bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An End-user Application Programme for Surveying and Computer Aided Drafting (SCAD 2006)
Authors: Udagepola KP , Wijeratne AW , Li Xiang , Yang Xiaozong
Published: April 2010

Due to increasing use of land surveying practices along with technology advancements, a necessity for appropriate tools for task accomplishment has been occurred. A computer application program has been developed to make land surveying applications into a single user-friendly desktop operation to reduce the complexity of the surveying work. In the developed software (SCAD2006) the processing in outline and by the nature of snapshot provides a static view of activities. SCAD2006 acts as a bridge between raw data and digital maps because it provides required tools for digitalization. It benefits professional land surveyors in developing countries for efficient completion of mapping tasks. The pilot study revealed that 52% of Sri Lankan land surveyors are currently using this software, which indicates the practicability of it within a short period of time. DOI: 10.4038/suslj.v7i1.1843 Sabaragamuwa University Journal vol. 07 no.1, 2007 pp 48-63
Formalizing Domestic Tourism Sector in Sri Lanka: A Case Study on Southeast Dry Zone
Authors: Shantha M Sunil
Published: April 2010

Most countries in the world have gained economic advantages through tourism. They have implemented plans systematically for both domestic and international tourism sectors. In the recent world developed and developing countries have been taking more economic contribution from domestic tourism rather than from international tourism. Tourism industry in Sri Lanka is giving special attention to international tourism, but less attention to domestic tourism. The main objective of the study is to identify the recent salient features of the domestic tourism sector, analyzing the income expenditure patterns and the examining the possibility of introducing the tour package to the study area. The sample covers primary data from 200 domestic tourists and 100 related enterprises. The data analysis using simple regression analysis and it shows domestic tourists expenditure pattern has been change with formalizing the sector. In addition regional development, employment creation and income generation in the area was tremendously increased. Key words: Tourism; income; expenditure; regional development DOI: 10.4038/suslj.v8i1.1849 Sabaramuwa University Journal Vol. 8(1); December 2008, pp 33-48
Knowledge of Farmers about Pest Management Practices in Pambaimadu, Vavuniya District: An Ordered Probit Model Approach
Authors: Nagenthirarajah Subashiny , Thiruchelvam S
Published: April 2010

Similar to many developing countries, pesticide related issues in Sri Lanka have become a major concern in the recent past. Many researches were conducted to evolve technical alternatives for eco-friendly agriculture, but very less emphasis was given to the knowledge and behaviour of the farmers. Having recognized the need, present study was conducted to assess the farmers' knowledge level on pest management practices and socio-economic factors influencing the existing pest management practices. Ordered Probit model was used to analyze the data from 50 vegetable farmers who were randomly selected from Pampaimadu, Agricultural Instructor range in the Vavuniya district. Nearly 60% of the farmers had medium level of knowledge of plant protection practices. Only 6% of the farmers had good level of knowledge towards the recommended plant protection measures. Almost all the farmers depended on chemical pesticides for the management of pest and diseases but at 35% higher concentration than recommended level. Farming experience and social participation were positive and significantly contributed to farmers' knowledge on safe pesticide use. Education, income, age and family size of farmers had showed no relationship with the knowledge level of pest management. Increased social participation and, effective extension programmes are important to improve farmers' knowledge on proper use of pesticides and its effect on their health and environment. Key Words: Farmers Pest Management Knowledge; Ordered Probit Model DOI: 10.4038/suslj.v8i1.1852 Sabaramuwa University Journal Vol. 8(1); December 2008, pp 79-89
Counterregulation between the FcεRI Pathway and Antiviral Responses in Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Gill Michelle A. , Bajwa Gagan , George Tiffany A. , Dong Caroline C. , Dougherty Irene I. , Jiang Nan , Gan Vanthaya N. , Gruchalla Rebecca S.
Published: April 2010

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play essential roles in directing immune responses. These cells may be particularly important in determining the nature of immune responses to viral infections in patients with allergic asthma as well those with other atopic diseases. The purposes of this study were 1) to compare the functional capacity of pDCs in patients with one type of allergic disorder, allergic asthma, and controls; 2) to determine whether IgE cross-linking affects antiviral responses of influenza-exposed pDCs; and 3) to determine whether evidence of counterregulation of FcεRIα and IFN-α pathways exists in these cells. pDC function was assessed in a subset of asthma patients and in controls by measuring IFN-α production after exposure of purified pDCs to influenza viruses. FcεRIα expression on pDCs was determined by flow cytometry in blood samples from patients with allergic asthma and controls. pDCs from patients with asthma secreted significantly less IFN-α upon exposure to influenza A (572 versus 2815; p = 0.03), and secretion was inversely correlated with serum IgE levels. Moreover, IgE cross-linking prior to viral challenge resulted in 1) abrogation of the influenza-induced pDC IFN-α response; 2) diminished influenza and gardiquimod-induced TLR-7 upregulation in pDCs; and 3) interruption of influenza-induced upregulation of pDC maturation/costimulatory molecules. In addition, exposure to influenza and gardiquimod resulted in upregulation of TLR-7, with concomitant downregulation of FcεRIα expression in pDCs. These data suggest that counterregulation of FcεRI and TLR-7 pathways exists in pDCs, and that IgE cross-linking impairs pDC antiviral responses.
Allergic Conjunctivitis Exacerbates Corneal Allograft Rejection by Activating Th1 and Th2 Alloimmune Responses
Authors: Niederkorn Jerry Y. , Chen Peter W. , Mellon Jessamee , Stevens Christina , Mayhew Elizabeth
Published: April 2010

