bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of interleukin‐18 polymorphisms and plasma level with the outcome of chronic HCV infection
Authors: Bouzgarrou N. , Hassen E. , Schvoerer E. , Stoll‐Keller F. , Bahri O. , Gabbouj S. , Cheikh I. , Maamouri N. , Mammi N. , Saffar H. , Trabelsi A. , Triki H. , Chouchane L.
Published: February 2008

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the main cause of chronic liver disease throughout the world, and may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Immunological factors, especially cytokines and some host genetic variations, rather than direct HCV action, seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of HCV infection. Elevated levels of interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) were described previously for chronically (HCV)‐infected patients. This study is aimed at investigating IL‐18 promoter polymorphisms (−607C/A and −137G/C) in HCV‐infected patients with different disease severities (chronic hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis and HCC) and establishing an association between these polymorphisms and IL‐18 plasma concentration with the outcome of chronic HCV infection. The carriage of at least one C allele at position −607 (CC + CA) was associated with a higher risk of cirrhosis and HCC (P = 0.032). Compared with controls, HCV‐infected patients had significantly higher levels of IL‐18 (P = 0.0001) that correlate with disease severity (P = 0.01, P = 0.001, P = 0.0006, respectively). In conclusion, we supposed a possible implication of IL‐18 promoter polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of chronic HCV infection. J. Med. Virol. 80:607–614, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two‐year prospective study of single infections and co‐infections by respiratory syncytial virus and viruses identified recently in infants with acute respiratory disease
Authors: Canducci Filippo , Debiaggi Maurizia , Sampaolo Michela , Marinozzi Maria Chiara , Berrè Stefano , Terulla Cristina , Gargantini Gianluigi , Cambieri Patrizia , Romero Egidio , Clementi Massimo
Published: February 2008

A prospective 2‐year analysis including 322 infant patients with acute respiratory disease (ARD) hospitalized in a pediatric department in northern Italy was carried out to evaluate the role as respiratory pathogens or co‐pathogens of recently identified viruses. The presence of respiratory syncitial virus (RSV), human Metapneumoviruses (hMPVs), human Bocaviruses (hBoVs), and human Coronaviruses (hCoVs) was assayed by molecular detection and clinical symptoms evaluated. Nasopharyngeal aspirates from 150 of the 322 infants (46.6%) tested positive for at least one pathogen. Ninety samples (28.0%) tested positive for RSV RNA (61.5% genotype A and 38.5% genotype B), 46 (14.3%) for hMPV RNA (71.7% subtype A and 28.3% subtype B), 28 (8.7%) for hCoV RNA (39.3% hCoV‐OC43, 35.7% hCoV‐NL63, 21.4% hCoV‐HKU1, and 3.6% hCoV‐229E), and 7 (2.2%) for hBoV DNA (of the 6 typed, 50% subtype 1 and 50% subtype 2); 21/150 samples revealed the presence of 2 or more viruses. Co‐infection rates were higher for hMPVs, hCoVs, and hBoV (38.3%, 46.4%, and 57.1%,) and lower for RSV (23.3%). RSV was associated with the presence of complications (P < 0.001) and hypoxia (P < 0.015). When the presence of RSV alone and the RSV‐hMPV co‐infections were considered, RSV mono‐infected patients resulted to have longer hospitalization and higher hypoxia (P < 0.001). The data highlight that (i) RSV has a central role as a respiratory pathogen of infants, (ii) the wide circulation of recently identified viruses does not reduce the clinical and epidemiological importance of RSV, and that (iii) recently identified agents (hMPVs, hBoVs, and hCoVs) act as primary pathogens or co‐pathogens. J. Med. Virol. 80:716–723, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diversity of hepatitis C virus genotype 1b in Buenos Aires, Argentina: description of a new cluster associated with response to treatment
Authors: Di Lello Federico , Garcia Gabriel , Kott Verónica , Sookoian Silvia , Campos Rodolfo
Published: February 2008

