bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stephen Poyntz 1724–1727
Authors: G. R.
Published: December 2009

The man chosen to replace William Finch at Stockholm was a trusted henchman of Lord Townshend, Stephen Poyntz, of whom there is due notice in the Dictionary of National Biography. He reached his post in October 1724. During the first year his task was to re-establish British as against Russian influence in Sweden and to deal with the new situation created by the death of Peter the Great in February 1725. Afterwards his efforts concentrated on obtaining the accession of Sweden—the first, with that of Holland, sought—to the treaty of Hanover, concluded between Great Britain France and Prussia on 23 August/3 September 1725. For eighteen months he and his young French colleague, the count de Brancas-Céreste, strove with the partisans of Russia and Hoi-stein, obliged to humour the tendernesses of the constitutionalists, hampered instead of helped by their Prussian coadjutors, and unable to bring Count Horn to declare himself until in the end the riksdag of 1726 made him the master and the longer purse prevailed. The accession was signed at last on 14/25 March 1726/7. In reward for his success Poyntz was promoted ambassador and named to represent Great Britain at the congress proposed for assembly at Aix-la-Chapelle.
A Thankfull Observacon of Divine Providence & Goodness Towards Mee & A Summary View of My Life:
Authors: Josselin Ralph
Published: December 2009

Jan: 26: 1616: I was borne to the great joy of ffather ' mother being much desired as being their third child and as it pleased God their only sonne. I had this happiness in my birth to bee the seed of the righteous, both parents being in the judgment of man gratious persons: the place of my birth was Chalke-end my ffathers patrimony: I was the eldest sonne in our whole ffamily and yett possest not a foote of land, in which yett I praise God I have not felt inward discontent ' grudging; God hath given mee himselfe, and he is all and will make up all other things unto me.
Microtoming coupled to microarray analysis to evaluate the spatial metabolic status of Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms
Authors: Franks Ashley E , Nevin Kelly P , Glaven Richard H , Lovley Derek R
Published: December 2009

Further insight into the metabolic status of cells within anode biofilms is essential for understanding the functioning of microbial fuel cells and developing strategies to optimize their power output. Cells throughout anode biofilms of Geobacter sulfurreducens reduced the metabolic stains: 5-cyano-2,3-ditolyl tetrazolium chloride and Redox Green, suggesting metabolic activity throughout the biofilm. To compare the metabolic status of cells growing close to the anode versus cells in the outer portion of the anode biofilm, anode biofilms were encased in resin and sectioned into inner (0–20 μm from anode surface) and outer (30–60 μm) fractions. Transcriptional analysis revealed that, at a twofold threshold, 146 genes had significant (P<0.05) differences in transcript abundance between the inner and outer biofilm sections. Only 1 gene, GSU0093, a hypothetical ATP-binding cassette transporter, had significantly higher transcript abundances in the outer biofilm. Genes with lower transcript abundance in the outer biofilm included genes for ribosomal proteins and NADH dehydrogenase, suggesting lower metabolic rates. However, differences in transcript abundance were relatively low (<threefold) and the expression of genes for the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes was not significantly lower. Lower expression of genes involved in stress responses in the outer biofilm may reflect the development of low pH near the surface of the anode. The results of this study suggest that cells throughout the biofilm are metabolically active and can potentially contribute to current production. The microtoming/microarray strategy described here may be useful for evaluating gene expression with depth in a diversity of microbial biofilms.
Visfatin Is a Positive Regulator of MCP‐1 in Human Adipocytes In Vitro and in Mice In Vivo
Authors: Sommer Grit , Kralisch Susan , Kloting Nora , Kamprad Manja , Schrock Kathleen , Kratzsch Jurgen , Tonjes Anke , Lossner Ulrike , Bluher Matthias , Stumvoll Michael , Fasshauer Mathias
Published: December 2009

Visfatin is a proinflammatory and potentially insulin‐mimetic adipokine contributing to whole body glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as atherosclerosis. Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 is an adipocyte‐secreted protein which might play a crucial role in metabolic and vascular disease. MCP‐1 expression and secretion after visfatin treatment were determined by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in fully differentiated human mesenchymal stem cell‐derived adipocytes (hMSC‐Ads) in vitro. In addition, circulating levels of MCP‐1 and visfatin were quantified by ELISA in 60 patients (30 nondiabetic, 30 diabetic) and MCP‐1 serum levels in mice were determined after visfatin treatment in vivo. Interestingly, protein secretion and mRNA production of MCP‐1 were induced significantly in hMSC‐Ads after visfatin stimulation. Visfatin‐induced MCP‐1 secretion 1.9‐fold after 8 h and 2.5‐fold after 24 h relative to untreated cells (P < 0.05). MCP‐1 mRNA synthesis was significantly stimulated by visfatin with maximal upregulation detectable at 250 ng/ml visfatin and after 4 h of treatment. Signaling studies suggested that p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase is involved in visfatin‐induced MCP‐1 mRNA expression in hMSC‐Ads. Detectability of visfatin in serum predicted circulating MCP‐1 independent of age and gender in humans in vivo. MCP‐1 serum levels were significantly increased more than twofold after visfatin treatment in mice in vivo. Taken together, our results demonstrate that visfatin upregulates MCP‐1 supporting a possible role of MCP‐1 in mediating the proinflammatory effects of visfatin.
Measurement of the membrane curvature preference of phospholipids reveals only weak coupling between lipid shape and leaflet curvature
Authors: Kamal Marzuk M. , Mills Deryck , Grzybek Michal , Howard Jonathon
Published: December 2009