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) and airway hyperreactivity exacerbate corneal allograft rejection. Because AC and airway hyperreactivity are allergic diseases of mucosal tissues, we determined whether an allergic disease of a nonmucosal tissue would affect corneal allograft rejection and whether Th2 cells alone accounted for accelerated graft rejection in allergic mice. Hosts sensitized cutaneously with short ragweed pollen developed cutaneous immediate hypersensitivity but rejected corneal allografts at the same tempo and incidence as naive mice. Th2 immune deviation induced with keyhole limpet hemocyanin and IFA did not affect corneal allograft rejection. Thus, Th2 immune deviation alone does not account for the exacerbation of corneal allograft rejection that occurs in mice with AC. CD4+ T cells from AC mice elaborated Th1 (IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-13) cytokines when challenged with donor alloantigens. Adoptive transfer of Th1 or Th2 cells to nude mice, from AC mice that had rejected corneal allografts, produced graft rejection in 70% and 20% of the hosts, respectively. In contrast, adoptive transfer of a combination of Th1 and Th2 cells produced 100% rejection. Administration of exogenous IFN-γ could substitute for Th1 cells and produced 100% corneal allograft rejection in recipients of Th2 cells alone. By contrast, IFN-γ did not significantly enhance corneal allograft rejection mediated by Th1 cells. Thus, exacerbation of corneal allograft rejection in mice with AC is associated with a mixed Th1 and Th2 alloimmune response, and the contribution of Th1 cells is through their production of IFN-γ.
Ovalbumin-Derived Precursor Peptides Are Transferred Sequentially from gp96 and Calreticulin to MHC Class I in the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Kropp Laura E. , Garg Manish , Binder Robert J.
Published: April 2010

Cellular peptides generated by proteasomal degradation of proteins in the cytosol and destined for presentation by MHC class I (MHC-I) are associated with several chaperones. Heat shock proteins 70, 90, and the TCP-1 ring complex have been implicated as important cytosolic players for chaperoning these peptides. In this study, we report that gp96 and calreticulin are essential for chaperoning peptides in the endoplasmic reticulum. Importantly, we demonstrate that cellular peptides are transferred sequentially from gp96 to calreticulin and then to MHC-I forming a relay line. Disruption of this relay line by removal of gp96 or calreticulin prevents the binding of peptides by MHC-I and hence presentation of the MHC-I–peptide complex on the cell surface. Our results are important for understanding how peptides are processed and trafficked within the endoplasmic reticulum before exiting in association with MHC-I H chains and β2-microglobulin as a trimolecular complex.
Viperin Is Highly Induced in Neutrophils and Macrophages during Acute and Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection
Authors: Hinson Ella R. , Joshi Nikhil S. , Chen Jonathan H. , Rahner Christoph , Jung Yong Woo , Wang Xiuyan , Kaech Susan M. , Cresswell Peter
Published: April 2010

Although most cells are thought to respond to IFNs, there is limited information regarding specific cells that respond in vivo. Viperin is an IFN-induced antiviral protein and, therefore, is an excellent marker for IFN-responsive cells. In this study, we analyzed viperin expression in vivo during acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus Armstrong infection, which induces high levels of type I IFNs, and in persistently infected lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus carrier mice, which contain low levels of type I IFNs. Viperin was induced in lymphoid cells and dendritic cells (DCs) during acute infection and highly induced in neutrophils and macrophages. The expression kinetics in neutrophils, macrophages, and T and B cells paralleled IFN-α levels, but DCs expressed viperin with delayed kinetics. In carrier mice, viperin was expressed in neutrophils and macrophages but not in T and B cells or DCs. For acutely infected and carrier mice, viperin expression was IFN dependent, because treating type I IFNR knockout mice with IFN-γ–neutralizing Abs inhibited viperin expression. Viperin localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplet-like vesicles in neutrophils. These findings delineate the kinetics and cells responding to IFNs in vivo and suggest that the profile of IFN-responsive cells changes in chronic infections. Furthermore, these data suggest that viperin may contribute to the antimicrobial activity of neutrophils.
Chemogenomics: Systematization of Drug Discovery
Authors: Jacoby Edgar
Published: April 2010

Chemogenomics aims toward the systematic identification of small molecules that interact with the products of the genome and modulate their biological function. The establishment and expansion of a comprehensive ligand–target SAR (structure–activity relationship) matrix is following the elucidation of the human genome a key scientific challenge for the twenty‐first century. The annotation and knowledge‐based exploration of the ligand–target SAR matrix is then expected to impact. Progress alongside this challenge without doubt in first place will contribute to further the fundamental understanding of the biological function of the individual proteins and ultimately provide a basis for the discovery of new and better therapies for diseases.

