bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
QUANTUM CHEMISTRY STUDIES ON THE Fe-Hg INTERACTIONS AND 31P NMR IN [Fe(CO)3(RPhPpy)2 (HgCl2)] (R = Me, Et, Ph)
Authors: XU XUAN , LI QIN-YU , FANG LIANG , SU ZHONG-MIN
Published: February 2011

In order to study the effects of R group on Fe-Hg interactions and 31P NMR, the structures of mononuclear complexes [Fe(CO)3(RPhPpy)2] (1: R = Me; 2: R = Et; 3: R = Ph) and binuclear complexes [Fe(CO)3(RPhPpy)2(HgCl2)] (4: R = Me; 6: R = Et; 6: R = Ph) were calculated by density functional theory (DFT) PBE0 method. Moreover, the 31P NMR chemical shifts were calculated by PBE0-GIAO method. The replacement of Ph group in Ph2Ppy ligands with Me or Et group results in higher stabilities and stronger Fe-Hg interactions. The stabilities of binuclear complexes follow the order of 5 > 4 >6. Although the electrostatic interactions in 5 are weaker, the weaker repulsion interactions and stronger orbital interactions lead to the highest stability. The strength of Fe → Hg interactions, which mainly attribute to σFe-P → nHg and σFe-C → nHg charge-transfer interactions, follows the order of 5 > 4 > 6. The 31P NMR chemical shifts in mononuclear complexes 1 ~ 3 or binuclear complexes 4 ~ 6 increase with the increase of electron-withdrawing effect of R group following the order of Me < Et < Ph. Due to Fe → Hg interactions, the charge-transfer from R groups towards the P , Fe and Hg atoms increases the electron density on P nucleus in binuclear complexes. Besides, the stronger σFe-C → nP charge-transfer in binuclear complexes can also increase the electron density of P nucleus. As a result, compared with corresponding mononuclear complexes, the 31P chemical shifts in binuclear complexes show some reduction.
USING THE QUASI-CLASSICAL TRAJECTORY METHOD TO STUDY THE F + H2 AND ITS ISOTOPIC VARIANTS: VECTOR CORRELATIONS
Authors: PING WANG
Published: February 2011

The vector correlations between products and reagents for the reactions F + HH → HF + H , F + HD → HF + D and F + HT → HF + T , have been investigated using the quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) method on the Stark-Werner (SW) ab initio potential energy surface. The distribution P(θr) of angle between k′ and j′, the distribution P(ϕr) of dihedral angle denoting k-k′-j′ correlation are calculated. The polarization dependent generalized differential cross sections have also been studied. The evident influence of isotope substitution on the product polarization is revealed. This effect may be derived from the different mass factor of the three reactions and the barrier height of the F + H2 PES.
Human-environment interactions in the development of early Chinese civilization
Authors: Rapp George , Jing Zhichun
Published: February 2011

Beginning with the earliest organized habitation sites the options provided by the regional environment have largely or partially governed the location and relocation of human settlements. The settlement system in second millennium BCE Henan Province, China, evolved during a period of significant climatic change and shifting river courses but relative soil stability. Human–environment interactions across the landscape have left ample remains for investigation by scholars of social and cultural change and by natural scientists. The social effects of climate and geomorphological change during this period are complex and only partially understood. It is well documented that long-term soil stability before and during the second millennium BCE gave rise to the development of good agricultural soils, without which population expansion probably could not have taken place. This paper summarizes some of the recent research in climate change and, from two of our own projects, in geomorphology and ecology that underlie environmental impacts on the evolving state-level societies, especially related to settlement location and relocation. For example, the Shang possibly relocated one or more capital sites in response to disastrous floods.
Raw material economics in their environmental context: an example from the Middle Palaeolithic of southern France
Authors: Wilson Lucy
Published: February 2011

To understand the human behaviour reflected in stone tool assemblages, we must take into account the characteristics of the lithic resources, their distribution across the landscape, the characteristics of the landscape itself, the distribution of other resources such as water and food, and human strategies of mobility and resource exploitation. The assemblage from one layer of a Middle Palaeolithic rock shelter site, the Bau de l'Aubesier, shows that raw materials from different areas were used in different ways: they are more or less common in the assemblage, and they are more or less likely to have been brought in as raw material and knapped
in situ
. Various factors may have influenced this pattern. Measures of terrain difficulty and energy expenditure, the raw material quality, and characteristics of the sources are woven together to determine the attractiveness of each source. This is then placed in the context of the geology and geography of the area to distinguish a ‘main’ or core territory from a more extended territory visited during longer trips. The results show the value of taking a geoarchaeological perspective, which sees nature and culture as inextricably intertwined.
Reassessing Hypsithermal human-environment interaction on the Northern Plains
Authors: Robertson Elizabeth C.
Published: February 2011

Palaeoenvironmental records from the Northern Plains of North America attest to an extended period of Middle Holocene warming and drying, making this a useful region and period for research on long-term human response to marked climate change. However, archaeological perspectives on human–environment interaction during this episode have remained preoccupied with a refugial model that incorporates limited latitude for dynamic human adaptation. In part, this situation reflects the challenging geomorphological and typological obstacles faced by those studying this period. However, this paper argues that our failure to develop new perspectives also reflects a longstanding and continued conservatism that casts Northern Plains lifeways as inflexible and unchanging, rather than dynamic and adaptable.
Environmental limitations on agricultural development of the forest zone of the East European Plain (Russian Federation)
Authors: Trapeznikova Olga N.
Published: February 2011

