bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An antimicrobial drug recommender system using MALDI-TOF MS and dual-branch neural networks
Authors: De Waele Gaetan , Menschaert Gerben , Waegeman Willem
Published: May 2024

Timely and effective use of antimicrobial drugs can improve patient outcomes, as well as help safeguard against resistance development. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is currently routinely used in clinical diagnostics for rapid species identification. Mining additional data from said spectra in the form of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles is, therefore, highly promising. Such AMR profiles could serve as a drop-in solution for drastically improving treatment efficiency, effectiveness, and costs. This study endeavors to develop the first machine learning models capable of predicting AMR profiles for the whole repertoire of species and drugs encountered in clinical microbiology. The resulting models can be interpreted as drug recommender systems for infectious diseases. We find that our dual-branch method delivers considerably higher performance compared to previous approaches. In addition, experiments show that the models can be efficiently fine-tuned to data from other clinical laboratories. MALDI-TOF-based AMR recommender systems can, hence, greatly extend the value of MALDI-TOF MS for clinical diagnostics. All code supporting this study is distributed on PyPI and is packaged at https://github.com/gdewael/maldi-nn.
Deciphering the actin structure-dependent preferential cooperative binding of cofilin
Authors: Ngo Kien Xuan , Vu Huong T , Umeda Kenichi , Trinh Minh-Nhat , Kodera Noriyuki , Uyeda Taro
Published: May 2024

The mechanism underlying the preferential and cooperative binding of cofilin and the expansion of clusters toward the pointed-end side of actin filaments remains poorly understood. To address this, we conducted a principal component analysis based on available filamentous actin (F-actin) and C-actin (cofilins were excluded from cofilactin) structures and compared to monomeric G-actin. The results strongly suggest that C-actin, rather than F-ADP-actin, represented the favourable structure for binding preference of cofilin. High-speed atomic force microscopy explored that the shortened bare half helix adjacent to the cofilin clusters on the pointed end side included fewer actin protomers than normal helices. The mean axial distance (MAD) between two adjacent actin protomers along the same long-pitch strand within shortened bare half helices was longer (5.0–6.3 nm) than the MAD within typical helices (4.3–5.6 nm). The inhibition of torsional motion during helical twisting, achieved through stronger attachment to the lipid membrane, led to more pronounced inhibition of cofilin binding and cluster formation than the presence of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in solution. F-ADP-actin exhibited more naturally supertwisted half helices than F-ADP.Pi-actin, explaining how Pi inhibits cofilin binding to F-actin with variable helical twists. We propose that protomers within the shorter bare helical twists, either influenced by thermal fluctuation or induced allosterically by cofilin clusters, exhibit characteristics of C-actin-like structures with an elongated MAD, leading to preferential and cooperative binding of cofilin.
The nanoscale organization of the Nipah virus fusion protein informs new membrane fusion mechanisms
Authors: Wang Qian , Liu Jinxin , Luo Yuhang , Kliemke Vicky , Matta Giuliana Leonarda , Wang Jingjing , Liu Qian
Published: May 2024

Paramyxovirus membrane fusion requires an attachment protein for receptor binding and a fusion protein for membrane fusion triggering. Nipah virus (NiV) attachment protein (G) binds to ephrinB2 or -B3 receptors, and fusion protein (F) mediates membrane fusion. NiV-F is a class I fusion protein and is activated by endosomal cleavage. The crystal structure of a soluble GCN4-decorated NiV-F shows a hexamer-of-trimer assembly. Here, we used single-molecule localization microscopy to quantify the NiV-F distribution and organization on cell and virus-like particle membranes at a nanometer precision. We found that NiV-F on biological membranes forms distinctive clusters that are independent of endosomal cleavage or expression levels. The sequestration of NiV-F into dense clusters favors membrane fusion triggering. The nano-distribution and organization of NiV-F are susceptible to mutations at the hexamer-of-trimer interface, and the putative oligomerization motif on the transmembrane domain. We also show that NiV-F nanoclusters are maintained by NiV-F–AP-2 interactions and the clathrin coat assembly. We propose that the organization of NiV-F into nanoclusters facilitates membrane fusion triggering by a mixed population of NiV-F molecules with varied degrees of cleavage and opportunities for interacting with the NiV-G/receptor complex. These observations provide insights into the in situ organization and activation mechanisms of the NiV fusion machinery.
Compliance e gestão de riscos em tempos de inovação e disrupção digital
Authors: Campos Daniella , Carreiro Flavia dos Reis
Published: May 2024

