bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visceral Leishmaniasis: Challenges in identifying subclinical Leishmania infection
Authors: Carneiro Mariângela , Moreno Elizabeth Castro , Gonçalves Andréa Vieira , Lambertucci José Roberto , Antunes Carlos M.F.
Published: September 2011

The major constraint in conducting visceral leishmaniasis (VL) population studies is the difficulty of diagnosing asymptomatic infection. The aims of the present study, conducted in an urban area in the southeast of Brazil, were to appraise the performance of serological techniques in identifying VL asymptomatic cases and to follow up a cohort of Leishmania infantum‐exposed individuals living in an active transmission area, in an effort to understand infection dynamics and disease natural history. After an initial population‐based survey, three evaluations were carried out, covering a 7‐year follow‐up period. In addition to diagnostic tests, with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐hybridization as the reference test, the study population was interviewed and clinically examined; the last evaluation included abdominal ultrasonography. Our results showed that serological tests are not adequate in diagnosing asymptomatic VL; they also did not permit conclusions concerning parasite transmission and infection dynamics. Diagnostic techniques using molecular biology methods were more promising in identifying asymptomatic infection, but the meaning of a positive PCR‐hybridization test was unclear. In the present study, with one exception, after the follow‐up period, all participants had at least one positive molecular test, but none developed clinical disease. The meaning of a positive PCR in areas with active parasite transmission needs to be better evaluated. Drug Dev Res 72:442–450, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Drugs against leishmaniasis: Overview of market needs and pipeline
Authors: Golgher Denise , Vianna Cláudia Hamacek , Moura Adriana Cláudia
Published: September 2011

The goal of this article is to provide an overview of market needs and opportunities regarding the development of new drugs against leishmaniasis, an emergent infection that is spreading throughout the world. We provide an analysis of the current pipeline and discuss how the new scenario in drug discovery and development for neglected diseases may favor the entry of smaller players in the market of new therapeutics. Drug Dev Res 72:463–470, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Schistosoma mansoni antigens modulate allergic response in vitro in cells of asthmatic individuals
Authors: Cardoso L.S. , Oliveira S.C. , Souza R.P. , Góes A.M. , Oliveira R.R. , Alcântara L.M. , Almeida M.C. , Carvalho E.M. , Araujo M.I.
Published: September 2011

Schistosoma mansoni infection is associated with a low prevalence of asthma and a less severe form of the disease. The mechanisms underlying this association may include the production of regulatory cells and cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune response induced by the S. mansoni antigens, Sm22.6, PIII, and Sm29 and their ability to suppress allergen‐specific IL‐5 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from asthmatic individuals. PBMCs were stimulated in vitro with S. mansoni antigens in the presence or absence of antigen‐1 of the mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p1). Cytokines were measured in PBMC supernatants by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the phenotype of cells producing IL‐10 was assessed using flow cytometry. High production of S. mansoni antigen‐specific IL‐10 was observed not only in cells of S. mansoni‐infected individuals, but also in cells of noninfected asthmatic individuals. In the former group, the main cellular sources of IL‐10 were CD4+ CD25+, and CD14+ cells. The levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐5, and IL‐13 in the noninfected asthmatic group were ∼100 pg/ml in response to the antigens. Moreover, when S. mansoni antigens were added to cultures stimulated with Der p1, levels of IL‐10 were increased (Der p1 = 234 ± 118; Der p1 + Sm22.6 = 1189 ± 595; Derp1 + PIII = 799 ± 331; Derp1 + Sm29 = 652 ± 288 pg/ml) with reduced levels of IL‐5 (Der p1 = 286 ± 219; Der p1 + Sm22.6 = 93 ± 153; Derp1 + PIII = 132 ± 188; Derp1 + Sm29 = 96 ± 86 pg/ml). The S. mansoni antigens evaluated in the present study induced the production of the regulatory cytokine IL‐10 and down‐modulated the Th2 immune response that participates in the pathology of asthma. Drug Dev Res 72:538–548, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Superparamagnetic Carbon Electrodes: A Versatile Approach for Performing Magnetic Coupled Electrochemical Analysis of Mercury Ions
Authors: Condomitti Ulisses , Zuin Andre , Silveira Alceu T. , Toma Sergio H. , Araki Koiti , Toma Henrique E.
Published: September 2011

Mercury ions can be captured with superparamagnetic carbon powder substrates and transported to the electrode surface using an external miniature magnet. The magnetic carbon substrate is electronically conducting, and more than promoting efficient preconcentration of the element at the electrode, it increases the electrochemical surface area by forming an extended 3D structure in the presence of a magnetic field. The external magnet allows to perform direct electrochemical analysis, leading to a strong enhancement of the analytical signals for the reduction of the Hg(II) ions.
3,4‐Dihydroxy‐L‐phenylalanine for Preparation of Gold Nanoparticles and as Electron Transfer Promoter in H2O2 Biosensor
Authors: Lu Cong‐Cong , Zhang Min , Li An‐Jun , He Xi‐Wen , Yin Xue‐Bo
Published: September 2011

