bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Hamiltonian replica exchange molecular dynamics simulation method employing the Poisson–Boltzmann model
Authors: Mu Yuguang , Yang Ye , Xu Weixin
Published: August 2007

A hybrid Hamiltonian replica exchange molecular dynamics simulation scheme based on explicit water model hybrided with Poisson–Boltzmann model is brought out. In this method the motions of atoms are governed by potential energy obtained from explicit water model. However, the exchanges between different replicas under different temperatures are controlled by the solvation energies of the solute calculated using the Poisson–Boltzmann model. In order to get the correct canonical ensembles, the van der Waals radii, which are used to define the dielectric boundary, have to be optimized. The conformational spaces of three distinct pentapeptides, Met-enkephalin, alanine 5, and glycine 5, are explored. We find that with the optimized radii the structural ensembles are nearly identical to those obtained by standard replica exchange simulations while the number of replica needed is reduced greatly.
Comparison of thermodynamic properties of cubic Cr1−xAlxN and Ti1−xAlxN from first-principles calculations
Authors: Alling B. , Marten T. , Abrikosov I. A. , Karimi A.
Published: August 2007

In order to investigate the stability of the cubic phase of Cr1−xAlxN at high AlN content, first principles calculations of magnetic properties, lattice parameters, electronic structure, and mixing enthalpies of the system were performed. The mixing enthalpy was calculated on a fine concentration mesh to make possible the accurate determination of its second concentration derivative. The results are compared to calculations performed for the related compound Ti1−xAlxN and with experiments. The mixing enthalpy is discussed in the context of isostructural spinodal decomposition. It is shown that the magnetism is the key to understand the difference between the Cr- and Ti-containing systems. Cr1−xAlxN turns out to be more stable against spinodal decomposition than Ti1−xAlxN, especially for AlN-rich samples which are of interest in cutting tools applications.
Influence of reactivity of sheath materials with Mg/B on superconducting properties of MgB2
Authors: Varghese Neson , Vinod K. , Abhilash Kumar R. G. , Syamaprasad U. , Sundaresan A.
Published: August 2007

We investigated the influence of reactivity of commonly used sheath materials (Fe, SS, Cu, and Ni) with Mg/B, processed by in situ powder in sealed tube method on superconducting properties of MgB2. X-ray diffraction characterization of samples yields quantitative data of the volume fraction of MgB2 core, whereas magnetic measurements show the influence of added sheath materials on TC , JC(H), Hirr, and flux pinning behavior of MgB2. Our comparative study gives better phase purity, JC(H) characteristics, and flux pinning behavior for Fe and SS added samples, which shows the suitability of Fe and SS as sheath materials in MgB2 wire/tape fabrication.
Deuteron and proton spin-lattice relaxation dispersion of polymer melts: Intrasegment, intrachain, and interchain contributions
Authors: Kehr Markus , Fatkullin Nail , Kimmich Rainer
Published: August 2007

Proton and deuteron field-cycling NMR relaxometry was applied to deuterated and undeuterated bulk polyethyleneoxide and polybutadiene melts and mixtures thereof with molecular weights above the critical value. Spin-lattice relaxation data due to intrasegment (quadrupolar) couplings and intra- and interchain (dipolar) interactions were evaluated. Diverse dynamic limits are identified both with the proton and deuteron frequency dispersion data. The comparison between the intrachain and the interchain contributions leads to the conclusion that only model theories based on largely isotropic chain dynamics can account for the experimental findings. The extremely anisotropic character of the well-known tube/reptation model is too restrictive in this respect.
Interface effects on the diffraction of plane compressional waves by a nanosized spherical inclusion
Authors: Wang G. F. , Feng X. Q. , Yu S. W.
Published: August 2007

Effects of surfaces/interfaces become prominent in micro- and nanosized materials and devices. In the present paper, the diffraction of plane harmonic compressional waves (P wave) by a spherical nanoinclusion is studied theoretically using the surface/interface elasticity theory. The results demonstrated that when the inclusion size shrinks to nanometers, surface/interface elasticity plays a significant role in the diffraction of elastic waves. For incident waves of different frequencies, the interface effects on the dynamic stress concentration around the spherical inclusion are examined in detail.
Novel optical method for background reduction in resonant photoacoustics
Authors: González Martín , Santiago Guillermo , Slezak Verónica , Peuriot Alejandro
Published: August 2007

We report a new way of reducing the background originated by window absorption in resonant photoacoustics. The technique employs a secondary light source that is absorbed by the window but not by the gas sample. This auxiliary source is modulated 180° apart from the one used to probe the gas. This way the window is heated almost uniformly during each cycle, thus lessening the associated background signal. We tested the scheme on a photoacoustic setup, conceived to measure NO2, which is excited by an array of blue light-emitting diodes. Another array of near-infrared, light-emitting diodes served as the secondary light source. With the addition of this canceling method, the detection limit was decreased to 4% of the previous reached without it.
From superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic surfaces tuned by surfactant solutions
Authors: Chang Feng-Ming , Sheng Yu-Jane , Chen Hui , Tsao Heng-Kwong
Published: August 2007