A evolução dos programas de compliance e gestão de riscos reflete a necessidade vital de adaptabilidade no cenário empresarial contemporâneo, impulsionado pela constante disrupção tecnológica. Dos princípios tradicionais de conformidade regulatória à integração holística de práticas éticas, culturais e de governança, assim como o enfoque estratégico na eficiência, essa transformação é essencial para garantir a resiliência e o sucesso das organizações diante dos desafios e oportunidades do mundo digital. Este artigo analisa a evolução e desafios dos programas de compliance e gestão de riscos nas organizações diante da crescente evolução tecnológica. Com base em uma revisão abrangente da literatura, destacamos como as organizações estão adaptando suas práticas de compliance e gestão de riscos para enfrentar os desafios impostos pelas inovações tecnológicas, como inteligência artificial, blockchain e Internet das Coisas. Analisamos as oportunidades e desafios apresentados por essa evolução e possíveis direcionamentos para garantir a conformidade e a mitigação de riscos em um ambiente empresarial em constante transformação.
A Detailed Physical Explanation of an Aircraft Flutter Mechanism
Authors: Siqueira Luiz Felipi Ribeiro , Sousa Marcelo Santiago de , Cardoso-Ribeiro Flávio Luiz , Junior Sebastião Simões da Cunha
Published: May 2024

Each dynamic mode (aeroelastic) is made up of torsional and rotational movements. These two movements in each mode were dissociated and the phase, amplitude, damping and frequency of each of these movements were analyzed.  The structural resistances of torsion and bending, as well as the bending movement itself, have a damping effect and torsion has a destabilizing effect on the oscillations (if the centre of pressure is ahead of the flexural axis). After a certain speed, bending becomes out of phase with the applied forces. At this point, the bending has an amplifying effect on the oscillations and only the structural stiffness dampens the movement. From the speed at which the bending movement is out of phase with the applied aerodynamic loads, the damping of the mode decreases with speed, until flutter occurs. The type of analysis presented here was only possible due to the dissociation of torsion and bending movements in each mode. This is a novelty of this article. And this dissociation was made possible due to the use of the strain-based formulation, also called here as methodology NFNS_s (Non Linear Flight Dynamics – Non Linear Structural Dynamics – strain based formulation). The use of this methodology for this type of analysis was another contribution.  The article presents the proposal of a new way of analyzing the aeroelastic stability of aircraft.
Analyzing Daphnia and Black Soldier Fly Performance for Fish Protein
Authors: Chelal Victor , Mahianyu Leah Mumbi , Musingi Benjamin Musyimi , Musingi Dorcas Mutheu
Published: May 2024

The effectiveness of Daphnia and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae as substitute protein sources for fish diet is examined in this study. The quest for sustainable aquaculture methods has led to a rise in the need for substitute protein sources. Since they may be raised using organic waste materials and have a high protein content, daphnia and BSF larvae are seen as attractive possibilities. In this study, we assess the digestibility, nutritional makeup, and growth performance of fish fed diets including BSF larval protein and Daphnia. We also evaluate the environmental impact and economic viability of adding these substitute protein sources to fish diets. Our research provides important new information on the viability of using BSF larvae and Daphnia as protein sources to improve fish production sustainability and lessen dependency on conventional.
Effect of Foliar Fertilizer and Irrigation Levels on Carrot Productivity
Authors: A. Ciza , F. R Silungwe
Published: May 2024

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) productivity is still low in Tanzania due to inadequate management. There is dearth of information from the literature on the best management practices with respect to irrigation water (IW) and fertilizer levels for optimal carrot production. Consequently, farmers have limited access to means of boosting carrot productivity levels. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various levels of irrigation for carrots using drip irrigation and their interaction with carbonate foliar fertilizer (Lithovit standard) on the growth, yield, and sugar content of carrots at the School of Engineering and Technology (SoET) research field, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro region, Tanzania. Crop water requirement (ETc) was calculated using established procedures upon which water application levels were based. Foliar fertilizer was applied at levels of 1 (F1), 1.5 (F2), and 2 (F3) g/L/plant, while irrigation levels applied were 60 (I1), 80 (I2), and 100 (I3) percent of ETc. The experiment was a 3x3 factorial with treatment combinations F1I1, F1I2, F1I3, F2I1, F2I2, F2I3, F3I1, F3I2, and F3I3 conducted over two seasons during 2020/2021 and 2021/2022. The highest yield of 30.9 t ha-1 of carrots was obtained under 100% ETc, and the lowest yield of 15.1 t ha-1 was obtained under the 60% ETc. Carrots under a deficit irrigation water level of 20%, i.e., 80% ETc were found to have the highest content of sugar. On the other hand, the highest yield of 26.1 t ha-1 of carrots was obtained under the 2 g/L/plant fertilizer level, and the lowest yield of 17.9 t ha-1 of carrots was obtained under the 1 g/L/plant fertilizer level. Carrots under the 1.5 g/L/plant fertilizer level were found to have the highest content of sugar. Therefore, for optimum growth and yield, full irrigation in combination with foliar fertilizer application at a level of 2 g/L/plant is recommended for carrots under Morogoro conditions. However, for high sugar content, irrigation at 80% ETc in combination with foliar fertilizer application at a level of 1.5 g/L/plant is recommended.
Chemical Modification and Denaturation Effects on the Hemagglutinating Activity of Two Pterocarpus Species Seeds Lectins
Authors: Folowosele Morenikeji Tolulope , Odekanyin Oludele Olayemi , Adefila Adenike Oluwaseun , Oyepitan Sinaola Praise , Owolabi Eniola Racheal , Alobaloye Ayomide Ifeoluwa
Published: May 2024

