bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do professional forecasters believe in the Phillips curve? evidence from the G7 countries
Authors: Fendel Ralf , Lis Eliza M. , Rülke Jan‐Christoph
Published: January 2010

This paper uses monthly survey data for the G7 countries for the time period 1989–2007 to explore the link between expectations on nominal wages, prices and unemployment rates as suggested by the wage and price Phillips curves. Four major findings stand out. First, we find that survey participants trust in both types of Phillips curve relationships. Second, we find evidence in favor of nonlinearities in the price Phillips curve. Third, we take into account a kink in the price Phillips curve to indicate that the slope of the Phillips curve differs during the business cycle. We find strong evidence of this feature in the data which confirms recent theoretical discussions. Fourth, we employ our data to the expectations‐augmented Phillips curve model. The results suggest that professional forecasters adopt this model when forecasting macroeconomic variables. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screen and clean: a tool for identifying interactions in genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Wu Jing , Devlin Bernie , Ringquist Steven , Trucco Massimo , Roeder Kathryn
Published: January 2010

Epistasis could be an important source of risk for disease. How interacting loci might be discovered is an open question for genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Most researchers limit their statistical analyses to testing individual pairwise interactions (i.e., marginal tests for association). A more effective means of identifying important predictors is to fit models that include many predictors simultaneously (i.e., higher‐dimensional models). We explore a procedure called screen and clean (SC) for identifying liability loci, including interactions, by using the lasso procedure, which is a model selection tool for high‐dimensional regression. We approach the problem by using a varying dictionary consisting of terms to include in the model. In the first step the lasso dictionary includes only main effects. The most promising single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are identified using a screening procedure. Next the lasso dictionary is adjusted to include these main effects and the corresponding interaction terms. Again, promising terms are identified using lasso screening. Then significant terms are identified through the cleaning process. Implementation of SC for GWAS requires algorithms to explore the complex model space induced by the many SNPs genotyped and their interactions. We propose and explore a set of algorithms and find that SC successfully controls Type I error while yielding good power to identify risk loci and their interactions. When the method is applied to data obtained from the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium study of Type 1 Diabetes it uncovers evidence supporting interaction within the HLA class II region as well as within Chromosome 12q24.Genet. Epidemiol. 34: 275–285, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D geological modelling of a polyphase deformed pre‐Variscan IOCG mineralization located at the southeastern border of the Ossa Morena Zone, Iberian Massif (Spain)
Authors: Gumiel Pablo , Arias Mónica , Martín‐Izard Agustín
Published: January 2010

A previously unrecorded group of stratiform and stratabound‐type magnetite beds (IOCG) has been found at the southeastern border of the Ossa Morena Zone (Variscan Massif of Spain). These mineralizations, hosted in Upper Precambrian‐Lower Cambrian rocks, are located in a transpressive belt, and were strongly deformed by the Variscan Orogeny, thus showing polyphase noncoaxial folding. This folding has been recognized by the interference patterns observed in magnetite beds outcropping in old mine workings. A detailed mapping of several adits shows a Ramsay type 1 ‘egg box’ or dome‐and‐basin interference pattern which arises when both D1 (NW‐SE trending) and D2 (NE‐SW trending) fold axes and axial planes are orthogonal or at a high angle to each other. An analysis of the magnetitic layers using orthogonal thickness and conic functions has been carried out to characterize fold profiles geometry.

Deformation is also accommodated by oblique WNW‐ESE trending thrust faults which produce centimetric to metric displacements of the magnetite beds. A 22% shortening in the NE‐SW direction and 24% in the NW‐SE direction has been estimated. Finally, as polyphase folding and thrust structures in three dimensions have a complex geometry, a 3D geological modelling has been carried out to obtain a better insight into the geometry of mineralized magnetite bodies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of bedding in the formation of fault–fold structures, Portalegre‐Esperança transpressional shear zone, SW Iberia
Authors: Pereira M. F. , Silva J. B. , Ribeiro C.
Published: January 2010

Fold‐fault structures within a major transpressional shear zone of the SW Iberian Massif were investigated by combining geological mapping, cross‐section analysis and microtectonic studies. A significant example of contractional deformation is displayed in the Portalegre‐Esperança Shear Zone (PESZ) where a heterogeneous Ordovician stratigraphic sequence, showing a strong competence contrast between quartzites, slates and quartzo‐feldspathic rocks favoured strain localization and fault nucleation that controlled fold formation. The presence of pelitic layers within the thick‐bedded quartzites had probably provided weakness zones that were more favourable for the strain localization than the previous foliation present in the quartzites. The quartzites and the quartzo‐feldspathic rocks (granites and volcaniclastic rocks) accommodated heterogeneous high strain developing different degrees of mylonitization. The quartzites with protomylonitic textures are dominant and represent coarse‐grained siliciclastic sediments that suffered metamorphism and partial dynamic recrystallization. Ultramylonites occur within discrete high‐strain shear zones. It is probable that the strain localization in the PESZ involved both the effect of having layers of different competence and layers or stratigraphic contacts with rocks that experienced grain size reduction dominated by cataclasis and dislocation creep.

