bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human immunodeficiency virus trans-activator of transcription peptide detection via ribonucleic acid aptamer on aminated diamond biosensor
Authors: Rahim Ruslinda A. , Wang Xianfen , Ishii Yoko , Ishiyama Yuichiro , Tanabe Kyosuke , Kawarada Hiroshi
Published: September 2011

The potential of ribonucleic acid (RNA) as both informational and ligand binding molecule have opened a scenario in the development of biosensors. An aminated diamond-based RNA aptasensor is presented for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) trans-activator of transcription (Tat) peptide protein detection that not only gives a labeled or label-free detection method but also provides a reusable platform for a simple, sensitive, and selective detection of proteins. The immobilized procedure was based on the binding interaction between positively charged amine terminated diamond and the RNA aptamer probe molecules with the negatively charged surface carboxylic compound linker molecule such as terephthalic acid.
Bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP-6): mRNA expression and effect on steroidogenesis during in vitro maturation of porcine cumulus oocyte complexes
Authors: Ebeling S. , Töpfer D. , Weitzel J. M. , Meinecke B.
Published: September 2011

Oocyte secreted factors (OSFs) have emerged as important factors for follicular development. The present study investigated the effect of the potential OSF bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-6 on steroidogenesis in porcine cumulus oocyte complexes during in vitro maturation. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs), cumulus complexes (CCs) without oocytes and CCs with supplemented BMP-6 were cultured for 0, 5, 26 or 46 h. BMP-6 transcripts were detected in oocytes and cumulus cells at all time points. In both cell types the mRNA expression was most intense after 5 h, and decreased during further maturation. After 26 and 46 h of culture, CCs secreted significantly less 17β-estradiol than COCs. This effect was reversed by adding BMP-6 to CCs cultures. In addition, a down-regulation of Cyp19A1, the rate-limiting enzyme of 17β-estradiol synthesis, was detected in CC cultures after 5 h. As seen for 17β-estradiol secretion, the addition of BMP-6 caused a significant increase in Cyp19A1 mRNA levels after 5, 26 and 46 h of culture. Progesterone secretion and transcripts of steroidogenic marker proteins StAR and 3β-HSD were not affected considerably by oocyte removal or addition of BMP-6. Furthermore, BMP-6 did not affect the activity of the mitogen-activated protein kinase. The results indicated that BMP-6 is a potential OSF and is involved in the prevention of premature luteinisation in cumulus cells via enhancing 17β-estradiol synthesis.
Diverse factors are involved in maintaining X chromosome inactivation
Authors: Chan Kui Ming , Zhang Hui , Malureanu Liviu , van Deursen Jan , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: September 2011

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is the most dramatic example of epigenetic silencing in eukaryotes. Once established, the inactivated X chromosome (Xi) remains silenced throughout subsequent cell divisions. Though the initiation of XCI has been studied extensively, the protein factors involved in Xi silencing and maintenance are largely unknown. Here we report the discovery of a diverse set of 32 proteins involved in maintenance of Xi silencing through a genome-wide RNAi screen. In addition, we describe the mechanistic roles of two proteins—origin recognition complex 2 (Orc2) and heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1α)—in Xi silencing. Immunofluorescence studies indicate that Orc2 and HP1α localize on Xi in mouse cells. Depletion of Orc2 by shRNA leads to the loss of both Orc2 and HP1α localization on Xi. Furthermore, the silencing of genes on Xi is disrupted in both Orc2- and HP1α-depleted cells. Finally, we show, using ChIP assay, that the localization of HP1α and Orc2 to the promoter regions of Xi-silenced genes is interdependent. These findings reveal a diverse set of proteins involved in Xi silencing, show how Orc2 and HP1α impact Xi silencing, and provide a basis for future studies on the maintenance of Xi silencing.
Jalal's Sunset
Authors: Daneshvar Simin
Published: September 2011

Only three out of her 36 short stories are available in English (two translated by the writer herself), and yet Simin Daneshvar (b. 1921) is Iran's first woman novelist and one of the country's most significant fiction writers. Daneshvar has published Savooshoon (the most popular Iranian novel), three collections of short stories, ten translations, and a memoir about her late husband, Jalal Al-e Ahmad. Having retired from her teaching position at Tehran University, she lives in Iran and is now working on her second novel, The Wandering Island.

Daneshvar's literary work is a celebration of the feminine—her taste for life and love, her art of endurance and strength. While most of her female characters manage to survive, none reveals such stamina or resilience as the narrator of Jalal's Sunset. Confronted with the unexpected death of a husband, a colleague, and a collaborator, Daneshvar in this text portrays a real survivor.
Part I: Morning Session The View from Above
Authors: Motyl Alexander
Published: September 2011

When we met last year, the situation in the Soviet Union, although fluid, was still hopeful. One year later, things seem to have become immeasurably worse. Some will, perhaps, dispute this assessment and argue that the situation is even more hopeful than it was in the past. Such arguments remind me of socialists who think that now is the time to build socialism in Eastern Europe. Clearly, the situation in Armenia and Azerbaijan is out of control. I need not remind you of the Lithuanian “events,” to use that memorable Soviet term, the miners' strikes in mid-1989, and last, but not least, the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, which is the decisive event of that year and, perhaps, of the second half of the twentieth century. Communism's demise obviously casts a totally different light on the nationality question in general and on the dynamics of the Soviet empire in particular.
Pamiat’ as a Social Movement
Authors: Dunlop John B.
Published: September 2011

The events presently taking place in the Baltic are so interesting that I am almost prepared to cede my time to Alex Shtromas. Pamiat’ is clearly a less intriguing phenomenon than the issues he has been discussing.