While historically the chemogenomics approach is based on efforts that systematically explore target gene families, today broader
in vitro
and
in silico
approaches are available to encompass wider genomes.

Herein, we review relevant aspects of chemistry, biology, and molecular informatics that are the cornerstones of chemogenomics. The focus will be on the protein world; other gene products, such as RNA (1), or whole organism phenotypic readouts (2) will not be addressed.
Reversed Crystal Growth: Implications for Crystal Engineering
Authors: Zhou Wuzong
Published: April 2010

The discovery of reversed crystal growth routes in zeolite analcime and zeolite A implies that crystal growth does not always follow the classic theory established 100 years ago. Aggregation of nanoparticles may dominate in the early stages of crystal growth, followed by surface crystallization, and then extension from surface to core of the disordered aggregates. A perfect polyhedral morphology can be developed in a thin surface crystalline layer of a particle with a disordered core. Evidence of such a novel crystal growth phenomenon can be also found in many other materials. This article highlights the recent achievements in this topic, which might have a significant impact on crystal engineering, materials science, and mineralogy.
Storable and Air‐Stable Zirconium Complex‐Catalyzed Highly Enantioselective Darzens Reaction of Diazoacetamide with Aldehydes
Authors: He Long , Liu Wei‐Jun , Ren Lei , Lei Tao , Gong Liu‐Zhu
Published: April 2010

An asymmetric Darzens reaction of aldehydes with diazo‐N,N‐dimethylacetamide (3) catalyzd by an air‐stable and storable chiral zirconium Lewis acid catalyst, which is formed from 3,3′‐diiodobinaphthol and tetrabutoxyzirconium, gives solely the cis‐glycidic amides in high yields with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 97% yield, >99% ee).
Morpholinium Trifluoroacetate‐Catalyzed Aldol Condensation of Acetone with both Aromatic and Aliphatic Aldehydes
Authors: Zumbansen Kristina , Döhring Arno , List Benjamin
Published: April 2010

We report a highly efficient, general and practical method for the aldol condensation of acetone with aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, using morpholinium trifluoroacetate as a catalyst.
A Novel D2‐Symmetrical Chiral Tetraoxazoline Ligand for Highly Enantioselective Hydrosilylation of Aromatic Ketones
Authors: Li Wei Jie , Qiu Sheng Xiang
Published: April 2010

A novel D2‐symmetrical chiral tetraoxazoline ligand was synthesized from 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylic acid and L‐valinol via a one‐pot reaction, and the asymmetric hydrosilylation of aromatic ketones was carried out in dichloromethane in the presence of 1.0 mol% of a bivalent copper ion catalyst with the tetraoxazoline to give optically active secondary alcohols. The chiral catalyst showed excellent activities and enantioselectivities in the hydrosilylation of aryl ketones with up to 99% ee.
Consent for genetic research in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Levy Daniel , Splansky Greta Lee , Strand Nicolle K. , Atwood Larry D. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Blease Susan , Cupples L. Adrienne , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Fox Caroline S. , Kelly‐Hayes Margaret , Koski Greg , Larson Martin G. , Mutalik Karen M. , Oberacker Elizabeth , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Sutherland Patrice , Valentino Maureen , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Wolf Philip A. , Murabito Joanne M.
Published: April 2010

Extensive efforts have been aimed at understanding the genetic underpinnings of complex diseases that affect humans. Numerous genome‐wide association studies have assessed the association of genes with human disease, including the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), which genotyped 550,000 SNPs in 9,000 participants. The success of such efforts requires high rates of consent by participants, which is dependent on ethical oversight, communications, and trust between research participants and investigators. To study this we calculated percentages of participants who consented to collection of DNA and to various uses of their genetic information in two FHS cohorts between 2002 and 2009. The data included rates of consent for providing a DNA sample, creating an immortalized cell line, conducting research on various genetic conditions including those that might be considered sensitive, and for notifying participants of clinically significant genetic findings were above 95%. Only with regard to granting permission to share DNA or genetic findings with for‐profit companies was the consent rate below 95%. We concluded that the FHS has maintained high rates of retention and consent for genetic research that has provided the scientific freedom to establish collaborations and address a broad range of research questions. We speculate that our high rates of consent have been achieved by establishing frequent and open communications with participants that highlight extensive oversight procedures. Our approach to maintaining high consent rates via ethical oversight of genetic research and communication with study participants is summarized in this report and should be of help to other studies engaged in similar types of research. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dominant TRPV4 mutations in nonlethal and lethal metatropic dysplasia
Authors: Camacho Natalia , Krakow Deborah , Johnykutty Sharlin , Katzman Philip J. , Pepkowitz Samuel , Vriens Joris , Nilius Bernd , Boyce Brendan F. , Cohn Daniel H.
Published: April 2010

