bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mimic for Lupus Treatment
Authors: Shum Anthony K.
Published: July 2011

Peptidomimetics can function as highly specific, targeted treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus without generalized immunosuppression.
Novel Genotyping and Quantitative Analysis of Neuraminidase Inhibitor Resistance-Associated Mutations in Influenza A Viruses by Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Analysis
Authors: Duan Susu , Boltz David A. , Li Jiang , Oshansky Christine M. , Marjuki Henju , Barman Subrata , Webby Richard J. , Webster Robert G. , Govorkova Elena A.
Published: July 2011

Neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors are among the first line of defense against influenza virus infection. With the increased worldwide use of the drugs, antiviral susceptibility surveillance is increasingly important for effective clinical management and for public health epidemiology. Effective monitoring requires effective resistance detection methods. We have developed and validated a novel genotyping method for rapid detection of established NA inhibitor resistance markers in influenza viruses by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. The multi- or monoplex SNP analysis based on single nucleotide extension assays was developed to detect NA mutations H275Y and I223R/V in pandemic H1N1 viruses, H275Y in seasonal H1N1 viruses, E119V and R292K in seasonal H3N2 viruses, and H275Y and N295S in H5N1 viruses. The SNP analysis demonstrated high sensitivity for low-content NA amplicons (0.1 to 1 ng/μl) and showed 100% accordant results against a panel of defined clinical isolates. The monoplex assays for the H275Y NA mutation allowed precise and accurate quantification of the proportions of wild-type and mutant genotypes in virus mixtures (5% to 10% discrimination), with results comparable to those of pyrosequencing. The SNP analysis revealed the lower growth fitness of an H275Y mutant compared to the wild-type pandemic H1N1 virus by quantitatively genotyping progeny viruses grown in normal human bronchial epithelial cells. This novel method offers high-throughput screening capacity, relatively low costs, and the wide availability of the necessary equipment, and thus it could provide a much-needed approach for genotypic screening of NA inhibitor resistance in influenza viruses.
A Translation Inhibitor That Suppresses Dengue Virus
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Wang Qing-Yin , Kondreddi Ravinder Reddy , Xie Xuping , Rao Ranga , Nilar Shahul , Xu Hao Ying , Qing Min , Chang David , Dong Hongping , Yokokawa Fumiaki , Lakshminarayana Suresh B. , Goh Anne , Schul Wouter , Kramer Laura , Keller Thomas H. , Shi Pei-Yong
Published: July 2011

We describe a novel translation inhibitor that has anti-dengue virus (DENV) activity
in vitro
and
in vivo
. The inhibitor was identified through a high-throughput screening using a DENV infection assay. The compound contains a benzomorphan core structure. Mode-of-action analysis indicated that the compound inhibits protein translation in a viral RNA sequence-independent manner. Analysis of the stereochemistry demonstrated that only one enantiomer of the racemic compound inhibits viral RNA translation. Medicinal chemistry was performed to eliminate a metabolically labile glucuronidation site of the compound to improve its
in vivo
stability. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that upon a single subcutaneous dosing of 25 mg/kg of body weight in mice, plasma levels of the compound reached a
C
max
(maximum plasma drug concentration) above the protein-binding-adjusted 90% effective concentration (EC
90
) value of 0.96 μM. In agreement with the
in vivo
pharmacokinetic results, treatment of DENV-infected mice with 25 mg/kg of compound once per day reduced peak viremia by about 40-fold. However, mice treated with 75 mg/kg of compound per day exhibited adverse effects. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the benzomorphan compounds inhibit DENV through suppression of RNA translation. The therapeutic window of the current compounds needs to be improved for further development.
Helicobacter pylori Eradication by Sitafloxacin-Lansoprazole Combination and Sitafloxacin Pharmacokinetics in Mongolian Gerbils and ItsIn VitroActivity and Resistance Development
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuo , Takano Tomomi , Higuchi Wataru , Nishiyama Akihito , Taneike Ikue , Yoshida Kumi , Kanda Hiroko , Imamura Yuichiro
Published: July 2011

A total of 293 strains ofHelicobacter pylori, including strains resistant to levofloxacin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, or amoxicillin, were examined forin vitrosusceptibility to 10 antimicrobial agents. Among these agents, sitafloxacin (a fluoroquinolone) showed the greatest activity (MIC90, 0.06 μg/ml), with high bactericidal activity and synergy in sitafloxacin-lansoprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) combination. In a Mongolian gerbil model with aH. pyloriATCC 43504 challenge, marked eradication effects were observed at ≥1 mg/kg for sitafloxacin, ≥10 mg/kg for levofloxacin, and ≥10 mg/kg for lansoprazole, reflecting MIC levels for each agent (0.008, 0.25, and 2 μg/ml, respectively). The therapeutic rates were 83.3% for the sitafloxacin (0.3 mg/kg)-lansoprazole (2.5 mg/kg) combination and 0% for either sitafloxacin or lansoprazole alone. The maximum serum concentration (Cmax) of sitafloxacin was 0.080 ± 0.054 μg/ml at 30 min, when orally administered at 1 mg/kg. The simultaneous administration of lansoprazole resulted in no difference. In the resistance development assay, MICs of levofloxacin increased 64- to 256-fold withgyrAmutations (Ala88Pro and Asn87Lys), while MICs of sitafloxacin only up to 16-fold with the Asn87Lys mutation. The data suggest that sitafloxacin exhibited superior anti-H. pyloriactivity with low rates of resistance developmentin vitroand that, reflecting highin vitroactivities, sitafloxacin-lansoprazole combination exhibited strong therapeutic effects in Mongolian gerbils with aCmaxof sitafloxacin that was 10-fold higher than the MIC value at a 1-mg/kg administration.
Ex Vivo
Drug Susceptibility of Ferroquine against Chloroquine-Resistant Isolates of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax
Authors: Marfurt Jutta , Chalfein Ferryanto , Prayoga Pak , Wabiser Frans , Kenangalem Enny , Piera Kim A. , MacHunter Barbara , Tjitra Emiliana , Anstey Nicholas M. , Price Ric N.
Published: July 2011