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b is the most prevalent in Argentina. As observed in most HCV‐genotype 1b described previously worldwide, the population analyzed in this work is growing at exponential rate. Ten out of 22 samples tested comprise a well‐defined cluster. This new cluster appears to be highly susceptible to therapy with non‐pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (80% rate of sustained response). The comparative analysis of amino acid sequences yielded a characteristic pattern for responder samples defined by amino acids S75, V147, V158 (Core region) and AC2217‐8 (NS5A region). In conclusion, this study describes the epidemic spread of genotype 1b in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and shows the emergence of a new cluster that would result from a founder effect of an unusual sequence or a quasispecies variant that evolved through the time. This cluster, which appears to be highly susceptible to therapy, suggests that the virus itself might be more important than individual patient characteristics when responding to treatment. J. Med. Virol. 80:619–627, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transgenic mice replicating hepatitis B virus but lacking expression of the major HBsAg
Authors: Halverscheid Leonie , Mannes Nina K. , Weth Robert , Kleinschmidt Manuela , Schultz Ursula , Reifenberg Kurt , Schirmbeck Reinhold , Nassal Michael , Blum Hubert E. , Reimann Jörg , Geissler Michael
Published: February 2008

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) transgenic mice replicating the viral genome at high level but lacking expression of the small envelope protein (HBsAg) have been produced using a terminally redundant viral DNA construct (HBV 1.4). The generation of viable infectious progeny was dependent on sex and age of mice. Viral mRNA was abundant in liver and kidneys and at low levels in other organs of the mice. No viral particles or HBV envelope proteins could be detected in sera of mice. Despite expression of non‐secreted LHBs and MHBs proteins in the liver, there was no accumulation of viral particles in the endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes and no necroinflammatory hepatitis was observed. Therefore, these mice represent an excellent model for studies of the role of HBsAg in viral assembly, antiviral immune responses, the further understanding of HBV immunopathogenesis, and the development of antiviral vaccines. J. Med. Virol. 80:583–590, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis E virus: Molecular virology, clinical features, diagnosis, transmission, epidemiology, and prevention
Authors: Mushahwar Isa K.
Published: February 2008

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the sole member of the genus Hepevirus in the family of Hepeviridae, is the major cause of several outbreaks of waterborne hepatitis in tropical and subtropical countries and of sporadic cases of viral hepatitis in endemic and industrialized countries. Transmission of HEV occurs predominantly by the fecal‐oral route although parenteral and perinatal routes have been implicated. The overall death rate among young adults and pregnant women is 0.5–3% and 15–20%, respectively. HEV is a small non‐enveloped particle that consists of a polyadenylated single‐strand RNA molecule containing three discontinuous and partially overlapping open reading frames. There are four major genotypes of HEV and a single serotype. At present, there are approximately 1,600 sequences of HEV that are already available at INSDC of both human and animal isolates. Diagnostic and molecular assays have been described for the accurate differentiation of ongoing from remote infection of HEV. Identification and characterization of swine HEV in the United States, Japan, and many other countries and their close relationship to locally characterized human HEV found in the same geographic areas prove that HEV is indeed a zoonotic virus and that domestic swine, wild deer, and boars are reservoirs of HEV in nature. A cell culture system for the propagation of the virus has been described, and a very successful phase 2 vaccine trial has been completed. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the molecular biology, clinical features, transmission, diagnosis, epidemiology, and prevention of HEV. J. Med. Virol. 80:646–658, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of hepatitis B virus genotypes and quantitative HBV DNA in metastasis and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Yuehua , Wang Zhanhui , An Shengli , Zhou Bin , Zhou Yuanping , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Hou Jinlin
Published: February 2008

