bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Incipient Damage Sites in Composites using Classifiers
Authors: Louhghalam Arghavan , Arwade Sanjay R.
Published: October 2008

This paper describes a method for predicting locations in a two-phase material where effective elastic strain is concentrated above a specified threshold value by virtue of the local arrangement of phases and a specified set of boundary conditions. This prediction is made entirely based on knowledge of the material properties of the phases, their spatial arrangement, and the boundary conditions, and does not require numerical solution of the equations of elasticity. The example problem is a 2D idealization of a fiber- or particle-reinforced composite in which the fibers/particles are randomly placed in the matrix and the boundary conditions correspond to uniaxial extension. The method relies on a moving window implementation of a decision tree classifier that predicts, for all points in the material, whether the effective elastic strain will exceed a specified threshold value. The classifier operates on a set of attributes that are the coefficients of a series expansion of a discretized version of the phase geometry. The basis vectors appearing in this series expansion of the phase geometry are derived from a principal components analysis of a set of training samples for which the mechanical response is calculated using finite element analysis. These basis vectors allow the accurate representation of the phase geometry with many fewer parameters than is typical, and, because the training samples contain information regarding the mechanical response of the material, also allow prediction of the response using a classifier that takes a relatively small number of input attributes. The predictive classifier is tested on simulated two-phase material samples that are not part of the original training set, and correctly predicts whether efffective elastic strain will be elevated above a specified threshold with greater than 90% accuracy.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression and Neovascularization in Non—Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Ozbudak Irem Hicran , Ozbilim Gulay , Kucukosmanoglu Ilknur , Dertsiz Levent , Demircan Abid
Published: October 2008

The prognostic significance of microvascular density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were investigated in 15 patients with adenocarcinoma (AC) and 15 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Immunohistochemically, VEGF and factor VIII were applied. The average microvessel counts were given as MVD, and VEGF expression was given as VEGF percentage area and VEGF staining degree. Higher values of MVD were obtained in patients with AC (11.47 ± 3.48) when compared with patients with SCC (7.47 ± 2.50; P = .001) and also in patients at early stages of disease (10.77 ± 3.24) when compared with patients at advanced stages (8.47 ± 3.64; P = .050). A significant correlation was shown between MVD and VEGF percentage area ( P = .006) and between VEGF percentage area and VEGF staining degree ( P = .000). No significant difference was found in VEGF percentage area between patients with SCC and AC and between patients at early and advanced stages. In conclusion, VEGF or MVD should not be regarded as a solitary prognostic factor but should be supported by other prognostic factors.
Officer and Suspect Demeanor
Authors: Dunham Roger G. , Alpert Geoffrey P.
Published: October 2008

This study explores police—citizen encounters and the reaction of each actor to the demeanor of the other throughout the interaction. Police—citizen interactions can be understood as a sequence of events, often changing rapidly and making transitions from being trivial to serious exchanges. The sequence of actions and reactions is designed to support the expectations of both actors. Although we understand that these interactions are guided or driven by the actor's needs and abilities to influence, and even coerce, each other, we are not clear on the precise definition or role of the actors' demeanor. Most previous research has been limited to a measure of demeanor at one point in time. Our design allowed for measurement of changes in demeanor as the police—citizen interaction developed, and our examination revealed that the demeanor of both officers and suspects changed during the encounters in a substantial number of cases.
An Investigation of the Relationship Between Health Literacy and Social Communication Skills in Older Adults
Authors: Hester Eva Jackson
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine connections between health literacy and social communication skills in older adults, a population that experiences chronic health conditions but is reported to have low health literacy and declines in communication skills. Sixty-three older adults were administered the Social Communication subtest of the Functional Assessment of Communication Skills in Adults and the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults. Correlational statistics indicated significant relationships between social communication skills and health literacy in older adults. Aspects of social communication that involve initiating discourse, facial expressions, and voice tone were positively related to reading comprehension items that involve informing, naming, and requesting information. Results of the study suggest that social communication skills may possibly serve as predictors of health literacy. Further study of the potential relationships between these variables is needed to improve health literacy assessment and intervention for older adults.
The Research of the History of the Book in Lithuania: Historical Evolution and Contemporary Status
Authors: Navickienė Aušra
Published: October 2008

The article presents systematically summarized findings on the origin and development of research on the history of the book in Lithuania by defining the most important stages and by identifying significant authors and their works, and disclosing how they perceived the content of the history of the book. Specific cases from Lithuania are used to illustrate some peculiarities that characterize the development of the history of the book in Eastern Europe during the last two hundred years.
Preserving Knowledge Through Popular Victorian Periodicals: An Examination of The Penny Magazine and the Illustrated London News, 1842–1843
Authors: Weller Toni
Published: October 2008

