geometry in the shear rate range 5–60/s at 40C. Flow curves at the increasing strain rates were modeled by the Casson–Steiner equation to determine the Casson yield stress (σca) and the Casson plastic viscosity (ηca). Independently of the fat content (between 31 and 34%, wet basis),σca and ηca decreased when increased amounts of lecithin were added to the molten milk chocolate and showed a minimum at a lecithin concentration of 0.4% for σca and 0.6% for ηca. PGPR seemed to decrease more significantly σca than soy lecithin. The rheological properties of the molten chocolate could be predicted by varying lecithin and fat contents on the basis of a central composite experimental design. The model used was statistically significant (R2 = 0.80 for σca and 0.89 for ηca).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Monitoring the flow properties of molten milk chocolate allows the possibility for confectionery manufacturers to optimize their formulations and processes and to minimize cost. Emulsifiers such as soy lecithin and polyglycerol polyricinoleate give the manufacturers more control over the flow properties of the molten chocolate and flexibility in formulation. Cocoa butter is an expensive constituent of chocolate. Its role in modulating the rheological properties of chocolate may be accomplished by incorporating relatively small amounts of certain emulsifiers. It was the aim of this work to study the combined effect of emulsifier and fat (cocoa butter) contents on the rheological properties of molten milk chocolate to provide more understanding on the influence of each constituent on the rheological parameters.
PROCESS OPTIMIZATION FOR A NOVEL KEFIR CANDY WITH HIGH PROBIOTIC VIABILITY
Authors: CHEN K.N. , KUO C.Y. , SHIU J.S. , CHEN M.J.
Published: February 2010

Kefir, a beverage produced by the action of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeasts and acetic acid bacteria on milk, has a long tradition of offering health benefits. The objective of this research was to optimize the best formula for producing the kefir candy with maximum viabilities of LAB and yeasts using the response surface modeling and the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method. In this study, milk was mixed with 5% kefir grains and incubated at 20C for 24 h. The samples were blended with lyoprotectants (galactose, skim milk powder [SMP] and sucrose), freeze‐dried and then mixed with sweeteners and compressed to form candies. The ratio of the lyoprotectants was determined using response surface modeling for constructing a response surface model and then using an SQP method to optimize the model. Optimization results indicated that kefir containing galactose, sucrose and SMP at 4.53, 7.0 and 5.03% (w/v), respectively, produced a chewable tablet with the highest viability of the microorganisms investigated. A relatively higher survival of microorganisms could be achieved by placing the kefir candy product in a glass bottle with deoxidant and desiccant at 4C.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A number of novel fermented dairy products have been developed and marketed under the concept of probiotic products, but few of these products were associated with confectionary goods. The kefir candy created in the present study with high viable cell counts (106–107 cfu/g) after extended storage (up to 2 months) provides a flavorful option to offer the health benefits of probiotics. This study not only provides an opportunity to resolve the difficulty of kefir commercialization due to its post‐acidity and gas production but also increases the variety of dairy products in the market.
Pulpal Injury: Pathology, Diagnosis And Periodontal Reactions
Authors: Pierce Angela
Published: February 2010

Diagnosis of pulpal disease can be difficult due to the lack of diagnostic signs and symptoms available to the practitioner. An understanding of the possible underlying pathological processes, combined with an exact assessment of the pain history, and appropriate clinical tests, should aid the practitioner in determining the nature of pulpal inflammation, and differentiating it from dentine sensitivity and cracked teeth. The responses of the pulp to traumatic injury to the periodontal membrane (PDM) require special consideration, particularly with respect to the assessment of pulp vitality, and the determination of cases requiring pulp extirpation in order to avoid inflammatory root resorption. Although the pulp is relatively isolated from the rest of the dentoalveolar complex by a dentine/cementum barrier, it is important to remember that it can communicate with the PDM through apical and lateral foramina, and areas of damaged cementum. Hence, it is a priority to both preserve the integrity of the cemental layer in cases of traumatic injury and periodontal disease, and to prevent the inflammation and resorption associated with periapical lesions by accurate diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis and pulp necrosis, followed by appropriate endodontic debridement procedures.
Terribly Troublesome, Traumatised, Teeth
Authors: Feiglin Barry
Published: February 2010

Unfortunately, we come across many traumatised teeth during our practising career. Some of these traumatic injuries are rather simple to treat whereas others provide us with a real challenge. It is absolutely essential that the diagnosis of the injury be known before any treatment is attempted. When it comes to trauma, however, defining the exact form of treatment can often be very difficult.