Intensive agricultural development of the forest zone of the East European Plain started in the second part of the first millennium AD. Although the majority of the mediaeval population were peasants, archaeological study of ancient rural settlements is much less developed than that of ancient towns. The analysis of interrelationships between environmental conditions and the agricultural pattern across space, including the corresponding pattern of rural settlements, helps us to delimit the spatial frame in which it is possible to find rural settlements of different historical epochs, even if they have since disappeared. Five areas with different historical types of agricultural landscapes were revealed, based on their geological and climatic characteristics. Another analysis essential for archaeology deals with the age of contemporary agricultural landscapes and rural settlements along with the factors and laws that control their changes through time and space.
Quaternary landscape evolution and human occupation in northwestern Argentina
Authors: Vattuone M. M. Sampietro , Neder L.
Published: February 2011

Our study area is located in northwestern Argentina. It is a semiarid valley in which developed agricultural pre-Columbian settlements were located. The objectives of our research were to establish the geomorphological characteristics of the area, its relative chronological development, and the relationships between geomorphological development and pre-Columbian settlements.

Pre-Quaternary lithologies are represented by a metamorphic basement that is commonly exposed on slopes and belongs to the Precambrian and Cambrian periods. Tertiary sediments from several formations are exposed over an extensive surface forming cuesta relief landforms. Quaternary landscape units were classified according to their genesis into structural–denudational landforms (denudational slopes and structural scarps), denudational landforms (covered glacis), fluvio-alluvial landforms (alluvial fans, fluvial fans, and fluvial terraces) and aeolian forms (stabilized dunes).

Archaeological sites belonging to the Formative (500 BC–AD 1000) and Regional Development (AD 1000–1500) periods were identified. The main archaeological sites are located on the surfaces of debris-flow deposits and some covered glacis. They are characterized by the presence of residential units together with agricultural structures (terraces and irrigation channels). The earlier settlements (Formative period) are restricted to alluvial fan landforms (debris-flow deposits), where present hydrological supply is lower than in the rest of the study area. Later settlements (Regional Development period) are juxtaposed with earlier settlements in the south of the area, where present hydrological supply is higher owing to larger river catchments and moisture-laden winds from the SE.
δ
13
C, δ
18
O and deposition rate of tufa in Xiangshui River, SW China: implications for land-cover change caused by climate and human impact during the late Holocene
Authors: Liu Zaihua , Sun Hailong , Li Hongchun , Wan Naijung
Published: February 2011

Measurements of δ
13
C and δ
18
O values of the riverine tufa samples dated by the accelerating mass spectrometry-
14
C method have been used for discussion of land-cover change in the catchment area of the Xiangshui River, SW China during the late Holocene. The results show that tufa was deposited in this short river only between
c
. 4280 and
c
. 110 years BP. Based on the characteristics of δ
13
C values of the complete tufa profile in the river, three stages of land-cover conditions in the headwater area could be identified. The earliest, Stage I, contained the most extensive vegetation cover with mainly C3 plants, as shown by the lightest δ
13
C value, whereas the latest, Stage III, had the least land cover, reflected by the heaviest δ
13
C value. By comparison of speleothem and historical records, it was found that the land cover in Stage I was controlled mainly by climate change, whereas the land-cover changes in the later two stages were most probably related to major human disturbance (land use), especially since the Qin Dynasty and Ming Dynasty, in the headwater area of the river.
Methanol Production via Bioelectrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide: Role of Carbonic Anhydrase in Improving Electrode Performance
Authors: Addo Paul K. , Arechederra Robert L. , Waheed Abdul , Shoemaker James D. , Sly William S. , Minteer Shelley D.
Published: February 2011

Electrocatalytic production of methanol from CO2 has recently been studied. This paper focuses on understanding the role of carbonic anhydrase to efficiently facilitate uptake of CO2, which can be the rate determining step. The three oxidoreductase enzymes responsible for CO2 reduction to methanol are formate, aldehyde, and alcohol dehydrogenase. This enzyme cascade was coupled to a poly(neutral red) modified electrode to regenerate NADH. We have found that the dehydrogenases alone can achieve reduction of CO2, but the process is accelerated by the addition of carbonic anhydrase. As researchers focus on electrofuels, carbonic anhydrase will likely improve performance.
Energy intake and adiponectin gene expression
Authors: Qiao Liping , Lee Bonggi , Kinney Brice , Yoo Hyung sun , Shao Jianhua
Published: February 2011