Aims: Pterocarpus osun and Pterocarpus soyauxii seeds lectins were subjected to various chemical modifications in order to detect the amino acid residues involved in their hemagglutinating and sugar-binding activities.
Methodology: The lectins were purified using salt precipitation and size exclusion chromatography. Hemagglutinating activity and sugar specificity of the lectins were also established. Chemical modification of arginine was done using phenylglyoxal hydrate, and 5,5- dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) was used to modify cysteine. Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) was employed for serine modification and tryptophan residue was modified with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS). Denaturants effects on the hemagglutinating activity were carried out with chaotropic agents, acid, disulphide bridge reducer and cross-linker agent.
Results: Pterocarpus osun seeds lectin is mannose specific while Pterocarpus soyauxii seeds lectin is galactose/lactose-binding lectin. Hemagglutinating activities of the two lectins were completely lost when tryptophan residue was modified with NBS and the loss was reversed by dialysis. Modifications of Cysteine, Arginine and Serine have no effect on the hemagglutinating activity of P. osun lectin. Nevertheless, the modifications of same amino acids slightly reduced the activity of P. soyauxii lectin, which dialysis and prolonged incubation were able to overturn. Mannose was found to bind and inhibit hemagglutinating activity of P. osun lectin in the presence of various modifiers but galactose and lactose could not inhibit the hemagglutinating activity of P. soyauxii lectin in the presence of modifiers. All denaturants employed significantly affected the hemagglutinating activity of the two lectins. However, the effects were reversible except for P. osun lectin denatured with 8M urea.
Conclusion: The results revealed that tryptophan residue is essential for hemagglutinating activity of the Pterocarpus species seeds lectins studied in this research. Cysteine, Arginine and Serine are also needed for sugar binding by P. soyauxii lectin but not so important in P. osun sugar binding ability.
Copper-Modified Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: A Novel Catalyst for Effective Congo Red Dye Degradation in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Zulfiqar Rida , Zulfiqar Hira , Aslam Sufyan , Qazafi Shehram , Muhammad Faqeer , Hussain Ashraf , Arzoo Umber , Ismail Rafia
Published: May 2024

The raising worldwide water tainting from different sources has delivered admittance to unpolluted drinking water progressively testing. The release of effluents containing colors into water bodies become as a basic ecological worry lately. Regular treatment strategies are insufficient in wiping out these steady and risky poisons, requiring the investigation of novel methodologies. In this review, Cu-doped FeO nanoparticles were easily blended by using a co-precipitation strategy, and their synthetic qualities were entirely analyzed. These nanoparticles showed extraordinary adsorption abilities in the corruption of various color compounds. In particular, manufactured acidic color was focused on for expulsion utilizing metal-doped nanoparticles. Ideal boundaries for maximal acidic color not set in stone by surveying the adsorbent portion, beginning color focus, contact time, and temperature. The pH was distinguished as a critical variable, with the best incentive for maximal adsorption of Congo Red Dye viewed as less than 7. As indicated by late discoveries, Cu/FeO nanoparticles displayed unrivalled adsorption limit with regards to Congo Red Dye color at an ideal pH of 2, a measurement of 0.5 g/500 mL, a contact season of an hour and a half, and a color centralization of 150 ppm at 35° centigrade. Pseudo second order adsorption kinetic model exhibited amazing fitting outcomes for adsorption energy and balance information.
Effect of Vermicompost and Molybdenum on Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaeal L.)
Authors: Keerthana Degulamadi , Kumar Prateek , Mehera Biswarup
Published: May 2024

The experiment was conducted during the Summer season 2023, at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science, Prayagraj (U.P.) to find out the “Effect of Vermicompost and Molybdenum on growth and yield of Groundnut”. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising of 9 treatments which include 3 Different levels of Vermicompost 0 t/ha, 3 t/ha, 5 t/ha and Molybdenum 0.5 kg/ha, 1 kg/ha, 1.5 kg/ha. Whose effect is observed in Ground nut. The result was observed in the application of 5t/ha Vermicompost + 1.5 kg/ha Mo was recorded maximum plant height (29.80 cm), Nodules (62.10), plant dry weight (30.96 g/plant), number of pods per plant (39.39), Kernels/pod (2.00), seed index (40.00 g), pod yield (2.38 t/ha) and haulm yield (4.26 t/ha) and harvest index (35.74%).
At the same time higher gross return (1,61,090.00 INR/ha), net return (100505.80 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.7) were recorded with application of 5t/ha Vermicompost + 1.5 kg/ha Mo.
The Impact of Service Quality and Tax Socialization on Taxpayer Awareness Performance: Case from Mimika Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Cholifah Dwi , Usman Bachtiar , Yaputra Hermanto
Published: May 2024