In this paper I will discuss some of the cases that I have managed and leave it up to YOU to decide whether my treatment has been correct, incorrect or whether there is some other form of treatment that we have at our disposal that could have been attempted.
Hardness And Strength Of Endodontic Instruments Made From NiTi Alloy
Authors: Brockhurst Peter , Hsu Edward
Published: February 2010

Scant information could be found in the dental literature on the hardness or strength of the materials in nickel‐titanium (NiTi) root canal instruments. Hardness testing is a convenient method for examining these products and strength properties can be deduced from strength‐hardness data. The Vickers Hardness was determined for NiTi root canal files and reamers from five manufacturers for sizes 15, 25 and 40. Significant differences in hardness were found between manufacturers, with values ranging from 296 to 349. Some differences were found between the different sizes from each manufacturer, but these were generally not statistically significant. These values obtained for NiT instruments are lower than the softest stainless steel files previously examined (296–347 cf. 403–651), and below the hardness required for many cutting instruments (550–650). The values obtained suggest that NiTi instruments may not be as sharp as, and become blunt more easily than, stainless steel instruments. The strengths are expected to be in the lower range of those for stainless steel instruments.
Selective And Intelligent Use Of Antibiotics In Endodontics
Authors: Abbott Paul V.
Published: February 2010

Antibiotics have been used extensively for the management of odontogenic infections since their discovery early this century. Although they have been invaluable in the management of acute and severe infections, many members of the dental and medical professions have unfortunately used these drugs inappropriately for the management of dental pain when “local'' dental treatment would have sufficed. This, and the general over‐use of antibiotics in other situations such as for growth enhancement in animals for human consumption, is leading to the widespread development of strains of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics — hence, their effectiveness is being reduced at a rapid rate. The dental profession has a responsibility to patients and to the community as a whole to restrict the use of antibiotics to those situations that actually require them. This philosophy should also be extended to other professions who may be called upon to manage dental pain at times.
An In Vitro Comparative SEM Study Of Marginal Adaptation Of IRM, Light‐ And Chemically‐Cured Glass Ionomer, And Amalgam In Furcation Perforations
Authors: Rajablou Neda , Azimi Shahram
Published: February 2010

The furcation regions of 30 human mandibular molars were perforated and sealed using four different materials: IRM, light‐ and chemically‐cured glass ionomer cement (GIC), and amalgam. The materials were compared for marginal gaps in coronal, mid, and apical regions after routine SEM processing. While light‐cured GIC showed the smallest gaps in the three regions, in mid and coronal regions chemically‐cured GIC, and in apical regions amalgam, showed the largest gaps. IRM cases showed the highest rate of fillings with a good “fit”, whereas the majority of amalgam cases and none of the chemically‐cured GIC cases were overfilled.
The Benefits Of Using Low Accelerating Voltage To Assess Endodontic Instruments By Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Stowe Sally , Parirokh Masoud , Asgary Saeed , Eghbal Mohammed Jafar
Published: February 2010

Scanning electron microscopy is often used to evaluate surface contamination and machining defects in dental and other medical instruments. Knowledge of the operating conditions of the SEM, in particular the accelerating voltage, is essential to properly interpret images of such material. We demonstrate the importance of using low accelerating voltages to detect surface features including contamination on NiTi rotary and hand files, and conclude that even recent studies may have significantly underestimated the amount of non‐metallic debris (from the manufacturing process or from biological contamination) present on the surface of such instruments.
Evaluation Of The Antimicrobial Effect Of Er:YAG Laser Irradiation Versus 1% Sodium Hypochlorite Irrigation For Root Canal Disinfection
Authors: Perin Fernanda M. , França Suzelei C. , Silva‐Sousa Yara T.C. , Alfredo Edson , Saquy Paulo C. , Estrela Carlos , Sousa‐Neto Manoel D.
Published: February 2010