3,4‐Dihydroxy‐L‐phenylalanine (dopa) and 2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)ethylamine (dopamine) were investigated as reducing agent and stabilizer for synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by one‐pot heating of a solution of HAuCl4/dopa or dopamine. AuNPs with different sizes were obtained by controlling the mass ratios of HAuCl4/dopa or dopamine. The formation mechanism for AuNPs was also proposed. Immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and promotion of its electron transfer by polydopa film were investigated for preparation of H2O2 biosensor. Alkaline dopa solution was dropped onto a gold electrode for the formation of polydopa film. HRP was immobilized on the polydopa film through interactions between heme centre of HRP and the amine and carboxyl groups in polydopa. The AuNPs embedded in the polydopa film improved the electron transfer efficiency. These two factors allowed successful development of a H2O2 sensor with HRP@polydopa‐AuNPs electrode. Due to its biocompatibility, the polydopa‐AuNPs film provided good retention of enzyme activity and long‐term stability of the sensor. A rapid catalytic response (3 s) and a linear range from 0.006 to 5.0 mmol L−1 were obtained for H2O2. This facile preparation strategy can be extended to other enzyme‐based biosensors.
Synthesis of Iridium Oxide Nanotubes by Electrodeposition into Polycarbonate Template: Fabrication of Chromium(III) and Arsenic(III) Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Mafakheri Erfan , Salimi Abdollah , Hallaj Rahman , Ramazani Abdolali , Kashi Mohamad Almasi
Published: September 2011

For the first time iridium oxide (IrO2) nanotubes are synthesized by electrodeposition in a polycarbonate (PC) template. Potential cycling (90 cycles) between 0.0 and 0.9 V is used for the preparation of IrOx nanotubes onto the PC template with a pore diameter of 100 nm. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images show, that IrO2 nanotubes with uniform diameters of 110±10 nm and an estimated length of 1–3 µm are formed. The electrochemical properties and the electrocatalytic activity of a glassy carbon‐IrOx nanotube modified electrode toward Cr3+ and As3+ oxidation are investigated. Finally, the modified electrode is used for micromolar detection of the proposed analytes using differential pulse voltammetry.
Desorption and bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in contaminated soil subjected to long-term in situ biostimulation
Authors: Richardson Stephen D , Aitken Michael D
Published: September 2011

The distribution and potential bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil from a former manufactured-gas plant (MGP) site were examined before and after long-term biostimulation under simulated in situ conditions. Treated soil was collected from the oxygenated zones of two continuous-flow columns, one subjected to biostimulation and the other serving as a control, and separated into low- and high-density fractions. In the original soil, over 50% of the total PAH mass was associated with lower density particles, which made up <2% of the total soil mass. However, desorbable fractions of PAHs were much lower in the low-density material than in the high-density material. After more than 500 d of biostimulation, significant removal of total PAHs occurred in both the high- and low-density materials (77 and 53%, respectively), with three- and four-ring PAHs accounting for the majority of the observed mass loss. Total PAHs that desorbed over a 28-d period were substantially lower in treated soil from the biostimulated column than in the original soil for both the high-density material (23 vs. 63%) and the low-density material (5 vs. 20%). The fast-desorbing fractions quantified by a two-site desorption model ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 for most PAHs in the original soil but were essentially zero in the biostimulated soil. The fast-desorbing fractions in the original soil underestimated the extent of PAH biodegradation observed in the biostimulated column and thus was not a good predictor of PAH bioavailability after long-term, simulated in situ biostimulation. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2674–2681. © 2011 SETAC
Terrestrial ecotoxicity of short aliphatic protic ionic liquids
Authors: Peric Brezana , Martí Esther , Sierra Jordi , Cruañas Robert , Iglesias Miguel , Garau Maria Antonia
Published: September 2011

A study of the ecotoxicity of different short aliphatic protic ionic liquids (PILs) on terrestrial organisms was conducted. Tests performed within the present study include those assessing the effects of PILs on soil microbial functions (carbon and nitrogen mineralization) and terrestrial plants. The results show that the nominal lowest-observed-adverse-effect concentration (LOAEC) values were 5,000 mg/kg (dry soil) for the plant test in two species (Lolium perenne, Allium cepa), 1,000 mg/kg (dry soil) for the plant test in one species (Raphanus sativus), and 10,000 mg/kg (dry soil) for carbon and nitrogen microbial transformation tests (all concentrations are nominal). Most of the median effective concentration values (EC50) were above 1,000 mg/kg (dry soil). Based on the obtained results, these compounds can be described as nontoxic for soil microbiota and the analyzed plants, and potentially biodegradable in soils, as can be deduced from the respirometric experiment. The toxicity rises with the increase of complexity of the PILs molecule (branch and length of aliphatic chain) among the three PILs analyzed. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2802–2809. © 2011 SETAC
Comparison of the acute toxicities of novel algicides, thiazolidinedione derivatives TD49 and TD53, to various marine organisms
Authors: Kim Seong J , Yim Eun C , Park In T , Kim Si W , Cho Hoon
Published: September 2011