In biological processes, such as fission, fusion and trafficking, it has been shown that lipids of different shapes are sorted into regions with different membrane curvatures. This lipid sorting has been hypothesized to be due to the coupling between the membrane curvature and the lipid's spontaneous curvature, which is related to the lipid's molecular shape. On the other hand, theoretical predictions and simulations suggest that the curvature preference of lipids, due to shape alone, is weaker than that observed in biological processes. To distinguish between these different views, we have directly measured the curvature preferences of several lipids by using a fluorescence-based method. We prepared small unilamellar vesicles of different sizes with a mixture of egg-PC and a small mole fraction of N-nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)-labeled phospholipids or lysophospholipids of different chain lengths and saturation, and measured the NBD equilibrium distribution across the bilayer. We observed that the transverse lipid distributions depended linearly on membrane curvature, allowing us to measure the curvature coupling coefficient. Our measurements are in quantitative agreement with predictions based on earlier measurements of the spontaneous curvatures of the corresponding nonfluorescent lipids using X-ray diffraction. We show that, though some lipids have high spontaneous curvatures, they nevertheless showed weak curvature preferences because of the low values of the lipid molecular areas. The weak curvature preference implies that the asymmetric lipid distributions found in biological membranes are not likely to be driven by the spontaneous curvature of the lipids, nor are lipids discriminating sensors of membrane curvature.
The Cell Surface Protein Geneecm33+Is a Target of the Two Transcription Factors Atf1 and Mbx1 and Negatively Regulates Pmk1 MAPK Cell Integrity Signaling in Fission Yeast
Authors: Takada Hirofumi , Nishida Aiko , Domae Mitsuhiro , Kita Ayako , Yamano Yuki , Uchida Atsushi , Ishiwata Shunji , Fang Yue , Zhou Xin , Masuko Takashi , Kinoshita Mitsuhiro , Kakehi Kazuaki , Sugiura Reiko
Published: December 2009

The highly conserved fission yeast Pmk1 MAPK pathway plays a key role in cell integrity by regulating Atf1, which belongs to the ATF/cAMP-responsive element-binding (CREB) protein family. We identified and characterized ecm33+, which encodes a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface protein as a transcriptional target of Pmk1 and Atf1. We demonstrated that the gene expression of Ecm33 is regulated by two transcription factors Atf1 and a MADS-box-type transcription factor Mbx1. We identified a putative ATF/CREB-binding site and an RLM1-binding site in the ecm33+promoter region and monitored the transcriptional activity of Atf1 or Mbx1 in living cells using a destabilized luciferase reporter gene fused to three tandem repeats of the CRE and six tandem repeats of the Rlm1-binding sequence, respectively. These reporter genes reflect the activation of the Pmk1 pathway by various stimuli, thereby enabling the real-time monitoring of the Pmk1 cell integrity pathway. Notably, the Δecm33 cells displayed hyperactivation of the Pmk1 signaling together with hypersensitivity to Ca2+and an abnormal morphology, which were almost abolished by simultaneous deletion of the components of the Rho2/Pck2/Pmk1 pathway. Our results suggest that Ecm33 is involved in the negative feedback regulation of Pmk1 cell integrity signaling and is linked to cellular Ca2+signaling.
Influence of feedback on the stochastic evolution of simple climate systems
Authors: Mahadevan L. , Deutch J. M.
Published: December 2009

We consider the dynamical evolution of a simple climate system that describes the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere owing to radiative forcing and coupling to a positive feedback variable such as the concentration of greenhouse gases in the presence of fluctuations. Analysing the resulting stochastic dynamical system shows that, if the temperature relaxes rapidly relative to the concentration, the time-dependent and stationary probability density functions (pdfs) for the temperature rise possess a fat tail. In contrast, if the feedback variable relaxes rapidly relative to the temperature, the pdf has no fat tail, and, instead, the system shows critical slowing down as the singular limit of positive feedback is approached. However, if there is uncertainty in the feedback variable itself, a fat tail can reappear. Our analysis may be generalized to more complex models with similar qualitative results. Our results have policy implications: although fat tails imply that the expectation of plausible damage functions is infinite, the pdfs permit an examination of the trade-off between reducing emissions and reducing the positive feedback gain.
How rugged individualists enable one another to find food and shelter: field experiments with tropical hermit crabs
Authors: Laidre Mark E.
Published: December 2009

