bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and characterization of two chimpanzee polyomavirus genotypes from different subspecies
Authors: Deuzing Ilona , Fagrouch Zahra , Groenewoud Marlous J , Niphuis Henk , Kondova Ivanela , Bogers Willy , Verschoor Ernst J
Published: November 2010

The complete nucleotide sequences of three chimpanzee polyomavirus genetic variants were determined. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the viruses form two different genotypes of ChPyV. Comparison with other primate polyomaviruses revealed a putative agnogene, and an unusually long VP1 open reading frame. The transcriptional control regions (TCR) of the viruses were extremely short (155 nucleotides), and highly conserved amongst the genotypes. Analysis of the TCR from different chimpanzee subspecies, and from a series of tissues from five individuals confirmed its genetic stability, and also indicates that double-infections with different genotypes can occur.
The Meq oncoprotein of Marek's disease virus interacts with p53 and inhibits its transcriptional and apoptotic activities
Authors: Deng Xufang , Li Xiangdong , Shen Yang , Qiu Yafeng , Shi Zixue , Shao Donghua , Jin Yamei , Chen Hongjun , Ding Chan , Li Li , Chen Puyan , Ma Zhiyong
Published: November 2010

Background

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is an oncogenic herpesvirus, which causes malignant lymphoma in chickens. The Meq protein of MDV, which is expressed abundantly in MDV-infected cells and in Marek's disease (MD) tumor cells, functions as a transcriptional activator and has been proposed to play an important role in oncogenic transformation. Preliminary studies demonstrated that Meq is able to bind p53 in vitro, as demonstrated using a protein-binding assay. This observation prompted us to examine whether the interaction between Meq and p53 occurs in cells, and to investigate the biological significance of this interaction.

Results

We confirmed first that Meq interacted directly with p53 using a yeast two-hybrid assay and an immunoprecipitation assay, and we investigated the biological significance of this interaction subsequently. Exogenous expression of Meq resulted in the inhibition of p53-mediated transcriptional activity and apoptosis, as analyzed using a p53 luciferase reporter assay and a TUNEL assay. The inhibitory effect of Meq on transcriptional activity mediated by p53 was dependent on the physical interaction between these two proteins, because a Meq deletion mutant that lacked the p53-binding region lost the ability to inhibit p53-mediated transcriptional activity and apoptosis. The Meq variants L-Meq and S-Meq, but not VS-Meq and ∆Meq, which were expressed in MD tumor cells and MDV-infected cells, exerted an inhibitory effect on p53 transcriptional activity. In addition, ∆Meq was found to act as a negative regulator of Meq.

Conclusions

The Meq oncoprotein interacts directly with p53 and inhibits p53-mediated transcriptional activity and apoptosis. These findings provide valuable insight into the molecular basis for the function of Meq in MDV oncogenesis.
Molecular Basis for the Dosing Time-Dependency of Anti-Allodynic Effects of Gabapentin in a Mouse Model of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Kusunose Naoki , Koyanagi Satoru , Hamamura Kengo , Matsunaga Naoya , Yoshida Miyako , Uchida Takahiro , Tsuda Makoto , Inoue Kazuhide , Ohdo Shigehiro
Published: November 2010

Background:

Neuropathic pain is characterized by hypersensitivity to innocuous stimuli (tactile allodynia) that is nearly always resistant to NSAIDs or even opioids. Gabapentin, a GABA analogue, was originally developed to treat epilepsy. Accumulating clinical evidence supports the effectiveness of this drug for diverse neuropathic pain. In this study, we showed that the anti-allodynic effect of gabapentin was changed by the circadian oscillation in the expression of its target molecule, the calcium channel α2δ−1 subunit.

Results:

Mice were underwent partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL) to create a model of neuropathic pain. The paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) in PSL mice significantly decreased and fluctuated with a period length about 24 h. The PWT in PSL mice was dose-dependently increased by intraperitoneal injection of gabapentin, but the anti-allodynic effects varied according to its dosing time. The protein levels of α2δ−1 subunit were up-regulated in the DRG of PSL mice, but the protein levels oscillated in a circadian time-dependent manner. The time-dependent oscillation of α2δ−1 subunit protein correlated with fluctuations in the maximal binding capacity of gabapentin. The anti-allodynic effect of gabapentin was attenuated at the times of the day when α2δ−1 subunit protein was abundant.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that the dosing time-dependent difference in the anti-allodynic effects of gabapentin is attributable to the circadian oscillation of α2δ−1 subunit expression in the DRG and indicate that the optimizing its dosing schedule helps to achieve rational pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain.
Comparison of cardiothoracic surgery training in usa and germany
Authors: Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang , Mokashi Suyog A , Rajab Taufiek K , Bolman R Morton , Chen Frederick Y , Schmitto Jan D
Published: November 2010

Background

Training of cardiothoracic surgeons in Europe and the United States has expanded to incorporate new operative techniques and requirements. The purpose of this study was to compare the current structure of training programs in the United States and Germany.

Methods

We thoroughly reviewed the existing literature with particular focus on the curriculum, salary, board certification and quality of life for cardiothoracic trainees.

Results

The United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany each have different cardiothoracic surgery training programs with specific strengths and weaknesses which are compared and presented in this publication.