Hypoadiponectinemia and decreased adiponectin gene expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) have been well observed in obese subjects and animal models. However, the mechanism for obesity-associated hypoadiponectinemia is still largely unknown. To investigate the regulatory role of energy intake, dietary fat, and adiposity in adiponectin gene expression and blood adiponectin level, a series of feeding regimens was employed to manipulate energy intake and dietary fat in obese-prone C57BL/6, genetically obese ob/ob, obese-resistant A/J and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α gene knockout (PPARα KO) mice. Adiponectin gene expression in WAT and circulating adiponectin levels were studied in these dietary intervention-treated mice. Our study showed that calorie restriction (CR) robustly increased adiponectin gene expression in epididymal fat and blood adiponectin levels in both low-fat (LF) and high-fat (HF) diet-fed C57BL/6 mice. Although HF pair-fed C57BL/6 mice received the same amount of calories as LF ad libitum-fed mice, HF diet clearly increased adiposity but showed no significant effects on adiponectin gene expression and blood adiponectin level. CR also significantly increased blood adiponectin levels in ob/ob and A/J mice. Neither CR nor HF feeding displayed any significant effect on blood adiponectin half-life in C57BL/6 mice. Interestingly, CR increased PPARα expression in epididymal fat of C57BL/6 mice. Low levels of blood adiponectin and adiponectin gene expression in WAT were observed in PPARα KO mice. PPARα agonist treatment increased adiponectin mRNA levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, CR failed to increase adiponectin gene expression and blood adiponectin levels in PPARα KO mice. Therefore, our study demonstrated that energy intake, not dietary fat, plays an important role in regulating adiponectin gene expression and blood adiponectin level. PPARα mediates CR-enhanced adiponectin gene expression in WAT.
MAPKs and NF-κB differentially regulate cytokine expression in the diaphragm in response to resistive breathing: the role of oxidative stress
Authors: Sigala Ioanna , Zacharatos Panayiotis , Toumpanakis Dimitris , Michailidou Tatiana , Noussia Olga , Theocharis Stamatios , Roussos Charis , Papapetropoulos Andreas , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros
Published: February 2011

Inspiratory resistive breathing (IRB) induces cytokine expression in the diaphragm. The mechanism of this cytokine induction remains elusive. The roles of MAPKs and NF-κB and the impact of oxidative stress in IRB-induced cytokine upregulation in the diaphragm were studied. Wistar rats were subjected to IRB (50% of maximal inspiratory pressure) via a two-way nonrebreathing valve for 1, 3, or 6 h. Additional groups of rats subjected to IRB for 6 h were randomly assigned to receive either solvent or N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) or inhibitors of NF-κB (BAY-11–7082), ERK1/2 (PD98059), and P38 MAPK (SB203580) to study the effect of oxidative stress, NF-κB, and MAPKs in IRB-induced cytokine upregulation in the diaphragm. Quietly breathing animals served as controls. IRB upregulated cytokine (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-2, IL-1β) protein levels in the diaphragm and resulted in increased activation of MAPKs (P38, ERK1/2) and NF-κB. Inhibition of NF-κB and ERK1/2 blunted the upregulation of all cytokines except that of IL-6, which was further increased. P38 inhibition attenuated all cytokine (including IL-6) upregulation. Both P38 and ERK1/2 inhibition decreased NF-κB/p65 subunit phosphorylation. NAC pretreatment blunted IRB-induced cytokine upregulation in the diaphragm and resulted in decreased ERK1/2, P38, and NF-κB/p65 phosphorylation. In conclusion, IRB-induced cytokine upregulation in the diaphragm is under the regulatory control of MAPKs and NF-κB. IL-6 is regulated differently from all other cytokines through a P38-dependent and NF-κB independent pathway. Oxidative stress is a stimulus for IRB-induced cytokine upregulation in the diaphragm.
Transient bold activity locked to perceptual reversals of auditory streaming in human auditory cortex and inferior colliculus
Authors: Schadwinkel Stefan , Gutschalk Alexander
Published: February 2011

Our auditory system separates and tracks temporally interleaved sound sources by organizing them into distinct auditory streams. This streaming phenomenon is partly determined by physical stimulus properties but additionally depends on the internal state of the listener. As a consequence, streaming perception is often bistable and reversals between one- and two-stream percepts may occur spontaneously or be induced by a change of the stimulus. Here, we used functional MRI to investigate perceptual reversals in streaming based on interaural time differences (ITD) that produce a lateralized stimulus perception. Listeners were continuously presented with two interleaved streams, which slowly moved apart and together again. This paradigm produced longer intervals between reversals than stationary bistable stimuli but preserved temporal independence between perceptual reversals and physical stimulus transitions. Results showed prominent transient activity synchronized with the perceptual reversals in and around the auditory cortex. Sustained activity in the auditory cortex was observed during intervals where the ΔITD could potentially produce streaming, similar to previous studies. A localizer-based analysis additionally revealed transient activity time locked to perceptual reversals in the inferior colliculus. These data suggest that neural activity associated with streaming reversals is not limited to the thalamo-cortical system but involves early binaural processing in the auditory midbrain, already.
Synchronization between the end stages of the dorsal and the ventral visual stream
Authors: Verhoef Bram-Ernst , Vogels Rufin , Janssen Peter
Published: February 2011