I have been asked to talk about Pamiat’ as a social movement and basically my response is that it is not one. It is not a social movement. Pamiat’ would like very much to be one, but recent events have made clear that the response of ethnic Russians living in the RSFSR to Pamiat’ has been very restrained. We know this due to various polls which have been published in the Soviet press and due to the elections to the USSR Congress of People's Deputies, which showed that Pamiat’ had little support. I suspect that the upcoming elections in March 1990 to the RSFSR Supreme Soviet will also demonstrate the same lack of support for Pamyat'. (They did so, conclusively.)
Reforming the Union Politically
Authors: Hazard John
Published: September 2011

To great numbers of erstwhile Soviet citizens the Union is beyond salvation. No amount of patching can reform the Union politically. Proof of impending disunion is everywhere: the plebiscite of March 17, 1991, was boycotted by six republics formally, and millions refused to vote individually, even when members of local authorities agreed formally with the federal Parliament to participate as a group in the plebiscite.
(Discussant)
Authors: Lynch Allen
Published: September 2011

Please bear with a specialist in international relations commenting on a series of presentations in comparative politics and economics. I will first try to identify a set of issues that arise from the presentations, and then I will spend a few minutes giving some of my own reflections on those issues.
Nationalism, Language, and Culture
Authors: Kagedan Allen
Published: September 2011

I shall look at language legislation passed in the republics. The subject is not as dramatic as the actions of the Black Berets. It is not as obvious as empty shelves or economic crisis, but it is interesting because language legislation can effect all people in their everyday lives. It is also interesting because the Center has left language laws largely in the hands of the republics. So here is an area in which the republics are beginning to act as independent agents. And whether or not they become independent, they will have to grapple with language as a significant policy issue.
Republican Economic Reforms
Authors: Bahry Donna
Published: September 2011

Republican reforms are an interesting topic, especially for those of us who have despaired of the prospect for any real market reforms by the central government. The last year has provided a ray of hope. The governments in the Baltics, Armenia, the RSFSR, and later Kazakhstan, all announced plans for privatization and the creation of a market system that extended well beyond those of the central government. Whereas central initiatives—there now appear to be far too many to name—over the last two years appeared to be halting and indecisive, the vitality of the republic sovereignty campaigns suggests that economic transformation has much better prospects at the grass-roots. We all know some of the evidence that exists for this: the fact that, in the Baltics for example, the rate of formation of cooperatives has been much higher, almost twice as high as the average for the rest of the Soviet Union; that in Estonia, the percentage of joint ventures far outweighs the share of Estonia's contribution to the Soviet GNP, and so on. We know that the RSFSR went ahead and adopted the 500-day plan, or at least announced that it was doing so, even after the Shatalin plan was rejected at the national level.
Roma (Gypsies) in the Soviet Union and the Moscow Teatr ‘Romen’
Authors: Lemon Alaina
Published: September 2011

The Moscow Teatr “Romen,” dating back to 1931, is famous throughout the Soviet Union, and its performers have been some of the country's best-known. The Teatr “Romen” connects Roma from all over the country, and many who work there are related; three generations of a family may appear on the stage at one time. These families, along with Roma working as professionals, make up an lite within the Romani community in Moscow. They are the most outwardly assimilated (wearing European dress, etc.), most fluent and literate in Russian as well as Romani. These families usually move in different spheres than do Roma who live in villages around Moscow and work in cooperatives or as independent merchants, although extended family networks may include Roma of all spheres. Most studies of Gypsies (including those of non-Roma, such as Irish Travellers in the United Kingdom) assume a certain homogeneity of culture and of class:

The refusal to acknowledge Gypsy upward mobility in the context of a dominant society has also prevented research of class difference within Gypsy groups and created a sense of marginalized homogeneity that does not reflect reality.

The Teatr “Romen” is a case that demands such acknowledgment. Yet, in a sense, these élite performers are doubly marginal, both as performers and as ethnic outsiders who “threaten the rhetoric and narratives of nationalism.” Currently in the USSR, such narratives are in flux, as many national minorities demand greater cultural and political autonomy. Roma, however, are not demanding their own republic, and requests for schools and radio shows are often tempered by the assertion that, “this country has been kind to Gypsies.” Roma élites are also in a peculiar position: charged with representing Roma to outsiders, they are also concerned about maintaining the integrity of the urban community as Roma. Because of this, they must negotiate the interstitial area between cultures.
Faith, Church and Nationalism in Armenia
Authors: Guroian Vigen
Published: September 2011