Acute toxicity assessments of new algicides, thiazolidinedione derivatives TD49 and TD53, to the marine ecological system were conducted. The toxicity assessments were performed using two of the new International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard methods employing Ulva pertusa Kjellman and three species representative of the marine ecological system, with the results compared by calculating the 50% effective concentration (EC50), 50% lethal concentration (LC50), no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC), and predicted-no-effect concentration (PNEC). In the acute toxicity assessment using the Kjellman, the EC50, NOEC, and PNEC of TD53 were 1.65 µM, 0.08 µM, and 1.65 nM, and those of TD49 were 0.18 µM, 0.63 µM, and 0.18 nM. In the assessments using Skeletonema costatum, Daphnia magna, and Paralichthys olivaceus fry, the EC50 or LC50 of TD53 were 1.53, 0.61, and 2.14 µM, respectively, indicating that D. magna was the most sensitive. The calculated NOEC and PNEC to D. magna were 0.25 µM and 6.10 nM, respectively. The LC50s (or EC50) of TD49 for the three species were 0.34, 0.68, and 0.58 µM. The NOEC and PNEC to S. costatum, the most sensitive species, were 0.2 µM and 3.4 nM, respectively. The slight difference in the chemical structures of the algicides caused significantly different sensitivities and specificities in the toxicities to the employed species. The results of the toxicity assessments showed that application concentrations for algiciding of red tide blooms were higher than the corresponding PNEC values. Therefore, we suggest that a formulization study of the algicides with high specificity should be conducted to reduce the surrounding ecological toxicity. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2810–2816. © 2011 SETAC
Toxicity of raw and neutralized bauxite refinery residue liquors to the freshwater cladoceran Ceriodaphnia dubia and the marine amphipod Paracalliope australis
Authors: Howe Pelli Louise , Clark Malcolm W , Reichelt-Brushett Amanda , Johnston Max
Published: September 2011

The extraction of alumina from bauxite produces a highly toxic residue, termed bauxite refinery residue (BRR) or red mud. The toxicity of this material is due to chemical and biological effects of high pH, alkalinity, electrical conductivity (EC), and Na+ and Al3+ concentrations. Several neutralization techniques may allow BRR to be used for environmental remediation. The present study investigated standardized 48-h acute toxicity tests with a freshwater cladoceran, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and a marine amphipod, Paracalliope australis, against raw supernatant BRR liquor (RL) versus liquors neutralized with acid (ANL), CO2 (CNL), seawater (SNL), and a hybrid method (HNL). Based on 48-h LC50 values, the toxicity of the liquors to C. dubia increased in the following order; HNL ≤ SNL < ANL ≤ CNL < RL, with comparable responses from P. australis. The high toxicity of RL likely is due to high pH (∼12), alkalinity, and Al concentration. Toxicity of CNL likely is due to high EC and alkalinity. Sulfate and Na+ concentrations are considered sources of toxicity in ANL. Seawater-neutralized liquor and HNL were considerably less toxic to both test species. These data provide evidence of the acute lethal toxicity of raw supernatant liquor from BRR and four neutralized supernatant liquors to the freshwater cladoceran C. dubia and the marine amphipod P. australis, providing valuable baselines for further ecotoxicological investigations of BRR materials in aquatic environments. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2817–2824. © 2011 SETAC
Effects of rainfall intensity fluctuations on infiltration and runoff: rainfall simulation on dryland soils, Fowlers Gap, Australia
Authors: Dunkerley David
Published: September 2011

Small plots and a dripper rainfall simulator were used to explore the significance of the intensity fluctuations (‘event profile’) within simulated rainfall events on infiltration and runoff from bare, crusted dryland soils. Rainfall was applied at mean rain rates of 10 mm/h. Fourteen simulated rainfall events each involved more than 5000 changes of intensity and included multipeak events with a 25‐mm/h peak of intensity early in the event or late in the event and an event that included a temporary cessation of rain. These are all event profiles commonly seen in natural rain but rarely addressed in rainfall simulation. A rectangular event profile of constant intensity, as commonly used in rainfall simulation experiments, was also adopted for comparative purposes.

Results demonstrate that event profile exerts an important effect on infiltration and runoff for these soils and rainfall event profiles. ‘Uniform’ events of unvarying intensity yielded the lowest total runoff, the lowest peak runoff rate and the lowest runoff ratio (0.13). These parameters increased for ‘early peak’ profiles (runoff ratio 0.24) and reached maxima for ‘late peak’ profiles (runoff ratio 0.50). Differences in runoff ratio and peak runoff rate between the ‘uniform’ event profile and those of varying intensity were all statistically significant at p ≤ 0.01. Compared with ‘uniform’ runs, the varying intensity runs yielded larger runoff ratios and peak runoff rates, exceeding those of the ‘uniform’ events by 85%–570%.

These results suggest that for small‐plot studies of infiltration and erosion, the continued use of constant rainfall intensity simulations may be sacrificing important information and misrepresenting the mechanisms involved in runoff generation.