Identification of risk factors for recurrence and metastasis of HCC is important for the prognosis of HCC surveillance in chronic HBV infection. In this article, 125 HCC patients recruited were followed up prospectively for tumor metastasis and recurrence for a median of 104 (10–130) weeks. HBV DNA level was detected by LightCycler‐based real‐time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction‐restriction system. HBV genotypes were determined by using PCR restriction‐fragment length polymorphism. BCP and PC mutations were performed by PCR and direct sequencing of amplified products. Among 125 HCC patients, 19 patients were excluded because of the lack of follow‐up data and the remaining 106 patients were followed up of 2 years and entered into analysis. Sixty‐nine patients had tumor metastasis or recurrence during the follow‐up and the cumulative probability of HCC metastasis or recurrence was 65.1%. On multivariate analysis, genotype C and HBV DNA level were the risk factors for HCC recurrence or metastasis. The incidence of recurrence or metastasis increased with baseline HBV DNA level in a dose‐response relationship ranging from 22% for HBV DNA level of less than 3 log10 copies/ml to 80% for HBV DNA level of 5 log10 copies/ml or greater (P = 0.012). Fifty‐seven (74.0%) and 12 (41.4%) patients had metastasis or recurrence in patients with genotype C and B, respectively. The adjusted OR of recurrence or metastasis for genotype C compared with genotype B was 9.755 (P = 0.009). In conclusion, elevated HBV DNA level and genotype C are strong risk predictors of HCC metastasis or recurrence. J. Med. Virol. 80:591–597, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolation and genetic characterization of hantaviruses carried by Microtus voles in China
Authors: Zou Yang , Wang Jian‐Bo , Gaowa Ha‐Sen , Yao Lai‐Shun , Hu Guang‐Wei , Li Ming‐Hui , Chen Hua‐Xin , Plyusnin Alexander , Shao Renfu , Zhang Yong‐Zhen
Published: February 2008

To gain more insights into hantavirus distribution in China, Microtus fortis were caught in Jilin province and M. maximowiczii in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Hantavirus specific RNA was detected by RT‐PCR in 3 out of 26 M. fortis and 5 out of 64 M. maximowiczii. Two hantaviruses (Fusong‐Mf‐682 and Yakeshi‐Mm‐59) were isolated successfully in cell culture and their S and M segment nucleotide sequences were determined. Phylogenetic analysis of the S and M segment sequences revealed that the Mf‐originated strains from Fusong were closely related to Vladivostok hantavirus (VLAV) with 99% nucleotide identity, but differed from the Yakeshi‐Mm strains, with an amino acid divergence of more than 8.8% for the N protein and 11.8% for the GnGc proteins. Yakeshi‐Mm strains were closely related to the Khabarovsk hantavirus (KHAV) isolated earlier from M. fortis in Khabarovsk, with an amino acid sequence identity of more than 98.4% for the S segment and 95.6% for the M segment. On phylogenetic trees, Yakeshi‐Mm strains clustered together with KHAV and Topografov virus (TOPV) carried by Lemmus sibiricus. The results suggest that the hantavirus carried by M. fortis in China belongs to VLAV type and should be considered as a distinct hantavirus species. They also suggest that M. fortis is the natural host of VLAV (including Fusong‐Mf strains), whereas M. maximowiczii is the natural host of KHAV including Yakeshi‐Mm strains. Thus, in addition to Hantaan, Seoul, Dabieshan and Puumala‐like Hokkaido viruses, at least two other hantaviruses, namely KHAV and VLAV, are circulating in China. J. Med. Virol. 80:680–688, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diversity of human rotavirus G9 among children in Turkey
Authors: Bozdayi Gulendam , Dogan Bora , Dalgic Buket , Bostanci Ilknur , Sari Sinan , Battaloglu Nergis Oner , Rota Seyyal , Dallar Yildiz , Nishizono Akira , Nakagomi Osamu , Ahmed Kamruddin
Published: February 2008