Metatropic dysplasia is a clinical heterogeneous skeletal dysplasia characterized by short extremities, a short trunk with progressive kyphoscoliosis, and craniofacial abnormalities that include a prominent forehead, midface hypoplasia, and a squared‐off jaw. Dominant mutations in the gene encoding TRPV4, a calcium permeable ion channel, were identified all 10 of a series of metatropic dysplasia cases, ranging in severity from mild to perinatal lethal. These data demonstrate that the lethal form of the disorder is dominantly inherited and suggest locus homogeneity in the disease. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated that the mutations activate the channel, indicating that the mechanism of disease may result from increased calcium in chondrocytes. Histological studies in two cases of lethal metatropic dysplasia revealed markedly disrupted endochondral ossification, with reduced numbers of hypertrophic chondrocytes and presence of islands of cartilage within the zone of primary mineralization. These data suggest that altered chondrocyte differentiation in the growth plate leads to the clinical findings in metatropic dysplasia. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cuisine: Classification using stylistic feature sets and/or name‐based feature sets
Authors: HaCohen‐Kerner Yaakov , Beck Hananya , Yehudai Elchai , Rosenstein Mordechay , Mughaz Dror
Published: April 2010

Document classification presents challenges due to the large number of features, their dependencies, and the large number of training documents. In this research, we investigated the use of six stylistic feature sets (including 42 features) and/or six name‐based feature sets (including 234 features) for various combinations of the following classification tasks: ethnic groups of the authors and/or periods of time when the documents were written and/or places where the documents were written. The investigated corpus contains Jewish Law articles written in Hebrew–Aramaic, which present interesting problems for classification. Our system CUISINE (Classification UsIng Stylistic feature sets and/or NamE‐based feature sets) achieves accuracy results between 90.71 to 98.99% for the seven classification experiments (ethnicity, time, place, ethnicity&time, ethnicity&place, time&place, ethnicity&time&place). For the first six tasks, the stylistic feature sets in general and the quantitative feature set in particular are enough for excellent classification results. In contrast, the name‐based feature sets are rather poor for these tasks. However, for the most complex task (ethnicity&time&place), a hill‐climbing model using all feature sets succeeds in significantly improving the classification results. Most of the stylistic features (34 of 42) are language‐independent and domain‐independent. These features might be useful to the community at large, at least for rather simple tasks.
Stability analysis and output‐feedback stabilization of discrete‐time systems with a time‐varying state delay and nonlinear perturbation
Authors: Chen K. F. , Fong I. K.
Published: April 2010

This paper aims to derive stability conditions and an output‐feedback stabilization method for discrete‐time systems with a time‐varying state delay and nonlinear perturbation. With a new way of handling the Lyapunov stability criterion, linear matrix inequality conditions are obtained for estimating bounds on delay to ensure the asymptotic stability. Based on the conditions, a synthesis procedure is developed for finding stabilizing output‐feedback gains, which are formulated as direct design variables. Three numerical examples are employed to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Prospects of stellar abundance studies from near‐IR spectra observed with the E‐ELT
Authors: Ryde N.
Published: April 2010

In 2006 ESO Council authorized a Phase B study of a European AO‐telescope with a 42 m segmented primary with a 5‐mirror design, the E‐ELT. Several reports and working groups have already presented science cases for an E‐ELT, specifically exploiting the new capabilities of such a large telescope. One of the aims of the design has been to find a balance in the performances between an E‐ELT and the James Webb Space Telescope, JWST. Apart from the larger photon‐collecting area, the strengths of the former is the higher attainable spatial and spectral resolutions. The E‐ELT AO system will have an optimal performance in the near‐IR, which makes it specially advantageous. High‐resolution spectroscopy in the near‐infrared has, however, not been discussed much. This paper aims at filling that gap, by specifically discussing spectroscopy of stellar (mainly red giant), photospheric abundances. Based on studies in the literature of stellar abundances, at the needed medium to high spectral resolutions in the near‐infrared (0.8–2.4 μm), I will try to extrapolate published results to the performance of the E‐ELT and explore what could be done at the E‐ELT in this field. A discussion on what instrument characteristics that would be needed for stellar abundance analyses in the near‐IR will be given (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Elemental abundance analyses with DAO spectrograms: XXX. The middle B through early A stars ξ2 Ceti (B9 III), 21 Aquilae (B8 II‐III), ι Aquilae (B5 III), and ι Delphini (A2V)
Authors: Adelman S.J. , Westbrook P.C. , Gulliver A.F.
Published: April 2010

This series of high quality elemental abundance analyses of mostly main‐sequence band normal and peculiar B, A, and F stars defines their properties and provides data for the comparison with the analyses of somewhat similar stars and with theoretical predictions. Most use high dispersion and high S/N (≥ 200) spectrograms obtained with CCD detectors at the long camera of the Coudé spectrograph of the 1.22‐m Dominion Astrophysical Observatory telescope. Here we reanalyze 21 Aql with better quality spectra and increase the number of stars consistently analyzed in the spectral range B5 to A2 by analyzing three new stars for this series. In the early A stars the normal and non‐mCP stars have abundances with overlapping ranges. But more stars are needed especially in the B5 to B9 range. ξ2 Cet on average has a solar composition with a few abundances outside the solar range while both 21 Aql and ι Aql have abundances marginally less than solar. The abundances of ι Del are greater than solar with a few elements such as Ca being less than solar. It is an Am star (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
STK: A new CCD camera at the University Observatory Jena
Authors: Mugrauer M. , Berthold T.
Published: April 2010