The end stage areas of the ventral (IT) and the dorsal (AIP) visual streams encode the shape of disparity-defined three-dimensional (3D) surfaces. Recent anatomical tracer studies have found direct reciprocal connections between the 3D-shape selective areas in IT and AIP. Whether these anatomical connections are used to facilitate 3D-shape perception is still unknown. We simultaneously recorded multi-unit activity (MUA) and local field potentials in IT and AIP while monkeys discriminated between concave and convex 3D shapes and measured the degree to which the activity in IT and AIP synchronized during the task. We observed strong beta-band synchronization between IT and AIP preceding stimulus onset that decreased shortly after stimulus onset and became modulated by stereo-signal strength and stimulus contrast during the later portion of the stimulus period. The beta-coherence modulation was unrelated to task-difficulty, regionally specific, and dependent on the MUA selectivity of the pairs of sites under study. The beta-spike-field coherence in AIP predicted the upcoming choice of the monkey. Several convergent lines of evidence suggested AIP as the primary source of the AIP-IT synchronized activity. The synchronized beta activity seemed to occur during perceptual anticipation and when the system has stabilized to a particular perceptual state but not during active visual processing. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that synchronized activity exists between the end stages of the dorsal and ventral stream during 3D-shape discrimination.
MicroRNA expression signature in atrial fibrillation with mitral stenosis
Authors: Xiao Junjie , Liang Dandan , Zhang Yangyang , Liu Yi , Zhang Hong , Liu Ying , Li Li , Liang Xingqun , Sun Yunfu , Chen Yi-Han
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the microRNA (miRNA) signature in atrial fibrillation (AF) with mitral stenosis (MS). miRNA arrays were used to evaluate the expression signature of the right atrial appendages of healthy individuals ( n = 9), patients with MS and AF ( n = 9) and patients with MS without AF ( n = 4). The results were validated with qRT-PCR analysis. GOmir was used to predict the potential miRNA targets and to analyze their functions. DIANA-mirPath was used to incorporate the miRNAs into pathways. miRNA arrays revealed that 136 and 96 miRNAs were expressed at different levels in MS patients with AF and in MS patients without AF, respectively, compared with healthy controls. More importantly, 28 miRNAs were expressed differently in the MS patients with AF compared with the MS patients without AF; of these miRNAs, miR-1202 was the most dysregulated. The unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis based on the 28 differently expressed miRNAs showed that the heat map of miRNA expression categorized two well-defined clusters that corresponded to MS with AF and MS without AF. The qRT-PCR results correlated well with the microarray data. Bioinformatic analysis indicated the potential miRNA targets and molecular pathways. This study shows that there is a distinct miRNA expression signature in AF with MS. The findings may be useful for the development of therapeutic interventions that are based on rational target selection in these patients.
A mini-review: microRNA in arthritis
Authors: Nakasa Tomoyuki , Nagata Yoshihiko , Yamasaki Keiichiro , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: February 2011

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of noncoding RNA that exhibits tissue- or developmental stage-specific expression patterns and negatively regulates gene expression. MiRNAs play an important role in human diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA is characterized by the progressive destruction of articular cartilage, and several miRNAs exhibit altered expression, playing a role in regulating gene expression in OA pathogenesis, especially in catabolic factors such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and aggrecanases. RA is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by irreversible joint destruction due to chronic synovial inflammation. MiRNAs play an important role in inflammatory response, synovial cell proliferation, and production of MMPs in RA synovial tissues. The expression level of several miRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells correlates with RA disease activity. Recently, therapeutic trials aimed at targeting miRNA in vivo have been conducted. Targeting miRNA will enable a new advanced strategy toward arthritis treatment.
Role of the estrogen/estrogen-receptor-beta axis in the genomic response to pressure overload-induced hypertrophy
Authors: Kararigas Georgios , Fliegner Daniela , Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Regitz-Zagrosek Vera
Published: February 2011

Cardiac hypertrophy, the adaptive response of the heart to overload, is a major risk factor for heart failure and sudden death. Estrogen (E2) and estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) offer protection against hypertrophy and in the transition to heart failure. However, the underlying pathways remain incompletely defined. We employed a publicly available microarray dataset of female wild-type (WT) and ERbeta knockout (BERKO) mice subjected to pressure overload-induced hypertrophy to perform a systematic investigation of the mechanisms involved in the protection conferred by the E2/ERbeta axis. We show that considerably more genes were modulated in response to pressure overload in BERKO mice than in WT mice. The majority of the identified candidates in BERKO mice were induced, while those in WT mice were repressed. Pathway analysis revealed a similar pattern. This study is the first to demonstrate that the lack of ERbeta led to a significant increase of inflammatory pathways. Mitochondrial bioenergetics- and oxidative stress-related pathways were also modulated. In conclusion, ERbeta acquires the role of gatekeeper of the genomic response of the heart to pressure overload-induced hypertrophy. This may offer the molecular explanation for its cardioprotective role. We consider the present study to be a useful resource and that it will contribute to downstream functional analysis and to the characterization of pathways with previously unknown role in hypertrophy.
Nanowire and Nanocable Intrinsic Quantum Capacitances and Junction Capacitances: Results for Metal and Semiconducting Oxides
Authors: Krowne C. M.
Published: February 2011

