bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutralizing antibodies to interferon‐α and circulating interferon in patients with chronic hepatitis C non‐responding to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin re‐treated by pegylated interferon‐α‐2a and ribavirin (ANRS HC16 GAMMATRI substudy*)
Authors: Halfon Philippe , Pérusat Sophie , Bourlière Marc , Bronowicki Jean‐Pierre , Trimoulet Pascale , Benhamou Yves , Leroy Vincent , Marcellin Patrick , Foucher Juliette , Penaranda Guillaume , Chêne Geneviève , Couzigou Patrice ,   the ANRS HC16 GAMMATRI Study Group
Published: October 2010

A lack of antiviral response in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated (PEG)‐interferon (IFN)‐α‐2a + ribavirin (RIBA) may be explained by neutralizing antibodies to IFN‐α‐2a. The aim of this study was to assess neutralizing antibodies to IFN‐α‐2a and IFN levels in non‐responder patients who were re‐treated by PEG IFN‐α‐2a and RIBA for 12 weeks. Non‐responders to a first‐line treatment of PEG IFN‐α‐2a + RIBA were included for treatment with PEG IFN‐α‐2a (180 µg/week) + RIBA (1,000 mg/day if <75 kg, 1,200 mg otherwise) for 48 weeks. HCV RNA was measured at week 12. IFN levels and neutralizing antibodies to IFN‐α‐2a were measured retrospectively on stored sera at baseline and weeks 4 and 12, using a quantitative sandwich ELISA for neutralizing antibodies to IFN‐α‐2a. Twenty‐three patients were non‐responders and 19 patients were responders at week 12 of the initial phase of the second‐line treatment. Non‐responders and responders did not differ statistically: baseline age (median age 47 vs. 50 years), HCV RNA (median 6.8 vs. 6.4 log10copies/ml), gender (70% vs. 73% males), genotype (genotype 1: 91% vs. 80%). The median IFN‐α‐2a levels (pg/ml) at weeks 0, 4, and 12 (interquartile range) did not differ between the 19 responders to initial phase of second‐line treatment and the 23 non‐responders: <3.3 (<3.3–371.4), 1457.3 (106.8–3284.8), and 1,652 (90.8–5,000); 84.5 (3.3–277.4), 1407.4 (120.2–2443.4), and 1620.1 (120.2–2287.1), respectively. Among non‐selected consecutive non‐responder patients, re‐treatment with PEG IFN‐α‐2a + RIBA is associated with virological response regardless of the presence of antibody‐mediated resistance to conventional IFN treatment. J. Med. Virol. 82:2027–2031, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of noroviruses detected in seasonal outbreaks of acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis in Osaka City, Japan, from 1996–1997 to 2008–2009
Authors: Iritani Nobuhiro , Kaida Atsushi , Kubo Hideyuki , Abe Niichiro , Goto Kaoru , Ogura Hisashi , Seto Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2010

In seasons from 1996–1997 through 2008–2009, noroviruses (NoVs) were detected in 505 outbreaks (71%) of nonbacterial gastroenteritis in Osaka City, Japan using molecular diagnosis with reverse transcription (RT)‐PCR or real‐time RT‐PCR. The occurrences of NoV‐associated outbreaks were related with the cold season during November–March (85.3%), and occasionally small epidemics of NoVs occurring during April–June were observed. Oyster‐associated outbreaks were dominant transmission modes (25–61.1%) before the 2003–2004 season, and decreased (5–20.5%) from the 2003–2004 season, although outbreaks attributable to food‐borne transmission (except for oysters) and person‐to‐person contact increased from the 2003–2004 season. The NoV strains were characterized into genotypes based on sequence analysis of partial capsid regions. Genotyping analyses identified at least 30 genotypes (12 in genogroup I [GI] and 18 in genogroup II [GII]) of NoV. The most common genotype was GII.4 (44.6%), followed in order by GII.3, GII.6, GII.2, and GII.5. The number of GII.4 NoVs increased greatly from the 2003–2004 season, eventually comprising a large share among the NoV‐ associated outbreaks (97.4%) of the 2006–2007 season. Occasional increased prevalence of genotypes other than GII.4 was observed during this study period. This study showed the appearance, spread, and disappearance of various genotypes and the change of NoV epidemic in a limited geographic region. Continuous NoV molecular surveillance is important for understanding NoV infections and for improving measures for their control and prevention. J. Med. Virol. 82:2097–2105, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis B spliced protein (HBSP) generated by a spliced hepatitis B virus RNA participates in abnormality of fibrin formation and functions by binding to fibrinogen γ chain
Authors: Chen Jin‐Yan , Chen Wan‐Nan , Liu Ling‐Ling , Lin Wan‐Song , Jiao Bo‐Yan , Wu Yun‐Li , Lin Jian‐Yin , Lin Xu
Published: October 2010