The Schmidt‐Teleskop‐Kamera (STK) is a new CCD‐imager, which is operated since begin of 2009 at the University Observatory Jena. This article describes the main characteristics of the new camera. The properties of the STK detector, the astrometry and image quality of the STK, as well as its detection limits at the 0.9 m telescope of the University Observatory Jena are presented (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
HD 1: The number‐one star in the sky
Authors: Strassmeier K.G. , Weber M. , Granzer T. , Dall T.H.
Published: April 2010

We present the first ever study of the bright star HD 1. The star was chosen arbitrarily just because of its outstanding Henry Draper number. Surprisingly, almost nothing is known about this bright 7.m4 star. Our observations were performed as part of the commissioning of the robotic telescope facility STELLA and its fiber‐fed high‐resolution optical echelle spectrograph SES in the years 2007–2010. We found long‐term radial velocity variations with a full amplitude of 9 km s–1 with an average velocity of –29.8 km s–1 and suggest the star to be a hitherto unknown single‐lined spectroscopic binary. A preliminary orbit with a period of 6.2 years (2279±69 days) and an eccentricity of 0.50±0.01 is given. Its rms uncertainty is just 73 m s–1. HD 1 appears to be a G9‐K0 giant of luminosity class IIIa with Teff = 4850±100 K, logg = 2.0±0.2, L ≈ 155 L⊙, a mass of 3.0±0.3 M⊙, a radius of 17.7 R⊙, and an age of ≈350 Myr. A relative abundance analysis led to a metallicity of [Fe/H] = –0.12 ± 0.09. The α ‐element silicon may indicate an overabundance of +0.13 though. The low strengths of some s‐process lines and a lower limit for the 12C/13C isotope ratio of ≥16 indicate that HD 1 is on the first ascend of the RGB. The absorption spectral lines appear rotationally broadened with a v sin i of 5.5±1.2 km s–1 but no chromospheric activity is evident. We also present photometric monitoring BV (RI)C data taken in parallel with STELLA. The star is likely a small‐amplitude (<10 mmag) photometric variable although no periodicity was found (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mindestschallschutz 2010 — die allgemein anerkannten Regeln der Technik (a. a. R. d. T.) und DIN 4109
Authors: Maack Jürgen
Published: April 2010

In Bezug auf den Mindestschallschutz bezeichnen die allgemein anerkannten Regeln der Technik das von der überwiegenden Zahl der Fachleute als angemessen betrachtete Anforderungsniveau. Das in der gegenwärtig vorliegenden Entwurfsfassung E DIN 4109, Ausgabe Oktober 2006 beschriebene Anforderungs niveau stimmt in weiten Bereichen leider nicht mit den a. a. R. d. T. über ein. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Eckpunkte des Anforderungsniveaus zum Mindestschallschutz formuliert.

Minimum sound insulation 2010 — generally accepted codes of practice and DIN 4109. With reference to minimum sound insulation, the ‘generally accepted codes of practice’ are defined as those levels of requirement considered appropriate by the majority of professionals in the field. The level of requirement described in the current draft version E DIN 4109, issued in October 2006, does not agree with the generally accepted codes of practice in many instances. This article defines key parameters of minimum sound insulation requirements.
The biological significance of substrate inhibition: A mechanism with diverse functions
Authors: Reed Michael C. , Lieb Anna , Nijhout H. Frederik
Published: April 2010

Many enzymes are inhibited by their own substrates, leading to velocity curves that rise to a maximum and then descend as the substrate concentration increases. Substrate inhibition is often regarded as a biochemical oddity and experimental annoyance. We show, using several case studies, that substrate inhibition often has important biological functions. In each case we discuss, the biological significance is different. Substrate inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase results in a steady synthesis of dopamine despite large fluctuations in tyrosine due to meals. Substrate inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enhances the neural signal and allows rapid signal termination. Substrate inhibition of phosphofructokinase ensures that resources are not devoted to manufacturing ATP when it is plentiful. In folate metabolism, substrate inhibition maintains reactions rates in the face of substantial folate deprivation. Substrate inhibition of DNA methyltransferase serves to faithfully copy DNA methylation patterns when cells divide while preventing de novo methylation of methyl‐free promoter regions.
Randomized clinical trial of intravenous soybean oil alone versus soybean oil plus fish oil emulsion after gastrointestinal cancer surgery
Authors: Jiang Z M , Wilmore D W , Wang X R , Wei J M , Zhang Z T , Gu Z Y , Wang S , Han S M , Jiang H , Yu K
Published: April 2010

Background

Specific immunonutrients may reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and shorten recovery time. This randomized trial evaluated the clinical efficacy of a fish oil emulsion on outcome and immune function after gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

Methods

A total of 206 patients with gastrointestinal or colonic cancer were randomized to receive isocaloric and isonitrogenous intravenous infusions of either soybean oil alone (1·2 g per kg bodyweight per day; control group, 103 analysed) or soybean plus fish oil emulsion (1·0 and 0·2 g per kg per day respectively; treatment group, 100 analysed) over 20–24 h daily for 7 days after surgery.