Animals from invertebrates to humans benefit from information conspecifics make available, including information produced inadvertently. While inadvertent social information may frequently be exploited in nature, experiments have rarely been conducted in the wild to examine how such information helps animals in their natural ecology. Here I report a series of field experiments on free-living terrestrial hermit crabs (
Coenobita compressus
), showing how these asocial invertebrates learn the locations of their most essential resources, food and shelter, using inadvertent cues from conspecific competitors. Crabs have limited abilities to locate resources individually, but as they coalesce on a resource, their aggregation can be noticed by passing foragers, tipping them off about the discovery. Foragers were strongly attracted to experimentally simulated aggregations in which crabs were tethered to the same spot and in which the resources normally found beneath aggregations were excluded. Simulated aggregations of crabs whose shells were removed were likewise attractive, more than even these sought-after-shelters themselves. Experiments that simulated the chemical and visual cues of aggregations independently revealed that foragers oriented to aggregations primarily by sight, cueing in on the jostling competitive activity of the aggregation. Although crabs have not been selected to recruit others to newly discovered resources, their natural ecology has provided a setting where competitors regularly help one another by means of inadvertent social information.
Monosodium urate crystals in inflammation and immunity
Authors: Shi Yan , Mucsi Ashley D. , Ng Gilbert
Published: December 2009

Summary:  Uric acid crystals [monosodium urate (MSU)] have emerged as an important factor for both gouty arthritis and immune regulation. This simple crystalline structure appears to activate innate host defense mechanisms in multiple ways and triggers robust inflammation and immune activation. The recognition mechanisms of MSU following its phase change from soluble uric acid are diverse, involving both protein receptors and non‐specific plasma membrane attachment. Upon contact with host cells, MSU induces a set of membrane events that trigger Syk and PI3K activation, phagocytosis, and cytokine production. Having entered the cell, MSU further triggers NALP3 inflammasome activation and induces the production of IL‐1β, likely inducing a full spectrum of inflammation. This review describes the recognition mechanisms and activation pathways involved in MSU‐mediated inflammation and adjuvanticity and hypothesizes that direct membrane binding by solid surfaces, such as MSU, may function as a generic mechanism in tissue responses to particulate and crystalline structures.
The role of antibodies in inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Duskin Ann , Eisenberg Robert A.
Published: December 2009

Summary:  Inflammatory arthritis presents in a variety of diseases, from rheumatoid arthritis to hepatitis. Antibodies to autoantigens or to microbial constituents are commonly associated with these conditions. In some cases, the antibodies have diagnostic and prognostic relevance. It cannot as yet be determined definitively that any of them mediate joint damage, although the evidence from animal models indicates that this mechanism is likely. The purpose of this article is to give an overview of the spectrum of antibodies found in a variety of inflammatory arthritides. The relevant animal models are also discussed.
Bone remodeling in rheumatic disease: a question of balance
Authors: Walsh Nicole C. , Gravallese Ellen M.
Published: December 2009

Summary:  The past decade has observed an explosion of new information regarding the impact of inflammation on bone. In rheumatic diseases, several factors that act as both immune modulators and regulators of bone homeostasis have been shown to mediate an imbalance in bone resorption and bone formation resulting in joint degeneration. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), focal bone loss is due to excess bone resorption by osteoclasts. Resorption is mediated in part by increased local expression of the cytokine receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) compared with expression of its decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG). Bone formation by osteoblasts is also impaired at erosion sites in RA, and inhibitors of the canonical Wingless (Wnt) signaling pathway, including DKK1, have been implicated in the suppression of normal osteoblast function at these sites. Inhibition of DKK1 in an animal model of RA attenuated bone erosion by increasing OPG expression as well as promoting bone formation. In contrast to RA, inflammation in the spondyloarthropathies often results in excess periosteal bone formation, highlighting that the net impact of inflammation on bone is specific to the site at which inflammation occurs, and the cell types, cytokines, and factors present within the local bone microenvironment. This fertile area of research bears watching for the identification of novel targets for the prevention of abnormal bone remodeling in inflammatory diseases.
Fibroblast‐like synoviocytes: key effector cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bartok Beatrix , Firestein Gary S.
Published: December 2009

Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains a significant unmet medical need despite significant therapeutic advances. The pathogenesis of RA is complex and includes many cell types, including T cells, B cells, and macrophages. Fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) in the synovial intimal lining also play a key role by producing cytokines that perpetuate inflammation and proteases that contribute to cartilage destruction. Rheumatoid FLS develop a unique aggressive phenotype that increases invasiveness into the extracellular matrix and further exacerbates joint damage. Recent advances in understanding the biology of FLS, including their regulation regulate innate immune responses and activation of intracellular signaling mechanisms that control their behavior, provide novel insights into disease mechanisms. New agents that target FLS could potentially complement the current therapies without major deleterious effect on adaptive immune responses.
Mechanisms of uric acid crystal‐mediated autoinflammation
Authors: Martinon Fabio
Published: December 2009

Summary:  Gout is an arthritis characterized by elevated uric acid in the bloodstream. In this condition, crystals of uric acid are formed and accumulate in the synovial fluids. Crystal deposition leads to acute inflammation, which is associated with the spontaneous resolution of the disease. Recent studies have led to significant advances in the understanding of the basic biology of crystal‐mediated inflammation. Uric acid has been identified as a danger signal that triggers a cytosolic sensor, the inflammasome. This signaling platform is required for the activation of interleukin‐1, a cytokine that is critical to the initiation of acute inflammation in gout. Importantly, both molecular and pathological evidence support the notion that gout is a prototypical member of the growing family of autoinflammatory diseases. This review discusses the role of the inflammasome in gout and the emerging new therapeutic strategies aimed at controlling inflammation in crystal arthritis.
The U1‐snRNP complex: structural properties relating to autoimmune pathogenesis in rheumatic diseases
Authors: Kattah Nicole H. , Kattah Michael G. , Utz Paul J.
Published: December 2009