Ferroquine (FQ; SSR97193), a ferrocene-containing 4-aminoquinoline derivate, has potent
in vitro
efficacy against chloroquine (CQ)-resistant
Plasmodium falciparum
and CQ-sensitive
P. vivax
. In the current study,
ex vivo
FQ activity was tested in multidrug-resistant
P. falciparum
and
P. vivax
field isolates using a schizont maturation assay. Although FQ showed excellent activity against CQ-sensitive and -resistant
P. falciparum
and
P. vivax
(median 50% inhibitory concentrations [IC
50
s], 9.6 nM and 18.8 nM, respectively), there was significant cross-susceptibility with the quinoline-based drugs chloroquine, amodiaquine, and piperaquine (for
P. falciparum
,
r
= 0.546 to 0.700,
P
< 0.001; for
P. vivax
,
r
= 0.677 to 0.821,
P
< 0.001). The observed
ex vivo
cross-susceptibility is likely to reflect similar mechanisms of drug uptake/efflux and modes of drug action of this drug class. However, the potent activity of FQ against resistant isolates of both
P. falciparum
and
P. vivax
highlights a promising role for FQ as a lead antimalarial against CQ-resistant
Plasmodium
and a useful partner drug for artemisinin-based combination therapy.
Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology of Pneumococcal Meningitis
Authors: Mook-Kanamori Barry B. , Geldhoff Madelijn , van der Poll Tom , van de Beek Diederik
Published: July 2011

Pneumococcal meningitis continues to be associated with high rates of mortality and long-term neurological sequelae. The most common route of infection starts by nasopharyngeal colonization byStreptococcus pneumoniae, which must avoid mucosal entrapment and evade the host immune system after local activation. During invasive disease, pneumococcal epithelial adhesion is followed by bloodstream invasion and activation of the complement and coagulation systems. The release of inflammatory mediators facilitates pneumococcal crossing of the blood-brain barrier into the brain, where the bacteria multiply freely and trigger activation of circulating antigen-presenting cells and resident microglial cells. The resulting massive inflammation leads to further neutrophil recruitment and inflammation, resulting in the well-known features of bacterial meningitis, including cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, cochlear damage, cerebral edema, hydrocephalus, and cerebrovascular complications. Experimental animal models continue to further our understanding of the pathophysiology of pneumococcal meningitis and provide the platform for the development of new adjuvant treatments and antimicrobial therapy. This review discusses the most recent views on the pathophysiology of pneumococcal meningitis, as well as potential targets for (adjunctive) therapy.
Randomized Trial of the Immunogenicity and Safety of the Hepatitis B Vaccine Given in an Accelerated Schedule Coadministered with the Human Papillomavirus Type 16/18 AS04-Adjuvanted Cervical Cancer Vaccine
Authors: Leroux-Roels Geert , Haelterman Edwige , Maes Cathy , Levy Jack , De Boever Fien , Licini Laurent , David Marie-Pierre , Dobbelaere Kurt , Descamps Dominique
Published: July 2011

The human papillomavirus type 16/18 (HPV-16/18) AS04-adjuvanted cervical cancer vaccine is licensed for females aged 10 years and above and is therefore likely to be coadministered with other licensed vaccines, such as hepatitis B. In this randomized, open-label study, we compared the immunogenicity of the hepatitis B vaccine administered alone (HepB group) or with the HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine (HepB+HPV group) in healthy women aged 20 to 25 years (clinical trial NCT00637195). The hepatitis B vaccine was given at 0, 1, 2, and 12 months (an accelerated schedule which may be required by women at high risk), and the HPV-16/18 vaccine was given at 0, 1, and 6 months. One month after the third dose of hepatitis B vaccine, in the according-to-protocol cohort (
n
= 72 HepB+HPV;
n
= 76 HepB), hepatitis B seroprotection rates (titer of ≥10 mIU/ml) were 96.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.5 to 99.6) and 96.9% (CI, 89.2 to 99.6) in the HepB+HPV and HepB groups, respectively, in women initially seronegative for anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs) and anti-hepatitis B core antigen (HBc). Corresponding geometric mean titers of anti-HBs antibodies were 60.2 mIU/ml (CI, 40.0 to 90.5) and 71.3 mIU/ml (CI, 53.9 to 94.3). Anti-HBs antibody titers rose substantially after the fourth dose of hepatitis B vaccine. All women initially seronegative for anti-HPV-16 and anti-HPV-18 antibodies seroconverted after the second HPV-16/18 vaccine dose and remained seropositive up to 1 month after the third dose. Both vaccines were generally well tolerated, with no difference in reactogenicity between groups. In conclusion, coadministration of the HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine did not affect the immunogenicity or safety of the hepatitis B vaccine administered in an accelerated schedule in young women.
Long-Term Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses Elicited by a Heterologous Plasmodium vivax Apical Membrane Antigen 1 Protein Prime/Adenovirus Boost Immunization Protocol
Authors: Bouillet Leoneide Érica Maduro , Dias Mariana Oliveira , Dorigo Natália Alves , Moura Andrew Douglas , Russell Bruce , Nosten Francois , Renia Laurent , Braga Érika Martins , Gazzinelli Ricardo Tostes , Rodrigues Maurício M. , Soares Irene S. , Bruna-Romero Oscar
Published: July 2011

Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1) is an invasion-relatedPlasmodiumantigen that is expressed during both intracellular and extracellular asexual stages of the parasite's life cycle, making it an ideal target for induction of humoral and cellular immune responses that can protect against malaria. We show here that when it is administered as a recombinant protein (P) in Montanide ISA720 adjuvant, followed by a recombinant human type 5 adenovirus (Ad), intense and long-lastingPlasmodium vivaxAMA-1-specific antibody responses (including both IgG1 and IgG2a), as well as proliferative memory T cell responses, can be detected in immunized mice. Memory T cells displayed both central (CD44hiCD62Lhi) and effector (CD44hiCD62Llo) phenotypes, with the central memory phenotype prevailing (56% of AMA-1-specific proliferating cells). Considering the main traits of the memory immune responses induced against AMA-1, this particular sequence of immunogens (P followed by Ad), but no others (Ad/Ad, Ad/P, or P/P), displayed an optimal synergistic effect. These results give further support to the need for preclinical studies ofP. vivaxvaccine candidate AMA-1 administered in prime/boost protocols that include recombinant proteins and adenoviral vectors.
Potential Role of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes in Joint Damage Induced by Brucella abortus Infection through Production and Induction of Matrix Metalloproteinases
Authors: Scian Romina , Barrionuevo Paula , Giambartolomei Guillermo H. , De Simone Emilio A. , Vanzulli Silvia I. , Fossati Carlos A. , Baldi Pablo C. , Delpino M. Victoria
Published: July 2011

Arthritis is one of the most common complications of human brucellosis, but its pathogenic mechanisms have not been elucidated. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are known to be central mediators of joint damage in inflammatory arthritides through the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade collagen and of cytokines and chemokines that mediate the recruitment and activation of leukocytes. In this study we show thatBrucella abortusinfects and replicates in human FLS (SW982 cell line)in vitroand that infection results in the production of MMP-2 and proinflammatory mediators (interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 [MCP-1], and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF]). Culture supernatants fromBrucella-infected FLS induced the migration of monocytes and neutrophilsin vitroand also induced these cells to secrete MMP-9 in a GM-CSF- and IL-6-dependent fashion, respectively. Reciprocally, culture supernatants fromBrucella-infected monocytes and neutrophils induced FLS to produce MMP-2 in a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-dependent fashion. The secretion of proinflammatory mediators and MMP-2 by FLS did not depend on bacterial viability, since it was also induced by heat-killedB. abortus(HKBA) and by a modelBrucellalipoprotein (L-Omp19). These responses were mediated by the recognition ofB. abortusantigens through Toll-like receptor 2. The intra-articular injection of HKBA or L-Omp19 into the knee joint of mice resulted in the local induction of the proinflammatory mediators MMP-2 and MMP-9 and in the generation of a mixed inflammatory infiltrate. These results suggest that FLS, and phagocytes recruited by them to the infection focus, may be involved in joint damage during brucellar arthritis through the production of MMPs and proinflammatory mediators.
The Papillomavirus E1 Helicase Activates a Cellular DNA Damage Response in Viral Replication Foci
Authors: Sakakibara Nozomi , Mitra Ruchira , McBride Alison A.
Published: July 2011

The papillomavirus E1 and E2 proteins are essential for viral genome replication. E1 is a helicase that unwinds the viral origin and recruits host cellular factors to replicate the viral genome. E2 is a transcriptional regulator that helps recruit the E1 helicase to the origin and also plays a role in genome partitioning. We find that when coexpressed, the E1 and E2 proteins from several papillomavirus types localize to defined nuclear foci and result in growth suppression of the host cells. Growth suppression was due primarily to E1 protein function, and nuclear expression of E1 was accompanied by activation of a DNA damage response, resulting in phosphorylation of ATM, Chk2, and H2AX. Growth suppression and ATM activation required the ATPase and origin-specific binding functions of the E1 protein and resulted in active DNA repair, as evidenced by incorporation of nucleotide analogs and detection of free DNA ends. In the presence of the E2 protein, these activities became localized to nuclear foci. We postulate that these foci represent viral replication factories and that a cellular DNA damage response is activated to facilitate replication of viral DNA.
HIV-Specific Functional Antibody Responses in Breast Milk Mirror Those in Plasma and Are Primarily Mediated by IgG Antibodies
Authors: Fouda Genevieve G. , Yates Nicole L. , Pollara Justin , Shen Xiaoying , Overman Glenn R. , Mahlokozera Tatenda , Wilks Andrew B. , Kang Helen H. , Salazar-Gonzalez Jesus F. , Salazar Maria G. , Kalilani Linda , Meshnick Steve R. , Hahn Beatrice H. , Shaw George M. , Lovingood Rachel V. , Denny Thomas N. , Haynes Barton , Letvin Norman L. , Ferrari Guido , Montefiori David C. , Tomaras Georgia D. , Permar Sallie R. ,   the Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology
Published: July 2011

