bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Features of the Excess Adsorption Isotherms of High‐Pressure Methane Adsorption on Coal and Simulation Model
Authors: Yongjun CUI , Dengfeng ZHANG , Qun ZHANG , Weigang LIN , Wenli SONG , Yuhui LI , Wenping JIANG
Published: December 2010

Four coal samples of different ranks are selected to perform the adsorption measurement of high‐pressure methane (CH4). The highest equilibrium pressure of the measurement exceeds 20 MPa. Combined with the measuring results and theoretical analyses, the reasons for the peak or the maximum adsorption capacity appearing in the excess adsorption isotherms are explained. The rules of the peak occurrence are summarized. And then, based on the features of coal pore structure, the adsorption features of high‐pressure gas, the microcosmic interaction relationship of coal surface and CH4 molecule, and the coalbed methane reservoir conditions, three theoretical assumptions on the coal adsorption high‐pressure CH4 are suggested. Thereafter, on the basis of these theoretical assumptions, the Ono‐Kondo lattice model is processed for simplification and deformation. Subsequently, the equations modeling the excess adsorption isotherm of high‐pressure CH4 adsorption on coal are obtained. Through the verification on the measurement data, the fitting results indicate that it is feasible to use the Ono‐Kondo lattice mode to model the excess adsorption isotherm of high‐pressure CH4 adsorption on coal.
What is Conscious Attention?
Authors: WU WAYNE
Published: December 2010

Everyone knows what attention is. It is the taking possession by the mind, in clear and vivid form, of one out of what seem several simultaneously possible objects or trains of thought. Focalization, concentration, of consciousness are of its essence. It implies withdrawal from some things in order to deal effectively with others.

William James

Principles of Psychology
Realism, Conventionalism, and Causal Decomposition in Units of Selection: Reflections on Samir Okasha’s Evolution and the Levels of Selection
Authors: SOBER ELLIOTT
Published: December 2010

I discuss two subjects in Samir Okasha’s excellent book, Evolution and the Levels of Selection. In consonance with Okasha’s critique of the conventionalist view of the units of selection problem, I argue that conventionalists have not attended to what realists mean by group, individual, and genic selection. In connection with Okasha’s discussion of the Price equation and contextual analysis, I discuss whether the existence of these two quantitative frameworks is a challenge to realism.
Intramembrane Cleavage of AMA1 Triggers
Toxoplasma
to Switch from an Invasive to a Replicative Mode
Authors: Santos Joana M. , Ferguson David J. P. , Blackman Michael J. , Soldati-Favre Dominique
Published: December 2010

Membrane proteins govern a change from invasion to replication of an intracellular parasite.
Accessing the Soil Metagenome for Studies of Microbial Diversity
Authors: Delmont Tom O. , Robe Patrick , Cecillon Sébastien , Clark Ian M. , Constancias Florentin , Simonet Pascal , Hirsch Penny R. , Vogel Timothy M.
Published: December 2010

Soil microbial communities contain the highest level of prokaryotic diversity of any environment, and metagenomic approaches involving the extraction of DNA from soil can improve our access to these communities. Most analyses of soil biodiversity and function assume that the DNA extracted represents the microbial community in the soil, but subsequent interpretations are limited by the DNA recovered from the soil. Unfortunately, extraction methods do not provide a uniform and unbiased subsample of metagenomic DNA, and as a consequence, accurate species distributions cannot be determined. Moreover, any bias will propagate errors in estimations of overall microbial diversity and may exclude some microbial classes from study and exploitation. To improve metagenomic approaches, investigate DNA extraction biases, and provide tools for assessing the relative abundances of different groups, we explored the biodiversity of the accessible community DNA by fractioning the metagenomic DNA as a function of (i) vertical soil sampling, (ii) density gradients (cell separation), (iii) cell lysis stringency, and (iv) DNA fragment size distribution. Each fraction had a unique genetic diversity, with different predominant and rare species (based on ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis [RISA] fingerprinting and phylochips). All fractions contributed to the number of bacterial groups uncovered in the metagenome, thus increasing the DNA pool for further applications. Indeed, we were able to access a more genetically diverse proportion of the metagenome (a gain of more than 80% compared to the best single extraction method), limit the predominance of a few genomes, and increase the species richness per sequencing effort. This work stresses the difference between extracted DNA pools and the currently inaccessible complete soil metagenome.
Target Genes, Consensus Binding Site, and Role of Phosphorylation for the Response Regulator MtrA ofCorynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Brocker Melanie , Mack Christina , Bott Michael
Published: December 2010