For the Victorians, just as for us, information and knowledge were being used and manipulated in a complex series of ways to sell, to inform, and to represent a culturally fluid and dynamic information society. Based upon a detailed empirical study of every weekly issue of the British Penny Magazine and the Illustrated London News ( ILN) for a period of twelve months between May 1842 and May 1843, this paper argues that there was a strong contemporary awareness of this dynamism. Both The Penny Magazine and the ILN embraced the idea of preserving knowledge by themselves becoming part of the process of preservation, in a conscious effort to become objects of reference and of the historical record. In contrast to the notion that such publications were largely ephemeral products of the Victorian publishing world, it is suggested in this paper that The Penny Magazine and the ILN contributed to, and reflected the desire to see, knowledge popularly preserved and referenced as well as popularly disseminated, and that they had a substantial and significant degree of success in their editorial efforts.
The Libraries of the Inns of Court: An Examination of Their Historical Influence
Authors: Satterley Renae
Published: October 2008

This article discusses London's Inns of Court libraries during the period between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries. These were important examples of Renaissance, Stuart, and Georgian libraries, and they provided legal students and lawyers with a range of literature (continental and English) in addition to legal texts. The Inns were also important legal institutions, which provided the gentry with a third option to Cambridge and Oxford, and the course and nature of this education is examined. Lastly, as the Inns were situated in the midst of the print trade, the article also discusses the relationship that existed between the lawyers and printers and booksellers. This relationship impacted on both the course of legal publication and the library collections.
The Rules of Reading: Examples of Reading and Library Use in Early Twentieth-Century Swedish Families
Authors: Dolatkhah Mats
Published: October 2008

In this paper it is observed that an orientation towards the library user is occurring within the field of library history. As reading is an important aspect of library use, it is suggested that library history would benefit from using approaches and perspectives developed by historians of reading. These approaches could be used to support the growing interest in the library user. A concept of 'reading rules' is applied to a source material consisting of retrospective interviews containing information on children's reading practices within the context of the family in early twentieth-century Sweden. It is thereby demonstrated that parents applied different rules to their children's reading, and that these rules conditioned the children's reading and library practices.
Regulation of HLA class I surface expression requires CD99 and p230/golgin-245 interaction
Authors: Brémond Aurore , Meynet Ophélie , Mahiddine Karim , Coito Sylvie , Tichet Mélanie , Scotlandi Katia , Breittmayer Jean-Philippe , Gounon Pierre , Gleeson Paul A. , Bernard Alain , Bernard Ghislaine
Published: October 2008

By presenting antigenic peptides on the cell surface, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules are critical for immune defense. Their surface density determines, to a large extent, the level of CD8+ T cell–dependent immune reactions; their loss is a major mechanism of immune escape. Therefore, powerful processes should regulate their surface expression. Here we document the mechanisms used by CD99 to mediate HLA class I modulation. Up-regulation of HLA class I by IFN-γ requires CD99. In the trans Golgi network (TGN), and up to the cell surface, CD99 and HLA class I are physically associated via their transmembrane domain. CD99 also binds p230/golgin-245, a coiled-coil protein that recycles between the cytosol and buds/vesicles of the TGN and which plays a fundamental role in trafficking transport vesicles. p230/golgin-245 is anchored within TGN membranes via its Golgin-97, RanBP1, IMh1p, P230 (GRIP) domain and the overexpression of which leads to surface and intracellular down-modulation of HLA class I molecules.
miR-451 regulates zebrafish erythroid maturation in vivo via its target gata2
Authors: Pase Luke , Layton Judith E. , Kloosterman Wigard P. , Carradice Duncan , Waterhouse Peter M. , Lieschke Graham J.
Published: October 2008

We demonstrate that in zebrafish, the microRNA miR-451 plays a crucial role in promoting erythroid maturation, in part via its target transcript gata2. Zebrafish miR-144 and miR-451 are processed from a single precursor transcript selectively expressed in erythrocytes. In contrast to other hematopoietic mutants, the zebrafish mutant meunier (mnr) showed intact erythroid specification but diminished miR-144/451 expression. Although erythropoiesis initiated normally in mnr, erythrocyte maturation was morphologically retarded. Morpholino knockdown of miR-451 increased erythrocyte immaturity in wild-type embryos, and miR-451 RNA duplexes partially rescued erythroid maturation in mnr, demonstrating a requirement and role for miR-451 in erythrocyte maturation. mnr provided a selectively miR-144/451-deficient background, facilitating studies to discern miRNA function and validate candidate targets. Among computer-predicted miR-451 targets potentially mediating these biologic effects, the pro-stem cell transcription factor gata2 was an attractive candidate. In vivo reporter assays validated the predicted miR-451/gata2-3′UTR interaction, gata2 down-regulation was delayed in miR-451-knockdown and mnr embryos, and gata2 knockdown partially restored erythroid maturation in mnr, collectively confirming gata2 down-regulation as pivotal for miR-451-driven erythroid maturation. These studies define a new genetic pathway promoting erythroid maturation (mnr/miR-451/gata2) and provide a rare example of partial rescue of a mutant phenotype solely by miRNA overexpression.
Relationship between monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and radiation exposure in Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors
Authors: Iwanaga Masako , Tagawa Masuko , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Matsuo Tatsuki , Yokota Ken-ichi , Miyazaki Yasushi , Fukushima Takuya , Hata Tomoko , Imaizumi Yoshitaka , Imanishi Daisuke , Taguchi Jun , Momita Sabro , Kamihira Shimeru , Tomonaga Masao
Published: October 2008