Results

Baseline data were comparable in the two groups. There were fewer infectious complications (four versus 12 on day 8; P = 0·066), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was significantly less common (four versus 13; P = 0·039) and hospital stay was significantly shorter (mean(s.d.) 15(5) versus 17(8) days; P = 0·041) in the treatment group. Total postoperative medical costs were comparable in the two groups (mean(s.d.) US $ 1269(254) and 1302(324) in treatment and control groups respectively; P = 0·424). The median (interquartile range) difference in CD4/CD8 between days 1 and 8 after surgery was + 0·30 (0·06 to 0·79) in patients receiving fish oil and + 0·20 (−0·19 to 0·55) in controls (P = 0·021). No severe adverse events occurred in either group.

Conclusion

Fish oil emulsion-supplemented parenteral nutrition significantly reduced SIRS and length of hospital stay. These clinical benefits may be related to normalization of cellular immune functions and modulation of the inflammatory response. Registration number: NCT00292279 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Long-term benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis of screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lindholt J S , Sørensen J , Søgaard R , Henneberg E W
Published: April 2010

Background

The aim was to estimate long-term mortality benefits and cost-effectiveness of screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in men aged 64–73 years.

Methods

All men aged 64–73 years living in Viborg County were randomized to be controls (n = 6306) or invited for abdominal ultrasonography at a regional hospital (n = 6333). Mortality and AAA-related interventions were recorded in national databases. The cost of initial screening was based on actual costs of the programme. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated on gains in life years and Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY). Discounting (3 per cent) was applied to both costs and effects, and all costs were adjusted to euros at 2007 prices.

Results

The relative risk reduction of the screening programme in AAA-related mortality was 66 per cent (hazard ratio 0·34, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·20 to 0·57). The corresponding risk reduction in all-cause mortality was 2 per cent (hazard ratio 0·98, 95 per cent c.i. 0·93 to 1·03). The ICER was estimated at €157 (−3292 to 4401) per life year gained and €179 (−4083 to 4682) per QALY gained. Screening was found to be cost effective at a probability above 0·97 for a willingness-to-pay threshold of only €5000. One-way sensitivity analysis demonstrated that this result was robust to various alternative assumptions, as the probability did not drop below 0·90 for any scenario.

Conclusion

The mortality benefit of screening for AAA in men aged 64–73 years was maintained in the longer term and screening was cost effective. Registration number: ISRCTN65822028 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
Preoperative estimation of remnant hepatic function using fusion images obtained by 99mTc-labelled galactosyl-human serum albumin liver scintigraphy and computed tomography
Authors: Yumoto Y , Yagi T , Sato S , Nouso K , Kobayashi Y , Ohmoto M , Yumoto E , Nagaya I , Nakatsukasa H
Published: April 2010

Background

Assessment of hepatic functional reserve is important in hepatic resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) analysis in the preoperative estimation of remnant liver function in liver surgery.

Methods

One hundred and one patients undergoing hepatic resection for liver tumours were studied. Seventeen patients had preoperative percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (PTPE). Function of the hepatic remnant was estimated before surgery using radioactivity in fusion images of both liver single-photon emission computed tomography and computed tomography scans using 99mTc-labelled diethylene triamine penta-acetate–galactosyl-human serum albumin.

Results

All three patients with an ASGP-R concentration below 400 nmol/l and preoperative total amount of receptor in the future remnant liver (R0-remnant) of less than 53·0 nmol per liver died. Two patients with chronic hepatitis and R0-remnant values between 53·0 and 65·0 nmol per liver and a receptor concentration lower than 600 nmol/l developed liver dysfunction. The incidence of liver failure decreased inversely with increasing R0-remnant value.

Conclusion

A combination of receptor concentration and the amount of hepatic receptor in the future liver remnant as detected on fusion images is useful in evaluating the risk of postoperative liver failure.
Short- and medium-term results of totally laparoscopic resection for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Abu Hilal M , Underwood T , Zuccaro M , Primrose J , Pearce N
Published: April 2010

Background

Laparoscopic surgery for primary colorectal cancer is now commonplace but the uptake of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) has been slow, mainly owing to doubts regarding safety, feasibility and oncological efficiency.

Methods

Prospectively collected data of all patients treated for CRLM between 2004 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. The database was analysed for operative details, hospital stay, postoperative results and medium-term survival.

Results

Over 5 years, 135 patients underwent liver surgery for CRLM. For laparoscopic procedures, the median duration of operation was 220 min and median blood loss was 363 ml; a mean tumour-free resection margin of 17·0 mm was achieved (more than 1 cm in 76 per cent), and no port-site metastasis or surgical-site recurrence was observed. The procedure was converted to open surgery in six patients (two for bleeding). Overall survival for the laparoscopic group approached 90 per cent with median follow-up of 22 months.