The two-component signal transduction system consisting of the sensor kinase MtrB and the response regulator MtrA is highly conserved in corynebacteria and mycobacteria. WhereasmtrAofMycobacterium tuberculosiswas reported to be essential, we recently succeeded in creating ΔmtrABand ΔmtrAdeletion mutants ofCorynebacterium glutamicumand provided evidence thatmepAandnlpC, both encoding putative cell wall peptidases, are directly repressed by MtrA, whereasproPandbetP, both encoding carriers for compatible solutes, are directly activated by MtrA. In the present study, novel MtrA target genes were identified, includingmepB, encoding another putative cell wall peptidase. The repressor or activator functions of MtrA correlate with the distance between the MtrA binding site and the transcriptional start site. From the identified binding sites within 20 target promoters, a 19-bp MtrA consensus motif was derived which represents a direct repeat of 8 base pairs separated by 3 base pairs. Gene expression of a strain containing MtrA with a D53N mutation instead of wild-type MtrA resembled that of a ΔmtrAmutant, indicating that MtrA is active in its phosphorylated form. This result was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays with phosphorylated MtrA which showed an increased binding affinity.
Genome Sequence of the Emerging Pathogen
Aeromonas caviae
Authors: Beatson Scott A. , das Graças de Luna Maria , Bachmann Nathan L. , Alikhan Nabil-Fareed , Hanks Kirstin R. , Sullivan Mitchell J. , Wee Bryan A. , Freitas-Almeida Angela C. , dos Santos Paula A. , de Melo Janyne T. B. , Squire Derrick J. P. , Cunningham Adam F. , Fitzgerald J. Ross , Henderson Ian R.
Published: December 2010

Aeromonas caviae
is a Gram-negative, motile and rod-shaped facultative anaerobe that is increasingly being recognized as a cause of diarrhea in children. Here we present the first genome sequence of an
A. caviae
strain that was isolated as the sole pathogen from a child with profuse diarrhea.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Algoriphagus
sp. PR1, Bacterial Prey of a Colony-Forming Choanoflagellate
Authors: Alegado Rosanna A. , Ferriera Steven , Nusbaum Chad , Young Sarah K. , Zeng Qian , Imamovic Alma , Fairclough Stephen R. , King Nicole
Published: December 2010

Bacteria are the primary food source of choanoflagellates, the closest known relatives of animals. Studying signaling interactions between the Gram-negative
Bacteroidetes
bacterium
Algoriphagus
sp. PR1 and its predator, the choanoflagellate
Salpingoeca rosetta
, provides a promising avenue for testing hypotheses regarding the involvement of bacteria in animal evolution. Here we announce the complete genome sequence of
Algoriphagus
sp. PR1 and initial findings from its annotation.
Brain Abscess Caused by Phaeoacremonium parasiticum in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: McNeil Candice J. , Luo Robert F. , Vogel Hannes , Banaei Niaz , Ho Dora Y.
Published: December 2010

Phaeoacremonium parasiticum
is an environmental fungus usually associated with subcutaneous infections. We report the first documented case of central nervous system involvement with brain abscess formation in a patient with chronic granulomatous disease and review the literature on
Phaeoacremonium parasiticum
infections.
Molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis D Virus Infection among Injecting Drug Users with and without Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Sui-Yuan , Yang Chia-Ling , Ko Wei-Shin , Liu Wen-Chun , Lin Chi-Ying , Wu Cheng-Hsin , Su Yi-Chin , Chang Shu-Fang , Chen Mao-Yuan , Sheng Wang-Huei , Hung Chien-Ching , Chang Shan-Chwen
Published: December 2010

An outbreak of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection occurred among injecting drug users (IDU) in Taiwan between 2003 and 2006, when an extremely high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was also detected. To determine whether clusters of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection occurred in this outbreak, 4 groups of subjects were studied: group 1, HIV-infected IDU (
n
= 904); group 2, HIV-infected non-IDU (
n
= 880); group 3, HIV-uninfected IDU (
n
= 211); and group 4, HIV-uninfected non-IDU (
n
= 1,928). The seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was 19.8%, 18.4%, 17.1%, and 6.7%, and HDV seroprevalence among HBV carriers was 75.4%, 9.3%, 66.7%, and 2.3%, for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Ninety-nine of 151 (65.6%) HDV-seropositive IDU had HDV viremia: 5 were infected with HDV genotype I, 41 with genotype II, 51 with genotype IV, and 2 with genotypes II and IV. In the phylogenetic analysis, only one cluster of 4 strains within the HDV genotype II was identified. Among patients with HCV viremia, a unique cluster within genotype 1a was observed; yet, patients within this cluster did not overlap with those observed in the HDV phylogenetic analysis. In summary, although IDU had a significantly higher HDV seroprevalence, molecular epidemiologic investigations did not support that HDV was introduced at the same time as HCV among IDU.
Simultaneous Identification of Mycobacterial Isolates to the Species Level and Determination of Tuberculosis Drug Resistance by PCR Followed by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Massire Christian , Ivy Cristina Agasino , Lovari Robert , Kurepina Natalia , Li Haijing , Blyn Lawrence B. , Hofstadler Steven A. , Khechinashvili George , Stratton Charles W. , Sampath Rangarajan , Tang Yi-Wei , Ecker David J. , Kreiswirth Barry N.
Published: December 2010