The wettability of hydrophobic surfaces is generally improved by surfactant solutions. The wetting behavior of superhydrophobic surfaces can be classified into two types, in terms of the variation of contact angle with surfactant concentration cs. Contact angle is controlled by surface tension for common linear surfactants and becomes independent of cs as cs>critical micelle concentration. Consequently, superhydrophobic surfaces remain in hydrophobic range, as reported. However, for branch-tailed surfactants such as sodium-bisethylhexylsulfosuccinate and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, superhydrophobic surfaces can turn superhydrophilic by increasing cs owing to continuous reduction of solid-liquid interfacial tension. The superhydrophobicity is recoverable simply by water rinsing.
Theater, Language and Inter-Ethnic Exchange: Assyrian Performance before World War I
Authors: Naby Eden
Published: September 2007

The Assyrian “Camelot” in Iran, centered in northwest Iran around the towns of Urmia and Salamas, began with a surprise championship of their community by American missionaries and ended with ethnic cleansing between 1914 and 1918. During the eighty odd years of intellectual and material progress made in this community, Assyrians not only learned a multiplicity of European languages within a generation, but adopted western genre of entertainment on a broad scale. Among these were theater performances. Assyrian plays drew on many sources including French and Azerbaijani plots. But plays also became a means of retrieving their own historical past as it was being revived in Europe in the late nineteenth century under the influence of archeology and related classical sources on Mesopotamian and Iranian ancient history. In addition, Assyrians drew on another source of inspiration for theatrical performance, a source buried deep within their own medieval culture. To what extent does church theater performance soften attitudes toward theater in an environment where American-inspired religiosity frowned on frivolities like stage entertainment? To what extent does the Assyrian experience mirror the production of theater in Qajar culture in general? How, if at all, has the Assyrian cultural flowering, however brief, affected the encouragement of diverse entertainment in northwest Iran?
Access to tuberculosis care: What did chronic cough patients experience in the way of healthcare-seeking?
Authors: Xu Biao , Diwan Vinod K. , Bogg Lennart
Published: September 2007

Aims: The directly observed treatment-short course (DOTS) has been adopted in China's modern tuberculosis (TB) control programme since 1992. However, the case detection rate of TB is far below the global 70% target. The aims of this study are to analyse the healthcare-seeking experiences and economic burden of potential TB patients with more than two weeks of cough in counties with and without a DOTS project and to explore the barriers to access for potential TB patients in rural China. Methods: A cross-sectional study using questionnaire interviews was conducted in a DOTS project county (Jianhu) and a non-DOTS county (Funing) in Jiangsu Province. A total of 1,204 chronic cough hospital patients were interviewed about their care-seeking experiences. Result: The mean patient delays were 34 and 29 days respectively in Jianhu and Funing (p=0.070). A shorter patient delay was associated with the availability of medical insurance (RR=1.36, p<0.01). More than 97% of patients sought care in the general health system, rather than in the special TB dispensary. Only 1.8% (Jianhu) and 5.0% (Funing) of the subjects had been sputum smear tested (p<0.001). The average patient's expenditure was CNY346 in Jianhu and CNY256 in Funing (p>0.05). Conclusion: Potential TB patients' access to TB care needs improving under DOTS. The expenses for treatment of cough are a heavy burden for the poor. Since the low-income patients first seek care at village health stations or township hospitals for cough, it is vital to involve the general health system in the DOTS project.
Randomized intervention trial on preventive home visits to older people: Baseline and follow-up characteristics of participants and non-participants
Authors: Vass Mikkel , Avlund Kirsten , Hendriksen Carsten
Published: September 2007

Aims: In controlled intervention studies, a selective non-response or refusal to participate at baseline may bias measurable effects of the intervention. The aim of this study was to compare mortality and nursing home admission among older persons who accepted (participants) and older person who declined (non-participants) to join a controlled feasibility trial, and to describe and evaluate defined subgroups of non-participants. Methods: Prospective controlled three-year intervention study (1999—2001) in 34 Danish municipalities with five-year follow-up. Randomization and intervention (education of municipality employees) was done at municipality level. In total 5,788 home-dwelling 75- and 80-year-olds living in these municipalities were invited to participate in the study. Written consent was obtained from 4,060 persons (participation rate 71%). Results: During five-year follow-up non-participants had a higher mortality rate (survival analysis risk ratio RR=1.5, 95% CI=1.3—1.7, p<0.0001) and a higher rate of nursing home admissions (RR=1.7, 95% CI=1.3— 2.1, p<0.0001) compared with participants. Subgroups of non-participants describing themselves as ``too ill'' and persons ``not reached'' had a significantly higher mortality rate and risk of admission to nursing home than participants, whereas the subgroups of non-participants describing themselves as ``too healthy'' and having ``another reason for refusal'' did not differ from the participants. There was no difference in mortality rates between non-participants living in intervention municipalities compared with non-participants living in control municipalities. Conclusions: Mortality and nursing home admissions were higher among non-participants. Selection participation bias was of no clinical importance since subgroups of non-participants eligible for the intervention did not differ from the participants.
Nature and risk factors of injury hospitalization in young adults: A follow-up of 135,987 military conscripts
Authors: Mattila Ville M. , Kuronen Pentti , Pihlajamäki Harri
Published: September 2007