In August of 1990 Mikhail Gorbachev sent a message to His Holiness Vazken I, Catholicos of All Armenians, “pleading” with him “to use the influence, authority, rich life experience and the higher feelings of your humanitarianism and your responsibility for the fate of the Armenian people to work for the immediate ending of ethnic violence and fighting in the Transcaucasian region.” The message reveals the deep historical and cultural relationship of the Armenian Church to the Armenian nation. It also is a reminder of the long established Soviet practice of prevailing upon the church to assist the central government in imposing its will upon a subject people.
Preface
Authors: Furtado Charles F.
Published: September 2011

The world changed on August 19, 1991. On that date, a self-styled “Emergency Committee” of conservative Politburo members attempted to derail and reverse the process of structural reform that had started some six years earlier under the sponsorship of Mikhail S. Gorbachev. The coup backfired two days later because its leaders misunderstood a central political fact of life after perestroika—namely, that political events could no longer be scripted to suit the changing tastes of the party elitte. While the plotters probably suspected as much—indeed, that was one of the reasons why they initiated the coup in the first place—their mistake was in overestimating their capacity to put a stop to this “state of anarchy.” While the vast majority of Soviet citizens acted precisely as the Emergency Committee expected them to—with utter indifference to the ultimate outcome of this elite power struggle—a small minority did not. It was this opposition, not only in the streets, but within party, military, and security organs, that defeated the coup and ushered in the momentous changes that we are experiencing today.
Contemporary Slovene Literature
Authors: Kos Janko
Published: September 2011

Contemporary Slovene literature from 1950 to the present has been deeply influenced, above all, by two major factors: first, its own tradition through a century-long development, and secondly, the socio-political position of literature immediately after the Second World War. As concerns tradition, it should be noted that the beginning of literature in the Slovene language coincided with the arrival of Protestantism in the sixteenth century; only sparse religious records are known from previous centuries. This literature remained within the framework of ecclesiastical needs until the late eighteenth century, similar to those found in Lithuania, Estonia or Finland. At the end of the eighteenth century, Slovene literature began to resemble the Central European literature typical of Croatia, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Poland. This is not only evident in the same literary trends and genres, but above all in the fact that national ideology as well as social and moral ideas acquired a significant role in its concepts.
Notes from the Harriman Institute Seminar on Soviet Republics and Regional Issues
Authors: Brudny Yitzhak
Published: September 2011

“Nationalism is not only about culture but about politics.” With these words, Professor Brudny launched his discussion of the recent evolution of Russian nationalism in the USSR, particularly the movement's failure to present a viable political alternative to the chaotic status quo. Much of this dilemma, he asserted, lies in the Russian movement's inability to define for itself a proper concept of nationalism.
VII. “Federation, Confederation, or Disintegration?”
Authors: Rywkin Michael
Published: September 2011

Is the Soviet Union heading towards a new federation, a new confederation, or simply disintegration? At this point, the Soviets themselves do not know, and this is due in part to the fact that they seem confused about the meaning of these terms. Professor Rywkin analyzed recent trends in the Soviet Union, noting three competing principles currently being voiced in the Soviet Union.
The Return of the Repressed? Post-1989 Nationalism in the “New” Eastern Europe
Authors: Blank Stephen
Published: September 2011

The intractable war in Yugoslavia, the breakup of Czechslovakia, the nationalist rumblings in Hungary and Romania, and manifestations of imperial and nationalist longings in Russian politics signify nationalism's enduring potency in Central and Eastern Europe. While some foreign observers worried about this potency, the new elites largely believed that liberalism in power could overcome those forces. Liberal democracy's triumph supposedly meant the end of History,inter alia,aggressive nationalism in Eastern Europe. They believed that these national liberation movements had cooperative, mutually supportive relationships that would flower after Communism ended. Nationalist discords were due to Eastern Europe's previous historical post-1914 nightmares, but the new post-1989 states would have amicable relations with their neighbors. Ostensibly, nationalism, once freed from Soviet repression, would bring an end to Soviet rule and usher in a new ‘springtime of nations.'
The Perception of Historical Identity and the Restoration of Estonian National Independence
Authors: Ruutsoo Rein
Published: September 2011

Attitude towards one's past, the farewell to the communist past, has become a vital matter on the territory of the former Soviet Union. The failure of the “building of communism” project has, besides a devastated environment, left behind it a spiritual “homelessness.” For Russians, for whom communism was the path to global power, the collapse of the Soviet Union also meant a collapse of their national identity. “Look back in anger” might be the most concise way of characterizing their attitude to their history of the past seventy years. The same might be said of the other peoples of the former USSR. Sovietologists who treated the Soviet Union as one entity and placed the Baltic nations into the same category as the other “fraternal” people created insurmountable problems for an understanding of Baltic developments, and Estonian, in particular.
Russian Assembly the Formation of a Legal State and Russophone Community in the Estonian Republic
Authors: Semenov Aleksei
Published: September 2011

The processes which are presently occurring in Estonia are part of a world-wide process of the disintegration of totalitarian ideological societies. It is extremely important to be aware of the fact that this does not concern simply the change of political status, that it, not only regaining the republic's independence, but it means the end of the society in which all of us, both Russians and Estonians of the present generation, have grown up and in which we have become accustomed to live. Now we have to live in a different kind of society which does not exist yet and which we have to construct together.
Effect of light gas atom inclusions on the characteristics of laser-produced plasma ions
Authors: Khaydarov R.T. , Beisinbaeva H.B. , Sabitov M.M. , Kalal Milan , Berdiyorov G.R.
Published: September 2011

