bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In VitroAntiretroviral Properties of S/GSK1349572, a Next-Generation HIV Integrase Inhibitor
Authors: Kobayashi Masanori , Yoshinaga Tomokazu , Seki Takahiro , Wakasa-Morimoto Chiaki , Brown Kevin W. , Ferris Robert , Foster Scott A. , Hazen Richard J. , Miki Shigeru , Suyama-Kagitani Akemi , Kawauchi-Miki Shinobu , Taishi Teruhiko , Kawasuji Takashi , Johns Brian A. , Underwood Mark R. , Garvey Edward P. , Sato Akihiko , Fujiwara Tamio
Published: November 2010

S/GSK1349572 is a next-generation HIV integrase (IN) inhibitor designed to deliver potent antiviral activity with a low-milligram once-daily dose requiring no pharmacokinetic (PK) booster. In addition, S/GSK1349572 demonstrates activity against clinically relevant IN mutant viruses and has potential for a high genetic barrier to resistance. S/GSK1349572 is a two-metal-binding HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitor whose mechanism of action was established throughin vitrointegrase enzyme assays, resistance passage experiments, activity against viral strains resistant to other classes of anti-HIV agents, and mechanistic cellular assays. In a variety of cellular antiviral assays, S/GSK1349572 inhibited HIV replication with low-nanomolar or subnanomolar potency and with a selectivity index of 9,400. The protein-adjusted half-maximal effective concentration (PA-EC50) extrapolated to 100% human serum was 38 nM. When virus was passaged in the presence of S/GSK1349572, highly resistant mutants were not selected, but mutations that effected a low fold change (FC) in the EC50(up to 4.1 fold) were identified in the vicinity of the integrase active site. S/GSK1349572 demonstrated activity against site-directed molecular clones containing the raltegravir-resistant signature mutations Y143R, Q148K, N155H, and G140S/Q148H (FCs, 1.4, 1.1, 1.2, and 2.6, respectively), while these mutants led to a high FC in the EC50of raltegravir (11- to >130-fold). Either additive or synergistic effects were observed when S/GSK1349572 was tested in combination with representative approved antiretroviral agents; no antagonistic effects were seen. These findings demonstrate that S/GSK1349572 would be classified as a next-generation drug in the integrase inhibitor class, with a resistance profile markedly different from that of first-generation integrase inhibitors.
Mutation Analysis of the
Mycobacterium leprae folP1
Gene and Dapsone Resistance
Authors: Nakata Noboru , Kai Masanori , Makino Masahiko
Published: November 2010

Diaminodiphenylsulfone (dapsone) has long been used as a first-line drug worldwide for the treatment of leprosy. Diagnosis for dapsone resistance of
Mycobacterium leprae
by DNA tests would be of great clinical value, but the relationship between the nucleotide substitutions and susceptibility to dapsone must be clarified before use. In this study, we constructed recombinant strains of cultivable
Mycobacterium smegmatis
carrying the
M. leprae folP1
gene with or without a point mutation, disrupting their own
folP
gene on the chromosome. Dapsone susceptibilities of the recombinant bacteria were measured to examine influence of the mutations. Dapsone MICs for most of the strains with mutations at codon 53 or 55 of
M. leprae folP1
were 2 to 16 times as high as the MIC for the strain with the wild-type
folP1
sequence, but mutations that changed Thr to Ser at codon 53 showed somewhat lower MIC values than the wild-type sequence. Strains with mutations at codon 48 or 54 showed levels of susceptibility to dapsone comparable to the susceptibility of the strain with the wild-type sequence. This study confirmed that point mutations at codon 53 or 55 of the
M. leprae folP1
gene result in dapsone resistance.
Impact of P-Glycoprotein Inhibition and Lipopolysaccharide Administration on Blood-Brain Barrier Transport of Colistin in Mice
Authors: Jin Liang , Li Jian , Nation Roger L. , Nicolazzo Joseph A.
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors limiting the blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport of colistin in healthy mice and to assess the impact of systemic inflammation on the transport of this antibiotic across the BBB. Colistin sulfate (40 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously to Swiss outbred mice as single and multiple doses to determine any relationship between brain uptake and plasma concentrations of colistin. To assess the effect of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) on BBB transport, colistin sulfate (5 mg/kg) was concomitantly administered intravenously with PSC833 or GF120918 (10 mg/kg). Systemic inflammation was induced by three intraperitoneal injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 3 mg/kg), and BBB transport of colistin was subsequently measured following subcutaneous administration and by an
in situ
brain perfusion. The brain uptake of colistin was low following single and multiple subcutaneous doses, with brain-to-plasma concentration ratios ranging between 0.021 and 0.037, and this was not significantly enhanced by coadministration of GF120918 or PSC833 (
P
> 0.05). LPS significantly increased the brain uptake of subcutaneously administered colistin with area under the brain concentration time curve (AUC
brain
) values of 11.7 ± 2.7 μg·h/g and 4.0 ± 0.3 μg·h/g for LPS- and saline-treated mice, respectively (mean ± standard deviation). Similarly,
in situ
perfusion of colistin led to higher antibiotic brain concentrations in LPS-treated animals than in saline-treated animals, with colistin brain-to-perfusate concentration ratios of 0.019 ± 0.001 and 0.014 ± 0.001, respectively. This study demonstrates that the BBB transport of colistin is negligible in healthy mice; however, brain concentrations of colistin can be significantly enhanced during systemic inflammation, as might be observed in infected patients.
Influence of Storage Conditions on the Growth of
Pseudomonas
Species in Refrigerated Raw Milk
Authors: De Jonghe Valerie , Coorevits An , Van Hoorde Koenraad , Messens Winy , Van Landschoot Anita , De Vos Paul , Heyndrickx Marc
Published: November 2010