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
that is resistant to both isoniazid (INH) and rifampin (RIF) is spreading. It has become a public health problem in part because the standard culture methods used to determine the appropriate treatment regimen for patients often take months following the presumptive diagnosis of tuberculosis. Furthermore, the misidentification of nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) in patients presumably suffering from tuberculosis results in additional human and health care costs. The mechanisms of resistance for several drugs used to treat
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
are well understood and therefore should be amenable to determination by rapid molecular methods. We describe here the use of PCR followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) in an assay that simultaneously determines INH and RIF resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and identifies and determines the species of NTMs. The assay panel included 16 primer pairs in eight multiplexed reactions and was validated using a collection of 1,340 DNA samples from cultured specimens collected in the New York City area, the Republic of Georgia, and South Africa. Compared with phenotypic data, the PCR/ESI-MS assay had 89.3% sensitivity and 95.8% specificity in the determination of INH resistance and 96.3% sensitivity and 98.6% specificity in the determination of RIF resistance. Based on a set of 264 previously characterized liquid culture specimens, the PCR/ESI-MS method had 97.0% sensitivity and 99.9% specificity for determination of NTM identity. The assay also provides information on ethambutol, fluoroquinolone, and diarylquinoline resistance and lineage-specific polymorphisms, to yield highly discriminative digital signatures potentially suitable for epidemiology tracking.
Pathogen-Specific DNA Enrichment Does Not Increase Sensitivity of PCR for Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis in Neutropenic Patients
Authors: Springer Jan , Loeffler Juergen , Heinz Werner , Schloßnagel Hannes , Lehmann Marc , Morton Oliver , Rogers Thomas R. , Schmitt Corinna , Frosch Matthias , Einsele Hermann , Kurzai Oliver
Published: December 2010

PCR assays designed for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in high-risk patients have to detect minute amounts of target DNA to reach sufficient analytical sensitivity to be of clinical use. This prospective study assessed the use of a novel strategy for selective pathogen DNA enrichment for enhancing the performance of diagnostic PCR in a direct comparison with a highly sensitive in-house quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay and the galactomannan enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Surprisingly, and in contrast to experience with other patient groups, the novel protocol for selective pathogen DNA enrichment did not enhance but instead significantly impaired sensitivity. This could be explained by the small amounts of host DNA in the specimens, which were derived mostly from severely neutropenic patients. In the qPCR assay, positive samples required an average of 43.5 amplification cycles (range, 39.2 to 50) for detection in the in-house PCR. Repetitive testing of selected samples showed test positivity to be variable, most likely due to the small amounts of target DNA. Despite this, the in-house protocol proved helpful in the diagnosis of IA, detecting 2 out of 3 patients with probable IA and 10 out of 19 patients with possible IA. Our results underline the necessity for diagnostic PCR protocols that help diagnose IA to be highly sensitive and show that selective pathogen DNA enrichment using affinity purification may not be useful in severely neutropenic patients.
Evaluation of the Rapid MGIT TBc Identification Test for Culture Confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Strain Detection
Authors: Yu Ming-Chih , Chen Huang-Yao , Wu Mei-Hua , Huang Wei-Lun , Kuo Yuh-Min , Yu Fang-Lan , Jou Ruwen
Published: December 2010

A culture confirmation test for the detection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex strains that uses a lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay to detect the MPB64 antigen, the MGIT TBc identification (TBc ID) test, has been developed. We evaluated the performance of the TBc ID test in the detection of the
M. tuberculosis
complex in 222 primary-positive liquid cultures. We compared these results to those of nucleic acid-based identification and conventional biochemical tests. The validity of the TBc ID test was determined, and all of the nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and
Nocardia
species tested were found to be negative. The detection limit of the TBc ID test was 5 × 10
5
CFU/ml, and for IS
6110
real-time PCR it was 5 CFU/ml. All of the
M. tuberculosis
and
M. africanum
cultures were found to be positive, while
M. bovis
and
M. bovis
BCG cultures were negative. With the exception of 1 contaminated culture, the 221 culture-positive isolates contained 171 (77.5%)
M. tuberculosis
isolates, 39 (17.6%) NTM species, and 11 (5.0%) unidentified species. Two culture-positive isolates harbored a 63-bp deletion at position 196 of the
mpb64
gene. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values of the TBc ID test were 98.8, 100, 100, and 95.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the approximate turnaround time for real-time PCR was 4 h (including buffer and sample preparation), while for the TBc ID test it was less than 1 h. We suggest an algorithm for the primary identification of
M. tuberculosis
in liquid culture using the TBc ID test as an alternative to conventional subculture followed by identification using biochemical methods.
Adjuvant-Free Immunization with Hemagglutinin-Fc Fusion Proteins as an Approach to Influenza Vaccines
Authors: Loureiro Silvia , Ren Junyuan , Phapugrangkul Pongsathon , Colaco Camilo A. , Bailey Christopher R. , Shelton Holly , Molesti Eleonora , Temperton Nigel J. , Barclay Wendy S. , Jones Ian M.
Published: December 2010

The hemagglutinins (HAs) of human H1 and H3 influenza viruses and avian H5 influenza virus were produced as recombinant fusion proteins with the human immunoglobulin Fc domain. Recombinant HA-human immunoglobulin Fc domain (HA-HuFc) proteins were secreted from baculovirus-infected insect cells as glycosylated oligomer HAs of the anticipated molecular mass, agglutinated red blood cells, were purified on protein A, and were used to immunize mice in the absence of adjuvant. Immunogenicity was demonstrated for all subtypes, with the serum samples demonstrating subtype-specific hemagglutination inhibition, epitope specificity similar to that seen with virus infection, and neutralization. HuFc-tagged HAs are potential candidates for gene-to-vaccine approaches to influenza vaccination.
North American Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Viruses Inhibit Type I Interferon Production by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Calzada-Nova Gabriela , Schnitzlein William M. , Husmann Robert J. , Zuckermann Federico A.
Published: December 2010