Between September 2004 and December 2005 a prospective study was conducted to understand the epidemiology of rotavirus infection among children with diarrhea attending two hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. Rotavirus was detected in 39.7% of the 322 stool samples and affected mainly children in the age group of 6–23 months. More than 70% and 39% of these cases occurred in children <2 and <1 year of age, respectively. In the temperate climate of Ankara rotavirus infection was prevalent throughout the year. Serotype G1P[8] was dominant followed by G9P[8]. In 38 samples a total of 5 electropherotypes were detected. All G9P[8] were of long electropherotype except one of short electropherotype. A proportion of G1 and G9 strains were in combination with P[6], P[4] or P nontypable. Mixed serotypes were responsible for 2.4% of the infections. A phylogenetic tree constructed with the deduced amino acid sequences of the VP7 gene showed that 16 Turkish G9 strains clustered with rotaviruses of lineage III. One G9 strain formed a new lineage, lineage IV with the Sri Lankan G9 rotaviruses. In the phylogenetic tree of the VP8* gene, the Turkish G9P[6] rotaviruses clustered with human strains of lineage Ia. Increased diversity of the G/P type combination and the presence of infection throughout the year in Turkey was a situation similar to developing countries. The occurrence of rotavirus infection at later age and low level of mixed infections in Turkey represented the situation of developed countries. This study suggests that diverse G9 rotaviruses are emerging in Turkey. J. Med. Virol. 80:733–740, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gradient in Dissolution Capacity of Successively Deposited Cell Wall Layers in Cotton Fibres
Authors: Le Moigne Nicolas , Montes Emilie , Pannetier Catherine , Höfte Herman , Navard Patrick
Published: February 2008

The dissolution of cotton fibres has been studied at different development stages before and after the onset of secondary wall deposition in solvents of varying quality. We show that the dissolution of the primary wall is inefficient even in good solvents. In moderately good solvents, the inside of the secondary wall dissolves by fragmentation, whereas the outside of the secondary wall swells. These data demonstrate the existence of a centripetal radial gradient in the dissolution capacity within the fibre, which must be related to age‐dependent structural variation in the cell wall layers.
Analysis of the experimental detection of central nervous system‐related genes in human brain and cerebrospinal fluid datasets
Authors: Mueller Michael , Vizcaíno Juan Antonio , Jones Philip , Côté Richard , Thorneycroft David , Apweiler Rolf , Hermjakob Henning , Martens Lennart
Published: February 2008

Large‐scale and high‐throughput proteomics experiments of specific samples provide substantial amounts of identified proteins and peptides, which increasingly find their way into centralized, public data repositories. These data typically have potential beyond the analyses performed by the original authors, and can therefore provide considerable added value by being reused for specific, unexplored enquiries. We here reanalyze two CNS‐related proteomics datasets, one from the HUPO's Brain Proteome Project, and one from a comprehensive analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in light of the expression of specific splice isoforms from CNS‐related genes. We also evaluate the empirically observed peptides of interest against predictions of their proteotypic character.
Dynamical optical investigation of polymer/fullerene composite solar cells
Authors: Voigt S. , Zhokhavets U. , Al‐Ibrahim Maher , Hoppe H. , Ambacher O. , Gobsch G.
Published: February 2008

We investigate organic polymer/fullerene (P3HT/PCBM) bulk heterojunction solar cells by means of photoinduced absorption spectroscopy (PIA). The dynamic properties of the charge carriers are studied in the temperature range of 5 K to 200 K by recording the PIA signal in the frequency domain. The mobility and the lifetime of the positive polarons are de‐ termined. The dependence of the short circuit current on the incident light intensity is also investigated. Finally, the properties of annealed and not annealed solar cells are compared. As the most interesting result, the appearance of two polaron species on different time scales is observed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Limitations of a simple quantum mechanical model: Magnetic dichroism in a relativistic one‐electron atom
Authors: Rodríguez J. C. , Kostoglou Ch. , Singer R. , Seib J. , Fähnle M.
Published: February 2008