The refrigerated storage of raw milk throughout the dairy chain prior to heat treatment creates selective conditions for growth of psychrotolerant bacteria. These bacteria, mainly belonging to the genus
Pseudomonas
, are capable of producing thermoresistant extracellular proteases and lipases, which can cause spoilage and structural defects in pasteurized and ultra-high-temperature-treated milk (products). To map the influence of refrigerated storage on the growth of these pseudomonads, milk samples were taken after the first milking turn and incubated laboratory scale at temperatures simulating optimal and suboptimal preprocessing storage conditions. The outgrowth of
Pseudomonas
members was monitored over time by means of cultivation-independent denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Isolates were identified by a polyphasic approach. These incubations revealed that outgrowth of
Pseudomonas
members occurred from the beginning of the dairy chain (farm tank) under both optimal and suboptimal storage conditions. An even greater risk for outgrowth, as indicated by a vast increase of about 2 log CFU per ml raw milk, existed downstream in the chain, especially when raw milk was stored under suboptimal conditions. This difference in
Pseudomonas
outgrowth between optimal and suboptimal storage was already statistically significant within the farm tank. The predominant taxa were identified as
Pseudomonas gessardii
,
Pseudomonas gessardii
-like,
Pseudomonas fluorescens
-like,
Pseudomonas lundensis
,
Pseudomonas fragi
, and
Pseudomonas fragi
-like. Those taxa show an important spoilage potential as determined on elective media for proteolysis and lipolysis.
Biodiversity of
Clostridium botulinum
Type E Associated with a Large Outbreak of Botulism in Wildlife from Lake Erie and Lake Ontario
Authors: Hannett George E. , Stone Ward B. , Davis Stephen W. , Wroblewski Danielle
Published: November 2010

The genetic relatedness of
Clostridium botulinum
type E isolates associated with an outbreak of wildlife botulism was studied using random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Specimens were collected from November 2000 to December 2008 during a large outbreak of botulism affecting birds and fish living in and around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. In our present study, a total of 355 wildlife samples were tested for the presence of botulinum toxin and/or organisms. Type E botulinum toxin was detected in 110 samples from birds, 12 samples from fish, and 2 samples from mammals. Sediment samples from Lake Erie were also examined for the presence of
C. botulinum
. Fifteen of 17 sediment samples were positive for the presence of
C. botulinum
type E. Eighty-one
C. botulinum
isolates were obtained from plants, animals, and sediments; of these isolates, 44
C. botulinum
isolates produced type E toxin, as determined by mouse bioassay, while the remaining 37 isolates were not toxic for mice. All toxin-producing isolates were typed by RAPD; that analysis showed 12 different RAPD types and multiple subtypes. Our study thus demonstrates that multiple genetically distinct strains of
C. botulinum
were involved in the present outbreak of wildlife botulism. We found that
C. botulinum
type E is present in the sediments of Lake Erie and that a large range of bird and fish species is affected.
MVE1
, Encoding the Velvet Gene Product Homolog in
Mycosphaerella graminicola
, Is Associated with Aerial Mycelium Formation, Melanin Biosynthesis, Hyphal Swelling, and Light Signaling
Authors: Choi Yoon-E , Goodwin Stephen B.
Published: November 2010

The ascomycete fungus
Mycosphaerella graminicola
is an important pathogen of wheat that causes
Septoria tritici
blotch. Despite the serious impact of
M. graminicola
on wheat production worldwide, knowledge about its molecular biology is limited. The velvet gene,
veA
, is one of the key regulators of diverse cellular processes, including development and secondary metabolism in many fungi. However, the species analyzed to date are not related to the
Dothideomycetes
, the largest class of plant-pathogenic fungi, and the function of
veA
in this group is not known. To test the hypothesis that the velvet gene has similar functions in the
Dothideomycetes
, a
veA
-homologous gene,
MVE1
, was identified and gene deletion mutations (Δ
mve1
) were generated in
M. graminicola
. All of the
MVE1
mutants exhibited consistent pleiotropic phenotypes, indicating the involvement of
MVE1
in multiple signaling pathways. Δ
mve1
strains displayed albino phenotypes with significant reductions in melanin biosynthesis and less production of aerial mycelia on agar plates. In liquid culture, Δ
mve1
strains showed abnormal hyphal swelling, which was suppressed completely by osmotic stress or lower temperature. In addition,
MVE1
gene deletion led to hypersensitivity to shaking, reduced hydrophobicity, and blindness to light-dependent stimulation of aerial mycelium production. However, pathogenicity was not altered in Δ
mve1
strains. Therefore, the light-signaling pathway associated with
MVE1
does not appear to be important for
Septoria tritici
blotch disease. Our data suggest that the
MVE1
gene plays crucial roles in multiple key signaling pathways and is associated with light signaling in
M. graminicola
.
Molecular Description and Industrial Potential of Tn
6098
Conjugative Transfer Conferring Alpha-Galactoside Metabolism in
Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Machielsen Ronnie , Siezen Roland J. , van Hijum Sacha A. F. T. , van Hylckama Vlieg Johan E. T.
Published: November 2010