Summary:  The U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) is a target of autoreactive B cells and T cells in several rheumatic diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). We propose that inherent structural properties of this autoantigen complex, including common RNA‐binding motifs, B and T‐cell epitopes, and a unique stimulatory RNA molecule, underlie its susceptibility as a target of the autoimmune response. Immune mechanisms that may contribute to overall U1‐snRNP immunogenicity include epitope spreading through B and T‐cell interactions, apoptosis‐induced modifications, and Toll‐like receptor (TLR) activation through stimulation by U1‐snRNA. We conclude that understanding the interactions between U1‐snRNP and the immune system will provide insights into why certain patients develop anti‐U1‐snRNP autoimmunity, and more importantly how to effectively target therapies against this autoimmune response.
l‐DOPA‐induced dopamine efflux in the striatum and the substantia nigra in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease: temporal and quantitative relationship to the expression of dyskinesia
Authors: Lindgren Hanna S. , Andersson Daniel R. , Lagerkvist Sören , Nissbrandt Hans , Cenci M. Angela
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1465–1476.

l‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease is associated with large increases in brain dopamine (DA) levels following drug dosing, but the precise significance of this phenomenon is not understood. Here we compare DA efflux and metabolism in the striatum and the substantia nigra in dyskinetic and non‐dyskinetic animals following a standard dose of l‐DOPA. Rats with 6‐hydroxydopamine lesions were treated chronically with l‐DOPA, monitored on the abnormal involuntary movements scale, and then subjected to intracerebral microdialysis under freely‐moving conditions. Following s.c. l‐DOPA injection, peak extracellular DA levels in both striatum and substantia nigra were about twice as large in dyskinetic animals compared to non‐dyskinetic rats. This effect was not attributable to differences in DOPA levels or DA metabolism. The larger DA efflux in dyskinetic animals was blunted by 5‐HT1A/5‐HT1B receptor agonists and tetrodotoxin infusion, reflecting release from serotonin neurons. Striatal levels of serotonin and its main metabolite, 5‐hydroxyindolacetic acid were indeed elevated in dyskinetic animals compared to non‐dyskinetic rats, indicating a larger serotonergic innervation density in the former group. High DA release was, however, not sufficient to explain dyskinesia. The ‘abnormal involuntary movements output’ per unit concentration of striatal extracellular DA was indeed much larger in dyskinetic animals compared to non‐dyskinetic cases at most time points examined. The present results indicate that both a high DA release post‐l‐DOPA administration and an increased responsiveness to DA must coexist for a full expression of dyskinesia.
The endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, inhibits dopamine transporter function by a receptor‐independent mechanism
Authors: Oz Murat , Jaligam Vanaja , Galadari Sehamuddin , Petroianu George , Shuba Yaroslav M. , Shippenberg Toni S.
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem.(2010)112, 1454–1464.

The endocannabinoid, anandamide (AEA), modulates the activity of the dopamine transporter (DAT) in heterologous cells and synaptosomal preparations. The cellular mechanisms mediating this effect are unknown. The present studies employed live cell imaging techniques and the fluorescent, high affinity DAT substrate, 4‐(4‐(dimethylamino)‐styryl)‐N‐methylpyridinium (ASP+), to address this issue. AEA addition to EM4 cells expressing yellow fluorescent protein‐tagged human DAT (hDAT) produced a concentration‐dependent inhibition of ASP+accumulation (IC50: 3.2 ± 0.8 μM). This effect occurred within 1 min after AEA addition and persisted for 10 min thereafter. Pertussis toxin did not attenuate the effects of AEA suggesting a mechanism independent of Gi/Gocoupled receptors. The amidohydrolase inhibitor, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (0.2 mM), failed to alter the AEA‐evoked inhibition of ASP+accumulation. Methanandamide (10 μM), a metabolically stable analogue of AEA inhibited accumulation but arachidonic acid (10 μM) was without effect suggesting that the effects of AEA are not mediated by its metabolic products. The extent of AEA inhibition of ASP+accumulation was not altered in cells pre‐treated with 1 μM URB597, a specific and potent fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor, and the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (5 μM) Live cell imaging revealed a significant redistribution of hDAT from the membrane to the cytosol in response to AEA treatment (10 μM; 10 min). Similarly biotinylation experiments revealed that the decrease in DAT function was associated with a reduction in hDAT cell surface expression. These results demonstrate that AEA modulates DAT function via a cannabinoid receptor‐independent mechanism and suggest that AEA may produces this effect, in part, by modulating DAT trafficking.
Insect herbivory declines with forest fragmentation and covaries with plant regeneration mode: evidence from a Mexican tropical rain forest
Authors: Ruiz‐Guerra Betsabé , Guevara Roger , Mariano Néstor A. , Dirzo Rodolfo
Published: December 2009