Although enveloped viruses typically trigger the prodigious secretion of alpha interferon (IFN-α) by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), porcine pDC remain quiescent when exposed to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). This inactivity is likely due to virus-mediated interference since the typical IFN-α response by either purified or nonsorted porcine pDC to transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) or the Toll-like receptor 9 agonist, oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) D19, was markedly reduced in the presence of PRRSV. Suppression occurred independently of virus viability and acidification of pDC early endosomes but correlated with diminished levels of IFN-α mRNA. This change was attributed to an abrogation of transcription resulting from a decrease in the otherwise enhanced amounts of the requisite interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7), whose gene expression in turn was limited as a consequence of a lessened availability of nuclear-localized signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). While PRRSV also inhibited tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) synthesis by pDC responding to either agent, only the interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-6 production instigated by ODN D19 exposure was blocked. Likewise, PRRSV did not impact a specific TGEV-associated enhancement of IL-8 expression. Moreover, an augmented phosphorylation of NF-κB seen in activated pDC was not only unaffected by PRRSV but actually occurred in its presence. Thus, as supported by a demonstrated resilience of pDC to PRRSV infection, this pathogen may interact with a cell surface protein(s) to selectively impede the completion of cascades involved in cytokine production by stimulated pDC.
N-Linked Glycosylation Facilitates Sialic Acid-Independent Attachment and Entry of Influenza A Viruses into Cells Expressing DC-SIGN or L-SIGN
Authors: Londrigan Sarah L. , Turville Stuart G. , Tate Michelle D. , Deng Yi-Mo , Brooks Andrew G. , Reading Patrick C.
Published: December 2010

It is widely recognized that sialic acid (SA) can mediate attachment of influenza virus to the cell surface, and yet the specific receptors that mediate virus entry are not known. For many viruses, a definitive demonstration of receptor function has been achieved when nonpermissive cells are rendered susceptible to infection following transfection of the gene encoding a putative receptor. For influenza virus, such approaches have been confounded by the abundance of SA on mammalian cells so that it has been difficult to identify cell lines that are not susceptible to infection. We examined influenza virus infection of Lec2 Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, a mutant cell line deficient in SA. Lec2 CHO cells were resistant to influenza virus infection, and stable cell lines expressing either DC-SIGN or L-SIGN were generated to assess the potential of each molecule to function as SA-independent receptors for influenza A viruses. Virus strain BJx109 (H3N2) bound to Lec2 CHO cells expressing DC-SIGN or L-SIGN in a Ca2+-dependent manner, and transfected cells were susceptible to virus infection. Treatment of Lec2-DC-SIGN and Lec2-L-SIGN cells with mannan, but not bacterial neuraminidase, blocked infection, a finding consistent with SA-independent virus attachment and entry. Moreover, virus strain PR8 (H1N1) bears low levels of mannose-rich glycans and was inefficient at infecting Lec2 CHO cells expressing either DC-SIGN or L-SIGN, whereas other glycosylated H1N1 subtype viruses could infect cells efficiently. Together, these data indicate that human C-type lectins (DC-SIGN and L-SIGN) can mediate attachment and entry of influenza viruses independently of cell surface SA.
A Protein (ORF2) Encoded by the Latency-Related Gene of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 Interacts with Notch1 and Notch3
Authors: Workman Aspen , Sinani Devis , Pittayakhajonwut Daraporn , Jones Clinton
Published: December 2010

Like other
A
lphaherpesvirinae
subfamily members, bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) establishes latency in sensory neurons. The latency-related RNA (LR-RNA) is abundantly expressed in latently infected sensory neurons. An LR mutant virus with stop codons at the amino terminus of the first open reading frame (ORF) in the LR gene (ORF2) does not reactivate from latency, in part because it induces higher levels of apoptosis in infected neurons. ORF2 is not the only viral product expressed during latency, but it is important for the latency reactivation cycle because it inhibits apoptosis. In this study, a yeast 2-hybrid screen revealed that ORF2 interacted with two cellular transcription factors, Notch1 and Notch3. These interactions were confirmed in mouse neuroblastoma cells by confocal microscopy and in an
in vitro
“pulldown” assay. During reactivation from latency, Notch3 RNA levels in trigeminal ganglia were higher than those during latency, suggesting that Notch family members promote reactivation from latency or that reactivation promotes Notch expression. A plasmid expressing the Notch1 intercellular domain (ICD) stimulated productive infection and promoters that encode the viral transcription factor bICP0. The Notch3 ICD did not stimulate productive infection as efficiently as the Notch1 ICD and had no effect on bICP0 promoter activity. Plasmids expressing the Notch1 ICD or the Notch3 ICD
trans
-activated a late promoter encoding glycoprotein C. ORF2 reduced the
trans
-activation potential of Notch1 and Notch3, suggesting that ORF2 interfered with the
trans
-activation potential of Notch. These studies provide evidence that ORF2, in addition to inhibiting apoptosis, has the potential to promote establishment and maintenance of latency by sequestering cellular transcription factors.
Retrovirus-Induced Spongiform Neurodegeneration Is Mediated by Unique Central Nervous System Viral Targeting and Expression of Env Alone
Authors: Li Ying , Cardona Sandra M. , Traister Russell S. , Lynch William P.
Published: December 2010