Folds within quartzites with sub‐horizontal to gently plunging hinges vary from closed to open in thick‐bedded quartzites and from tight to closed in thin‐bedded quartzites. Observed changes in structural style of deformed quartzites, slates and quartzo‐feldspathic rocks are interpreted to result from the constraints imposed by the mechanical properties of the different lithologies.

As the folds tightened during shortening, the alternating zones of contrasting competence favoured the disruption of the bedding. The deformation history in the PESZ was dominated by thrusting and strike‐slip faulting along incompetent layers that locally developed staircase geometry and transected the lower Ordovician stratigraphic sequence. The kinematic model proposed for the PESZ is consistent with the models of transpressional shear zones stretched along strike with the development of coeval strike‐slip and low angle oblique‐slip faults associated to active buckle folds with axes parallel to the principal extension direction. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dendritic mechanisms controlling the threshold and timing requirement of synaptic plasticity
Authors: Zhao Cuiping , Wang Lang , Netoff Theoden , Yuan Li‐Lian
Published: January 2010

Active conductances located and operating on neuronal dendrites are expected to regulate synaptic integration and plasticity. We investigate how Kv4.2‐mediated A‐type K+ channels and Ca2+‐activated K+ channels are involved in the induction process of Hebbian‐type plasticity that requires correlated pre‐ and postsynaptic activities. In CA1 pyramidal neurons, robust long‐term potentiation (LTP) induced by a theta burst pairing protocol usually occurred within a narrow window during which incoming synaptic potentials coincided with postsynaptic depolarization. Elimination of dendritic A‐type K+ currents in Kv4.2−/− mice, however, resulted in an expanded time window, making the induction of synaptic potentiation less dependent on the temporal relation of pre‐ and postsynaptic activity. For the other type of synaptic plasticity, long‐term depression, the threshold was significantly increased in Kv4.2−/− mice. This shift in depression threshold was restored to normal when the appropriate amount of internal free calcium was chelated during induction. In concert with A‐type channels, Ca2+‐activated K+ channels also exerted a sliding effect on synaptic plasticity. Blocking these channels in Kv4.2−/− mice resulted in an even larger potentiation while by contrast, the depression threshold was shifted further. In conclusion, dendritic A‐type and Ca2+‐activated K+ channels dually regulate the timing‐dependence and thresholds of synaptic plasticity in an additive way. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hippocampal GABAergic dysfunction in a rat chronic mild stress model of depression
Authors: Holm Mai Marie , Nieto‐Gonzalez Jose Luis , Vardya Irina , Henningsen Kim , Jayatissa Magdalena Niepsuj , Wiborg Ove , Jensen Kimmo
Published: January 2010

In major depression, one line of research indicates that a dysfunctional GABAergic inhibitory system is linked to the appearance of depressive symptoms. However, as the mechanistic details of such GABAergic deficit are largely unknown, we undertook a functional investigation of the GABAergic system in the rat chronic mild stress model of depression. Adult rats were exposed to an eight‐week long stress protocol leading to anhedonic‐like behavior. In hippocampal brain slices, phasic, and tonic GABAA receptor‐mediated currents in dentate gyrus granule cells were examined using patch‐clamp recordings. In granule cells, the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) was reduced to 41% in anhedonic‐like rats, which was associated with a reduced probability of evoked GABA release. Using immunohistochemical analysis, there was no change in the number of parvalbumin‐positive interneurons in the dentate gyrus. Notably, we observed a 60% increase in THIP‐activated tonic GABAA mediated current in anhedonic‐like rats, suggesting an upregulation of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. Finally, five weeks treatment with the antidepressant escitalopram partially reversed the sIPSCs frequency. In summary, we have revealed a hippocampal dysfunction in the GABAergic system in the chronic mild stress model of depression in rats, caused by a reduction in action potential‐dependent GABA release. Since the function of the GABAergic system was improved by antidepressant treatment, in parallel with behavioral read outs, it suggests a role of the GABAergic system in the pathophysiology of depression. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Updating the hippocampal representation of space: Place cell firing fields are controlled by a novel spatial stimulus
Authors: Barry Jeremy , Muller Robert
Published: January 2010

To ask if the properties of spatial learning supported by the hippocampus are distinct from the properties of conditioning, we conducted a blocking‐like experiment in which the measured variable was not a conditioned response but rather the ability of a novel visual stimulus to control the location of place cell firing fields after being briefly combined with a familiar, salient stimulus to form a compound stimulus. For most rats, we found that rotations of the novel stimulus on the wall of a cylindrical recording chamber produced equal rotations of firing fields, whether exposure to the compound stimulus lasted 10 min or 60 min. Thus, there was little indication that the blocking phenomenon (Kamin, 1969) acted to prevent the rapid inclusion of a new stimulus into a previously experienced cue constellation. This result is in agreement with the finding of Doeller and Burgess (2008) that blocking is seen for landmark stimuli inside an arena but not for boundary stimuli that circumscribe the arena. We conclude that the rules governing incidental spatial learning are different for the hippocampal representation of a rat's environment than for conditioning. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hippocampal neuronal responses during signaled licking of gustatory stimuli in different contexts
Authors: Ho Anh Son , Hori Etsuro , Thi Nguyen Phuong Hong , Urakawa Susumu , Kondoh Takashi , Torii Kunio , Ono Taketoshi , Nishijo Hisao
Published: January 2010