The consequences of tropical forest fragmentation on herbivory are poorly understood. The limited evidence suggests that forest fragmentation can have positive, negative or neutral effects on herbivory. Inconsistencies may be partly explained by plant interspecific variation and differential responses related to plant life history. In this study we examined the effects of forest fragmentation and plant regeneration mode (shade‐tolerant and light‐demanding species) on sapling herbivory using a large sample of the community (97 species, representing 25% of the woody flora of the study site), and a subset of species shared by forest fragments and continuous forest. For the latter, we also analyzed the effects of species identity on variation in herbivory. Also, for the shared species we used two techniques to measure herbivory: standing herbivory (i.e. instantaneous, actual damage) and cumulative herbivory (i.e. damage, accumulated over time, on initially intact leaves). Insect herbivory was the predominant type of damage in the two forest types, and standing herbivory at both the community and the shared species level was significantly higher in continuous forest than in fragments. Considering shared species, both standing and cumulative herbivory were significantly higher in light‐demanding than in shade‐tolerant species. Cumulative herbivory also showed a significant interaction between forest fragmentation and plant regeneration mode, whereby a significant decline in herbivory in fragments was driven by reduced herbivory in shade‐tolerant species, whereas for light‐demanding species herbivory did not change significantly, due to contrasting species‐specific responses. We conclude that tropical forest fragmentation reduces insect herbivory, but this depends on plant regeneration mode and species identity. These changes could have effects on plant regeneration and diversity in forest fragments via long‐term demographic consequences.
Polymorphisms Associated with Resistance and Cross-Resistance to Aminoglycosides and Capreomycin in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Isolates from South Korean Patients with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Via Laura E. , Cho Sang-Nae , Hwang Soohee , Bang Hyeeun , Park Seung Kyu , Kang Hyung Seok , Jeon Doosoo , Min Seon Yeong , Oh Taegwon , Kim Yeun , Kim Young Mi , Rajan Vignesh , Wong Sharon Y. , Shamputa Isdore Chola , Carroll Matthew , Goldfeder Lisa , Lee Song A. , Holland Steven M. , Eum Seokyong , Lee Hyeyoung , Barry Clifton E.
Published: December 2009

The aminoglycosides streptomycin, amikacin, and kanamycin and the cyclic polypeptide capreomycin are all widely used in second-line therapy for patients who develop multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. We have characterized a set of 106 clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
using phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) to determine the extent of resistance to each agent and cross-resistance between agents. These results were compared with polymorphisms in the DNA sequences of ribosome-associated genes previously implicated in resistance and with the clinical outcomes of subjects from whom these isolates were obtained. Thirty-six (34%) of these isolates displayed resistance to one or more of these agents, and the majority of these (20 of 36) showed cross-resistance to one or more agents. Most (33 of 36) of the resistant isolates showed polymorphisms in the 16S ribosome components RpsL and
rrs
. Three resistant strains (3 of 36) were identified that had no known polymorphisms in ribosomal constituents. For kanamycin and streptomycin, molecular DST significantly outperformed phenotypic DST using the absolute concentration method for predicting 4-month sputum conversion (likelihood ratios of 4.0 and 2.0, respectively) and was equivalent to phenotypic DST using the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS)-approved agar proportion method for estimating MIC (likelihood ratio, 4.0). These results offer insight into mechanisms of resistance and cross-resistance among these agents and suggest that the development of rapid molecular tests to distinguish polymorphisms would significantly enhance clinical utility of this important class of second-line antituberculosis drugs.
Broad-SpectrumIn VitroActivity andIn VivoEfficacy of the Antiviral Protein Griffithsin against Emerging Viruses of the FamilyCoronaviridae
Authors: O'Keefe Barry R. , Giomarelli Barbara , Barnard Dale L. , Shenoy Shilpa R. , Chan Paul K. S. , McMahon James B. , Palmer Kenneth E. , Barnett Brian W. , Meyerholz David K. , Wohlford-Lenane Christine L. , McCray Paul B.
Published: December 2009

Viruses of the familyCoronaviridaehave recently emerged through zoonotic transmission to become serious human pathogens. The pathogenic agent responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV), is a member of this large family of positive-strand RNA viruses that cause a spectrum of disease in humans, other mammals, and birds. Since the publicized outbreaks of SARS in China and Canada in 2002-2003, significant efforts successfully identified the causative agent, host cell receptor(s), and many of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying SARS. With this greater understanding of SARS-CoV biology, many researchers have sought to identify agents for the treatment of SARS. Here we report the utility of the potent antiviral protein griffithsin (GRFT) in the prevention of SARS-CoV infection bothin vitroandin vivo. We also show that GRFT specifically binds to the SARS-CoV spike glycoprotein and inhibits viral entry. In addition, we report the activity of GRFT against a variety of additional coronaviruses that infect humans, other mammals, and birds. Finally, we show that GRFT treatment has a positive effect on morbidity and mortality in a lethal infection model using a mouse-adapted SARS-CoV and also specifically inhibits deleterious aspects of the host immunological response to SARS infection in mammals.
LOCAL LATTICE STRUCTURE AND DOPANT OCCUPANCY OF DOPED LITHIUM NIOBATE CRYSTALS
Authors: ZHANG ZHIGANG , XUE DONGFENG
Published: December 2009