Hepatitis B spliced protein (HBSP) encoded by a 2.2 kb singly spliced hepatitis B virus (HBV) pre‐genomic RNA (spliced between positions 2447 and 489 nt) is involved in the pathogenesis of HBV infection, whereas the exact mechanism is far from being fully elucidated. In this study, a yeast two‐hybrid system using HBSP as bait was employed to screen binding partners for HBSP from a human liver cDNA library. The interaction between HBSP and fibrinogen γ chain (FGG) was further confirmed in vitro using a GST pull‐down assay and confirmed in vivo using a mammalian two‐hybrid assay and co‐immunoprecipitation. It was identified that this interaction is mediated by the N terminal 47 amino acid residues of HBSP. HBSP could inhibit fibrin polymerization, factor XIIIa‐mediated fibrin cross‐linking, adhesion of platelets to fibrinogen and ADP‐stimulated platelet aggregation. However, the interaction‐mediating fragment 1–47 of HBSP is not sufficient for the inhibitory activity on fibrinogen function. The findings suggested that HBSP may participate in the hemostatic abnormality in patients with HBV‐related liver diseases. J. Med. Virol. 82:2019–2026, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Longitudinal course of human metapneumovirus antibody titers and reinfection in healthy adults
Authors: Okamoto Michiko , Sugawara Kanetsu , Takashita Emi , Muraki Yasushi , Hongo Seiji , Nishimura Hidekazu , Matsuzaki Yoko
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection in adults and to determine the association between the levels of serum antibody titers and the susceptibility to reinfection. Serum samples collected at the periodic occupational medical checkup for employees of a hospital were subjected to an ELISA test. Of the 289 subjects, 288 (99.7%) had hMPV antibody titers that were more than 1:100 in May 2006. The percentage of subjects with a titer of ≥3,200 was significantly higher in adults aged 40–65 years old (30.2–31.5%) compared to young adults 20–39 years old (13.6%) (P < 0.05). To investigate the longitudinal course of the hMPV antibody titer, a total of 649 serum samples collected from 59 subjects who had participated in all biannual medical checkups between 2001 and 2006 were tested. We found that ten serum pairs showed a greater than fourfold increase in hMPV antibody titers. Additionally, the 5‐year reinfection rate was estimated at 16.9% (10 of 59 subjects). The baseline titer before the fourfold increase ranged from 1:100 to 1:3,200, and the titer returned to baseline levels 2 or 3 years after the fourfold increase. The antibody titer of the person with the baseline titer of 1:100 showed a greater than fourfold increase twice within a year. Sixty to 80% of adults had an ELISA titer of 1:800 to 1:1,600, suggesting that such an antibody titer is not enough to protect from hMPV infection and that reinfection could occur among adults. J. Med. Virol. 82:2092–2096, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low prevalence of transmitted drug resistance among newly diagnosed HIV‐1 patients in Latvia
Authors: Balode Dace , Westman Maj , Kolupajeva Tatjana , Rozentale Baiba , Albert Jan
Published: October 2010

Transmitted drug resistance (TDR) is a concern because it may reduce the efficacy of antiretroviral treatment. Plasma samples of 119 HIV‐1‐infected patients who were newly diagnosed at the Infectology Center of Latvia in 2005 and 2006 were analyzed by an in‐house genotypic resistance assay to determine the prevalence of TDR in Latvia. TDR was identified using the WHO 2009 list of mutations for surveillance of TDR as implemented in the Stanford Calibrated Population Resistance tool. Neighbor‐joining phylogenetic analyses were used to determine genetic subtype and investigate the relatedness of the sequences. Resistance testing was successful in 117 of 119 patients. The study population represented ∼20% of all patients that were diagnosed in Latvia in 2005 and 2006 and was well distributed between gender, transmission routes, and areas of residence. Four patients showed evidence of TDR, which represents a prevalence of TDR of 3.4% (95% CI: 0.9–8.5%). All four patients displayed single, but different resistance mutations (M46I, F53L, M41L, and G190A). All patients, except one, were predicted to respond well to standard first‐line therapy in Latvia. The prevalence of TDR in Latvia was low, which partly may be due to the low proportion of HIV‐1 patients who receive antiretroviral therapy. The results indicate that routine resistance testing in Latvia currently should be focused on patients who display treatment failure, rather than treatment naive patients. J. Med. Virol. 82:2013–2018, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BK virus sequences in specimens from aborted fetuses
Authors: Boldorini Renzo , Allegrini Sara , Miglio Umberto , Nestasio Ilenia , Paganotti Alessia , Veggiani Claudia , Monga Guido , Pietropaolo Valeria
Published: October 2010

Given the conflicting results of the few published studies, the aim of this retrospective molecular‐based study of 10 aborted fetuses that underwent complete autopsy and 10 placentas was carried out to determine whether BK polyomavirus (BKV) can be transmitted transplacentally. The interruption of pregnancy was due to a miscarriage (five cases) or a prenatal diagnosis of severe intrauterine malformations (five cases). Samples from the brain, heart, lung, thymus, liver, and kidney were taken from each fetus, and two samples were obtained from all of the placentas. The presence of BKV was investigated by means of PCR using primers specific for the transcription control region (TCR) and viral capsidic protein 1 (VP1) and DNA extracted from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue. BKV genome was detected in 22 of 60 samples (36.6%) from seven fetuses (70%), regardless of the cause of abortion: VP1 was amplified in 12 samples (54%), TCR in seven (32%), and both in three (14%). VP1 was also detected in one placental sample. BKV sequences were most frequently detected in heart and lung (five cases), but sequence analyses of TCR and VP1 revealed a high degree of genomic variability among the samples taken from different organs and the placenta. These results indicate that BKV can cross the placenta during pregnancy and become latent in fetal organs other than the kidney and brain (previously considered the main targets of BKV latency). This may happen in early pregnancy and does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of abortion. J. Med. Virol. 82:2127–2132, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparing burnout levels experienced by therapists working in a mental health organization versus therapists working in private practice
Authors: Gaal Nicole
Published: October 2010