The magnetic dichroism, i.e., the difference in the absorption coefficient for right‐ and left‐circularly polarized electromagnetic waves, is a relativistic many‐electron effect in a magnetic material. Jenkins and Strange have introduced the most simple and analytically solvable quantum mechanical model which exhibits magnetic dichroism, i.e., the relativistic one‐electron atom in an external magnetic field. We have extended this model by considering the 2p–3d transitions and by taking into account the effect of an additional crystal field. The model predicts near‐zero dichroism for the 2p1/2–3d3/2 transition (L2‐absorption) if the crystal field and the effect of the magnetic field on the core states are neglected, in contrast to the strong dichroism for the L2‐absorption in real materials. The reason for this limitation of the model of Jenkins and Strange is discussed. The j –j mixing of the initial states by the additional crystal field potential has some weak effect on the dichroism. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bilateral, mixed hearing loss with a predominant sensorineural component in Larsen's syndrome
Authors: Ott I O , Issing P R
Published: February 2008

Background:

Larsen's syndrome is primarily known as an orthopaedic disease. However, it has been found to be associated with conductive hearing loss caused by ossicular malformation. The possibility of a sensorineural hearing impairment as an additional part of this syndrome has been rather neglected in the past.

Method:

Case report and literature review.

Patient and results:

We present a teenage boy suffering from typical Larsen's syndrome. Despite no history of recurrent middle-ear infections, he showed a bilaterally symmetrical, mixed hearing loss dominated by an extensive sensorineural component. In order to review the corresponding literature, a Medline search was performed using the criteria ‘Larsen's syndrome’ and ‘hearing loss/deficit’.

Conclusion:

The literature review showed the presented case to be the first sufficiently documented report describing a predominant sensorineural hearing loss in a Larsen's syndrome patient. Although a specific association of Larsen's syndrome with sensorineural hearing loss is still speculative, this case might give grounds for further examinations of this rare finding.
Efficient cooperative search of smart targets using UAV Swarms
Authors: Altshuler Yaniv , Yanovsky Vladimir , Wagner Israel A. , Bruckstein Alfred M.
Published: February 2008

This work examines theCooperative Huntersproblem, where a swarm of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) is used for searching one or more “evading targets,” which are moving in a predefined area while trying to avoid a detection by the swarm. By arranging themselves into efficient geometric flight configurations, the UAVs optimize their integrated sensing capabilities, enabling the search of a maximal territory.
Hydrogel‐Perfluorocarbon Composite Scaffold Promotes Oxygen Transport to Immobilized Cells
Authors: Chin Kyuongsik , Khattak Sarwat F. , Bhatia Surita R. , Roberts Susan C.
Published: February 2008

Cell encapsulation provides cells a three‐dimensional structure to mimic physiological conditions and improve cell signaling, proliferation, and tissue organization as compared to monolayer culture. Encapsulation devices often encounter poor mass transport, especially for oxygen, where critical dissolved levels must be met to ensure both cell survival and functionality. To enhance oxygen transport, we utilized perfluorocarbon (PFC) oxygen vectors, specifically perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) immobilized in an alginate matrix. Metabolic activity of HepG2 liver cells encapsulated in 1% alginate/10% PFOB composite system was 47–104% higher than alginate systems lacking PFOB. A cubic model was developed to understand the oxygen transport mechanism in the alginate/PFOB composite system. The theoretical flux enhancement in alginate systems containing 10% PFOB was 18% higher than in alginate‐only systems. Oxygen uptake rates (OURs) of HepG2 cells were enhanced with 10% PFOB addition under both 20% and 5% O2 boundary conditions, by 8% and 15%, respectively. Model predictions were qualitatively and quantitatively verified with direct experimental OUR measurements using both a perfusion reactor and oxygen sensing plate, demonstrating a greater OUR enhancement under physiological O2 boundary conditions (i.e., 5% O2). Inclusion of PFCs in an encapsulation matrix is a useful strategy for overcoming oxygen limitations and ensuring cell viability and functionality both for large devices (>1 mm) and over extended time periods. Although our results specifically indicate positive enhancements in metabolic activity using the model HepG2 liver system encapsulated in alginate, PFCs could be useful for improving/stabilizing oxygen supply in a wide range of cell types and hydrogels.
Production altitude and time delays of the terrestrial gamma flashes: Revisiting the Burst and Transient Source Experiment spectra
Authors: Østgaard N. , Gjesteland T. , Stadsnes J. , Connell P. H. , Carlson B.
Published: February 2008