A novel 51-kb conjugative transposon of
Lactococcus lactis
, designated Tn
6098
, encoding the capacity to utilize α-galactosides such as raffinose and stachyose, was identified and characterized. Alpha-galactosides are a dominant carbon source in many plant-derived foods. Most dairy lactococcus strains are unable to use α-galactosides as a growth substrate, yet many of these strains are known to have beneficial industrial traits. Conjugal transfer of Tn
6098
was demonstrated from the plant-derived donor strain
L. lactis
KF147 to the recipient
L. lactis
NZ4501, a derivative of the dairy model strain
L. lactis
MG1363. The integration of Tn
6098
into the genome of the recipient strain was confirmed by Illumina sequencing of the transconjugant
L. lactis
NIZO3921. The molecular structure of the integration site was confirmed by a PCR product spanning the insertion site. A 15-bp direct repeat sequence (TTATACCATAATTAC) is present on either side of Tn
6098
in the chromosome of
L. lactis
KF147. One copy of this sequence is also present in the
L. lactis
MG1363 chromosome and represents the sole integration site. Phenotypic characterization of all strains showed that the transconjugant has not only acquired the ability to grow well in soy milk, a substrate rich in α-galactosides, but also has retained the flavor-forming capabilities of the recipient strain
L. lactis
MG1363. This study demonstrates how (induced) conjugation can be used to exploit the beneficial industrial traits of industrial dairy lactic acid bacteria in fermentation of plant-derived substrates.
Use of RmInt1, a Group IIB Intron Lacking the Intron-Encoded Protein Endonuclease Domain, in Gene Targeting
Authors: García-Rodríguez Fernando M. , Barrientos-Durán Antonio , Díaz-Prado Vanessa , Fernández-López Manuel , Toro Nicolás
Published: November 2010

The group IIA intron Ll.LtrB from
Lactococcus lactis
and the group IIB intron EcI5 from
Escherichia coli
have intron-encoded proteins (IEP) with a DNA-binding domain (D) and an endonuclease domain (En). Both have been successfully retargeted to invade target DNAs other than their wild-type target sites. RmInt1, a subclass IIB3/D intron with an IEP lacking D and En domains, is highly active in retrohoming in its host,
Sinorhizobium meliloti
. We found that RmInt1 was also mobile in
E. coli
and that retrohoming in this heterologous host depended on temperature, being more efficient at 28°C than at 37°C. Furthermore, we programmed RmInt1 to recognize target sites other than its wild-type site. These retargeted introns efficiently and specifically retrohome into a recipient plasmid target site or a target site present as a single copy in the chromosome, generating a mutation in the targeted gene. Our results extend the range of group II introns available for gene targeting.
Immunization with
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium-Derived Outer Membrane Vesicles Delivering the Pneumococcal Protein PspA Confers Protection against Challenge with
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Muralinath Maneesha , Kuehn Meta J. , Roland Kenneth L. , Curtiss Roy
Published: November 2010

Gram-negative bacteria produce outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that serve a variety of functions related to survival and pathogenicity. Periplasmic and outer membrane proteins are naturally captured during vesicle formation. This property has been exploited as a method to derive immunogenic vesicle preparations for use as vaccines. In this work, we constructed a
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium strain that synthesized a derivative of the pneumococcal protein PspA engineered to be secreted into the periplasmic space. Vesicles isolated from this strain contained PspA in the lumen. Mice intranasally immunized with the vesicle preparation developed serum antibody responses against vesicle components that included PspA and
Salmonella
-derived lipopolysaccharide and outer membrane proteins, while no detectable responses developed in mice immunized with an equivalent dose of purified PspA. Mucosal IgA responses developed against the
Salmonella
components, while the response to PspA was less apparent in most mice. Mice immunized with the vesicle preparation were completely protected against a 10× 50% lethal dose (LD
50
) challenge of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
and significantly protected against a 200× LD
50
challenge, while control mice immunized with purified PspA or empty vesicles were not protected. These results establish that vesicles can be used to mucosally deliver an antigen from a Gram-positive organism and induce a protective immune response.
Novel Members of the Cra Regulon Involved in Carbon Metabolism in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Shimada Tomohiro , Yamamoto Kaneyoshi , Ishihama Akira
Published: November 2010

Cra (
c
atabolite
r
epressor
a
ctivator) is a global regulator of the genes for carbon metabolism in
Escherichia coli
. To gain insights into the regulatory roles of Cra, attempts were made to identify the whole set of regulation targets using an improved genomic SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) system. Surprisingly, a total of 164 binding sites were identified for Cra, 144 (88%) of which were newly identified. The majority of known targets were included in the SELEX chip pattern. The promoters examined by the
lacZ
reporter assay
in vivo
were all regulated by Cra. These two lines of evidence indicate that a total of as many as 178 promoters are under the control of Cra. The majority of Cra targets are the genes coding for the enzymes involved in central carbon metabolism, covering all the genes for the enzymes involved in glycolysis and metabolism downstream of glycolysis, including the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and aerobic respiration. Taken together, we propose that Cra plays a key role in balancing the levels of the enzymes for carbon metabolism.
Cell Biology of the Trypanosome Genome
Authors: Daniels Jan-Peter , Gull Keith , Wickstead Bill
Published: November 2010