We present a systematic study of the local distortions produced upon doping metal ions to lithium niobate ( LiNbO 3, LN) single crystals. The impurity bond length can be predicted by a radial force constant model, when the dopant ions substitute for Li + or Nb 5+ ions in the LN crystallographic frame. From the viewpoint of constituent chemical bonds, the lattice energy can be described as the function of bond valence on the basis of Born–Haber cycle for the formation of an ionic oxide M m O n . The dopant occupancy in the LN matrix can be determined by comparing the deviation of its lattice energy in different locations at both Li + and Nb 5+ sites, on the basis of the bond length relaxation of impurity ions, which can agree well with the experiment results. The effect of impurity ions on the property modification of LN crystals is also discussed according to our calculated results.
Fever Associated with Gastrointestinal Shigellosis Unmasks Probable Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Makaryus John N. , Verbsky Jennifer , Schwarz Scott , Slotwiner David
Published: December 2009

Since it was first described approximately 15 years ago, the Brugada Syndrome has spurred a significant quantity of interest in its underlying mechanism and physiology. The Brugada electrocardiographic pattern is characterized by right bundle branch block morphology and ST segment elevations in the right precordial leads with an absence of identifiable underlying structural heart disease. The syndrome is clinically significant since these patients are at a higher risk of developing malignant ventricular arrhythmias. One of the mechanisms behind the disorder involves mutations in specific myocardial sodium channels. Furthermore, these electrocardiographic changes appear to be temperature dependent. We present the case of a 35-year-old male who presented with intestinal Shigellosis and was also found to have Brugada-type electrocardiographic changes on ECG. The electrocardiographic changes that were present when the patient was admitted and febrile resolved following antibiotic therapy and defervescence.
Antiadiabatic Theory of Superconducting State Transition: Phonons and Strong Electron Correlations—The Old Physics and New Aspects
Authors: Baňacký Pavol
Published: December 2009

Complex electronic ground state of molecular and solid state system is analyzed on the ab initio level beyond the adiabatic Born-Oppenheimer approximation (BOA). The attention is focused on the band structure fluctuation (BSF) at Fermi level, which is induced by electron-phonon coupling in superconductors, and which is absent in the non-superconducting analogues. The BSF in superconductors results in breakdown of the adiabatic BOA. At these circumstances, chemical potential is substantially reduced and system is stabilized (effect of nuclear dynamics) in the antiadiabatic state at broken symmetry with a gap(s) in one-particle spectrum. Distorted nuclear structure has fluxional character and geometric degeneracy of the antiadiabatic ground state enables formation of mobile bipolarons in real space. It has been shown that an effective attractive e-e interaction (Cooper-pair formation) is in fact correction to electron correlation energy at transition from adiabatic into antiadiabatic ground electronic state. In this respect, Cooper-pair formation is not the primary reason for transition into superconducting state, but it is a consequence of antiadiabatic state formation. It has been shown that thermodynamic properties of system in antiadiabatic state correspond to thermodynamics of superconducting state. Illustrative application of the theory for different types of superconductors is presented.
Predictors of Vascular Events after Ischemic Stroke: The China Ischemic Stroke Registry Study
Authors: Ding Ding , Lu Chuan-zhen , Fu Jian-hui , Hong Zhen
Published: December 2009

Background/Aims: To measure the risk of vascular event occurrence among postischemic stroke patients in mainland China. Methods: In this multicenter prospective stroke registry study, we enrolled 1,951 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. Demographic data, prestroke risk factors, severity of neurological deficits and disability graded on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and modified Rankin Scale scores of each patient were measured and recorded. Patients were followed up regularly for 12 months after recruitment. Clinical endpoints were defined as occurrence of vascular events or death. Results: We detected 103 cases with nonfatal vascular events and 27 cases that died of vascular events. Cumulative incidences of total vascular events, cerebrovascular events, and coronary artery diseases were 7.2, 5.0, and 1.8%, respectively, at 12 months after the initial ischemic stroke. Concomitant atherosclerotic-thrombotic diseases (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.14–2.43) and baseline NIHSS (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03–1.11) were found to be the best predictors for further occurrence of a vascular event. Antiplatelet therapy (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.35–0.77) is associated with a lower risk of further vascular events. Conclusion: Our study provided valuable data on prognosis of acute ischemic stroke in Chinese patients.
The effects of age on skeletal muscle and the phosphocreatine energy system: can creatine supplementation help older adults
Authors: Dalbo Vincent J , Roberts Michael D , Lockwood Chris M , Tucker Patrick S , Kreider Richard B , Kerksick Chad M
Published: December 2009

Creatine supplementation has been found to significantly increase muscle strength and hypertrophy in young adults (≤ 35 yr) particularly when consumed in conjunction with a resistance training regime. Literature examining the efficacy of creatine supplementation in older adults (55-82 yr) suggests creatine to promote muscle strength and hypertrophy to a greater extent than resistance training alone. The following is a review of literature reporting on the effects of creatine supplementation on intramuscular high energy phosphates, skeletal muscle morphology and quality of life in older adults. Results suggest creatine supplementation to be a safe, inexpensive and effective nutritional intervention, particularly when consumed in conjunction with a resistance training regime, for slowing the rate of muscle wasting that is associated with aging. Physicians should strongly consider advising older adults to supplement with creatine and to begin a resistance training regime in an effort to enhance skeletal muscle strength and hypertrophy, resulting in enhanced quality of life.
Validation of a Chinese version of disease specific quality of life scale (HFS-36) for hemifacial spasm in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yen-Chu , Fan Jun-Yu , Ro Long-Sun , Lyu Rong-Kuo , Chang Hong-Shiu , Chen Sien-Tsong , Hsu Wen-Chuin , Chen Chiung-Mei , Wu Yih-Ru
Published: December 2009