On the basis of the RHESSI results it has been suggested that terrestrial gamma flashes (TGFs) are produced at very low altitudes. On the other hand some of the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) spectra show unabsorbed fluxes of X rays in the 25–50 keV energy range, indicating a higher production altitude. To investigate this, we have developed a Monte Carlo code for X‐ray propagation through the atmosphere. The most important features seen in the modeled spectra are (1) a low‐energy cutoff which moves to lower energies as TGFs are produced at higher altitudes, (2) a high‐energy cutoff which moves to lower energies as TGFs are observed at larger zenith angles, and (3) time delays are observed for TGFs produced at ≤20 km (and some at 30 km) altitude when observed at larger zenith angle than the half‐angle defining the initial isotropic X‐ray beam. This is a pure Compton effect. The model results and an optimization procedure are used to estimate production altitudes of the BATSE TGFs. The main findings are (1) half or more of the BATSE TGFs are produced at low altitudes, ≤20 km, (2) a significant portion of the BATSE TGFs are produced at higher altitudes, 30 km to 40 km, (3) for the TGFs produced at ≤20 km (and some at 30 km) altitudes the dispersion signatures can be explained as a pure Compton effect, and (4) the softening of the BATSE spectra for increasing zenith angles and the time dispersions both indicate that the initial TGF distribution is beamed.
Linear and nonlinear electromagnetic and electrostatic instabilities in a plasma with two ion beams
Authors: Gomberoff L.
Published: February 2008

Linear and nonlinear properties of a plasma system with a proton and an alpha‐particle beam, are studied. It is shown that the presence of a second beam can change the linear and nonlinear stability thresholds of the magnetosonic instabilities. Since the nonlinear dispersion relation of the nonlinear waves has 14 roots, the system is very rich in parametric decays. There are parametric decays which clearly cannot be present in a one beam system. These parametric decays are of the decay type, modulational, and essentially electromagnetic beat wave instabilities. In a previous paper (Gomberoff, 2007b), the stabilization properties of the magnetosonic instability triggered by the presence of a large amplitude Alfén waves for fix temperature were studied. Here the study is extended to large amplitude waves belonging to the dispersion branch having a resonance at the proton gyrofrequency, for several temperature values. It is shown that the threshold amplitude for stabilization can suffer drastic changes with respect to the one beam system. Finally, it is shown that when both beams trigger their own magnetosonic instabilities, the system can also be stabilized by the presence of the large amplitude wave.
The mechanisms underlying the effect of α‐cyclodextrin on the aggregation and stability of alcohol dehydrogenase
Authors: Barzegar Abolfazl , Moosavi‐Movahedi Ali A. , Rezaei‐Zarchi Saeed , Saboury Ali A. , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Norouzi Parviz , Hakimelahi Gholam H. , Tsai Fu‐Yuan
Published: February 2008