Trypanosomes are a group of protozoan eukaryotes, many of which are major parasites of humans and livestock. The genomes of trypanosomes and their modes of gene expression differ in several important aspects from those of other eukaryotic model organisms. Protein-coding genes are organized in large directional gene clusters on a genome-wide scale, and their polycistronic transcription is not generally regulated at initiation. Transcripts from these polycistrons are processed by globaltrans-splicing of pre-mRNA. Furthermore, in African trypanosomes, some protein-coding genes are transcribed by a multifunctional RNA polymerase I from a specialized extranucleolar compartment. The primary DNA sequence of the trypanosome genomes and their cellular organization have usually been treated as separate entities. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that in order to understand how a genome functions in a living cell, we will need to unravel how the one-dimensional genomic sequence and itstrans-acting factors are arranged in the three-dimensional space of the eukaryotic nucleus. Understanding this cell biology of the genome will be crucial if we are to elucidate the genetic control mechanisms of parasitism. Here, we integrate the concepts of nuclear architecture, deduced largely from studies of yeast and mammalian nuclei, with recent developments in our knowledge of the trypanosome genome, gene expression, and nuclear organization. We also compare this nuclear organization to those in other systems in order to shed light on the evolution of nuclear architecture in eukaryotes.
The Accessory Genome of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kung Vanderlene L. , Ozer Egon A. , Hauser Alan R.
Published: November 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains exhibit significant variability in pathogenicity and ecological flexibility. Such interstrain differences reflect the dynamic nature of the
P. aeruginosa
genome, which is composed of a relatively invariable “core genome” and a highly variable “accessory genome.” Here we review the major classes of genetic elements comprising the
P. aeruginosa
accessory genome and highlight emerging themes in the acquisition and functional importance of these elements. Although the precise phenotypes endowed by the majority of the
P. aeruginosa
accessory genome have yet to be determined, rapid progress is being made, and a clearer understanding of the role of the
P. aeruginosa
accessory genome in ecology and infection is emerging.
A NOTE ON THE ANALOGY BETWEEN KOLMOGOROV TURBULENCE AND QUANTUM GRAVITY
Authors: SUCCI SAURO
Published: November 2010

Based on a formal analogy between space-time quantum fluctuations and classical Kolmogorov fluid turbulence, we suggest that the dynamic growth of the Universe from Planckian to macroscopic scales should be characterized by the presence of a fluctuating volume-flux (FVF) invariant. The existence of such an invariant could be tested in numerical simulations of quantum gravity, and may also stimulate the development of a new class of hierarchical models of quantum foam, similar to those currently employed in modern phenomenological research on fluid turbulence. The use of such models shows that the simple analogy with Kolmogorov turbulence is not compatible with a fine-scale fractal structure of quantum space-time. Hence, should such theories prove correct, they would imply that the scaling properties of quantum fluctuations of space-time are subtler than those described by the simple Kolmogorov analogy.
A COMPETITIVE SEARCHING-BASED CHAOTIC CIPHER
Authors: FORMOLO DANIEL , DE OLIVEIRA LUIZ P. L. , SOBOTTKA MARCELO
Published: November 2010

In this paper we propose a high performance searching-based chaotic cipher. Experiments shows that its efficiency is comparable to the efficiencies of some widely used and known ciphers, namely, AES, RC4 and Sosemanuk. Also, its performance is better than some recently proposed chaotic ciphers of the same kind. The proposed cryptosystem shows independence with respect to the statistical characteristics of the plain texts, which prevents statistical attacks. The results of the tests suggest that this chaotic cipher can be competitive for practical usage.
SOLVING THE TIME-DEPENDENT SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION WITH ABSORBING BOUNDARY CONDITIONS AND SOURCE TERMS IN MATHEMATICA 6.0
Authors: DUBEIBE F. L.
Published: November 2010

In recent decades a lot of research has been done on the numerical solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. On the one hand, some of the proposed numerical methods do not need any kind of matrix inversion, but source terms cannot be easily implemented into these schemes; on the other, some methods involving matrix inversion can implement source terms in a natural way, but are not easy to implement into some computational software programs widely used by non-experts in programming (e.g. Mathematica). We present a simple method to solve the time-dependent Schrödinger equation by using a standard Crank–Nicholson method together with a Cayley's form for the finite-difference representation of evolution operator. Here, such standard numerical scheme has been simplified by inverting analytically the matrix of the evolution operator in position representation. The analytical inversion of the N × N matrix let us easily and fully implement the numerical method, with or without source terms, into Mathematica or even into any numerical computing language or computational software used for scientific computing.
BCS AS FOUNDATION AND INSPIRATION: THE TRANSMUTATION OF SYMMETRY
Authors: WILCZEK FRANK
Published: November 2010

