bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Multilocus Sequence Typing Scheme Reveals High Genetic Diversity of Human Pathogenic Members of theFusarium incarnatum-F.equisetiandF. chlamydosporumSpecies Complexes within the United States
Authors: O'Donnell Kerry , Sutton Deanna A. , Rinaldi Michael G. , Gueidan Cécile , Crous Pedro W. , Geiser David M.
Published: October 2009

Species limits within the clinically importantFusarium incarnatum-F.equisetiandF. chlamydosporumspecies complexes (FIESC and FCSC, respectively) were investigated using multilocus DNA sequence data. Maximum-parsimony and maximum-likelihood analyses of aligned DNA sequences from four loci resolved 28 species within the FIESC, within which the species were evenly divided among two clades designated Incarnatum and Equiseti, and four species within the FCSC. Sequence data from a fifth locus, β-tubulin, was excluded from the study due to the presence of highly divergent paralogs or xenologs. The multilocus haplotype nomenclature adopted in a previous study (K. O'Donnell, D. A. Sutton, A. Fothergill, D. McCarthy, M. G. Rinaldi, M. E. Brandt, N. Zhang, and D. M. Geiser, J. Clin. Microbiol. 46:2477-2490, 2008) was expanded to all of the species within the FIESC and FCSC to provide the first DNA sequence-based typing schemes for these fusaria, thereby facilitating future epidemiological investigations. Multilocus DNA typing identified sixty-two sequence types (STs) among 88 FIESC isolates and 20 STs among 26 FCSC isolates. This result corresponds to indices of discrimination of 0.985 and 0.966, respectively, for the FIESC and FCSC four-locus typing scheme using Simpson's index of discrimination. Lastly, four human and two veterinary isolates, received as members of the FIESC or FCSC, were resolved as five phylogenetically distinct species nested outside these species complexes. To our knowledge, these five species heretofore have not been reported to cause mycotic infections (i.e.,F. armeniacum,F. brachygibbosum,F. flocciferum, and two unnamedFusariumspecies within theF. tricinctumspecies complex).
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Susceptibility of Several North American Rodents That Are Sympatric with Cervid CWD Epidemics
Authors: Heisey Dennis M. , Mickelsen Natalie A. , Schneider Jay R. , Johnson Christopher J. , Johnson Chad J. , Langenberg Julia A. , Bochsler Philip N. , Keane Delwyn P. , Barr Daniel J.
Published: October 2009

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a highly contagious always fatal neurodegenerative disease that is currently known to naturally infect only species of the deer family,
Cervidae
. CWD epidemics are occurring in free-ranging cervids at several locations in North America, and other wildlife species are certainly being exposed to infectious material. To assess the potential for transmission, we intracerebrally inoculated four species of epidemic-sympatric rodents with CWD. Transmission was efficient in all species; the onset of disease was faster in the two vole species than the two
Peromyscus
spp. The results for inocula prepared from CWD-positive deer with or without CWD-resistant genotypes were similar. Survival times were substantially shortened upon second passage, demonstrating adaptation. Unlike all other known prion protein sequences for cricetid rodents that possess asparagine at position 170, our red-backed voles expressed serine and refute previous suggestions that a serine in this position substantially reduces susceptibility to CWD. Given the scavenging habits of these rodent species, the apparent persistence of CWD prions in the environment, and the inevitable exposure of these rodents to CWD prions, our intracerebral challenge results indicate that further investigation of the possibility of natural transmission is warranted.
Targeting of Murine Leukemia Virus Gag to the Plasma Membrane Is Mediated by PI(4,5)P
2
/PS and a Polybasic Region in the Matrix
Authors: Hamard-Peron E. , Juillard F. , Saad J. S. , Roy C. , Roingeard P. , Summers M. F. , Darlix J.-L. , Picart C. , Muriaux D.
Published: October 2009

Membrane targeting of the human immunodeficiency virus Gag proteins is dependent on phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P
2
] located in the plasma membrane. In order to determine if evolutionarily distant retroviral Gag proteins are targeted by a similar mechanism, we generated mutants of the matrix (MA) domain of murine leukemia virus (MuLV) Gag, examined their binding to membrane models in vitro, and analyzed their phenotypes in cell culture. In vitro, we showed that MA bound all the phosphatidylinositol phosphates with significant affinity but displayed a strong specificity for PI(4,5)P
2
only if enhanced by phosphatidylserine. Mutations in the polybasic region in MA dramatically reduced this affinity. In cells, virus production was strongly impaired by PI(4,5)P
2
depletion under conditions of 5ptaseIV overexpression, and mutations in the MA polybasic region altered Gag localization, membrane binding, and virion production. Our results suggest that the N-terminal polybasic cluster of MA is essential for Gag targeting to the plasma membrane. The binding of the MA domain to PI(4,5)P
2
appears to be a conserved feature among retroviruses despite the fact that the MuLV-MA domain is structurally different from that of human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 and lacks a readily identifiable PI(4,5)P
2
binding cleft.
Enhanced PD-1 Expression by T Cells in Cerebrospinal Fluid Does Not Reflect Functional Exhaustion during Chronic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection
Authors: Sadagopal Shanmugalakshmi , Lorey Shelly L. , Barnett Louise , Sutherland Deborah , Basham Rebecca , Erdem Husamettin , Kalams Spyros A. , Haas David W.
Published: October 2009