This laboratory study evaluated Er:YAG laser antibacterial action in infected root canals. Forty‐eight maxillary central incisors were used. After canal preparation, the teeth were autoclaved and divided into four groups: (1) non‐treated teeth (control group); (2) teeth treated with NaOCl; (3) teeth irradiated with Er:YAG laser (7 Hz, 100 mJ, 80 pulses/canal, 11 sec) to the working length; (4) teeth irradiated similarly to, but 3 mm short, of the apex. The root canals from Groups 2, 3 and 4 were inoculated with 4 bacteria: Bacillus subtillus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, together with Candida albicans, and maintained for 24 h at 37°C. All suspensions were adjusted to tube 2 of the MacFarland scale. The intracanal material was then collected with sterile paper points, which were placed in the canals for 5 min and then immersed in 5 ml of BHI medium. This was then seeded onto agar and stained by Gram's method. The NaOCl solutions and the Er:YAG laser irradiation to working length were effective against all five micro‐organisms; however, 70% of the specimens irradiated 3 mm short of the apex remained infected.
Frequency Of Transverse Anastomoses With And Without Apical Communication In Japanese Population Teeth
Authors: Villegas Juan C. , Yoshioka Takatomo , Kobayashi Chihiro , Suda Hideaki
Published: February 2010

The aim of this study was to describe and measure the frequency of transverse anastomoses with and without an apical communication in Japanese population teeth.

One hundred and twenty‐three extracted teeth from Japanese people were used in this study. The sample consisted of: 63 mandibular first molars, 30 maxillary first molars and 30 maxillary first premolars. Access openings were made through the crowns to the pulp chamber and India ink was injected into the coronal pulp space and vacuumed from the apical end. The teeth were cleaned and digital micrographs taken from several angles to identify transverse anastomoses.

Fourteen teeth had only one canal and 81 teeth out of 109 (74%) had transverse anastomoses including 6 teeth (5.5%) that had an apical communication. Most of the anastomoses (50) were located in the middle portion of the canal and 22 (20%) teeth showed multiple anastomoses.

Special attention must be taken after resection of roots with apparent multiple canals. The potentially exposed exits and/or isthmuses should be taken into consideration during surgical endodontic treatment.
Liberalisation of legal services in Europe: progress and prospects
Authors: Lee Robert G
Published: February 2010

The usual excuse for regulation is the failure of market provision. This paper examines legal services and suggests that, in the case of provision of commercial legal services to corporate clients, true events of market failure, to support the case for regulation, and more particularly self-regulation, are hard to locate. It further argues that the market for legal services is heavily stratified with a commercial legal services market effectively operating quite separately to that of professional legal services for private clients. In consequence, it may be more effective and proportionate to adopt differentiated strategies of regulation. This might be achieved by shifting the focus of regulation away from the individual practitioner, as is historically the case, towards law firms as such. This simple step, it is suggested, could facilitate much greater liberalisation of the market for legal services. This proposal is explored with particular reference to freedom of services within the European single market and, as a backdrop to the paper, progress to date in facilitating cross-border legal services in Europe is reviewed.
Transient Peripheral Immune Response and Central Nervous System Leaky Compartmentalization in a Viral Model for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Navarrete‐Talloni María José , Kalkuhl Arno , Deschl Ulrich , Ulrich Reiner , Kummerfeld Maren , Rohn Karl , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Beineke Andreas
Published: February 2010

Theiler's virus‐induced demyelination represents an important animal model to study the chronic‐progressive form of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the present study was to identify specific genes and pathways in the deep cervical lymph node (cLN) and spleen of experimentally infected SJL‐mice, using DNA microarrays. Analyses identified 387 genes in the deep cLN and only 6 genes in the spleen of infected animals. The lymph node presented 27.4% of genes with fold changes ±1.5 at 14 days post infection (dpi) and a reduced transcription at later time points. K‐means clustering analyses resulted in five clusters. Accordingly, functional annotation revealed that the B‐cell immune response pathway was the most up‐regulated cluster at the early phase. Additionally, an increase of CD68‐ and lysozyme‐positive cells in the deep cLN was observed by immunohistochemistry. Polioencephalitis was most intense at 14 dpi, and the spinal cord demyelinating leukomyelitis started at 42 dpi.