Certain murine leukemia viruses (MLVs) can induce progressive noninflammatory spongiform neurodegeneration similar to that caused by prions. The primary MLV determinants responsible have been mapped to within the
env
gene; however, it has remained unclear how
env
mediates disease, whether non-Env viral components are required, and what central nervous system (CNS) cells constitute the critical CNS targets. To address these questions, we examined the effect of transplanting engraftable C17.2 neural stem cells engineered to pseudotype, disseminate, and
trans
-complement neurovirulent (CasBrE, CasE, and CasES) or non-neurovirulent (Friend and SFF-FE)
env
sequences (SU or SU/TM) within the CNS using either the “non-neurovirulent” amphotropic helper virus, 4070A, or p
gag-pol
gpt (a nonpackaged vector encoding Gag-Pol). These studies revealed that acute MLV-induced spongiosis results from two separable activities of Env. First, Env causes neuropathology through unique viral targeting within the CNS, which was efficiently mediated by ecotropic Envs (CasBrE and Friend), but not 4070A amphotropic Env. Second, Env induces spongiosis through a toxin activity that is MLV-receptor independent and does not require the coexpression of other viral structural proteins. CasBrE and 4070A Envs possess the toxin activity, whereas Friend Env does not. Although the identity of the critical viral target cell(s) remains unresolved, our results appear to exclude microglia and oligodendrocyte lineage cells, while implicating viral entry into susceptible neurons. Thus, MLV-induced disease parallels prionopathies in that a single protein, Env, mediates both the CNS targeting and the toxicity of the infectious agent that manifests itself as progressive vacuolar neurodegeneration.
Reversal of Heterochromatic Silencing of Quiescent Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 by ICP0
Authors: Ferenczy Michael W. , DeLuca Neal A.
Published: December 2010

Persisting latent herpes simplex virus genomes are to some degree found in a heterochromatic state, and this contributes to reduced gene expression resulting in quiescence. We used a relatively long-term quiescent infection model in human fibroblasts, followed by provision of ICP0 in
trans
, to determine the effects of ICP0 on the viral chromatin state as gene expression is reactivated. Expression of ICP0, even at low levels, results in a reduction of higher-order chromatin structure and heterochromatin on quiescent viral genomes, and this effect precedes an increase in transcription. Concurrent with transcriptional activation, high levels of ICP0 expression result in the reduction of the heterochromatin mark trimethylated H3K9, removal of histones H3 and H4 from the quiescent genome, and hyperacetylation of the remaining histones. In contrast, low levels of ICP0 did not appreciably change the levels of histones on the viral genome. These results indicate that ICP0 activity ultimately affects chromatin structure of quiescent genomes at multiple levels, including higher-order chromatin structure, histone modifications, and histone association. Additionally, the level of ICP0 expression affected its ability to change chromatin structure but not to reactivate gene expression. While these observations suggest that some of the effects on chromatin structure are possibly not direct, they also suggest that ICP0 exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms.
Origin and Evolution of HIV-1 in Breast Milk Determined by Single-Genome Amplification and Sequencing
Authors: Salazar-Gonzalez Jesus F. , Salazar Maria G. , Learn Gerald H. , Fouda Genevieve G. , Kang Helen H. , Mahlokozera Tatenda , Wilks Andrew B. , Lovingood Rachel V. , Stacey Andrea , Kalilani Linda , Meshnick Steve R. , Borrow Persephone , Montefiori David C. , Denny Thomas N. , Letvin Norman L. , Shaw George M. , Hahn Beatrice H. , Permar Sallie R.
Published: December 2010

HIV transmission via breastfeeding accounts for a considerable proportion of infant HIV acquisition. However, the origin and evolution of the virus population in breast milk, the likely reservoir of transmitted virus variants, are not well characterized. In this study, HIV envelope (
env
) genes were sequenced from virus variants amplified by single-genome amplification from plasmas and milk of 12 chronically HIV-infected, lactating Malawian women. Maximum likelihood trees and statistical tests of compartmentalization revealed interspersion of plasma and milk HIV
env
sequences in the majority of subjects, indicating limited or no compartmentalization of milk virus variants. However, phylogenetic tree analysis further revealed monotypic virus variants that were significantly more frequent in milk (median proportion of identical viruses, 29.5%; range, 0 to 61%) than in plasma (median proportion of identical viruses, 0%; range, 0 to 26%) (
P
= 0.002), suggesting local virus replication in the breast milk compartment. Moreover, clonally amplified virus
env
genes in milk produced functional virus Envs that were all CCR5 tropic. Milk and plasma virus Envs had similar predicted phenotypes and neutralization sensitivities to broadly neutralizing antibodies in both transmitting and nontransmitting mothers. Finally, phylogenetic comparison of longitudinal milk and plasma virus
env
sequences revealed synchronous virus evolution and new clonal amplification of evolved virus
env
genes in milk. The limited compartmentalization and the clonal amplification of evolving, functional viruses in milk indicate continual seeding of the mammary gland by blood virus variants, followed by transient local replication of these variants in the breast milk compartment.
Collaborative liver and psychiatry care in the Royal Bolton Hospital for people with alcohol-related disease
Authors: Moriarty Kieran J
Published: December 2010