Radiation exposure is a possible predisposing factor for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), but the association has been uncertain. We investigated the relationship between radiation exposure and MGUS prevalence by using data from the M-protein screening for Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors between 1988 and 2004. Radiation exposure was assessed by exposure distance from the hypocenter and exposure radiation dose. We computed prevalence ratios (PRs) and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusting for exposure age and sex. A total of 1082 cases of MGUS were identified from 52 525 participants. MGUS prevalence was significantly higher in people exposed at distance within 1.5 km than beyond 3.0 km (PR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9) among those exposed at age 20 years or younger, but it was not found among those exposed at age 20 years or older. MGUS prevalence was also significantly higher in people exposed to more than 0.1 Gy than those exposed to less than 0.01 Gy (PR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0-2.8) among those exposed at age 20 years or younger. Thus, people exposed at younger age exhibited a significantly high risk of MGUS when exposed to a high radiation dose. There was no clear association between radiation exposure and the malignant progression of MGUS. Further detailed analysis is needed.
The macrophage scavenger receptor CD163 functions as an innate immune sensor for bacteria
Authors: Fabriek Babs O. , van Bruggen Robin , Deng Dong Mei , Ligtenberg Antoon J. M. , Nazmi Kamran , Schornagel Karin , Vloet Rianka P. M. , Dijkstra Christine D. , van den Berg Timo K.
Published: October 2008

The plasma membrane glycoprotein receptor CD163 is a member of the scavenger receptor cystein-rich (SRCR) superfamily class B that is highly expressed on resident tissue macrophages in vivo. Previously, the molecule has been shown to act as a receptor for hemoglobin-haptoglobin complexes and to mediate cell-cell interactions between macrophages and developing erythroblasts in erythroblastic islands. Here, we provide evidence for a potential role for CD163 in host defense. In particular, we demonstrate that CD163 can function as a macrophage receptor for bacteria. CD163 was shown to bind both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, and a previously identified cell-binding motif in the second scavenger domain of CD163 was sufficient to mediate this binding. Expression of CD163 in monocytic cells promoted bacteria-induced proinflammatory cytokine production. Finally, newly generated antagonistic antibodies against CD163 were able to potently inhibit cytokine production elicited by bacteria in freshly isolated human monocytes. These findings identify CD163 as a macrophage receptor for bacteria and suggest that, during bacterial infection, CD163 on resident tissue macrophages acts as an innate immune sensor and inducer of local inflammation.
Induction of HIV-1 latency and reactivation in primary memory CD4+ T cells
Authors: Bosque Alberto , Planelles Vicente
Published: October 2008

The use of antiretroviral therapy in HIV type 1 (HIV-1)–infected patients does not lead to virus eradication. This is due, to a significant degree, to the fact that HIV-1 can establish a highly stable reservoir of latently infected cells. In this work, we describe an ex vivo experimental system that generates high levels of HIV-1 latently infected memory cells using primary CD4+ T cells. Using this model, we were able to dissect the T cell–signaling pathways and to characterize the long terminal repeat (LTR) cis-acting elements involved in reactivation of HIV-1 in memory CD4+ T cells. We conclude that Lck and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), but not NF-κB, are required for optimal latent virus reactivation in memory T cells. We also found that the cis-acting elements which are critical toward HIV-1 reactivation are the Sp1 and κB/NFAT transcription factor binding sites.
High-throughput cell-based screening reveals a role for ZNF131 as a repressor of ERalpha signaling
Authors: Han Xiao , Guo Jinhai , Deng Weiwei , Zhang Chenying , Du Peige , Shi Taiping , Ma Dalong
Published: October 2008

Background

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is a transcription factor whose activity is affected by multiple regulatory cofactors. In an effort to identify the human genes involved in the regulation of ERα, we constructed a high-throughput, cell-based, functional screening platform by linking a response element (ERE) with a reporter gene. This allowed the cellular activity of ERα, in cells cotransfected with the candidate gene, to be quantified in the presence or absence of its cognate ligand E2.

Results

From a library of 570 human cDNA clones, we identified zinc finger protein 131 (ZNF131) as a repressor of ERα mediated transactivation. ZNF131 is a typical member of the BTB/POZ family of transcription factors, and shows both ubiquitous expression and a high degree of sequence conservation. The luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that ZNF131 inhibits ligand-dependent transactivation by ERα in a dose-dependent manner. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay clearly demonstrated that the interaction between ZNF131 and ERα interrupts or prevents ERα binding to the estrogen response element (ERE). In addition, ZNF131 was able to suppress the expression of pS2, an ERα target gene.