Neuroanatomical studies suggest that hippocampal formation (HF) receives information from all sensory modalities including taste via the parahippocampal cortices. To date, however, no neurophysiological study has reported that HF neurons encode taste information. In the present study, we recorded CA1 HF neurons from freely behaving rats during performance of a visually‐guided licking task in two different triangular chambers. When a cue lamp came on, the rats were required to press a bar to trigger a tube to protrude into the chambers for 3 s. During this period, the rats could lick one of six sapid solutions: [0.1M NaCl (salty), 0.3M sucrose (sweet), 0.01M citric acid (sour), 0.0001M quinine HCl (bitter), 0.01M monosodium L‐glutamate (MSG, umami), and a mixture of MSG and 0.001M disodium‐5′‐inosinate (IMP) (MSG+IMP)], and distilled water. Of a total 285 pyramidal and interneurons, the activity of 173 was correlated with at least one of the events in the task—illumination of cue lamps, bar pressing, or licking the solution. Of these, 137 neurons responded during licking, and responses of 62 of these cells were greater to sapid solutions than to water (taste neurons). Multivariate analyses of the taste neurons suggested that, in the HF, taste quality might be encoded based on hedonic value. Furthermore, the activity of most taste neurons was chamber‐specific. These results implicate the HF in guiding appetitive behaviors such as conditioned place preference. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soil pipe distribution and hydrological functioning within the humid tropics: a synthesis
Authors: Chappell Nick A.
Published: January 2010

Some of the most responsive runoff systems in the world are found within the humid tropics. These runoff responses are likely to be affected by the presence ofnatural pipeswithin the soil. This study provides a synthesis of the hydrological aspects of these phenomena within the humid tropics. Of the studies reporting the presence of soil piping within the humid tropics, most are associated with Ultisol soils, and, locally, most pipe outlets are observed on the lower sections of hillslopes. While the drainage role of pipes has been observed (providing faster and slower components of stream hydrographs), the mechanism of their recharge remains less clear. In part, this is because their spatial extent is poorly mapped within the hillslopes of the humid tropics. Further studies quantifying the length and recharge of soil pipe networks within the humid tropics are needed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluacrypyrim, a novel STAT3 activation inhibitor, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells harboring constitutively‐active STAT3
Authors: Yu Zu‐Yin , Huang Rui , Xiao He , Sun Wen‐Feng , Shan Ya‐Jun , Wang Bo , Zhao Ting‐Ting , Dong Bo , Zhao Zhen‐Hu , Liu Xiao‐Lan , Wang Sheng‐Qi , Yang Ri‐Fang , Luo Qing‐Liang , Cong Yu‐Wen
Published: January 2010

STAT3 protein has an important role in oncogenesis and is a promising anticancer target. Herein, we demonstrate that a novel small molecule fluacrypyrim (FAPM) inhibits the growth of leukemia cells by a predominant G1 arrest with significant decrease of the protein and mRNA levels of cyclin D1. As cyclin D1 is transcriptionally regulated by STAT3, FAPM is then shown to markedly inhibit the STAT3 phosphorylation with marginal effect on the other signal transducers and activators of transcription, and without effect on phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase and mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways. Further analysis shows that FAPM significantly increases the protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) activity in a dose‐dependent manner, and the inhibition of PTP activation by sodium pervanadate reverses FAPM‐induced suppression of STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation, indicating an important role of PTP in the action of FAPM. Finally, FAPM treatment results in selective suppression of STAT3‐mediated transcriptional activity and its downstream effectors, and subsequent induction of growth arrest and apoptosis in STAT3‐dependent cancer cell lines. This study therefore identifies FAPM as a potent STAT3 activation inhibitor with possible therapeutic potential against malignancies with constitutive STAT3 activation.
High expression stability of microtubule affinity regulating kinase 3 (MARK3) makes it a reliable reference gene
Authors: Chia Ching‐Yee , Lim Claudia WX , Leong Wan‐Ting , Ling Maurice HT
Published: January 2010

Difference in gene expressions is characteristic of the function of different cell types and those genes with low expression variance can be used as standards for quantitative gene expression studies. Microarray technology is used to study global gene expression within a cell; hence, represents a suitable source of data to mine for genes with low expression variance. The coefficient of variation (COV) of each gene was determined and a threshold of less than 0.1 COV was used to select stably expressed genes in each data set. Our results showed that microtubule affinity‐regulating kinase 3 (MARK3) has the lowest COV in eight microarray datasets. In addition, the gene expression of housekeeping genes, which is very likely to be stably expressed, tends to fluctuate highly under different conditions, marking them as being less reliable for use as reference genes. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(3): 200–203, 2010
Density functional investigation and bonding analysis of pentacoordinated iron complexes with mixed cyano and carbonyl ligands
Authors: Tsalavoutis John T. , Sigalas Michael P.
Published: January 2010