Here we calculate the intrinsic quantum capacitance of RuO2 nanowires and RuO2/SiO2 nanocables (filled interiors of nanotubes, which are empty), based upon available ab initio density of states values, and their conductances allowing determination of transmission coefficients. It is seen that intrinsic quantum capacitance values occur in the aF range. Next, expressions are derived for Schottky junction and p-n junction capacitances of nanowires and nanocables. Evaluation of these expressions for RuO2 nanowires and RuO2/SiO2 nanocables demonstrates that junction capacitance values also occur in the aF range. Comparisons are made between the intrinsic quantum and junction capacitances of RuO2 nanowires and RuO2/SiO2 nanocables, and between them and intrinsic quantum and junction capacitances of carbon nanotubes. We find that the intrinsic quantum capacitance of RuO2‐based nanostructures dominates over its junction capacitances by an order of magnitude or more, having important implications for energy and charge storage.
Model Reduction Methods for Rotor Dynamic Analysis: A Survey and Review
Authors: Wagner Matthew B. , Younan Amir , Allaire Paul , Cogill Randy
Published: February 2011

The focus of this literature survey and review is model reduction methods and their application to rotor dynamic systems. Rotor dynamic systems require careful consideration in their dynamic models as they include unsymmetric stiffness, localized nonproportional damping, and frequency-dependent gyroscopic effects. The literature reviewed originates from both controls and mechanical systems analysis and has been previously applied to rotor systems. This survey discusses the previous literature reviews on model reduction, reduction methods applied to rotor systems, the current state of these reduction methods in rotor dynamics, and the ability of the literature to reduce the complexities of large order rotor dynamic systems but allow accurate solutions.
Preventive but Not Curative Efficacy of Celecoxib on Bladder Carcinogenesis in a Rat Model
Authors: Sereno José , Parada Belmiro , Reis Flávio , Cunha Fernanda X. , Teixeira-Lemos Edite , Garrido Patrícia , Pinto Rui , Rocha-Pereira Petronila , Neto Paula , Ruivo José , Rodrigues-Santos Paulo , Nunes Sara , Mota Alfredo , Figueiredo Arnaldo , Teixeira Frederico
Published: February 2011

To evaluate the effect of a cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor, celecoxib (CEL), on bladder cancer inhibition in a rat model, when used as preventive versus as curative treatment. The study comprised 52 male Wistar rats, divided in 5 groups, during a 20-week protocol: control: vehicle, carcinogen: 0.05% ofN-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN), CEL: 10 mg/kg/day of the selective COX-2 inhibitor Celebrex, preventive CEL (CEL+BBN-P), and curative CEL (BBN+CEL-C) groups. Although tumor growth was markedly inhibited by the preventive application of CEL, it was even aggravated by the curative treatment. The incidence of gross bladder carcinoma was: control 0/8(0%), BBN 13/20(65%), CEL 0/8(0%), CEL+BBN-P 1/8(12.5%), and BBN+CEL-C 6/8(75%). The number and volume of carcinomas were significantly lower in the CEL+BBN-P versus BBN, accompanied by an ample reduction in hyperplasia, dysplasia, and papillary tumors as well as COX-2 immunostaining. In spite of the reduction of tumor volumes in the curative BBN+CEL-C group, tumor malignancy was augmented. An anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profile was encountered only in the group under preventive treatment. In conclusion, preventive, but not curative, celecoxib treatment promoted a striking inhibitory effect on bladder cancer development, reinforcing the potential role of chemopreventive strategies based on cyclooxygenase 2 inhibition.
Towards Defining Molecular Determinants Recognized by Adaptive Immunity in Allergic Disease: An Inventory of the Available Data
Authors: Vaughan Kerrie , Greenbaum Jason , Kim Yohan , Vita Randi , Chung Jo , Peters Bjoern , Broide David , Goodman Richard , Grey Howard , Sette Alessandro
Published: February 2011

Adaptive immune responses associated with allergic reactions recognize antigens from a broad spectrum of plants and animals. Herein a meta-analysis was performed on allergy-related data from the immune epitope database (IEDB) to provide a current inventory and highlight knowledge gaps and areas for future work. The analysis identified over 4,500 allergy-related epitopes derived from 270 different allergens. Overall, the distribution of the data followed expectations based on the nature of allergic responses. Namely, the majority of epitopes were defined for B cells/antibodies and IgE-mediated reactivity, and relatively fewer T-cell epitopes, mostly CD4+/class II. Interestingly, the majority of food allergen epitopes were B-cells epitopes whereas a fairly even number of B- and T-cell epitopes were defined for airborne allergens. In addition, epitopes from nonhumans hosts were mostly T-cell epitopes. Overall, coverage of known allergens is sparse with data available for only ~17% of all allergens listed by the IUIS database. Thus, further research would be required to provide a more balanced representation across different allergen categories. Furthermore, inclusion of nonpeptidic epitopes in the IEDB also allows for inventory and analysis of immunological data associated with drug and contact allergen epitopes. Finally, our analysis also underscores that only a handful of epitopes have thus far been investigated for their immunotherapeutic potential.
Charge‐Dipole Acceleration of Polar Gas Molecules towards Charged Nanoparticles: Involvement in Powerful Charge‐Induced Catalysis of Heterophase Chemical Reactions and Ball Lightning Phenomenon
Authors: Meshcheryakov Oleg
Published: February 2011