This article examines the burnout phenomenon as experienced by therapists working in a mental health organization versus therapists working in private practice. The hypothesis is that therapists working in a mental health organization experience significantly more burnout symptoms than do therapists working in private practice settings. The article discusses the factors that appear to lead to burnout and looks at how organizations can help their employees provide better care to clients. The results of the study examined here indicate that therapists working in mental health organizations experience higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and lower levels of personal accomplishment than therapists working in private practice.
Synthesis of New Conjugated CNPPV Derivatives Containing Different Lengths of Oligothiophene Units for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Fei , Liu Yongsheng , Wan Xiangjian , Zhou Jiaoyan , Long Guankui , Chen Yongsheng
Published: October 2010

A new series of CNPPV derivatives that contain oligothiophenes in the polymer backbone, have been synthesized by Knoevenagel polycondensation. Different lengths of oligothiophene units have been introduced to study the relationship between polymer structure and electronic properties. Thermal stability, UV‐vis absorption spectra, and electrochemical properties of the copolymers were studied. The bandgaps estimated from UV‐vis spectra varied from 1.77 to 1.83 eV. BHJ photovoltaic cells from different copolymers and a soluble fullerene derivative have been fabricated. The best PCE of 1.62% was obtained for the polymer CNPPV‐7T, with a short‐circuit current of 5.68 mA · cm−2, open‐circuit voltage of 0.66 V, and fill factor of 43.2%.

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Motion correction in MR thermometry of abdominal organs: A comparison of the referenceless vs. the multibaseline approach
Authors: de Senneville Baudouin Denis , Roujol Sébastien , Moonen Chrit , Ries Mario
Published: October 2010

Reliable temperature and thermal‐dose measurements using proton resonance frequency shift‐based magnetic resonance (MR) thermometry for MR‐guided ablation of abdominal organs require a robust correction of artefacts induced by the target displacement through an inhomogeneous and time‐variant magnetic field. Two correction approaches emerged recently as promising candidates to allow continuous real‐time MR‐thermometry under free‐breathing conditions: The multibaseline correction method, which relies on a pre‐recorded correction table allowing to correct for periodic phase changes, and the referenceless method, which depends on a background phase estimation in the target area based on the assumption of a smooth spatial variation of the phase across the organ. This study combines both methods with real‐time in‐plane motion correction to permit both temperature and thermal‐dose calculations on the fly. Subsequently, the practical aspects of both methods are compared in two application scenarios, a radio frequency‐ablation and a high‐intensity focused ultrasound ablation. A hybrid approach is presented that exploits the strong points of both methods, allowing accurate and precise proton resonance frequency‐thermometry measurements during periodical displacement, even in the presence of spontaneous motion and strong susceptibility variations in the target area. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Goal‐oriented error estimation for Cahn–Hilliard models of binary phase transition
Authors: van der Zee Kristoffer G. , Tinsley Oden J. , Prudhomme Serge , Hawkins‐Daarud Andrea
Published: October 2010

A posteriori estimates of errors in quantities of interest are developed for the nonlinear system of evolution equations embodied in the Cahn–Hilliard model of binary phase transition. These involve the analysis of wellposedness of dual backward‐in‐time problems and the calculation of residuals. Mixed finite element approximations are developed and used to deliver numerical solutions of representative problems in one‐ and two‐dimensional domains. Estimated errors are shown to be quite accurate in these numerical examples. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2010
Instability analysis of the split‐step Fourier method on the background of a soliton of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Lakoba T.I.
Published: October 2010

We analyze a numerical instability that occurs in the well‐known split‐step Fourier method on the background of a soliton. This instability is found to be very sensitive to small changes of the parameters of both the numerical grid and the soliton, unlike the instability of most finite‐difference schemes. Moreover, the principle of “frozen coefficients,” in which variable coefficients are treated as “locally constant” for the purpose of stability analysis, is strongly violated for the instability of the split‐step method on the soliton background. Our analysis quantitatively explains all these features. It is enabled by the fact that the period of oscillations of the unstable Fourier modes is much smaller than the width of the soliton. Our analysis is different from the von Neumann analysis in that it requires spatially growing or decaying harmonics (not localized near the boundaries) as opposed to purely oscillatory ones. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 28: 641–669, 2012
Evidence for temporal and social differences in cranial dimensions in Edo‐period Japanese
Authors: Nagaoka Tomohito , Kawakubo Yoshinori , Hirata Kazuaki
Published: October 2010