Conclusion

We suggest that the functional screening platform we constructed can be applied for high-throughput genomic screening candidate ERα-related genes. This in turn may provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of ERα regulation in mammalian cells.
Prognostic significance of VEGF expression in patients with bulky cervical carcinoma undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Choi Chel Hun , Song Sang Yong , Choi Jung-Joo , Ae Park Young , Kang Heeseok , Kim Tae-Joong , Lee Jeong-Won , Kim Byoung-Gie , Lee Je-Ho , Bae Duk-Soo
Published: October 2008

Background

The prediction of response to treatment would be valuable for managing cervical carcinoma with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

To this end, the expression of VEGF was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using paraffin-embedded pre-treatment cervical biopsy tissues. This study included 29 patients with bulky IB to IIA cervical squamous cell carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

Fifteen (51.7%) of 29 patients were scored as VEGF-positive. Response to chemotherapy (complete response or residual tumor with less than 3 mm stromal invasion) was observed in eight patients (27.6%), and it was negatively associated with VEGF expression (P = 0.009). With logistic regression analysis, VEGF positivity continued to be an independent predictor for poor response (P = 0.032). In addition, the progression-free survival rate was significantly lower in patients with VEGF-positive tumors (P = 0.033).

Conclusion

Pretreatment assessment of VEGF expression may provide additional information for identification of patients with cervical cancer who had a low likelihood of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and an unfavorable prognosis.
Graduate entry to medicine in Iran
Authors: Nedjat Saharnaz , Majdzadeh Reza , Rashidian Arash
Published: October 2008

Backgrounds

In Iran medical students are selected from high school graduates via a very competitive national university entrance exam. New proposals have been seriously considered for admitting students from those with bachelor degrees. We assessed the opinions of different stakeholders on the current situation of admission into medicine in Iran, and their views on positive and negative aspects of admitting graduates into medicine.

Methods

We conducted five focus group discussions and seven in-depth interviews with stakeholders including medical students, science students, university professors of basic sciences, medical education experts, and policy makers. Main themes were identified from the data and analyzed using content analysis approach.

Results

Medical students believed "graduate admission" may lead to a more informed choice of medicine. They thought it could result in admission of students with lower levels of academic aptitude. The science students were in favor of "graduate admission". The education experts and the professors of basic science all mentioned the shortcomings of the current system of admission and considered "graduate admission" as an appropriate opportunity for correcting some of the shortcomings. The policy makers pointed out the potential positive influences of "graduate admission" on strengthening basic science research. They thought, however, that "graduate admission" may result in lengthening the overall duration of medical education, which is already long in Iran (over 7 years). On the whole, the participants thought that "graduate admission" is a step in the right direction for improving quality of medical education.

Conclusion

"Graduate admission" has the potential to correct some of shortcomings of medical education. Unlike other countries where "graduate admission" is used mainly to admit students who are mentally mature, in Iran the main objective seems to be strengthening basic sciences.
Downregulation of CD147 expression alters cytoskeleton architecture and inhibits gelatinase production and SAPK pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Qian Ai-Rong , Zhang Wei , Cao Jian-Ping , Yang Peng-Fei , Gao Xiang , Wang Zhe , Xu Hui-Yun , Weng Yuan-Yuan , Shang Peng
Published: October 2008

Background

CD147 plays a critical role in the invasive and metastatic activity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by stimulating the surrounding fibroblasts to express matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Tumor cells adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is the first step to the tumor metastasis. MMPs degrade the ECM to promote tumor metastasis. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA) against CD147 (si-CD147) on hepatocellular carcinoma cells' (SMMC-7721) architecture and functions.

Methods

Flow cytometry and western blot assays were employed to detect the transfection efficiency of si-CD147. Confocal microscopy was used to determine the effects of si-CD147 on SMMC-7721 cells' cytoskeleton. Invasion assay, gelatin zymography and cell adhesion assay were employed to investigate the effects of si-CD147 on SMMC-7721 cells' invasion, gelatinase production and cell adhesive abilities. Western blot assay was utilized to detect the effects of si-CD147 on focal adhesion kinase (FAK), vinculiln and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression in SMMC-7721 cells.

Results

Downregulation of CD147 gene induced the alteration of SMMC-7721 cell cytoskeleton including actin, microtubule and vimentin filaments, and inhibited gelatinase production and expression, cells invasion, FAK and vinculin expression. si-CD147 also blocked SMMC-7721 cells adhesion to collagen IV and phosphorylation level of SAPK/JNKs. SAPK/JNKs inhibitor SP600125 inhibited gelatinase production and expression.

Conclusion

CD147 is required for normal tumor cell architecture and cell invasion. Downregulation of CD147 affects HCC cell structure and function. Moreover, the alteration of cell behavior may be related to SAPK/JNK Pathway. siRNA against CD147 may be a possible new approach for HCC gene therapy.
Therapeutic effect of the potent IL-12/IL-23 inhibitor STA-5326 on experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis
Authors: Keino Hiroshi , Watanabe Takayo , Sato Yasuhiko , Niikura Mamoru , Wada Yumiko , Okada Annabelle A
Published: October 2008

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine if oral administration of the interleukin (IL) 12/IL-23 inhibitor, STA-5326, is effective in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU).

Methods

C57BL/6J mice were immunised with human interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein peptide (IRBP1–20). STA-5326 at a dose of either 5 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg, or vehicle alone, was orally administered once a day for six days a week from day 0 to day 14. Fundus examination was performed on day 14 and day 18 after immunisation. Mice were euthanased on day 18 and the eyes were enucleated for histopathological examination. In vivo-primed draining lymph node cells were stimulated with IRBP1–20 and culture supernatant was harvested for assay of interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-17 by ELISA. Intracellular expression of IFN-γ and IL-17 in CD4+ T cells of cultured draining lymph node cells was assessed by flow cytometry. The level of IL-12 p40 in serum was examined in STA-5326-treated or vehicle-treated mice receiving immunisation.

