bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free Radicals in Organic Matter for Thermal History Reconstruction of Carbonate Succession
Authors: Nansheng QIU , Huili LI , Zhijun JIN , Yinkang ZHU
Published: February 2011

Abstract: Geothermometer is one of the most useful methods to reconstruct the thermal history of sedimentary basins. This paper introduces the application of free radicals concentration of organic matter as a thermal indicator in the thermal history reconstruction of carbonate succession, based on anhydrous thermal simulation results of type I and II1 kerogen. A series of free radicals data are obtained under thermal simulation of different heating temperatures and times, and quantitative models between free radical concentration (Ng) of organic matter and time‐temperature index (TTI) for types I and type II1 kerogen are also obtained. This Ng‐TTI relation was used to model the Ordovician thermal gradients of Well TZ12 in the Tarim Basin. The modeling result is corresponding to the results obtained by apatite fission track data and published data. This new method of thermal history reconstruction will be benefit to the hydrocarbon generation and accumulation study and resource assessment of carbonate succession.
REE Geochemistry of Fluorite from the Maoniuping REE Deposit, Sichuan Province, China: Implications for the Source of Ore‐forming Fluids
Authors: Zhilong HUANG , Cheng XU , McCAIG Andrew , Congqiang LIU , Jing WU , Deru XU , Wenbo LI , Tao GUAN , Huayun XIAO
Published: February 2011

Abstract: Fluorite is one of the main gangue minerals in the Maoniuping REE deposit, Sichuan Province, China. Fluorite with different colors occurs not only within various orebodies, but also in wallrocks of the orefield. Based on REE geochemistry, fluorite in the orefield can be classified as the LREE‐rich, LREE‐flat and LREE‐depleted types. The three types of fluorite formed at different stages from the same hydrothermal fluid source, with the LREE‐rich fluorite forming at the relatively early stage, the LREE‐flat fluorite in the middle, and the LREE‐depleted fluorite at the latest stage. Various lines of evidence demonstrate that the variation of the REE contents of fluorite shows no relation to the color. The mineralization of the Maoniuping REE deposit is associated spatially and temporally with carbonatite‐syenite magmatism and the ore‐forming fluids are mainly derived from carbonatite and syenite melts.
Pathological Microstructure of a Miocene Ostrich Eggshell from Asia
Authors: Shuo WANG
Published: February 2011

Abstract: Struthio linxiaensis is the oldest fossil ostrich from Asia till today. This paper analyzes the microstructure of the eggshell of Struthio linxiaensis. The SEM and light microscopic results show that a pathological structure occurred associated with the formation of pore canal. The feature of this structure is that crystals of the columnar layer are around the lower part of the pore canal, and formed a broad structure. This structure unit contracts upwards more severely than the canal and looks like a “garlic”, which was observed in amniotes eggshells for the first time. Many evidences indicate that this structure was deposited with the columns simultaneously. The radial section view suggests that the “garlic structure” is not a result of antiperistaltic waves in the avian oviduct. The most possible process of the “garlic structure” formation is the column units around the pore canals with imperfect acidifying when calcified, or have some correlations with the changes in the protein profiles of the organic matrix in the calcareous eggshell.
Coenotypes in Submerged Paleoforests in the Qianhu Bay, Fujian Province
Authors: Jianqiu LIU , Cairong WU , Shaohong WANG , Binghua CHEN , Yulin FANG , Mington YU
Published: February 2011

Abstract: The paleoforest remains studied are distributed within a range of 18000 m2 in the intertidal zone of the Qianhu Bay, Fujian Province. Eighty‐nine ancient tree stumps can be clearly recognized in the paleoforest remains. Microscopic studies of 10 relatively low‐carbonized stump samples definitely showed four species: Glyptostrobus pensili (Staunt) Kouch, Schima superba Gardn., Cinnamomum Schaeffer, and Litsea Lam. The 14C dating of some samples yielded the ages of 42560±350 to >43000 a B. P., corresponding to the late Late Pleistocene.
Ostracod Biostratigraphy of the Late Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in the Songliao Basin
Authors: Zhili ZHANG , Zhenwen LIU , Baichang WANG , Ying ZHANG , Dequan YE
Published: February 2011

Abstract: An ostracod biostratigraphic study was performed on 425 samples from the composite geological section constructed by using cores taken from five selected wells drilled in the Late Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in the Songliao basin. A total of 19 ostracod zones are established in the formation, of which 3 are newly established and 3 are revised. The 19 ostracod zones are described in detail. This study provides a basis for the detailed stratigraphic division and correlation of the Qingshankou Formation and the Gaotaizi oil reservoir in the oilfield in the Songliao basin.
Composition and Genesis of Zeolitic Claystones from the Central Indian Ocean Basin
Authors: Iyer Sridhar D. , Sudhakar M. , Das P.
Published: February 2011

Abstract: We examined more than fifty indurated sediments recovered from the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) during the course of collection for manganese nodules and crusts. The samples occur as slabs either over which ferromanganese oxides are present or over a substrate of altered oceanic basalt in conjunction with palagonite or within the nucleus of manganese nodules. Mineralogically and compositionally, the samples show a mixture of phillipsite, palagonite and montmorillonite. We suggest that the volcanogenic precursors occurring in the CIOB were subjected to varying degrees of alteration under the influence of low temperature conditions, resulting in the formation of zeolitic claystones. The CIOB samples have similarities to those reported from various sites in the world oceans.
A Mathematical Calculation Model Using Biomarkers to Quantitatively Determine the Relative Source Proportion of Mixed Oils
Authors: Jianping CHEN , Chunping DENG , Fuqing SONG , Dajiang ZHANG
Published: February 2011