The implications of these findings for the ecohydrology of the research site, an area of contour‐aligned banded vegetation in which runoff and runon are of critical importance, are highlighted. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution analyses of copy number changes in disseminated tumor cells of patients with breast cancer
Authors: Mathiesen Randi R. , Fjelldal Renathe , Liestøl Knut , Due Eldri U. , Geigl Jochen B. , Riethdorf Sabine , Borgen Elin , Rye Inga H. , Schneider Ida J. , Obenauf Anna C. , Mauermann Oliver , Nilsen Gro , Christian Lingjærde Ole , Børresen‐Dale Anne‐Lise , Pantel Klaus , Speicher Michael R. , Naume Bjørn , Baumbusch Lars O.
Published: September 2011

The presence of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in bone marrow (BM) identifies breast cancer patients with less favorable outcome. Furthermore, molecular characterization is required to investigate the malignant potential of these cells. This study presents a single‐cell array comparative genomic hybridization (SCaCGH) method providing molecular analysis of immunomorphologically detected DTCs. The resolution limit of the method was estimated using the cancer cell line SK‐BR‐3 on 44 and 244k arrays. The technique was further tested on 28 circulating tumor cells and four hematopoietic cells (HCs) from peripheral blood (n = 8 patients). The SCaCGH method was finally applied to 24 DTCs, three immunopositive cells morphologically classified as probable HCs from breast cancer patients and five HC controls from BM (n = 7 patients plus n = 1 healthy donor). The frequency of copy number changes of the DTCs revealed similarities with primary breast tumor samples. Three of the patients had available profiles for DTCs and the corresponding tumor tissue from primary surgery. More than two‐third of the analyzed DTCs disclosed equivalent changes, both to each other and to the corresponding primary disease, whereas the rest of the cells showed balanced profiles. The probable HCs revealed either balanced profiles (n = 2) or changes comparable to the tumor tissue and DTCs (n = 1), indicating morphological overlap between HCs and DTCs. Similar aberration patterns were visible in DTCs collected at diagnosis and at 3 years relapse‐free follow‐up. SCaCGH may be a powerful tool for the molecular characterization of DTCs.
An interaction between carotene‐15,15′‐monooxygenase expression and consumption of a tomato or lycopene‐containing diet impacts serum and testicular testosterone
Authors: Ford Nikki A. , Moran Nancy Engelmann , Smith Joshua W. , Clinton Steven K. , Erdman John W.
Published: September 2011

Lycopene, the red pigment of tomatoes, is hypothesized to reduce prostate cancer risk, a disease strongly dependent upon testosterone. In this study, mice lacking the expression of carotene‐15,15′‐monooxygenase (CMO‐I−/−) or wild‐type mice were fed either a 10% tomato powder (TP), lycopene‐containing (248 nmol/g diet) or their respective control diets for 4 days, after which serum testosterone was measured. A significant diet × genotype interaction (p = 0.02) suggests that the TP reduces serum testosterone concentrations in CMO‐I−/− mice but not in wild‐type mice. Similarly, testicular testosterone was lowered in TP‐fed CMO‐I−/− mice (p = 0.01), suggesting that testosterone synthesis may be inhibited in this group. A similar pattern was also observed for lycopene fed mice. Interestingly, the CMO‐I−/− mice showed a greater expression of the gene encoding the CMO‐II enzyme responsible for eccentric oxidative carotenoid cleavage in the testes. Therefore, we hypothesize that serum testosterone is reduced by lycopene metabolic products of oxidative cleavage by CMO‐II in the testes. Overall, these findings suggest that genetic polymorphisms impacting CMO‐I expression and its interaction with CMO‐II, coupled with variations in dietary lycopene, may modulate testosterone synthesis and serum concentrations. Furthermore, carefully controlled studies with tomato products and lycopene in genetically defined murine models may elucidate important diet × genetic interactions that may impact prostate cancer risk.
Individualism–collectivism and team member performance: Another look
Authors: Wagner John A. , Humphrey Stephen E. , Meyer Christopher J. , Hollenbeck John R.
Published: September 2011

This study revisits the commonplace research conclusion that greater team member collectivism, as opposed to individualism, is associated with higher levels of individual‐level performance in teams. Whereas this conclusion is based on the assumption that work in teams consists exclusively of tasks that are shared, typical teamwork also includes tasks that are individualized. Results of a laboratory study of 206 participants performing a mix of individualized and shared tasks in four‐person teams indicate that heterogeneous combinations of individualism and collectivism are associated with higher levels of team member performance, measured as quantity of output, when loose structural interdependence enables individual differences in individualism–collectivism to exert meaningful effects. These results support the modified conclusion that a combination of individualism and collectivism is associated with higher levels of member performance in teams under typical work conditions; that is, conditions in which the tasks of individual members are both individualized and shared. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Roughness length estimation along road transects using airborne LIDAR data
Authors: Hammond D. S. , Chapman L. , Thornes J. E.
Published: September 2011

Roughness length (Z0) is traditionally used as the primary measure of the aerodynamic roughness of a surface, but is notoriously difficult to estimate. This study takes a new approach to the estimation of Z0, using high resolution LIDAR data coupled with spatial processing techniques to provide estimates of effective roughness length (Z0eff) based upon the prevailing wind direction and the height of the surface elements (e.g. buildings, trees) within a defined area of upwind fetch. The range of roughness values obtained using this new technique is consistent with published values obtained from detailed boundary layer experiments, and is shown to distinguish between a variety of landuse categories, ranging from high density urban areas to rural farmland. Indeed, comparisons in Z0eff values between different landuse classes using a detailed land‐cover dataset have revealed significant differences in surface roughness between landuse classes, giving confidence not only in the technique itself but also to the validity of the land‐cover dataset used in the study. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Use of time‐resolved FRET to validate crystal structure of complement regulatory complex between C3b and factor H (N terminus)
Authors: Pechtl Isabell C. , Neely Robert K. , Dryden David T.F. , Jones Anita C. , Barlow Paul N.
Published: September 2011