Aims: This study attempted to investigate the nature and risk factors of injury hospitalization among Finnish conscripts in 1998—2002. Methods: Altogether 135,987 military conscripts, including 2,044 (1.5%) women, were followed during their 6-to 12-month service in 1998—2002. Data on injury hospitalizations were obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Register. Outcome variables were injury hospitalization, multiple injury hospitalization, and hospitalization due to lower limb injury. Background variables consisted of conscripts' service and physical fitness data. Results: Injury hospitalization occurred among 6,059 (4.5%) conscripts, in 530 (0.4%) of them more than once. The total number of hospitalizations was 7,187, of which 50% were due to lower limb injuries. Most injuries (57%) were dislocations and sprains of joints and ligaments. The strongest risk factors for injury hospitalization in the multivariate logistic regression models were female sex (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.9—2.7), and overweight (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2—1.7). These odds ratios increased when multiple injuries were investigated separately. Excellent aerobic fitness was a specific risk factor for lower limb injury (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1— 1.5). Conclusions: Women were markedly more likely than men to be hospitalized for injury. Moreover, overweight predicted an increased injury risk. Generalizable to the young adult population, the findings should be considered when identifying targets for injury prevention measures.
Socioeconomic differences in suicide mortality by sex in Finland in 1971—2000: A register-based study of trends, levels, and life expectancy differences
Authors: Mäki Netta E. , Martikainen Pekka T.
Published: September 2007

Aim: Suicide is a common cause of death in many Western countries and it has been predicted to become even more common worldwide. The authors analysed socioeconomic differences and trends in Finnish suicide mortality, and assessed the relevance to public health by calculating socioeconomic differences in years of life expectancy lost attributable to suicide. Data and methods: Census records were used, linked with the death records of men and women aged 25 years and over in 1971—2000 in Finland. Results: Suicide among male and female manual workers was 2.3 and 1.3 times higher respectively than among upper non-manual workers. The differences were largest among those in their thirties. Because of the decline in suicide among upper non-manual workers and a slower decrease or even an increase among other socioeconomic groups, the relative mortality differences increased somewhat during 1970—90, then decreased in the 1990s but remained higher than in the 1970s. In 1991—2000 the suicide-related life expectancy gap between the upper non-manual and manual male workers was 0.6 years, and this difference contributed 10% to the total difference in years of life expectancy lost between these socioeconomic groups. Conclusion: Large and persistent socioeconomic differences were found in suicide mortality and suicide was an important component of the socioeconomic difference in total mortality. Reducing these differences could significantly improve equity in health and reduce the burden of excess mortality.
Preventive health screenings and health consultations in primary care increase life expectancy without increasing costs
Authors: Rasmussen Susanne R. , Thomsen Janus L. , Kilsmark Jannie , Hvenegaard Anne , Engberg Marianne , Lauritzen Torsten , Søgaard Jes
Published: September 2007

Aims: The intention was to investigate whether preventive health checks and health discussions are cost effective. Methods: In a randomized trial the authors compared two intervention groups (A and B) and one control group. In 1991 2,000 30- to 49-year-old persons were invited and those who accepted were randomized. Both intervention groups were offered a broad (multiphasic) screening including cardiovascular risk and a personal letter including screening results and advice on healthy living. Individuals in group A could contact their family physician for a normal consultation whereas group B were given fixed appointments for health consultations. The follow-up period was six years. Analysis was carried out on the ``intention to treat'' principle. Outcome parameters were life years gained, and direct and total health costs (including productivity costs), discounted by 3% annually. Costs were based on register data. Univariate sensitivity analysis was carried out. Results: Both intervention groups have significantly better life expectancy than the control group (no intervention). Group B and (A) significantly gain 0.14 (0.08) life years more than the control group. There were no differences in average direct (3,255 (3,703) versus 4,186) and total costs (10,409 (9,399) versus 10,667). The effect in group B is, however, better than in group A with no significant differences in costs. The results are insensitive to a range of assumptions regarding costs, effects, and discount rates. Conclusions: Preventive health screening and consultation in primary care in 30- to 49-year-olds produce significantly better life expectancy without extra direct and total costs over a six-year follow-up period.
Smoking habits before and after the introduction of a minimum-age law for tobacco purchase: Analysis of data on adolescents from three regions of Sweden
Authors: Hagquist Curt , Sundh Mona , Eriksson Charli
Published: September 2007