During chronic viral infections, T cells are exhausted due to constant antigen exposure and are associated with enhanced programmed death 1 (PD-1) expression. Deficiencies in the PD-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway are associated with autoimmune diseases, including those of the central nervous system (CNS). To understand the role of PD-1 expression in regulating T-cell immunity in the CNS during chronic infection, we characterized PD-1 expression in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood of individuals with chronic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. PD-1 expression was higher on HIV-specific CD8+T cells than on total CD8+T cells in both CSF and blood. PD-1 expression on CSF T cells correlated positively with CSF HIV-1 RNA and inversely with blood CD4+T-cell counts, suggesting that HIV-1 infection drives higher PD-1 expression on CSF T cells. However, in every HIV-positive individual, PD-1 expression was higher on T cells in CSF than on those in blood, despite HIV-1 RNA levels being lower. Among healthy HIV-negative controls, PD-1 expression was higher in CSF than in blood. Furthermore, frequencies of the senescence marker CD57 were lower on CSF T cells than on blood T cells, consistent with our prior observation of enhanced ex vivo functional capacity of CSF T cells. The higher PD-1 expression level on CSF T cells therefore does not reflect cellular exhaustion but may be a mechanism to downregulate immune-mediated tissue damage in the CNS. As inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is pursued as a therapeutic option for viral infections, potential effects of such a blockade on development of autoimmune responses in the CNS should be considered.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Structure of the Nucleic Acid-Binding Domain of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Nonstructural Protein 3
Authors: Serrano Pedro , Johnson Margaret A. , Chatterjee Amarnath , Neuman Benjamin W. , Joseph Jeremiah S. , Buchmeier Michael J. , Kuhn Peter , Wüthrich Kurt
Published: October 2009

The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure of a globular domain of residues 1071 to 1178 within the previously annotated nucleic acid-binding region (NAB) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus nonstructural protein 3 (nsp3) has been determined, and N- and C-terminally adjoining polypeptide segments of 37 and 25 residues, respectively, have been shown to form flexibly extended linkers to the preceding globular domain and to the following, as yet uncharacterized domain. This extension of the structural coverage of nsp3 was obtained from NMR studies with an nsp3 construct comprising residues 1066 to 1181 [nsp3(1066-1181)] and the constructs nsp3(1066-1203) and nsp3(1035-1181). A search of the protein structure database indicates that the globular domain of the NAB represents a new fold, with a parallel four-strand β-sheet holding two α-helices of three and four turns that are oriented antiparallel to the β-strands. Two antiparallel two-strand β-sheets and two 310-helices are anchored against the surface of this barrel-like molecular core. Chemical shift changes upon the addition of single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs) identified a group of residues that form a positively charged patch on the protein surface as the binding site responsible for the previously reported affinity for nucleic acids. This binding site is similar to the ssRNA-binding site of the sterile alpha motif domain of theSaccharomyces cerevisiaeVts1p protein, although the two proteins do not share a common globular fold.
Microarray Analysis of
Paramecium bursaria
Chlorella Virus 1 Transcription
Authors: Yanai-Balser Giane M. , Duncan Garry A. , Eudy James D. , Wang Dong , Li Xiao , Agarkova Irina V. , Dunigan David D. , Van Etten James L.
Published: October 2009

Paramecium bursaria
chlorella virus 1 (PBCV-1), a member of the family
Phycodnaviridae
, is a large double-stranded DNA, plaque-forming virus that infects the unicellular green alga
Chlorella
sp. strain NC64A. The 330-kb PBCV-1 genome is predicted to encode 365 proteins and 11 tRNAs. To monitor global transcription during PBCV-1 replication, a microarray containing 50-mer probes to the PBCV-1 365 protein-encoding genes (CDSs) was constructed. Competitive hybridization experiments were conducted by using cDNAs from poly(A)-containing RNAs obtained from cells at seven time points after virus infection. The results led to the following conclusions: (i) the PBCV-1 replication cycle is temporally programmed and regulated; (ii) 360 (99%) of the arrayed PBCV-1 CDSs were expressed at some time in the virus life cycle in the laboratory; (iii) 227 (62%) of the CDSs were expressed before virus DNA synthesis begins; (iv) these 227 CDSs were grouped into two classes: 127 transcripts disappeared prior to initiation of virus DNA synthesis (considered early), and 100 transcripts were still detected after virus DNA synthesis begins (considered early/late); (v) 133 (36%) of the CDSs were expressed after virus DNA synthesis begins (considered late); and (vi) expression of most late CDSs is inhibited by adding the DNA replication inhibitor, aphidicolin, prior to virus infection. This study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of virus gene expression during the PBCV-1 life cycle.
Transmission of Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus and Impact of Prior Exposure to Seasonal Strains or Interferon Treatment
Authors: Steel John , Staeheli Peter , Mubareka Samira , García-Sastre Adolfo , Palese Peter , Lowen Anice C.
Published: October 2009