Since 1990, the Royal Bolton Hospital has been evolving a patient-centred, collaborative, seamless, holistic, gastroenterology, psychiatry, community model of alcohol care, team working, governance, research, training, education and health promotion. The aim is to deliver an accessible, responsive, cost-effective, rolled-out service. Consultant gastroenterologists, a specialist liaison psychiatrist, psychiatric alcohol liaison nurse, gastroenterology-based liver nurse practitioner and ward nurses provide joint inpatient and outpatient care for people with alcohol misuse, especially alcohol-related liver disease. A ward based, consultant-led, multidisciplinary team, with a dedicated social worker, meets daily to discuss all inpatients, unify treatment and facilitate discharges. On Monday–Friday, the two alcohol specialist nurses assess, triage and give brief advice to all alcohol-related medical admissions, liaise with consultants about admission or arrange outpatient appointments with the community alcohol team. This has reduced the average length of stay from 8.0 days to 5.7 days, saving the Trust more than 1000 bed days annually. This highlights the need for a 7 day alcohol specialist nurse service, one of 11 key recommendations in a recent position paper by the British Society of Gastroenterology, Alcohol Health Alliance UK and British Association for Study of the Liver on future alcohol care required in British district general hospitals. Other key recommendations include a hospital ‘alcohol care team’, with a lead clinician, coordinated policies in accident and emergency, with an outreach service, psychiatry input, adequate consultant numbers and integrated alcohol treatment pathways between primary and secondary care.
Chronic hypoxia-induced alterations in mitochondrial energy metabolism are not reversible in rat heart ventricles
Authors: Nouette-Gaulain Karine , Biais Matthieu , Savineau Jean-Pierre , Marthan Roger , Mazat Jean-Pierre , Letellier Thierry , Sztark François
Published: December 2010

Chronic hypoxia alters mitochondrial energy metabolism. In the heart, oxidative capacity of both ventricles is decreased after 3 weeks of chronic hypoxia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reversal of these metabolic changes upon normoxia recovery. Rats were exposed to a hypobaric environment for 3 weeks and then subjected to a normoxic environment for 3 weeks (normoxia-recovery group) and compared with rats maintained in a normoxic environment (control group). Mitochondrial energy metabolism was differentially examined in both left and right ventricles. Oxidative capacity (oxygen consumption and ATP synthesis) was measured in saponin-skinned fibers. Activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes and antioxidant enzymes were measured on ventricle homogenates. Morphometric analysis of mitochondria was performed on electron micrographs. In normoxia-recovery rats, oxidative capacities of right ventricles were decreased in the presence of glutamate or palmitoyl carnitine as substrates. In contrast, oxidation of palmitoyl carnitine was maintained in the left ventricle. Enzyme activities of complexes III and IV were significantly decreased in both ventricles. These functional alterations were associated with a decrease in numerical density and an increase in size of mitochondria. Finally, in the normoxia-recovery group, the antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase and glutathione peroxidase) increased. In conclusion, alterations of mitochondrial energy metabolism induced by chronic hypoxia are not totally reversible. Reactive oxygen species could be involved and should be investigated under such conditions, since they may represent a therapeutic target.
SIMULATION OF TURBULENT WIND NOISE REDUCTION BY POROUS WINDSCREENS USING HIGH-ORDER SCHEMES
Authors: XU Y. , ZHENG Z. C. , WILSON D. K.
Published: December 2010

The purpose of the study is to investigate the wind noise reduction provided by microphone windscreens at different frequencies of the impinging turbulence. The windscreen is assumed to be a cylindrically shaped porous medium. This paper uses a high-order scheme to improve the accuracy at the interface between air and porous medium. The computational scheme is based on a modified immersed-boundary method with distributed forcing terms. The simulation results show that, for low-frequency turbulence, the windscreens with low flow resistivity are more effective in noise reduction, while for high-frequency turbulence, the windscreens with high flow resistivity are more effective.
LEADERSHIP STYLES, MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND GROWTH: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM UK OWNER-MANAGED SMEs
Authors: WANG YONG , POUTZIOURIS PANIKKOS
Published: December 2010

Apart from starting, growing and/or sustaining a business, owner-managers in small firms have the responsibility to balance business goals and managerial priorities, with ownership control tendencies and family values (as in the case of the prolific family enterprise) in a fashion that can comfort all business stakeholders. Understanding the inter-relationship among owner-manager's leadership style, intra-organisational management systems, and business growth can enable us to develop insights into how small business leaders masterfully construct a management approach that is conducive to sustainable performance. This empirical paper draws evidence from a large-scale postal survey (5710 respondents) of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK and explores the association of small business managerial style and performance. Logistic regression analysis reveals that the managerial style of entrepreneurs is influenced by a series of demographic and situational factors. Moreover, owner-managed businesses characterised by delegation of authority appear to achieve higher growth in sales and operationalise in a more professional way. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications. The role of managerial style in interpreting business's growth performance will complement the leadership literature.
Market Reaction to Entry Timing of Corporate Capital Investment Announcement: Evidence from Announcement-Period Abnormal Returns and Analysts' Earnings Forecast Revisions
Authors: Chen Sheng-Syan , Su Xuan-Qi
Published: December 2010

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relative advantages and disadvantages of first-mover hypotheses by examining the role of entry timing in the announcement effects of corporate capital investment. Our empirical results suggest that those firms first announcing their capital investment will experience greater share-price effects than the followers in the same industry. In addition, the financial analysts tend to revise upward their announcement-period earnings forecasts for those capital investment announcers, suggesting that announcements of capital investment convey positive information about the earnings prospects of the announcing firms. Furthermore, analysts' revisions of earnings forecasts subsequent to such announcements are more favorable for leading-announcer firms than the followers. Overall, our findings provide fully support for the first-mover advantages hypothesis, indicating the importance of the entry timing when announcing a corporate capital investment.
The Performance and Cash Flows of Newly Raised Funds
Authors: Li Chun-An , Ma Hong-Chih
Published: December 2010