Abstract: It is difficult to identify the source(s) of mixed oils from multiple source rocks, and in particular the relative contribution of each source rock. Artificial mixing experiments using typical crude oils and ratios of different biomarkers show that the relative contribution changes are non‐linear when two oils with different concentrations of biomarkers mix with each other. This may result in an incorrect conclusion if ratios of biomarkers and a simple binary linear equation are used to calculate the contribution proportion of each end‐member to the mixed oil. The changes of biomarker ratios with the mixing proportion of end‐member oils in the trinal mixing model are more complex than in the binary mixing model. When four or more oils mix, the contribution proportion of each end‐member oil to the mixed oil cannot be calculated using biomarker ratios and a simple formula. Artificial mixing experiments on typical oils reveal that the absolute concentrations of biomarkers in the mixed oil cause a linear change with mixing proportion of each end‐member. Mathematical inferences verify such linear changes. Some of the mathematical calculation methods using the absolute concentrations or ratios of biomarkers to quantitatively determine the proportion of each end‐member in the mixed oils are deduced from the results of artificial experiments and by theoretical inference. Ratio of two biomarker compounds changes as a hyperbola with the mixing proportion in the binary mixing model, as a hyperboloid in the trinal mixing model, and as a hypersurface when mixing more than three end‐members. The mixing proportion of each end‐member can be quantitatively determined with these mathematical models, using the absolute concentrations and the ratios of biomarkers. The mathematical calculation model is more economical, convenient, accurate and reliable than conventional artificial mixing methods.
Degradation of Tetrachloroethene by Several Co‐metabolism Substrates in Groundwater
Authors: Jinghua SHI , Fei LIU , Honghan CHEN , Ye LI
Published: February 2011

Abstract: Tetrachloroethene (PCE) is biodegraded by reductive dechlorination with co‐metabolism substrates under anaerobic conditions. By inoculating sludge from an anaerobic pool, a biodegradation test of PCE is conducted in the anaerobic condition. In the test, several substrates including methanol, ethanol, formate, acetate, lactate and glucose, are conducive to the conversion from PCE to TCE and 1,1‐DCE. The results show the microbe can be cultivated well under the anaerobic circumstances of mixture of sewage (sludge) and soil with the index of COD after eleven days. Degradation of PCE accords with one order reaction kinetics equation. The sequence of the reaction rate constant is Kacetate >Kglucose >Klactate >Kethanol >Kformate >Kmethanol, and acetate is an outstanding co‐metabolism substratum whose reaction rate constant is 0.6632d−1.
Sedimentary Characteristics and Paleoenvironmental Records of Zabuye Salt Lake, Tibetan Plateau, since 128 ka BP
Authors: Mianping ZHENG , Heran YUAN , Junying LIU , Yanhe LI , Zhibang MA , Qing SUN
Published: February 2011

Abstract: This paper for the first time reveals high‐resolution core records of Zabuye Salt Lake in the interior of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. According to 1346 samples taken continuously, relatively accurate 14C, U‐series disequilibrium and ESR ages have been obtained, thus revealing that the lake core ages from 0 to 83.63 m of hole SZK02 are ∼800 to over 128 ka. In the paper, the lake core sedimentary characteristics (including the lithologies and mineral assemblages) are analyzed in detail and correlated with ostracod assemblages I to XX and sporopollen zones A to I, and on the basis of an integrated analysis of the δ 18O values of authigenic calcium‐magnesium carbonate and environmental proxies of minerals, sporopollen and microfossils in the lake core, a correlation has been made of oxygen isotope change between this lake core and the Greenland GISP2 and GRIP and Guliya ice cores, and the climate of Zabuye Salt Lake since 128 ka BP is divided into the last interglacial stage (including substages e, d, c, b and a) of oxygen isotope stage (OIS) 5, early glacial stadial of the last glacial stage of OIS 4, interglacial stadial of the last glacial stage of OIS 3, late glacial stadial of the last glacial stage or Last Glacial Maximum of OIS 2 and postglacial state of OIS 1; in addition, 6 Heinrich (H6‐H1) events, Younger Dryas event and 8.2 ka BP cold event have been recognized.
Quantitative Analysis of Paleoatmospheric CO2 Level Based on Stomatal Characters of Fossil Ginkgo from Jurassic to Cretaceous in China
Authors: Bainian SUN , Liang XIAO , Sanping XIE , Shenghui DENG , Yongdong WANG , Hui JIA , Turner Susan
Published: February 2011

Abstract: A better theoretical and practical understanding of the linkage between paleo‐CO2 and climate during geological history is important to enhance the sustainable development of modern human society. Development in plant physiology since the 1980s has led to the realization that fossil plants can serve as a proxy for paleoatmosphere and paleobiosphere. As a relict gymnosperm with evolutionary stasis, Ginkgo is well suited for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. This paper analyzes fossil Ginkgo species from integrated strata in the north of China using anatomic data of plant physiology. Using stomatal parameters, a trend for the paleo‐CO2 level during the Early‐Middle Jurassic and the Early Cretaceous was obtained, which is consistent with the estimates by GEOCARB. The trend is also similar to that of Mean Global Surface Temperature in geological time. Compared with three other atmospheric CO2 concentration parameters, the trend of paleo‐CO2 level based on the stomatal parameter of the fossil Ginkgo specimens from three contiguous strata is more exact.
Calibration of the Albian/Cenomanian Boundary by Ammonite Biostratigraphy: U.S. Western Interior
Authors: SCOTT Robert W.
Published: February 2011