Novel swine-origin influenza viruses of the H1N1 subtype were first detected in humans in April 2009. As of 12 August 2009, 180,000 cases had been reported globally. Despite the fact that they are of the same antigenic subtype as seasonal influenza viruses circulating in humans since 1977, these viruses continue to spread and have caused the first influenza pandemic since 1968. Here we show that a pandemic H1N1 strain replicates in and transmits among guinea pigs with similar efficiency to that of a seasonal H3N2 influenza virus. This transmission was, however, partially disrupted when guinea pigs had preexisting immunity to recent human isolates of either the H1N1 or H3N2 subtype and was fully blocked through daily intranasal administration of interferon to either inoculated or exposed animals. Our results suggest that partial immunity resulting from prior exposure to conventional human strains may blunt the impact of pandemic H1N1 viruses in the human population. In addition, the use of interferon as an antiviral prophylaxis may be an effective way to limit spread in at-risk populations.
A Novel Bipartite Double-Stranded RNA Mycovirus from the White Root Rot Fungus
Rosellinia necatrix
: Molecular and Biological Characterization, Taxonomic Considerations, and Potential for Biological Control
Authors: Chiba Sotaro , Salaipeth Lakha , Lin Yu-Hsin , Sasaki Atsuko , Kanematsu Satoko , Suzuki Nobuhiro
Published: October 2009

White root rot, caused by the ascomycete
Rosellinia necatrix
, is a devastating disease worldwide, particularly in fruit trees in Japan. Here we report on the biological and molecular properties of a novel bipartite double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus encompassing dsRNA-1 (8,931 bp) and dsRNA-2 (7,180 bp), which was isolated from a field strain of
R. necatrix
, W779. Besides the strictly conserved 5′ (24 nt) and 3′ (8 nt) terminal sequences, both segments show high levels of sequence similarity in the long 5′ untranslated region of approximately 1.6 kbp. dsRNA-1 and -2 each possess two open reading frames (ORFs) named ORF1 to -4. Although the protein encoded by 3′-proximal ORF2 on dsRNA-1 shows sequence identities of 22 to 32% with RNA-dependent RNA polymerases from members of the families
Totiviridae
and
Chrysoviridae
, the remaining three virus-encoded proteins lack sequence similarities with any reported mycovirus proteins. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the W779 virus belongs to a separate clade distinct from those of other known mycoviruses. Purified virions ∼50 nm in diameter consisted of dsRNA-1 and -2 and a single major capsid protein of 135 kDa, which was shown by peptide mass fingerprinting to be encoded by dsRNA-1 ORF1. We developed a transfection protocol using purified virions to show that the virus was responsible for reduction of virulence and mycelial growth in several host strains. These combined results indicate that the W779 virus is a novel bipartite dsRNA virus with potential for biological control (virocontrol), named
Rosellinia necatrix megabirnavirus 1
(RnMBV1), that possibly belongs to a new virus family.
Role of Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I in Hepatitis C Virus Entry: Kinetics and Molecular Determinants
Authors: Catanese Maria Teresa , Ansuini Helenia , Graziani Rita , Huby Thierry , Moreau Martine , Ball Jonathan K. , Paonessa Giacomo , Rice Charles M. , Cortese Riccardo , Vitelli Alessandra , Nicosia Alfredo
Published: October 2009

Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) is an essential receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and a cell surface high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) receptor. The mechanism of SR-BI-mediated HCV entry, however, is not clearly understood, and the specific protein determinants required for the recognition of the virus envelope are not known. HCV infection is strictly linked to lipoprotein metabolism, and HCV virions may initially interact with SR-BI through associated lipoproteins before subsequent direct interactions of the viral glycoproteins with SR-BI occur. The kinetics of inhibition of cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc) infection with an anti-SR-BI monoclonal antibody imply that the recognition of SR-BI by HCV is an early event of the infection process. Swapping and single-substitution mutants between mouse and human SR-BI sequences showed reduced binding to the recombinant soluble E2 (sE2) envelope glycoprotein, thus suggesting that the SR-BI interaction with the HCV envelope is likely to involve species-specific protein elements. Most importantly, SR-BI mutants defective for sE2 binding, although retaining wild-type activity for receptor oligomerization and binding to the physiological ligand HDL, were impaired in their ability to fully restore HCVcc infectivity when transduced into an SR-BI-knocked-down Huh-7.5 cell line. These findings suggest a specific and direct role for the identified residues in binding HCV and mediating virus entry. Moreover, the observation that different regions of SR-BI are involved in HCV and HDL binding supports the hypothesis that new therapeutic strategies aimed at interfering with virus/SR-BI recognition are feasible.
Gap junction hemichannels contribute to the generation of diarrhoea during infectious enteric disease
Authors: Guttman Julian Andrew , En-Ju Lin Ann , Li Yuling , Bechberger John , Naus Christian C , Vogl A Wayne , Finlay B Brett
Published: October 2009

Objective

The attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogens enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli, enteropathogenic E coli and Citrobacter rodentium colonise intestinal tracts, attach to enterocytes, collapse infected cell microvilli and alter numerous host cell processes during infection. Enterocyte alterations result in numerous small molecules being released from host cells that likely contribute to diarrhoeal phenotypes observed during these infections. One possible route for small molecules to be released from intestinal cells may be through functional gap junction hemichannels. Here we examine the involvement of these hemichannels during the diarrhoeal disease caused by A/E pathogens in vivo.

Design

Mice were infected with the diarrhoea-causing murine A/E pathogen C rodentium for 7 days. Connexin43 (Cx43) protein levels and immunolocalisation in the colon were initially used to determine alterations during A/E bacterial infections in vivo. Connexin mimetic peptides and connexin permeable tracer molecules were used to gage the presence and function of unpaired connexin hemichannels. The role of Cx43 in diarrhoea generation was assessed by comparing infections of wild-type mice to Cx43 mutant mice and determining the water abundance in the colonic luminal material.