Taxation plays a crucial role as the largest source of income for governments, including local governments such as Mimika Regency, Papua Province. Therefore, the impact of Tax Socialization, Taxpayer Compliance and Awareness, and Service Quality on Taxpayer Service Performance remains relevant to be studied. This study employs an empirical test with 100 taxpayer respondents in Mimika Regency, Papua Province, Indonesia. Hypothesis testing was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling – Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). The results of the test prove that service quality, tax socialization, and taxpayer awareness have a positive influence on taxpayer compliance. Service quality, tax socialization, and taxpayer awareness also have a positive influence on service performance. Taxpayer compliance does not have a positive influence on service performance, but taxpayer awareness does. The theoretical implications of this research information serve as a guide for researchers to develop tax and tax knowledge, and the determinants of non-compliance can be used for future research. From a policy maker's perspective, this information will assist tax authorities in developing tax education programs.
Computational investigation of the mechanisms of particle separation and “fish‐hook” phenomenon in hydrocyclones
Authors: Wang B. , Yu A. B.
Published: November 2009

The motion of solid particles and the “fish‐hook” phenomenon in an industrial classifying hydrocyclone of body diameter 355 mm is studied by a computational fluid dynamics model. In the model, the turbulent flow of gas and liquid is modeled using the Reynolds Stress Model, and the interface between the liquid and air core is modeled using the volume of fluid multiphase model. The outcomes are then applied in the simulation of particle flow described by the stochastic Lagrangian model. The results are analyzed in terms of velocity and force field in the cyclone. It is shown that the pressure gradient force plays an important role in particle separation, and it balances the centrifugal force on particles in the radial direction in hydrocyclones. As particle size decreases, the effect of drag force whose direction varies increases sharply. As a result, particles have an apparent fluctuating velocity. Some particles pass the locus of zero vertical velocity (LZVV) and join the upward flow and have a certain moving orbit. The moving orbit of particles in the upward flow becomes wider as their size decreases. When the size is below a critical value, the moving orbit is even beyond the LZVV. Some fine particles would recircuit between the downward and upward flows, resulting in a relatively high separation efficiency and the “fish‐hook” effect. Numerical experiments were also extended to study the effects of cyclone size and liquid viscosity. The results suggest that the mechanisms identified are valid, although they are quantitatively different. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Do 5HTTLPR and stress interact in risk for depression and suicidality? Item response analyses of a large sample
Authors: Coventry William L. , James Michael R. , Eaves Lindon J. , Gordon Scott D. , Gillespie Nathan A. , Ryan Leanne , Heath Andrew C. , Montgomery Grant W. , Martin Nicholas G. , Wray Naomi R.
Published: November 2009

The reported interaction between the length polymorphism (5HTTLPR) in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and stressful life events on depression has led to many attempts to replicate but with inconsistent results. This inconsistency may reflect, in part, small sample size and the unknown contribution of the long allele SNP, rs25531. Using a large twin sample of 3,243 individuals from 2,230 families aged 18–95 years (mean = 32.3, SD = 13.6) we investigate the interaction between 5HTTLPR (subtyped with SNP rs25531) and stressful events on risk of depression and suicidality using both ordinal regressions and item response theory analyses. Participants reported via mailed questionnaire (82% response rate) both stressful events in the preceeding 12 months and symptoms of depression. Stressful events were defined as “personal” (affecting the individual), or “network” (affecting close family or friends). One to 10 years later (mean = 4.2 years), participants completed a comprehensive clinical psychiatric telephone interview (83% response rate) which assessed DSM‐IV major depression and ideation of suicidality. Self‐reports of depression and an increase in depression/suicidality assessed by clinical interview are significantly associated with prior personal events (P < 0.001) after controlling for age and sex. However, they are inconsistently associated with prior network events (ranging, ns to P < 0.01) and are not significantly associated with any of the genotype main effects (5HTTLPR, 5HTTLPR + rs25531) or interactions (stress × genotype). We find no evidence to support the hypothesis of any 5HTTLPR genotype by stress interaction. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Male and female range use in a group of white‐bellied spider monkeys (Ateles belzebuth) in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador
Authors: Spehar Stephanie N. , Link Andres , Di Fiore Anthony
Published: November 2009

Spider monkeys (Ateles sp.) live in a flexible fission–fusion social system in which members of a social group are not in constant association, but instead form smaller subgroups of varying size and composition. Patterns of range use in spider monkeys have been described as sex‐segregated, with males and females often ranging separately, females utilizing core areas that encompass only a fraction of the entire community range, and males using much larger portions of the community range that overlap considerably with the core areas of females and other males. Males are also reported to use the boundary areas of community home ranges more often than females. Spider monkeys thus seem to parallel the “male‐bonded” patterns of ranging and association found among some groups of chimpanzees. Over several years of research on one group of spider monkeys (Ateles belzebuth) in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador, we characterized the ranging patterns of adult males and females and evaluated the extent to which they conform to previously reported patterns. In contrast to ranging patterns seen at several other spider monkey sites, the ranges of our study females overlapped considerably, with little evidence of exclusive use of particular areas by individual monkeys. Average male and female home range size was comparable, and males and females were similar in their use of boundary areas. These ranging patterns are similar to those of “bisexually bonded” groups of chimpanzees in West Africa. We suggest that the less sex‐segregated ranging patterns seen in this particular group of spider monkeys may be owing to a history of human disturbance in the area and to lower genetic relatedness between males, highlighting the potential for flexibility some aspects of the spider monkeys' fission–fusion social system. Am. J. Primatol. 72:129–141, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predicting podcast preference: An analysis framework and its application
Authors: Tsagkias Manos , Larson Martha , de Rijke Maarten
Published: November 2009