Abstract: Calibration of numerical ages to the geological time scale is a long scientific pursuit that requires the integration of multiple data sets. A case study of the Albian/Cenomanian stage boundary, also the Lower/Upper Cretaceous series boundary, illustrates the calibration process. The numerical age of this boundary has shifted from 96 Ma to 99 Ma over a time span of nearly fifty years. Re‐calibration resulted first from improvements in radiometric dating, and later from inferences about ammonite phylogeny, and most recently from radiometric dates of newly discovered volcanic beds interbedded with diagnostic guide fossils. However, the calibration process continues with study of cosmopolitan dinoflagellates.
Cretaceous Oceanic Red Beds: Distribution, Lithostratigraphy and Paleoenvironments
Authors: Xi CHEN , Chengshan WANG , Xiumian HU , Yongjian HUANG , Pingkang WANG , JANSA Luba , Xuan ZENG
Published: February 2011

Abstract: Cretaceous oceanic red beds (CORBs) represented by red shales and marls, were deposited during the Cretaceous and early Paleocene, predominantly in the Tethyan realm, in lower slope and abyssal basin environments. Detailed studies of CORBs are rare; therefore, we compiled CORBs data from deep sea ocean drilling cores and outcrops of Cretaceous rocks subaerially exposed in southern Europe, northwestern Germany, Asia and New Zealand. In the Tethyan realm, CORBs mainly consist of reddish or pink shales, limestones and marlstones. By contrast, marlstones and chalks are rare in deep‐ocean drilling cores. Upper Cretaceous marine sediments in cores from the Atlantic Ocean are predominantly various shades of brown, reddish brown, yellowish brown and pale brown in color. A few red, pink, yellow and orange Cretaceous sediments are also present. The commonest age of CORBs is early Campanian to Maastrichtian, with the onset mostly of oxic deposition often after Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAEs), during the early Aptian, late Albian‐early Turonian and Campanian. This suggests an indicated and previously not recognized relationship between OAEs, black shales deposition and CORBs. CORBs even though globally distributed, are most common in the North Atlantic and Tethyan realms, in low to mid latitudes of the northern hemisphere; in the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean in the mid to high latitudes of the southern hemisphere; and are less frequent in the central Pacific Ocean. Their widespread occurrence during the late Cretaceous might have been the result of establishing a connection for deep oceanic current circulation between the Pacific and the evolving connection between South and North Atlantic and changes in oceanic basins ventilation.
A Late Quaternary Climate Record Based on Multi‐Proxies Analysis from the Jiaochang Loess Section in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Song BAI , Ya TANG , Chengshan WANG , Chengmin HUANG
Published: February 2011

Abstract: We compared the stable carbon isotopic records from a loess transect of the Jiaochang in the eastern Tibetan Plateau, spanning the last ∼21,000 years, with multiproxy data for pedogenesis, including magnetic susceptibility, clay fraction, Fed/Fet ratio, carbonate and total organic carbon content, in order to probe the mechanisms of δ13C values of organic matter and Late Quaternary climate variations in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Our results indicate that there is no simple relationship between δ13C of organic matter and summer monsoon variations. The change in δ13C values of organic matter (in accordance with the ratios of C3 to C4 plants) results from the interaction among temperature, aridity and atmospheric pCO2 level. Drier climate and lower atmospheric pCO2 level contribute to positive carbon isotopic excursion, while negative carbon isotopic excursion is the result of lower temperature and increased atmospheric pCO2 level. Additionally, our results imply that the Tibetan monsoon may play an important role in climate system in the eastern Tibet Plateau, which specifically reflects frequently changing climate in that area. The results provide new insights into the forcing mechanisms on both the δ13C values of organic matter and the local climate system.
Sur le rang des courbes elliptiques sur les corps de classes de Hilbert
Authors: Templier Nicolas
Published: February 2011

LetE/ℚ be an elliptic curve and letD<0 be a sufficiently large fundamental discriminant. If$E(\overline {\BmQ })$contains Heegner points of discriminantD, those points generate a subgroup of rank at least |D|δ, whereδ>0 is an absolute constant. This result is compatible with the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture.
Nanofiber Formation in Regenerated Cellulose by Saponification of Cellulose Acetate Film
Authors: Kim Jaehwan , Chen Yi
Published: February 2011

This paper reports a novel process of nanofiber formation in regenerated cellulose from cellulose acetate (CA) film by saponification and stretching. Saponification of CA film was performed using sodium methoxide in methanol solution. Regeneration of cellulose during the saponification of CA was verified by taking Fourier transformation infrared spectrum. Cross-sectional images of the saponified and stretched CA film revealed an aligned nanofiber structure. The Young’s modulus and ultimate strength were enhanced approximately 630% and 450%, respectively, which might be due to the formation of multiple hydrogen bonds after sodium methoxide treatment along with the nanofiber formation. Since the saponified CA films are transparent, biodegradable, and possess high mechanical strength, they can be used as a biomaterial.
Vapor phase growth of ZnO single crystals
Authors: Zhang Xi , Herklotz Frank , Hieckmann Ellen , Weber Jörg , Schmidt Peer
Published: February 2011