The equilibrium structures and vibrational frequencies of the iron complexes [Fe0(CN)n(CO)5−n]n− and [FeII(CN)n(CO)5−n]2−n (n = 0–5) have been calculated at the BP86 level of theory. The Fe0 complexes adopt trigonal bipyramidal structures with the cyano ligands occupying the axial positions, whereas corresponding Fe2+ complexes adopt square pyramidal structures with the cyano ligands in the equatorial positions. The calculated geometries and vibrational frequencies of the mixed iron Fe0 carbonyl cyanide complexes are in a very good agreement with the available experimental data. The nature of the FeCN and FeCO bonds has been analyzed with both charge decomposition and energy partitioning analysis. The results of energy partitioning analysis of the FeCO bonds shows that the binding interactions in Fe0 complexes have 50–55% electrostatic and 45–50% covalent character, whereas in Fe2+ 45–50% electrostatic and 50–55% covalent character. There is a significant contribution of the π‐ orbital interaction to the FeCO covalent bonding which increases as the number of the cyano groups increases, and the complexes become more negatively charged. This contribution decreases in going from Fe0 to Fe2+ complexes. Also, this contribution correlates very well with the CO stretching frequencies. The FeCN bonds have much less π‐character (12–30%) than the FeCO bonds. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Is procalcitonin better than C‐reactive protein for early diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia in children?
Authors: Khan Dilshad Ahmad , Rahman Aisha , Khan Farooq Ahmad
Published: January 2010

Early diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia plays a pivotal role in the management. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin (PCT) as compared with C‐reactive protein (CRP) for the early diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia in children. In total, 92 children consisting of 46 patients of bacterial pneumonia were admitted in the Military hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan and equal number of controls were included. Patient's investigations were carried out at admission. PCT and CRP were analyzed on Vidas analyzer and Immulite 1000, respectively. Out of 46 pneumonia patients, 28 were male and 18 female, with a median age of 4 years. PCT levels were significantly high median (range) of 2.69 ng/ml (0.30–13.00) vs. 0.45 ng/ml (0.10–2.00) in controls. Serum CRP levels were moderately elevated with median (range) 6.5 mg/l (0.30–60) vs. 0.30 mg/l (0.30–5.0) in controls. The area under receiver characteristic curves for PCT and CRP were 0.89 (95% CI=0.83–0.96) and 0.79 (95% CI=0.70–0.88), respectively. In total, 38 patients were diagnosed to have bacterial pneumonia with PCT (sensitivity 83% at cutoff ≥1 ng/ml) and 26 children with CRP (sensitivity 57% at cutoff ≥6 mg/L). PCT has better diagnostic accuracy than CRP and can be utilized for early diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia in children. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:1–5, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in cancerous bladder tissue and their relation with bacterial infection: a controlled clinical study
Authors: Bayraktar Nihayet , Kilic Suleyman , Bayraktar Mehmet Refik , Aksoy Nurten
Published: January 2010

It is well known that antioxidants and reactive oxygen species play an important role in carcinogenesis. In this sudy, we attempted to evaluate antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation levels in cancerous bladder tissue and to determine their relationship with bacterial infection. Bacterial culture was made from all urine samples using Blood and Eosin Methylene Blue agars for checking the presence of bacterial infections. We measured thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) and activities of xanthine oxidase (XO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐PX), and catalase (CAT) in cancerous tissues of 25 bladder cancer patients, in noncancerous adjacent bladder tissues of 13 out of these 25 patients, and in control bladder tissues of 15 patients with a non‐neoplastic genitourinary disease. TBARs levels increased and XO, SOD, GSH‐PX, and CAT activities decreased significantly in cancerous bladder tissues. TBARS, XO, and SOD levels were not significantly different between noncancerous adjacent tissue and control bladder tissue. Statistically significantly lower GSH‐PX and higher CAT activities were observed in noncancerous adjacent bladder tissue compared with cancerous tissue. GSH‐PX level of tumor tissue was correlated significantly with tumor grade (r=−0.425, P=0.034). Results suggested that pathway activity of free radicals were accelerated in the cancerous human bladder tissues via increased TBARs levels and decreased enzyme activities of XO, SOD, GSH‐PX, and CAT, which implicated a severe exposure of cancerous tissues to oxidative stress. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:25–30, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integrative harm reduction psychotherapy: a case of substance use, multiple trauma, and suicidality
Authors: Tatarsky Andrew , Kellogg Scott
Published: January 2010

Harm reduction is a new paradigm that seeks to reduce the harmful consequences of substance use and other risky behaviors without requiring abstinence. This article discusses integrative harm reduction psychotherapy, one application of harm reduction principles to psychotherapy. Seven therapeutic tasks are described with attention to clinical process, skills, and strategies. A case is presented that illustrates the application of this approach with life‐threatening substance use that was related to multiple trauma and suicidal depression. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 66: 1–13, 2010.
Evaluation of host genetic and viral factors as surrogate markers for HTLV‐1‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis in Peruvian HTLV‐1‐infected patients
Authors: Talledo Michael , López Giovanni , Huyghe Jeroen R. , Verdonck Kristien , Adaui Vanessa , González Elsa , Best Iván , Clark Daniel , Vanham Guido , Gotuzzo Eduardo , Van Camp Guy , Van Laer Lut
Published: January 2010