Using the mass-spectrometric method we studied the effect of light gas inclusions on the formation process of multi-component laser-induced plasma ions. Mass–charge characteristics, as well as energy and spatial distribution of the plasma ions are analysed. We found that both the energy and maximal charge of heavy component ions decrease due to the presence of gas atoms in the solid target surface layer.
Numerical demonstration of injection locking of the sawtooth period by means of modulated EC current drive
Authors: Witvoet G. , Lauret M. , de Baar M.R. , Westerhof E. , Steinbuch M.
Published: September 2011

In this paper the sawtooth period behaviour under periodic forcing by electron cyclotron waves is investigated. The deposition location is kept constant while the gyrotron power is modulated with a certain period and duty cycle. Extensive simulations on a representative dynamic sawtooth model show that when this modulation is properly chosen, the sawtooth period quickly synchronizes to the same period and remains locked at this value. It is shown that the range of modulation periods and duty cycles over which sawtooth period locking occurs, depends on the deposition location, but is particularly large for depositions near the q = 1 surface. The simulation results reveal a novel approach to control the sawtooth period in open loop, based on injection locking, which is a well-known technique to control limit cycles of non-linear dynamic oscillators. The locking and convergence results are therefore used in a simple open-loop locking controller design, with which accurate sawtooth period tracking to any desired value is indeed demonstrated. Injection locking appears to let the sawtooth period converge to the modulation period quickly, partly because it does not suffer from slow EC mirror launcher dynamics. Moreover, simulations show that the method has a relatively large robustness against general uncertainties and disturbances. Hence, injection locking is expected to outperform conventional sawtooth control methods using a variable deposition location and constant gyrotron power. Finally, the recent result with sawtooth pacing is shown to be a special case of the general locking effect.
Sources of intrinsic rotation in the low-flow ordering
Authors: Parra Felix I. , Barnes Michael , Catto Peter J.
Published: September 2011

A low flow, δf gyrokinetic formulation to obtain the intrinsic rotation profiles is presented. The momentum conservation equation in the low-flow ordering contains new terms, neglected in previous first-principles formulations, that may explain the intrinsic rotation observed in tokamaks in the absence of external sources of momentum. The intrinsic rotation profile depends on the density and temperature profiles and on the up–down asymmetry.
Asymmetric cortical extension shifts cleavage furrow position inDrosophilaneuroblasts
Authors: Connell Marisa , Cabernard Clemens , Ricketson Derek , Doe Chris Q. , Prehoda Kenneth E.
Published: September 2011

The cytokinetic cleavage furrow is typically positioned symmetrically relative to the cortical cell boundaries, but it can also be asymmetric. The mechanisms that control furrow site specification have been intensively studied, but how polar cortex movements influence ultimate furrow position remains poorly understood. We measured the position of the apical and the basal cortex in asymmetrically dividing Drosophila neuroblasts and observed preferential displacement of the apical cortex that becomes the larger daughter cell during anaphase, effectively shifting the cleavage furrow toward the smaller daughter cell. Asymmetric cortical extension is correlated with the presence of cortical myosin II, which is polarized in neuroblasts. Loss of myosin II asymmetry by perturbing heterotrimeric G-protein signaling results in symmetric extension and equal-sized daughter cells. We propose a model in which contraction-driven asymmetric polar extension of the neuroblast cortex during anaphase contributes to asymmetric furrow position and daughter cell size.
Up-regulation of chemokine C–C ligand 2 (CCL2) and C-X-C chemokine 8 (CXCL8) expression by monocytes in chronic idiopathic urticaria
Authors: Santos J C , de Brito C A , Futata E A , Azor M H , Orii N M , Maruta C W , Rivitti E A , Duarte A J S , Sato M N
Published: September 2011

The disturbed cytokine–chemokine network could play an important role in the onset of diseases with inflammatory processes such as chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). Our main objectives were to evaluate the relation between proinflammatory chemokine serum levels from CIU patients and their response to autologous skin test (ASST) and basophil histamine release (BHR). We also aimed to assess the chemokine secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) upon polyclonal stimulus and to evaluate chemokine C–C ligand 2/C-X-C chemokine 8 (CCL2/CXCL8) and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) expression in monocytes. We observed significantly higher serum levels of the CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CCL2 in CIU patients compared to the healthy group, regardless of the BHR or ASST response. The basal secretion of CCL2 by PBMC or induced by Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A (SEA) was higher in CIU patients than in the control group, as well as for CXCL8 and CCL5 secretions upon phytohaemagglutinin stimulation. Also, up-regulation of CCL2 and CXCL8 mRNA expression was found in monocytes of patients upon SEA stimulation. The findings showed a high responsiveness of monocytes through CCL2/CXCL8 expression, contributing to the creation of a proinflammatory environment in CIU.
A shift in the collagen V antigenic epitope leads to T helper phenotype switch and immune response to self-antigen leading to chronic lung allograft rejection
Authors: Tiriveedhi V , Angaswamy N , Brand D , Weber J , Gelman A G , Hachem R , Trulock E P , Meyers B , Patterson G , Mohanakumar T
Published: September 2011