Finding worthwhile podcasts can be difficult for listeners since podcasts are published in large numbers and vary widely with respect to quality and repute. Independently of their informational content, certain podcasts provide satisfying listening material while other podcasts have little or no appeal. In this paper we present PodCred, a framework for analyzing listener appeal, and we demonstrate its application to the task of automatically predicting the listening preferences of users. First, we describe the PodCred framework, which consists of an inventory of factors contributing to user perceptions of the credibility and quality of podcasts. The framework is designed to support automatic prediction of whether or not a particular podcast will enjoy listener preference. It consists of four categories of indicators related to the Podcast Content, the Podcaster, the Podcast Context, and the Technical Execution of the podcast. Three studies contributed to the development of the PodCred framework: a review of the literature on credibility for other media, a survey of prescriptive guidelines for podcasting, and a detailed data analysis. Next, we report on a validation exercise in which the PodCred framework is applied to a real‐world podcast preference prediction task. Our validation focuses on select framework indicators that show promise of being both discriminative and readily accessible. We translate these indicators into a set of easily extractable “surface” features and use them to implement a basic classification system. The experiments carried out to evaluate system use popularity levels in iTunes as ground truth and demonstrate that simple surface features derived from the PodCred framework are indeed useful for classifying podcasts.
An exploration of criminal thinking styles among civil psychiatric patients
Authors: Carr William Amory , Rosenfeld Barry , Magyar Melissa , Rotter Merrill
Published: November 2009

Background Several studies have found a relationship between psychiatric illness and criminal behaviour. Despite this, few studies have examined the presence of criminal thinking among civil psychiatric patients.

Aims The aim of this study is to explore the patterns and correlates of criminal thinking, using the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS), in a sample of civil psychiatric patients.

Method The PICTS (Layperson Edition) and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (Anchored Version; BPRS) were administered to 76 civil psychiatric patients. PICTS scores were compared with those of offenders from a previously published study. Bivariate tests were conducted between selected PICTS scales, BPRS factors, demographic and criminal history variables. Stepwise multiple regressions were performed to assess those variables that predicted the general criminal thinking, proactive and reactive composite scales of the PICTS.

Results Independent samples t‐tests revealed that five PICTS thinking styles were significantly higher in the psychiatric sample compared with the comparison sample of criminal offenders. Bivariate correlations revealed that the PICTS proactive composite scale was significantly related to and predicted by substance abuse and arrest history.

Conclusions/clinical implications: Thinking styles which are typically associated with criminality were found in this sample of civil psychiatric patients. Cognitive remediation strategies targeting these may help to prevent criminal activity in psychiatric patients. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quartiles of Peak Troponin Are Associated with Long‐term Risk of Death in Type 1 and STEMI, but Not in Type 2 or NSTEMI Patients
Authors: Gonzalez Manuel A. , Porterfield Christopher P. , Eilen Dana J. , Marzouq Rana A. , Patel Hiren R. , Patel Amit A. , Nasir Summiyah , Lim Heang M. , Babb Joseph D. , Rose John D. , Cascio Wayne E.
Published: November 2009

Background

The prognostic value of peak cardiac troponin (cTn) in different types of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) under the universal clinical classification is unknown.

Hypothesis

We tested the hypothesis that the prognostic value of cTn varies with its peak level and type of AMI.

Methods

We studied 345 consecutive patients with AMI with mean follow‐up of 30.6 months according to quartiles of peak cTn level (QPTL) and the type of AMI. The study outcomes were the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; composite of all causes of mortality and recurrent AMI) and the individual components of MACE.

Results

The study included patients with AMI Type 1 (n = 276), type 2 (n = 54), ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; n = 159), and non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI; n = 186). Overall, peak cTn level was an independent predictor of MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.000–1.003, P = 0.01) and death (HR: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.001–1.004, P = 0.003), but not of recurrent AMI. The highest risk of MACE and death was in the highest QPTL (61.6%, P = .016 and 66.3%, P = 0.021, respectively) while the highest risk of recurrent AMI was in the lowest QPTL (83.7%, P = 0.04). Quartiles of peak cTn level were significantly associated with increased risk of MACE and death in patients with Type 1 (all P = 0.01) and STEMI (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively), but no association existed in type 2 or NSTEMI patients.

Conclusions

Overall, peak cTn predicts the risk of MACE and death but not the risk of AMI. While in Type 1 and STEMI patients, QPTL are associated with risk of MACE and death, no association exists in type 2 or NSTEMI patients. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute Chest Pain Evaluated by Coronary CT Angiography
Authors: Richard Conti C.
Published: November 2009

Most of my time these days (at least 26 weeks out of every year) is spent on an inpatient cardiology service. Patients are general cardiology patients, mostly admitted from our emergency department (ED). Approximately half of these patients have a principle diagnosis of acute chest pain. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrochemical Hydrogen Storage in Ti1.6V0.4Ni1−xCox Icosahedral Quasicrystalline Alloys
Authors: Hu Wen , Niu Xiao D. , Watada Masaharu , Kawabe Yoshiteru , Wu Yao M. , Wang Li D. , Wang Li M.
Published: November 2009