Human T‐lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV‐1)‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a complication that affects up to 5% of HTLV‐1‐infected individuals. Several host genetic and viral factors have been associated with the risk of HAM/TSP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a prognostic model for HAM/TSP developed in Japan in a Peruvian population of 71 HAM/TSP patients and 94 asymptomatic carriers (ACs). This model included age, proviral load (PVL), the presence of HLA‐A*02 and HLA‐Cw*08 alleles, SDF‐1 +801, and TNF‐α −863 polymorphisms, and viral subgroup. We describe frequencies for the four host genetic markers and demonstrate the presence of the HTLV‐1 tax B subgroup in Peru. Using cross‐validation, we show that the predictive ability of the prognostic model, as characterized by the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC), does not differ from a model containing PVL only (both AUC = 0.74). We found some suggestive evidence of a protective effect of the HLA‐A*02 allele but failed to replicate the associations with the other three genetic markers and with viral subgroup. A logistic model containing PVL, age, gender, and HLA‐A*02 provided the best predictive ability in the Peruvian cohort (AUC = 0.79). J. Med. Virol. 82:460–466, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hematopoietic cell transplantation and emerging viral infections
Authors: Chatzidimitriou D. , Gavriilaki E. , Sakellari I. , Diza E.
Published: January 2010

Viral infections remain important causes of morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. More recent developments in preparative regimens and graft manipulations, as well as the control of well‐recognized post‐transplant infections by the introduction of prophylaxis and preemptive strategies, have influenced the timing and the epidemiology of infections. As new pathogens, such as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), human bocavirus, human coronaviruses HCoV‐NL63 and HCoV‐HKU1, human herpesviruses HHV‐6 and HHV‐7, and polyomaviruses, have emerged, it is fundamental to determine the significance of the newly discovered viruses and their role in the transplantation field. This article summarizes recent data on epidemiology and laboratory diagnosis of new pathogens, as well as clinical features and management of the associated infectious complications. J. Med. Virol. 82:528–538, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HHV‐6 IgG4 isotype response following measles infection
Authors: Ferreyra Leonardo , Bustos Dolores , Biganzoli Patricia , Isa Maria Beatriz , Don Paola Sicilia , Ribechini Eliana , Nates Silvia Viviana , Pavan Jorge Victorio
Published: January 2010

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) is widespread in the human population by infecting most individuals in early childhood. After primary infection, HHV‐6 establishes a latent infection by remaining in circulating mononuclear cells of healthy individuals. The HHV‐6 antibody titer increases after primary infection with measles virus. The present study was undertaken to determine the specific antiviral IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 subclass response patterns to HHV‐6 in HHV‐6‐seropositive individuals with natural measles virus infection, measles vaccination, and rubella virus infection. The purpose of this study was to examine HHV‐6‐specific IgG isotype response in patients with acute virus coinfection. Serum samples were obtained from individuals who were seropositive for HHV‐6 after natural primary infection with measles virus during an outbreak, measles vaccination, or rubella virus infection, and from healthy individuals. Sera were examined by indirect immunofluorescence assays for detection of HHV‐6‐specific IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 antibodies. A high percentage (69%) of those infected with measles virus had an HHV‐6 IgG1 and IgG4 response (P < 0.001, χ2 test), whereas persons vaccinated against measles, those infected with rubella, and healthy individuals showed an HHV‐6 IgG1 response. These results demonstrate that natural measles virus infection induces an HHV‐6 IgG isotype response, which suggests a shift in immune activity from a Th1 to a Th2 response. J. Med. Virol. 82:396–399, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new genotype 2 subcluster identified among GBV‐C strains circulating in the Lisbon metropolitan area of Portugal
Authors: Branco Cristina , Esteves Aida , Piedade João , Parreira Ricardo
Published: January 2010

The rate of infection by the GBV‐C virus was investigated in a group of 214 individuals at high risk of infection with parenterally transmitted viruses, and all living in the Lisbon metropolitan area (Portugal). RNA was extracted from plasma samples, and a fragment of the 5′‐UTR was amplified by RT‐PCR, disclosing a high prevalence of infection (40.7%). Most probably due to similar modes of viral transmission, the majority of GBV‐C (+) individuals were found to be coinfected with HIV and/or HCV. A genomic region covering part of the E1/E2 glycoprotein coding sequence was amplified from approximately half of the GBV‐C positive samples (44/87). Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences showed segregation of Portuguese GBV‐C strains with genotype 1 (G1, n = 10) and genotype 2 (G2, n = 24) references. Genotype 1 was significantly associated with the African descent of those infected. Curiously, some of the strains assigned to genotype 2 were shown to form a separate cluster (designated G2*) in both neighbor‐joining and Bayesian phylogenetic trees, which was confirmed by multivariate principal coordinate analysis. However, analysis of the distribution of intra‐ and intergenotype genetic distances support the hypothesis that rather than corresponding to a new viral genotype, G2* is a geographical subcluster within the genotype 2 radiation. J. Med. Virol. 82:452–459, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An aseptic meningitis outbreak caused by echovirus 6 in Anhui province, China
Authors: Mao Naiying , Zhao Liping , Zhu Zhen , Chen Xia , Zhou Shujie , Zhang Yan , Cui Aili , Ji Yixin , Xu Songtao , Xu WenBo
Published: January 2010