Conclusions

The future of cardiothoracic surgery training will become affected by technological, demographic, economic and supply factors. Given current trends in training programs, creating an efficient training system would allow trainees to compete and grow in this constantly changing environment.
In Lysinuric Protein Intolerance system y+L activity is defective in monocytes and in GM-CSF-differentiated macrophages
Authors: Barilli Amelia , Rotoli Bianca Maria , Visigalli Rossana , Bussolati Ovidio , Gazzola Gian C , Kadija Zamir , Rodi Giuseppe , Mariani Francesca , Ruzza Maria Lorena , Luisetti Maurizio , Dall'Asta Valeria
Published: November 2010

Background

In the recessive aminoaciduria Lysinuric Protein Intolerance (LPI), mutations of SLC7A7/y+LAT1 impair system y+L transport activity for cationic amino acids. A severe complication of LPI is a form of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP), in which alveolar spaces are filled with lipoproteinaceous material because of the impaired surfactant clearance by resident macrophages. The pathogenesis of LPI-associated PAP remains still obscure. The present study investigates for the first time the expression and function of y+LAT1 in monocytes and macrophages isolated from a patient affected by LPI-associated PAP. A comparison with mesenchymal cells from the same subject has been also performed.

Methods

Monocytes from peripheral blood were isolated from a 21-year-old patient with LPI. Alveolar macrophages and fibroblastic-like mesenchymal cells were obtained from a whole lung lavage (WLL) performed on the same patient. System y+L activity was determined measuring the 1-min uptake of [3H]-arginine under discriminating conditions. Gene expression was evaluated through qRT-PCR.

Results

We have found that: 1) system y+L activity is markedly lowered in monocytes and alveolar macrophages from the LPI patient, because of the prevailing expression of SLC7A7/y+LAT1 in these cells; 2) on the contrary, fibroblasts isolated from the same patient do not display the transport defect due to compensation by the SLC7A6/y+LAT2 isoform; 3) in both normal and LPI monocytes, GM-CSF induces the expression of SLC7A7, suggesting that the gene is a target of the cytokine; 4) GM-CSF-induced differentiation of LPI monocytes is comparable to that of normal cells, demonstrating that GM-CSF signalling is unaltered; 5) general and respiratory conditions of the patient, along with PAP-associated parameters, markedly improved after GM-CSF therapy through aerosolization.

Conclusions

Monocytes and macrophages, but not fibroblasts, derived from a LPI patient clearly display the defect in system y+L-mediated arginine transport. The different transport phenotypes are referable to the relative levels of expression of SLC7A7 and SLC7A6. Moreover, the expression of SLC7A7 is regulated by GM-CSF in monocytes, pointing to a role of y+LAT1 in the pathogenesis of LPI associated PAP.
Age-related synaptic loss of the medial olivocochlear efferent innervation
Authors: Fu Benjamin , Le Prell Colleen , Simmons Dwayne , Lei Debin , Schrader Angela , Chen Amelia B , Bao Jianxin
Published: November 2010

Age-related functional decline of the nervous system is consistently observed, though cellular and molecular events responsible for this decline remain largely unknown. One of the most prevalent age-related functional declines is age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), a major cause of which is the loss of outer hair cells (OHCs) and spiral ganglion neurons. Previous studies have also identified an age-related functional decline in the medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent system prior to age-related loss of OHCs. The present study evaluated the hypothesis that this functional decline of the MOC efferent system is due to age-related synaptic loss of the efferent innervation of the OHCs. To this end, we used a recently-identified transgenic mouse line in which the expression of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), under the control of neuron-specific elements from the thy1 gene, permits the visualization of the synaptic connections between MOC efferent fibers and OHCs. In this model, there was a dramatic synaptic loss between the MOC efferent fibers and the OHCs in older mice. However, age-related loss of efferent synapses was independent of OHC status. These data demonstrate for the first time that age-related loss of efferent synapses may contribute to the functional decline of the MOC efferent system and that this synaptic loss is not necessary for age-related loss of OHCs.
Liver metastasis originating from colorectal cancer with macroscopic portal vein tumor thrombosis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tomimaru Yoshito , Sasaki Yo , Yamada Terumasa , Gotoh Kunihito , Noura Shingo , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Miyashiro Isao , Ohue Masayuki , Ohigashi Hiroaki , Yano Masahiko , Ishikawa Osamu , Imaoka Shingi
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Macroscopic tumor thrombi occupying the main portal branch are rarely seen in patients with liver metastasis.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old Japanese man who had previously undergone surgery for adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon presented with a metastatic liver tumor accompanied by a macroscopic tumor thrombus in the right portal branch. Right lobectomy and removal of the tumor thrombus were performed, and the liver metastasis and tumor thrombus were successfully resected. Histopathological examination of the liver tumor revealed adenocarcinoma, consistent with that of the previous colon cancer, confirming that the liver tumor was a metastasis from the colon cancer. Our patient remains well without recurrence at 51 months after the liver surgery.