This study examined the craniometric traits of the Edo‐period (AD1603–1867) human skeletons from the Hitotsubashi site in Tokyo, compared them with temporally and socially various populations, and attempted to detect the morphological differentiation patterns that the Edo‐period Japanese exhibited over time and under those social/environmental conditions. The materials measured here were the townsmen's crania from the Hitotsubashi site, which were dated back to the early half of the Edo period. The observations revealed that the Hitotsubashi samples were more dolichocephalic than any other Edo series and were different from subsequent Edo series in terms of larger maximum cranial length and smaller maximum cranial breadth. The Hitotsubashi samples were definitely in contrast with those of Tentokuji and Shirogane, both of which included a samurai (warrior) class of the late to final Edo period and exhibited the most brachycephalic crania. It is reasonable to assume that the temporal and social situations were possibly related to the observed cranial variation and that the temporal changes in cranial dimensions in pre‐modern Japan might have reflected the nutritional and environmental conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is Paranoia a Defence against or an Expression of Low Self–Esteem?
Authors: Cicero David C. , Kerns John G.
Published: October 2010

Paranoia has been hypothesized to be negatively correlated with self–esteem. However, hypotheses differ about how low self–esteem might produce paranoia. The paranoia as defense model views paranoia as a defensive reaction against low self–esteem. In contrast, the paranoia as expression model views paranoia in part as a reflection of low self–esteem. In the current study, paranoia was negatively associated with global explicit self–esteem, self–competence, self–liking and self–serving attributional style, but unassociated with implicit self–esteem as measured with the Implicit Association Test. In contrast, facets of narcissism, which also have been hypothesized to be associated with defensive self–processing, were associated with defensiveness. Overall, these results suggest that paranoia is better represented by the expression model. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Broad versus narrow traits: Conscientiousness and honesty–humility as predictors of academic criteria
Authors: de Vries Anita , de Vries Reinout E. , Born Marise Ph.
Published: October 2010

Recent research has suggested that the six–dimensional personality model, and especially the dimension Honesty–Humility/Integrity, adds incremental validity to the prediction of important criteria. We expected both this dimension and the dimension Conscientiousness to explain incremental variance in two academic criteria, namely grade point average (GPA) and counterproductive academic behaviour (CAB). In addition, we expected the more specific, so–called narrow traits of Conscientiousness and Honesty–Humility/Integrity to be stronger predictors of academic criteria than the broad traits. To test these expectations, two studies were conducted using the HEXACO Personality Inventory Revised (HEXACO–PI–R) and the Multicultural Personality Test—Big Six (MPT–BS). The results confirmed our expectations and suggest that academic criteria may be predicted with greater accuracy by focusing on the narrow traits of Conscientiousness and Honesty–Humility/Integrity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stop and Start Control: A Distinction within Self–Control
Authors: de Boer Benjamin J. , van Hooft Edwin A. J. , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: October 2010

A theoretical distinction within self–control, between stop control and start control, was investigated in two studies. Study 1 consisted of a pilot study in which expert ratings of existing self–control items were used to distinguish between stop and start control items and a confirmatory factor analyses of these items using a student sample ( N = 474). Also, stop and start control were related to overall affect and behavioural outcomes. Stop control was negatively related to negative affect, whereas start control was positively related to positive affect. Study 2 ( N = 226) replicated some of these findings; stop control was the best predictor (−) of smoking and alcohol consumption whereas start control was the best predictor (+) of exercising and studying. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphorus‐containing poly(ester‐imide)–polydimethylsiloxane copolymers
Authors: Hamciuc Corneliu , Hamciuc Elena , Serbezeanu Diana , Vlad‐Bubulac Tachita , Cazacu Maria
Published: October 2010

New phosphorus‐containing poly(ester‐imide)‐polydimethylsiloxane copolymers were prepared by solution polycondensation of 1,4‐[2‐(6‐oxido‐6H‐dibenz < c,e > < 1, 2 > oxaphosphorin‐6‐yl)]naphthalene‐bis(trimellitate) dianhydride with a mixture of an aromatic diamine (1,3‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)benzene) and α,ω‐bis(3‐aminopropyl)oligodimethylsiloxane of controlled molecular weight, in various ratios. Poly(amic acid) intermediates were converted quantitatively to the corresponding polyimide structures using a solution imidization procedure. The polymers are easily soluble in polar organic solvents, such as N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and N,N‐dimethylformamide, as well as in less polar solvents such as tetrahydrofuran. They show good thermal stability, the decomposition temperature being above 370 °C. The glass transition temperatures are in the range 165–216 °C. Solutions of the polymers in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone exhibit photoluminescence in the blue region. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Individual‐level factors in colorectal cancer screening: a review of the literature on the relation of individual‐level health behavior constructs and screening behavior
Authors: Kiviniemi Marc T. , Bennett Alyssa , Zaiter Marie , Marshall James R.
Published: October 2010

Objective: Compliance with colorectal cancer screening recommendations requires considerable conscious effort on the part of the individual patient, making an individual's decisions about engagement in screening an important contributor to compliance or noncompliance. The objective of this paper was to examine the effectiveness of individual‐level behavior theories and their associated constructs in accounting for engagement in colorectal cancer screening behavior.

Methods: We reviewed the literature examining constructs from formal models of individual‐level health behavior as factors associated with compliance with screening for colorectal cancer. All published studies examining one or more constructs from the health belief model, theory of planned behavior, transtheoretical model, or social cognitive theory and their relation to screening behavior or behavioral intentions were included in the analysis.