The BCS theory injected two powerful ideas into the collective consciousness of theoretical physics: pairing and spontaneous symmetry breaking. In the 50 years since the seminal work of Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer, those ideas have found important use in areas quite remote from the stem application to metallic superconductivity. This is a brief and eclectic sketch of some highlights, emphasizing relatively recent developments in QCD and in the theory of quantum statistics, and including a few thoughts about future directions. A common theme is the importance of symmetry transmutation, as opposed to the simple breaking of electromagnetic U(1) symmetry in classic metallic superconductors.
STRING QUANTUM GRAVITY, LORENTZ-INVARIANCE VIOLATION AND GAMMA RAY ASTRONOMY
Authors: MAVROMATOS NICK E.
Published: November 2010

In the first part of the review, I discuss ways of obtaining Lorentz-Invariance Violating (LIV) space–time foam in the modern context of string theory, involving brane world scenarios. The foamy structures are provided by lower-dimensional background brane defects in a D3-brane universe, whose density is a free parameter to be constrained phenomenologically. Such constraining can be provided by high energy gamma ray photon tests, including ultra-high energy/infrared photon–photon scattering. In the second part, I analyze the currently available data from MAGIC and FERMI telescopes on delayed cosmic photon arrivals in this context. It is understood of course that conventional astrophysics source effects, which currently are far from being understood, might be the dominant reason for the observed delayed arrivals. I also discuss how the stringent constraints from studies of synchrotron-radiation from distant Nebulae, absence of cosmic birefringence and nonobservation of ultra-high energy cosmic photons can be accommodated within the aforementioned stringy space–time foam model. I argue that, at least within the currently available sets of astrophysical data, the stringy foam model can avoid all theses constraints in a natural range of the string coupling and mass scale. The key features are: (i) transparency of the foam to electrons and charged probes in general, (ii) absence of birefringence effects and (iii) a breakdown of the local effective Lagrangian formalism. However, in order to accommodate, in this theoretical framework, the data of the FERMI satellite on the delayed arrival of photons from the short intense Gamma Ray Burst GRB 090510, in a way consistent with the findings of the MAGIC telescope, a nonuniform density of brane foam defects must be invoked.
THE CARDY–VERLINDE EQUATION IN A SPHERICAL SYMMETRIC GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE
Authors: MAIELLA G. , STORNAIOLO C.
Published: November 2010

The Cardy–Verlinde formula is analyzed in the contest of the gravitational collapse. Starting from the holographic principle, we show how the equations for a homogeneous and isotropic gravitational collapse describe the formation of the black hole entropy. Some comments on the role of the entangled entropy and the connection with the c-theorem are made.
GENERALIZED SECOND LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS IN THE PRESENCE OF INTERACTING DBI-ESSENCE AND OTHER DARK ENERGIES
Authors: CHATTOPADHYAY SURAJIT , DEBNATH UJJAL
Published: November 2010

In the present work we investigated the validity of the generalized second law (GSL) of thermodynamics in the presence of interaction between DBI-essence and other four candidates of dark energy, namely the modified Chaplygin gas, hessence, tachyonic field and new agegraphic dark energy. It has been observed that the GSL breaks down in the presence of the interactions. However, the event horizon remains to be an increasing function of time.
THE ORBIFOLD-STRING THEORIES OF PERMUTATION-TYPE II: CYCLE DYNAMICS AND TARGET SPACE–TIME DIMENSIONS
Authors: HALPERN M. B.
Published: November 2010

We continue our discussion of the general bosonic prototype of the new orbifold-string theories of permutation-type. Supplementing the extended physical-state conditions of the previous paper, we construct here the extended Virasoro generators with cycle central charge [Formula: see text], where fj(σ) is the length of cycle j in twisted sector σ. We also find an equivalent, reduced formulation of each physical-state problem at reduced cycle central charge cj(σ) = 26. These tools are used to begin the study of the target space–time dimension [Formula: see text] of cycle j in sector σ, which is naturally defined as the number of zero modes (momenta) of each cycle. The general model-dependent formulae derived here will be used extensively in succeeding papers, but are evaluated in this paper only for the simplest case of the "pure" permutation orbifolds.
STRONG SOLUTIONS FOR STOCHASTIC NONLINEAR NONLOCAL PARABOLIC EQUATIONS
Authors: COAYLA-TERAN EDSON A.
Published: November 2010

In this article we investigate the existence and uniqueness of strong solutions to the initial-boundary value problem with homogeneous boundary conditions for a stochastic nonlinear parabolic equation of nonlocal type with multiplicative white noise. Moreover, we prove a simple result on the asymptotic behavior for the solution.
STOCHASTIC STABILIZATION OF DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS USING LÉVY NOISE
Authors: APPLEBAUM DAVID , SIAKALLI MICHAILINA
Published: November 2010

We investigate the perturbation of the nonlinear differential equation [Formula: see text] by random noise terms consisting of Brownian motion and an independent Poisson random measure. We find conditions under which the perturbed system is almost surely exponentially stable and estimate the corresponding Lyapunov exponents.
OPTIMAL GUARANTEED COST CONTROL OF UNCERTAIN STOCHASTIC COMPLEX DELAYED DYNAMICAL NETWORKS
Authors: LI SHUKAI , TANG WANSHENG , ZHANG JIANXIONG
Published: November 2010