Results

We demonstrate that Cx43 protein levels are increased in colonocytes during in vivo A/E bacterial infections, resulting in functionally open connexon hemichannels in apical membranes of infected cells. Moreover, infected Cx43 +/− mice do not suffer from diarrhoeal disease.

Conclusions

This study provides the first evidence that functional connexon hemichannels can occur in the intestine and are a novel molecular mechanism of water release during infectious diarrhoea.
The impact of constructive feedback on training in gastrointestinal endoscopy using high-fidelity virtual-reality simulation: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kruglikova Irina , Grantcharov Teodor P , Drewes Asbjorn M , Funch-Jensen Peter
Published: October 2009

Background

Recently, virtual reality computer simulators have been used to enhance traditional endoscopy teaching. Previous studies have demonstrated construct validity of these systems and transfer of virtual skills to the operating room. However, to date no simulator-training curricula have been designed and there is very little evidence on the impact of external feedback on acquisition of endoscopic skills.

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of external feedback on the learning curves on a VR colonoscopy simulator using inexperienced trainees.

Materials and methods

22 trainees, without colonoscopy experience were randomised to a group which received structured feedback provided by an experienced supervisor and a controlled group. All participants performed 15 repetitions of task 3 from the Introduction colonoscopy module of the Accu Touch Endoscopy simulator. Retention/transfer tests on simulator were performed 4–6 weeks after the last repetition. The proficiency levels were based on the performance of eight experienced colonoscopists.

Results

All subjects were able to complete the procedure on the simulator. There were no perforations in the feedback group versus seven in the non-feedback group. Subjects in the feedback group reached expert proficiency levels in percentage of mucosa visualised and time to reach the caecum significantly faster compared with the control group. None of the groups demonstrated significant degradation of performance in simulator retention/transfer tests.

Conclusion

Concurrent feedback given by supervisor concur an advantage in acquisition of basic colonoscopy skills and achieving of proficiency level as compared to independent training.
Acute enterovirus infection followed by myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and viral persistence: Figure 1
Authors: Chia J , Chia A , Voeller M , Lee T , Chang R
Published: October 2009

Aims

Enteroviruses are well-known causes of acute respiratory and/or gastrointestinal infections and non-specific flu-like illness. Although enterovirus protein, RNA and non-cytopathic viruses have been demonstrated in the stomach biopsies of patients with myalgia encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), causality for chronic diseases is difficult to establish without having well-documented cases of acute enterovirus infections. The aim of this study was to link acute enteroviral infection to viral persistence in patients with ME/CFS.

Method

Patients admitted to the hospital with acute febrile illnesses were screened for enteroviral infections. Acutely infected patients were followed longitudinally, and those who developed symptoms of ME/CFS underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsies of the antrum to document viral persistence by immunoperoxidase staining for viral protein and viral RNA assay.

Results

Three representative patients with different manifestations of acute enterovirus infections progressed to have chronic symptoms of ME/CFS. Persistent viral infection was demonstrated in the antrum years later.

Conclusion

After acute infections, enteroviruses can persist in patients resulting in manifestation of ME/CFS. Chronic enterovirus infection in an immunocompetent host may be an example of a stalemate between attenuated, intracellular viruses and an ineffective immune response.
Integrated back and forward analysis of rock slope stability and rockslide runout at Afternoon Creek, Washington
Authors: Strouth Alex , Eberhardt Erik
Published: October 2009

Hazard assessments involving large rock slopes are often problematic, given the influence of geology on failure kinematics and the subsequent influence of the failure kinematics on the rockslide runout. The 2003 Afternoon Creek rockslide in northwest Washington is one such example, where 750 000 m3 of rock slid from a steep ridge harmlessly into Afternoon Creek. However, topographic and structural controls at the source area unexpectedly redirected a small volume (<10%) down the opposite side of the ridge along a much steeper travel path, impacting the highway below. Postfailure investigations indicate that the slope still presents a danger. To address this, a framework was developed that links back analyses with forward modelling of failure initiation and runout. Field mapping and data collection were specifically tailored for these analyses. Advanced numerical modelling was used to assess likely rockslide source areas, volumes, and controlling features. These were then used to guide a series of three-dimensional runout simulations to model rockslide travel path, reach, and velocities. The results show that a rockslide originating from the ridge could occur again and that the topography would again direct a small percentage of material down the backside which would reach the highway below.
AN IMPROVED APPROACH TO ADAPTIVE TESTING
Authors: HU HAI , JIANG CHANG-HAI , CAI KAI-YUAN
Published: October 2009

Adaptive testing is the counterpart of adaptive control in software testing. It means that software testing strategy should be adjusted on-line by using the testing data collected during software testing as our understanding of the software under test is improved. Previous studies on adaptive testing involved a simplified Controlled Markov Chain (CMC) model for software testing which employs several unrealistic assumptions. In this paper we propose a new adaptive software testing approach in the context of an improved and namely, general CMC model which aims to eliminate such threats to validity. A set of more realistic basic assumptions on the software testing process is proposed and several unrealistic assumptions are replaced by less unrealistic assumptions. A new adaptive testing strategy based on the general CMC is developed and implemented. Mathematical simulations and experiments on real life software are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new strategy.
THE SI* MODELING FRAMEWORK: METAMODEL AND APPLICATIONS
Authors: ZANNONE NICOLA
Published: October 2009

Security Requirements Engineering is emerging spurred by the realization that security must be dealt from the early phases of the system development process. Modeling languages in this field are challenging as they must provide concepts appropriate in order to talk about security within an organization.