Immune responses to human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and self-antigen collagen V (Col-V) have been proposed in the pathogenesis of chronic rejection (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, BOS) following human lung transplantation (LTx). In this study, we defined the role for the shift in immunodominant epitopes of Col-V in inducing T helper phenotype switch leading to immunity to Col-V and BOS. Sera and lavage from BOS+ LTx recipients with antibodies to Col-V were analysed. Two years prior to BOS, patients developed antibodies to both Col-V,α1(V) and α2(V) chains. However, at clinical diagnosis of BOS, antibodies became restricted to α1(V). Further, lung biopsy from BOS(+) patients bound to antibodies to α1(V), indicating that these epitopes are exposed. Fourteen Col-V peptides [pep1–14, pep1–4 specific to α1(V), pep5–8 to α1,2(V) and pep9–14 to α2(V)] which bind to HLA-DR4 and -DR7, demonstrated that prior to BOS, pep 6, 7, 9, 11 and 14 were immunodominant and induced interleukin (IL)-10. However, at BOS, the response switched to pep1, 4 and 5 and induced interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-17 responses, but not IL-10. The T helper (Th) phenotype switch is accompanied by decreased frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the lavage. LTx recipients with antibodies to α1(V) also demonstrated increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation with decreased MMP inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), suggesting that MMP activation may play a role in the exposure of new Col-V antigenic epitopes. We conclude that a shift in immunodominance of self-antigenic determinants of Col-V results in induction of IFN-γ and IL-17 with loss of tolerance leading to autoimmunity to Col-V, which leads to chronic lung allograft rejection.
The Impact of Corporate Reputation on Firm Risk: A Panel Data Analysis of Spanish Quoted Firms
Authors: Delgado‐García Juan Bautista , de Quevedo‐Puente Esther , Díez‐Esteban José María
Published: September 2011

Researchers have traditionally addressed the influence of corporate reputation on firm performance, but have not considered the influence of corporate reputation on firm risk. This research develops hypotheses regarding the opposing influence of corporate reputation on a firm's systematic risk, unsystematic risk and total risk, as well as the moderation effect of firm size and industry concentration. Using a panel data method, these relationships are analysed, controlling for the effects of endogeneity, for a sample of Spanish quoted firms in the period 2001–2007. Specifically, two complementary analyses are performed. The first distinguishes firms included and not included in the MERCO index of the most reputable firms. The second analyses the impact of corporate reputation for the sub‐sample of most reputable firms. Being reputable reduces a firm's unsystematic risk and total risk, but increases systematic risk. In addition, firm size weakens these influences of corporate reputation on firm risk. However, among the most reputable firms, differences in reputation score have a lower effect on risk. Specifically, the corporate reputation level only influences firm unsystematic risk. It seems that what matters is not the degree of corporate reputation, but whether being or not being reputable is the question in terms of risk.
Thermal Cycling Evaluation of Rolled Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Tesfai Alem , Connor Paul , Nairn Julie , Irvine John T. S.
Published: September 2011

Rolled tubular solid oxide fuel cells are manufactured in a low-cost single step firing process, so the design offers reduced production cost. All components are produced using a low cost tape casting method and are fired as a single unit. The geometry is self–supporting which removes the need for thick cell components further reducing cell cost and offering increased volumetric power densities. Here we present the results from some early studies on the influence of fast thermal cycling on performance characteristics. Thermal cycles were carried out heating and cooling at 10 °C min−1 between 400 and 800 °C. Less than 1% performance drop was calculated for the single cell and 5% drop was observed on the fourth cycle for the five cell bundle.
Use of Fused Deposition Modeling of Polyphenylsulfone for Centrifugal
Casting of Polyurethane: Material, Surface, and Process
Considerations
Authors: Martens Thomas , Mears Laine , Dotson Mike , Graham Monty , Sanger Phillip
Published: September 2011

For the development of a rotational symmetrical polyurethane part with a steel reinforcement, a requirement/constraint driven approach to process design has been taken. In this approach a scale model of the casting mold was built using fused deposition modeling rapid prototyping technique, then used to validate design, material and process parameters. After selection and testing on the scaled prototype, results were used to define a full-sized spin casting mold built using polyphenylsulfone material. This material was selected based on the process temperature and stress requirements. However, surface roughness in the as-built condition is unacceptable for demolding; this paper describes secondary processing to mitigate this effect. The result is a feasible process for manufacturing of centrifugal casting molds for polyurethane.
Low energy micron size beam from inductively coupled plasma ion source
Authors: Nabhiraj P. Y. , Menon Ranjini , Bhandari R. K. , Mohan Rao G. , Mohan S.
Published: September 2011