Conclusion

The prognosis of patients with liver metastasis accompanied by a portal vein tumor thrombus remains unknown, but, considering several previous reported cases together with our case report, a better prognosis may be expected if the tumor is successfully removed by anatomical liver resection.
An empirical Bayes model for gene expression and methylation profiles in antiestrogen resistant breast cancer
Authors: Jeong Jaesik , Li Lang , Liu Yunlong , Nephew Kenneth P , Huang Tim Hui-Ming , Shen Changyu
Published: November 2010

Background

The nuclear transcription factor estrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha) is the target of several antiestrogen therapeutic agents for breast cancer. However, many ER-alpha positive patients do not respond to these treatments from the beginning, or stop responding after being treated for a period of time. Because of the association of gene transcription alteration and drug resistance and the emerging evidence on the role of DNA methylation on transcription regulation, understanding of these relationships can facilitate development of approaches to re-sensitize breast cancer cells to treatment by restoring DNA methylation patterns.

Methods

We constructed a hierarchical empirical Bayes model to investigate the simultaneous change of gene expression and promoter DNA methylation profiles among wild type (WT) and OHT/ICI resistant MCF7 breast cancer cell lines.

Results

We found that compared with the WT cell lines, almost all of the genes in OHT or ICI resistant cell lines either do not show methylation change or hypomethylated. Moreover, the correlations between gene expression and methylation are quite heterogeneous across genes, suggesting the involvement of other factors in regulating transcription. Analysis of our results in combination with H3K4me2 data on OHT resistant cell lines suggests a clear interplay between DNA methylation and H3K4me2 in the regulation of gene expression. For hypomethylated genes with alteration of gene expression, most (~80%) are up-regulated, consistent with current view on the relationship between promoter methylation and gene expression.

Conclusions

We developed an empirical Bayes model to study the association between DNA methylation in the promoter region and gene expression. Our approach generates both global (across all genes) and local (individual gene) views of the interplay. It provides important insight on future effort to develop therapeutic agent to re-sensitize breast cancer cells to treatment.
Universal platform for quantitative analysis of DNA transposition
Authors: Pajunen Maria I , Rasila Tiina S , Happonen Lotta J , Lamberg Arja , Haapa-Paananen Saija , Kiljunen Saija , Savilahti Harri
Published: November 2010

Background

Completed genome projects have revealed an astonishing diversity of transposable genetic elements, implying the existence of novel element families yet to be discovered from diverse life forms. Concurrently, several better understood transposon systems have been exploited as efficient tools in molecular biology and genomics applications. Characterization of new mobile elements and improvement of the existing transposition technology platforms warrant easy-to-use assays for the quantitative analysis of DNA transposition.

Results

Here we developed a universal in vivo platform for the analysis of transposition frequency with class II mobile elements, i.e., DNA transposons. For each particular transposon system, cloning of the transposon ends and the cognate transposase gene, in three consecutive steps, generates a multifunctional plasmid, which drives inducible expression of the transposase gene and includes a mobilisable lacZ-containing reporter transposon. The assay scores transposition events as blue microcolonies, papillae, growing within otherwise whitish Escherichia coli colonies on indicator plates. We developed the assay using phage Mu transposition as a test model and validated the platform using various MuA transposase mutants. For further validation and to illustrate universality, we introduced IS903 transposition system components into the assay. The developed assay is adjustable to a desired level of initial transposition via the control of a plasmid-borne E. coli arabinose promoter. In practice, the transposition frequency is modulated by varying the concentration of arabinose or glucose in the growth medium. We show that variable levels of transpositional activity can be analysed, thus enabling straightforward screens for hyper- or hypoactive transposase mutants, regardless of the original wild-type activity level.

Conclusions

The established universal papillation assay platform should be widely applicable to a variety of mobile elements. It can be used for mechanistic studies to dissect transposition and provides a means to screen or scrutinise transposase mutants and genes encoding host factors. In succession, improved versions of transposition systems should yield better tools for molecular biology and offer versatile genome modification vehicles for many types of studies, including gene therapy and stem cell research.
Fluid–structure interaction simulation of an avian flight model
Authors: Ruck Sebastian , Oertel Herbert
Published: November 2010

A three-dimensional numerical avian model was developed to investigate the unsteady and turbulent aerodynamic performance of flapping wings for varying wingbeat frequencies and flow velocities (up to 12 Hz and 9 m s–1), corresponding to a reduced frequency range of k=0.22 to k=1.0 and a Reynolds number range of Re=16,000 to Re=50,000. The wings of the bird-inspired model consist of an elastic membrane. Simplifying the complicated locomotion kinematics to a sinusoidal wing rotation about two axes, the main features of dynamic avian flight were approximated. Numerical simulation techniques of fluid–structure interaction (FSI) providing a fully resolved flow field were applied to calculate the aerodynamic performance of the flapping elastic wings with the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approach. The results were used to characterize and describe the macroscopic flow configurations in terms of starting, stopping, trailing and bound vortices. For high reduced frequencies up to k=0.67 it was shown that the wake does not consist of individual vortex rings known as the discrete vortex ring gait. Rather, the wake is dominated by a chain of elliptical vortex rings on each wing. The structures are interlocked at the starting and stopping vortices, which are shed in pairs at the reversal points of the wingbeat cycle. For decreasing reduced frequency, the results indicate a transition to a continuous vortex gait. The upstroke becomes more aerodynamically active, leading to a consistent circulation of the bound vortex on the wing and a continuous spanwise shedding of small scale vortices. The formation of the vortices shed spanwise in pairs at the reversal points is reduced and the wake is dominated by the tip and root vortices, which form long drawn-out vortex structures.
Environment and activity affect skin temperature in breeding adult male elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris)
Authors: Norris A. L. , Houser D. S. , Crocker D. E.
Published: November 2010