Conclusion

In this series totally laparoscopic CRLM resection had good short- and medium-term results in terms of mortality, morbidity, resection margins, local recurrence or port-site metastasis, and survival. Compared with contemporaneous open experience, the laparoscopic approach was safe and effective in a highly selected consecutive series.
Maximizing productivity of CHO cell‐based fed‐batch culture using chemically defined media conditions and typical manufacturing equipment
Authors: Huang Yao‐Ming , Hu WeiWei , Rustandi Eddie , Chang Kevin , Yusuf‐Makagiansar Helena , Ryll Thomas
Published: April 2010

A highly productive chemically defined fed‐batch process was developed to maximize titer and volumetric productivity for Chinese hamster ovary cell‐based recombinant protein manufacturing. Two cell lines producing a recombinant antibody (cell line A) and an Fc‐fusion protein (cell line B) were used for development. Both processes achieved product titers of 10 g/L on day 18 under chemically defined conditions. For cell line B, the use of plant derived hydrolysates combined with the optimized chemically defined medium increased the titer to 13 g/L. Volumetric productivities were increased from a base line of about 200 mg/L/d to about 500 mg/L/d under chemically defined conditions and as high as 700 mg/L/d with cell line B using plant derived hydrolysates. Peak cell densities reached greater than 20E6 vc/mL, and cell viabilities were maintained above 80% on day 18 without the use of antiapoptotic genes or temperature shift. A rapid compound screening method was developed to effectively test positive factors within 72 h. Peak volumetric oxygen uptake rates (OUR) more than tripled from the baseline condition. Oxygen demand continued to increase after maximum cell density was reached with a maximal OUR of 3.7 mmol/L/h. The new process format was scaled up and verified at 100 L pilot scale using reactor equipment of similar configuration as used at manufacturing scale. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
In vitro folding of methionine‐arginine human lyspro‐proinsulin S‐sulfonate—Disulfide formation pathways and factors controlling yield
Authors: Chen Shuang , Adijanto Lawrence , Wang Nien‐Hwa Linda
Published: April 2010

We investigated the in vitro folding of an oxidized proinsulin (methionine‐arginine human lyspro‐proinsulin S‐sulfonate), using cysteine as a reducing agent at 5°C and high pH (10.5–11). Folding intermediates were detected and characterized by means of matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS), reversed‐phase chromatography (RPC), size‐exclusion chromatography, and gel electrophoresis. The folding kinetics and yield depended on the protein and cysteine concentrations. RPC coupled with MALDI‐MS analyses indicated a sequential formation of intermediates with one, two, and three disulfide bonds. The MALDI‐MS analysis of Glu‐C digested, purified intermediates indicated that an intra‐A‐chain disulfide bond formed first among A6, A7, and A11. Various non‐native intra‐A (A20 with A6, A7, or A11), intra‐B (between B7 and B19), and inter‐A‐B disulfide bonds were observed in the intermediates with two disulfide bonds. The intermediates with three disulfide bonds had mainly the non‐native intra‐A and intra‐B bonds. At a cysteine‐to‐proinsulin‐SH ratio of 3.5, all intermediates with the non‐native disulfide bonds were converted to properly folded proinsulin via disulfide bond reshuffling, which was the slowest step. Aggregation via the formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds of early intermediates was the major cause of yield loss. At a higher cysteine‐to‐proinsulin‐SH ratio, some intermediates and folded MR‐KPB‐hPI were reduced to proteins with thiolate anions, which caused unfolding and even more yield loss than what resulted from aggregation of the early intermediates. Reducing protein concentration, while keeping an optimal cysteine‐to‐protein ratio, can improve folding yield significantly. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Human hematopoietic progenitor cells grow faster under rotational laminar flows
Authors: Murugappan G. , Carrillo‐Cocom L. M. , Johnson K. E. , González‐Barrón M. T. , Moreno‐Cuevas J. E. , Alvarez M. M.
Published: April 2010

We report significant and reproducible growth acceleration of human progenitor cells when exposed to rotational flow when compared with stationary conditions. Nonenriched CD34+ umbilical cord derived human hematopoietic progenitor cells were cultured in Petri dishes located at different radial distances with respect to the central axis of a rotating platform. Growth dynamics under 3 or 5 rpm agitation was compared against that observed under typical stationary conditions. Cells cultured at 3 or 5 rpm exhibited (a) the absence of a latency phase, (b) an increase in final cell concentrations by 54–58.5%, and (c) reduced doubling time in their exponential phase by 12–16% in comparison with stationary culture. Cells grown under rotational agitation were confirmed to remain CD34+ by PCR. These results document a significant positive effect of exposure to laminar flow fields on the growth of human hematopoietic progenitor cells. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Economic impact of total solids loading on enzymatic hydrolysis of dilute acid pretreated corn stover
Authors: Humbird David , Mohagheghi Ali , Dowe Nancy , Schell Daniel J.
Published: April 2010