In summary, early gene expression is indicative of virus‐trigged immune responses in the central nervous system (CNS)‐draining lymph node. The decreased gene transcription in the deep cLN during the chronic phase and the low number of spleen genes supports the hypothesis of a compartmentalized inflammation within the CNS, as described in progressive MS.
When are genetic methods useful for estimating contemporary abundance and detecting population trends?
Authors: TALLMON DAVID A. , GREGOVICH DAVE , WAPLES ROBIN S. , SCOTT BAKER C. , JACKSON JENNIFER , TAYLOR BARBARA L. , ARCHER ERIC , MARTIEN KAREN K. , ALLENDORF FRED W. , SCHWARTZ MICHAEL K.
Published: February 2010

The utility of microsatellite markers for inferring population size and trend has not been rigorously examined, even though these markers are commonly used to monitor the demography of natural populations. We assessed the ability of a linkage disequilibrium estimator of effective population size (Ne) and a simple capture‐recapture estimator of abundance (N) to quantify the size and trend of stable or declining populations (true N = 100–10,000), using simulated Wright–Fisher populations. Neither method accurately or precisely estimated abundance at sample sizes of S = 30 individuals, regardless of true N. However, if larger samples of S = 60 or 120 individuals were collected, these methods provided useful insights into abundance and trends for populations of N = 100–500. At small population sizes (N = 100 or 250), precision of the Ne estimates was improved slightly more by a doubling of loci sampled than by a doubling of individuals sampled. In general, monitoring Ne proved a more robust means of identifying stable and declining populations than monitoring N over most of the parameter space we explored, and performance of the Ne estimator is further enhanced if the Ne/N ratio is low. However, at the largest population size (N = 10,000), N estimation outperformed Ne. Both methods generally required ≥ 5 generations to pass between sampling events to correctly identify population trend.
Intraday Volatility Patterns in the Taiwan Stock Market and the Impact on Volatility Forecasting
Authors: Wang Yaw‐Huei , Wang Yun‐Yi
Published: February 2010

Given the growing importance of the Taiwan stock market, the present study sets out to provide a comprehensive investigation of the intraday time series of the Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index (TAIEX). We begin by exploring the intraday volatility patterns and then go on to examine their impact on intraday volatility forecasting. We find that the volatility of the TAIEX returns exhibits an L‐shaped intraday periodic pattern, which is distinct across each day of the week. Our empirical results indicate that taking the intraday periodic pattern into account in a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model can substantially improve the precision of intraday volatility forecasting.
A Stratified Redox Model for the Ediacaran Ocean
Authors: Li Chao , Love Gordon D. , Lyons Timothy W. , Fike David A. , Sessions Alex L. , Chu Xuelei
Published: February 2010

Oceans Before the Dawn

Although the fossil record shows a clear explosion of animal diversity in the oceans at the beginning of the Cambrian period (∼542 million years ago), the evolutionary pressures driving this increase in diversity remain unclear. The likely scenario involves drastic changes in the distribution of oxygen in ocean basins, but global glaciations and poor preservation of rocks from this time often prevent a clear picture of global ecology before the dawn of animal life.

Li
et al.

(p.
80
, published online 11 February; see the Perspective by

Narbonne

) characterized the geochemical makeup of sedimentary rocks from south China that indicate alternating layers of sulfide- and iron-rich (i.e., sulfate-limited) anoxic waters in the several million years leading up to the Cambrian. These conditions may have set the stage for an eventual increase in productivity of photosynthetic life that oxygenated the oceans and allowed for rapid animal evolution.
Dark Matter Search Results from the CDMS II Experiment
Authors:   The CDMS II Collaboration
Published: February 2010

News from the Dark Side?

Dark matter is thought to represent 85% of all matter in the universe and to have been responsible for the formation of structure in the early universe, but its nature is still a mystery.

Ahmed
et al.