A high brightness inductively coupled plasma ion source based focused ion beam system is being developed. This system is intended to produce a low energy high current micron size beam of the heavier gaseous elements for high speed, micro milling applications. The basic aim of this development is to cater the needs of those applications which cannot be addressed by the conventional liquid metal ion source based FIB. A novel idea has been implemented in the design of the ion source where, a double plasma chamber is designed to initiate the plasma at low RF power. The plasma is first initiated by the capacitive coupling at low RF power in one chamber. This in turn triggers a strong, high density inductive discharge in another chamber, which is Faraday shielded by a thin slotted copper foil. The ion beam is extracted through 1 mm diameter aperture in the plasma electrode using a simple two electrode extraction system. The ion source has produced argon ion beam of 57 mA/cm2 with an angular current density of ∼10 mA/Sr at 160 W of RF power and 7kV of extraction voltage. In addition, the measurements show that the ion source has brightness of >8000 A/m2 Sr−1 V−1. The ion source is integrated with a two lens focusing column and beam currents from 2 nA to 2.5 μA were focused at a working distance of 5 mm. Measurements show that the currents in the range of 500 nA to 1 μA can be focused to spots having diameters in the range of 8–10 μm resulting in a current density of 450 mA/cm2 at the focused spot. In order to evaluate the milling rate of steel, experiments were carried out using 7 keV, 800 nA of argon ion beam. Preliminary results indicate that the milling rate of steel is >100 μm3/s.
Inbreeding Promotes Female Promiscuity
Authors: Michalczyk Łukasz , Millard Anna L. , Martin Oliver Y. , Lumley Alyson J. , Emerson Brent C. , Chapman Tracey , Gage Matthew J. G.
Published: September 2011

After a population bottleneck, polyandry allows females to select sperm with the best prospects for fitness.
Rethinking Clinical Trials
Authors: Grove Andrew
Published: September 2011

The biomedical industry spends over $50 billion per year on research and development and produces some 20 new drugs. One reason for this disappointing output is the byzantine U.S. clinical trial system that requires large numbers of patients. Half of all trials are delayed, 80 to 90% of them because of a shortage of trial participants. Patient limitations also cause large and unpredicted expenses to pharmaceutical and biotech companies as they are forced to tread water. As the industry moves toward biologics and personalized medicine, this limitation will become even greater. A breakthrough in regulation is needed to create a system that does more with fewer patients.
The Tevatron's Epitaph: Solid Science, No Surprises
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: September 2011

As physicists plan to gather at Fermilab next week to toast the Tevatron, which is being shut down after a quarter-century reign as the world's highest energy collider, they say its legacy is a mixed bag.
Star Measurements Hint at Many More Abodes for Life
Authors: Cowen Ron
Published: September 2011

Reexamining a group of stars observed by NASA's Kepler spacecraft, astronomers say they have identified a trove of candidate planets that are both Earth-sized and potentially habitable.
Banking Seeds for Future Evolutionary Scientists
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: September 2011

Last week, the National Science Foundation awarded a group of plant evolutionary biologists $1.2 million to spend the next 4 years collecting and banking seeds that won't be used until 5, 10, or even 50 years from now.
Comparison of the INNO-LiPA and PapType Assays for Detection of Human Papillomavirus in Archival Vulva Dysplasia and/or Neoplasia Tissue Biopsy Specimens
Authors: Tan Sarah E. , Garland Suzanne M. , Rumbold Alice R. , Tabrizi Sepehr N.
Published: September 2011

INNO-LiPA and PapType human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping assays were compared for detection of HPV genotypes on archival vulvar tissue. The INNO-LiPA assay detected 49 HPV-16 infections, compared with 47 detected by the PapType assay. The INNO-LiPA assay detected amplifiable DNA in 59 (91%) biopsy specimens, compared with 57 (88%) specimens for which amplifiable DNA was detected by the PapType assay. The two genotyping assays were highly comparable.
Characterization of Microevolution Events in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains Involved in Recent Transmission Clusters
Authors: Pérez-Lago Laura , Herranz Marta , Martínez Lirola Miguel , Bouza Emilio , García de Viedma Darío
Published: September 2011

Under certain circumstances, it is possible to identify clonal variants of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infecting a single patient, probably as a result of subtle genetic rearrangements in part of the bacillary population. We systematically searched for these microevolution events in a different context, namely, recent transmission chains. We studied the clustered cases identified using a population-based universal molecular epidemiology strategy over a 5-year period. Clonal variants of the reference strain defining the cluster were found in 9 (12%) of the 74 clusters identified after the genotyping of 612
M. tuberculosis
isolates by IS
6110
restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units–variable-number tandem repeat typing. Clusters with microevolution events were epidemiologically supported and involved 4 to 9 cases diagnosed over a 1- to 5-year period. The IS
6110
insertion sites from 16 representative isolates of reference and microevolved variants were mapped by ligation-mediated PCR in order to characterize the genetic background involved in microevolution. Both intragenic and intergenic IS
6110
locations resulted from these microevolution events. Among those cases of IS
6110
locations in intergenic regions which could have an effect on the regulation of adjacent genes, we identified the overexpression of cytochrome P450 in one microevolved variant using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR. Our results help to define the frequency with which microevolution can be expected in
M. tuberculosis
transmission chains. They provide a snapshot of the genetic background of these subtle rearrangements and identify an event in which IS
6110
-mediated microevolution in an isogenic background has functional consequences.
Molecular Testing for Trichomonas vaginalis in Women: Results from a Prospective U.S. Clinical Trial
Authors: Schwebke Jane R. , Hobbs Marcia M. , Taylor Stephanie N. , Sena Arlene C. , Catania Michael G. , Weinbaum Barbara S. , Johnson Ann D. , Getman Damon K. , Gaydos Charlotte A.
Published: September 2011