Aims: The purpose of this study was to analyse changes in smoking habits among adolescents in three regions of Sweden following the introduction in 1997 of a law prohibiting sales of tobacco to persons under 18 years: the minimum-age law. Methods: The analysis is based on data collected among adolescents in compulsory school years 7 and 9 (about 13—14 and 15—16 years respectively), in 1996, 2000, and 2005, in three regions of Sweden. The samples comprise 43,857 students who completed a self-administered questionnaire anonymously in the classroom. The data were subjected to contingency-table analysis and logistic regression analysis. Results: The rates of smoking among students in year 9 were significantly lower in 2005 than in 1996 in two regions and unchanged in one region. This pattern held even after control for sex, parents' smoking habits, and academic orientation. In year 7 there were no changes over time (boys) or any clear pattern (girls). Conclusions: Based on outcomes from test purchases of tobacco products that were carried out in parallel to the collection of the questionnaire data, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the regional differences described may at least in part be due to differences in the availability of cigarettes. In 2005 it was significantly easier for adolescents to purchase tobacco products at retailers in the city of Malmö than at those in the counties of Värmland and Västernorrland.
Synthesis and material properties of Cu–III–VI2 chalcopyrite thin films
Authors: Aissaoui O , Mehdaoui S , Bechiri L , Benabdeslem M , Benslim N , Amara A , Mahdjoubi L , Nouet G
Published: August 2007

Thin films of CuInSe2 have been fabricated by thermal annealing of evaporated elemental layers of Cu, In and Se onto Si (1 0 0) and Corning glass 7059 substrates at room temperature. Structural, optical and electrical properties of the layers were studied. X-ray diffraction revealed that the film was single phase with chalcopyrite structure and preferred orientation along the (1 1 2) plane. The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity exhibited two activation energies and the optical studies showed that the absorption coefficient of this film was above 3 × 104 cm−1 and the band gap was found to be 0.98 eV.
Development of advanced tritium breeders and neutron multipliers for DEMO solid breeder blankets
Authors: Tsuchiya K. , Hoshino T. , Kawamura H. , Mishima Y. , Yoshida N. , Terai T. , Tanaka S. , Munakata K. , Kato S. , Uchida M. , Nakamichi M. , Yamada H. , Yamaki D. , Hayashi K.
Published: August 2007

In efforts to develop advanced tritium breeders, the effects of additives to lithium titanate (Li2TiO3) have been investigated, and good prospects have been obtained by using oxide additives such as TiO2, CaO and Li2O. As for the neutron multiplier, the development of a real-size electrode fabrication technique and the characterization of beryllium-based intermetallic compounds such as Be–Ti and Be–V have been performed. Properties of Be–Ti alloys have been found to be better than those of beryllium metal. In particular, steam interaction of a Be–Ti alloy was about 1/1000 as small as that of beryllium metal. These activities have led to bright prospects for the realization of the water-cooled DEMO breeder blanket by application of these advanced materials.
Fishbone instability excited by circulating electrons
Authors: Wang Z.T. , Long Y.X. , Wang A.K. , Dong J.Q. , Wang Long , Zonca Fulvio
Published: August 2007

Fishbone instability excited by the supra-thermal circulating electrons in tokamaks is investigated. It is found for the first time that the precession of all the circulating electrons is in the ion diamagnetic drift direction if magnetic shear is neglected. The circulating electrons, which experience both the high field side and the low field side, play a bigger role on the modes than the barely trapped electrons. The analyses show that the mode frequency is close to the precession frequency of circulating electrons comparable with experiment observations. The correlation of the theory with experiments is discussed.
Urban birds have broader environmental tolerance
Authors: Bonier Frances , Martin Paul R , Wingfield John C
Published: September 2007

Urbanization dramatically changes the composition and diversity of biotic communities. The characteristics distinguishing species that persist in urban environments, however, are poorly understood. Here we test the hypothesis that broadly adapted organisms are better able to tolerate urbanization, using a phylogenetically controlled, global comparison of birds. We compared elevational and latitudinal distributions of 217 urban birds found in 73 of the world's largest cities with distributions of 247 rural congeners to test the hypothesis that urban birds possess broader environmental tolerance. Urban birds had markedly broader environmental tolerance than rural congeners, as estimated by elevational and latitudinal distributions. Our results suggest that broad environmental tolerance may predispose some birds to thrive in urban habitats. The mechanisms mediating such environmental tolerance warrant further investigation, but probably include greater behavioural, physiological and ecological flexibility.
The lateral line microcosmos
Authors: Ghysen Alain , Dambly-Chaudière Christine
Published: September 2007

The lateral-line system is a simple sensory system comprising a number of discrete sense organs, the neuromasts, distributed over the body of fish and amphibians in species-specific patterns. Its development involves fundamental biological processes such as long-range cell migration, planar cell polarity, regeneration, and post-embryonic remodeling. These aspects have been extensively studied in amphibians by experimental embryologists, but it is only recently that the genetic bases of this development have been explored in zebrafish. This review discusses progress made over the past few years in this field.
Dual roles of autophagy in the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans during starvation
Authors: Kang Chanhee , You Young-jai , Avery Leon
Published: September 2007