Results

The level of IL-12 p40 in serum was decreased in mice treated with STA-5326. Oral administration of either 5 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg STA-5326 reduced the severity of EAU on day 14 and 18. In addition, mice treated with 20 mg/kg STA-5326 showed significantly decreased severity of EAU by histopathological analysis. Although IFN-γ production of draining lymph node cells was increased in STA-5326-treated mice by ELISA analysis, the proportion of IFN-γ-producing cells was not significantly altered. However, IL-17 production and the proportion of IL-17-producing cells were significantly reduced in STA-5326-treated mice. Furthermore, oral administration of STA-5326 during the effector phase reduced the severity of EAU.

Conclusions

These results indicate that oral administration of the IL-12/IL-23 inhibitor STA-5326 is effective in suppressing inflammation in the EAU model, and reduces the expansion of IL-17-producing cells. STA-5326 may represent a new therapeutic modality for human refractory uveitis.
The adenosine deaminase inhibitor erythro-9-[2-hydroxyl-3-nonyl]-adenine decreases intestinal permeability and protects against experimental sepsis: a prospective, randomised laboratory investigation
Authors: Kayhan Nalan , Funke Benjamin , Conzelmann Lars Oliver , Winkler Harald , Hofer Stefan , Steppan Jochen , Schmidt Heinfried , Bardenheuer Hubert , Vahl Christian-Friedrich , Weigand Markus A
Published: October 2008

Introduction

The treatment of septic conditions in critically ill patients is still one of medicine's major challenges. Cyclic nucleotides, adenosine and its receptors play a pivotal role in the regulation of inflammatory responses and in limiting inflammatory tissue destruction. The aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that adenosine deaminase-1 and cyclic guanosine monophosphate-stimulated phosphodiesterase inhibition by erythro-9-[2-hydroxyl-3-nonyl]-adenine could be beneficial in experimental endotoxicosis/sepsis.

Method

We used two established animal models for endotoxicosis and sepsis. Twenty-four male Wistar rats that had been given intravenous endotoxin (Escherichia colilipopolysaccharide) were treated with either erythro-9-[2-hydroxyl-3-nonyl]-adenine infusion or 0.9% saline during a study length of 120 minutes. Sepsis in 84 female C57BL/6 mice was induced by caecal ligation and puncture. Animals were treated with repeated erythro-9-[2-hydroxyl-3-nonyl]-adenine injections after 0, 12 and 24 hours or 4, 12 and 24 hours for delayed treatment.

Results

In endotoxaemic rats, intestinal production of hypoxanthine increased from 9.8 +/- 90.2 μmol/l at baseline to 411.4 +/- 124.6 μmol/l and uric acid formation increased from 1.5 +/- 2.3 mmol/l to 13.1 +/- 2.7 mmol/l after 120 minutes. In endotoxaemic animals treated with erythro-9-[2-hydroxyl-3-nonyl]-adenine, we found no elevation of adenosine metabolites. The lactulose/L-rhamnose ratio (14.3 versus 4.2 in control animals; p = 2.5 × 10-7) reflects a highly permeable small intestine and through the application of erythro-9-[2-hydroxyl-3-nonyl]-adenine, intestinal permeability could be re-established. The lipopolysaccharide animals had decreased L-rhamnose/3-O-methyl-D-glucose urine excretion ratios. Erythro-9-[2-hydroxyl-3-nonyl]-adenine reduced this effect. The mucosa damage score of the septic animals was higher compared with control and therapy animals (p < 0.05). Septic shock induction by caecal ligation and puncture resulted in a 160-hour survival rate of about 25%. In contrast, direct adenosine deaminase-1 inhibition resulted in a survival rate of about 75% (p = 0.0018). A protective effect was still present when erythro-9-[2-hydroxyl-3-nonyl]-adenine treatment was delayed for four hours (55%, p = 0.029).

Conclusions

We present further evidence of the beneficial effects achieved by administering erythro-9-[2-hydroxyl-3-nonyl]-adenine, an adenosine deaminase-1 and cyclic guanosine monophosphate-stimulated phosphodiesterase inhibitor, in an endotoxicosis and sepsis animal model. This suggests a potential therapeutic option in the treatment of septic conditions.
Gas Chromatographic, Ab Initio and Molecular Statistical Study of the Cluster Adsorption of Water and Methanol Molecules onto Lyophilic Centres on a Generally Lyophobic Adsorbent Surface
Authors: Tarasevich Yuri I. , Aksenenko Eugene V. , Zhukova Albina I. , Bondarenko Svitlana V.
Published: October 2008