The large body size and high rates of metabolic heat production associated with male mating success in polygynous systems creates potential thermoregulatory challenges for species breeding in warm climates. This is especially true for marine predators carrying large blubber reserves intended for thermoregulation in cold water and fuel provision during extended fasts. Thermographic images were used to measure changes in skin temperature (TS) in adult male northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) over the breeding season. Environmental variables, primarily ambient temperature and solar radiation, were the principal determinants of mean and maximum TS. When controlled for environmental variables, dominance rank significantly impacted mean TS, being highest in alpha males. Behavioral activity significantly influenced TS but in a counter-intuitive way, with inactive males exhibiting the highest TS. This was likely due to strong impacts of environmental variables on the kinds of behavior exhibited, with males being less active on warm, humid days at peak solar radiation. We classified thermal windows as areas in which TS was one standard deviation greater than mean TS for the individual seal within a thermograph. Thermal features suggest active physiological thermoregulation during and after combat and significant circulatory adaptations for heat dumping, as evidenced by recurring locations of thermal windows representing widely varying TS values. Frequent observations of localized TS above 37°C, particularly after combat, suggest the production of thermoregulatory stress during breeding behavior. Our findings demonstrate the importance of environmental drivers in shaping activity patterns during breeding and provide evidence for thermoregulatory costs of successful breeding in large polygynous males.
Shallow-water wave lensing in coral reefs: a physical and biological case study
Authors: Veal Cameron James , Carmi Maya , Dishon Gal , Sharon Yoni , Michael Kelvin , Tchernov Dan , Hoegh-Guldberg Ove , Fine Maoz
Published: November 2010

Wave lensing produces the highest level of transient solar irradiances found in nature, ranging in intensity over several orders of magnitude in just a few tens of milliseconds. Shallow coral reefs can be exposed to wave lensing during light-wind, clear-sky conditions, which have been implicated as a secondary cause of mass coral bleaching through light stress. Management strategies to protect small areas of high-value reef from wave-lensed light stress were tested using seawater irrigation sprinklers to negate wave lensing by breaking up the water surface. A series of field and tank experiments investigated the physical and photophysiological response of the shallow-water species Stylophora pistillata and Favites abdita to wave lensing and sprinkler conditions. Results show that the sprinkler treatment only slightly reduces the total downwelling photosynthetically active and ultraviolet irradiance (∼5.0%), whereas it dramatically reduces, by 460%, the irradiance variability caused by wave lensing. Despite this large reduction in variability and modest reduction in downwelling irradiance, there was no detectable difference in photophysiological response of the corals between control and sprinkler treatments under two thermal regimes of ambient (27°C) and heated treatment (31°C). This study suggests that shallow-water coral species are not negatively affected by the strong flashes that occur under wave-lensing conditions.
Substrate diameter and compliance affect the gripping strategies and locomotor mode of climbing boa constrictors
Authors: Byrnes Greg , Jayne Bruce C.
Published: November 2010

Arboreal habitats pose unique challenges for locomotion as a result of their narrow cylindrical surfaces and discontinuities between branches. Decreased diameter of branches increases compliance, which can pose additional challenges, including effects on stability and energy damping. However, the combined effects of substrate diameter and compliance are poorly understood for any animal. We quantified performance, kinematics and substrate deformation while boa constrictors (Boa constrictor) climbed vertical ropes with three diameters (3, 6 and 9 mm) and four tensions (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 body weights). Mean forward velocity decreased significantly with both decreased diameter and increased compliance. Both diameter and compliance had numerous effects on locomotor kinematics, but diameter had larger and more pervasive effects than compliance. Locomotion on the largest diameter had a larger forward excursion per cycle, and the locomotor mode and gripping strategy differed from that on the smaller diameters. On larger diameters, snakes primarily applied opposing forces at the same location on the rope to grip. By contrast, on smaller diameters forces were applied in opposite directions at different locations along the rope, resulting in increased rope deformation. Although energy is likely to be lost during deformation, snakes might use increased surface deformation as a strategy to enhance their ability to grip.
Functional morphology and three-dimensional kinematics of the thoraco-lumbar region of the spine of the two-toed sloth
Authors: Nyakatura John A. , Fischer Martin S.
Published: November 2010

Given the importance of thoraco-lumbar spine movements in the locomotion of mammals, it is surprising that in vivo three-dimensional (3-D) data on the intervertebral movement of the mammalian thoraco-lumbar vertebral column during symmetrical gaits is limited to horses and dogs. To test whether kinematic patterns similar to those published for these cursorial species are also present during a contrasting mode of quadrupedalism, we quantified thoraco-lumbar intervertebral movements, the resulting pelvic displacements and relative femoral movements during the trot-like steady-state suspensory quadrupedal locomotion of the two-toed sloth (Xenarthra, Choloepus didactylus). Scientific rotoscoping, a new, non-invasive approach that combines synchronous biplanar high speed X-ray videos and the reconstruction of skeletal elements from computed tomography bone scans, was used to quantify 3-D kinematics. An analysis of vertebral anatomy and epaxial muscle topography suggests that the thoraco-lumbar spine of sloths is well suited to producing lateral bending and long-axis rotation, but limits powerful sagittal extension. Sloths exhibit complex 3-D movements in the thoraco-lumbar spine that are comparable to those observed in other arboreal quadrupedal mammals. Monophasic lateral bending and long-axis rotation, biphasic sagittal bending and maximal amplitude of sagittal bending at the lumbo-sacral joint were also found in other quadruped mammals and may represent general aspects of mammalian symmetric gaits. Maximal amplitude of lateral bending and long-axis rotation vary in regard to the vertebral level. It is suggested that a cranio-caudal pattern of angular deflections of the spine results from the out-of-phase movement of diagonal forelimbs and hindlimbs in other walking gaits, because it is not evident in the trot-like locomotion analyzed here. The analysis also illustrates the difficulties that arise when lumbar movement is deduced from intervertebral joint morphology alone.
The forest for the trees: tuberculosis control efforts in west Kalimantan
Authors: Shoeb Marwa , de Castilla Diego Lopez , Pottinger Paul
Published: November 2010