In humid air, the substantial charge‐dipole attraction and electrostatic acceleration of surrounding water vapour molecules towards charged combustible nanoparticles cause intense electrostatic hydration and preferential oxidation of these nanoparticles by electrostatically accelerated polar water vapour molecules rather than nonaccelerated nonpolar oxygen gas molecules. Intense electrostatic hydration of charged combustible nanoparticles converts the nanoparticle′s oxide‐based shells into the hydroxide‐based electrolyte shells, transforming these nanoparticles into reductant/air core‐shell nanobatteries, periodically short‐circuited by intraparticle field and thermionic emission. Partially synchronized electron emission breakdowns within trillions of nanoparticles‐nanobatteries turn a cloud of charged nanoparticles‐nanobatteries into a powerful radiofrequency aerosol generator. Electrostatic oxidative hydration and charge‐catalyzed oxidation of charged combustible nanoparticles also contribute to a self‐oscillating thermocycling process of evolution and periodic autoignition of inflammable gases near to the nanoparticle′s surface. The described effects might be of interest for the improvement of certain nanotechnological heterophase processes and to better understand ball lightning phenomenon.
Endoscopic Resection and Topical 5-Fluorouracil as an Alternative Treatment to Craniofacial Resection for the Management of Primary Intestinal-Type Sinonasal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mackie Simon , Malik Tass , Khalil Hisham
Published: February 2011

Introduction. Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the sinonasal tract is very rare and is responsible for less than 4% of tumours of the sinuses. Craniofacial resection has been the mainstay of treatment for many years; however, techniques for endoscopic resection are constantly being developed.Discussion. The use of transnasal endoscopic resection (TER) and topical chemotherapy applications as an alternative to cranio-facial resection (CFR) is discussed. TER offers advantages over CFR in terms of fewer intra-operative complications and an improved cosmetic outcome. Survival and metastatic rates are similar between both procedures. Patients with locally invasive tumours are better managed with CFR. Topical applications of 5-Fluorouracil has been shown to be effective in increasing survival in patients with sino-nasal malignancy.Conclusion. Trans-nasal endoscopic resection and topical 5-Fluorouracil could potentially offer an acceptable alternative treatment to the standard of cranio-facial resection. This should be investigated in trials with a longer followup period than this paper in order to directly compare the two treatment modalities.
Levels of Salivary IFN-gamma, TNF-Alfa, and TNF Receptor-2 As Prognostic Markers in (Erosive) Oral Lichen Planus
Authors: Ghallab Noha A. , El-Wakeel Naglaa , Shaker Olfat G.
Published: February 2011

To explore the feasibility of detecting salivary levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and sTNFR-2 from erosive oral lichen planus (ELP) patients for clinical application, 20 ELP patients were enrolled in the study as were 20 age-sex-matched controls. From all subjects, saliva level of the tested biomarkers was determined by ELISA. Salivary profiles were assessed in ELP patients by ELISA after being treated with prednisone. A significantly higher level of IFN-γ (P≤.01), TNF-α (P≤.0001), and sTNFR-2 (P≤.01) was detected in ELP patients before treatment than in controls. Following treatment, the salivary levels of IFN-γ (P≤.01), TNF-α (P≤.05), and sTNFR-2 (P≤.01) decreased significantly when compared to their pretreatment levels. This study demonstrated that salivary IFN-γ, TNF-α, and sTNFR-2 can be detectable in ELP patients and decreased significantly after treatment with prednisone, which may reveal the possibility of using these disease-related biomarkers in diagnosis and monitoring.
Clinical Focus on Prosodic, Discursive and Pragmatic Treatment for Right Hemisphere Damaged Adults: What's Right?
Authors: Ferré Perrine , Ska Bernadette , Lajoie Camille , Bleau Amélie , Joanette Yves
Published: February 2011

Researchers and clinicians acknowledge today that the contribution of both cerebral hemispheres is necessary to a full and adequate verbal communication. Indeed, it is estimated that at least 50% of right brain damaged individuals display impairments of prosodic, discourse, pragmatics and/or lexical semantics dimensions of communication. Since the 1990's, researchers have focused on the description and the assessment of these impairments and it is only recently that authors have shown interest in planning specific intervention approaches. However, therapists in rehabilitation settings still have very few available tools. This review of recent literature demonstrates that, even though theoretical knowledge needs further methodological investigation, intervention guidelines can be identified to target right hemisphere damage communication impairments in clinical practice. These principles can be incorporated by speech and language pathologists, in a structured intervention framework, aiming at fully addressing prosodic, discursive and pragmatic components of communication.
Nano-Scale Hydroxyapatite: Synthesis, Two-Dimensional Transport Experiments, and Application for Uranium Remediation
Authors: Kanel S. R. , Clement T. P. , Barnett M. O. , Goltz M. N.
Published: February 2011