Zinc oxide is a promising wide band gap semiconductor for future optoelectronic devices. Today ZnO bulk single crystals are grown by three different techniques: hydrothermally, from the melt, and by chemical vapor transport. For our studies, the authors employed in addition a simple and low cost vapor phase method which gives us good quality crystals and flexibility in crystal doping. The as-grown needle-shaped single crystals were characterized by resistivity measurements, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and low temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy.
Ensuring the Data-Rich Future of the Social Sciences
Authors: King Gary
Published: February 2011

Massive increases in the availability of informative social science data are making dramatic progress possible in analyzing, understanding, and addressing many major societal problems. Yet the same forces pose severe challenges to the scientific infrastructure supporting data sharing, data management, informatics, statistical methodology, and research ethics and policy, and these are collectively holding back progress. I address these changes and challenges and suggest what can be done.
Challenges and Opportunities of Open Data in Ecology
Authors: Reichman O. J. , Jones Matthew B. , Schildhauer Mark P.
Published: February 2011

Ecology is a synthetic discipline benefiting from open access to data from the earth, life, and social sciences. Technological challenges exist, however, due to the dispersed and heterogeneous nature of these data. Standardization of methods and development of robust metadata can increase data access but are not sufficient. Reproducibility of analyses is also important, and executable workflows are addressing this issue by capturing data provenance. Sociological challenges, including inadequate rewards for sharing data, must also be resolved. The establishment of well-curated, federated data repositories will provide a means to preserve data while promoting attribution and acknowledgement of its use.
The Formation and Fragmentation of Disks Around Primordial Protostars
Authors: Clark Paul C. , Glover Simon C. O. , Smith Rowan J. , Greif Thomas H. , Klessen Ralf S. , Bromm Volker
Published: February 2011

Numerical simulations show that disks around the first stars in the universe were gravitationally unstable and fragmented.
Challenges and Opportunities in Mining Neuroscience Data
Authors: Akil Huda , Martone Maryann E. , Van Essen David C.
Published: February 2011

Understanding the brain requires a broad range of approaches and methods from the domains of biology, psychology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The fundamental challenge is to decipher the “neural choreography” associated with complex behaviors and functions, including thoughts, memories, actions, and emotions. This demands the acquisition and integration of vast amounts of data of many types, at multiple scales in time and in space. Here we discuss the need for neuroinformatics approaches to accelerate progress, using several illustrative examples. The nascent field of “connectomics” aims to comprehensively describe neuronal connectivity at either a macroscopic level (in long-distance pathways for the entire brain) or a microscopic level (among axons, dendrites, and synapses in a small brain region). The Neuroscience Information Framework (NIF) encompasses all of neuroscience and facilitates the integration of existing knowledge and databases of many types. These examples illustrate the opportunities and challenges of data mining across multiple tiers of neuroscience information and underscore the need for cultural and infrastructure changes if neuroinformatics is to fulfill its potential to advance our understanding of the brain.
Unusual Thermoelastic Properties of Methanol Monohydrate
Authors: Grima Joseph N. , Attard Daphne , Gatt Ruben
Published: February 2011

A simple material can shrink in one direction when heated, and expand in that direction when squeezed by hydrostatic pressure
Neem Leaf Glycoprotein Partially Rectifies Suppressed Dendritic Cell Functions and Associated T Cell Efficacy in Patients with Stage IIIB Cervical Cancer
Authors: Roy Soumyabrata , Goswami Shyamal , Bose Anamika , Chakraborty Krishnendu , Pal Smarajit , Haldar Atanu , Basu Parthasarathi , Biswas Jaydip , Baral Rathindranath
Published: February 2011

Myeloid-derived dendritic cells (DCs) generated from monocytes obtained from stage IIIB cervical cancer (CaCx IIIB) patients show dysfunctional maturation; thus, antitumor T cell functions are dysregulated. In an objective to optimize these dysregulated immune functions, the present study is focused on the ability of neem leaf glycoprotein (NLGP), a nontoxic preparation of the neem leaf, to induce optimum maturation of dendritic cells from CaCx IIIB patients.In vitroNLGP treatment of immature DCs (iDCs) obtained from CaCx IIIB patients results in upregulated expression of various cell surface markers (CD40, CD83, CD80, CD86, and HLA-ABC), which indicates DC maturation. Consequently, NLGP-matured DCs displayed balanced cytokine secretions, with type 1 bias and noteworthy functional properties. These DCs displayed substantial T cell allostimulatory capacity and promoted the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Although NLGP-matured DCs derived from CaCx monocytes are generally subdued compared to those with a healthy monocyte origin, considerable revival of the suppressed DC-based immune functions is notedin vitroat a fairly advanced stage of CaCx, and thus, further exploration ofex vivoandin vivoDC-based vaccines is proposed. Moreover, the DC maturating efficacy of NLGP might be much more effective in the earlier stages of CaCx, where the extent of immune dysregulation is less and, thus, the scope of further investigation may be explored.
Hydrolyzable Tannins (Chebulagic Acid and Punicalagin) Target Viral Glycoprotein-Glycosaminoglycan Interactions To Inhibit Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Entry and Cell-to-Cell Spread
Authors: Lin Liang-Tzung , Chen Ting-Ying , Chung Chueh-Yao , Noyce Ryan S. , Grindley T. Bruce , McCormick Craig , Lin Ta-Chen , Wang Guey-Horng , Lin Chun-Ching , Richardson Christopher D.
Published: February 2011