The discovery of the icosahedral phase (i‐phase) in rapidly quenched Ti1.6V0.4Ni1−xCox (x=0.02–0.1) alloys is described herein. The i‐phase occurs in a similar amount relative to the coexisting β‐Ti phase. The electron diffraction patterns show the distinct spot anisotropy, indicating that the i‐phase is metastable. The electrochemical hydrogen storage performances of these five alloy electrodes are also reported herein. The hydrogen desorption of nonelectrochemical recombination in the cyclic voltammetric (CV) response exhibits the demand for electrocatalytic activity improvement. A discharge capacity of 261.5 mA h g−1 was measured in a Ti1.6V0.4Ni0.96Co0.04 alloy electrode at 30 mA g−1 and 303 K and it is shown that an appropriate amount of Co element addition would enhance the cycling stability at the expense of high‐rate discharging ability.
Lactic acid in cancer and mitochondrial disease
Authors: Steliou Kosta , Perrine Susan P. , Faller Douglas V.
Published: November 2009

Cancer and the mitochondrial diseases are disparate disorders that have in common a failure of normal cellular respiratory activity in disease‐affected tissues. In mitochondrial diseases, the impairment in the mitochondria is often the result of abnormalities in their mtDNA, whereas in cancerous cells, the altered respiration is driven by the Warburg effect. The oxidation of glucose (as pyruvate in the mitochondria) is inhibited and energy production relies on cytoplasmic glycolysis. This suppressed mitochondrial activity confers in tumor cells a state of resistance to apoptosis and, in mitochondrial diseases like mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS), the altered respiration leads to lactic acidosis. Driving glucose to its complete oxidation inside the mitochondria has potential in cancer therapy to reconstitute apoptotic competence in tumor cells and, in mitochondrial disease, to treat lactic acidosis. This minireview investigates the development of small molecule agents for suppressing the Warburg effect in cancer therapy and lactic acidosis in mitochondrial disease. Drug Dev Res 70:499–511, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Response Behavior of Amperometric Glucose Biosensors Based on Different Carbon Substrate Transducers Coated with Enzyme‐Active Layer: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mauko Lea , Ogorevc Bozidar , Pihlar Boris
Published: November 2009

Carbon electrodes (glassy carbon, GC, screen‐printed carbon, SPC, and carbon fiber, CF) were used as substrate transducers to prepare glucose biosensors of different sizes and geometries, based on iron‐ruthenium hexacyanoferrate as H2O2 reduction mediator and glucose oxidase immobilized in a poly(1,2‐phenylenediamine) membrane. Their response behavior under hydrodynamic amperometric conditions at an operating potential of −0.02 V vs. Ag/AgCl was studied and compared. While the GC and SPC based conventional size biosensors showed enzymatic catalysis controlled current response with nonlinear concentration dependence, the CF based micro‐biosensor exhibited, due to diffusion‐controlled current response, extended linear range calibration curves with relatively lower sensitivity and longer response times. Several preparation parameters responsible for the improvement of biosensor performance were also investigated.
Preparation and Properties of the Hybrid Material n‐Propyl(3‐methylpyridinium)silsesquioxane Chloride. Application in Electrochemical Determination of Nitrite
Authors: Magosso Hérica A. , Luz Rita C. S. , Gushikem Yoshitaka
Published: November 2009

The synthesis and properties of the ion exchange polymer 3‐n‐propyl(3‐methylpyridinium)silsesquioxane chloride (SiPy+Cl−) are described. Based on the Langmuir model, the equilibrium constant at the solid‐solution interface for the reaction, SiPy+Cl−+NO$\rm{{_{2}^{-}}}$⇌SiPy+NO$\rm{{_{2}^{-}}}$, was calculated for nitrite adsorption. The value found, β=8.7×103 L mol−1, indicates good affinity of the anion for the solid phase. A carbon paste electrode of the material was tested for NO$\rm{{_{2}^{-}}}$ oxidation and a linear response, in the concentration range between 6.3 and 143.6 μmol L−1, was obtained by amperometry. The analytical applicability of the proposed system was ascertained by the satisfactory results attained in its application to monitoring of nitrite in natural waters.
A Novel Glucose Biosensor Based on Glucose Oxidase Immobilized on AuPt Nanoparticle – Carbon Nanotube – Ionic Liquid Hybrid Coated Electrode
Authors: Zhang Yafen , Guo Gaiping , Zhao Faqiong , Mo Zhirong , Xiao Fei , Zeng Baizhao
Published: November 2009

A novel amperometric glucose biosensor is presented in this article, which is based on the adsorption of glucose oxidase on gold‐platinum nanoparticle (AuPt NP)‐multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) – ionic liquid (i.e., 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [OMIM]PF6) composite. The gold‐platinum nanoparticles is prepared through direct electrodeposition. Owing to the synergistic action of AuPt nanoparticle, MWNT and [OMIM]PF6, the biosensor shows good response to glucose, with wide linear range (0.01 to 9.49 mM), short response time (3 s), and high sensitivity (3.47 μA mM−1). With the biosensor the determination of glucose in human serum is performed.
An Oxidizable Anion‐Excluding Polymer‐Overlayer for Oxygen Electrodes
Authors: Kang Chan , Cho Sangeun , Shin Hyosul , Heller Adam
Published: November 2009