Synthetic nano-scale hydroxyapatite (NHA) was prepared and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The XRD data confirmed that the crystalline structure and chemical composition of NHA correspond to Ca5OH(PO4)3. The SEM data confirmed the size of NHA to be less than 50 nm. A two-dimensional physical model packed with saturated porous media was used to study the transport characteristics of NHA under constant flow conditions. The data show that the transport patterns of NHA were almost identical to tracer transport patterns. This result indicates that the NHA material can move with water like a tracer, and its movement was neither retarded nor influenced by any physicochemical interactions and/or density effects. We have also tested the reactivity of NHA with 1 mg/L hexavalent uranium (U(VI)) and found that complete removal of U(VI) is possible using 0.5 g/L NHA at pH 5 to 6. Our results demonstrate that NHA has the potential to be injected as a dilute slurry forin situtreatment of U(VI)-contaminated groundwater systems.
Different Adipose Depots: Their Role in the Development of Metabolic Syndrome and Mitochondrial Response to Hypolipidemic Agents
Authors: Bjørndal Bodil , Burri Lena , Staalesen Vidar , Skorve Jon , Berge Rolf K.
Published: February 2011

Adipose tissue metabolism is closely linked to insulin resistance, and differential fat distributions are associated with disorders like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Adipose tissues vary in their impact on metabolic risk due to diverse gene expression profiles, leading to differences in lipolysis and in the production and release of adipokines and cytokines, thereby affecting the function of other tissues. In this paper, the roles of the various adipose tissues in obesity are summarized, with particular focus on mitochondrial function. In addition, we discuss how a functionally mitochondrial-targeted compound, the modified fatty acid tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA), can influence mitochondrial function and decrease the size of specific fat depots.
Cell Wall Growth and Modulation Dynamics in a Model Unicellular Green Alga—Penium margaritaceum: Live Cell Labeling with Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Domozych David S. , Brechka Hannah , Britton Alicia , Toso Marc
Published: February 2011

Penium margaritaceumis a unicellular charophycean green alga that possesses cell wall polymers similar to those of land plants. Several wall macromolecules of this alga are recognized by monoclonal antibodies specific for wall polymer epitopes of land plants. Immunofluorescence protocols using these antibodies may be employed to label specific cell wall constituents of live cells. Fluorescent labeling persists for several days, and this attribute allows for tracing of wall epitopes in both long- and short-term studies of cell development. Quantitative analysis of surface area covered by cell wall polymers is also easily performed. We show that significant cell expansion caused by incubation of cells in low levels of osmotically active agents like mannitol, glucose, or sucrose results from the inability of cells to undergo cytokinesis but does not result in significant changes to the amount of new cell wall. We also demonstrate that cells can be maintained for long periods of time in culture medium supplemented with specific cell wall-degrading enzymes where notable changes to wall infrastructure occur. These results demonstrate the great potential value ofPeniumin elucidating fundamental events during cell wall synthesis and modulation in plant cells.
Radiation‐Induced Testicular Injury and Its Amelioration by Tinospora cordifolia (An Indian Medicinal Plant) Extract
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Parmar Jyoti , Sharma Priyanka , Verma Preeti , Goyal P. K.
Published: February 2011

The primary objective of this investigation is to determine the deleterious effects of sub lethal gamma radiation on testes and their possible inhibition by Tinospora cordifolia extract (TCE). For this purpose, one group of male Swiss albino mice was exposed to 7.5 Gy gamma radiation to serve as the irradiated control, while the other group received TCE (75 mg/kg b. wt./day) orally for 5 consecutive days half an hr before irradiation to serve as experimental. Exposure of animals to 7.5 Gy gamma radiation resulted into significant decrease in body weight, tissue weight, testes‐ body weight ratio and tubular diameter up to 15 days of irradiation. Cent percent mortality was recorded by day 17th in irradiated control, whereas all animals survived in experimental group. TCE pretreatment rendered significant increase in body weight, tissue weight, testes‐ body weight ratio and tubular diameter at various intervals as compared to irradiated group. Radiation induced histological lesions in testicular architecture were observed more severe in irradiated control then the experimental. TCE administration before irradiation significantly ameliorated radiation induced elevation in lipid peroxidation and decline in glutathione concentration in testes. These observations indicate the radio‐ protective potential of Tinospora cordifolia root extract in testicular constituents against gamma irradiation in mice.
Slice Cultures as a Model to Study Neurovascular Coupling and Blood Brain Barrier In Vitro
Authors: Kovács Richard , Papageorgiou Ismini , Heinemann Uwe
Published: February 2011

Proper neuronal functioning depends on a strictly regulated interstitial environment and tight coupling of neuronal and metabolic activity involving adequate vascular responses. These functions take place at the blood brain barrier (BBB) composed of endothelial cells, basal lamina covered with pericytes, and the endfeet of perivascular astrocytes. In conventional in vitro models of the BBB, some of these components are missing.
Here we describe a new model system for studying BBB and neurovascular coupling by using confocal microscopy and fluorescence staining protocols in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures.
An elaborated network of vessels is retained in culture in spite of the absence of blood flow. Application of calcein-AM either from the interstitial or from the luminal side resulted in different staining patterns indicating the maintenance of a barrier. By contrast, the ethidium derivative MitoSox penetrated perivascular basal lamina and revealed free radical formation in contractile cells embracing the vessels, likely pericytes.
Combination of Medicinal Herbs KIOM‐79 Reduces Advanced Glycation End Product Accumulation and the Expression of Inflammatory Factors in the Aorta of Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats
Authors: Sohn Eunjin , Kim Junghyun , Jeong Il Ha , Kim Chan Sik , Kim Young Sook , Kim Jin Sook
Published: February 2011