An outbreak of aseptic meningitis (AM) occurred in Jinzhai County in Anhui province from April to July in 2005. Totally, 97 children aged 3–15 years were hospitalized. To identify the etiologic agent, 77 cerebrospinal fluid specimens (CSF) and 5 fecal specimens were collected from the patients and cultured by human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell line. Thirty isolates of human echovirus 6 (E6) from 27 CSF and 3 fecal specimens were confirmed by neutralization assay and sequencing analysis of the VP1 gene. The homology of VP1 gene among Anhui isolates was 99.7–100.0% and it indicated that this AM outbreak probable caused by a single transmission link of E6. Phylogenetic analysis based on all the available complete VP1 sequences indicated that E6 could be divided into clusters A, B, and C with at least 15% diversity between clusters and the C cluster could be further divided into C1, C2, C3, and C4. The Anhui isolates most resembled a 2005 strain from Russia (25465 Tambov) and belong to C4. This is the first report that E6 was responsible for an outbreak of AM in China. J. Med. Virol. 82:441–445, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The prevalence of antibodies to adenovirus serotype 5 in an adult Indian population and implications for adenovirus vector vaccines
Authors: Pilankatta Rajendra , Chawla Tanu , Khanna Navin , Swaminathan Sathyamangalam
Published: January 2010

In vivo gene delivery using human adenovirus serotype 5 (AdV5) vectors is being explored for vaccination purposes. The presence of anti‐AdV5 antibodies in human serum arising from natural exposure to AdV5 can interfere potentially with and compromise the efficacy of rAdV5‐based vaccine vectors. In this report, a collection of 114 sera from healthy adult Indian blood donors was analyzed for the presence of anti‐AdV5 antibodies, using an AdV5 vector encoding the green fluorescent protein (GFP) to monitor the presence of anti‐AdV5 neutralizing antibodies in human sera based on their ability to block virus entry into HeLa cells which express the Coxsackievirus‐and‐Adenovirus Receptor (CAR). In this assay all samples tested were positive for anti‐AdV5 antibodies, with titers varying over a very wide range. It was also observed that these antibodies facilitated the uptake of the reporter AdV5 vector into the monocytic cell line U937 which does not express CAR, but expresses Fc receptors (FcRs) instead. These observations have implications for rAdV5‐based vaccine development. J. Med. Virol. 82:407–414, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HIV‐1 primary and secondary antiretroviral drug resistance and genetic diversity among pregnant women from central Brazil
Authors: Cardoso Ludimila Paula Vaz , Pereira Gisner Alves Souza , Viegas Ângela Alves , Schmaltz Luiza Emylce Pelá Rosado , Stefani Mariane Martins de Araújo
Published: January 2010

Antiretroviral (ARV) resistance mutations in HIV‐1 may reduce the efficacy of prophylactic therapy to mother‐to‐child transmission and impact future treatment options. ARV resistance mutations and HIV‐1 phylogenetic diversity in protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) genes were assessed among 77 pregnant women (35 naïve, 42 treated with ARV) from Goiânia/Goiás, central west Brazil. ARV mutations in PR/RT genes were analyzed against the Stanford Database, PR/RT HIV‐1 subtypes were assigned by phylogenetic analysis and env/gag subtypes were identified by heteroduplex mobility analysis (HMA). Naïve patients had accessory mutations in the PR gene [A71T (1/6), L10V (2/6), L10I (3/6)] and in the RT gene [V118I (2/6), V179D (1/6), V106I (1/6), K101Q (1/6), H221Y (1/6)]. Seven patients (16.7%) under ARV presented drug resistance mutations, one of them to three ARV classes. Most isolates (67.5%) were subtype B, 11.7% subtype F1 and 3.9% subtype C. Recombinant BPR/F1RT viruses represented 10.4% while F1PR/BRT viruses made up 6.5%. HIV‐1 envgag/PRRT genes were identified as 66.2% subtype B, 3.9% subtype C, 6.5% subtype F1 and approximately 25% B and F1 viruses. HIV‐1 genetic diversity in envgag/PRRT genes indicates the spread and dissemination of BF1 recombinant viruses among a significant proportion of patients from central west Brazil. Moreover, discovery of HIV‐1 secondary resistance among a considerable number of pregnant women under ARV therapy indicates the importance of genotypic testing during pregnancy for optimal prophylactic intervention. J. Med. Virol. 82:351–357, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of astrovirus infection in children with diarrhea in Beijing, 2005–2007
Authors: Guo Li , Xu Xiwei , Song Jingdong , Wang Wei , Wang Jianwei , Hung Tao
Published: January 2010