Background and object

There was no Chinese questionnaire to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS). In this study, we aimed to validate a new disease-specific HRQoL scale for HFS (HFS-36) in Chinese version, and compared it to SF-36, a generic HRQoL scale.

Patients and Methods

The HFS-36 Chinese version was modified from English version of HFS-30, including subscales of mobility, activities of daily living (ADL), emotional well-being, stigma, social support, cognition, bodily discomfort, and communication. All the items were scored on the 5-point scales, ranging from 0(never) to 4(always). Patients with HFS were asked to answer HFS-36 and SF-36 questionnaires on the same day before and 6-8 weeks after Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections, respectively. The reliability and validity of HFS-36 scale were evaluated statistically.

Results

Totally, 103 patients (68 females; 35 males) were recruited in this study, with a mean age of 57.6 ± 11.5 years and a mean duration of HFS for 7.6 ± 5.8 years. The intra-class correlation (ICC) and Cronbach's α were over 0.7 in the majority of items. HFS-36 showed a good correlation to HFS severity before BTX treatment and a significant improvement of subscale scoring after BTX treatment. HFS-36 also had a significant correlation to the mental health of SF-36.

Conclusions

The Chinese version of HFS-36 demonstrated a good reliability and validity in subscales of motility, ADL, emotion well-being, stigma and bodily discomfort. The HRQoL was significantly improved after BTX treatment assessed by HFS-36 or SF-36. Compared to SF-36, HFS-36 scale was more sensitive and specific to evaluate the HRQoL in HFS.
The Early Stage Behaviour of a Stochastic SIR Epidemic with Term-Time Forcing
Authors: Britton Tom , Lindholm Mathias
Published: December 2009

The general stochastic SIR epidemic in a closed population under the influence of a term-time forced environment is considered. An ‘environment’ in this context is any external factor that influences the contact rate between individuals in the population, but is itself unaffected by the population. Here ‘term-time forcing’ refers to discontinuous but cyclic changes in the contact rate. The inclusion of such an environment into the model is done by replacing a single contact rate λ with a cyclically alternating renewal process with k different states denoted {Λ(t)}t≥0. Threshold conditions in terms ofR⋆are obtained, such thatR⋆>1 implies that π, the probability of a large outbreak, is strictly positive. Examples are given where π is evaluated numerically from which the impact of the distribution of the time periods that Λ(t) spends in its different states is clearly seen.
Two-Sex Branching Processes with Offspring and Mating in a Random Environment
Authors: Ma S. , Molina M.
Published: December 2009

We introduce a class of discrete-time two-sex branching processes where the offspring probability distribution and the mating function are governed by an environmental process. It is assumed that the environmental process is formed by independent but not necessarily identically distributed random vectors. For such a class, we determine some relationships among the probability generating functions involved in the mathematical model and derive expressions for the main moments. Also, by considering different probabilistic approaches we establish several results concerning the extinction probability. A simulated example is presented as an illustration.
Cocaine addiction and personality: A mathematical model
Authors: Caselles Antonio , Micó Joan C. , Amigó Salvador
Published: December 2009

The existence of a close relation between personality and drug consumption is recognized, but the corresponding causal connection is not well known. Neither is it well known whether personality exercises an influence predominantly at the beginning and development of addiction, nor whether drug consumption produces changes in personality. This paper presents a dynamic mathematical model of personality and addiction based on the unique personality trait theory (UPTT) and the general modelling methodology. This model attempts to integrate personality, the acute effect of drugs, and addiction. The UPTT states the existence of a unique trait of personality called extraversion, understood as a dimension that ranges from impulsive behaviour and sensation‐seeking (extravert pole) to fearful and anxious behaviour (introvert pole). As a consequence of drug consumption, the model provides the main patterns of extraversion dynamics through a system of five coupled differential equations. It combines genetic extraversion, as a steady state, and dynamic extraversion in a unique variable measured on the hedonic scale. The dynamics of this variable describes the effects of stimulant drugs on a short‐term time scale (typical of the acute effect); while its mean time value describes the effects of stimulant drugs on a long‐term time scale (typical of the addiction effect). This understanding may help to develop programmes of prevention and intervention in drug misuse.
Is interleukin-1α a luteotrophic or luteolytic agent in cattle?
Authors: Majewska Magdalena , Woclawek-Potocka Izabela , Bah Mamadou M , Hapunik Joanna , Piotrowska Katarzyna K , Tasaki Yukari , Acosta Tomas J , Okuda Kiyoshi , Skarzynski Dariusz J
Published: December 2009