This paper investigates the optimal guaranteed cost control of synchronization for uncertain stochastic complex networks with time-varying delays. The aim is to design state-feedback controllers such that the complex networks are globally asymptotical mean-square synchronization, and meanwhile the optimal upper bound of cost function is guaranteed. Based on Lyapunov–Krasovskii stability theory and Itô differential rule, sufficient condition for the existence of the optimal guaranteed cost control laws is given in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Ductile duplexes as potential natural gas plays: an example from the Appalachian thrust belt in Georgia, USA
Authors: Cook Brian S. , Thomas William A.
Published: November 2010

In a well-defined small-scale recess in the Appalachian thrust belt in northwestern Georgia (USA), two distinct regional strike directions intersect at
c.
50°. Fault intersections and interference folds enable tracing of both structural strikes. Around the recess, tectonically thickened weak stratigraphic layers – shales of the Cambrian Conasauga Formation – accommodated ductile deformation associated with the folding and faulting of the overlying Cambrian–Ordovician regional competent layer. The structures in the competent layer are analogous to those over ductile duplexes documented along strike to the SW in Alabama, where gas production has been established from the deformed shale. The analogy with structures in Alabama suggests a ductile duplex and natural gas potential within the recess in Georgia.

The tectonic thickening of the weak-layer shales is evident in palinspastically restored cross sections, which demonstrate a nearly 100% increase in volume over the restored state cross sections. The dominant cause of the surplus shale volume is likely pre-thrusting deposition of thick shale in a basement graben that was later inverted. The volume balance of the ductile duplex is critical for palinspastic reconstruction of the recess, and for the kinematic history and mechanics of the ductile duplex.
Controls on lateral structural variability along the Keping Shan Thrust Belt, SW Tien Shan Foreland, China
Authors: Turner Sebastian A. , Cosgrove John W. , Liu Jian G.
Published: November 2010

Lateral structural variability and partitioning of fold–thrust belts often reflects lateral variations in the stratigraphy of the deforming foreland and interaction with inherited structures. The Keping Shan Thrust Belt, NW China, was initiated during the late Cenozoic and is a spectacular example of contractional deformation in a foreland setting. The belt is characterized by a series of imbricate thrusts which form a broadly arcuate salient and deform the thick (3–6 km) Phanerozoic sedimentary succession of the NW Tarim Basin (SW Tien Shan foreland). Abrupt lateral changes in the thickness of the sedimentary succession are associated with a series of major pre-existing basement faults which cross-cut the belt and which were probably initiated during early Permian times. These lateral variations in the basin template have impacted strongly on the structural architecture of the superimposed thrust belt. Variations in the thickness of the sediment pile affect the spatial distribution of thrusts, which increase in abundance where the sediment is thinnest. The inherited cross-cutting basement faults and the associated abrupt changes in sediment thickness combine to generate partitioning of the thrust belt.
Thrust belt architecture of the central and southern Western Foothills of Taiwan
Authors: Rodriguez-Roa Fernando A. , Wiltschko David V.
Published: November 2010

An internally consistent 3D structural model for the central and southern Western Foothills Fold and Thrust Belt (WFFTB) was constructed from serial balanced cross sections. The level of exposure, thrust sheet thickness and degree of internal complexity observed within the WFFTB are influenced by the presence of pre-existing normal faults. Most of the faults of the Western Foothills started their activity before the deposition of the Cholan Formation (
c
. 3.5 Ma). Out-of-sequence faulting is common and may be due to localized erosion and fault inversion. Basement appears to be more significantly involved towards the south where a new structure, the sub-Yuching uplift, has been identified. The estimated aggregate displacement on WFFTB thrusts is uniformly about 40 km on the central segment cross sections, even in the region of greatest basement involvement. Total thrust displacement starts to decrease on the southernmost cross sections, which may be coincident with the transition from collision in the north to accretion. The restored position of the pre-existing normal faults places them as far east as the present-day Coastal Range. The WFFTB rocks must have been stripped off the Eurasian margin before significant burial could take place.
A survey of confidential data storage and deletion methods
Authors: Diesburg Sarah M. , Wang An-I Andy
Published: November 2010

As the amount of digital data grows, so does the theft of sensitive data through the loss or misplacement of laptops, thumb drives, external hard drives, and other electronic storage media. Sensitive data may also be leaked accidentally due to improper disposal or resale of storage media. To protect the secrecy of the entire data lifetime, we must have confidential ways to store and delete data. This survey summarizes and compares existing methods of providing confidential storage and deletion of data in personal computing environments.
A taxonomy of sequential pattern mining algorithms
Authors: Mabroukeh Nizar R. , Ezeife C. I.
Published: November 2010

Owing to important applications such as mining web page traversal sequences, many algorithms have been introduced in the area of sequential pattern mining over the last decade, most of which have also been modified to support concise representations like closed, maximal, incremental or hierarchical sequences. This article presents a taxonomy of sequential pattern-mining techniques in the literature with web usage mining as an application. This article investigates these algorithms by introducing a taxonomy for classifying sequential pattern-mining algorithms based on important key features supported by the techniques. This classification aims at enhancing understanding of sequential pattern-mining problems, current status of provided solutions, and direction of research in this area. This article also attempts to provide a comparative performance analysis of many of the key techniques and discusses theoretical aspects of the categories in the taxonomy.
Machines for Thinking
Authors: Fincher Sally , Utting Ian
Published: November 2010