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a common human pathogen that causes lifelong latent infection of sensory neurons. Non-nucleoside inhibitors that can limit HSV-1 recurrence are particularly useful in treating immunocompromised individuals or cases of emerging acyclovir-resistant strains of herpesvirus. We report that chebulagic acid (CHLA) and punicalagin (PUG), two hydrolyzable tannins isolated from the dried fruits of
Terminalia chebula
Retz. (
Combretaceae
), inhibit HSV-1 entry at noncytotoxic doses in A549 human lung cells. Experiments revealed that both tannins targeted and inactivated HSV-1 viral particles and could prevent binding, penetration, and cell-to-cell spread, as well as secondary infection. The antiviral effect from either of the tannins was not associated with induction of type I interferon-mediated responses, nor was pretreatment of the host cell protective against HSV-1. Their inhibitory activities targeted HSV-1 glycoproteins since both natural compounds were able to block polykaryocyte formation mediated by expression of recombinant viral glycoproteins involved in attachment and membrane fusion. Our results indicated that CHLA and PUG blocked interactions between cell surface glycosaminoglycans and HSV-1 glycoproteins. Furthermore, the antiviral activities from the two tannins were significantly diminished in mutant cell lines unable to produce heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate and could be rescued upon reconstitution of heparan sulfate biosynthesis. We suggest that the hydrolyzable tannins CHLA and PUG may be useful as competitors for glycosaminoglycans in the management of HSV-1 infections and that they may help reduce the risk for development of viral drug resistance during therapy with nucleoside analogues.
Epstein-Barr Virus LMP1 Activates EGFR, STAT3, and ERK through Effects on PKCδ
Authors: Kung Che-Pei , Meckes David G. , Raab-Traub Nancy
Published: February 2011

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus that infects more than 90% of the world's adult population and is linked to multiple malignancies, including Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The EBV oncoprotein LMP1 induces transcription of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is expressed at high levels in NPC. EGFR transcription is induced by LMP1 through a p50 NFκB1-Bcl-3 complex, and Bcl-3 is induced by LMP1-mediated activation of STAT3. This study reveals that LMP1, through its carboxyl-terminal activation domain 1 (LMP1-CTAR1), activates both STAT3 and EGFR in a serum-independent manner with constitutive serine phosphorylation of STAT3. Upon treatment with EGF, the LMP1-CTAR1-induced EGFR was additionally phosphorylated and STAT3 became phosphorylated on tyrosine, concomitant with upregulation of a subset of STAT3 target genes. The kinase responsible for LMP1-CTAR1-mediated serine phosphorylation of STAT3 was identified to be PKCδ using specific RNAi, a dominant negative PKCδ, and the PKCδ inhibitor rottlerin. Interestingly, inhibition of PKCδ also inhibited constitutive phosphorylation of EGFR and LMP1-CTAR1-induced phosphorylation of ERK. Inhibition of PKCδ blocked LMP1-CTAR1-mediated transformation of Rat-1 cells, likely through the inhibition of ERK activation. These findings indicate that LMP1 activates multiple distinct signaling pathways and suggest that PKCδ functions as a master regulator of EGFR, STAT3, and ERK activation by LMP1-CTAR1.
The Leader Proteinase of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Negatively Regulates the Type I Interferon Pathway by Acting as a Viral Deubiquitinase
Authors: Wang Dang , Fang Liurong , Li Ping , Sun Li , Fan Jinxiu , Zhang Qingye , Luo Rui , Liu Xiangtao , Li Kui , Chen Huanchun , Chen Zhongbin , Xiao Shaobo
Published: February 2011

The leader proteinase (L
pro
) of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a papain-like proteinase that plays an important role in FMDV pathogenesis. Previously, it has been shown that L
pro
is involved in the inhibition of the type I interferon (IFN) response by FMDV. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that FMDV Lb
pro
, a shorter form of L
pro
, has deubiquitinating activity. Sequence alignment and structural bioinformatics analyses revealed that the catalytic residues (Cys51 and His148) are highly conserved in FMDV Lb
pro
of all seven serotypes and that the topology of FMDV Lb
pro
is remarkably similar to that of ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14), a cellular deubiquitylation enzyme (DUB), and to that of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) papain-like protease (PLpro), a coronaviral DUB. Both purified Lb
pro
protein and
in vivo
ectopically expressed Lb
pro
removed ubiquitin (Ub) moieties from cellular substrates, acting on both lysine-48- and lysine-63-linked polyubiquitin chains. Furthermore, Lb
pro
significantly inhibited ubiquitination of retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I), TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and TRAF3, key signaling molecules in activation of type I IFN response. Mutations in Lb
pro
that ablate the catalytic activity (C51A or D163N/D164N) or disrupt the SAP (for
S
AF-A/B,
A
cinus, and
P
IAS) domain (I83A/L86A) abrogated the DUB activity of Lb
pro
as well as its ability to block signaling to the IFN-β promoter. Collectively, these results demonstrate that FMDV Lb
pro
possesses DUB activity in addition to serving as a viral proteinase and describe a novel mechanism evolved by FMDV to counteract host innate antiviral responses.
A Novel Human Polyomavirus Closely Related to the African Green Monkey-Derived Lymphotropic Polyomavirus
Authors: Scuda Nelly , Hofmann Jörg , Calvignac-Spencer Sébastien , Ruprecht Klemens , Liman Peter , Kühn Joachim , Hengel Hartmut , Ehlers Bernhard
Published: February 2011