In process integration studies of the biomass‐to‐ethanol conversion process, it is necessary to understand how cellulose conversion yields vary as a function of solids and enzyme loading and other key operating variables. The impact of solids loading on enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis of dilute acid pretreated corn stover slurry was determined using an experimental response surface design methodology. From the experimental work, an empirical correlation was obtained that expresses monomeric glucose yield from enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis as a function of solids loading, enzyme loading, and temperature. This correlation was used in a technoeconomic model to study the impact of solids loading on ethanol production economics. The empirical correlation was used to provide a more realistic assessment of process cost by accounting for changes in cellulose conversion yields at different solids and enzyme loadings as well as enzyme cost. As long as enzymatic cellulose conversion drops off at higher total solids loading (due to end‐product inhibition or other factors), there is an optimum value for the total solids loading that minimizes the ethanol production cost. The optimum total solids loading shifts to higher values as enzyme cost decreases. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Strategies for selecting recombinant CHO cell lines for cGMP manufacturing: Improving the efficiency of cell line generation
Authors: Porter Alison J. , Racher Andrew J. , Preziosi Richard , Dickson Alan J.
Published: April 2010

Transfectants with a wide range of cellular phenotypes are obtained during the process of cell line generation. For the successful manufacture of a therapeutic protein, a means is required to identify a cell line with desirable growth and productivity characteristics from this phenotypically wide‐ranging transfectant population. This identification process is on the critical path for first‐in‐human studies. We have stringently examined a typical selection strategy used to isolate cell lines suitable for cGMP manufacturing. One‐hundred and seventy‐five transfectants were evaluated as they progressed through the different assessment stages of the selection strategy. High producing cell lines, suitable for cGMP manufacturing, were identified. However, our analyses showed that the frequency of isolation of the highest producing cell lines was low and that ranking positions were not consistent between each assessment stage, suggesting that there is potential to improve upon the strategy. Attempts to increase the frequency of isolation of the 10 highest producing cell lines, by in silico analysis of alternative selection strategies, were unsuccessful. We identified alternative strategies with similar predictive capabilities to the typical selection strategy. One alternate strategy required fewer cell lines to be progressed at the assessment stages but the stochastic nature of the models means that cell line numbers are likely to change between programs. In summary, our studies illuminate the potential for improvement to this and future selection strategies, based around use of assessments that are more informative or that reduce variance, paving the way to improved efficiency of generation of manufacturing cell lines. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Functional roles of PC‐PLC and Cdc20 in the cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Yu Yongfeng , Fu Da , Li Ziming , Niu Xiaoming , Liao Meilin , Lu Shun
Published: April 2010

Phosphatidylcholine‐specific phospholipase C (PC‐PLC) is the major enzyme in the Phosphatidylcholine (PC) cycle and is involved in many long‐term cellular responses such as activation, proliferation, and differentiation events. Cell division cycle 20 homolog (Cdc20) is an essential cell‐cycle regulator required for the completion of mitosis. Our previous studies identified the interaction between PC‐PLC and Cdc20. Through the interaction, Cdc20 could mediate the degradation of PC‐PLC by Cdc20‐mediated ubiquitin proteasome pathway (UPP). In this study, we found that PC‐PLC might not be involved in cancer metastasis. Inhibition of PC‐PLC by D609 could cause cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis inhibition in CBRH‐7919 cells. Inhibition of PC‐PLC could also influence the cell cycle by arresting the cells in G1 phase, and Cdc20 might be involved in these processes. Taken together, in this report, we provided new evidence for the functional roles of PC‐PLC and Cdc20 in the cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis in CBRH‐7919 cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ChemInform Abstract: Two Caesium Vanadium Hydrogenphosphates, with Tunnelled Structures: Cs2V2O3(PO4)(HPO4) and Cs2 [(VO)3(HPO4)4(H2O)] ·H2O.
Authors: Gautier Romain , Colin Jean‐Francois , Le Fur Eric
Published: April 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Thermodynamic Modelling of the Mg—Ge—Si, Mg—Ge—Sn, Mg—Pb—Si and Mg—Pb—Sn Systems.
Authors: Jung In‐Ho , Kim Jina
Published: April 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Photogeneration of Nitrosyl Linkage Isomers in Octahedrally Coordinated Platinum Complexes in the Red Spectral Range.
Authors: Schaniel Dominik , Woike Theo , Behrnd Norwid‐R. , Hauser Juerg , Kraemer Karl W. , Todorova Teodora , Delley Bernard
Published: April 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Diastereomeric P*‐Mono‐ and P*, P*‐Bidentate Diamidophosphite Ligands Based on 1,4:3,6‐Dianhydro‐D‐mannitol in Asymmetric Metallocomplex Catalysis.
Authors: Lyubimov S. E. , et al. et al.
Published: April 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Synthetic Protocol of trans‐Substituted Cyclopentenes via the Ring‐Opening Rearrangement of MCP Alkenyl Derivatives.
Authors: Tang Xiang‐Ying , Shi Min
Published: April 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Reductive Dehalogenation of Aryl Bromides and Chlorides and Their Use as Aryl Blocking Groups.
Authors: Ramanathan Ahalya , Jimenez Leslie S.
Published: April 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.