In this article we set a context for three Initial Learning Environments Alice, Greenfoot, and Scratch. We consider historical antecedents, technical comparators and design approaches.
The Scratch Programming Language and Environment
Authors: Maloney John , Resnick Mitchel , Rusk Natalie , Silverman Brian , Eastmond Evelyn
Published: November 2010

Scratch is a visual programming environment that allows users (primarily ages 8 to 16) to learn computer programming while working on personally meaningful projects such as animated stories and games. A key design goal of Scratch is to support self-directed learning through tinkering and collaboration with peers. This article explores how the Scratch programming language and environment support this goal.
Up and coming SIGWEB supported conferences
Authors: Deshpande Yogesh
Published: November 2010

SIGWEB supports several specialized conferences, short courses, and workshops, as well as the Annual Hypertext Conference. SIGWEB sponsored conferences focus on timely topics in applied and computational hypertext and Web disciplines and provide a place for members and the entire applied Hypermedia and Web community to exchange ideas and to meet with and expand their network of colleagues. In this article, we provide a brief overview of SIGWEB sponsored conferences, in addition to events that are in cooperation with SIGWEB.
Influence of Air Temperature on the Performance of Different Water-Reducing Admixtures with Respect to the Properties of Fresh and Hardened Mortar
Authors: Silva Wilson Ricardo Leal , Prudêncio Luiz Roberto , Oliveira Alexandre Lima , Damo Gabriela , Tochetto Eduardo
Published: November 2010

The performance of water-reducing admixtures used in concrete is affected by the weather conditions to which the concrete mixture is exposed. The most used WRAs are lignosulfonate, naphthalene, and polycarboxylate. However, they react differently to weather conditions, especially to air temperature. Therefore, it can be useful to evaluate how temperature affects admixture performance. In this study, the performance of three admixtures (naphthalene, lignosulfonate, and polycarboxylate) was evaluated at 15, 25, and 35°C by means of the flow table test, mixture air content, and compressive strength. Moreover, mixture temperature was monitored and time-temperature curves were plotted in order to assess whether the admixtures affected cement hydration reactions at different temperatures. The final results indicate that an increase in temperature leads to an increase in saturation dosage; lignosulfonate had the most pronounced retarding effect, followed by polycarboxylate, and finally, naphthalene, and considering the weather conditions in the area where the study was carried, the final finding would be that the naphthalene-based admixture had the best performance.
Flatness, Cylindricity and Sphericity Assessment Based on the Seven Classes of Symmetry of the Surfaces
Authors: Prisco U. , Polini W.
Published: November 2010

Dimensional inspection of a manufactured surface by means of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) produces a set of Cartesian coordinates. The coordinates are processed to yield the geometric tolerance of the surface. This paper presents a new approach to the evaluation of flatness, cylindricity and sphericity tolerance based on surface invariance with regard to the rigid motions. The proposed algorithm transforms, through homogeneous transformation matrices, the coordinates measured to best fit the reference element of the surface class from which the actual measurements were sampled. The transformation matrix is simplified taking into account the invariance of the sum of the squared normal distances of the measured points from the nominal surface as regards some rigid motions. This invariance is a consequence of the invariance as regards some displacements of the nominal surface from which the data points were sampled. In this way, the number of parameters to be optimised is reduced in comparison with the six parameters characterizing the general homogeneous transform matrix. The methodology was computer implemented and numerical simulations were performed for planes, cylinders, and spheres in order to validate the effectiveness of the approach. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm provides accurate and quick assessments.
Bevacizumab for Macular Serous Neuroretinal Detachment in Tilted Disk Syndrome
Authors: Milani Paolo , Pece Alfredo , Pierro Luisa , Seidenari Patrizio , Radice Paolo , Scialdone Antonio
Published: November 2010

Background. Tilted disc syndrome (TDS) is a congenital anomaly characterized by “tilting” of the optic disc tipycally associated with myopic astigmatism, visual field defect, inferior staphyloma, and retinal pigment epithelium atrophy. Associated complications such as macular serous neuroretinal detachment are well described; however, ideal therapy for such complication is unknown.Methods. One interventional case report is hereby described. A patient affected by macular serous neuroretinal detachment-complicated tilted disk syndrome underwent a complete ophthalmic examination. Optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography were taken at baseline and at scheduled visits. Two intravitreal treatments of bevacizumab (avastin, 1.25 mg/0.05 mL) were performed at monthly interval.Results. At scheduled visit, one month after the second injection, OCT depicted persistence of neuroretinal detachment. Best-corrected visual acuity remain stable as well as metamorphopsia and functional discomfort.Conclusion. Clinical evidence of this brief interventional case report indicates that one patient affected by recent serous macular detachment-complicated TDS did not benefit from 2 consecutive monthly intravitreal Avastin treatments. Best-corrected visual acuity remained stable over a total observation period of 6 months.
The Role of System-Specific Molecular Chaperones in the Maturation of Molybdoenzymes in Bacteria
Authors: Neumann Meina , Leimkühler Silke
Published: November 2010