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased susceptibility to infection with other pathogenic sexually transmitted microorganisms. Nucleic acid amplification tests for
Trichomonas vaginalis
have improved sensitivity for detecting infected individuals compared to existing culture-based methods. This prospective, multicenter U.S. clinical trial evaluated the performance of the automated Aptima
T. vaginalis
assay for detecting
T. vaginalis
in 1,025 asymptomatic and symptomatic women. Vaginal swab, endocervical swab, ThinPrep PreservCyt, and urine specimens were collected. Subject infection status was determined by wet-mount microscopy and culture. Aptima
T. vaginalis
assay performance was determined for each specimen type by comparison to subject infection status. Of 933 subjects analyzed, 59.9% were symptomatic. Aptima
T. vaginalis
clinical sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 100% and 99.0% for vaginal swabs, 100% and 99.4% for endocervical swabs, 100% and 99.6% in ThinPrep samples, and 95.2% and 98.9% in urine specimens. Aptima
T. vaginalis
performance levels were similar in asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects. This study validates the clinical performance of the Aptima
T. vaginalis
assay for screening asymptomatic and symptomatic women for
T. vaginalis
infection.
DNA Microarray Genotyping and Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Profiling of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Isolates from Renal Patients
Authors: McNicholas Sinead , Shore Anna C. , Coleman David C. , Humphreys Hilary , Hughes Deirdre Fitzgerald
Published: September 2011

Thirty-six methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) bloodstream isolates from renal patients were genetically characterized by DNA microarray analysis and
spa
typing. The isolates were highly clonal, belonging mainly to ST22-MRSA-IV. The immune evasion and enterotoxin gene clusters were found in 29/36 (80%) and 33/36 (92%) isolates, respectively.
Prevalence of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli as Detected by Enzyme-Linked Immunoassays and Real-Time PCR during the Summer Months in Northern Alberta, Canada
Authors: Chui Linda , Lee Mao-Cheng , Malejczyk Kathy , Lim Lillian , Fok Daniel , Kwong Pauline
Published: September 2011

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) in northern Alberta was detected using two enzyme immunoassays and an in-house real-time PCR. Of 2,328 stool samples, 8 were positive for O157:H7 STEC and 13 were positive for non-O157 STEC. No significant gender (
P
= 0.17) or age (
P
= 0.81) differences between groups were seen. Most positive diarrheal stool samples were nonbloody.
Molecular Epidemiology of Clostridium difficile Strains in Children Compared with That of Strains Circulating in Adults with Clostridium difficile-Associated Infection
Authors: Stoesser Nicole , Crook Derrick W. , Fung Rowena , Griffiths David , Harding Rosalind M. , Kachrimanidou Melina , Keshav Satish , Peto Tim E. , Vaughan Alison , Walker A. Sarah , Dingle Kate E.
Published: September 2011

Molecular analysis of
Clostridium difficile
(28 isolates) from children (
n
= 128) in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, identified eight toxigenic genotypes. Six of these were isolated from 27% of concurrent adult
C. difficile
-associated infections studied (
n
= 83). No children carried hypervirulent PCR ribotype 027. Children could participate in the transmission of some adult disease-causing genotypes.
Generic Microtiter Plate Assay for Triaging Clinical Specimens Prior to Genotyping of Human Papillomavirus DNA via Consensus PCR
Authors: Legault Véronique , Burchell Ann , Goggin Patricia , Nicolau Belinda , Brassard Paul , Guenoun Julie , Forest Pierre , Mayrand Marie-Hélène , Franco Eduardo Luis , Coutlée Francois
Published: September 2011

A generic human papillomavirus (HPV) probe assay was compared to the Linear Array to detect HPV DNA in 1,013 clinical specimens. The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of the assay were 99.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 98.4% to 99.9%), 58.6% (95% CI, 53.9% to 63.1%), and 98.9% (95% CI, 96.5% to 99.8%), respectively. This assay conveniently identifies HPV-positive specimens.
Avian-Type Receptor-Binding Ability Can Increase Influenza Virus Pathogenicity in Macaques
Authors: Watanabe Tokiko , Shinya Kyoko , Watanabe Shinji , Imai Masaki , Hatta Masato , Li Chengjun , Wolter Ben F. , Neumann Gabriele , Hanson Anthony , Ozawa Makoto , Yamada Shinya , Imai Hirotaka , Sakabe Saori , Takano Ryo , Iwatsuki-Horimoto Kiyoko , Kiso Maki , Ito Mutsumi , Fukuyama Satoshi , Kawakami Eiryo , Gorai Takeo , Simmons Heather A. , Schenkman Daniel , Brunner Kevin , Capuano Saverio V. , Weinfurter Jason T. , Nishio Wataru , Maniwa Yoshimasa , Igarashi Tatsuhiko , Makino Akiko , Travanty Emily A. , Wang Jieru , Kilander Anette , Dudman Susanne G. , Suresh M. , Mason Robert J. , Hungnes Olav , Friedrich Thomas C. , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: September 2011