Autophagy is a major pathway used to degrade long-lived proteins and organelles. Autophagy is thought to promote both cell and organism survival by providing fundamental building blocks to maintain energy homeostasis during starvation. Under different conditions, however, autophagy may instead act to promote cell death through an autophagic cell death pathway distinct from apoptosis. Although several recent papers suggest that autophagy plays a role in cell death, it is not known whether autophagy can cause the death of an organism. Furthermore, why autophagy acts in some instances to promote survival but in others to promote death is poorly understood. Here we show that physiological levels of autophagy act to promote survival in Caenorhabditis elegans during starvation, whereas insufficient or excessive levels of autophagy contribute to death. We found that inhibition of autophagy decreases survival of wild-type worms during starvation, and that muscarinic signaling regulates starvation-induced autophagy, at least in part, through the death-associated protein kinase signaling pathway. Furthermore, we found that in gpb-2 mutants, in which muscarinic signaling cannot be down-regulated, starvation induces excessive autophagy in pharyngeal muscles, which in turn, causes damage that may contribute to death. Taken together, our results demonstrate that autophagy can have either prosurvival or prodeath functions in an organism, depending on its level of activation.
HDAC6 controls major cell response pathways to cytotoxic accumulation of protein aggregates
Authors: Boyault Cyril , Zhang Yu , Fritah Sabrina , Caron Cécile , Gilquin Benoit , Kwon So Hee , Garrido Carmen , Yao Tso-Pang , Vourc’h Claire , Matthias Patrick , Khochbin Saadi
Published: September 2007

A cellular defense mechanism counteracts the deleterious effects of misfolded protein accumulation by eliciting a stress response. The cytoplasmic deacetylase HDAC6 (histone deacetylase 6) was previously shown to be a key element in this response by coordinating the clearance of protein aggregates through aggresome formation and their autophagic degradation. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate that HDAC6 is involved in another crucial cell response to the accumulation of ubiquitinated protein aggregates, and unravel its molecular basis. Indeed, our data show that HDAC6 senses ubiquitinated cellular aggregates and consequently induces the expression of major cellular chaperones by triggering the dissociation of a repressive HDAC6/HSF1 (heat-shock factor 1)/HSP90 (heat-shock protein 90) complex and a subsequent HSF1 activation. HDAC6 therefore appears as a master regulator of the cell protective response to cytotoxic protein aggregate formation.
Expected Recovery of Total RNA from Mouse Embryos, Extraembryonic Tissues, and Fetal and Adult Tissues
Authors: Lee James
Published: September 2007

INTRODUCTION

This article shows the expected amounts of total RNA one can recover from a variety of mouse tissues at different developmental stages. Expected recovery amounts from embryos, extraembryonic tissues, fetal tissues, and adult tissues are given.
Genotyping by Dideoxy Resequencing
Authors: Cuppen Edwin
Published: September 2007

INTRODUCTION

This protocol describes dideoxy resequencing of PCR fragments, which is a quick and flexible genotyping technique. This strategy is used to identify and confirm the presence of heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within a genomic region of interest.
The structural and functional diversity of Hsp70 proteins from Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Shonhai Addmore , Boshoff Aileen , Blatch Gregory L.
Published: August 2007

It is becoming increasingly apparent that heat shock proteins play an important role in the survival of Plasmodium falciparum against temperature changes associated with its passage from the cold‐blooded mosquito vector to the warm‐blooded human host. Interest in understanding the possible role of P. falciparum Hsp70s in the life cycle of the parasite has led to the identification of six HSP70 genes. Although most research attention has focused primarily on one of the cytosolic Hsp70s (PfHsp70‐1) and its endoplasmic reticulum homolog (PfHsp70‐2), further functional insights could be inferred from the structural motifs exhibited by the rest of the Hsp70 family members of P. falciparum. There is increasing evidence that suggests that PfHsp70‐1 could play an important role in the life cycle of P. falciparum both as a chaperone and immunogen. In addition, P. falciparum Hsp70s and Hsp40 partners are implicated in the intracellular and extracellular trafficking of proteins. This review summarizes data emerging from studies on the chaperone role of P. falciparum Hsp70s, taking advantage of inferences gleaned from their structures and information on their cellular localization. The possible associations between P. falciparum Hsp70s with their cochaperone partners as well as other chaperones and proteins are discussed.
Inhibition of NF‐κB activation with designed ankyrin‐repeat proteins targeting the ubiquitin‐binding/oligomerization domain of NEMO
Authors: Wyler Emanuel , Kaminska Monika , Coïc Yves‐Marie , Baleux Françoise , Véron Michel , Agou Fabrice
Published: August 2007

The link between the NF‐κB signal transduction pathway and cancer is now well established. Inhibiting this pathway is therefore a promising approach in the treatment of certain cancers through a pro‐apoptotic effect in malignant cells. Owing to its central role in the pathway, the IκB kinase (IKK) complex is a privileged target for designing inhibitors. Previously, we showed that oligomerization of NEMO is necessary for IKK activation and defined a minimal oligomerization domain (CC2‐LZ) for NEMO, and we developed NEMO peptides inhibiting NF‐κB activation at the level of the IKK complex. To improve the low‐affinity inhibitors, we used ribosome display to select small and stable proteins with high affinity against the individual CC2‐LZ because the entire NEMO protein is poorly soluble. Several binders with affinities in the low nanomolar range were obtained. When expressed in human cells, some of the selected molecules, despite their partial degradation, inhibited TNF‐α‐mediated NF‐κB activation while having no effect on the basal activity. Controls with a naive library member or null plasmid had no effect. Furthermore, we could show that this NF‐κB inhibition occurs through a specific interaction between the binders and the endogenous NEMO, resulting in decreased IKK activation. These results indicate that in vitro selections with the NEMO subdomain alone as a target may be sufficient to lead to interesting compounds that are able to inhibit NF‐κB activation.
Patterns of protein–protein interactions in salt solutions and implications for protein crystallization
Authors: Dumetz André C. , Snellinger‐O'Brien Ann M. , Kaler Eric W. , Lenhoff Abraham M.
Published: August 2007