Biogenesis of prokaryotic molybdoenzymes is a complex process with the final step representing the insertion of a matured molybdenum cofactor (Moco) into a folded apoenzyme. Usually, specific chaperones of the XdhC family are required for the maturation of molybdoenzymes of the xanthine oxidase family in bacteria. Enzymes of the xanthine oxidase family are characterized to contain an equatorial sulfur ligand at the molybdenum center of Moco. This sulfur ligand is inserted into Moco while bound to the XdhC-like protein and before its insertion into the target enzyme. In addition, enzymes of the xanthine oxidase family bind either the molybdopterin (Mo-MPT) form of Moco or the modified molybdopterin cytosine dinucleotide cofactor (MCD). In both cases, only the matured cofactor is inserted by a proofreading process of XdhC. The roles of these specific XdhC-like chaperones during the biogenesis of enzymes of the xanthine oxidase family in bacteria are described.
Preparation and Characterization of Pure Rutile TiO2Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Study and Thin Films for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Huei-Siou , Su Chaochin , Chen Ji-Lian , Yang Tsai-Yin , Hsu Nai-Mu , Li Wen-Ren
Published: November 2010

Pure rutile-phase TiO2(r-TiO2) was synthesized by a simple one pot experiment under hydrothermal condition using titanium (IV) n-butoxide as a Ti-precursor and HCl as a peptizer. The TiO2products were characterized by XRD, TEM, ESCA, and BET surface area measurement. The r-TiO2were rodlike in shape with average size of  nm at hydrothermal temperature of 220°C for 10 h. Hydrothermal treatment at longer reaction time increased the tendency of crystal growth and also decreased the BET surface area. The degradation of methylene blue was selected as a test reaction to confer the photocatalytic activity of as-obtained r-TiO2. The results showed a strong correlation between the structure evolution, particle size, and photocatalytic performance of r-TiO2. Furthermore, the r-TiO2-based solar cell was prepared for the photovoltaic characteristics study, and the best efficiency of ~3.16% was obtained.
Widespread Dispersal of the Crown-of-Thorns Sea Star,Acanthaster planci, across the Hawaiian Archipelago and Johnston Atoll
Authors: Timmers Molly A. , Andrews Kimberly R. , Bird Chris E. , deMaintenton Marta J. , Brainard Russell E. , Toonen Robert J.
Published: November 2010

The population structure of marine species is variable along the Hawaiian Archipelago; thus, it is important to understand dispersal and recruitment patterns for economically and ecologically important taxa to inform Ecosystem-based Management. Connectivity of the coral-eating crown-of-thorns sea star,Acanthaster planci, was examined from Johnston Atoll and 12 locations across the Hawaiian Archipelago. Sequences of mitochondrial DNA from 383 individuals were analyzed to infer patterns of gene flow among the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHIs), the main Hawaiian Islands, and Johnston Atoll. Population samples were genetically similar across the Hawaiian Archipelago with the exception of the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii, which was significantly differentiated from the majority of Hawaiian samples (pairwise , ). Although differentiated, Hawai`i West shares haplotypes with every other site across the Hawaiian Archipelago. Johnston Atoll was genetically distinct from every location (pairwise , ) except French Frigate Shoals (, ), supporting connectivity between the central NWHIs and Johnston Atoll. Taken together with the lack of geographic population structure and haplotypes shared among all populations, these results indicate widespread larval dispersal with few restrictions to gene flow along the archipelago.
Demethylation of RB Regulator MYPT1 by Histone Demethylase LSD1 Promotes Cell Cycle Progression in Cancer Cells
Authors: Cho Hyun-Soo , Suzuki Takehiro , Dohmae Naoshi , Hayami Shinya , Unoki Motoko , Yoshimatsu Masanori , Toyokawa Gouji , Takawa Masashi , Chen Taiping , Kurash Julia K. , Field Helen I. , Ponder Bruce A.J. , Nakamura Yusuke , Hamamoto Ryuji
Published: November 2010

Histone demethylase LSD1 (also known as KDM1 and AOF2) is active in various cancer cells, but its biological significance in human carcinogenesis is unexplored. In this study, we explored hypothesized interactions between LSD1 and MYPT1, a known regulator of RB1 phosphorylation. We found that MYPT1 was methylated in vitro and in vivo by histone lysine methyltransferase SETD7 and demethylated by LSD1, identifying Lys 442 of MYPT1 as a target for methylation/demethylation by these enzymes. LSD1 silencing increased MYPT1 protein levels, decreasing the steady state level of phosphorylated RB1 (Ser 807/811) and reducing E2F activity. MYPT1 methylation status influenced the affinity of MYPT1 for the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway of protein turnover. MYPT1 was unstable in murine cells deficient in SETD7, supporting the concept that MYPT1 protein stability is physiologically regulated by methylation status. LSD1 overexpression could activate RB1 phosphorylation by inducing a destabilization of MYPT1 protein. Taken together, our results comprise a novel cell cycle regulatory mechanism mediated by methylation/demethylation dynamics, and they reveal the significance of LSD1 overexpression in human carcinogenesis. Cancer Res; 71(3); 655–60. ©2010 AACR.