We identified a novel human polyomavirus from a kidney transplant patient under immunosuppressive treatment, by use of a generic PCR. The genome of the virus was completely amplified and sequenced. In phylogenetic analyses, it appeared as the closest relative to the African green monkey-derived lymphotropic polyomavirus (LPV). Further investigation of clinical samples from immunocompromised patients with specific nested PCR revealed additional positive samples, indicating that the virus naturally infects humans. The virus was tentatively named human polyomavirus 9 (HPyV9). The previously observed seroreactivity to LPV in human populations might find a partial explanation in the circulation of HPyV9.
The Early Interferon Response to Rotavirus Is Regulated by PKR and Depends on MAVS/IPS-1, RIG-I, MDA-5, and IRF3
Authors: Sen Adrish , Pruijssers Andrea J. , Dermody Terence S. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Greenberg Harry B.
Published: February 2011

In mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), the bovine rotavirus (UK strain) but not the simian rhesus rotavirus (RRV) robustly triggers beta interferon (IFN-β) secretion, resulting in an IFN-dependent restriction of replication. We now find that both rotavirus strains trigger antiviral transcriptional responses early during infection and that both transcriptional responses and IFN-β secretion are completely abrogated in MAVS/IPS-1
−/−
MEFs. Replication of UK virus could be rescued in MAVS/IPS-1
−/−
MEFs, and synthesis of viral RNA significantly increased early during virus infection. UK virus induced IFN-β secretion and transcription of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in both RIG-I
−/−
and MDA-5
−/−
MEFs, and neither receptor was essential by itself for the antiviral response to UK rotavirus. However, when receptors RIG-I and MDA-5 were depleted using RNA interference, we found that both contribute to the magnitude of the IFN response. IRF3 was found to be essential for MAVS/IPS-1-directed ISG transcription and IFN-β secretion during rotavirus infection. Interestingly, absence of the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR led to a profound defect in the capacity of host cells to secrete IFN-β in response to virus. Both PKR and IRF3 restricted the early replication of UK as indicated by significant increases in viral RNA in fibroblasts lacking either gene. Despite the loss in IFN-β secretion in PKR
−/−
MEFs, we did not observe decreased IRF3- or NF-κB-dependent early ISG transcription in these cells. Levels of transcripts encoding IFN-α4, IFN-α5, and IFN-β were high in infected PKR
−/−
MEFs, indicating that during rotavirus infection, PKR functions at a stage between IFN gene transcription and subsequent IFN-β secretion. These findings reveal that activation of the antiviral response by rotavirus is dependent on MAVS/IPS-1 and IRF3 and involves both RIG-I and MDA-5 and that IFN-β secretion during rotavirus infection is regulated by PKR.
Antrachinon-triazine derivatives of polysaccharides, affinity of bovine heart lactate dehydrogenase to Cibacron Blue derivatives of water-soluble dextran fractions and hydroxyethyl-starches
Authors: Barthová Jana , Tichá Marie , Gemeiner Peter , Mislovičová Danica
Published: February 2011

The interaction of lactate dehydrogenase with high-molecular-weight derivatives of Cibacron Blue was followed by measuring the reaction kinetics and by means of affinity electrophoresis. The dye was covalently bound to dextrans with relative molecular mass ranging from 5 000 to 2 000 000 and to hydroxyethyl-starches with relative molecular mass from 130 000 to 2 000 000. In the case of dextran derivatives of Cibacron Blue, various degrees of substitution by the dye were tested. Measurement of kinetics showed that the Cibacron Blue derivatives competed with NADH for the binding site on the enzyme and that when the dye was bound to a polysaccharide, the affinity of lactate dehydrogenase to the dye decreased. Both methods used confirmed that the strength of interaction did not depend on the relative molecular mass of the polysaccharide carrier or on the degree of substitution. The interaction of lactate dehydrogenase with hydroxyethyl-starch derivatives of Cibacron Blue was weaker than with dextran derivatives.
Synthesis of 17β-[4-(1,3-thiazolyl)]androstane 3β-hemisuccinate and glycoside
Authors: Drašar Pavel , Pouzar Vladimír , Černý Ivan , Smolíková Jorga , Havel Miroslav
Published: February 2011

The protected 20(21)-en-20-ol ether III was oxidized with N-methylmorpholine N-oxide monohydrate and osmium tetroxide to give the hydroxy ketone IV which was converted into the bromo derivative VIII via the mesylate VI. Hantzsch reaction of the bromo ketone VIII with ethyl thioxamate afforded the thiazole XI whose hemisuccinate XIII and glycoside XV were prepared.
Synthesis of 4-(21-nor-5-pregnen-20-yl)-1,3-thiazole derivatives
Authors: Drašar Pavel , Pouzar Vladimír , Černý Ivan , Havel Miroslav
Published: February 2011

The keto sulfoxide IV, prepared from the ester III, was reduced with amalgamated aluminium to give the ketone V which after enolization and silylation afforded the silyl enol ether VI. Oxidation of VI with osmium tetroxide and N-methylmorpholine N-oxide monohydrate yielded the α-hydroxy ketone VII. This was converted into the mesylate IX and further into the bromo ketone XI which on Hantzsch reaction with ethyl thioxamate furnished the steroidal thiazole XII. Compound XII was converted into the hemisuccinate XIV.
The metachor as a characteristic of the association of electrolytes in aqueous solutions
Authors: Čeleda Jiří , Škramovský Stanislav
Published: February 2011