A comprehensive theoretical and experimental study of the adsorption of water and methanol molecules onto the active centres (carboxy and phenol groups) of a graphitised carbon black surface is reported. It was shown that the micro-clusters formed during the adsorption process possess a cyclic structure involving four to five molecules, similar to that found earlier in liquid water and at the silver iodide surface. Analysis of the structure and energetics of these clusters showed that their formation is governed primarily by the formation of hydrogen bonds, whilst energetic effects related to the change in the state of motion of the molecules during their adsorption also play a certain role. It was shown that the generalised Langmuir equation derived from molecular statistical considerations is capable of providing a good description of the experimental isotherm over a wide surface coverage range. It also provides a consistent interpretation of the data on the structural and energetic characteristics of the adsorption systems studied as obtained by gas chromatographic and quantum chemical methods.
Binary Mixtures of Chlorobenzene and Cyclohexane Vapours Adsorbed under Dynamic and Static Conditions by Activated Carbon Beds
Authors: Sobota R.M.
Published: October 2008

The adsorption of mixtures of chlorobenzene (C6H5Cl) + cyclohexane (c-C6H12) onto activated carbon U-03 has been examined at about room temperature. As shown by Stoeckli et al. (2002), combination of the Myers-Prausnitz-Dubinin theory (MPD) with the activity coefficients of the corresponding solid-liquid equilibrium led to a good correlation between the calculated and experimental mole fractions for the adsorption of binary mixture vapours by microporous solids under static conditions. The present study demonstrates the approach, which is based on an ideal adsorbed state (IAS).

This can be employed for binary vapour mixtures such as chlorobenzene + cyclohexane under dynamic conditions in PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) and dynamic breakthrough experiments.
Adsorption Properties of the Natural Carbon–Mineral Sorbent Shungite
Authors: Bondarenko Svitlana V. , Tarasevich Yuri I. , Polyakov Valeri E. , Zhukova Albina I. , Ivanova Zinaida G.
Published: October 2008

Physicochemical methods were used for a comprehensive study of the structural/sorption properties of the natural mineral shungite. It was shown that the composite structure of the mineral determines its main physicochemical characteristics. The isosteric heat of adsorption of water vapour was estimated by calorimetric methods as 70 kJ/mol. This value corresponds to the interaction of water molecules with the vicinal hydroxy groups of the silica constituent of shungite; adsorption heats with values in the range 40–45 kJ/mol are characteristic of the carbon constituent of the sorbent. The heat of adsorption of benzene onto shungite was higher than that for hexane adsorption onto the mineral, indicating that specific interaction occurs between the benzene molecules and the active centres which exist on both the carbon and silica constituents of the mineral. It was shown that the adsorption parameters of shungite with respect to organic compounds which dissociate in an anionic manner suggest that the mineral could be applied as a filtering material with a sorptive action for water cleansing.
Surface Complexation Modelling for the Quantitative Description of the Adsorption of Biomolecules
Authors: Vlasova Nataliya M. , Golovkova Lyudmila P.
Published: October 2008

Surface complexation modelling was used to provide a quantitative description of the adsorption of some B vitamins (thiamin, pyridoxine and pyridoxamine) onto a fumed silica surface as a function of pH, ionic strength and sorbate concentration. Equilibrium parameters were determined using the basic Stern model and the GRFIT program package.
Structural Features of Surface Layers of Bifunctional Polysiloxane Xerogels Containing 3-Aminopropyl Groups and 3-Mercaptopropyl Groups
Authors: Zub Yuriy L. , Melnyk Inna V. , White Mark G. , Alonso Bruno
Published: October 2008

Polysiloxane xerogels containing both –SH and –NH2 functions have been prepared using the sol–gel method with alkoxysilane precursors [such as Si(OEt)4, (MeO)3Si(CH2)3SH and (EtO)3Si(CH2)3NH2]. Molar ratios of 3.2:1, 1.1:1 and 0.4:1 for the two functions –SH and –NH2 were employed. Xerogels which contain only one of the two functions were also synthesized for comparative purposes.

It was shown that the use of stannic compounds as catalysts for xerogels with 3-mercaptopropyl groups resulted in a product which possessed a non-porous structure, while the use of fluoride ions allowed the synthesis of a sample with a porous structure (Ssp = 216 m2/g, Vs = 0.152 cm3/g, d = 3.5 nm). Xerogels with a bifunctional surface layer possess a bimodal structure. Infrared, Raman and multinuclear solid-state NMR (1H, 13C, 29Si) spectroscopy data showed: (i) the absence of deprotonation for the 3-mercaptopropyl groups in the bifunctional surface layer of the xerogels; and (ii) that 3-aminopropyl groups form hydrogen bonds in these surface layers.

The type of hydrogen bond formed depends on the ratio of the amount of water to the amount of 3-aminopropyl groups in the surface layer. When this ratio is about 1:1, the amino group forms a hydrogen bond with the silanol group associated with the water molecule. Re-organization of the surface layer is observed when the amount of water decreases, the amino groups forming hydrogen bonds between themselves. Hence, the system of hydrogen bonds in the surface layer of such xerogels depends primarily on the drying regime employed for the samples.
Elucidation of the Adsorption/Desorption Mechanism of Ions by an Electrical Double Layer Capacitor
Authors: Oda H. , Mizutaki K. , Yamamoto M. , Sano M.
Published: October 2008

The phenomena associated with the adsorption/desorption of ammonium, nitrate and phosphate ions by an electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC) were examined as a new application of this device for the removal of environmental pollutants from freshwater rivers, lakes and marshes.