Structural knowledge of interactions amongst the ∼ 40 proteins of the human complement system, which is central to immune surveillance and homeostasis, is expanding due primarily to X‐ray diffraction of co‐crystallized proteins. Orthogonal evidence, in solution, for the physiological relevance of such co‐crystal structures is valuable since intermolecular affinities are generally weak‐to‐medium and inter‐domain mobility may be important. In this current work, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used to investigate the 10 μM KD (210 kD) complex between the N‐terminal region of the soluble complement regulator, factor H (FH1‐4), and the key activation‐specific complement fragment, C3b. Using site‐directed mutagenesis, seven cysteines were introduced individually at potentially informative positions within the four CCP modules comprising FH1‐4, then used for fluorophore attachment. C3b possesses a thioester domain featuring an internal cycloglutamyl cysteine thioester; upon hydrolysis this yields a free thiol (Cys988) that was also fluorescently tagged. Labeled proteins were functionally active as cofactors for cleavage of C3b to iC3b except for FH1‐4(Q40C) where conjugation with the fluorophore likely abrogated interaction with the protease, factor I. Time‐resolved FRET measurements were undertaken to explore interactions between FH1‐4 and C3b in fluid phase and under near‐physiological conditions. These experiments confirmed that, as in the cocrystal structure, FH1‐4 binds to C3b with CCP module 1 furthest from, and CCP module 4 closest to, the thioester domain, placing subsequent modules of FH near to any surface to which C3b is attached. The data do not rule out flexibility of the thioester domain relative to the remainder of the complex.
Engineering homooligomeric proteins to detect weak intersite allosteric communication: Aminotransferases, a case study
Authors: Deu Edgar , Kirsch Jack F.
Published: September 2011

The existence of low levels of intersubunit communication in homooligomeric enzymes is often difficult to discover, as the identical active sites cannot be probed individually to dissect their interdependent contributions. The homodimeric paralogs, E. coli aspartate‐ (AATase) and tyrosine aminotransferase (TATase), have not been demonstrated to show allostery. To address this question, we engineered a hybrid aminotransferase containing two distinct catalytic pockets: an AATase and a TATase site. The TATase/AATase hybrid was constructed by grafting an engineered TATase active site into one of the catalytic pockets of E. coli AATase. Each active site conserves its specific catalytic and inhibitor binding properties, and the hybrid catalyzes simultaneously each aminotransferase reaction at the respective site. Importantly, association of a selective inhibitor into one of the catalytic pockets decreases the activity of the second active site by up to 25%, thus proving unequivocally the existence of allosteric communication between active sites. The procedure may be applicable to other homologous sets of enzymes.
Influence of microphysical processes on the potential vorticity development in a warm conveyor belt: a case‐study with the limited‐area model COSMO
Authors: Joos H. , Wernli H.
Published: September 2011

The potential vorticity (PV) in warm conveyor belts (WCBs) is strongly influenced by the latent heating associated with the various microphysical processes occurring during the formation of clouds. The first‐order effect is that PV increases below the level of maximum diabatic heating and decreases above. Thus, the WCB reaches the upper troposphere with low PV values and has the potential to influence the large‐scale dynamics. In order to quantify the influence of different microphysical processes on the diabatic heating rates (DHRs) and associated PV development during the ascent, a Lagrangian analysis is used and applied to a regional model simulation of a selected WCB event. First, the individual DHRs caused by the various microphysical processes are calculated with the COSMO model. Then, the DHRs and the associated changes in PV are evaluated along the WCB trajectories. The relative role of the different microphysical processes is quantified for the latent heating and the diabatic PV modification, for which the gradient of the latent heating and the absolute vorticity are crucially important. It is shown that condensation of vapour and depositional growth of snow each contribute ∼10 K to the total latent heating. However, the diabatic PV modification due to condensation is stronger since it occurs close to the cold frontal low‐level maximum of the z‐component of the absolute vorticity, ηz, whereas a similar heating rate gradient caused by depositional growth of snow modifies the PV much less since it occurs in a region with much weaker ηz. This highlights the importance of ηz for determining the PV modification due to a certain diabatic heating rate. Furthermore, cooling processes like the evaporation of rain, also co‐occurring with high ηz near the surface cold front, have the potential to strongly modify the PV below the WCB. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Construction of association networks from communication in teams working on complex projects
Authors: Dabbish Laura , Towne Ben , Diesner Jana , Herbsleb James
Published: September 2011