In previous work we introduced the SI* modeling language tailored to capture security aspects of socio-technical systems. SI* is founded on four main notions, namely supervision, permission, delegation, and trust. In this paper, we present the SI* metamodel. We also present some frameworks and methodologies founded on this modeling language for the analysis of security and dependability requirements as well as the exploration of design alternatives and the generation of skeletons of secure business processes. The paper also presents a development environment that uses the SI* metamodel as its basis core.
ENTREPRENEURIAL UNIVERSITY, TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY AND FUNDING: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: LOPEZ SARA FERNÁNDEZ , OTERO LUÍS , RODEIRO DAVID , RODRÍGUEZ ALFONSO
Published: October 2009

Universities are now responsible for economic and social development. This new mission is transforming the traditional university into an entrepreneurial university. This entrepreneurial activity has mainly been carried out by transferring technology to industry, in particular, by patenting.

The objective of this paper is to understand why some Spanish universities are more successful than others at patenting. In order to determine the factors that influence the patenting activity, we used a sample made up of 47 Spanish Public On-Campus Universities existing in 2003. Firstly, we applied the Poisson model. Secondly, after finding overdispersion in the data, the two approximations of the binomial negative were estimated (NEGBIN I and NEGBIN II). Lastly, we compared the results obtained with the three regression models.

The results show that university patents are significantly positively associated with research funding, university size, technology transfer experience and resources and scientific areas with a greater market orientation. On the contrary, our results support the idea that university's research quality has a negative effect on the patent outputs.

This study contributes to the literature on university patenting activity. First, there are no similar empirical studies about Spanish universities. Second, our findings provide quantitative evidence of the importance of funding research and university support policies in patent production. As a consequence, we can set out several policies to improve the dissemination of scientific knowledge and technology transfer activities.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION: EMPIRICAL FINDINGS AND PROPOSALS FOR THE DESIGN OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION CONCEPTS AT UNIVERSITIES IN GERMAN-SPEAKING COUNTRIES
Authors: KAILER NORBERT
Published: October 2009

On their way to becoming entrepreneurial universities, the development of university-wide concepts of entrepreneurship education is of high importance. This paper analyses surveys given to students, alumni and academic staff of universities in the German speaking area. Findings concerning design-parameters of central importance for the development of such concepts (f.i. professional experience and competence, anticipated obstacles, supporting infrastructure, organisational structure and evaluation of entrepreneurship education) are presented. Based thereupon practical proposals for the design of university-wide concepts concerning the organizational embedding, target groups, support measures and evaluation are discussed as well as key elements for the design of courses (e.g. modular structure, establishing networks with external experts and entrepreneurs, tackling of anticipated obstacles, developing of broad competence portfolios).
LOWERING AND RAISING OPERATORS FOR THE FREE MEIXNER CLASS OF ORTHOGONAL POLYNOMIALS
Authors: LYTVYNOV EUGENE , RODIONOVA IRINA
Published: October 2009

We compare some properties of the lowering and raising operators for the classical and free classes of Meixner polynomials on the real line.
THE REPRESENTATION OF STRONGLY CONTINUOUS OPERATOR SEMIGROUPS ON VECTOR BUNDLES AS HIDA DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: GÜNEYSU BATU
Published: October 2009

Let E → M be a vector bundle over a compact manifold. In this short note we prove that the Schrödinger semigroup (complex heat semigroup) associated to a self-adjoint (non-negative self-adjoint) operator in ΓL2(M, E) corresponds to a ΓL2(M, E)*-valued Hida distribution, which depends continuously (holomorphically) on the time parameter.
A REMARK ON THE RENORMALIZED SQUARE OF THE SOLUTION OF THE STOCHASTIC HEAT EQUATION AND ON ITS ASSOCIATED EVOLUTION
Authors: LANCONELLI ALBERTO
Published: October 2009

We consider the renormalized square of the solution of the stochastic heat equation and obtain for this process a new dynamic involving the second quantization of an unbounded operator. This is achieved by a version of the Itô formula which we derive by a simple application of the Wick chain rule.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUBORDINATED PROBABILITY MEASURES ON ℂ ASSOCIATED WITH THE JACOBI–SZEGÖ PARAMETERS
Authors: ASAI NOBUHIRO
Published: October 2009

In this paper, it will be shown that a probability measure on ℂ associated with the Jacobi–Szegö parameters of the orthogonal polynomials can be obtained by making use of the classical Mellin transform and its convolution property. We shall construct several measures on ℂ represented by the modified Bessel functions. The material in this paper gives nontrivial examples originated from the continuous dual Hahn polynomials (one of hypergeometric orthogonal polynomials), which are beyond the Meixner–Pollaczek polynomials appeared in our previous papers.4, 5
HILBERT SPACE OVER COMPLEX HYPERBOLIC NUMBERS AND HYPER-TRIGONOMETRIC INTERFERENCE
Authors: KHRENNIKOV A.
Published: October 2009