Alam Sehat Lestari (ASRI), an Indonesian-American, non-proﬁt organization located on the border of Gunung Palung National Park in west Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, is linking the delivery of health care to the conservation of natural resources. The clinic's experience shows that an unconventional ‘forests-for-health care’ incentive programme can provide a powerful way to break the cycle that links poverty, poor health and environmental destruction around the park. However, the challenges of preventing, diagnosing and treating tuberculosis in this setting remain considerable and success will still depend upon a multilateral collaborative approach.
Orbital cysticercosis: masquerading as orbital inflammatory disorder
Authors: Malhotra Rubii , Garg Pragati , Mishra Roop , Khanduri Sachin
Published: November 2010

An eight-year-old female presented with symptoms and signs of orbital inflammation and proptosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of extraocular myocysticercosis. Oral treatment with albendazole and steroids was followed by spontaneous extrusion and resolution of the disease.
Planning for knowledge translation: a researcher’s guide
Authors: Ward Vicky , Foy Robbie , House Allan , Smith Simon , Hamer Susan
Published: November 2010

Researchers are being strongly encouraged to incorporate knowledge translation strategies into their research applications, but there is relatively little clear guidance for them about precisely what this means or how they can achieve it. A previous paper published in this journal addressed those assessing research applications, but there is still a need for guidance aimed at researchers themselves. This paper sets out a proposed guide, which could help to fill this gap. The guide is based on a coherent and empirically based conceptualisation of the knowledge translation process. It encourages researchers to embed knowledge translation early in their research planning process rather than adding it on later. Because the framework sets out a number of considerations rather than ‘rules’, it affords researchers the flexibility, autonomy and creativity to produce a personally useful, coherent and workable knowledge translation strategy.
Reflections of ‘knowledge exchange professionals’ in the social sciences: emerging opportunities and challenges for university-based knowledge brokers
Authors: Knight Christine , Lightowler Claire
Published: November 2010

Through reflections on our own experiences, this paper explores one approach to knowledge exchange that appears to be being used increasingly in social sciences in Scottish universities: the employment of dedicated ‘knowledge exchange professionals’ or knowledge brokers. We argue that the ambiguity and hybridity of specialist knowledge exchange roles as they are emerging currently in university social science settings lead to challenges, although also opportunities, at different stages of knowledge exchange appointments. We discuss issues relating to recruitment; management and accountability; recognition and integration; professional support and development; and reward, promotion and career pathways.
Mammal mortality due to road vehicles in Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Behera Satyaranjan , Borah Jimmy
Published: November 2010

No abstract available
Challenges in Investigating Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe Failures
Authors: Hayes Michael D. , Hanks Michael L. , Hagan Frank E. , Edwards Dale , Duvall Don
Published: November 2010

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is increasingly replacing steel pipe in fire protection systems due to lower cost and ease of installation. However, CPVC is susceptible to failure by mechanisms other than those typically experienced with steel pipe. The losses and remediation costs associated with a simple pipe failure can be extraordinary, as a failed pipe can cause significant water damage to a high-rise building. Identifying the cause(s) of pipe failure can be challenging for a number of reasons. First, CPVC pipes can fail by several mechanisms, including high pressure, impact, environmental stress cracking (ESC), and manufacturing defects. ESC can be particularly vexing during a failure investigation. Potential ESC agents include many lower molecular weight and highly mobile compounds, which are soluble in the polymer. Common construction compounds such as adhesives, plumber’s putty, fire barrier caulks, cutting oils, and glycol-based antifreezes are potential ESC agents. Second, the situation is complicated by the fact that only trace amounts of a contaminant may be necessary to cause ESC. The pipe failure event also tends to flush out the contaminants, further reducing their concentration on the pipe surface. What little contaminant remains can be difficult to identify or “fingerprint.” In addition, pipe defects including incomplete fusion, thermal damage, excessive residual stresses, or irregular molecular weight distributions may also contribute to ESC failures. Yet, they are not always apparent or easy to detect. This paper explores the challenges encountered during numerous failure investigations and reviews the state of the art in testing and analysis as applied to ESC in CPVC pipes.
El Alejandro Homoerótico. Homosexualidad en la Corte Macedonia
Authors: Antela-Bernardez Borja
Published: November 2010