This paper introduces a semi‐automated method for extracting the associations among components of a complex engineering project by mining transcripts of design discussions about the engineered artifact. We contribute a novel method for deriving network data from communication data. This method uses relational text analysis to construct networks representing associations among designed pieces of the artifact. Our analysis shows that association networks extracted with this method correlate highly with those extracted by humans, and those constructed based on expert interviews. This method can help scholars and practitioners understand the nature and evolution of the relationship between tasks and components, and the successful execution of complex projects. The association networks produced by our method can be used to reveal key properties of the project and may suggest the coordination required among project members. Collaboration technologies could potentially take advantage of these networks to infer gaps in actual coordination, discover changes in dependencies among team members as they emerge, and suggest appropriate courses of action to managers and people whose work is related. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 4: 547–563, 2011
Entire solutions of delayed reaction‐diffusion equations
Authors: Lv G.
Published: September 2011

This paper is concerned with entire solutions of delayed reaction‐diffusion equations. Using the comparing argument and sub‐super solutions method, we obtain the existence of entire solutions which behave as two wave fronts coming from the both sides of x‐axis, where an entire solution is meant by a classical solution defined for all space and time variables.
Cloning and bioinformatics analysis of an endoglucanase gene (Aucel12A) from Aspergillus usamii and its functional expression in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Shi Hongling , Yin Xin , Wu Minchen , Tang Cunduo , Zhang Huimin , Li Jianfang
Published: September 2011

Using 3′ and 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends methods, the full-length cDNA sequence encoding an endo-1,4-β-glucanase of Aspergillus usamii E001 (abbreviated as AuCel12A) was amplified from the total RNA. The clone cDNA sequence of the gene encoding the AuCel12A, named as Aucel12A, is 1,027 bp in length harboring 5′ and 3′ non-coding regions, as well as a 720 bp of open reading frame that encodes a 16-aa signal peptide, and a 223-aa mature AuCel12A with a theoretical M.W. of 24,294 Da, a calculated pI of 4.15, and one putative N-glycosylation site. The complete DNA sequence of the gene Aucel12A was amplified from the genomic DNA of A. usamii E001 by using the conventional PCR and pUCm-T vector-mediated PCR initially developed in our lab. The clone DNA sequence is 1,576 bp in length, consisting of a 5′ flanking regulatory region, three exons, and two introns with sizes of 50 and 66 bp. The cDNA fragment encoding the mature AuCel12A was expressed in a fully active form in Pichia pastoris. One P. pastoris transformant expressing the highest recombinant AuCel12A (rAuCel12A) activity, labeled as P. pastoris GSCel2-1, was chosen for subsequent studies. Integration of the Aucel12A into P. pastoris genome was confirmed by PCR analysis using 5′- and 3′-AOX1 primers. SDS-PAGE and enzyme activity assays demonstrated that the rAuCel12A, a glycosylated protein with an apparent M.W. of 27.0 kDa and a carbohydrate content of 4.82%, was secreted into the culture medium. The purified rAuCel12A displayed the highest activity at pH 5.0 and 60°C. It was highly stable at a pH range of 3.5–7.0, and at a temperature of 55°C or below. Its activity was not significantly affected by an array of metal ions and EDTA, but inhibited by Ag+, Hg2+ and Fe2+. The K  m and V  max of the rAuCel12A, towards carboxymethylcellulose-Na (CMC-Na) at pH 5.0 and 50°C were 4.85 mg/ml and 160.5 U/mg, respectively.
The catalytic domain of MMP‐1 studied through tagged lanthanides
Authors: Bertini Ivano , Calderone Vito , Cerofolini Linda , Fragai Marco , Geraldes Carlos F.G.C. , Hermann Petr , Luchinat Claudio , Parigi Giacomo , Teixeira João M.C.
Published: September 2011

Pseudocontact shifts (pcs) and paramagnetic residual dipolar couplings (rdc) provide structural information that can be used to assess the adequacy of a crystallographic structure to represent the solution structure of a protein. This can be done by attaching a lanthanide binding tag to the protein. There are cases in which only local rearrangements are sufficient to match the NMR data and cases where significant secondary structure or domain rearrangements from the solid state to the solution state are needed. We show that the two cases are easily distinguishable. Whereas the use of solution restraints in the latter case is described in the literature, here we deal with how to obtain a better model of the solution structure in a case (the catalytic domain of the matrix metalloproteinase MMP‐1) of the former class.
Reconceptualizing in a dual‐system model the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on adolescent development: a short review
Authors: Liu Jie , Lester Barry M.
Published: September 2011

The mechanisms of long‐term effects of prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) and consequent elevated impulsivity during adolescence are poorly understood. In this review, the development‐programmed neural maturation is summarized to highlight adolescence as another critical period of brain development. We further synthesize maladaptation of the dopamine (DA) system, hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal‐axis (HPA‐axis) and pathological interactions between these two systems originating from previous fetal programming into a dual‐system model to explain insufficient behavioral inhibition in affected adolescents.
Postprandial glucose, insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 responses to sucrose ingested with berries in healthy subjects
Authors: Törrönen Riitta , Sarkkinen Essi , Niskanen Tarja , Tapola Niina , Kilpi Kyllikki , Niskanen Leo
Published: September 2011