This note is devoted to extension of quantum probability calculus to generalizations of complex Hilbert space. Starting with Hilbert space over complex hyperbolic numbers, we derive general hyper-trigonometric interference of probabilities.
EFFECT OF ASYMMETRY AND ROUGHNESS OF STENOSIS ON NON-NEWTONIAN FLOW PAST AN ARTERIAL SEGMENT
Authors: SARIFUDDIN  , CHAKRAVARTY SANTABRATA , MANDAL PRASHANTA KUMAR
Published: October 2009

Numerical investigations of non-Newtonian blood flow are carried out through an asymmetric arterial constriction (stenosis) obtained from casting of mildly stenosed artery [Back et al. [1984] Effect of mild atherosclerosis on flow resistance in a coronary artery casting by man, J. Biomech. Eng., Trans. ASME106, 48]. The Marker and Cell method, for governing equations of motion for the flow in primitive variables formulations is developed in a staggered grid to discretize the momentum equations representing the non-Newtonian viscous incompressible flow characterized by the generalized Power-law model in cylindrical coordinates system under axial symmetric conditions so that the problem effectively becomes two-dimensional. The modified pressure equation has been solved by Successive-Over-Relaxation method and the pressure–velocity correction formulae have been derived. Satisfactory level of convergence namely, the mass conservation of the order of 0.5 × 10-12 and consequently the steady-state criteria have been achieved. The separation points, reattachment points, pressure drop, and the wall shear stress distribution resulting from the present simulation agree well with the available numerical and experimental results. Secondary separation has also been predicted at higher Reynolds numbers. Further, in-depth study of the flow patterns reveals that shear-thickening model of generalized Power-law fluid experiences excess pressure drop more than that of shear-thinning model as in the case of flow past through cosine and smooth-shaped constrictions than irregular ones. The efficiency of the numerical code is illustrated by applying it to a test problem in order to validate the applicability of the technique as well as the simulation under consideration.
APPLICATION OF A PRESSURE CORRECTION METHOD FOR MODELING INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOW THROUGH TURBOMACHINES
Authors: RAHMATI M. T.
Published: October 2009

This article presents the application of a RANS algorithm based on a pressure correction method for incompressible flow simulations of low-speed rotating machines. A numerical scheme is developed by extending a flow analysis in a stationary frame to a rotating frame for turbomachinery applications. The numerical scheme is explained with emphasis on the effect of rotation on the flow fields and turbulence modeling. The results of the numerical calculations for flow through an enclosed turbomachine and an extended turbomachine are compared with the experimental data to judge them on realistic flow patterns. The numerical solutions have shown reasonable agreement with the experimental data which demonstrates the merits and robustness of this numerical scheme.
A NONCONFORMING DOMAIN DECOMPOSITION SCHEME BASED ON A DISCRETIZATION WITHOUT CROSS-POINTS AND ALTERNATING OBLIQUE PROJECTIONS
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-RAMOS LUIS MANUEL
Published: October 2009

In this work, we propose a nonconforming domain decomposition resolution scheme for partial differential equations. In this scheme, the discrete Lagrange multiplier is forced to vanish into cross-points between artificial interfaces. The resulting saddle point problem is then solved efficiently by a recently developed alternating oblique projection method. The properties of the proposed discretization scheme will be illustrated solving Poisson equations.
A new one-pot synthesis of μ-oxo dimeric iron(III) porphyrins from meso-tetraarylporphyrins
Authors: Liu Qiang , Gong Yan-Zhi , Gong Chang-Jun , Li Qing-Hong , Guo Can-Cheng
Published: October 2009

A new synthesis of μ-oxo dimeric iron(III) porphyrins from meso-tetraarylporphyrins in one-pot procedure is reported. μ-oxo dimeric iron(III) porphyrin was obtained in high yield (up to 93%) from the reaction of meso-tetraarylporphyrin with ferrous chloride in DMF at pH 8–11. Compared with other synthetic methods of μ-oxo dimeric iron(III) porphyrin from meso-tetraarylporphyrins, the one-pot procedure has higher yields of μ-oxo dimeric iron(III) porphyrins and is a simpler and more convenient procedure. In order to evaluate the range of applicability of this method, μ-oxo dimeric iron(III) porphyrins with different substituents were prepared by the reaction of the corresponding meso-tetraarylporphyrins with ferrous chloride. The results showed that it was possible to apply this one-pot procedure to the synthesis of other μ-oxo dimeric iron porphyrins in excellent yields. A mechanism for the formation of μ-oxo dimeric iron porphyrins was proposed based on the reaction intermediates characterized by HPLC and UV-vis methods.
Behavior of aluminum(III)-tetra-15-crown-5-phthalocyaninates in organic media by fluorescence and UV-visible spectroscopy
Authors: Lapkina Lyudmila A. , Konstantinov Nikita Yu. , Larchenko Vladimir E. , Gorbunova Yulia G. , Tsivadze Aslan Yu.
Published: October 2009

The results of a UV-vis and fluorescent spectral investigation of a tetra-15-crown-5-substituted aluminum phthalocyanine [ (R4Pc)Al(OH) ] (1), where (R4Pc)2- = 2,3,9,10,16,17,24,25-tetrakis(15-crown-5)phthalocyaninate-dianion, in different solvents (CHCl3, DMSO, MeOH) are reported. It was shown that compound exhibits a very strong tendency to aggregation with the formation of μ-fluoro dimer [((R4Pc)Al)2F]+ in the presence of F - in the low-donor solvent CHCl3 . This complex is not emissive. The formation of two different emissive species [(R4Pc)AlF2]- and [(R4Pc)Al(OH)2]- during the reaction of 1 with anions ( F - and OH - correspondently) in high-donor DMSO was established.
Cationic tetrapyrrolic macromolecules as new acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Tian Tian , Weng Liwei , Wang Shaoru , Weng Xiaocheng , Zhang Lixia , Zhou Xiang
Published: October 2009