(p.
1619
, published online 11 February; see the Perspective by

Lang

) describe the results from the completed Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS II) experiment, which searched for dark matter in the form of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMP). Two candidate signals were observed, whereas only one background event was expected. The probability of having two or more events from the background would have been 23%. The results of this analysis cannot be interpreted with confidence as evidence for WIMP interactions, but, at the same time, neither event can be ruled out as representing signal.
Outbreak of Acute Respiratory Infection among Infants in Lisbon, Portugal, Caused by Human Adenovirus Serotype 3 and a New 7/3 Recombinant Strain
Authors: Rebelo-de-Andrade Helena , Pereira Cristiana , Gíria Marta , Prudêncio Ema , Brito Maria João , Calé Etelvina , Taveira Nuno
Published: February 2010

Human adenoviruses (AdVs) typically cause mild illnesses in otherwise healthy hosts. We investigated a pediatric outbreak of acute respiratory infection with fatal outcomes that occurred in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2004. Biological specimens were collected from 83 children attending two nurseries, a kinesiotherapy clinic, and the household of a nanny. Adenovirus infection was confirmed in 48 children by PCR and virus isolation. Most (96%) isolates were classified as being of subspecies B1. Phylogenetic analysis of fiber and hexon gene sequences revealed that most infants were infected with AdV serotype 3 (AdV3) strains. Infants attending one nursery harbored a new recombinant strain containing an AdV serotype 7 hexon and serotype 3 fiber (AdV7/3). Both the AdV3 and the AdV7/3 strains caused fatal infections. Two different serotype 3 strains were circulating in Lisbon in 2004, and the new AdV7/3 recombinant type originated from only one of those strains. These results demonstrate that recombination leads to the emergence of new adenovirus strains with epidemic and lethal potential.
A Novel Inhibitor of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway Encoded by the Parapoxvirus Orf Virus
Authors: Diel D. G. , Delhon G. , Luo S. , Flores E. F. , Rock D. L.
Published: February 2010

The parapoxvirus orf virus (ORFV) is a pathogen of sheep and goats that has been used as a preventive and therapeutic immunomodulatory agent in several animal species. However, the functions (genes, proteins, and mechanisms of action) evolved by ORFV to modulate and manipulate immune responses are poorly understood. Here, the novel ORFV protein ORFV024 was shown to inhibit activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, an important modulator of early immune responses against viral infections. Infection of primary ovine cells with an
ORFV024
deletion mutant virus resulted in a marked increase in expression of NF-κB-regulated chemokines and other proinflammatory host genes. Expression of ORFV024 in cell cultures significantly decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced NF-κB-responsive reporter gene expression. Further, ORFV024 expression decreased TNF-α-induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB-p65, phosphorylation, and degradation of IκBα, and phosphorylation of IκB kinase (IKK) subunits IKKα and IKKβ, indicating that ORFV024 functions by inhibiting activation of IKKs, the bottleneck for most NF-κB activating stimuli. Although ORFV024 interferes with activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, its deletion from the OV-IA82 genome had no significant effect on disease severity, progression, and time to resolution in sheep, indicating that ORFV024 is not essential for virus virulence in the natural host. This represents the first description of a NF-κB inhibitor encoded by a parapoxvirus.
Herpes Simplex Virus Glycoproteins H/L Bind to Cells Independently of αVβ3 Integrin and Inhibit Virus Entry, and Their Constitutive Expression Restricts Infection
Authors: Gianni Tatiana , Cerretani Arianna , DuBois Rebecca , Salvioli Stefano , Blystone Scott S. , Rey Felix , Campadelli-Fiume Gabriella
Published: February 2010

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) fusion with cells requires the gD, gB, and gH/gL glycoprotein quartet. gD serves as a receptor binding glycoprotein. gB and gH/gL execute fusion in an as-yet-unclear manner. To better understand the role of gH/gL in HSV entry, we produced a soluble version of gH/gL carrying a One-STrEP tag (gH
t.st
/gL). Previous findings implicated integrins as possible ligands to gH/gL (C. Parry et al., J. Gen. Virol. 86:7-10, 2005). We report that (i) gH
t.st
/gL bound a number of cells in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations similar to those required for the binding of soluble gB or gD. (ii) gH
t.st
/gL inhibited HSV entry at the same concentrations required for binding. It also inhibited cell-cell fusion in transfected cells. (iii) The absence of β3 integrin did not prevent the binding of gH
t.st
/gL to CHO cells and infection inhibition. Conversely, integrin-negative K562 cells did not acquire the ability to bind gH
t.st
/gL when hyperexpressing αVβ3 integrin. (iv) Constitutive expression of wild-type gH/gL (wt-gH/gL) restricted infection in all of the cell lines tested, a behavior typical of glycoproteins which bind cellular receptors. The extent of restriction broadly paralleled the efficiency of gH/gL transfection. RGD motif mutant gH/gL could not be differentiated from wt-gH with respect to restriction of infection. Cumulatively, the present results provide several lines of evidence that HSV gH/gL interacts with a cell surface cognate protein(s), that this protein is not necessarily an αVβ3 integrin, and that this interaction is required for the process of virus entry/fusion.
Potential antidepressants. Synthesis of 6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepin-11-yl (dimethylaminomethyl)phenyl ethers, sulfides, amines and some related compounds
Authors: Šindelář Karel , Valenta Vladimír , Holubek Jiří , Matoušová Oluše , Protiva Miroslav
Published: February 2010