Berries are often consumed with sucrose. They are also rich sources of polyphenols which may modulate glycaemia after carbohydrate ingestion. The present study investigated the postprandial glucose, insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) responses to sucrose ingested with berries, in comparison with a similar sucrose load without berries. A total of twelve healthy subjects were recruited to a randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. They participated in two meal tests on separate days. The berry meal was a purée (150 g) made of bilberries, blackcurrants, cranberries and strawberries with 35 g sucrose. The control meal included the same amount of sucrose and available carbohydrates in water. Fingertip capillary and venous blood samples were taken at baseline and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after starting to eat the meal. Glucose, insulin and GLP-1 concentrations were determined from the venous samples, and glucose also from the capillary samples. Compared to the control meal, ingestion of the berry meal resulted in lower capillary and venous plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations at 15 min (P = 0·021,P < 0·007 andP = 0·028, respectively), in higher concentrations at 90 min (P = 0·028,P = 0·021 andP = 0·042, respectively), and in a modest effect on the GLP-1 response (P = 0·05). It also reduced the maximum increases of capillary and venous glucose and insulin concentrations (P = 0·009,P = 0·011 andP = 0·005, respectively), and improved the glycaemic profile (P < 0·001 andP = 0·003 for capillary and venous samples, respectively). These results suggest that the glycaemic control after ingestion of sucrose can be improved by simultaneous consumption of berries.
Norwegian (non-V2) declaratives, resumptive elements, and the Wackernagel position
Authors: Eide Kristin Melum
Published: September 2011

Most Norwegian declaratives are subject-initial verb second (V2) clauses. This paper discusses declaratives that can be construed as non-V2, two constructions that have traditionally been analyzed as left dislocation phenomena: the (adjunctive)så-construction and the Copy Left Dislocation (CLD) construction, where the ‘copy’ is a weak pronoun. Both constructions share an affinity to root clauses, have particular scope effects, and employ a prosodically light particle between the topicalized phrase and the finite verb in V2 (såand a weak pronoun, respectively). The paper attributes these properties to the fact that the relevant particles are topic markers of a particular kind; they mark A-topics. A-Topics signal a topic-shift in the conversation and are confined to clauses with illocutionary force (Bianchi & Frascarelli 2010). The aforementioned particles are much more frequent in spoken contexts than in written prose, and I propose that this is because they depend on prosody. They are obligatorily light, and they occur in the part of the clause that has traditionally been described as ‘the Wackernagel position’. Wackernagel (1892) proposed that certain prosodically light elements (clitics in particular) tend to occur in the second position in Indo-European languages. Although the resumptive elements of theså-construction and especially of CLDs may not be fully-fledged clitics, like clitics, they appear in the second position of declaratives.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Adults: Face to Face versus Telephone Treatment - A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Burgess Mary , Andiappan Manoharan , Chalder Trudie
Published: September 2011

Background: Previous research has shown that face to face cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). However, some patients are unable to travel to the hospital for a number of reasons. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess whether face to face CBT was more effective than telephone CBT (with face to face assessment and discharge appointment) for patients with CFS. Method: Patients aged 18–65 were recruited from consecutive referrals to the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Research and Treatment Unit at The South London and Maudsley NHS Trust in London. Participants were randomly allocated to either face to face CBT or telephone CBT by a departmental administrator. Blinding of participants and care givers was inappropriate for this trial. A parallel-groups randomised controlled trial was used to compare the two treatments. The primary outcomes were physical functioning and fatigue. Results: Significant improvements in the primary outcomes of physical functioning and fatigue occurred and were maintained to one year follow-up after discharge from treatment. Improvements in social adjustment and global outcome were noted and patient satisfaction was similar in both groups. Conclusions: Results from this study indicate that telephone CBT with two face to face appointments is a mild to moderately effective treatment for CFS and may be offered to patients where face to face treatment is not a viable option. Despite these encouraging conclusions, dropout was relatively high and therapists should be aware of this potential problem.
Consumption of dietary salt measured by urinary sodium excretion and its association with body weight status in healthy children and adolescents
Authors: Libuda Lars , Kersting Mathilde , Alexy Ute
Published: September 2011

Objective

Highly processed foods such as convenience foods usually have a high salt content and therefore might indirectly act as adipogenic due to an increasing consumption of sugar-containing beverages (SCB). We examined the association between dietary salt and body weight status.

Design

We used data on urinary Na excretion as an indicator of dietary salt and BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) and percentage body fat (%BF) of children and adolescents participating in the DONALD (Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed) Study.

Setting

Dortmund, Germany.

Subjects

Children and adolescents (n 364) who had at least two 24 h urine samples and two dietary records in the observational period between 2003 and 2009 were considered in our data analysis.