The main purpose of this paper is to examine whether "newly raised funds" (NRFs) can actually achieve the performance targets. The targets are usually provided to investors by the fund companies at the time when such new funds are introduced. Our results show that the performance of the new funds is weakly inferior to that of existing funds. Furthermore, the results also indicate that NRFs with lower cash flows tend to outperform those with higher cash flows. We also find that reports appearing in the newspapers relating to such NRFs have significantly positive effects on cash flows. Thereby, it indicates that more promotional efforts can attract more money.
MAGNETIC NANOCHAINS: A REVIEW
Authors: WANG HUI , YU YIFEI , SUN YUBIN , CHEN QIANWANG
Published: December 2010

One-dimensional (1D) chain-like structures are of special significance because of their interparticle magnetic interactions and potential applications in various fields, such as micromechanical sensors. This paper attempts to review the field of research into magnetic chains including monatomic chains and nanoparticle chains. The synthesis methods used mostly belong to one of the following categories: magnetosome chains in magnetotactic bacteria, zero-field self-assembly, magnetic field induced (MFI) assembly, template-directed synthesis, and gas phase synthesis. The potential applications of nanoparticle chains, mainly in the field of magnetic recording media, sensor, biomedicine and magnetic-field tunable photonic crystal are discussed.
MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATION OF POPC AND POPE LIPID MEMBRANE BILAYERS ENFORCED BY AN INTERCALATED SINGLE-WALL CARBON NANOTUBE
Authors: SHITYAKOV SERGEY , DANDEKAR THOMAS
Published: December 2010

Using classical all-atom molecular dynamics simulation, we investigated the molecular dynamics of palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine and palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylethanolamine membrane bilayers enforced by a single-wall carbon nanotube. We postulated that an insertion of a single-wall carbon nanotube in the center of lipid membrane "strengthens" ambient lipids and prevents the whole system from further destabilization by high temperatures. We implemented root mean square deviation and root mean square fluctuation analyses of simulated structures from their initial states in order to emphasize the molecular dynamics behavior of these structures during 1000 ps simulation time at different temperatures. The data suggest that an intercalated carbon nanotube restrains the conformational freedom of adjacent lipids and hence has an impact on the membrane stabilization dynamics. On the other hand, different lipid membranes may have dissimilarities due to the differing abilities to create a bridge formation between the adherent lipid molecules. The results derived from this work may be of importance in developing stable nanosystems for construction of novel biomaterials and delivery of various biomolecules in the fields of biosensors, biomaterials, and biophysics.
INCREASING OF THE SHARPNESS OF p–n JUNCTIONS BY LASER PULSES
Authors: PANKRATOV E. L.
Published: December 2010

Dopant redistribution in a multilayer structure during annealing by laser pulses for production of implanted-junction rectifiers has been analyzed. The analysis shows that heating the surface region of the multilayer structure leads to increasing of previously described effect of simultaneously increasing of sharpness of implanted-junction rectifier and homogeneity of dopant distribution in doped area. It was found that the theoretical spatial distribution of dopant agrees with the experimental one. Annealing time has been optimized for laser pulse annealing.
MnO2-FILLED MULTIWALLED CARBON NANOTUBE/POLYANILINE NANOCOMPOSITES: EFFECT OF LOADING ON THE CONDUCTION PROPERTIES AND ITS PERCOLATION THRESHOLD
Authors: ABD RAZAK SAIFUL IZWAN , SHARIF ZEIN SHARIF HUSSEIN , AHMAD ABDUL LATIF
Published: December 2010

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of ternary nanocomposites consisting of polyaniline (PANI), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) at different MWCNT– MnO2 loadings. The composite electrical percolation threshold is investigated as well. The in situ nanocomposites were characterized by UV-visible, Fourier transform and Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and electrical conductivity measurements. The conductivity of the nanocomposite reached up to 78.79 Scm-1 with 50 wt.% addition of MWCNT– MnO2 with good conduction stability and reversibility. The percolation threshold of this nanocomposite was achieved at 0.5 wt.%. Using the scaling law of the percolation theory, it was found that the theoretical conductivity of the nanocomposite exhibited an exponential factor, (t) of 1.38 instead of the universal t value of 2.
AN INDEX FORMULA FOR THE EXTENDED HEISENBERG ALGEBRA OF EPSTEIN, MELROSE AND MENDOZA
Authors: VAN ERP ERIK
Published: December 2010

The extended Heisenberg algebra for a contact manifold has a symbolic calculus that accommodates both Heisenberg pseudodifferential operators as well as classical pseudodifferential operators. We derive here a formula for the index of Fredholm operators in this extended calculus. This formula incorporates in a single expression the Atiyah–Singer formula for elliptic operators, as well as Boutet de Monvel's Toeplitz index formula.
SPACES OF SMALL METRIC COTYPE
Authors: VEOMETT E. , WILDRICK K.
Published: December 2010