El presente estudio plantea una primera aproximación a una faceta poco estudiada de la figura histórica de Alejandro Magno, como es su sexualidad, centrándose en la tradición sobre la posible homosexualidad del personaje a la luz de las fuentes antiguas.
Felix Jacobys Promotion an der Berliner Universität
Authors: Rösler Wolfgang
Published: November 2010

Felix Jacoby schloß 1900 seine Promotion an der Berliner Universität mit dem nur durchschnittlichen Prädikat cum laude in der mündlichen Prüfung ab. Ihm war deswegen die Habilitation in Berlin versperrt; durch Vermittlung von Wilamowitz konnte er sie jedoch in Breslau absolvieren. Die Auswertung der Dokumente über die Promotion von Jacoby, die sich im Archiv der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin erhalten haben, deckt auf, wie es zu dem enttäuschenden Ergebnis kam. Das Lehrer-Schüler-Verhältnis von Diels und Jacoby erscheint in neuem Licht.
Die Debatte über die Struktur der Fragmente der griechischen Historiker
Authors: Schepens Guido
Published: November 2010

Inspiriert vom feierlichen Geist der Gedenkfeier beginnt dieser Aufsatz mit einigen Passagen aus Briefen, die Felix Jacoby kurz vor seinem Lebensende geschrieben hat. Unter anderem zeigen diese Briefe seine Sorge um das Schicksal der Historiker nach seinem Tod.

Im Hauptteil wird der Fokus auf die heftig diskutierte Struktur der FGrH gerichtet. Briefe und Dokumente, die in Jacobys wissenschaftlichem Nachlaß erhalten sind, beleuchten bisher unbekannte Phasen in der Geschichte dieser Debatte. In diesem Zusammenhang von besonderem Interesse sind zwei Briefe, die Eduard Meyer im April 1917 geschrieben hat: sie befassen sich mit einem alternativen Plan, den Jacoby im November 1915 als Antwort auf die Kritik an seinem Vorschlag, der 1909 in der Klio veröffentlicht wurde, entworfen hatte. Dieser neue Plan, genannt Plan einer Sammlung der Griechischen Historischen Tradition, sah eine zweifache Edition der fragmentarisch überlief erten Historiker vor: eine in alphabetischer Reihenfolge für die schnelle und einfache Benutzung und eine gemäß der verschiedenen Arten der Historiographie, in der alle Fragmente ihren Platz innerhalb der historischen Tradition als Ganzes einnehmen sollten. Meyer überzeugte Jacoby, eine fünfteilige thematische Anordnung zu übernehmen, die ein Vorläufer der schließlich verwendeten Struktur der FGrH in sechs Teilen (1923) war. Die verworfene Alternative von 1915 landete zusammen mit dem Brief Meyers in Jacobys privatem Archiv. Wie die stets wachsende Bedeutung von Anhängen in FGrH zeigt, in denen die anonyme Tradition gesammelt ist, hat Jacoby seinen Plan, die Ausgabe der eigentlichen Fragmente durch eine Darstellung der historischen Tradition zu ergänzen, nie aufgegeben.
Unser Altertum zu finden. Alfred Heuß Kieler Antrittsvorlesung Begriff und Gegenstand der Alten Geschichte von 1949 (Einführung, Edition)
Authors: Walter Uwe
Published: November 2010

Vorgelegt und kommentiert wird die Antrittsvorlesung, mit der sich Alfred Heuß (1909–1995) im Jahr 1949 als Professor für Alte Geschichte in Kiel vorstellte. Sie war Ergebnis eines eindringlichen und auch heute noch frischen Nachdenkens über die Grundlagen und die Berechtigung dessen, was heute gemeinhin Geschichte des Altertums heißt. Die gängige Vorstellung gehe immer noch auf das Modell der aufeinander folgenden Weltreiche zurück; daran habe sich auch durch die wissenschaftliche Erschließung des Alten Orients seit dem 19. Jahrhundert nichts geändert, obwohl gerade sie die Chance geboten hätte, die einzelnen Formationen in ihrer Eigenart zu erkennen. Die Einheit des griechisch-römischen Altertums wiederum läßt sich nicht geographisch bestimmen; sie findet sich vielmehr in der Prägung des gesamten Sozialzustandes durch ein städtisches Bürgertum und in der kulturellen Homogenität der griechisch-römischen Welt. Dieses Altertum sei für die historische Orientierung Europas unverzichtbar.
Recentiores non deteriores: Indagine sui manoscritti recenti del Contra Iulianum di Cirillo Alessandrino
Authors: Savino Christina
Published: November 2010

The manuscript tradition of Cyril of Alexandria’s apologetical work Contra Iulianum consists altogether of fourteen codices; among these, six are late exemplars of the Renaissance, characterized by a very contaminated text. Despite their limited value for the constitutio textus, they seem to be fundamental to reconstructing the history of the text itself. This philological investigation clearly shows that the six recentiores have to be considered as a group; provides information and details about them – concerning scribes, owners and genesis – definitely useful for tracing a general outline of the timetable of diffusion and circulation of Contra Iulianum in the Renaissance; and furthermore defines relationships between the recentiores and the main manuscripts of the tradition, among which is included the lost so-called Capnioneus.
An Exegetical and Critical Note on Cic. Inv. 1, 10
Authors: González Ramón Gutiérrez
Published: November 2010