Human astroviruses (HAstVs) have been recognized as one of the major causes of acute gastroenteritis in children. To provide more insight into the prevalence of HAstV gastroenteritis in China, 664 fecal samples were collected from children affected with acute gastroenteritis in Beijing from March 2005 to November 2007. The samples were analyzed genetically. All eight serotypes (genotypes) of HAstVs were screened using RT‐PCR assays targeting the ORF2 region in the study. The assays detected HAstVs in 52 (7.8%) of the patients, with HAstV‐1 (50/52) being the dominant genotype during the study period. Two minor genotypes, HAstV‐6 and HAstV‐3, were also detected. Partial sequencing of the 50 HAstV‐1 strains showed that the homology of the nucleotide sequence of the ORF1a region between these strains was 88.4–100%, whereas the homology of the amino acid sequences was 95.6–100%. In the ORF2 partial region, the nucleotide identities ranged from 91.5% to 100%, and amino acid identities ranged from 97.3% to 100%. The identity of the whole genome sequence between four randomly examined HAstV‐1 strains was 91–99%. No recombination events were observed in HAstVs in this study. The findings of this study will provide baseline data for HAstVs surveillance and control. J. Med. Virol. 82:415–423, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simulation of femtosecond pulsed laser effects on MOS electronics using TCAD Sentaurus customized models
Authors: Palomo F. R. , Fernández‐Martínez P. , Mogollón J. M. , Hidalgo S. , Aguirre M. A. , Flores D. , López‐Calle I. , de Agapito J. A.
Published: January 2010

Pulsed laser illumination constitutes an excellent tool to emulate the effects produced by the impact of highly energetic particles on electronic circuits. Numerical simulation techniques could be used to study these effects and to establish accurate relationships between the laser parameters and the particle characteristics. Unfortunately, although particle incidence can be accurately simulated, up to now, there not exist a simulation technique able to reproduce completely the effects in electronics produced by a femtosecond pulsed laser. In this paper, we explore the Synopsys Sentaurus TCAD ability to simulate the effects of pulsed laser illumination. Theoretical study of the physics of the laser–semiconductor interactions leads us to design a new simulation tool. Modifying the heavy ion generation rate included in Sentaurus TCAD, we can take into account all the theoretical predicted characteristics of femtosecond laser illumination, and reproduce the single event effects (SEE) found in experimental tests. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of hydrophilic interaction chromatography retention coefficients for predicting peptide elution with TFA and methanesulfonic acid ion‐pairing reagents
Authors: Wujcik Chad E. , Tweed Joseph , Kadar Eugene P.
Published: January 2010

Hydrophilic retention coefficients for 17 peptides were calculated based on retention coefficients previously published for TSKgel silica‐60 and were compared with the experimental elution profile on a Waters Atlantis HILIC silica column using TFA and methanesulfonic acid (MSA) as ion‐pairing reagents. Relative peptide retention could be accurately determined with both counter‐ions. Peptide retention and chromatographic behavior were influenced by the percent acid modifier used with increases in both retention and peak symmetry observed at increasing modifier concentrations. The enhancement of net peptide polarity through MSA pairing shifted retention out by nearly five‐fold for the earliest eluting peptide, compared with TFA. Despite improvements in retention and efficiency (Neff) for MSA over TFA, a consistent reduction in calculated selectivity (α) was observed. This result is believed to be attributed to the stronger polar contribution of MSA masking and diminishing the underlying influence of the amino acid residues of each associated peptide. Finally, post‐column infusion of propionic acid and acetic acid was evaluated for their potential to recover signal intensity for TFA and MSA counter‐ions for LC‐ESI‐MS applications. Acetic acid generally yielded more substantial signal improvements over propionic acid on the TFA system while minimal benefits and some further reductions were noted with MSA.
Competition in prescription drug markets: is parallel trade the answer?
Authors: Kanavos Panos , Vandoros Sotiris
Published: January 2010

This article uses a price determination model with dynamic panel data estimation to examine the extent to which pharmaceutical parallel trade promotes price competition and leads to downward price convergence. Little evidence of sustainable price competition is found. We find that prices are mainly affected by regulation and by competition in the wholesale distribution chain; that the pricing strategy of parallel distributors resembles that of originator drugs in importing countries; and that there may be upward rather than downward price convergence. Drawing on the European evidence, the findings also indicate that opening the US market to parallel imports will not necessarily lead to competition and enhance pharmaceutical cost containment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of caffeine on striatal neurotransmission: Focus on cannabinoid CB1 receptors
Authors: Rossi Silvia , De Chiara Valentina , Musella Alessandra , Mataluni Giorgia , Sacchetti Lucia , Siracusano Alberto , Bernardi Giorgio , Usiello Alessandro , Centonze Diego
Published: January 2010

Caffeine is the most commonly self‐administered psychoactive substance worldwide. At usual doses, the effects of caffeine on vigilance, attention, mood and arousal largely depend on the modulation of central adenosine receptors. The present review article describes the action of caffeine within the striatum, to provide a possible molecular mechanism at the basis of the psychomotor and reinforcing properties of this pharmacological agent. The striatum is in fact a subcortical area involved in sensorimotor, cognitive, and emotional processes, and recent experimental findings showed that chronic caffeine consumption enhances the sensitivity of striatal GABAergic synapses to the stimulation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors. The endocannabinoid system is involved in the psychoactive effects of many compounds, and adenosine A2A receptors (the main receptor target of caffeine) elicit a permissive effect towards CB1 receptors, thus suggesting that A2A‐CB1 receptor interaction plays a major role in the generation and maintenance of caffeine reinforcing behavior. Aim of this review is to describe the effects of caffeine on striatal neurotransmission with special reference to the modulation of the endocannabinoid system.
Xanthohumol, a chalcon derived from hops, inhibits hepatic inflammation and fibrosis
Authors: Dorn Christoph , Kraus Birgit , Motyl Magdalena , Weiss Thomas S. , Gehrig Manfred , Schölmerich Jürgen , Heilmann Jörg , Hellerbrand Claus
Published: January 2010