Despite months of mucosal virus exposure, the majority of breastfed infants born to HIV-infected mothers do not become infected, raising the possibility that immune factors in milk inhibit mucosal transmission of HIV. HIV Envelope (Env)-specific antibodies are present in the milk of HIV-infected mothers, but little is known about their virus-specific functions. In this study, HIV Env-specific antibody binding, autologous and heterologous virus neutralization, and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) responses were measured in the milk and plasma of 41 HIV-infected lactating women. Although IgA is the predominant antibody isotype in milk, HIV Env-specific IgG responses were higher in magnitude than HIV Env-specific IgA responses in milk. The concentrations of anti-HIV gp120 IgG in milk and plasma were directly correlated (
r
= 0.75;
P
< 0.0001), yet the response in milk was 2 logarithm units lower than in plasma. Similarly, heterologous virus neutralization (
r
= 0.39;
P
= 0.010) and ADCC activity (
r
= 0.64;
P
< 0.0001) in milk were directly correlated with that in the systemic compartment but were 2 log units lower in magnitude. Autologous neutralization was rarely detected in milk. Milk heterologous virus neutralization titers correlated with HIV gp120 Env-binding IgG responses but not with IgA responses (
r
= 0.71 and
P
< 0.0001, and
r
= 0.17 and
P
= 0.30). Moreover, IgGs purified from milk and plasma had equal neutralizing potencies against a tier 1 virus (
r
= 0.65;
P
< 0.0001), whereas only 1 out of 35 tested non-IgG milk fractions had detectable neutralization. These results suggest that plasma-derived IgG antibodies mediate the majority of the low-level HIV neutralization and ADCC activity in breast milk.
Expression and prognostic significance of survivin splice variants in diffusely infiltrating astrocytoma
Authors: Huang Ying , Chen Xueqin , Chen Ni , Nie Ling , Xu Miao , Zhou Qiao
Published: July 2011

Background

Alternative splicing of survivin (BIRC5) pre-mRNA generates the common isoform survivin and five additional splice variants: survivin2B, survivinΔEx3, survivin2α, survivin3B and survivin3α. Although the common isoform survivin has been shown to be involved in tumourigenesis and progression of various tumours, including diffusely infiltrating astrocytoma, the expression of other survivin splice variants in astrocytoma has not been fully investigated.

Aims

To evaluate the expression status and particularly prognostic significance of survivin splice variants in diffusely infiltrating astrocytoma.

Methods

mRNA expression of the six survivin variants in 73 diffusely infiltrating astrocytoma and 18 normal brain tissue samples was investigated by using reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and the total survivin protein expression by western analysis and immunohistochemistry. Association of survivin and its splice variants with tumour grade and prognosis was examined by statistical and survival analysis.

Results

The survivin, survivinΔEx3, survivin2B and survivin2α splice variants were significantly elevated in diffusely infiltrating astrocytoma, and were barely detectable or not detectable at all in normal brain tissue. Survivin3B and survivin3α were not detected in these samples. The positive rates of the expressed four variants increased with astrocytoma grade. Significantly, expression of these splice variants was associated with much poorer disease-specific and progression-free survival (Kaplan–Meier analysis, p≤0.002). Cox regression model further indicated survivin2α mRNA expression and nuclear survivin immunostaining to be significant independent negative prognostic factors.

Conclusions

The survivin, survivinΔEx3, survivin2B and survivin2α splice variants were significantly elevated in astrocytoma, and were associated with tumour grade and poorer prognosis.
The frequency of detection of unexpected diabetes mellitus during haemoglobinopathy investigations
Authors: Conroy Mary , Beer Philip , Hughes Carol , Phelan Lorraine , Bain Barbara J
Published: July 2011

Aims

To establish the frequency of detection of previously undiagnosed diabetes mellitus as a result of detection of an increased glycated fraction of haemoglobin during high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for haemoglobinopathy diagnosis.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out over a 3-month period. During that period a total of 2094 patient samples were received for haemoglobinopathy investigation and were included in the study.

Results

Fifty samples were found to have an apparent increase in the glycated haemoglobin fraction and of these 38 were found to be from patients with known diabetes. Previously undiagnosed diabetes was discovered in 11 patients and it is likely that the twelfth patient also had diabetes.

Conclusions

The detection of evidence of undiagnosed diabetes during HPLC haemoglobinopathy investigations is not rare, there being four cases per month in this study. This incidental observation should be reported to clinical staff.
A tobacco-related carcinogen: assessing the impact of smoking behaviours of cohabitants on benzene exposure in children
Authors: Protano Carmela , Andreoli Roberta , Manini Paola , Guidotti Maurizio , Vitali Matteo
Published: July 2011

Background

Secondhand smoke (SHS) represents a major preventable cause of morbidity for communities, especially for children, who are more susceptible than adults to the adverse effects of passive smoking. SHS contains several carcinogens, including benzene.

Objective

To investigate the role of household characteristics and the smoking behaviours of cohabitants in predicting SHS-derived benzene exposure levels.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 122 children (aged 5–11 years old) were selected from a school in rural Italy. Characteristics of their home environment and the smoking habits of the children's cohabitants were obtained via questionnaire, and urinary unmodified benzene (u-UB) and cotinine (a specific nicotine metabolite) levels were determined from spot urine samples.

Results

Significant differences between SHS-exposed and SHS-unexposed children were found with respect to u-UB levels (median values 359.50 and 92.50 ng/litre, respectively; p<0.001). The excretion of u-UB increased significantly in parallel to increased SHS exposure as follows: unexposed to SHS (median value 92.50 ng/litre)<cohabitant(s) smoker(s) not smoking inside the home (282.00 ng/litre)<cohabitant(s) smoking inside the home only when children are out (314.50 ng/litre)<cohabitant(s) smoking inside the home even when children are in (596.00 ng/litre). The difference between groups was significant (p=0.019).

Conclusions

Although smoke-free legislation has transformed the smoking behaviours of some, domestic environments remain an important source of SHS exposure for children. This fact holds true even in the case of parents and other cohabitants who believe they are fully protecting children by smoking only outdoors or at home only when the children are not present. These findings should be included in Italian community-level health promotion interventions for discouraging tobacco use.
Evaluation of risks of foot‐and‐mouth disease in Scotland to assist with decision making during the 2007 outbreak in the UK
Authors: Volkova V. V. , Bessell P. R. , Woolhouse M. E. J. , Savill N. J.
Published: July 2011

An outbreak of foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) occurred in Surrey on August 3, 2007. A Great Britain‐wide ban on livestock movements was implemented immediately. This coincided with the start of seasonal sheep movements off the hills in Scotland; the majority of these animals are sold via markets. The ban therefore posed severe economic and animal‐welfare hardships if it was to last through September and beyond. The Scottish Government commissioned an analysis to assess the risk of re‐opening markets given the uncertainty about whether FMD had entered Scotland. Tracing of livestock moved from within the risk zone in England between July 16 and August 3 identified contact chains to 12 Scottish premises; veterinary field inspections found a further three unrecorded movements. No signs of infection were found on these holdings. Under the conservative assumption that a single unknown Scottish holding was infected with FMD, an estimate of the time‐dependent probability of Scotland being FMD free given no detection was made. Analyses indicated that if FMD was not detected by early to mid‐September then it was highly probable that Scotland was FMD free. Risk maps were produced to visualise the potential spread of FMD across Scotland if it was to spread either locally or via market sales.
Amine and thiazole substituted γ-butyrolactones from naturally occurring limonene
Authors: Kaur Pushpinder , Das Pralay , Chaudhary Abha , Singh Bikram
Published: July 2011

Substituted γ-butyrolactones are important structural motifs in several natural products and pharmaceuticals. In this paper, we report the synthesis of novel γ-butyrolactone amine and thiazole derivatives from naturally occurring limonene. Regioselective bromination followed by nucleophilic substitution with different amines and thiourea gave desired products in moderate yield.
A simple and efficient copper-catalyzed amination of aryl halides by aqueous ammonia in water
Authors: Zhu Yefeng , Wei Yunyang
Published: July 2011

The copper(I) iodide/1,4-bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)piperazine (CuI–L2) system catalyzed the cross-coupling reactions between aryl halides and aqueous ammonia in water to produce primary aromatic amines in good yields. The protocol was simple and efficient, avoiding the need for inert atmosphere, additional base, or other additives.
Synthesis, Rietveld refinement of crystal structure, electron diffraction, and electrical transport properties of Ba2(Ca1–x–yFexNby)(Nb1–zFez)O6–δdouble perovskites
Authors: Kan Wang Hay , Trinh Trang T. , Fürstenhaupt Tobias , Thangadurai Venkataraman
Published: July 2011

We report the synthesis, crystal structure, and electrochemical properties of new Fe-doped Ba2(Ca1–x–yFexNby)(Nb1–zFez)O6–δ(Fe–BCN). The Fe–BCN was synthesized by a solid-state method in air using corresponding metal oxides and salts at elevated temperature. All of the observed powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) peaks of the investigated Fe–BCN were indexed as cubic Fm-3m (space group No. 225) double perovskite-type structure with cell constants a ∼ 8.4 Å and is consistent with selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Rietveld analysis suggested the distribution of Fe was at both 4a and 4b sites, supported the proposed chemical formula Ba2(Ca1–x–yFexNby)(Nb1–zFez)O6–δ. This was further verified by bond valence sum (BVS) analysis of the cations. The Fe–BCN showed superior chemical stability in pure CO2and boiling H2O confirmed by PXRD and FTIR. The electrical conductivity was determined by AC impedance spectroscopy. Among the samples investigated, Ba2(Ca0.79Fe0.21)(Nb0.71Fe0.29)O6–δshowed the highest total (bulk + grain-boundary) conductivity of 1.1 × 10−2S cm–1in humidified (3%) N2at 600 °C with activation energy of 0.43 eV in the temperature range 200–800 °C.
Étude DFT (« density functional theory ») des réactions d’addition de l’ozone sur les doubles liaisons des terpènes : limonène, β-phellandrène et terpinolène
Authors: Ayadi Sameh , Abderrabba Manef
Published: July 2011

Dans ce travail, nous avons réalisé une étude théorique concernant les réactions d’addition de l’ozone sur les doubles liaisons des molécules des terpènes tels que le terpinolène 1, le β-phellandrène 2 et le limonène 3. En nous basant sur la méthode de calcul DFT (« density functional theory ») avec la base standard 6–31G(d) et les deux fonctionnelles BPW91 et B3LYP, nous avons discuté, du point de vue thermodynamique et orbitalaire, la possibilité et la stéréosélectivité de ces réactions. Les états de transition des réactions entre la molécule de l’ozone et les molécules des terpènes 1, 2 et 3 ont été déterminés.
A NEW MALMQUIST PRODUCTIVITY INDEX BASED ON SEMI-DISCRETIONARY VARIABLES WITH AN APPLICATION TO COMMERCIAL BANKS OF CHINA
Authors: BI GONG-BING , DING JING-JING , LUO YAN , LIANG LIANG
Published: July 2011

The Malmquist productivity index studies productivity change, that is, the technical progress or regress together with the efficiency changes over time. In a nonparametric framework, the index can be estimated by data envelopment analysis (DEA). In this paper, first all inputs are divided into three groups, namely, discretionary variables, nondiscretionary variables, and semi-discretionary variables, and then a mixed integer linear model is proposed to deal with semi-discretionary variables. The proposed models consider not only the properties of semi-discretionary inputs, but also the relationship between them and other inputs. By introducing such a relationship and the preferences of decision-makers (DMs), the models aid DMs in generating efficiency scores and finding proper benchmarking points. Finally, the Malmquist productivity index combining the proposed model is computed and illustrated by an empirical application to the evaluation of 17 branches of Bank of China in Anhui Province. The results show a slight decrease in productivity during the year 2007/2008, and the productivity change positively during 2008/2009 due largely to efficiency increase.
AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING INTERNET/E-BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES ADOPTION BY SMES IN CANADA
Authors: IFINEDO PRINCELY
Published: July 2011

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) around the world engage in e-commerce and e-business to support business operations as well as to enhance revenue generation from nontraditional sources. Internet and e-business technologies (IEBT) are the pillars of e-commerce and e-business. Despite the universal appeal of IEBT, it has been reported that the adoption of such technologies by SMEs is influenced by contextual imperatives. The objective of this research is to investigate factors impacting the adoption of IEBT in SMEs based in the Maritime region of Canada. A research model based on the diffusion of innovation (DIT) and the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) frameworks was used to guide the discourse. Such factors as relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, management support, organizational readiness, external pressure, and government support were used to develop relevant hypotheses. Questionnaires were mailed to key informants in SMEs. Data analysis was performed using the partial least squares (PLS) technique. Predictions related to relative advantage, management support, and competition's pressure were confirmed. The study did not support the constructs of compatibility, complexity, government support, customers' and partners' pressures as significant predictors of IEBT adoption by the SMEs in the region.
A CAT(0)-VALUED POINTWISE ERGODIC THEOREM
Authors: AUSTIN TIM
Published: July 2011

This note proves a version of the pointwise ergodic theorem for functions taking values in a separable complete CAT(0)-space. The precise setting consists of an amenable locally compact group G with left Haar measure mG, a jointly measurable, probability-preserving action [Formula: see text] of G on a probability space, and a separable complete CAT(0)-space (X, d) with barycentre map b. In this setting we show that if (Fn)n ≥ 1 is a tempered Følner sequence of compact subsets of G and f : Ω → X is a measurable map such that for some (and hence any) fixed x ∈ X, we have [Formula: see text] then as n → ∞ the functions of empirical barycentres [Formula: see text] converge pointwise for almost every ω to a T-invariant function [Formula: see text].
Gastric bypass reduces fat intake and preference
Authors: le Roux Carel W. , Bueter Marco , Theis Nadine , Werling Malin , Ashrafian Hutan , Löwenstein Christian , Athanasiou Thanos , Bloom Stephen R. , Spector Alan C. , Olbers Torsten , Lutz Thomas A.
Published: July 2011

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most effective therapy for morbid obesity. This study investigated how gastric bypass affects intake of and preference for high-fat food in an experimental (rat) study and within a trial setting (human). Proportion of dietary fat in gastric bypass patients was significantly lower 6 yr after surgery compared with patients after vertical-banded gastroplasty ( P = 0.046). Gastric bypass reduced total fat and caloric intake ( P < 0.001) and increased standard low-fat chow consumption compared with sham controls ( P < 0.001) in rats. Compared with sham-operated rats, gastric bypass rats displayed much lower preferences for Intralipid concentrations > 0.5% in an ascending concentration series (0.005%, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 5%) of two-bottle preference tests ( P = 0.005). This effect was demonstrated 10 and 200 days after surgery. However, there was no difference in appetitive or consummatory behavior in the brief access test between the two groups ( P = 0.71) using similar Intralipid concentrations (0.005% through 5%). Levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) were increased after gastric bypass as expected. An oral gavage of 1 ml corn oil after saccharin ingestion in gastric bypass rats induced a conditioned taste aversion. These findings suggest that changes in fat preference may contribute to long-term maintained weight loss after gastric bypass. Postingestive effects of high-fat nutrients resulting in conditioned taste aversion may partially explain this observation; the role of GLP-1 in mediating postprandial responses after gastric bypass requires further investigation.
Downregulation of Klotho expression by dehydration
Authors: Tang Cai , Pathare Ganesh , Michael Diana , Fajol Abul , Eichenmüller Melanie , Lang Florian
Published: July 2011

Klotho, a transmembrane protein, protease, and hormone mainly expressed in renal tissue counteracts aging. Overexpression of Klotho substantially prolongs the life span. Klotho deficiency leads to excessive formation of 1,25(OH)2D3, growth deficit, accelerated aging, and early death. Aging is frequently paralleled by dehydration, which is considered to accelerate the development of age-related disorders. The present study explored the possibility that dehydration influences Klotho expression. Klotho transcript levels were determined by RT-PCR, and Klotho protein abundance was detected by Western blotting in renal tissue from hydrated and 36-h-dehydrated mice as well as in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Dehydration was followed by a significant decline of renal Klotho transcript levels and protein abundance, accompanied by an increase in plasma osmolarity as well as plasma ADH, aldosterone, and 1,25(OH)2D3 levels. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH; 50 nM) and aldosterone (1 μM) significantly decreased Klotho transcription and protein expression in HEK293 cells. In conclusion, the present observations disclose a powerful effect of dehydration on Klotho expression, an effect at least partially mediated by enhanced release of ADH and aldosterone.
GABAB-mediated inhibition of multiple modes of glutamate release in the nucleus of the solitary tract
Authors: Fawley Jessica A. , Peters James H. , Andresen Michael C.
Published: July 2011

In the caudal portions of the solitary tract (ST) nucleus, primary sensory afferents fall into two broad classes based on the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors. Both afferent classes (TRPV1+/−) have indistinguishable glutamate release mechanisms for ST-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). However, TRPV1+ terminals release additional glutamate from a unique, TRPV1-operated vesicle pool that is temperature sensitive and facilitated by ST activity to generate asynchronous EPSCs. This study tested whether presynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)B receptors inhibit both the evoked and TRPV1-operated release mechanisms on second-order ST nucleus neurons. In horizontal slices, shocks activated single ST axons and evoked the time-invariant (latency jitter <200 μs), glutamatergic EPSCs, which identified second-order neurons. Gabazine eliminated GABAA responses in all recordings. The GABAB agonist baclofen inhibited the amplitude of ST-EPSCs from both TRPV1+ and TRPV1− afferents with a similar EC50 (∼1.2 μM). In TTX, GABAB activation decreased miniature EPSC (mEPSC) rates but not amplitudes, suggesting presynaptic actions downstream from terminal excitability. With calcium entry through voltage-activated calcium channels blocked by cadmium, baclofen reduced mEPSC frequency, indicating that GABAB reduced vesicle release by TRPV1-dependent calcium entry. GABAB activation also reduced temperature-evoked increases in mEPSC frequency, which relies on TRPV1. Our studies indicate that GABAB G protein-coupled receptors are uniformly distributed across all ST primary afferent terminals and act at multiple stages of the excitation-release cascades to suppress both action potential-triggered and TRPV1-coupled glutamate transmission pathways. Moreover, the segregated release cascades within TRPV1+ ST primary afferents represent independent, potential targets for differential modulation.
An NTCP Analysis of Urethral Complications from Low Doserate Mono- and Bi-Radionuclide Brachytherapy
Authors: Nuttens V. E. , Nahum A. E. , Lucas S.
Published: July 2011

Urethral NTCP has been determined for three prostates implanted with seeds based on125I (145 Gy),103Pd (125 Gy),131Cs (115 Gy),103Pd-125I (145 Gy), or103Pd-131Cs (115 Gy or 130 Gy). First,DU20, meaning that 20% of the urhral volume receive a dose of at leastDU20, is converted into an I-125 LDR equivalentDU20in order to use the urethral NTCP model. Second, the propagation of uncertainties through the steps in the NTCP calculation was assessed in order to identify the parameters responsible for large data uncertainties. Two sets of radiobiological parameters were studied. The NTCP results all fall in the 19%–23% range and are associated with large uncertainties, making the comparison difficult. Depending on the dataset chosen, the ranking of NTCP values among the six seed implants studied changes. Moreover, the large uncertainties on the fitting parameters of the urethral NTCP model result in large uncertainty on the NTCP value. In conclusion, the use of NTCP model for permanent brachytherapy is feasible but it is essential that the uncertainties on the parameters in the model be reduced.
Some Comments on Rigorous Finite‐Volume Euclidean Quantum Field Path Integrals in the Analytical Regularization Scheme
Authors: Botelho Luiz C. L.
Published: July 2011

Through the systematic use of the Minlos theorem on the support of cylindrical measures on R∞, we produce several mathematically rigorous finite‐volume euclidean path integrals in interacting euclidean quantum fields with Gaussian free measures defined by generalized powers of finite‐volume Laplacian operator.
The Apolipoprotein C-I Content of Very-Low-Density Lipoproteins Is Associated with Fasting Triglycerides, Postprandial Lipemia, and Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Hansen John-Bjarne , Fernández José A. , Notø Ann-Trude With , Deguchi Hiroshi , Björkegren Johan , Mathiesen Ellisiv B.
Published: July 2011

Background. Experimental studies in animals suggest that apolipoprotein (apo) C-I is an important regulator of triglycerides in fasting and postprandial conditions and associated with carotid atherosclerosis.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 81 subjects, aged 56–80 years recruited from a population health survey. The participants underwent a fat tolerance test (1 g fat per Kg body weight) and carotid atherosclerosis was determined by ultrasound examination. VLDL particles, Sf 20–400, were isolated and their lipid composition and apoC-I content determined.Results. The carotid plaque area increased linearly with the number of apoC-I molecules per VLDL particles (P=0.048) under fasting conditions. Fasting triglycerides increased across tertiles of apoC-I per VLDL particle in analyses adjusted for apoC-II and -C-III, apoE genotype and traditional cardiovascular risk factors (P=0.011). The relation between apoC-I in VLDL and serum triglycerides was conveyed by triglyceride enrichment of VLDL particles (Pfor trend <0.001. The amount of apoC-I molecules per VLDL was correlated with the total (r=0.41,P<0.0001) and incremental (r=0.35,P<0.001) area under the postprandial triglyceride curve.Conclusions. Our findings support the concept that the content of apoC-I per VLDL particle is an important regulator of triglyceride metabolism in the fasting and postprandial state and associated with carotid athrosclerosis.
Intramuscular Hemangioma in Lip Treated with Sclerotherapy and Surgery
Authors: Silva Vanessa A. , Lima Nádia L. , Mesquita Ana Terezinha M. , Silveira Esmeralda Maria da , Verli Flaviana D. , Miranda João Luiz de , Santos Cássio Roberto R. , Marinho Sandra A.
Published: July 2011

Intramuscular hemangioma is a relatively rare, benign tumor of vascular origin, accounting for less than 1% of all hemangiomas. This paper reports a case of a 48-year-old female patient with intramuscular hemangioma in the upper lip, treated with sclerotherapy and subsequent complementary surgery.
Sufficient and Necessary Conditions for the Classification of Sturm‐Liouville Differential Equations with Complex Coefficients
Authors: Xie Bing , Qi Jian Gang
Published: July 2011

This paper gives sufficient and necessary conditions for the classification of Sturm‐Liouville differential equations with complex coefficients given by Brown et al. These conditions involve weighted Sobolev subspaces and the asymptotic behavior of elements in the maximal domain. The results of the present paper generalize the corresponding results for formally symmetric Sturm‐Liouville differential equations to non‐self‐adjoint cases.
Agronomic Evaluation and Genetic Variation of Tunisian Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinaceaSchreb.)
Authors: Chtourou-Ghorbel N. , Chakroun M. , Elazreg H. , Trifi-Farah N.
Published: July 2011

Nine important agronomic traits were used to assess the genetic diversity of Tunisian tall fescue and to investigate the extent of genotype X environment (GE) interaction and its implications for breeding programs. These traits were studied for three consecutive years in thirty-five spontaneous populations and three cultivars. Panicle size contributed to seeds production, while the plant height at harvest and dry matter yield were selected for forage performance. Analysis of variance demonstrated that population attitude depended on the year and environmental conditions. Principal component analysis revealed significant similarities among some spontaneous populations and cultivars. The relationship between environmental conditions and agronomic traits revealed the influence of altitude, soil texture and minimum temperature on forage production, seed yield, and the architecture of plants, respectively. In addition, the local adapted ecotypes originating from Bizerte, Sidi Nsir, and Rass Rajel attained greater agronomic potentialities than control cultivars and were of considerable economic interest for the improvement of Tunisian tall fescue.
A Review and Interspecific Comparison of Nocturnal and Cathemeral Strepsirhine Primate Olfactory Behavioural Ecology
Authors: Colquhoun Ian C.
Published: July 2011

This paper provides a comparative review of the known patterns of olfactory behavioural ecology among the nocturnal strepsirhine primates and the cathemeral lemurid genusEulemur. Endemic to Madagascar, allEulemurspecies exhibit both diurnality and nocturnality (i.e., cathemerality), and are gregarious, making them an interesting group of taxa to compare with the nocturnal strepsirhines. This paper represents the first comparative review of patterns of olfactory communication among the nocturnal strepsirhines and the cathemeralEulemurspecies. Inductive assessment of these comparative data indicates that olfactory communication serves multiple functions in both groups, including individual recognition, sex recognition, indication of social dominance, and coordination of mating behaviour. However, the urine-washing behaviour characteristic of many nocturnal strepsirhines has no clear homologue amongEulemurspecies (although the latter may use urine droplets in scent marking). Despite sparse and scattered comparative data, it appears thatEulemurspecies exhibit different olfactory communication patterns that are associated with differing social organizations in this genus.
R&D Direction and North‐South Diffusion, Human Capital, Growth, and Wages
Authors: Afonso Óscar
Published: July 2011

This paper highlights some recent components related to the endogenous growth literature; in particular, (i) research and development progress, direction, and diffusion; (ii) human‐capital accumulation; (iii) wage inequality; (iv) nonscale economic growth, showing how each one has been treated by the existing seminal literature and the expected impact of bringing them together. The connection of the different components is mainly done by involving the leading literature on North‐South technological‐knowledge diffusion by imitation under trade, and the prevailing literature on intra‐ and intercountry wage inequality.
Detection of Bacterial Endospores in Soil by Terbium Fluorescence
Authors: Brandes Ammann Andrea , Kölle Linda , Brandl Helmut
Published: July 2011

Spore formation is a survival mechanism of microorganisms when facing unfavorable environmental conditions resulting in “dormant” states. We investigated the occurrence of bacterial endospores in soils from various locations including grasslands (pasture, meadow), allotment gardens, and forests, as well as fluvial sediments. Bacterial spores are characterized by their high content of dipicolinic acid (DPA). In the presence of terbium, DPA forms a complex showing a distinctive photoluminescence spectrum. DPA was released from soil by microwaving or autoclaving. The addition of aluminium chloride reduced signal quenching by interfering compounds such as phosphate. The highest spore content (up to 109spores per gram of dry soil) was found in grassland soils. Spore content is related to soil type, to soil depth, and to soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Our study might provide a basis for the detection of “hot spots” of bacterial spores in soil.
Cardiac Output Assessed by Invasive and Minimally Invasive Techniques
Authors: Lee Allison J. , Cohn Jennifer Hochman , Ranasinghe J. Sudharma
Published: July 2011

Cardiac output (CO) measurement has long been considered essential to the assessment and guidance of therapeutic decisions in critically ill patients and for patients undergoing certain high-risk surgeries. Despite controversies, complications and inherent errors in measurement, pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) continuous and intermittent bolus techniques of CO measurement continue to be the gold standard. Newer techniques provide less invasive alternatives; however, currently available monitors are unable to provide central circulation pressures or true mixed venous saturations. Esophageal Doppler and pulse contour monitors can predict fluid responsiveness and have been shown to decrease postoperative morbidity. Many minimally invasive techniques continue to suffer from decreased accuracy and reliability under periods of hemodynamic instability, and so few have reached the level of interchangeability with the PAC.