Based on the earlier paper introducing a concept of the apparent parachor of a solute in the solution, we have eliminated in the present work algebraically the effect which is introduced into this quantity by the additivity of the apparent molal volumes. The difference remaining from the apparent parachor after substracting the contribution corresponding to the apparent volume ( for which the present authors suggest the name metachor) was evaluated from the experimental values of the surface tension of aqueous solutions for a set of 1,1-, 1,2- and 2,1-valent electrolytes. This difference showed to be independent of concentration up to the very high values of the order of units mol dm-3 but it was directly proportional to the number of the free charges (with a proportionality factor 5 ± 1 cm3 mol-1 identical for all studied electrolytes). The metachor can be, for this reason, a suitable characteristic for detection of the association of ions and formation of complexes in the solutions of electrolytes, up to high concentrations where other methods are failing.
Michael addition of 1,3-cyclopentanedione, 1,3-cyclohexanedione and 1,3-cycloheptanedione to 1-(X-phenyl)-2-nitroethylenes
Authors: Hrnčiar Pavel , Čulák Igor
Published: February 2011

Michael addition of 1,3-cyclopentanedione, 1,3-cyclohexanedione and 1,3-cycloheptanedione to 1-(X-phenyl)-2-nitroethylenes was studied. 1,3-Cyclopentanedione afforded 2-(1-(X-phenyl)-2-nitroethyl)-1,3-cyclopentanediones (I), 1,3-cyclohexanedione gave 9-(X-phenyl)-8-hydroxyimino-7-oxabicyclo[4,3,0]-1-nonen-2-ones (IIa-IIe),whereas reaction with 1,3-cycloheptanedione led to 10-(X-phenyl)-8-oxabicyclo[5,3,0]-1-decen-2-ones (IIg-IIj) as well as 9,9'-hydroxyaminobis(10-(X-phenyl)-8-oxabicyclo[5,3,0]-1-decen-2-ones) (III). Products I were isolated also in the addition of 1,3-cyclohexadione and 1,3-cycloheptanedione to 1-(X-phenyl)-2-nitroethylene when X=H or an electron accepting substituent and the reaction was performed at -5 to 0°C, and were converted into II. The structure of the compounds and mechanism of the conversion of I to II is discussed on the basis of IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra.
Kinetics and mechanism of hydrolysis of benzhydryl N-arylthiocarbamates and study of their IR spectra
Authors: Mindl Jaromír , Štěrba Vojeslav , Kadeřábek Vladimír , Klicnar Jiří
Published: February 2011

The hydrolysis of benzhydryl N-arylthiocarbamates proceeds by the ElcB mechanism. The reaction mechanism of S-benzhydryl N-arylthiocarbamates has been determined by trapping the reactive intermediate phenyl isocyanate (as N-phenyl-N'-mopholinourea) and by following the substitutent effects in benzene ring of the benzhydryl group. The hydrolysis mechanism of O-benzhydryl N-arylthiocarbamates has been confirmed by spectral and kinetic determination of phenyl isothiocyanate. The hydrolysis of the primary formed phenyl isothiocyanate is almost 10 times slower than that of the starting thiocarbamate. With O-benzhydryl N-arylthiocarbamates at pH below 9 there takes place, at first, a rapid rearrangement to S-benzhydryl N-arylthiocarbamates, and benzhydrol is the reaction product. The rearrangement rate is pH independent. At pH above 11.5 the hydrolysis of O-benzhydryl N-arylthiocarbamates is much faster than the rearrangement, and thiobenzhydrol is the reaction product. Using the deuterated derivatives, the IR spectra of carbamates and thiocarbamates have been interpreted with respect to coupled vibrations of carbamic, thiocarbamic, and dithiocarbamic groups.
The infrared spectra of tetrahedral anions in mixed crystals
Authors: Hájek Bohumil , Smrčková Olga , Záruba Petr
Published: February 2011

Group Analysis of the infrared spectra of KClO4-KMnO4, KClO4-KBF4 and K2SO4-K2XO4 (where X is Se, Cr, Mn) mixed crystals was carried out. These systems form D2h16 orthorhombic substitution mixed crystals; the symmetry of the anion is Td. Analysis of the infrared spectra samples with sufficiently diluted studied anion revealed the expected decrease in symmetry to Cs symmetry.
Violent vet
Authors: Fordyce Peter
Published: February 2011

One of the senior partners of your practice is examining a dog that has had a lumpectomy, which has became infected. The dog has been sedated and is drowsy, but on palpation of the wound it tries to bite the vet. The partner shouts at the dog and hits the cowering animal with his fist, close to the operation site. The nurses, assistants and two young people on work experience look on in horror, but nobody dares to say or do anything. The dog's lead is then handed over to a nurse to shut the animal in a kennel and the partner walks out. How should a witness to such an incident proceed?
Veterinary care of raptors
Authors: Kubiak Marie , Forbes Neil
Published: February 2011

Over 40,000 raptors (including owls) are kept in the UK, primarily by active falconers who use them to hunt quarry as a hobby or for pest control. Any musculoskeletal disease affecting the wing or limb will impact on a bird's ability to maintain flight or to catch and kill prey. Many conditions that compromise musculoskeletal integrity are inherently related to inappropriate husbandry, with traumatic injury being less common and less predictable. Individual injuries should be assessed and treated based on location and type. This article discusses the four most common problems affecting limb function in raptors. An article published in the January issue of In Practice (volume 33, pp 28 to 32) reviewed the common conditions seen in captive and wild birds of prey.
Investigation of lameness in dogs
Authors: Witte Philip , Scott Harry
Published: February 2011