An electrode modified by introducing acidic functional groups onto its surface was used as the negative electrode of an EDLC, and this resulted in a 1.7-times increase in the amount of ammonium ions removed compared with that of an unmodified electrode. However, when the quantity of functional groups was increased to over 1.5 mmol/g, the amount of ammonium ions removed gradually decreased due to steric hindrance of the functional groups on the surface of the electrode and/or redox reactions with these groups.

Similarly, it was found that the EDLC easily adsorbed nitrate ions but did not easily desorb them, whereas the opposite was the case for phosphate ions. The relationship between these phenomena and the pHpzc (pH value at the point of zero charge) of the electrode in nitrate and phosphate solutions is presented.
Preparation of Activated Carbons from Biomass and Their Adsorption of Benzene, Ammonia, Direct Red 23 and Iron Ions
Authors: Meng Bo , Shen Wenzhong , Guo Qingjie
Published: October 2008

Three activated carbons were prepared from biomass (agriculture and wood industry by-products) and subsequently modified by treatment with liquefied petroleum gas at 900°C. The primary properties of the activated carbons before and after modification were investigated by nitrogen adsorption isotherms and FT-IR techniques. Modification of the activated carbons by liquefied petroleum gas led to a significant decrease in the content of micropores with diameters less than 1 nm. The prepared activated carbons exhibited improved adsorption capacities towards benzene due to their non-polar surface chemical groups and narrower micropore distributions; however, their adsorption capacities towards ammonia were diminished. The adsorption extent of iron ion was determined by the surface chemical properties of the activated carbons and showed a smaller relationship to the pore volume. The adsorption extent of Direct Red 23 was influenced by micropore sizes in the range 1–1.5 nm.
Mass Transfer and Adsorption Kinetics of Phenolic Compounds onto Activated Carbon Prepared from Rice Husk
Authors: Nassar Mamdouh M. , Magdy Yehia H. , Daifullah Abd El Hakim , Kelany H.
Published: October 2008

Activated carbon from an agriculture by-product (rice husk) was prepared by carbonization at 500°C (50°C/15 min) followed by activation at 850°C for 1 h. The adsorption of phenolic compounds onto this activated carbon was studied using batch adsorber methods. The experimental results showed that the prepared activated carbon removed phenolic compounds effectively from aqueous solution.

Analysis of the contact time data gave an indication of the mechanism. The external mass-transfer constant, kf, involved in the adsorption process was determined using different initial adsorbate concentrations (C0) and adsorbent masses (M). The following relationships were obtained: kf = 0.0023(M)−0.55 and kf = 0.0006(C0)0.17. A macropore rate parameter for intraparticle diffusion, kp, was defined and used to correlate the experimental data via the following expression: kp = 0.183(C0)0.48.

A twin-resistance mass-transfer model based on external mass transfer and pore diffusion was applied successfully to the system under investigation. Concentration decay curves were predicted using a single modified mass-transfer coefficient, kf, and a single effective diffusion coefficient, Deff, for studies involving variable adsorbent masses and initial adsorbate concentrations.
Factors Affecting the Adsorption of Zn2+ and Cd2+ Ions from Aqueous Solution onto Vermiculite
Authors: Xiaofu Wu , Fang Zhao , Mingli Chen , Yangli Zhang , Chong Zhao , Hailan Zhou
Published: October 2008

Experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of different factors on the adsorption of Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions from aqueous solution onto vermiculite. The ratio of the initial concentration of ions, C0, to the adsorbent concentration, W0, was shown to be the key factor determining the equilibrium ion adsorption density, qe. Subject to the magnitude of C0/W0, the value of qe could either attain its maximum level, qm (the maximum adsorption density), when the solid surface was fully saturated, or approach its critical limit, qc (the C0/W0 ratio), when the ions in the bulk solution had been completely removed.

The main mechanism for adsorption in the systems studied was ion-exchange. An increase in Zn2+ or Cd2+ ion adsorption from the single metal ion solution resulted in an increase in the concentrations of unadsorbed K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions remaining in the bulk solution. Competition between adsorbing ions was observed in the mixed K+–Zn2+–Cd2+ ion system. Although temperature had a positive effect upon the adsorption of Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions, its effect was statistically negligible over the range 15–45°C. The negative effect of decreasing pH values on the adsorption process was only significant below a pH value of 4.0, indicating that the adsorption of Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions would be significantly depressed when high amounts of H+ ions are present in the system.
Modeling of Workflow Congestion and Optimization of Flow Routing in a Manufacturing/Warehouse Facility
Authors: Zhang Min , Batta Rajan , Nagi Rakesh
Published: October 2008

This paper discusses the notion of workflow congestion in the context of material handling equipment interruptions in a manufacturing or warehousing facility. Development of a combination of probabilistic and physics-based models for workflow interruptions permits evaluation of the expected link travel time. The problem is then of routing in a way that minimizes total expected travel time. The rerouting problem is modeled as a multicommodity flow problem with link capacity design. A greedy upper bounding and Lagrangean relaxation algorithm are developed to solve this efficiently. To calibrate our modeling process we develop an object-oriented simulation model that explicitly considers various workflow interruptions. Our major finding is that rerouting traffic in a congested facility can significantly alleviate congestion delays and improve the efficiency of material movement. A managerial insight derived from this work is that rerouting is most effective in medium traffic-intensity situations.
Ethical Spillovers in Firms: Evidence from Vehicle Emissions Testing
Authors: Pierce Lamar , Snyder Jason
Published: October 2008