Here we describe an anion excluding ion‐permeable membrane, which we evaluate on an O2‐electroreducing cathode poised at a strongly oxidizing potential, near the reversible potential of the O2/H2O half cell. The bioelectrocatalyst of the O2 cathode consists of the cross‐linked electrostatic adduct of a polycationic redox hydrogel and bilirubin oxidase (BOD), a polyanion at neutral at pH 7.3. If an uncured Nafion dispersion is applied on this bioelectrocatalyst, the polyanionic Nafion displaces the BOD in the electrostatic adduct, de‐wiring the BOD. We show here that insertion of a polycationic poly(acrylamide‐co‐vinylimidazole) (PAA‐PVI) between the bioelectrocatalyst and the Nafion prevents the dewiring of BOD. The resulting bi‐layer membrane effectively excludes the urate, thiocyanate and NADH anions.
Real‐time imaging of single cancer‐cell dynamics of lung metastasis
Authors: Kimura Hiroaki , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Yamauchi Kensuke , Yamamoto Norio , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Tomita Katsuro , Kishimoto Hiroyuki , Bouvet Michael , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: November 2009

We have developed a new in vivo mouse model to image single cancer‐cell dynamics of metastasis to the lung in real‐time. Regulating airflow volume with a novel endotracheal intubation method enabled controlling lung expansion adequate for imaging of the exposed lung surface. Cancer cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the nucleus and red fluorescent protein (RFP) in the cytoplasm were injected in the tail vein of the mouse. The right chest wall was then opened in order to image metastases on the lung surface directly. After each observation, the chest wall was sutured and the air was suctioned in order to re‐inflate the lung, in order to keep the mice alive. Observations have been carried out for up to 8 h per session and repeated up to six times per mouse thus far. The seeding and arresting of single cancer cells on the lung, accumulation of cancer‐cell emboli, cancer‐cell viability, and metastatic colony formation were imaged in real‐time. This new technology makes it possible to observe real‐time monitoring of cancer‐cell dynamics of metastasis in the lung and to identify potential metastatic stem cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 58–64, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unwinding protein complexes in ALTernative telomere maintenance
Authors: Bhattacharyya Saumitri , Sandy April , Groden Joanna
Published: November 2009

Telomeres are composed of specialized chromatin that includes DNA repair/recombination proteins, telomere DNA‐binding proteins and a number of three dimensional nucleic acid structures including G‐quartets and D‐loops. A number of studies suggest that the BLM and WRN recQ‐like helicases play important roles in recombination‐mediated mechanisms of telomere elongation or Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT), processes that maintain/elongate telomeres in the absence of telomerase. BLM and WRN localize within ALT‐associated nuclear bodies in telomerase‐negative immortalized cell lines and interact with the telomere‐specific proteins POT1, TRF1 and TRF2. Helicase activity is modulated by these interactions. BLM functions in DNA double‐strand break repair processes such as non‐homologous end joining, homologous recombination‐mediated repair, resolution of stalled replication forks and synthesis‐dependent strand annealing, although its precise functions at the telomeres are speculative. WRN also functions in DNA replication, recombination and repair, and in addition to its helicase domain, includes an exonuclease domain not found in other recQ‐like helicases. The biochemical properties of BLM and WRN are, therefore, important in biological processes other than DNA replication, recombination and repair. In this review, we discuss some previous and recent findings of human rec‐Q‐like helicases and their role in telomere elongation during ALT processes. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 7–15, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nicotine, through upregulating pro‐survival signaling, cooperates with NNK to promote transformation
Authors: Nishioka Takashi , Guo Jinjin , Yamamoto Daisuke , Chen Lihua , Huppi Petra , Chen Chang Yan
Published: November 2009

Cigarette smoking is a mixture of thousands of compounds, many of which are carcinogens, such as NNK [4‐(methylnitrosamino)‐1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐butanone]. Nicotine, as an addictive substance in cigarette, has been shown to promote growth of non‐neuronal cells. It is unclear how nicotine cooperates with tobacco‐related carcinogens during tumorigenesis. Here, by concurrent treatment of nicotine and NNK, we investigate the effect of the cooperation of these two compounds on cell growth and apoptosis in various different lung epithelial (RLE) or cancer (LKR) cells. We demonstrated that short‐term nicotine exposure moderately activated mitogenic signaling pathways (such as PKC, ERK, and Akt) and a mediocre protection against cisplatin‐mediated apoptosis. In contrast, NNK strongly stimulated mitogenic signaling and rendered the cells a high resistance to cisplatin. The pre‐ligation of nAChR by nicotine interfered with NNK‐mediated mitogenic signaling and resistance to cisplatin, the magnitude of which was similar as that exposed to nicotine alone. Interestingly, a week after the exposure to nicotine or nicotine plus NNK, Bcl‐2 expression was augmented, accompanied with the increased resistance to cisplatin‐induced apoptosis. In comparison, long‐term NNK treatment provided very little protection of the cells from cisplatin. We also showed that the combination treatment promoted more cells to grow in an anchorage‐independent fashion than NNK exposure alone. Thus, the data suggest that through occupying nAChR, nicotine appears to modulate NNK‐mediated signaling and persistently sustain pro‐survival activities to promote transformation. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 152–161, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Profiling and comparing transcription factors activated in non‐metastatic and metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Su Bo , Xiang Bo , Wang Li , Cao Li , Xiao Lan , Li Xiaoling , Li Xiayu , Wu Minghua , Li Guiyuan
Published: November 2009