Xanthohumol (XN) is a major prenylated chalcone found in hops, which is used to add bitterness and flavor to beer. In this study, we first investigated the effects of XN on hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSC), the central mediators of liver fibrogenesis. XN inhibited the activation of primary human HSC and induced apoptosis in activated HSC in vitro in a dose dependent manner (0–20 μM). In contrast, XN doses as high as 50 μM did not impair viability of primary human hepatocytes. However, in both cell types XN inhibited activation of the transcription factor NFκB and expression of NFκB dependent proinflammatory genes. In vivo, feeding of XN reduced hepatic inflammation and expression of profibrogenic genes in a murine model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. These data indicate that XN has the potential as functional nutrient for the prevention or treatment of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis or other chronic liver disease.
On computing upper and lower bounds on the outputs of linear elasticity problems approximated by the smoothed finite element method
Authors: Xuan Z. C. , Lassila T. , Rozza G. , Quarteroni A.
Published: January 2010

Verification of the computation of local quantities of interest, e.g. the displacements at a point, the stresses in a local area and the stress intensity factors at crack tips, plays an important role in improving the structural design for safety. In this paper, the smoothed finite element method (SFEM) is used for finding upper and lower bounds on the local quantities of interest that are outputs of the displacement field for linear elasticity problems, based on bounds on strain energy in both the primal and dual problems. One important feature of SFEM is that it bounds the strain energy of the structure from above without needing the solutions of different subproblems that are based on elements or patches but only requires the direct finite element computation. Upper and lower bounds on two linear outputs and one quadratic output related with elasticity—the local reaction, the local displacement and the J‐integral—are computed by the proposed method in two different examples. Some issues with SFEM that remain to be resolved are also discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of artificial deformation on cranial morphogenesis in the south central Andes
Authors: Cocilovo J. A. , Varela H. H. , O'Brien T. G.
Published: January 2010

One of the most interesting issues of the interface between biology and culture is the artificial deformation of the skull. This modification is produced during early morphogenesis through the use of devices that alter the normal growth and development, to obtain a culturally established model. This paper, using a large cranial sample from the South Central Andes (1586 individuals), describes and documents a detailed morphometric study of the changes affecting the vault, cranial base, face, orbits and nasal region resulting from the tabular erect (TE), tabular oblique (TO), circular erect (CE) and circular oblique (CO) deformations with respect to the model without deformation. Data from 17 metric variables were processed by a one‐way ANOVA and LSD test for paired comparisons. All of the deformation types produce significant morphometric divergence in most of the anatomical structures of the skull. The TE exhibits: a restriction of antero‐posterior growth producing expansion in cranial width and height, frontal flattening, shortening of the face and cranial base, widening of the face, increased nasal and orbit height (ORH) and a foramen magnum size increase. The TO exhibits: most change reflected in the widening of the cranial vault, shortening of the cranial base and face, frontal flattening, increased nasal and ORH and foramen magnum size decrease. The CE style exhibits: a decrease in cranial width and strong increase in the cranial height, a reduction in frontal width, expansion of the cranial base and face, increased nasal and ORH, orbital widening and a foramen magnum size increase. The CO style exhibits: a decrease of the cranial vault's width and height, expansion along its length, stretching of the cranial base and face, reduced frontal width, fronto‐malar and biorbitary elongation of the face and further development of foramen magnum. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Socioeconomic position and secondary preventive therapy after an AMI
Authors: Ohlsson Henrik , Rosvall Maria , Hansen Ole , Chaix Basile , Merlo Juan
Published: January 2010

Purpose

To investigate the association between socioeconomic position and use of lipid‐lowering drugs and ACE‐inhibitors after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) when simultaneously considering participation in the national quality register RIKS‐HIA (Register of Information and Knowledge about Swedish Heart Intensive care Admissions), age, sex and previous hospitalizations of the patients.

Methods

Population‐based prospective cohort study included all 1346 AMI patients cared in the county of Scania, Sweden during 2006 of whom 1061 were register at the RIKS‐HIA. Treatment with lipid‐lowering and ACE‐inhibiting therapy in relation to income was investigated with Cox and logistic regression modelling.

Results

In the whole population of AMI patients, high income patients had a higher adherence to guidelines for pharmacological secondary prevention than low income patients (HRlipid‐lowering drug: 1.29; 95%CI: 1.12–1.49 and HRACE‐inhibitor therapy: 1.22; 95%CI: 1.04–1.43). Among RIKS‐HIA participants, patients with high income presented a better adherence to lipid‐lowering treatment than patients with low income (HR: 1.15; 95%CI: 0.98–1.34).

Conclusion

Our investigation reveals that the Swedish goal of access to health care on equal terms and according to needs is still not fully accomplished. Moreover, since this pattern of inequity in pharmacological secondary prevention may lead to the recurrence of heart disease, these inequities are not only a matter of fairness and social justice, but also a potential (and modifiable) source of ineffectiveness and inefficiency in health care. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.