A series of tetrapyrrolic macrocycles such as porphyrins, phthalocyanines and corroles were found to have inhibitory abilities toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Their structure-activity relationship was studied. Several compounds were found to have good inhibitory abilities, which could be developed as potential candidates of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitors.
Discotic liquid crystals of transition metal complexes 41: influence of rare-earth metal ions on clearing points of sandwich-type bis[octakis(3,4-didodecyloxyphenoxy)phthalocyaninato]lanthanoid(III) complexes
Authors: Mukai Hidetomo , Hatsusaka Kazuaki , Ohta Kazuchika
Published: October 2009

It has long been believed that the phase transition behavior and clearing points (c.p.s.) of phthalocyanine-based metallomesogens scarcely change regardless of the kind of central metal. In this work, we have synthesized a series of novel sandwich-type phthalocyanine-based lanthanoid complexes, bis[2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octakis(3,4-didodecyloxyphenoxy)phthalocyaninato]lanthanoid(III) (abbreviated as {[(C12O)2PhO]8Pc}2M, M = La, Ce, Eu, Gd, Tb, Yb and Lu : 1–7). Their mesomorphic properties were investigated by polarization microscope, DSC and temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction techniques to compare with the phase transition behavior and c.p.s. of the complexes. Very interestingly, the c.p.s. of these seven rare-earth metal complexes increased in an order of La (1) → Ce (2) → Eu (3), reached to a maximum for Gd (4), and decreased in an order of Tb (5) → Yb (6) → Lu (7). We have noticed that their rise and fall of c.p.s. correspond to the values of total spin quantum number (S) of the central rare-earth metal ions. Thus, it was found, for the first time in metallomesogens, that the S values of central rare-earth metal ions strongly influence their c.p.s.
Quenching and binding mechanism of the intrinsic fluorescence of bovine serum albumin by 5-phenyl-10,15,20-tri-(4-pyridyl)-porphyrin
Authors: Chen Xin , Cai Yanyan , Zhao Yanfang , Ma Hongmin , Wu Dan , Du Bin , Wei Qin
Published: October 2009

The binding interaction mechanism between 5-phenyl-10,15,20-tri-(4-pyridyl)-porphyrin (TriPyP) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by the fluorescence method and presented in this paper. Based on the mechanism of fluorescence quenching of BSA caused by TriPyP, the binding constants between TriPyP and BSA were measured at different temperatures by fluorescence spectroscopy at pH 7.40. As the binding constants decreased with increasing temperature, the type of quenching between TriPyP and BSA was determined as static quenching. Based on the Förster theory of non-radiation energy transfer, the binding distance and energy transfer efficiency at 25 °C between TriPyP (acceptor of energy) and BSA (donor of energy) were obtained. The results confirmed that the interaction was similar to non-radiation energy transfer. According to the thermodynamic parameters, the main type of binding force between TriPyP and BSA could be deduced as electrostatic force. Using synchronous fluorescence spectra, the effect of TriPyP on conformation of BSA was studied, and the hydrophobicity in microenvironment was developed by TriPyP. All these experimental results and theoretical data clarified that TriPyP could bind to BSA and be effectively transported in the human body, which could be a useful guideline for further drug design.
Synthesis of polyaniline/TiO2nanocomposites with metalloporphyrin and metallophthalocyanine catalysts
Authors: Nabid Mohammad Reza , Sedghi Roya , Moghaddam Abdolmajid Bayandori , Barari Mohammad , Jamaat Parisa R. , Safari Nasser
Published: October 2009

Inorganic nanoparticles combined with conducting polymers provide interesting physical properties. This research describes the aniline polymerization taking place on the nanoparticles surface by catalytic oxidative polymerization with metalloporphyrin and metallophthalocyanine. In this way, the core-shell structure of the polyaniline/ TiO2nanocomposites was obtained. The comparison of results demonstrates that porphyrin is a better catalyst than phthalocyanine for synthesis of nanocomposite. The morphology and composition of the nanocomposites were characterized by techniques such as SEM and FT-IR spectroscopy. TGA analysis showed that the nanocomposites, synthesized with iron(III) tetrasulfonated tetraphenyl porphyrin and iron(II) tetrasulfonated phthalocyanines, contained 10% and 5% conducting polyaniline (by mass), respectively. Eventually, the voltammograms revealed that these nanocomposites were electroactive and there was a linear relationship between the anodic and cathodic peak current values and scan rates.
Effects of the number of ring substituents of cobalt carboxyphthalocyanines on the electrocatalytic detection of nitrite, cysteine and melatonin
Authors: Matemadombo Fungisai , Sehlotho Nthapo , Nyokong Tebello
Published: October 2009

Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc), cobalt tetracarboxy phthalocyanine (CoTCPc) and cobalt octacarboxy phthalocyanine (CoOCPc), adsorbed onto glassy carbon electrodes, have been used for the electrocatalytic detection of nitrite, L-cysteine and melatonin. The modified electrodes electrocatalytically detected nitrite around 800 mV vs. Ag|AgCl , a value less positive compared to that of an unmodified glassy carbon electrode (at 950 mV vs. Ag|AgCl ) and also gave detection limits in the 10-7 M range for nitrite detection. L-cysteine was detected by the modified electrodes at potentials between 0.50 to 0.65 V vs. Ag|AgCl , with L-cysteine detection limits also in the 10-7 M range. The detection limits for melatonin ranged from 10-7 to 10-6 M. CoPc-modified electrodes displayed good separation of interferents (tryptophan and ascorbic acid) in the presence of melatonin. Analyses of commercial melatonin tablets using modified electrodes gave excellent agreement with manufacturer's value for all modified electrodes of this work.
Equilibrium, photophysical, photochemical and quantum chemical examination of anionic mercury(I) porphyrins
Authors: Valicsek Zsolt , Lendvay György , Horváth Ottó
Published: October 2009

Hg22+ion and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(parasulphonato-phenyl)porphyrin anion can form 2:1 (2 clusters:1 porphyrin) and 2:2 complexes, while the formation of the 1:1 species is not observable: it is only an intermediate, similarly to the cases of other large metal ions of small charge-density. The differences between mercury(I) and mercury(II) porphyrins in the composition of monoporphyrins (2:1 vs. 1:1), in the stability and the Soret absorption based on the arrangement of 2:2 complexes (asymmetric vs. probably symmetric sandwich-structure), in the kinetic behavior (molecularities and the special dimerization of HgIIP4-), in the product of the photoinduced dissociations of 2:2 bisporphyrins (free-base ligand vs. 1:1 complex) can prove that no mercury(II) porphyrins can form due to the possible disproportion of dimercury(I) ions. However, the similarities in the absorption, photophysical and photochemical features (also to other out-of-plane metalloporphyrins) suggest that the out-of-plane position of metal center and the distorted structure of complexes may be responsible for these common properties, the so-called sitting-atop characteristics. Moreover, the calculated structural data of the theoretically studied 1:1 mercury(I) porphyrin are very similar to those of HgIIP as a consequence of the charge separation in the cluster based on the strength of metal-nitrogen bonds. In the case of the 2:2 species, neither the increased distance (because of the Hg-Hg bond), nor the absence of 45° rotation of the two ligands can significantly modify the π-π interaction because its both measured and calculated absorption spectra are similar to those of HgII2P2.
On the occurrence of
Graphularia Wetherellii
in Nodules from the London Clay and the Crag
Authors: Wetherell N. T.
Published: October 2009

About twenty-six years since, on looking over some London Clay from a well at Colney Hatch Lane, near Muswell Hill, I discovered some curious fossils which at the time puzzled me very much. Having obtained, some years after, hotter specimens of these fossils from a well at Lower Heath, Hampstead, I submitted them to the inspection of Mr. James De Carl Sowerby; and he expressed an opinion that they were fragments of the horny axis of an extinct species of
Pennatula
, and gave me for comparison some examples of the recent
Pennatula phosphorea
of the British coast. In 1834 I drew up a paper for the Society, on some fossils from the south side of Hampstead Heath; and in one of the plates appended to the paper, some fragments of the
Pennatula
were figured*. In 1850 the first part of the beautiful monograph of British Fossil Corals by Milne-Edwards and Jules Haime was published by the Palæontographical Society. In this part the authors, after giving a full description of the fossil, state their reasons for separating it from
Pennatula
and forming a new genus, which they named
Graphularia
; the
Graphularia Wetherellii
, found in the London Clay at many places†, and also in the Barton clay, is the only known type of the genus‡.

I have for a long time considered that a great many of the calcareous nodules found in the Crag have been washed out of the London Clay at some former period, and that the greater number were
On a Species of Fern from the Coal-Measures of Worcestershire
Authors: Morris John
Published: October 2009

Ferns with reticulate venation are comparatively rare in the Coal-measures, at least in this country, where no species having that character has, I believe, been hitherto recorded. Two or three pieces of micaceous sandstone, recently obtained by Mr. G. Roberts of Kidderminster, contain portions of fronds showing distinctly a loose reticulation or anastomosing venation. They were obtained by him from a shaly sandstone of the Coal-measures near Bewdley, and are associated with
Pecopteris Serlii, P. lonchitica, P. oreopteridis,
a form allied to
Sphenopteris latifolia, Lycopodites
, and
Noeggerathia
(?).

The genera which have been established for the reception of those fossil forms of the Coal-measures, having a more or less reticulate or anastomosing venation, are
Lonchopteris, Woodwardites
, and
Dictyopteris
.

Lonchopteris
, Brongniart, 1827.

Frond bipinnate or many times pinnatifid; pinnulæ more or less adherent at their base, traversed by a midrib; secondary veins reticualte.

This genus has the general form of
Pecopteris
, but is readily distinguished from it by the regular reticulated arrangement of the secondary veins. Five species are recorded, three belonging to the Coal-measures—
L. Bricei
(Brongn.),
L. rugosa
(Brongn.), and
L. anomala
(Göpp.) from the coal-schist of Zwickau; the other two species have been found in the Oolitic (
L. Huttonii
) and Wealden (
L. Mantelli
) strata of England: the latter also occurs in the lower greensand of the Isle of Wight. Another species has recently been added to this genus,—the
L. Germari
, Giebel (Zeitschrift für die gesammten Naturwissenschaften, 1857, vol. x. p. 301, pl. 1), from the coal of Löbejün. This