The second osmotic virial coefficients of seven proteins—ovalbumin, ribonuclease A, bovine serum albumin, α‐lactalbumin, myoglobin, cytochrome c, and catalase—were measured in salt solutions. Comparison of the interaction trends in terms of the dimensionless second virial coefficient b2 shows that, at low salt concentrations, protein–protein interactions can be either attractive or repulsive, possibly due to the anisotropy of the protein charge distribution. At high salt concentrations, the behavior depends on the salt: In sodium chloride, protein interactions generally show little salt dependence up to very high salt concentrations, whereas in ammonium sulfate, proteins show a sharp drop in b2 with increasing salt concentration beyond a particular threshold. The experimental phase behavior of the proteins corroborates these observations in that precipitation always follows the drop in b2. When the proteins crystallize, they do so at slightly lower salt concentrations than seen for precipitation. The b2 measurements were extended to other salts for ovalbumin and catalase. The trends follow the Hofmeister series, and the effect of the salt can be interpreted as a water‐mediated effect between the protein and salt molecules. The b2 trends quantify protein–protein interactions and provide some understanding of the corresponding phase behavior. The results explain both why ammonium sulfate is among the best crystallization agents, as well as some of the difficulties that can be encountered in protein crystallization.
The solution structure of the ZnF UBP domain of USP33/VDU1
Authors: Allen Mark D. , Bycroft Mark
Published: August 2007

USP33/VDU1 is a deubiquitinating enzyme that binds to the von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor protein. It also regulates thyroid hormone activation by deubiquitinating type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase. USP33/VDU1 contains a ZF UBP domain, a protein module found in many proteins in the ubiquitin–proteasome system. Several ZF UBP domains have been shown to bind ubiquitin, and a structure of a complex of the ZF UBP domain of isoT/USP5 and ubiquitin is available. In the present work, the solution structure of the ZF UBP domain of USP33/VDU1 has been determined by NMR spectroscopy. The structure differs from that of the USP5 domain, which contains only one of the three Zn ions present in the USP33/VDU1 structure. The USP33/VDU1 ZnF UBP domain does not bind to ubiquitin.
Environmental determinants of amphibian and reptile species richness in China
Authors: Qian Hong , Wang Xihua , Wang Silong , Li Yuanliang
Published: August 2007

Understanding the factors that regulate geographical variation in species richness has been one of the fundamental questions in ecology for decades, but our knowledge of the cause of geographical variation in species richness remains poor. This is particularly true for herpetofaunas (including amphibians and reptiles). Here, using correlation and regression analyses, we examine the relationship of herpetofaunal species richness in 245 localities across China with 30 environmental factors, which include nearly all major environmental factors that are considered to explain broad‐scale species richness gradients in such theories as ambient energy, water–energy dynamics, productivity, habitat heterogeneity, and climatic stability. We found that the species richness of amphibians and reptiles is moderately to strongly correlated with most of the environmental variables examined, and that the best fit models, which include explanatory variables of temperature, precipitation, net primary productivity, minimum elevation, and range in elevation, explain ca 70% the variance in species richness for both amphibians and reptiles after accounting for sample area. Although water and temperature are important explanatory variables to both amphibians and reptiles, water variables explain more variance in amphibian species richness than in reptile species richness whereas temperature variables explain more variance in reptile species richness than in amphibian species richness, which is consistent with different physiological requirements of the two groups of organisms.
Invasive ring‐necked parakeetsPsittacula krameriin Belgium: habitat selection and impact on native birds
Authors: Strubbe Diederik , Matthysen Erik
Published: August 2007

There is a large and growing number of alien species in ecosystems all over the world. In view of this, management efforts should concentrate on invasives that have detrimental effects on native biota. However, action against invasives is often hindered by a lack of relevant ecological information such as the expected distribution and impact of the invader. Our aims were to identify the habitat characteristics that influence ring‐necked parakeet abundance in Belgium and to assess the effects of competition for nesting cavities with native hole‐nesters. We determined the abundance of parakeets and native hole‐nesters in 44 study sites using point counts. We examined the relationship between parakeet numbers and a set of habitat and landscape variables and to assess the effect of competition, we studied the relationships between the number of parakeets and the number of native hole‐nesters. We found that parakeet abundance differs between vegetation types based on dominant tree species, and that abundance is higher in forests or parks surrounded by built‐up areas. Parakeet numbers were also strongly associated with cavity density, suggesting that this may be a limiting factor. Of the two native hole‐nesters considered to be the most vulnerable to competition (nuthatch and starling), we found a negative association with parakeet numbers for the nuthatch only. No relations were found with starlings or any of the other hole‐nesting species examined. These findings should be considered in the debate concerning the possible need of action against this species.
New‐Onset Syncope in Older Adults: Focus on Age and Etiology
Authors: Roussanov Oleg , Estacio Greta , Capuno Maribeth , Wilson S. Jeanne , Kovesdy Csaba , Jarmukli Nabil
Published: September 2007