In this paper, we explore how organizations influence the unethical behavior of their employees. Using a unique data set of over three million vehicle emissions tests, we find strong evidence of ethical spillovers from firms to individuals. When inspectors work across different organizations, they adjust the rate at which they pass vehicles to the norms of those with whom they work. These spillovers are strongest at large facilities and corporate chains, and weakest for the large-volume inspectors. These results are consistent with the economics literature on productivity spillovers from organizations and peers and suggest that managers can influence the ethics of employee behavior through both formal norms and incentives. The results also suggest that employees have persistent ethics that limit the magnitude of this influence. These results imply that if ethical conformity is important to the financial and legal health of the organization, managers must be vigilant in their hiring, training, and monitoring to ensure that employee behavior is consistent with firm objectives.
Parametric Integer Programming in Fixed Dimension
Authors: Eisenbrand Friedrich , Shmonin Gennady
Published: October 2008

Parametric integer programming deals with a family of integer programs that is defined by the same constraint matrix but where the right-hand sides are points of a given polyhedron. The question is whether all these integer programs are feasible. Kannan showed that this can be checked in polynomial time if the number of variables in the integer programs is fixed and the polyhedron of right-hand sides has fixed affine dimension. In this paper, we extend this result by providing a polynomial algorithm for this problem under the only assumption that the number of variables in the integer programs is fixed. We apply this result to deduce a polynomial algorithm to compute the maximum gap between the optimum values of an integer program in fixed dimension and its linear programming relaxation, as the right-hand side is varying over all vectors for which the integer program is feasible.
Better-Reply Dynamics with Bounded Recall
Authors: Zapechelnyuk Andriy
Published: October 2008

A decision maker is engaged in a repeated interaction with Nature. The objective of the decision maker is to guarantee to himself the average payoff as large as the best-reply payoff to Nature's empirical distribution of play, no matter what Nature does. The decision maker with perfect recall can achieve this objective by a simple better-reply strategy. In this paper we demonstrate that the relationship between perfect recall and bounded recall is not straightforward: The decision maker with bounded recall may fail to achieve this objective, no matter how long his recall and no matter what better-reply strategy he uses.
GnRH analogues: applications in assisted reproductive techniques
Authors: Hayden Catherine
Published: October 2008

The ability to prevent an endogenous LH surge revolutionised the efficacy of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such that GnRH agonists were rapidly adopted in the 1980s. Prior to this, premature luteinisation occurred in up to 25% of superovulated cycles leading to cycle cancellation and severely compromised outcomes. Analogues have been applied in a variety of drug protocols (long, short flare) but there has been little research to moderate the degree of pituitary suppression. There has also been ongoing and unresolved debate about the role of LH in supporting follicular development.

By 2001, the first GnRH antagonists were registered for use in ART. Their ability to cause immediate suppression of gonadotrophin (particularly LH) secretion means that they can be given after exogenous stimulation has begun and thereby dramatically shorten the total duration of a treatment cycle. After initial enthusiasm and then scepticism that pregnancy rates may not be as high as the established agonist regimens, these preparations are now being increasingly adopted with at least comparable outcomes in large trials. They are certainly favoured by patients for their reduced side-effect profile and particularly for the shortening of the total cycle length. This shift in practice is occurring alongside gathering momentum in favour of milder stimulation protocols and a new perception of what constitutes successful treatment. The focus is moving away from surrogate outcomes such as oocyte numbers and conception rates towards long-term outcomes for women and their offspring, namely the achievement of a live singleton birth per treatment started.
Practical Applications of the Bioinformatics Toolbox for Narrowing Quantitative Trait Loci
Authors: Burgess-Herbert Sarah L , Cox Allison , Tsaih Shirng-Wern , Paigen Beverly
Published: October 2008

Dissecting the genes involved in complex traits can be confounded by multiple factors, including extensive epistatic interactions among genes, the involvement of epigenetic regulators, and the variable expressivity of traits. Although quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis has been a powerful tool for localizing the chromosomal regions underlying complex traits, systematically identifying the causal genes remains challenging. Here, through its application to plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) in mice, we demonstrate a strategy for narrowing QTL that utilizes comparative genomics and bioinformatics techniques. We show how QTL detected in multiple crosses are subjected to both combined cross analysis and haplotype block analysis; how QTL from one species are mapped to the concordant regions in another species; and how genomewide scans associating haplotype groups with their phenotypes can be used to prioritize the narrowed regions. Then we illustrate how these individual methods for narrowing QTL can be systematically integrated for mouse chromosomes 12 and 15, resulting in a significantly reduced number of candidate genes, often from hundreds to <10. Finally, we give an example of how additional bioinformatics resources can be combined with experiments to determine the most likely quantitative trait genes.