Results: By and large, results of studies supported the theory‐based predictions for the influence of constructs on cancer screening behavior. However, the evidence base for many of these relations, especially for models other than the health belief model, is quite limited.

Conclusions: Suggestions are made for future research on individual‐level determinants of colorectal cancer screening. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The group II chaperonin Mm‐Cpn binds and refolds human γD crystallin
Authors: Knee Kelly M. , Goulet Daniel R. , Zhang Junjie , Chen Bo , Chiu Wah , King Jonathan A.
Published: October 2010

Chaperonins assist in the folding of nascent and misfolded proteins, though the mechanism of folding within the lumen of the chaperonin remains poorly understood. The archeal chaperonin from Methanococcus marapaludis, Mm‐Cpn, shares the eightfold double barrel structure with other group II chaperonins, including the eukaryotic TRiC/CCT, required for actin and tubulin folding. However, Mm‐Cpn is composed of a single species subunit, similar to group I chaperonin GroEL, rather than the eight subunit species needed for TRiC/CCT. Features of the β‐sheet fold have been identified as sites of recognition by group II chaperonins. The crystallins, the major components of the vertebrate eye lens, are β‐sheet proteins with two homologous Greek key domains. During refolding in vitro a partially folded intermediate is populated, and partitions between productive folding and off‐pathway aggregation. We report here that in the presence of physiological concentrations of ATP, Mm‐Cpn suppressed the aggregation of HγD‐Crys by binding the partially folded intermediate. The complex was sufficiently stable to permit recovery by size exclusion chromatography. In the presence of ATP, Mm‐Cpn promoted the refolding of the HγD‐Crys intermediates to the native state. The ability of Mm‐Cpn to bind and refold a human β‐sheet protein suggests that Mm‐Cpn may be useful as a simplified model for the substrate recognition mechanism of TRiC/CCT.
The Cus efflux system removes toxic ions via a methionine shuttle
Authors: Su Chih‐Chia , Long Feng , Yu Edward W.
Published: October 2010

Gram‐negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, frequently utilize tripartite efflux complexes in the resistance‐nodulation‐cell division (RND) family to expel diverse toxic compounds from the cell. These efflux systems span the entire cell envelope to mediate the phenomenon of bacterial multidrug resistance. The three parts of the efflux complexes are: (1) a membrane fusion protein (MFP) connecting (2) a substrate‐binding inner membrane transporter to (3) an outer membrane‐anchored channel in the periplasmic space. One such efflux system CusCBA is responsible for extruding biocidal Cu(I) and Ag(I) ions. We recently determined the crystal structures of both the inner membrane transporter CusA and MFP CusB of the CusCBA tripartite efflux system from E. coli. These are the first structures of the heavy‐metal efflux (HME) subfamily of the RND efflux pumps. Here, we summarize the structural information of these two efflux proteins and present the accumulated evidence that this efflux system utilizes methionine residues to bind and export Cu(I)/Ag(I). Genetic and structural analyses suggest that the CusA pump is capable of picking up the metal ions from both the periplasm and cytoplasm. We propose a stepwise shuttle mechanism for this pump to extrude metal ions from the cell.
Degradation of isoproturon and bentazone in peat‐ and compost‐based biomixtures
Authors: Coppola Laura , Pilar Castillo Maria del , Vischetti Costantino
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND: The composition and properties of a biomixture used in a biobed are decisive for pesticide sorption and degradation. This study was performed to investigate the capability of compost‐based substrates in mixtures with citrus peel and vine branch straw and peat‐based substrates in mixtures with soil and vine branch straw at different levels in order to degrade isoproturon and bentazone.

RESULTS: Dissipation and mineralisation rates of both pesticides were determined, and metabolic activity was followed as respiration. Compost‐based substrates showed faster pesticide dissipation in the presence of lignocellulosic materials, as in garden compost and vine branch straw. The increasing content of vine branch straw in peat‐based substrates does not seem to affect dissipation of the parent compounds. Low mineralisation rate was observed in all treatments.

CONCLUSION: Higher pesticide degradation was observed in the lignocellulosic substrates, probably because of the development of lignin‐degrading microorganisms which have shown to be robust and are able to degrade recalcitrant pesticides. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Expression of δ‐endotoxin Cry1EC from an inducible promoter confers insect protection in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plants
Authors: Tiwari Siddharth , Mishra Devesh K , Chandrasekhar Krishnappa , Singh Pradhyumna K , Tuli Rakesh
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND: Spodoptera litura (F.) is a polyphagous foliage insect and a major pest on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Constitutive expression of δ‐endotoxin Cry1EC gives protection against S. litura, as reported earlier. In this study, insect bites and salicylic acid induced high‐level expression of Cry1EC was achieved in peanut. In order to achieve this, the expression of pathogenesis responsive promoter PR‐1a was enhanced by placing it downstream of the CaMV35S promoter in the pCAMBIA 1300 backbone. The resultant promoter CaMV35S(r)PR‐1a expressed a high level of insecticidal δ‐endotoxin Cry1EC. The Gus expression under the control of CaMV35S(r)PR‐1a served as a convenient marker for evaluation of promoter response to different treatments.