The authors explored the differences in clinical presentation, etiology, mortality, and recurrences of new‐onset syncope in 502 patients across 3 age groups: middle‐aged (36–60 years), older (61–75 years), and elderly (older than 75 years). Clinical features of syncopal episodes were similar except for more frequent presyncopal episodes in patients older than 75 years. Yield of diagnostic tests was similarly low except for higher incidence of positive tilt‐table test (60%) in older patients. Syncope remained unexplained more frequently in the elderly (54% vs 37% in middle‐aged and 43% in older adults, P=.01). Syncope recurrence was higher in the middle‐aged and elderly groups. Overall mortality for the 3 age groups was similar to that recorded in the general population after adjustment for age and comorbidities. Etiology of syncope was not associated with age‐ and comorbidity‐adjusted all‐cause mortality. Cardiovascular mortality was significantly higher in patients with cardiogenic syncope (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.44; P=.044).
Impaired expression of indoleamine 2, 3‐dioxygenase in monocyte‐derived dendritic cells in response to Toll‐like receptor‐7/8 ligands
Authors: Furset Gro , Fløisand Yngvar , Sioud Mouldy
Published: August 2007

The effects of immunostimulatory RNAs (isRNAs) on the expression of immuno‐suppressive factors are largely unknown. Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) is a key negative regulator of immune responses and it has been implicated in hampering immunity against tumours. Here we show that the activation of Toll‐like receptors (TLR)‐7/8 with isRNAs or R848, a specific ligand for TLR7/8, can induce IDO expression in human monocytes, but not in monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (moDC). In contrast to TLR7/8 agnosists, treatment of the same moDC with interferon‐γ‐induced IDO expression. Treatment of monocytes with 2′‐O‐methyl uridine‐modified isRNAs alone does not induce IDO, but totally abrogated the effects of unmodified isRNAs. Like isRNAs, synthetic viral RNAs and cytomegalovirus (CMV) induced IDO in monocytes, whereas TLR2 ligand lipopeptide Pam3Cys exhibited no effect. Furthermore, IDO positive monocytes suppressed autologous T‐cell activation. Collectively, these data indicate for first time that the potency of TLR7/8 signalling pathways to induce IDO expression in monocytes is silenced when the cells are programmed to differentiate into dendritic cells. The immunosuppressive properties of IDO might confer an advantage to CMV‐infected monocytes to escape T‐cell responses. The findings that 2′‐O‐methyl modified RNAs can block isRNA‐induced IDO expression would facilitate the design of new TLR inhibitors.
Determination of pattern centre in EBSD using the moving‐screen technique
Authors: CARPENTER D. A. , PUGH J. L. , RICHARDSON G. D. , MOONEY L. R.
Published: August 2007

The ‘moving‐screen’ or ‘pattern magnification’ method of calibration for electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was reformulated to develop a high‐precision technique requiring no crystallographic knowledge of the specimen and no initial estimates of the calibration parameters. The technique depends upon the accurate displacement of the screen and camera assembly. Corresponding points are selected, interactively, from EBSD patterns. It is suggested that, as an alternative, the selection of points from the Hough transform could lead to a completely automated routine.
Quantification of the 3D microstructure of SC surfaces
Authors: CHINGA GARY , JOHNSEN PER OLAV , DOUGHERTY ROBERT , BERLI ELISABETH LUNDEN , WALTER JOACHIM
Published: August 2007

This study presents the development of an ImageJ plugin for surface characterization. Based on gradient analysis, parameters, such as the gradient magnitude, orientation, mean resultant vector and surface area are derived. A comparative study of supercalendered (SC) papers was performed to verify the surface representations yielded by a laser profilometer. The surface representations of samples covered with carbon and gold were compared to untreated samples. The results confirm the suitability of gold coating for reducing the artefacts encountered on laser profilometry surface representations of paper. In addition, a complete scanning electron microscopy analysis is performed on the assessed samples to quantify the surface fraction covered by mineral fillers and to reveal the true 3D microstructure of SC surfaces. The influence of filler coverage and filler type on the gloss level of commercial SC papers is evaluated. The relationship between the surface topography, gloss and PPS roughness for a series of commercial SC papers is established.
Grain size measurement by EBSD in complex hot deformed metal alloy microstructures
Authors: MINGARD K.P. , ROEBUCK B. , BENNETT E.G. , THOMAS M. , WYNNE B.P. , PALMIERE E.J.
Published: August 2007