Transcription factors (TFs) are modulators of gene expression that are critically important in the establishment and progression of human cancers. In the current study, the activity profiles of TFs in a normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line and in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines were studied using oligonucleotide array‐based TF assays. Compared to the normal epithelial cell line NP69, nine TFs in the non‐metastatic NPC cell line (6‐10B) and eight TFs in a metastatic NPC cell line (5‐8F) were upregulated. Among upregulated TFs, Sp1, AP2, and ATF/CREB families exhibited relatively high activities in NPC cell lines. Transcription levels of Sp1, ATF‐1, ATF‐2, AP2α, AP2γ, and CREB1 were higher in 5‐8F cells than in 6‐10B cells. In addition, higher expression of the Sp1 target genes MMP‐9 and VEGF was observed in 5‐8F cells. Sp1 silencing reduced VEGF and MMP‐9 expression. Inhibition of Sp1 expression and activity in 5‐8F cells by mithramycin resulted in downregulated expression and secretion of MMP‐9 and VEGF, concomitant with inhibition of cell migration and invasion. These results suggest that dynamic changes in TF activities occur in NPC cells and that these changes may play important roles in regulating the expression of genes associated with the development and progression of NPC. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 173–183, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) at subtoxic concentrations increases the adhesivity of human leukemic cells to fibronectin
Authors: Kuželová Kateřina , Pluskalová Michaela , Brodská Barbora , Otevřelová Petra , Elknerová Klára , Grebeňová Dana , Hrkal Zbyněk
Published: November 2009

Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) is an inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs) which is being introduced into clinic for the treatment of hematological diseases. We studied the effect of this compound on six human hematopoietic cell lines (JURL‐MK1, K562, CML‐T1, Karpas‐299, HL‐60, and ML‐2) as well as on normal human lymphocytes and on leukemic primary cells. SAHA induced dose‐dependent and cell type‐dependent cell death which displayed apoptotic features (caspase‐3 activation and apoptotic DNA fragmentation) in most cell types including the normal lymphocytes. At subtoxic concentrations (0.5–1 µM), SAHA increased the cell adhesivity to fibronectin (FN) in all leukemia/lymphoma‐derived cell lines but not in normal lymphocytes. This increase was accompanied by an enhanced expression of integrin β1 and paxillin, an essential constituent of focal adhesion complexes, both at the protein and mRNA level. On the other hand, the inhibition of ROCK protein, an important regulator of cytoskeleton structure, had no consistent effect on SAHA‐induced increase in the cell adhesivity. The promotion of cell adhesivity to FN seems to be specific for SAHA as we observed no such effects with other HDAC inhibitors (trichostatin A and sodium butyrate). J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 184–195, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterisation of the osteoclastogenic potential of human osteoblastic and fibroblastic conditioned media
Authors: Costa‐Rodrigues João , Teixeira Cristina A. , Sampaio Paula , Fernandes Maria H.
Published: November 2009

Although M‐CSF and RANKL are sufficient to promote in vitro osteoclastogenesis, in vivo this is a complex process which requires the action of many signalling molecules and cellular crosstalks. In this work, isolated or combined conditioned media, obtained from human adult skin fibroblast and bone marrow cells, were tested for their osteoclastogenic potential, through an indirect co‐culture system, in the absence of recombinant M‐CSF and RANKL. Osteoclastogenesis was assessed on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and CD14+ cell cultures by quantification of total protein content, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, presence of multinucleated cells positive for TRAP, RT‐PCR of TRAP, CATK, CA2, c‐myc and c‐src and presence of multinucleated cells displaying actin rings, vitronectin and calcitonin receptors. Cultures supplemented with M‐CSF and RANKL were used as positive controls. It was observed that the conditioned medium from dexamethasone osteogenic‐induced bone marrow cell cultures displayed the highest osteoclastogenic potential, with similar behaviour to that observed in the presence of both M‐CSF and RANKL. Comparatively, fibroblastic conditioned medium elicited a slightly lower osteoclastogenic response. Combination of both conditioned media resulted in a significant increase of TRAP activity. On the other hand, conditioned medium from non‐osteogenic‐induced bone marrow cell cultures presented the lowest osteoclastogenic potential. These results were observed for both PBMC and CD14+ cell cultures, suggesting that fibroblast and osteoblast cells are able to modulate osteoclastogenesis in the absence of physical cell–cell interactions. In addition, osteoclastogenic potential of bone marrow cells increases with their osteoblastic differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 205–216, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.