Results

Repeated-measures regression models revealed that urinary Na was positively associated with BMI-SDS (+0·202 SDS/g Na excretion at baseline; P < 0·001) and %BF (+1·303 %BF/g Na excretion at baseline; P < 0·01) at baseline in boys and girls. These associations remained significant after adjustment for SCB consumption and total energy intake. Furthermore, there was a positive trend between baseline Na excretion and the individual change in %BF in the study period (+0·364 increase in %BF/g Na excretion at baseline), which was confirmed after inclusion of SCB consumption or total energy intake. There was no significant association between the change in Na excretion and the concurrent change of either BMI-SDS or %BF in any model.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a high intake of processed salty foods could have a negative impact on body weight status in children and adolescents independently from their consumption of SCB.
Emerging roles of pathogens in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Miklossy Judith
Published: September 2011

Chronic spirochetal infection can cause slowly progressive dementia, cortical atrophy and amyloid deposition in the atrophic form of general paresis. There is a significant association between Alzheimer disease (AD) and various types of spirochete (including the periodontal pathogenTreponemasandBorrelia burgdorferi), and other pathogens such asChlamydophyla pneumoniaeand herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1). Exposure of mammalian neuronal and glial cells and organotypic cultures to spirochetes reproduces the biological and pathological hallmarks of AD. Senile-plaque-like beta amyloid (Aβ) deposits are also observed in mice following inhalation ofC. pneumoniaein vivo, and Aβ accumulation and phosphorylation of tau is induced in neurons by HSV-1 in vitro and in vivo. Specific bacterial ligands, and bacterial and viral DNA and RNA all increase the expression of proinflammatory molecules, which activates the innate and adaptive immune systems. Evasion of pathogens from destruction by the host immune reactions leads to persistent infection, chronic inflammation, neuronal destruction and Aβ deposition. Aβ has been shown to be a pore-forming antimicrobial peptide, indicating that Aβ accumulation might be a response to infection. Global attention and action is needed to support this emerging field of research because dementia might be prevented by combined antibiotic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory therapy.
Living in a Promiseland?: Mexican Immigration and American Obligations
Authors: Smith Rogers M.
Published: September 2011

Controversies over Mexican immigrants and undocumented aliens in Arizona and elsewhere show the need for fresh approaches to immigration. The “principle of constituted identities” holds that the more a government has coercively constituted the identities of non-citizens in ways that have made having certain relationships to it fundamental to their capacities to lead free and meaningful lives, the greater the obligations that government has to facilitate those relationships–all else being equal. The U.S. has coercively constituted the identities of many persons of Mexican descent, inside and outside its boundaries, in ways that have fostered aspirations for dual economic, cultural, and political “citizenships.” It has also shaped the identities, values, and interests of many whites in immigrant-receiving states in ways that make Mexican immigrants seem threatening, even as it has made those states pay most of the costs of absorbing immigrants. In consequence, the U.S. should adopt policies that give priority to Mexicans in immigration and that facilitate dual citizenships, while providing more aid to immigrant-receiving states.
The concept of normative threat
Authors: Creppell Ingrid
Published: September 2011

Why are some acts, events, or people elevated to a status of a threat, when no hostile action or direct physical damage appears imminent? Why are some relationships of threat infused with intense emotionality and ethical language? In this paper, I argue that puzzles such as these can be understood if we develop a concept of normative threat. The role of ethical values and beliefs has not been sufficiently integrated with the threat literature. Many writers assume that ethical language tied to constructions of threat serves merely to disguise and palliate the underlying hard reality of struggles for power. This is too simplistic. I offer an approach that takes seriously the normativity of the threat experience for people as members of political bodies. I argue that perceptions of threat emerge and carry a heightened emotional and moral energy when basic features of a political body's normative order appear to be at stake and people believe action affirming their strength as a collective body is required. Normative order comprises a set of principles citizens believe to be necessary for the functioning, justifiability, and indeed ‘reality’ of their political body. A normative threat is perceived as a promise of harm to the political body through defiance of basic principles of order and right that constitute one's group. The paper describes three main types of normative threat: transgression/grievance, subversion/insecurity, abomination/indignant aversion.
Bio‐optical observations of the 2004 Labrador Sea phytoplankton bloom
Authors: Strutton Peter G. , Martz Todd R. , DeGrandpre Michael D. , McGillis Wade R. , Drennan William M. , Boss Emmanuel
Published: September 2011

A unique time series of moored bio‐optical measurements documented the 2004 spring‐summer bloom in the southern Labrador Sea. In situ and satellite chlorophyll data show that chlorophyll levels in the 2004 bloom were at the upper end of those typically observed in this region. Satellite chlorophyll and profiling float temperature/salinity data show that the main bloom, which typically peaks in June/July, is often preceded by ephemeral mixed layer shoaling and a lesser, short‐lived bloom in May; this was the case in 2004. The particulate backscatter to beam attenuation ratio (bbp[470 nm]/Cp[660 nm]) showed peaks in the relative abundance of small particles at bloom initiation and during the decline of the bloom, while larger particles dominated during the bloom. Chlorophyll/Cp and bbp/chlorophyll were correlated with carbon export and dominated by changes in the pigment per cell associated with lower light levels due to enhanced attenuation of solar radiation during the bloom. An NPZ (nutrients, phytoplankton, zooplankton) model captured the phytoplankton bloom and an early July peak in zooplankton. Moored acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) data showed an additional mid‐June peak in zooplankton biomass which was attributed to egg‐laying copepods. The data reported here represent one of the few moored time series of Cp, bbp and chlorophyll extending over several months in an open ocean region. Interpretation of data sets such as this will become increasingly important as these deployments become more commonplace via ocean observing systems. Moreover, these data contribute to the understanding of biological‐physical coupling in a biogeochemically important, yet poorly studied region.