The measurement of grain size by EBSD has been studied to enable representative quantification of the microstructure of hot deformed metal alloys with a wide grain size distributions. Variation in measured grain size as a function of EBSD step size and noise reduction techniques has been assessed. Increasing the EBSD step size from 5% to 20% of the approximate mean grain size results in a change in calculated arithmetic mean grain size of approximately 15% and standard noise reduction techniques can produce a further change in reported size of up to 20%. The distribution of measured grain size is found not to be log‐normal, with a long tail of very small sizes in agreement with a computer simulation of linear intercept and areal grain size measurements through randomly oriented grains. Comparison of EBSD with optical measurements of grain size on the same samples shows that, because of the ability of EBSD to distinguish twins and resolve much smaller grains a difference of up to 50% in measured grain size results.
Accumulated oropharyngeal water increases coughing during dental treatment with intravenous sedation
Authors: KOHJITANI A. , EGUSA M. , SHIMADA M. , MIYAWAKI T.
Published: September 2007

Summary  In dental procedures performed under intravenous sedation in patients with intellectual disabilities, procedures are sometimes interrupted by the cough reflex, which may be triggered by intraoral use of water and/or increased secretion stimulating the pharyngeal/laryngeal mucosa, or by those irritating the tracheal mucosa directly through anesthetics‐induced impairment of the laryngeal closure reflex. We investigated relationships between frequency of coughing episodes and intraoral use of water, water remaining in the oropharyngeal space, and mean infusion rate of propofol during dental treatments performed under intravenous sedation with midazolam and propofol. Twenty‐one intellectually disabled patients were enrolled. After induction, a 14 Fr. suction catheter was inserted nasally, which was fixed where oropharyngeal suction could be done most effectively. Patients were divided into three groups according to the amount of intraoral use of water, amount of oropharyngeal suction and mean infusion rate of propofol. The amount of oropharyngeal suction significantly correlated with intraoral use of water. Frequency of coughing episodes significantly correlated with amount of oropharyngeal suction per minute. However, coughing episodes correlated neither with intraoral use of water nor with infusion rate of propofol. These findings suggested that accumulation of water in the oropharynx increased vulnerability to the cough reflex in dental treatments performed under intravenous sedation.
Integrative use of spatial, genetic, and demographic analyses for investigating genetic connectivity between migratory, montane, and sedentary caribou herds
Authors: BOULET MARYLÈNE , COUTURIER SERGE , CÔTÉ STEEVE D. , OTTO ROBERT D. , BERNATCHEZ LOUIS
Published: September 2007

Genetic differentiation is generally assumed to be low in highly mobile species, but this simplistic view may obscure the complex conditions and mechanisms allowing genetic exchanges between specific populations. Here, we combined data from satellite‐tracked migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus), microsatellite markers, and demographic simulations to investigate gene flow mechanisms between seven caribou herds of eastern Canada. Our study included one montane, two migratory, and four sedentary herds. Satellite‐tracking data indicated possibilities of high gene flow between migratory herds: overlap of their rutting ranges averaged 10% across years and 9.4% of females switched calving sites at least once in their lifetime. Some migratory individuals moved into the range of the sedentary herds, suggesting possibilities of gene flow between these herds. Genetic differentiation between herds was weak but significant (FST = 0.015): migratory and montane herds were not significantly distinct (FSTall ≤ 0.005), whereas sedentary herds were more differentiated (FST = 0.018–0.048). Geographical distances among sedentary herds limited gene flow. Historical estimates of gene flow were higher from migratory herds into sedentary herds (4Nmall > 9) than vice‐versa (4Nmall < 5), which suggests migratory herds had a demographic impact on sedentary herds. Demographic simulations showed that an effective immigration rate of 0.0005 was sufficient to obtain the empiricalFSTof 0.015, while a null immigration rate increased the simulatedFSTto > 0.6. In conclusion, the weak genetic differentiation between herds cannot be obtained without some genetic exchanges among herds, as demonstrated by genetic and spatial data.
Genetic differentiation across a latitudinal gradient in two co‐occurring butterfly species: revealing population differences in a context of climate change
Authors: ZAKHAROV EVGUENI V. , HELLMANN JESSICA J.
Published: September 2007

Genetic differentiation within a species’ range is determined by natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow. Selection and drift enhance genetic differences if populations are sufficiently isolated, while gene flow precludes differentiation and local adaptation. Over large geographical areas, these processes can create a variety of scenarios, ranging from admixture to a high degree of population differentiation. Genetic differences among populations may signal functional differences within a species’ range, potentially leading to population or ecotype‐specific responses to global change. We investigated differentiation within the geographical range of two butterfly species along a broad latitudinal gradient. This gradient is the primary axis of climatic variation, and many ecologists expect populations at the poleward edge of this gradient to expand under climate change. Our study species inhabit a shared ecosystem and differ in body size and resource specialization; both also find their poleward range limit on an island. We find evidence for divergence of peripheral populations from the core in both taxa, suggesting the potential for genetic distinctiveness at the leading edge of climate change. We also find differences between the species in the extent of peripheral differentiation with the smaller and more specialized species showing greater population divergence (microsatellites and mtDNA) and reduced gene flow (mtDNA). Finally, gene flow estimates in both species differed strongly between two marker types. These findings suggest caution in assuming that populations are invariant across latitude and thus will respond as a single ecotype to climatic change.