RESULTS: Transgenic events that showed a very low level of uninduced expression and no expression in seeds were selected. The Cry1EC expression in leaves increased nearly eightfold in the selected event, following induction by salicylic acid. Both the salicylic‐acid‐treated and the S. litura‐bitten leaves showed the highest expression after 2 days. Leaves from salicylic‐acid‐induced transgenic plants caused 100% mortality of S. litura at all stages of larval development.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that high expression of inducible promoters provides a good strategy for the development of safer transgenic food and feed crops. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Persistence ofBacillus thuringiensis israelensis(Bti) in the environment induces resistance to multipleBtitoxins in mosquitoes
Authors: Paris Margot , Tetreau Guillaume , Laurent Fabien , Lelu Maud , Despres Laurence , David Jean‐Philippe
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:The simultaneous production of six different toxins byBacillus thuringiensis israelensis(Bti) is thought to delay the evolution of resistance in treated mosquito populations. Recent studies have shown thatBtican persist and proliferate in the environment, thereby imposing continuous selective pressure on mosquito populations, raising concerns about the long‐term effectiveness of this bioinsecticide. In order to evaluate the effect ofBtipersistence on the evolution of resistance, the authors selected a laboratoryAedes aegyptiL. strain with field‐collected leaf litter containingBtitoxins.

RESULTS:It is shown that resistance to each individualBtitoxin (up to 30‐fold) can be obtained after only a few generations of selection. However, the resistance to commercialBtiand to environmentalBtiremains low (twofold and 3.4‐fold respectively) in the selected strain. Furthermore, some selected individuals exhibited resistance to Cry4B but not to Cry4A, suggesting that two distinct resistance mechanisms are involved in the resistance to these two toxins.

CONCLUSION:Considering that resistance to Cry toxins might act as a first step to resistance to a completeBtitoxin mixture, the present results highlight the importance of testing each toxin individually in order accurately to monitorBtitoxin resistance evolution in field populations. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Osthole improves alcohol‐induced fatty liver in mice by reduction of hepatic oxidative stress
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Xue Jie , Wang Hengbin , Zhang Yan , Xie Meilin
Published: October 2010

The aim of our study was to examine the therapeutic effect of osthole, an active constituent isolated from the fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, on alcohol‐induced fatty liver in mice and investigate its potential mechanisms of treatment. A mouse alcoholic fatty liver model was established by feeding 52% alcohol for 4 weeks. These experimental mice were then treated with osthole 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg for 6 weeks. The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) and hepatic tissue contents of TC, TG and malondialdehyde (MDA) in osthole‐treated groups were significantly decreased, while the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly increased compared with the model group. Moreover, the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2E1 and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) mRNA expressions in mouse liver were significantly decreased, and the carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) 1A mRNA expression was increased by osthole treatment. Importantly, the histological evaluation of liver demonstrated that osthole dramatically decreased lipid accumulation. It was concluded that osthole was effective in treating mouse alcoholic fatty liver, and its main mechanisms might be related to reduction of hepatic oxidative stress, including the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, enhancement of antioxidative enzyme activity, and reduction of lipid accumulation and peroxidation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parathyroid Carcinoma Encountered After Minimally Invasive Focused Parathyroidectomy may not Require Further Radical Surgery
Authors: O’Neill Christine J. , Chan Conan , Symons James , Learoyd Diana L. , Sidhu Stan B. , Delbridge Leigh W. , Gill Anthony , Sywak Mark S.
Published: October 2010

Background

Parathyroid carcinoma accounts for <1% of tumors in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Distinguishing parathyroid malignancy from benign disease is difficult both before and after initial surgery. Despite the improved specificity of a malignant diagnosis with immunohistochemistry for parafibromin and PGP9.5, proven metastatic behavior remains the gold standard of diagnosis. Minimally invasive focused parathyroidectomy (MIP) is widely performed in patients with PHPT and positive localization studies; thus, it is inevitable that some parathyroid caricnomas will be encountered at MIP. We present our experience of this rare entity.

Methods

The present study represents a surgical case series of patients with parathyroid carcinoma encountered after MIP. The clinicopathological features of benign and malignant parathyroid tumors were compared. Multiple regression analysis was undertaken to compare indicators of malignancy.

Results

Between May 1999 and April 2010, a total of 1,292 patients underwent MIP at the University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit, and a histopathological diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma was made in seven patients (0.5%). Staining for parafibromin and/or PGP9.5 was abnormal in five carcinomas (71%). Despite subsequent unilateral thyroid lobectomy and lymphadenectomy in six patients, no further malignancy was identified in any specimens. Compared to controls, preoperative calcium (p = 0.04) and parathyroid hormone (p = 0.01) were significantly higher in patients with malignancy. The positive predictive value of these parameters for carcinoma was 56 and 75%, respectively.