Previous studies have reported that KIOM‐79 shows a strong inhibitory effect on AGE formation and inhibited a proinflammatory state in a murine macrophage cell line. In the present study, we investigated the effect of KIOM‐79 on AGE accumulation and vascular inflammation in the aorta of Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, a commonly used model of type 2 diabetes. Seven‐week‐old male ZDF rats were treated with KIOM‐79 (50 mg/kg) once a day orally for 13 weeks. We examined the dissected aortas for AGE accumulation, expression of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE), and the expression of proinflammatory factors, including monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and vascular adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1). Nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were also measured by Southwestern histochemistry, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and immunohistochemistry, respectively. KIOM‐79 markedly reduced the accumulation of AGEs and the expression of RAGE in the aorta. We also found that KIOM‐79 attenuated the expression of inflammatory factors including NF‐κB, MCP‐1, VEGF, VCAM‐1, and iNOS in the aortas of ZDF rats. These data suggest that KIOM‐79 may prevent or retard the development of inflammation in diabetic vascular disease.
Modeling Schistosomiasis and HIV/AIDS Codynamics
Authors: Mushayabasa S. , Bhunu C. P.
Published: February 2011

We formulate a mathematical model for the cointeraction of schistosomiasis and HIV/AIDS in order to assess their synergistic relationship in the presence of therapeutic measures. Comprehensive mathematical techniques are used to analyze the model steady states. The disease‐free equilibrium is shown to be locally asymptotically stable when the associated disease threshold parameter known as the basic reproduction number for the model is less than unity. Centre manifold theory is used to show that the schistosomiasis‐only and HIV/AIDS‐only endemic equilibria are locally asymptotically stable when the associated reproduction numbers are greater than unity. The impact of schistosomiasis and its treatment on the dynamics of HIV/AIDS is also investigated. To illustrate
the analytical results, numerical simulations using a set of reasonable parameter values are provided, and the results suggest that schistosomiasis treatment will always have a positive impact on the
control of HIV/AIDS.
Identification of a Clinically Relevant Androgen-Dependent Gene Signature in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Heemers Hannelore V. , Schmidt Lucy J. , Sun Zhifu , Regan Kevin M. , Anderson S. Keith , Duncan Kelly , Wang Dan , Liu Song , Ballman Karla V. , Tindall Donald J.
Published: February 2011

The androgen receptor (AR) is the principal target for treatment of non–organ-confined prostate cancer (PCa). Androgen deprivation therapies (ADT) directed against the AR ligand–binding domain do not fully inhibit androgen-dependent signaling critical for PCa progression. Thus, information that could direct the development of more effective ADTs is desired. Systems and bioinformatics approaches suggest that considerable variation exists in the mechanisms by which AR regulates expression of effector genes, pointing to a role for secondary transcription factors. A combination of microarray and in silico analyses led us to identify a 158-gene signature that relies on AR along with the transcription factor SRF (serum response factor), representing less than 6% of androgen-dependent genes. This AR-SRF signature is sufficient to distinguish microdissected benign and malignant prostate samples, and it correlates with the presence of aggressive disease and poor outcome. The AR-SRF signature described here associates more strongly with biochemical failure than other AR target gene signatures of similar size. Furthermore, it is enriched in malignant versus benign prostate tissues, compared with other signatures. To our knowledge, this profile represents the first demonstration of a distinct mechanism of androgen action with clinical relevance in PCa, offering a possible rationale to develop novel and more effective forms of ADT. Cancer Res; 71(5); 1978–88. ©2011 AACR.
Protein Kinase C Inhibitor Sotrastaurin Selectively Inhibits the Growth of CD79 Mutant Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Naylor Tara L. , Tang Huaping , Ratsch Boris A. , Enns Andreas , Loo Alice , Chen Liqing , Lenz Peter , Waters Nigel J. , Schuler Walter , Dörken Bernd , Yao Yung-mae , Warmuth Markus , Lenz Georg , Stegmeier Frank
Published: February 2011

The activated B-cell–like (ABC) subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) correlates with poor prognosis. The ABC subtype of DLBCL is associated with constitutive activation of the NF-κB pathway, and oncogenic lesions have been identified in its regulators, including CARD11/CARMA1 (caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 11), A20/TNFAIP3, and CD79A/B. In this study, we offer evidence of therapeutic potential for the selective PKC (protein kinase C) inhibitor sotrastaurin (STN) in preclinical models of DLBCL. A significant fraction of ABC DLBCL cell lines exhibited strong sensitivity to STN, and we found that the molecular nature of NF-κB pathway lesions predicted responsiveness. CD79A/B mutations correlated with STN sensitivity, whereas CARD11 mutations rendered ABC DLBCL cell lines insensitive. Growth inhibitory effects of PKC inhibition correlated with NF-κB pathway inhibition and were mediated by induction of G1-phase cell-cycle arrest and/or cell death. We found that STN produced significant antitumor effects in a mouse xenograft model of CD79A/B-mutated DLBCL. Collectively, our findings offer a strong rationale for the clinical evaluation of STN in ABC DLBCL patients who harbor CD79 mutations also illustrating the necessity to stratify DLBCL patients according to their genetic abnormalities. Cancer Res; 71(7); 2643–53. ©2011 AACR.