Mendel and Naor's definition of metric cotype extends the notion of the Rademacher cotype of a Banach space to all metric spaces. Every Banach space has metric cotype at least 2. We show that any metric space that is bi-Lipschitz is equivalent to an ultrametric space having infimal metric cotype 1. We discuss the invariance of metric cotype inequalities under snowflaking mappings and Gromov–Hausdorff limits, and use these facts to establish a partial converse of the main result.
Sphingomyelin synthase 2 (SMS2) deficiency attenuates LPS-induced lung injury
Authors: Gowda Satish , Yeang Calvin , Wadgaonkar Sunil , Anjum Fatima , Grinkina Natalia , Cutaia Michael , Jiang Xian-Chen , Wadgaonkar Raj
Published: December 2010

Sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) catalyzes the synthesis of sphingomyelin (SM) and is required for maintenance of plasma membrane microdomain fluidity. Of the two isoforms of mammalian SMS, SMS1 is mostly present in the trans-Golgi apparatus, whereas SMS2 is predominantly found at the plasma membrane. SMS2 has a role in receptor mediated response to inflammation in macrophages, however, the role of SMS2 in vascular permeability, pulmonary edema, and lung injury have not been investigated. To define the role of SMS activation in lung injury, we utilized a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung edema model. SMS activity was measured and correlated with the severity of lung injury. Within 4 h of LPS treatment, SMS activity was increased significantly and remained upregulated up to 24 h. Comparison of LPS-induced lung injury in SMS2 knockout (SMS2−/−) and wild-type littermate control mice showed that inflammation, cytokine induction, and lung injury were significantly inhibited in SMS2−/−mice. Our results suggest that a deficiency of SMS2 can diminish the extent of pulmonary edema and lung injury. Furthermore, we show that depletion of SMS2 was sufficient to decrease MAP kinase-JNK activation, severity of LPS-induced pulmonary neutrophil influx, and inflammation, suggesting a novel role of SMS2 activation in lung injury.
Direct involvement of tumor necrosis factor-α in the regulation of glucose uptake in rainbow trout muscle cells
Authors: Vraskou Yoryia , Roher Nerea , Díaz Monica , Antonescu Costin N. , MacKenzie Simon A. , Planas Josep V.
Published: December 2010

The proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α is known to have a direct action on skeletal muscle in mammals. However, little is known regarding the potential effects of cytokines on nonimmune tissues, particularly in skeletal muscle, in fish. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of recombinant trout TNF-α (rtTNF-α) on skeletal muscle carbohydrate metabolism in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ). We used a primary cell culture of muscle cells from rainbow trout to show that rtTNF-α stimulates glucose uptake in myoblasts and myotubes at concentrations that do not affect the viability of the cells, requiring de novo protein synthesis as shown by the impairment of rtTNF-α-stimulated glucose uptake by cycloheximide. With the use of specific inhibitors, we show that rtTNF-α-stimulated glucose uptake is mediated by the p38MAPK, NF-κB, and JNK pathways. Additionally, we provide evidence that the stimulatory effects of rtTNF-α on glucose uptake in trout skeletal muscle cells may be caused, at least in part, by an increase in the amount of GLUT4 at the plasma membrane. Incubation of trout muscle cells with conditioned medium from LPS-stimulated trout macrophages, enriched in TNF-α, increased glucose uptake. Our results indicate that recombinant, as well as native trout TNF-α, directly stimulates glucose uptake in trout muscle cells and provide evidence, for the first time in nonmammalian vertebrates, for a potential regulatory role of TNF-α in skeletal muscle metabolism.
Genomic and nongenomic stimulatory effect of aldosterone on H+-ATPase in proximal S3 segments
Authors: Leite-Dellova D. C. A. , Malnic G. , Mello-Aires M.
Published: December 2010

The genomic and nongenomic effects of aldosterone on the intracellular pH recovery rate (pHirr) via H+-ATPase and on cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were investigated in isolated proximal S3 segments of rats during superfusion with an Na+-free solution, by using the fluorescent probes BCECF-AM and FLUO-4-AM, respectively. The pHirr, after cellular acidification with a NH4Cl pulse, was 0.064 ± 0.003 pH units/min ( n = 17/74) and was abolished with concanamycin. Aldosterone (10−12, 10−10, 10−8, or 10−6M with 1-h or 15- or 2-min preincubation) increased the pHirr. The baseline [Ca2+]iwas 103 ± 2 nM ( n = 58). After 1 min of aldosterone preincubation, there was a transient and dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]iand after 6-min preincubation there was a new increase in [Ca2+]ithat persisted after 1 h. Spironolactone [mineralocorticoid (MR) antagonist], actinomycin D, or cycloheximide did not affect the effects of aldosterone (15- or 2-min preincubation) on pHirr and on [Ca2+]ibut inhibited the effects of aldosterone (1-h preincubation) on these parameters. RU 486 [glucocorticoid (GR) antagonist] and dimethyl-BAPTA (Ca2+chelator) prevented the effect of aldosterone on both parameters. The data indicate a genomic (1 h, via MR) and a nongenomic action (15 or 2 min, probably via GR) on the H+-ATPase and on [Ca2+]i. The results are compatible with stimulation of the H+-ATPase by increases in [Ca2+]i(at 10−12-10−6M aldosterone) and inhibition of the H+-ATPase by decreases in [Ca2+]i(at 10−12or 10−6M aldosterone plus RU 486).