Conclusions

In patients diagnosed with parathyroid carcinoma after MIP where preoperative imaging had already demonstrated localized disease, revision en bloc surgery did not reveal any residual disease. The benefits of further radical surgery for parathyroid carcinoma after MIP remain controversial.
Egg dispersion is more important than competition type for herbivores attacked by a parasitoid
Authors: Vamosi Steven M. , den Hollander Michelle D. , Tuda Midori
Published: October 2010

Herbivore fitness can be altered by a combination of interacting organisms, such as its food plant, conspecifics, and predators/parasitoids. Here, we tested relative effects of plant species, herbivore intraspecific competition type, and spatial distribution of the herbivore among plant units on herbivore survival and whether parasitoids modified these effects. We used an endophagous bruchine seed predator Callosobruchusmaculatus for the herbivore, and a braconid wasp Heterospilusprosopidis for the parasitoid. The survival rate of C. maculatus was measured for each of 16 combinations of two plants (bean species, Vigna unguiculata and V. radiata), two competition types of C. maculatus larvae (contest and scramble), two spatial distributions of hosts [sparse (1 C. maculatus larva per seed over 20 seeds) and dense (2 C. maculatus larvae per seed over ten seeds)], and with/without a parasitoid pair. In the absence of the parasitoid, C. maculatus survival rate was lower with V. radiata and in the contest type. With the parasitoid, the proportion parasitized hosts was independent of total host density. Neither the proportion of parasitized hosts nor host survival rate was affected by plant species or host strain, but they were affected by host spatial distribution. When host distribution was dense, a higher proportion of hosts were parasitized, and C. maculatus survival rate was lower. Here we discuss parasitoid potential as a selective agent for the sparse within‐pod distribution of its hosts in the field.
Imidazolium, Pyridinium and Dimethyl‐Ethylbenzyl Ammonium Derived Compounds as Mixed Corrosion Inhibitors in Acidic Medium
Authors: Palomar Manuel E. , Olivares‐Xometl Crescencio O. , Likhanova Natalya V. , Pérez‐Navarrete Jonathán‐Boanerge
Published: October 2010

Seven cationic surfactants: 1‐methyl‐3‐tetradecyl imidazolium bromide, 1‐methyl‐3‐hexadecyl imidazolium bromide, N,N‐tetradecyl pyridinium bromide, N,N‐hexadecyl pyridinium bromide, N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐ethylbenzyl ammonium bromide, N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐ethylbenzyl ammonium laurate and N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐ethylbenzyl ammonium acetate, were investigated at different doses (10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 ppm) as corrosion inhibitors for steel grade API 5L X52 in hydrochloric acid 2 M using a weight loss technique, impedance and polarization resistance methods. The corrosion inhibition of steel grade API 5L X52 of the cationic surfactants was attributed to their molecular structure (heterocyclic ring, hydrophobic chain length and counterion) that enhances adsorption onto steel surface. The best protective efficiency of the film was higher than 90% (N,N‐Dimethyl‐N‐ethylbenzyl ammonium acetate). It is important to know how organic inhibitor films grown on the metallic surface in order to achieve superior corrosion inhibition, hence experimental findings were described by Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy spectrums were fitted by means of the Voigt model.
Postprandial Lipemia Detects the Effect of Soy Protein on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Compared with the Fasting Lipid Profile
Authors: Santo Antonio S. , Santo Ariana M. , Browne Richard W. , Burton Harold , Leddy John J. , Horvath Steven M. , Horvath Peter J.
Published: October 2010

Studies examining the effect of soy protein on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors have not taken advantage of the postprandial state as an adjunct to the fasting lipid profile. The American Heart Association has acknowledged the efficacy of soy protein in reducing CVD risk factors to be limited. We hypothesized that the postprandial state would be more sensitive to any favorable changes associated with consuming soy protein compared with the fasting lipid profile. Furthermore, the presence of isoflavones in soy would enhance this effect. Thirty sedentary males aged 18–30 years were randomly assigned to milk protein (Milk), isoflavone‐poor soy (Soy−), or isoflavone‐rich soy (Soy+). Usual diets were supplemented with 25 g/day of protein for 28 days. Serum samples were collected before and after supplementation in a fasted state and postprandially at 30, 60, 120, 240, and 360 min after a high‐fat, 1,000 kcal shake. Triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol, non‐esterified fatty acids, apolipoproteins B‐100 and A‐I and glucose concentrations were quantified. Fasting concentrations were not different after any protein supplementation. Postprandial TAG and TAG AUC increased after Soy‐consumption supporting the postprandial state as a more sensitive indicator of soy ingestion effects on CVD risk factors compared with the fasting lipid profile. Furthermore, the absence of isoflavones in soy protein may have deleterious consequences on purported cardio‐protective effects.
The European Citizens’ Initiative: A Victory for Democracy or a Marketing Trick?
Authors: Trzaskowski Rafal
Published: October 2010

The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) was presented as a direct opportunity for the voices of European citizens to be heard in the EU institutions. There have been, however, reservations about implementing this tool to facilitate direct democracy; these reservations have contributed to the vague criteria outlined in the Lisbon Treaty for this initiative. There is the danger that citizens will see the ECI as an instrument to bypass the normal legislative process. Instead of bringing the EU closer to its citizens, the ECI might serve to increase frustrations and the feeling that the EU does not ‘listen to the people’. Furthermore, the impact of this initiative on the legitimacy of the EU institutions cannot be predicted.
Sociological knowledge and colonial power in Bombay around the First World War
Authors: ASPENGREN HENRIK C.
Published: October 2010