In this paper we examine Cic. Inv. 1, 10 in order to reject the propositions which consist of interpreting in dictione ac disceptatione as an allusion to the genera dicendi (Achard, Marius Victorinus) or to the ἀσύστατα (Martin, Grillius). These words are a sort of hendiadys (“a speech involving debate”), which translates the Greek adjective λογικήν, present in Hermagoras’ definition of thesis and hypothesis, as reconstructed by Striller and Jaeneke. We also provide new punctuation for this passage, in order to avoid a contradiction with Cic. Inv. 1, 17 (regarding the non-application of status to the quaestiones legales); according to which, the four genitives aut facti aut nominis aut generis aut actionis present in Inv. 1, 10 have to refer to controversiam, not to quaestionem.
Gallic War Songs: Furius Bibaculus’ Annales Belli Gallici
Authors: Kruschwitz Peter
Published: November 2010

This article reconsiders the evidence for Furius Bibaculus’ historical epic Annales Belli Gallici, an epic arguably covering Caesar’s warfare in Gaul. In addition to a reconsideration of the textual evidence and the testimonia, this article discusses in detail questions of authorship, date, and sources. The article concludes with some observations on language and content of the Annales Belli Gallici.
Augustinus grammaticus: De Magistro und Augustins Position innerhalb der spätantiken Grammatik
Authors: Fladerer Ludwig
Published: November 2010

Augustine’s De Magistro, an early work, is cast as a dialogue between himself and his bright son Adeodatus. It leads from a discussion whether teaching is effected through signs to the conclusion that words are not a route to knowledge, unless the soul is taught by God, the only teacher. Although Augustine is mainly concerned to develop his new theory of signification, the dialogue is set in the frame of traditional grammatical teaching, which had become standard in later Roman antiquity (i. e. quotations from classical writers, explanation of synonyms, discussions about the eight parts of Latin speech). These elements of grammatical education make a good starting point for exploring what precisely was Augustine’s position within this system. Taking into consideration especially his definition of pronomen and the eight parts of speech we come to the conclusion that Augustine as a grammarian is dependent on Charisius and his teacher.
Labelling and optimization of PHOTOFRIN® with 99mTc
Authors: Fakhar-e-Alam M. , Roohi Samina , Atif M. , Firdous S. , Amir Nagina , Zahoor R.
Published: November 2010

PHOTOFRIN® was labelled with 99mTc using SnCl2·2H2O as reducing agent. Instant thin layer chromatography (ITLC-SG) in 0.05 M NaOH was used for evaluation of radiochemical purity. Labelling efficiency was dependent on various factors that include the ligand/reductant ratio, pH and time of incubation. Therefore, optimum conditions of labelling were also determined. The stability of 99mTc-PHOTOFRIN® in serum was checked by using fresh human serum. Tissue distribution of 99mTc-PHOTOFRIN® was evaluated in Sprague Dawley rats.

PHOTOFRIN® was labelled with an efficiency of >95% under optimum conditions, which were PHOTOFRIN®: 200 μg, pH: 3–4, SnCl2·2H2O: 15 μg and 30 min incubation at room temperature. The 99mTc-labelled PHOTOFRIN® remained stable in human serum for 24 h. Biodistribution study in rats revealed maximum concentration of the labelled compound in liver, lungs and spleen at 0.5 h, and significant activity was also seen in the bladder and urine, indicating the mode of urinary excretion of PHOTOFRIN®.
New cross section measurements for the production of the Auger electron emitters77Br and80mBr
Authors: Spahn I. , Steyn G. F. , Vermeulen C. , Kovács Zoltán , Szelecsényi Ferenc , Shehata M. M. , Spellerberg S. , Scholten B. , Coenen Heinz H. , Qaim Syed M.
Published: November 2010

The two Auger electron emitting radionuclides of bromine, namely77Br (T1/2=57.04 h) and80mBr (T1/2=4.4 h), are promising candidates for internal radiotherapy. In this work, nuclear reaction cross sections were determined for their production using enriched Se targets. Thin Se samples were irradiated with incident protons of energies up to 85 MeV and the induced radioactivity was measuredvianon-destructive γ-ray spectroscopy, allowing the determination and extension of the excitation functions of the four reactions77,78,80Se(p,ߙxn)77Br and80Se(p,ߙn)80mBr. The possible thick target yields were calculated and the different production routes discussed, especially with regard to the yield and the radionuclidic purity of the produced radionuclides.
Spectroscopic study on the mononuclear hydrolysis species of Pu(VI) under oxidation conditions
Authors: Cho Hye-Ryun , Jung E. C. , Park K. K. , Kim W. H. , Song K. , Yun Jong-Il
Published: November 2010

The formation constants of mononuclear hydrolysis species of Pu(VI) were determined by absorption spectroscopy under carefully designed experimental conditions. In order to exclude the formation of polynuclear hydrolysis species, the concentration of plutonium was diluted below 50 μM. To maintain the oxidation state of Pu(VI), NaOCl was applied as an oxidant. The trace amount of Pu(V) was monitored by the measurement of redox potential and absorption spectroscopy by using a liquid waveguide capillary cell with the optical path length of 100 cm. The determined molar absorption coefficients (ε, M−1cm−1) were 272±26 and 436±33 for PuO2(OH)+and PuO2(OH)2(aq) species, respectively. The formation constants of mononuclear hydrolysis species of Pu(VI) at ionic strength of 0.01 M NaClO4were determined as follows:

logߙ*β′1ߙ(for PuO2(OH)+) = −5.8±0.3,

logߙ*β′2ߙ(for PuO2(OH)2(aq)) = −13.4±0.2

and

logߙ*β′3ߙ(for PuO2(OH)3−) = −24.3±0.8.
Separation and purification of no-carrier-added arsenic from bulk amounts of germanium for use in radiopharmaceutical labelling
Authors: Jahn M. , Radchenko V. , Filosofov D. V. , Hauser H. , Eisenhut M. , Rösch Frank , Jennewein M.
Published: November 2010