Hindlimb lameness is seen significantly more frequently than forelimb lameness at the authors' clinic. Lameness in the hindlimb is commonly associated with the stifle (cranial cruciate ligament disease) and the hip (hip dysplasia). Due to the predominance of certain conditions, it is easy to become complacent when diagnosing hindlimb lameness. A thorough investigation must be performed to avoid incorrect diagnosis, even in cases where radiographic signs are suggestive of a specific condition. For example, radiographic signs indicative of osteoarthritis of the hip correlate poorly with clinical signs and should be treated as an incidental finding in the absence of other signs of hip joint pain. This article describes an approach to investigating hindlimb lameness in dogs. An article in the January issue of In Practice (volume 33, pp20–27) discussed how to investigate lameness in the forelimb.
Risk of injury for bicycling on cycle tracks versus in the street
Authors: Lusk Anne C , Furth Peter G , Morency Patrick , Miranda-Moreno Luis F , Willett Walter C , Dennerlein Jack T
Published: February 2011

Most individuals prefer bicycling separated from motor traffic. However, cycle tracks (physically separated bicycle-exclusive paths along roads, as found in The Netherlands) are discouraged in the USA by engineering guidance that suggests that facilities such as cycle tracks are more dangerous than the street. The objective of this study conducted in Montreal (with a longstanding network of cycle tracks) was to compare bicyclist injury rates on cycle tracks versus in the street. For six cycle tracks and comparable reference streets, vehicle/bicycle crashes and health record injury counts were obtained and use counts conducted. The relative risk (RR) of injury on cycle tracks, compared with reference streets, was determined. Overall, 2.5 times as many cyclists rode on cycle tracks compared with reference streets and there were 8.5 injuries and 10.5 crashes per million bicycle-kilometres. The RR of injury on cycle tracks was 0.72 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.85) compared with bicycling in reference streets. These data suggest that the injury risk of bicycling on cycle tracks is less than bicycling in streets. The construction of cycle tracks should not be discouraged.
Osteoprotegerin, RANKL and bone turnover in postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Jabbar Suhair , Drury John , Fordham John N , Datta Harish K , Francis Roger M , Tuck Stephen P
Published: February 2011

Background

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B ligand (RANKL) play a critical role in the regulation of bone turnover, but the relative importance of these two cytokines in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis is controversial.

Aim

To investigate the relationship between circulating levels of OPG, RANKL, bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 185 women with osteoporosis and 185 age- and sex-matched control subjects was undertaken. Measurements were made of plasma OPG, RANKL, interleukin-6 (IL-6), sex steroids, calciotropic hormones, biochemical markers of bone turnover, BMD and anthropometry. Health questionnaires were administered.

Results

Plasma RANKL was significantly higher (p<0.0001) in women with osteoporosis (0.66±0.67 pmol/l) than in control subjects (0.37±0.38 pmol/l), as was plasma OPG (18.70±9.70 pmol/l in women with osteoporosis, 10.44±5.85 pmol/l in control subjects; p<0.0001). OPG/RANKL ratio was higher in women with osteoporosis (51.3) than in control subjects (36.6). The women with osteoporosis also had significantly higher biochemical markers of bone turnover, IL-6 and parathyroid hormone and lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D and oestradiol than the control subjects. Multiple regression analysis showed that lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD in postmenopausal women were best predicted by OPG and RANKL, giving an R2value of 15.5% and 14.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

This study indicates that the circulating levels of OPG and RANKL are inversely related to BMD and contribute to the development of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
The limits of empathy: problems in medical education and practice
Authors: Smajdor Anna , Stöckl Andrea , Salter Charlotte
Published: February 2011

Empathy is commonly regarded as an essential attribute for doctors and there is a conviction that empathy must be taught to medical students. Yet it is not clear exactly what empathy is, from a philosophical or sociological point of view, or whether it can be taught. The meaning, role and relevance of empathy in medical education have tended to be unquestioningly assumed; there is a need to examine and contextualise these assumptions. This paper opens up that debate, arguing that ‘empathy’, as it is commonly understood, is neither necessary nor sufficient to guarantee good medical or ethical practice.
The ideal application of surveillance technology in residential care for people with dementia
Authors: Niemeijer Alistair R , Frederiks Brenda J M , Depla Marja F I A , Legemaate Johan , Eefsting Jan A , Hertogh Cees M P M
Published: February 2011

Background

As our society is ageing, nursing homes are finding it increasingly difficult to deal with an expanding population of patients with dementia and a decreasing workforce. A potential answer to this problem might lie in the use of technology. However, the use and application of surveillance technology in dementia care has led to considerable ethical debate among healthcare professionals and ethicists, with no clear consensus to date.

Aim

To explore how surveillance technology is viewed by care professionals and ethicists working in the field, by investigating the ideal application of surveillance technology in the residential care of people with dementia.

Methods

Use was made of the concept mapping method, a computer-assisted procedure consisting of five steps: brainstorming, prioritising, clustering, processing by the computer and analysis. Various participants (ranging from ethicists to physicians and nurses) were invited on the basis of their professional background.

Results

The views generated are grouped into six categories ranging from the need for a right balance between freedom and security, to be beneficial and tailored to the resident, and clearly defined procedures to competent and caring personnel, active monitoring and clear normative guidance. The results are presented in the form of a graphic chart.

Conclusions

There appears to be an inherent duality in the views on using surveillance technology which is rooted in the moral conflict between safety and freedom. Elaboration of this ethical issue has proved to be very difficult.