By the turn of the twentieth century a distinct ‘social domain’ – along with its constituent parts, problems and internal dynamics – was turned into a political entity, and a concern for state bureaucracies existed across the industrializing world. Specific motivations for this trend may have varied from location to location, but included arguments for higher industrial productivity and less political discontent, often intertwined with a humanitarian impulse in calls for better housing, expanded public health or improved working conditions. As has been well documented, the politicization of the social domain in early twentieth-century Britain owes much to the consolidation of British sociology as a distinct discipline. Yet while the link between the rise of social politics and sociology has been established with regard to Britain, little has been said about the occurrence of this coupling elsewhere in the twentieth-century British Empire. This article aims to rectify that omission by showing the interplay between newly raised social concerns of the colonial administration in the Bombay Presidency, Western British India, and the establishing of sociological research within the borders of the Presidency around the time of the First World War. The article will explore how the colonial administration in Bombay planned to meet new demands for sociological knowledge in colonial state policy, how sociology was subsequently introduced into the Presidency as a research subject, and how new sociological methods were applied in actual colonial government.
From “Observer to Activist”: Documentary Memory, Oral History, and Studs Terkel's “Essence” Narratives
Authors: GUSTAVSON ANDREA
Published: October 2010

Over several decades of interviewing people and crafting their words into published works, Studs Terkel defined, expanded, and challenged the field of oral history. Terkel often described his methods as similar to those of a “prospector for gold” sifting through the statements of his subjects to create essays that reveal each person's “essence.” Drawing on his planning documents, interview transcripts, manuscripts and published texts, I trace Terkel's approach to oral history through two of his best-known works – Hard Times and “The Good War” – and through three stages: his planning and performance of interviews, his editing of the individual transcripts, and his construction of the completed text. I conclude by considering the implications of Terkel's unconventional approach to oral history and the ways in which his methodology may reflect his long history of involvement with progressive political movements. Terkel crafted his subject's narratives into texts I term “documentary memory”; he insisted that his works are subjective “memory books” but also employed a documentary rhetoric of objectivity. Terkel believed telling stories of the past to be a form of social action and he used his texts about the past to comment politically on his present – his “memory books” document earlier periods in American history relevant to the cultural moment in which he published.
Direct numerical simulations of transition in a compressor cascade: the influence of free-stream turbulence
Authors: ZAKI TAMER A. , WISSINK JAN G. , RODI WOLFGANG , DURBIN PAUL A.
Published: October 2010

The flow through a compressor passage without and with incoming free-stream grid turbulence is simulated. At moderate Reynolds number, laminar-to-turbulence transition can take place on both sides of the aerofoil, but proceeds in distinctly different manners. The direct numerical simulations (DNS) of this flow reveal the mechanics of breakdown to turbulence on both surfaces of the blade. The pressure surface boundary layer undergoes laminar separation in the absence of free-stream disturbances. When exposed to free-stream forcing, the boundary layer remains attached due to transition to turbulence upstream of the laminar separation point. Three types of breakdowns are observed; they combine characteristics of natural and bypass transition. In particular, instability waves, which trace back to discrete modes of the base flow, can be observed, but their development is not independent of the Klebanoff distortions that are caused by free-stream turbulent forcing. At a higher turbulence intensity, the transition mechanism shifts to a purely bypass scenario. Unlike the pressure side, the suction surface boundary layer separates independent of the free-stream condition, be it laminar or a moderate free-stream turbulence of intensityTu~ 3%. Upstream of the separation, the amplification of the Klebanoff distortions is suppressed in the favourable pressure gradient (FPG) region. This suppression is in agreement with simulations of constant pressure gradient boundary layers. FPG is normally stabilizing with respect to bypass transition to turbulence, but is, thereby, unfavourable with respect to separation. Downstream of the FPG section, a strong adverse pressure gradient (APG) on the suction surface of the blade causes the laminar boundary layer to separate. The separation surface is modulated in the instantaneous fields of the Klebanoff distortion inside the shear layer, which consists of forward and backward jet-like perturbations. Separation is followed by breakdown to turbulence and reattachment. As the free-stream turbulence intensity is increased,Tu~ 6.5%, transitional turbulent patches are initiated, and interact with the downstream separated flow, causing local attachment. The calming effect, or delayed re-establishment of the boundary layer separation, is observed in the wake of the turbulent events.
Film flow over heated wavy inclined surfaces
Authors: D'ALESSIO S. J. D. , PASCAL J. P. , JASMINE H. A. , OGDEN K. A.
Published: October 2010

The two-dimensional problem of gravity-driven laminar flow of a thin layer of fluid down a heated wavy inclined surface is discussed. The coupled effect of bottom topography, variable surface tension and heating has been investigated both analytically and numerically. A stability analysis is conducted while nonlinear simulations are used to validate the stability predictions and also to study thermocapillary effects. The governing equations are based on the Navier–Stokes equations for a thin fluid layer with the cross-stream dependence eliminated by means of a weighted residual technique. Comparisons with experimental data and direct numerical simulations have been carried out and the agreement is good. New interesting results regarding the combined role of surface tension and sinusoidal topography on the stability of the flow are presented. The influence of heating and the Marangoni effect are also deduced.