Cytokines are thought to regulate prostaglandin (PG) secretion in the bovine endometrium. However, there is no consensus about the role of interleukin-1α (IL1A) on PG secretion. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of IL1A on basal and interferon-τ (IFNT)-regulated PGin vitrosecretion, as well its effects on PG secretion, progesterone (P4) output, and corpus luteum (CL)in vivolifespan. Explants of bovine endometrium (days 16–17 of the estrous cycle or early pregnancy) were stimulated with IL1A (10 ng/ml), IFNT (30 ng/ml), or IL1A combined with IFN. IL1A alone strongly stimulated luteotrophic PGE2secretion by endometrial tissues of both pregnant and nonpregnant cows. IL1A also stimulated luteolytic PGF2αoutput in the late luteal phase. IFNT augmented the stimulatory effect of IL1A on PGE2secretion. In anin vivoexperiment, saline or IL1A at different doses (0.001–10 μg/per animal) was applied to the uterine lumen on day 16 of the cycle. Only the highest dose of IL1A caused a temporal increase in PGF2αsecretion, while it had no effect on P4secretion or CL lifespan. Application of 0.1 and 1 μg IL1A stimulated P4and PGE2output and prolonged the CL lifespan. Although IL1A may stimulatein vitroluteolytic PGF2αsecretion during the estrous cycle, it only acts as a luteotrophic factorin vivo. IL1A increased luteotrophic PGE2and P4output, inhibiting spontaneous luteolysis. These luteotrophic effects may result in appropriate luteal development and function in cows during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy.
Photoelectrochemical evaluation of anatase TiO2 polycrystalline aggregation layers with different crystalline orientations
Authors: Kawakita Mamiko , Kawakita Jin , Sakka Yoshio , Shinohara Tadashi
Published: December 2009

In order to evaluate the characteristics of photocatalysts such as TiO2, it is important to separately estimate the oxidation and reduction reaction rates, since the overall reaction rate is limited by the rate-determining step. In this study, photoelectrochemical techniques were applied to thin films of crystalline oriented anatase TiO2 with polycrystalline aggregations deposited on the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) glass substrate, fabricated by the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) in a strong magnetic field. The influence of the plane orientation on the photocatalytic reaction rates was discovered for both oxidation and reduction with respect to current through the electrochemical measurements. The maximum photocurrent for the (001) plane orientation is three times higher than that for the (100) plane orientation, and is comparable with that of the random orientation. The rate of the anodic reaction determines the rate of the overall photocatalytic reaction, therefore affecting the photopotential.
Examining architectures of photoanode–photovoltaic tandem cells for solar water splitting
Authors: Brillet Jeremie , Cornuz Maurin , Formal Florian Le , Yum Jun-Ho , Grätzel Michael , Sivula Kevin
Published: December 2009

Given the limitations of the materials available for photoelectrochemical water splitting, a multiphoton (tandem) approach is required to convert solar energy into hydrogen efficiently and durably. Here we investigate a promising system consisting of a hematite photoanode in combination with dye-sensitized solar cells with newly developed organic dyes, such as the squaraine dye, which permit new configurations of this tandem system. Three configurations were investigated: two side-by-side dye cells behind a semitransparent hematite photoanode, two semitransparent dye sensitized solar cells (DSCs) in front of the hematite, and a trilevel hematite/DSC/DSC architecture. Based on the current-voltage curves of state-of-the-art devices made in our laboratories, we found the trilevel tandem architecture (hematite/SQ1 dye/N749 dye) produces the highest operating current density and thus the highest expected solar-to-hydrogen efficiency (1.36% compared with 1.16% with the standard back DSC case and 0.76% for the front DSC case). Further investigation into the wavelength-dependent quantum efficiency of each component revealed that in each case photons lost as a result of scattering and reflection reduce the performance from the expected 3.3% based on the nanostructured hematite photoanodes. We further suggest avenues for the improvement of each configuration from both the DSC and the photoanode parts.
Indium oxide/indium iron oxide thin films for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production with a-silicon solar cells
Authors: Ingler William B. , Naseem Abbasali
Published: December 2009

In this paper we focus on indium oxide and indium iron oxide as an alloy to fabricate a protective thin film (transparent, conductive, and corrosion resistant; TCCR) for amorphous silicon-based solar cells, which can be used in immersion-type photoelectrochemical cells for hydrogen production. From the work completed, the results indicate that samples made at 250 °C with indium and indium iron oxide targets powered at 30 and 100 W, respectively, and a sputter deposition time of 90 min produced optimal results when deposited directly on single-junction amorphous silicon solar cells. At 0.65 V (versus SCE), the best sample conditions display a maximum current density of 21.4 μA/cm2.
Enhanced N-doping efficiency and photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of InNbO4 by mechanochemical activation
Authors: Lv Jun , Kako Tetsuya , Zou Zhigang , Ye Jinhua
Published: December 2009

In this work, mechanochemical activation was found to be an effective method to improve nitrogen (N)-doping efficiency and the photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of InNbO4. The effects of mechanochemical treating time on phase formation, surface area, crystallite size, optical property, N-doping efficiency, and photocatalytic activity of InNbO4 were investigated experimentally. The results indicated the decreasing of crystallite size was an important factor for the improvement of N-doping efficiency and photocatalytic activity.