Reactions of 11-chloro-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepin and its 2-bromo derivative with the isomeric (dimethylaminomethyl)phenols, (dimethylaminomethyl)thiophenols, and (dimethylaminomethyl)anilines in toluene afforded the title compounds IIIb,c, Va, VIIIa,b,c, and Xa,b,c. Reactions of 11-chloro-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepin and its 2-chloro and 2-methyl derivatives with N,N-dimethyl-2-(4-aminophenoxy)ethylamine and N,N-dimethyl-3-(4-aminophenoxy)propylamine by heating in dimethylformamide in the presence of sodium carbonate gave the diamino ethers XI-XIV. The compounds showed only indications of the antidepressant agents profile and some antimicrobial effects in vitro.
Influence of the nitrile group on structure properties of pseudohalogeno-copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes with 3- and 4-cyanopyridines
Authors: Kohout Jiří , Hvastijová Mária , Köhler Helmut , Omelka Ladislav
Published: February 2010

Pseudohalogenocomplexes of the types [CuX2L2] (X = NCO, C(CN)3, N(CN)2; L = 3- or 4-CN-py) and [NiX2L2] (X = C(CN)3, N(CN)2; L as before) have been prepared and investigated by spectroscopic methods. As the results show the [CuX2L2] complexes have pseudooctahedral structures with variable degree of tetragonal distortion and contain bridging pseudohalide ligands. The NCO groups bridge on the end-to-end fashion, forming by their oxygens long axial bondings. The N(CN)2 groups very likely bridge asymmetrically by means of their amide and cyanide nitrogens, the former ones being used for strong equatorial bonds. The [NiX2L2] complexes are octahedral and also exhibit the pseudohalides in bridging function which, however, is realized with dicyanamide symmetrically through both cyanide nitrogens.
Benzamidinium benzoates
Authors: Krechl Jiří , Smrčková Svatava , Kuthan Josef
Published: February 2010

Various p-substituted benzamidinium benzoates (III), and benzamidinium p(m)-substituted benzoates (IV) were prepared and the nature of the amidinium - carboxylate interactions was examined by 1H and 13C NMR spectra. Based on the simple semiempirical quantum-chemical EHT method a presumption was made that the mutual influence between both counter-partners is substantially stronger compared to similar aliphatic compounds. The spectroscopic data are consistent with this presumption and exhibit good correlation between chemical shifts and Hammett's σ values.
Antiarrhythmic activity of a novel analogue of AAP
Authors: Kundu Bijoy , Rizvi Shaheena Yasmeen , Mathur Krishna Behari , Kar Kurunamoy
Published: February 2010

Three novel analogues of antiarrhythmic peptide (AAP), [Sar2, Pro3]AAP (I), [Sar3]AAP (II) and [Sar2, Sar3]AAP (III), have been synthesized in order to get peptides with enhanced antiarrhythmic activity. Their antiarrhythmic activity has been evaluated against aconitine induced arrhythmia in rats. [Sar2, Sar3]AAP has been found to be more active than AAP. It is equipotent to the commonly used antiarrhythmic drug quinidine, so far as delay in the onset of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest are concerned. Relationship of biological activities of these peptides with their CD is discussed. The results suggest that the spatial structure of III attributed to Sar2-Sar3 linkage might be contributing to its higher antiarrhythmic activity.
Perturbations in bromate oscillators by gamma irradiation
Authors: Krishnaratnam Maahalingam , Viswanathan Balasubramamian , Ramaswamy Renganathan
Published: February 2010