Radioarsenic labelled radiopharmaceuticals could add special features to molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET). For example the long physical half-lives of72As (T1/2=26 h) and74As (T1/2=17.8 d) in conjunction with their high positron branching rates of 88% and 29%, respectively, allow the investigation of slow physiological or metabolical processes, like the enrichment and biodistribution of monoclonal antibodies in tumour tissue or the characterization of stem cell trafficking. A method for separation and purification of no-carrier-added (nca) arsenic from irradiated metallic germanium targets based on distillation and anion exchange is developed. It finally converts the arsenic into an*As(III) synthon in PBS buffer and pH 7 suitable for labelling of proteinsviaAs-S bond formations. The method delivers radioarsenic in high purity with separation factors of 106from germanium and an overall yield from target to labelling synthon of >40%. In a proof-of-principle experiment, the monoclonal antibody Bevacizumab, directed against the human VEGF receptor, was labelled with a radiochemical yield >90% within 1 h at room temperature with nca72/74/77As.
Effect of solvent on the extraction of lanthanides with picrolonic acid
Authors: Ali Akbar , Rehmann Habib-ur , Anwar Jamil , Mufazzal Saeed Muhammad
Published: November 2010

Extraction of Eu(III), Tb(III) and Lu(III), as representatives of lanthanides, has been studied with picrolonic acid [1-p-nitrophenyl-3-methyl-4-nitro-5-pyrazolone (HPA)] as extractant in various solvents such as acetylacetone (ACAC), 1-octanol (ONL), n-hexanol (HNL), 1-butanol (nBNL), 2-butanol (iBNL), cyclohexanone (CHN), n-butyl ether (BE), di(1,2-dichloroethyl)ether (DCEE), diisobutylketone (DIBK), benzene and toluene from aqueous solution of pH 1–2, having ionic strength of 0.01 mol dm−3 (K+/H+, Cl−). The composition of the extracted adduct has been determined as M(PA)3 except in DCEE where it is M(PA)3·(HPA). Extraction constants (logߙK
ex) were calculated and on the basis of logߙK
ex, the role of diluents in the extraction process has been discussed. The solvents with respect to their extractability of the rare earth metal ions can be arranged in the order ACAC>DIBK>BE>DCEE>ONL>HNL>CHN.
Fifth disease in children living in Belém, Brazil
Authors: Miranda Mário F. R. de , Linhares A. C. , Shirley J. A.
Published: November 2010

Acute sera from two children suffering from an illness with an erythematous rash were positive for B 19 virus specific IgM antibody, as tested by a capture radioimmunoassay. The first patient, a two year old boy, presented with a cutaneous rash of six days duration, the second was a four year old girl, sister of the first patient, who was examined at the same time and had a three day history of cutaneous rash.
Repetibilidade e número mínimo de medições para caracteres de cacho de bacabi (Oenocarpus mapora)
Authors: Oliveira Maria do Socorro Padilha de , Moura Elisa Ferreira
Published: November 2010

A bacabi (Oenocarpus mapora H. Karsten) é uma palmeira perene nativa da Amazônia, que produz cachos com centenas de frutos que apresentam grande potencialidade à agroindústria de polpa, mas tem sido pouco estudada. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estimar os coeficientes de repetibilidade e determinar a previsibilidade e o número de medições necessárias para caracteres de cacho dessa palmeira. Foram avaliados 27 indivíduos de bacabi pertencentes ao Banco de Germoplasma de Oenocarpus/Jessenia da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, em Belém-PA. De cada planta, foram colhidos três cachos em maturação completa para a mensuração de seis caracteres: peso total do cacho (PTC) e de frutos por cacho (PFC), número de ráquilas por cacho (NRC), comprimento da ráquis por cacho (CRC), peso de 100 frutos (PCF) e rendimento de frutos por cacho (RFC). As estimativas de repetibilidade foram obtidas pelos métodos estatísticos da análise de variância, componentes principais e análise estrutural. Em todos os caracteres, as estimativas de repetibilidade apresentaram valores muito semelhantes nos três métodos. As estimativas dos coeficientes de repetibilidade e as previsibilidades foram relativamente altas (r 0,60 e R² 81,7%) para os caracteres número de ráquilas e rendimento de frutos por cacho, demonstrando regularidade dos genótipos nas várias medições (cachos), em todos os métodos. Para esses caracteres, o número mínimo de cachos necessários para a avaliação do real valor dos genótipos foi de treze (RFC) e cinco (NRC) cachos com confiabilidade de 95%, tornando-os factíveis no uso de inferências genéticas para as condições do estudo. Os demais caracteres exibiram repetibilidades e coeficientes de determinação de médias a baixas magnitudes, indicando necessidade de maior controle ambiental para suas mensurações.