The first influenza pandemic of the 21st century was caused by novel H1N1 viruses that emerged in early 2009. An Asp-to-Gly change at position 222 of the receptor-binding protein hemagglutinin (HA) correlates with more-severe infections in humans. The amino acid at position 222 of HA contributes to receptor-binding specificity with Asp (typically found in human influenza viruses) and Gly (typically found in avian and classic H1N1 swine influenza viruses), conferring binding to human- and avian-type receptors, respectively. Here, we asked whether binding to avian-type receptors enhances influenza virus pathogenicity. We tested two 2009 pandemic H1N1 viruses possessing HA-222G (isolated from severe cases) and two viruses that possessed HA-222D. In glycan arrays, viruses possessing HA-222D preferentially bound to human-type receptors, while those encoding HA-222G bound to both avian- and human-type receptors. This difference in receptor binding correlated with efficient infection of viruses possessing HA-222G, compared to those possessing HA-222D, in human lung tissue, including alveolar type II pneumocytes, which express avian-type receptors. In a nonhuman primate model, infection with one of the viruses possessing HA-222G caused lung damage more severe than did infection with a virus encoding HA-222D, although these pathological differences were not observed for the other virus pair with either HA-222G or HA-222D. These data demonstrate that the acquisition of avian-type receptor-binding specificity may result in more-efficient infection of human alveolar type II pneumocytes and thus more-severe lung damage. Collectively, these findings suggest a new mechanism by which influenza viruses may become more pathogenic in mammals, including humans.
Human Cytomegalovirus Induces Multiple Means To Combat Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Tilton Carisa , Clippinger Amy J. , Maguire Tobi , Alwine James C.
Published: September 2011

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated as by-products of many cellular processes and can modulate cellular signaling pathways. However, high ROS levels are toxic; thus, intracellular ROS need to be tightly controlled. Therefore, cells use a group of antioxidant molecules and detoxifying enzymes that remove or detoxify reactive species. We found that the level of the antioxidant glutathione is greatly increased in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-infected cells due to activation of glutathione synthetic enzymes. In addition, our data suggest that virus-specific mechanisms are used to induce the expression of target antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes critical for the success of the infection. As a result of this virus-induced anti-ROS environment, key signaling kinases, such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase in mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), are protected from inhibition by exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
). In this regard, we found that phosphorylation of mTOR kinase at serine 2448 (suggested to be activating) was maintained during infection even under ROS stress conditions that inhibited it in uninfected cells. We also show that AMP-dependent kinase (AMPK)-mediated phosphorylation of serine 792 of raptor, the specificity subunit of mTORC1, increases in infected cells after H
2
O
2
treatment. This phosphorylation is normally inhibitory for mTORC1. However, in infected cells this did not result in inhibition of mTORC1 activity, suggesting that inhibitory effects of raptor phosphorylation are circumvented. Overall, our data suggest that HCMV utilizes virus-specific mechanisms to activate a variety of means to protect the cell and mTORC1 from the effects of ROS.
Inhibition of Inflammatory Interleukin-6 Activity via Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase–Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Antagonizes Human Cytomegalovirus Reactivation from Dendritic Cells
Authors: Reeves Matthew B. , Compton Teresa
Published: September 2011

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) remains a major cause of viral disease in immunosuppressed transplant patients. The ability of HCMV to establish lifelong infection in humans and reactivate with devastating clinical consequences underscores the importance of understanding the triggers of HCMV reactivation in mature myeloid cells. Dendritic cell (DC) differentiation is concomitant with the activation of cellular signaling pathways and inflammatory gene expression and also HCMV reactivation. Here, we show a major role for interleukin-6 (IL-6) through extracellular signal-regulated kinase–mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK-MAPK) signaling upon DC differentiation to promote HCMV reactivation. IL-6 drives reactivation by transcriptional upregulation of the major immediate-early (IE) genes, resulting in efficient progression of the virus life cycle and, ultimately, higher titers of infectious virus. Furthermore, the interception of IL-6 signaling with biological inhibitors significantly abrogated HCMV reactivation from experimental latency. Crucially, using cells derived from healthy seropositive donors, we observed a key role for IL-6 during reactivation from natural latency
ex vivo
in interstitial DCs. Clinically, HCMV reactivation occurs in highly inflammatory environments (i.e., transplantation); thus, the implications of this study could potentially provide novel approaches for therapeutic intervention.
High-Order Harmonic Generation and Attosecond Science
Authors: Midorikawa Katsumi
Published: September 2011

Since the first observation of high-order harmonics about two decades ago, research on high-order harmonic generation (HHG) has progressed while changing its focus. In its infancy, a major concern of research was to understand the underlying physics of HHG, then interest shifted to the development of a coherent source in the soft X-ray region. Research is now focused on attosecond science. Because HHG is based on tunneling ionization followed by radiative recombination during a single optical cycle of the fundamental excitation pulse, it can manifest itself as a variety of interesting phenomena caused by the interaction of light waves with electrons on the attosecond time scale. Therefore, HHG is a unique phenomenon that provides us with a method of observing attosecond quantum dynamics in atoms and molecules as well as with a unique coherent source covering a spectrum spanning several tens of octaves from ultraviolet to the soft X-ray region. In this report, I review the recent progress in attosecond pulse generation by HHG and its application to observing attosecond dynamics in atoms and molecules while focusing on our recent works.