The oscillatory characteristics of the catalyzed and uncatalyzed bromate oscillators are altered by gamma irradiation. These alterations could arise due to additional reactions to be included in the reaction scheme involving the species like H., OH., and HO2. generated as a result of gamma irradiation.
Synthesis of N-(2-(2-phosphonylethoxy)ethyl) derivatives of heterocyclic bases
Authors: Holý Antonín , Rosenberg Ivan , Dvořáková Hana
Published: February 2010

Reaction of bis(2-chloroethyl) ether (II) with triethyl phosphite afforded diethyl 2-chloroethoxyethylphosphonate (III). This compound reacts with sodium salts of heterocyclic bases to give diethyl esters of N-(2-(2-phosphonylethoxy)ethyl) derivatives of purine and pyrimidine bases IV. Compounds IV on reaction with bromotrimethylsilane and subsequent hydrolysis were converted into N-(2-(phosphonylethoxy)ethyl) derivatives IV.
Study of the kinetics of oxygen reduction at a sintered carbon electrode with a silver catalyst in alkaline medium
Authors: Macenauer Jaroslav
Published: February 2010

The present work deals with a model of hydrogen-oxygen electrochemical cell with a sintered carbon cathode containing a silver catalyst in an alkaline medium. The discharge curves of the cell connected to a variable discharge resistance were measured; their analysis based on a theory of the model cell yielded information about the electrode kinetic parameters.
Synthesis and reactions of novel 1,3-dipyridinyl-1,3-propanediones
Authors: Ferles Miroslav , Liboska Radek , Trška Petr
Published: February 2010

Claisen condensation leading to new 1,3-dipyridinyl-1,3-propanediones Id-If is described. The series of 3,5-dipyridinylpyrazoles IIa-IIf was completed and N-phenyl derivatives IIg-IIi, as well as isoxazoles IIIa and IIIb, were prepared.
Potential cerebral stimulants: Esters of 2-dimethylaminoethanol with some lipophilic carboxylic acids
Authors: Protiva Miroslav , Valenta Vladimír , Kopicová Zdeňka , Lukáč Juraj , Holubek Jiří , Krejčí Ivan
Published: February 2010

2-Dimethylaminoethyl esters of 2,2-dimethylpropanoic, heptanoic, octanoic, decanoic, hexadecanoic, cyclopentylacetic, cycloheptylacetic, 2-cyclopentylhexanoic, (4-chlorophenoxy)fumaric, and 2-(4-chlorophenoxy)succinic acid were prepared by reactions of the acid chlorides with 2-dimethylaminoethanol and were transformed to crystalline salts for pharmacological testing. The ester IX (hydrogen fumarate V⁄FB-14 005) was found to antagonize significantly halothan amnesia in rats and the ester X (hydrogen fumarate V⁄FB-14004) proved to be an anticholinergic spasmolytic agent.
Synthesis of tetrasaccharide containing glycopeptides related to bacterial cell wall starting from free tetrasaccharide by the pentafluorophenyl ester method
Authors: Ježek Jan , Makarov Evgenii A. , Balashova Tamara A. , Buděšínský Miloš , Andronova Tatyana M. , Ivanov Vadim T.
Published: February 2010

The free tetrasaccharide GlcNAc-MurNAc-GlcNAc-MurNAc was converted into the tetrasaccharide bis-pentafluorophenyl ester I by treatment with bis(pentafluorophenyl)carbonate. Reaction of I with suitably protected peptides afforded [GlcNAc-MurNAc-L-Ala-D-Glu(OBzl)2]2 (II) and [GlcNAc-MurNAc-L-Ala-D-iGln-L-Lys(Z)-OBzl]2 (IV). Catalytic hydrogenolysis of compound II and IV yielded (GlcNAc-MurNAc-L-Ala-D-Glu)2 (III) and (GlcNAc-MurNAc-L-Ala-D-iGln-L-Lys)2 (V), respectively. [GlcNAc-MurNAc-L-Ala-D-iGln-L-Lys(St)2]2 (VI) was prepared from compound V by reaction with stearic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester.