bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential role of cathepsins B and L in autophagy-associated cell death induced by arsenic trioxide in U87 human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Pucer Anja , Castino Roberta , Mirković Bojana , Falnoga Ingrid , Šlejkovec Zdenka , Isidoro Ciro , Lah Tamara T.
Published: March 2010

Arsenic trioxide (arsenite) was the first chemotherapeutic drug to be described and is now being rediscovered in cancer treatment, including glioblastoma multiforme. Arsenite toxicity triggers autophagy in cancer cells, although final stages of the process involve executive caspases, suggesting an interplay between autophagic and apoptotic pathways that awaits to be explained at a molecular level. We evaluated the contribution of the lysosomal cathepsins (Cat) L and B, which are upregulated in glioblastomas, in the mechanism of arsenite toxicity in human glioblastoma cells. Arsenite treatment induced autophagosome formation and permeabilization of mitochondria, followed by caspase 3/7-mediated apoptosis. The autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine protected from arsenite toxicity, whereas bafilomycin A1 did not. Furthermore, arsenite significantly decreased CatB levels and selectively inhibited its cellular and recombinant protein activity, while not affecting CatL. However, downregulation of CatL greatly enhanced apoptosis by arsenite. Our results show that arsenite toxicity involves a complex interplay between autophagy and apoptosis in human glioblastoma cells and is associated with inhibition of CatB, and that this toxicity is highly exacerbated by simultaneous CatL inhibition. The latter points to a synergy that could be used in clinical treatment to lower the therapeutic dose, thus avoiding the toxic side effects of arsenite in glioblastoma management.
Detection and in-cell selectivity profiling of the full-length West Nile virus NS2B/NS3 serine protease using membrane-anchored fluorescent substrates
Authors: Condotta Stephanie A. , Martin Morgan M. , Boutin Martine , Jean François
Published: March 2010

Flaviviral NS2B/NS3 heterocomplex serine proteases are a primary target for anti-flavivirus drug discovery. To gain insights into the enzymatic properties and molecular determinants of flaviviral NS2B/NS3 protease substrate specificity in host cells, we developed and applied a novel series of membrane-anchored red-shifted fluorescent protein substrates to detect West Nile virus (WNV) NS2B/NS3 endoproteolytic activity in human cells. The substrate consists of a fluorescent reporter group (DsRed) tethered to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane by a membrane-anchoring domain. Between the two domains is a specific peptide linker that corresponds to the NS2A/NS2B, NS2B/NS3, NS3/NS4A, and NS4B/NS5 protein junctions within the WNV polyprotein precursor. When the protease cleaves the peptide linker, the DsRed reporter group is released, changing its localization in the cell from membrane-bound punctate perinuclear to diffuse cytoplasmic. This change in protein location can be monitored by fluorescent microscopy, and cleavage products can be quantified by Western blotting. Our data demonstrate the robustness of ourtrans-cleavage fluorescence assay to capture single-cell imaging of membrane-associated WNV NS2B/NS3 endoproteolytic activity and to perform in-cell selectivity profiling of the NS2B/NS3 protease. Our study is the first to provide cellular insights into the biological and enzymatic properties of a prime target for inhibitors of WNV replication.
Zinc supplement greatly improves the condition of parkin mutant Drosophila
Authors: Saini Nidhi , Schaffner Walter
Published: March 2010

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which oxidative stress is implicated as a major causative factor. Mutations in the gene encoding Parkin, a ubiquitin ligase, are responsible for a familial form of PD. In aDrosophiladisease model lacking Parkin (park25null mutant), we tested the effect of zinc supplementation. Zinc is an essential trace metal and a component of many enzymes and transcriptional regulators. Unlike copper and iron, zinc is not redox-active and under most conditions serves as an antioxidant. We find that the condition ofparkinmutants raised on zinc-supplemented food is greatly improved. At zinc concentrations where controls begin to show adverse effects as a result of the metal supplement,parkinmutants perform best, as manifested in a higher frequency of reaching adulthood, extended lifespan and improved motoric abilities.
The molecular biology of moenomycins: towards novel antibiotics based on inhibition of bacterial peptidoglycan glycosyltransferases
Authors: Ostash Bohdan , Doud Emma , Fedorenko Victor
Published: March 2010

Moenomycins are phosphoglycolipid antibiotics and the only known natural product inhibitors of peptidoglycan glycosytransferases (PGTs). Techniques that would allow facile diversification of the moenomycin structure would facilitate the development of novel antibiotics, which are urgently needed in the wake of multidrug resistant bacterial infections. The cloning and initial characterization of the moenomycin biosynthetic genes has already redefined the minimal moenomycin pharmacophore and now opens the door for the biocombinatorial generation of bioactive moenomycin fragments. Here, we highlight the importance of research on the genetic mechanisms that regulate moenomycin biosynthesis and that confer moenomycin resistance to bacteria in the development of novel anti-infectives based on PGT inhibition.
Chaperone-assisted degradation: multiple paths to destruction
Authors: Kettern Nadja , Dreiseidler Michael , Tawo Riga , Höhfeld Jörg
Published: March 2010

Molecular chaperones are well known as facilitators of protein folding and assembly. However, in recent years multiple chaperone-assisted degradation pathways have also emerged, including CAP (chaperone-assistedproteasomal degradation), CASA (chaperone-assistedselectiveautophagy), and CMA (chaperone-mediatedautophagy). Within these pathways chaperones facilitate the sorting of non-native proteins to the proteasome and the lysosomal compartment for disposal. Impairment of these pathways contributes to the development of cancer, myopathies, and neurodegenerative diseases. Chaperone-assisted degradation thus represents an essential aspect of cellular proteostasis, and its pharmacological modulation holds the promise to ameliorate some of the most devastating diseases of our time. Here, we discuss recent insights into molecular mechanisms underlying chaperone-assisted degradation in mammalian cells and highlight its biomedical relevance.
The role of autopsies in the 21st century medicine
Authors: Tóth Csaba
Published: March 2010

Évtizedek óta megfigyelhető a boncolások számának csökkenése, de ennek okai talán nem elég átfogóan tárgyaltak. A graduális és posztgraduális képzés, az utóbbi évtizedekben végrehajtott curriculumreformok és megváltozott oktatási módszerek mind hozzájárultak a boncolások háttérbe szorulásához. Továbbá a klinikusok és patológusok megváltozott attitűdje, a diagnosztikus tesztek feltételezett megbízhatósága, a leletezés minősége és a jogi szabályozás megváltozása csökkentették a boncolások szerepét. A boncolás mindig is az egyik vezető módszere lesz a medikusoktatásnak, illetve jelentős szerepet fog betölteni a betegellátás jó minőségének fenntartásában. Az érintett területek (graduális és posztgraduális képzés, minőségbiztosítás, egészségügyi statisztikák, forráselosztás, kutatás) bemutatásával próbáljuk szemléltetni a boncolások sokrétű szerepét a mai és remélhetőleg a jövő orvostudományában. Ha megerősítjük a boncolások presztízsét, az az eljövendő generációk szakmai fejlődését is szolgálja, illetve biztosítja az egészségügyi ellátórendszer bizonyítékokon alapuló szakmai kontrollját.
Human herpesvirus 6
Authors: Ongrádi József , Kövesdi Valéria , Medveczky G. Péter
Published: March 2010

Az 1986-ban felfedezett emberi 6-os herpeszvírus A és B változata molekuláris tulajdonságai alapján a legősibb emberi herpeszvírus. A B változat cseppfertőzéssel terjed a tünetmentes vírusürítő felnőttekről a két év alatti kisgyermekekre, akikben alkalmilag exanthema subitum jöhet létre. A vírus a CD4+ macrophagokat, lymphocytákat fertőzi, utóbbiakban élethossziglan lappangás, időnként a nyálmirigyekben vírustermeléssel járó perzisztencia alakul ki. Felnőttkorban ez a változat csontvelő- és szervátültetések kapcsán, immunszuppresszió talaján reaktiválódik, és akár halálos szövődményeket hoz létre. Sclerosis multiplex, idült fáradtság tünetegyüttes, Hodgkin- és nem Hodgkin-lymphomák kialakulásában kofaktor. A CD+-sejteket fertőző és bennük lappangó A változat közvetlen kórokozó képessége nem ismert. A HIV-fertőzést rendkívül erősen transzaktiváljain vitroés betegekben egyaránt. Papillomavírusok által okozott daganatokban is transzaktivátor. Mindkét vírusváltozat kórokozó képessége a megváltozott citokin- és kemokinegyensúlyon alapszik. A két változat elkülönítése szerológiailag nehézkes, erre a savóból vagy a fehérvérsejtekből végzett változatspecifikus PCR alkalmas. A súlyos komplikációk kezelésére, esetleg kemoprofilaxisára ganciclovir, esetleg foscarnet és cidofovir használható.
Sucrose-Template Synthesis of Mesoporous Alumina from Aqueous Systems
Authors: Xu Benjing , Yan Zifeng , Zhu Yuxia , Tian Huiping , Long Jun
Published: March 2010

Mesoporous alumina was prepared by using sucrose as a structure-directing template in an aqueous system. The resultant samples were characterized by using different methods such as x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses. The results showed that the prepared mesoporous gamma alumina has high surface area, uniform pore size distribution and excellent thermal stability.
Optimal Screening by Risk-Averse Principals
Authors: Basov Suren , Yin Xiangkang
Published: March 2010

This paper studies the effects of principal's risk aversion on principal-agent relationship under hidden information. It finds that the agent's equilibrium effort increases and approaches the efficient level as the principal's risk aversion increases and tends to infinity. Allowing for random participation by the agent, his effort can be efficient even when the principal's risk aversion is finite. For the case of common agency with random participation, it is optimal for the principals to make the agent the residual claimant on profits and the principals' net profits monotonically decrease to zero when their risk aversion tends to infinity.
Crime Reporting: Profiling and Neighbourhood Observation
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Siddhartha , Chatterjee Kalyan
Published: March 2010

We consider the effect of giving incentives to ordinary citizens to report potential criminal activity. Additionally we look at the effect of 'profiling' and biased reporting. If police single out or profile a group for more investigation, then crime in the profiled group decreases. If a certain group is reported on more frequently through biased reporting by citizens, crime in the group reported on actually increases. In the second model, we consider a neighbourhood structure where individuals get information on possible criminal activity by neighbours on one side and decide whether to report or not based on the signal. When costs of reporting are low relative to the cost of being investigated, the costs of investigation increase in the number of reports and there is at least one biased individual. We show there is a "contagion equilibrium" where everyone reports his or her neighbour.
Dose-Dependency of Resveratrol in Providing Health Benefits
Authors: Mukherjee Subhendu , Dudley Jocelyn I. , Das Dipak K.
Published: March 2010

This review describes the dose-dependent health benefits of resveratrol, a polyphenolic antioxidant that is found in a variety of foods, especially grape skin and red wine. Resveratrol provides diverse health benefits including cardioprotection, inhibition of low-density lipoprotein, activation of nitric oxide (NO) production, hindering of platelet aggregation [32] A.A.E. Bertelli, D.E. Giovannini, R.L. Caterina, W. Bernini, M. Migliori and M. Fregoni et al., Antiplatelet activity of cis-resveratrol, Drugs Exp Clin Res 22 (1996), pp. 61–63. View Record in Scopus | Cited By in Scopus (111) and promotion of antiinflammatory effects. Studies have shown that at a lower dose, resveratrol acts as an anti-apoptotic agent, providing cardioprotection as evidenced by increased expression in cell survival proteins, improved post-ischemic ventricular recovery and reduction of myocardial infarct size and cardiomyocyte apoptosis and maintains a stable redox environment compared to control. At higher dose, resveratrol acts as a pro-apoptotic compound, inducing apoptosis in cancer cells by exerting a death signal. At higher doses, resveratrol depresses cardiac function, elevates levels of apoptotic protein expressions, results in an unstable redox environment, increases myocardial infarct size and number of apoptotic cells. At high dose, resveratrol not only hinders tumor growth but also inhibits the synthesis of RNA, DNA and protein, causes structural chromosome aberrations, chromatin breaks, chromatin exchanges, weak aneuploidy, higher S-phase arrest, blocks cell proliferation, decreases wound healing, endothelial cell growth by fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor, and angiogenesis in healthy tissue cells leading to cell death. Thus, at lower dose, resveratrol can be very useful in maintaining the human health whereas at higher dose, resveratrol has pro-apoptotic actions on healthy cells, but can kill tumor cells.
Modeling dose-Response at Low dose: A Systems Biology Approach for Ionization Radiation
Authors: Zhao Yuchao , Ricci Paolo F.
Published: March 2010

For ionization radiation (IR) induced cancer, a linear non-threshold (LNT) model at very low doses is the default used by a number of national and international organizations and in regulatory law. This default denies any positive benefit from any level of exposure. However, experimental observations and theoretical biology have found that both linear and J-shaped IR dose-response curves can exist at those very low doses. We develop low dose J-shaped dose-response, based on systems biology, and thus justify its use regarding exposure to IR. This approach incorporates detailed, molecular and cellular descriptions of biological/toxicological mechanisms to develop a dose-response model through a set of nonlinear, differential equations describing the signaling pathways and biochemical mechanisms of cell cycle checkpoint, apoptosis, and tumor incidence due to IR. This approach yields a J-shaped dose response curve while showing where LNT behaviors are likely to occur. The results confirm the hypothesis of the J-shaped dose response curve: the main reason is that, at low-doses of IR, cells stimulate protective systems through a longer cell arrest time per unit of IR dose. We suggest that the policy implications of this approach are an increasingly correct way to deal with precautionary measures in public health.
The Impact of Performance Measure Discriminability on Ratee Incentives
Authors: Ahn Tae Sik , Hwang Iny , Kim Myung-In
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT: The literature addresses optimal contract design issues that the principal must address to provide proper incentives to the agent. However, there has been limited empirical assessment of how agents actually respond to the performance-evaluation schemes in the contracts offered them. Moreover, the literature overlooks factors, other than those from the pay-for-performance context, that may impact the effectiveness of incentive provisions. This study considers the effect of discriminability on agent performance. We find that (1) agent performance improvement is positively associated with the degree of discriminability, (2) subjective measures are inferior to objective measures in providing incentives to the agent because of the lack of discriminability, and (3) the inferiority of subjective measures for incentive purposes is exacerbated in circumstances in which the discriminability gap between objective and subjective measures is significant. Our findings suggest that, in order to have subjective measures effectively complement objective measures, the accounting profession must develop sound performance measurement systems that define and measure subjective performance with sufficient discriminability.
Reporting Bias with an Audit Committee
Authors: Caskey Judson , Nagar Venky , Petacchi Paolo
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT: This study models a manager who privately reports earnings to an independent audit committee that, after its own due diligence, modifies the report for public release to investors. The audit committee alters the reporting and valuation dynamics by attempting to remove the manager's reporting bias, but then presents the information it has collected with its own bias. The audit committee's presence changes the impact of penalties and incentives on reporting, valuation, and due-diligence activities. For example, increasing penalties can sometimes degrade the reporting process. Our simultaneous consideration of the manager, audit committee, and investors provides a new framework for reporting and valuation, and sheds light on empirical earnings quality research that has largely studied the management and audit effects separately.
Correcting for Cross-Sectional and Time-Series Dependence in Accounting Research
Authors: Gow Ian D. , Ormazabal Gaizka , Taylor Daniel J.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT: We review and evaluate the methods commonly used in the accounting literature to correct for cross-sectional and time-series dependence. While much of the accounting literature studies settings in which variables are cross-sectionally and serially correlated, we find that the extant methods are not robust to both forms of dependence. Contrary to claims in the literature, we find that the Z2 statistic and Newey-West corrected Fama-MacBeth standard errors do not correct for both cross-sectional and time-series dependence. We show that extant methods produce misspecified test statistics in common accounting research settings, and that correcting for both forms of dependence substantially alters inferences reported in the literature. Specifically, several findings in the implied cost of equity capital literature, the cost of debt literature, and the conservatism literature appear not to be robust to the use of well-specified test statistics.
The Timing of Analysts' Earnings Forecasts
Authors: Guttman Ilan
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT: Existing literature assumes that the order and timing of analysts' earnings forecasts are determined exogenously. However, analysts choose when to issue their forecasts. This study develops a model that endogenizes the timing decision of analysts and analyzes their equilibrium timing strategies. In the model, analysts face a trade-off between the timeliness and the precision of their forecasts. The model introduces a timing game with two analysts, derives and analyzes its unique pure strategies equilibrium, and provides new empirical predictions about the precision and timing of analysts' forecasts. The equilibrium has one of two patterns: either the times of the analysts' forecasts cluster, or there is a separation in the times of the forecasts. The less informed and less similar the analysts are, the more likely it is that they forecast at different points in time. All else equal, analysts with a higher precision of initial private information tend to forecast earlier, and analysts with a higher learning ability tend to forecast later.
The Influence of Documentation Specificity and Priming on Auditors' Fraud Risk Assessments and Evidence Evaluation Decisions
Authors: Hammersley Jacqueline S. , Bamber E. Michael , Carpenter Tina D.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT: The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) recently suggested that auditors' lack of specific fraud planning documentation has led auditors to devote insufficient attention to fraud risks in subsequent audit work. Guided by Support Theory, we experimentally investigate how the specificity of fraud risk documentation during audit planning influences auditors' subsequent audit work. We also examine the effect of priming auditors about the fraud risks identified during planning before they begin subsequent evidence evaluation. We find that auditors' planning stage efforts affect subsequent fraud risk assessments and evidence evaluation decisions. Unprimed auditors who receive more specific documentation increase their fraud risk assessments and evidence requests. Priming's effects are more complex. Priming auditors who receive summary documentation also increases fraud risk assessments and evidence requests; however, priming auditors who receive specific documentation reduces these judgments because the priming makes the client-specific risks seem less typical. Accordingly, the PCAOB's call for more documentation can have the unintended consequence of reducing auditors' sensitivity to fraud.
Does Mandatory Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards in the European Union Reduce the Cost of Equity Capital?
Authors: Li Siqi
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT: This study examines whether the mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the European Union (EU) in 2005 reduces the cost of equity capital. Using a sample of 6,456 firm-year observations of 1,084 EU firms during the 1995 to 2006 period, I find evidence that, on average, the IFRS mandate significantly reduces the cost of equity for mandatory adopters by 47 basis points. I also find that this reduction is present only in countries with strong legal enforcement, and that increased disclosure and enhanced information comparability are two mechanisms behind the cost of equity reduction. Taken together, these findings suggest that while mandatory IFRS adoption significantly lowers firms' cost of equity, the effects depend on the strength of the countries' legal enforcement.
R&D Capitalization and Reputation-Driven Real Earnings Management (Partially Retracted)
Authors: Seybert Nicholas
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT: Prior research finds that mandatory expensing induces underinvestment in research and development (R&D). The current study investigates whether capitalization can also create R&D investment problems. Abandoning a capitalized project requires asset impairment, a negative reporting effect that could damage managers' reputations. In an experiment utilizing M.B.A. student participants, I find that managers responsible for initiating an R&D project are more likely to overinvest when R&D is capitalized. I show that high self-monitors (those most likely to alter their behaviors to convey a positive image) are most likely to overinvest, suggesting that reputation concerns contribute to this behavior. A follow-up survey reveals that, when R&D is capitalized, experienced executives anticipate overinvestment and expect project abandonment to have a stronger negative impact on the responsible manager's reputation and future prospects at their firm. The results suggest that managers are held responsible for the external reporting consequences of their projects, such that mandating R&D capitalization may not reduce real earnings management.
Position accuracy evaluation of the modernized Polish DGPS
Authors: Dziewicki Marek , Specht Cezary
Published: March 2010

Position accuracy evaluation of the modernized Polish DGPS

Polish Maritime DGPS system has been modernized to meet the requirements set out in IMO resolution for a future GNSS, but also to preserve backward signal compatibility of user equipment. Having finalized installation of the new technology L1, L2 reference equipment performance tests were performed. This paper presents results of the long-term signal measuring campaign of the DGPS reference station Rozewie, which was performed in July 2009. Final results allowed to verify repeatable and absolute accuracy of the system after the modernization. Obtained statistics were compared to past measurements performed in 2005 when previous system infrastructure was in operation.
Analysis of the Slovak Discourses of Sex Education Inspired by Michel Foucault
Authors: Lukšík Ivan , Marková Dagmar
Published: March 2010

Analysis of the Slovak Discourses of Sex Education Inspired by Michel Foucault

The aims, rules and topics of sex education exist on paper, but have yet to be implemented in Slovakia. Although the curriculum creates the illusion of openness in this field, the silence on sex education in schools provides space for the alternative, "more valuable" quiet discourses of religious education. Under these conditions, it is silence that is proving to be an advantageous strategy for the majority of those who should be voicing their opinions. Instead, they listen and control. By contrast, those who do speak out, children and young people, do not in fact, speak to them, but mainly among themselves. Those who are silent and listen are not prepared for the younger generations confessions on sexuality, which are mostly taken from the liberal area of media, especially the internet. The silent frequently lack, at the very least, the basic ability to react and debate in this changed situation. Those who are involved in the discussion on sexuality in Slovakia are those who should listen and supervise.
Slovak Academic Philosophy: Its Origins, Development and Current State
Authors: Zigo Milan
Published: March 2010

Slovak Academic Philosophy: Its Origins, Development and Current State

The paper introduces the foreign reader to the main factors associated with the emergence of Slovak academic philosophy as well as to the ways in which it has developed, and also to those factors that have complicated or delayed its progress since 1921 when the Faculty of Philosophy, along with its Philosophical Seminars, began functioning at the newly-founded University of Comenius (1919), up to the present day.
The Politics of Agency
Authors: Madzia Roman
Published: March 2010

The Politics of Agency
Investigation into the Potentialities of Quasi-Rectangular Optical Filters in HDWDM Systems
Authors: Bobrovs V. , Ozoliņš O. , Ivanovs Ģ.
Published: March 2010

Investigation into the Potentialities of Quasi-Rectangular Optical Filters in HDWDM Systems

Currently, many research topics in the field of optical transmission systems (mostly grounded on novel modulation techniques) are focused on increasing the total data transmission speed of an individual optical fiber. An alternative - but equally valid - approach to increasing the data transmission is to decrease the WDM channel spacing to high-dense dimensions while keeping the existing data transmission speed for an exact channel. We have developed an experimental HDWDM transmission system based on the quasi-rectangular optical filter technique. The results indicate that for 2.5 Gbit/s HDWDM transmission the suitable channel interval should be greater than 25 GHz, and for the 10 Gbit/s HDWDM solution - not less than 37.5 GHz between adjacent channels.
Advantage of Bayesian approach to geotechnical designing
Authors: Garbulewski Kazimierz , Jabłonowski Stanisław , Rabarijoely Simon
Published: March 2010

Advantage of Bayesian approach to geotechnical designing

The paper addresses the possibility of the Bayesian approach's application to geotechnical engineering. First the principal information on the Bayesian analysis has been presented and its applications to estimate the soil parameters based on the CPT/DMT tests at SGGW Campus in Warsaw afterwards. The CPT/DMT tests had been carried out in order to recognize the geotechnical conditions in the foundations of design campus buildings. The data from two layers of glacial boulder clays have been analysed. The results demonstrate that the Bayesian approach is a useful tool in evaluation of ground properties and estimation of the geotechnical parameters in specified circumstances.
Quality changes of drinking water in the water supply network (case study from Lithuania)
Authors: Valentukeviciene Marina , Amosenkiene Aukse , Dauknys Regimantas
Published: March 2010

Quality changes of drinking water in the water supply network (case study from Lithuania)

The purpose of this research was to examine water quality changes by distributing in to the water supply network. Water samples were collected from Varena town (Lithuania) drinking water distribution system fed by groundwater from well field. Parameters related to undesirable increasing of nitrites and nitrates concentrations have been measured considering these samples: pH, conductivity, concentration of total iron, manganese, ammonium, nitrates and nitrites. Results showed that groundwater from well field were extremely susceptible to favor bacterial growth in the pipelines. The occurrence of nitrites and nitrates in drinking water samples correlated positively with the lengths of old iron pipelines and negatively with the content of newly laid pipelines. The obtained results also showed that the potential nitrates increasing induced by the distribution of treated water could be reduced if: nitrates levels were below detection limits at the outlet of the water treatment plant; biological ammonium removal treatment implementation should reduce the levels of the nitrates and nitrites of the treated supplied water. Although the nitrates concentration increase in drinking water distribution systems, the issues with nitrites accumulation are rare in Lithuania. However, such processes still need to be proved in more extensive investigation, but these research results could be applied as a basic scenario.
Automated soil profile generation system for the dilatometer test (DMT)
Authors: Bilski Piotr , Rabarijoely Simon
Published: March 2010

Automated soil profile generation system for the dilatometer test (DMT)

The paper presents an automated method of the soil profile generation using the soft computing method. This method can be used as the main source of knowledge for the future soil classification module, which will be able to identify geotechnical layers without the interaction with the user. The method uses a graph clustering algorithm, which groups together measurements from the Dilatometer Test. The histogram-based similarity measure is used to automatically adjust number of generated categories (soil geotechnical layers). Test site, algorithm and its application to the generation of soil profiles in the Warsaw University of Life Sciences campus are described. Results are discussed to provide a more general insight into application of intelligent algorithms into the geotechnical data analysis.
Survey of plant species present on Constructed Wetlands in Opalenica Municipality
Authors: Żmirek Marta , Gawroński Stanisław
Published: March 2010

Survey of plant species present on Constructed Wetlands in Opalenica Municipality

The aim of this study was to analyse over fifty constructed wetlands established in two villages in Opalenica Municipality (Wielkopolska, Poland) differing in building time, prevailing hydrological and microclimatic conditions, appearance of macrophytes species and chosen plantation method. Two subsystems of constructed wetlands that are complementing one another, based on emergent macrophyte treatment system with vertical subsurface flow in plant filter and open water in denitrification ponds give the opportunity to the full-scale wastewater treatment performance. The main conclusions that can be drawn from this study regard the considerable role of the presence of macrophytes that significantly improve microbial activity, insulate against frost during winter, prevent from clogging and odour occurrence and improves value of the landscape. The conducted analyses proved that the establishment of this kind of semi-natural wastewater treatment system is becoming widely implemented into environmental protection schemes for rural communities.
Policing Proliferation: On Militarization and Atomic Energy Canada Limited's Nuclear Response Forces
Authors: Walby Kevin , Monaghan Jeff
Published: March 2010

This paper describes the militarization of security and police forces occurring in Canada vis-à-vis regulation of the nuclear industry. Based on analysis of access to information requests, we investigate the operations of Nuclear Response Forces (NRFs) on nuclear sites in Canada, including the structural features of these NRFs, and their connections to local as well as national security and policing agencies. Our research explores the post–11 September 2001 impact of “design basis threat” assessment and counterterrorism policy on policing operations. Design basis threat assessment organizes security and policing practices according to adversarial models of military operation. We argue that the literature concerning militarization of policing must be extended to account for how the coordination of private and public security agencies as well as intelligence agencies at critical infrastructure sites facilitates the distribution of military technology and strategy across numerous scales of policing. Commenting on how militarization of security vis-à-vis nuclear proliferation in Canada is affecting some rural police forces, we contend that the design basis threat model of counterterrorism is transforming the strategy and operations of some local police forces working in jurisdictions near nuclear sites.
Nœuds ou champs ? Analyse de l'expertise internationale sur la criminalité transnationale organisée et le terrorisme
Authors: Scherrer Amandine , Dupont Benoît
Published: March 2010

In the particular context of the post–Cold War era, when military threat reconstructed itself in discourses around more diffuse phenomena like organised transnational crime and terrorism, civil servants from state administrations were called upon to participate in more or less formal meetings within the framework of regional and/or international institutions. These meetings intensified during the 1990s, which helped reinforce or create networks of actors at an international level. Analysis of these work groups, also called “expert groups”, presents a certain number of empirical and epistemological difficulties that are explored in this article. The objective is to shed light on one of these expert groups in particular and, using empirical data that are often difficult to collect, assess the pertinence of two theoretical approaches developed in the social sciences: field theory and nodal governance.
The Design and Synthesis of Acrylato and Imino Derivatives of Calix[4]arene for Applications in Static and Dynamic Combinatorial Libraries
Authors: Le-Gresley Adam , Kuhnert Nikolai
Published: March 2010

The synthesis of novel calix[4]arene tetra-acrylates and the potential use of macrocyclic platforms in the development of static and dynamic combinatorial libraries (DCL) using reversible imine formationare described. Using such a macrocyclic platform in DCL formation results in a large number of library members while keeping the number of building blocks in the library to a minimum number.
1,1′-Bis[1-(Hydroxyimino)Alkyl]Ferrocenes and their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Zhang Jian
Published: March 2010

Condensation reactions of 1,1′-diacylferrocenes with hydroxylamine afford a series of 1,1′-bis[1-(hydroxyimino)alkyl]ferrocenes, [2(a–d)] which have antioxidant activity towards DPPH· This is enhanced with an increase of the compound concentration, but reduced as the bulkiness of the α-substituent hydroximino group increases. The antioxidant activity of [2(a–d)] is much higher than that of diacylferrocenes.
Synthesis and Anticoccidial Activities of Eight Novel Ethyl 7-Alkyl-6-(2-Aryloxyethoxy)-4-Hydroxyquinoline-3-Carboxylates
Authors: Yan Chun-Rong , Zeng Xing-Yan , Yao Yuan-Peng , Nie Kui , Wang Yu-Liang , Chen Hua
Published: March 2010

Eight novel ethyl 7-alkyl-6-(2-aryloxyethoxy)-4-hydroxyquinoline-3-carboxylates were synthesised and their structures were identified by 1H NMR, MS, and IR spectra. The anticoccidial activities of these compounds were evaluated according to the ACI (the anticoccidial index) method. The results showed that two of these compounds exhibited anticoccidial activities against Eimeria tenella in the chicken’ diet with a dose of 27 mg kg−1.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Benzothiazoleurea Derivatives
Authors: Chen Wenbin , Li Kejian , Wang Yong , Xi Zhen
Published: March 2010

A simple and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of 1-substituted-3-(4-chlorobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl) ureas (5), from substituted aromatic or aliphatic amino compounds and phenyl 4-chlorobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl carbamate 4 using microwave irradiation without phosgene in good yields. The title products were characterised by1H NMR, ESIMS, and elemental analysis.
An Efficient Stereo Selective Synthesis of Benzyl, (Benzimidazol-2-yl)-Methyl and (6H-Imidazo[4,5-e][2,1,3]Benzothiadiazol-7-yl)Methyl Styryl Sulfones
Authors: Guravaiah Nalajam , Rao Vedula Rajeswar
Published: March 2010

A facile and an efficient one-pot synthesis of (E)-styryl sulfones is described by condensation of 2-(chloromethyl)benz-imidazoles or 7-(chloromethyl)-6H-imidazo[4,5-e][2,1,3]benzothiadiazole or benzyl bromides with sodium (E)-styryl sulfinates in DMF gave corresponding styryl sulfones. They have been prepared in good yields, in the absence of any catalyst.
Synthesis of Non-Cross-Linked Polystyrene Supported (4S)-4-Substituted-4,5-Dihydrooxazoline
Authors: Li Jia , Lu Cuifen , Chen Zuxing , Yang Guichun
Published: March 2010

From N-Boc L-tyrosine ethyl ester, we synthesised (4S)-4-[4-(4-vinylbenzyloxy)benzyl]-4,5- dihydrooxazoline, which was copolymerized with styrene to obtain non-cross-linked polystyrene supported 2-hydrogen oxazoline in 29.4% yield.
A Modification to the Synthesis of Telmisartan: An Antihypertensive Drug
Authors: Kumar A. Sanjeev , Ghosh Samir , Mehta G. N.
Published: March 2010

A highly efficient approach to the synthesis of Telmisartan is described. Directed ortho-metalation of 4,4-dimethyl-2-phenyl-4,5-dihydrooxazole provided the key organozinc intermediate for a palladium catalysed biaryl coupling with 3′-(4-bromobenzyl)-1,7′-dimethyl-2′-propyl-1H,3′H-2,5′-bibenzo[d]imidazole which was obtained from alkylation of 1,7′-dimethyl-2′-propyl-1H,3′H-2,5′-bibenzo[d]imidazole. This methodology overcomes many of the drawbacks associated with previously reported syntheses.
Synthesis and Insecticidal Activity of 5-Substituted-Sulfonylaminopyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Lv Ting , Li Shuyan , Chen Yena , Zhong ping
Published: March 2010

The reaction of 5-amino-3-cyano-1-(2, 6-dichloro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl) -1H-pyrazole and 5-amino-1-[2, 6-dichloro-4-(trifluoromethylphenyl]-4-trifluoromethylsulfinyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile (Fipronil) with arylsulfonyl chlorides gave the 5-arylsulfonamides at room temperature in high yields. Some of these compounds had insecticidal activity against pests such as army worm and rice plant hopper.
Unexpected Formation of Two Novel Resveratrol Dimers
Authors: Li Wenling , Li Hongfu , Wang Aixia , Luo Yaling , Zang Peng
Published: March 2010

A concise synthesis is reported of two novel resveratrol dimers that are analogues of the natural products ampelosin F and isoampelosin F. The rare dibenzobicycleo[3,2,1]octadiene skeleton was constructed using a Lewis acid AlCl3 catalysed one-pot synthesis starting from tert-butyl protected resveratrol oligomers. The structures and stereochemistry of the synthetic analogues were established on the basis of NMR spectroscopic evidence.
Synthesis, Characterisation and Properties of Diazoketiminato-Chelate Complexes of Os(II)
Authors: Pratihar Jahar Lal , Pattanayak Poulami , Bhaduri Shantanu , Patra Debprasad , Chattopadhyay Surajit
Published: March 2010

Reactions of 2-(arylazo)aniline, L-NH2 [L-NH2 = p-RC6H4N=NC6H4NH2; where R=H for L1-NH2, CH3 for L2-NH2 and Cl for L3-NH2] with [Os(H)Br(CO)(PPh3)3] gave the complexes [OsBr(L-NH)(CO)(PPh3)2] for which cyclic volatammograms exhibited one quasi-reversible oxidative response within the range 0.54–0.6 V vs SCE. The X-ray crystal structure of [OsBr(L1-NH)(CO)(PPh3)2] has been determined and its electronic structure was evaluated on the basis of single point DFT calculations using its crystallographic coordinates.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Diphenic Acid-Based Molecular Tweezers
Authors: Li WeiJie , Wang XiaoQing , Zhao ZhiGang , Han Tao
Published: March 2010

The design and synthesis of a new type of molecular tweezers is reported which have a 2,2′-diphenic acid backbone and two side chains that are attached to the backbone. This type of molecular tweezers has been to incorporate multiple hydrogen bonding groups into cleft to provide both orientation and selective complexation of substrate.
ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ АБСОРБЦИИ УГЛЕКИСЛОГО ГАЗА В ВОЛОКНИСТОМ ТУМАНОУЛОВИТЕЛЕ
Authors: Waldberg Arnold , Polienova Evgenija
Published: March 2010

Industrial tests of fibrous filters have shown that, above mist drop collecting, they are effective means for adsorption of gaseous impurities. Considering it, there were made tests that enabled reaching quantitative results on CO2 absorption by aqueous solution of sodium. Tests were made on experimental plant using apparatus with fibrous nozzle as its main element. Absorber studies were made in the laboratory of engineering ecology of municipal services at Moscow State University of Environmental Engineering (MSUEE). Experimental plant is automated: controlling and regulation of regime parameters of the absorber are made using the monitor of a personal computer.

Santrauka

Atlikus pluoštiniu filtru pramoninius tyrimus nustatyta, kad šie filtrai, laikomi virš ruko lašeliu, efektyviai adsorbuoja dujose esancius nešvarumus. Atsižvelgiant i tai buvo atliekami tyrimai su natrio šarmo tirpalu ir gauti kiekybiniai CO2 absorbcijos rezultatai. Tirta eksperimentinimis salygomis naudojant prietaisus su pluoštiniu antgaliu. Absorberio tyrimai buvo atliekami Miestu inžinerinis ekologijos laboratorijoje Maskvos valstybiniame aplinkos inžinerijos universitete (AIMVU). Eksperimentinis tyrimas automatizuotas, absorberio režimo parametrai kontroliuojami ir reguliuojami asmeniniu kompiuteriu.

Резюме

Промышленные испытания волокнистых фильтров показали, что помимо улавливания капель туманов, они достаточно эффективно поглощают и газообразные вредности. В связи с этим на экспериментальной установке, основным элементом которой являлся аппарат с волокнистой насадкой, были проведены исследования, позволившие получить количественные результаты по абсорбции СО2 водным раствором соды. Исследования абсорбера проводились в лаборатории кафедры «Инженерная экология городского хозяйства» Московского государственного университета инженерной экологии (МГУИЭ). Экспериментальная установка автоматизирована: контроль и регулировка режимных параметров абсорбера осуществляются с экрана персонального компьютера.
PU.1 Positively Regulates GATA-1 Expression in Mast Cells
Authors: Takemoto Clifford M. , Brandal Stephanie , Jegga Anil G. , Lee Youl-Nam , Shahlaee Amir , Ying Ye , DeKoter Rodney , McDevitt Michael A.
Published: March 2010

Coexpression of PU.1 and GATA-1 is required for proper specification of the mast cell lineage; however, in the myeloid and erythroid lineages, PU.1 and GATA-1 are functionally antagonistic. In this study, we report a transcriptional network in which PU.1 positively regulates GATA-1 expression in mast cell development. We isolated a variant mRNA isoform of GATA-1 in murine mast cells that is significantly upregulated during mast cell differentiation. This isoform contains an alternatively spliced first exon (IB) that is distinct from the first exon (IE) incorporated in the major erythroid mRNA transcript. In contrast to erythroid and megakaryocyte cells, in mast cells we show that PU.1 and GATA-2 predominantly occupy potential cis-regulatory elements in the IB exon region in vivo. Using reporter assays, we identify an enhancer flanking the IB exon that is activated by PU.1. Furthermore, we observe that in PU.1−/− fetal liver cells, low levels of the IE GATA-1 isoform is expressed, but the variant IB isoform is absent. Reintroduction of PU.1 restores variant IB isoform and upregulates total GATA-1 protein expression, which is concurrent with mast cell differentiation. Our results are consistent with a transcriptional hierarchy in which PU.1, possibly in concert with GATA-2, activates GATA-1 expression in mast cells in a pathway distinct from that seen in the erythroid and megakaryocytic lineages.
Estradiol and G1 Reduce Infarct Size and Improve Immunosuppression after Experimental Stroke
Authors: Zhang Bing , Subramanian Sandhya , Dziennis Suzan , Jia Jia , Uchida Masayoshi , Akiyoshi Kozaburo , Migliati Elton , Lewis Anne D. , Vandenbark Arthur A. , Offner Halina , Hurn Patricia D.
Published: March 2010

Reduced risk and severity of stroke in adult females is thought to depend on normal endogenous levels of estrogen, a well-known neuroprotectant and immunomodulator. In male mice, experimental stroke induces immunosuppression of the peripheral immune system, characterized by a reduction in spleen size and cell numbers and decreased cytokine and chemokine expression. However, stroke-induced immunosuppression has not been evaluated in female mice. To test the hypothesis that estradiol (E2) deficiency exacerbates immunosuppression after focal stroke in females, we evaluated the effect of middle cerebral artery occlusion on infarct size and peripheral and CNS immune responses in ovariectomized mice with or without sustained, controlled levels of 17-β–E2 administered by s.c. implant or the putative membrane estrogen receptor agonist, G1. Both E2- and G1-replacement decreased infarct volume and partially restored splenocyte numbers. Moreover, E2-replacement increased splenocyte proliferation in response to stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 Abs and normalized aberrant mRNA expression for cytokines, chemokines, and chemokine receptors and percentage of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T regulatory cells observed in E2-deficient animals. These beneficial changes in peripheral immunity after E2 replacement were accompanied by a profound reduction in expression of the chemokine, MIP-2, and a 40-fold increased expression of CCR7 in the lesioned brain hemisphere. These results demonstrate for the first time that E2 replacement in ovariectomized female mice improves stroke-induced peripheral immunosuppression.
Activating Transcription Factor 3 Is a Positive Regulator of Human IFNG Gene Expression
Authors: Filén Sanna , Ylikoski Emmi , Tripathi Subhash , West Anne , Björkman Mari , Nyström Joel , Ahlfors Helena , Coffey Eleanor , Rao Kanury V. S. , Rasool Omid , Lahesmaa Riitta
Published: March 2010

IL-12 and IL-18 are essential for Th1 differentiation, whereas the role of IFN-α in Th1 development is less understood. In this microarray-based study, we searched for genes that are regulated by IFN-α, IL-12, or the combination of IL-12 plus IL-18 during the early differentiation of human umbilical cord blood CD4+ Th cells. Twenty-six genes were similarly regulated in response to treatment with IL-12, IFN-α, or the combination of IL-12 plus IL-18. These genes could therefore play a role in Th1 lineage decision. Transcription factor activating transcription factor (ATF) 3 was upregulated by these cytokines and selected for further study. Ectopic expression of ATF3 in CD4+ T cells enhanced the production of IFN-γ, the hallmark cytokine of Th1 cells, whereas small interfering RNA knockdown of ATF3 reduced IFN-γ production. Furthermore, ATF3 formed an endogenous complex with JUN in CD4+ T cells induced to Th1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays showed that both ATF3 and JUN are recruited to and transactivate the IFNG promoter during early Th1 differentiation. Collectively, these data indicate that ATF3 promotes human Th1 differentiation.