High concentrations of proteins and enzymes have to be stored for extended periods of time. Under such conditions, at least three major factors contribute to aggregation and loss of protein function: hydrophobicity, propensity to form non‐native β‐sheet structure and net charge of the polypeptide chain. Here we evaluate these thermal aggregation factors for horse liver ADH (alcohol dehydrogenase) and the effect of α‐CyD (α‐cyclodextrin) on the ADH aggregation, by using fluorescence, CD, UV–visible spectrophotometry, the DLS (dynamic light scattering) technique and the enzymatic activity assay. In addition, we propose the relative importance of the hydrophobic effect on the ADH aggregation. Although ADH readily forms aggregates at higher temperatures, α‐CyD effectively diminishes this phenomenon. This reduction can be attributed to the prevention of the appearance of larger‐size aggregated molecules and also to the higher homogeneity of the small nuclei under the α‐CyD effect. The observed re‐aggregation upon the addition of α‐CyD/phenylalanine can be attributed to the competition binding of phenylalanine to the internal hydrophobic cavity of α‐CyD. This signifies that aromatic amino acids are important regional components of the residual structure that may form nuclei for aggregation. The results of dynode voltage changes indicate that the thermal unfolding of ADH is accompanied by protein aggregation, which subsequently leads to irreversible thermal unfolding. Moreover, α‐CyD causes thermal stabilization and delays the onset of secondary structural unfolding and aggregation by approx. 10 °C and the midpoint (‘melting’) temperatures (Tm) by more than 5 °C. Furthermore, α‐CyD diminishes the deactivation of the enzyme, decreasing the deactivation constant by more than 50%, and clearly reveals the stabilization of the enzyme not only structurally but also kinetically at higher temperatures.
Interactive effects of growth factors and three‐dimensional scaffolds on multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Heckmann Leslie , Fiedler Jörg , Mattes Thomas , Dauner Martin , Brenner Rolf E.
Published: February 2008

The creation of tissue‐engineered constructs with autologous cells is a central goal in regenerative medicine. With respect to ligament replacement, we have evaluated the influences of matrix and growth factors on hMSCs (human mesenchymal stromal cells). hMSCs were seeded in two different 3D (three‐dimensional) systems consisting of either a collagen type I gel or a synthetic PLA [poly‐(l‐lactic acid)] scaffold. After cultivation for 14 days with rhTGFβ1 (recombinant human transforming growth factor β1), rhPDGF‐BB (recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor homodimer of B‐chain) or rhBMP13 (recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 13), we assessed the proliferation potential, mRNA expression and protein expression of various matrix‐interacting and matrix‐degrading molecules by quantitative real‐time RT (reverse transcriptase)–PCR, immunohistochemistry and gelatin zymography in comparison with unstimulated cells. Cellular reactions to the type of scaffold or soluble factors could be found in the expression of tenascin‐C as well as integrin subunits α1, α3 and β1. Collagen type X expression was induced by 3D culture and stimulated by rhTGFβ1 on PLA. The expression of MMP‐1 (matrix metalloproteinase 1) tended to increase, and MMP‐13 was induced in the collagen culture system. The activation of MMP‐2 was stimulated by the cultivation of MSCs within the collagenous matrix. These results demonstrated that various interactive effects of growth factors and scaffolds influence the cell‐biological behaviour of MSCs. It is important to take these complex interactions, which partly differ from differentiated cells, into account in further tissue‐engineering approaches.
A role for the NAD-dependent deacetylase Sirt1 in the regulation of autophagy
Authors: Lee In Hye , Cao Liu , Mostoslavsky Raul , Lombard David B. , Liu Jie , Bruns Nicholas E. , Tsokos Maria , Alt Frederick W. , Finkel Toren
Published: February 2008

We demonstrate a role for the NAD-dependent deacetylase Sirt1 in the regulation of autophagy. In particular, transient increased expression of Sirt1 is sufficient to stimulate basal rates of autophagy. In addition, we show that Sirt1
−/−
mouse embryonic fibroblasts do not fully activate autophagy under starved conditions. Reconstitution with wild-type but not a deacetylase-inactive mutant of Sirt1 restores autophagy in these cells. We further demonstrate that Sirt1 can form a molecular complex with several essential components of the autophagy machinery, including autophagy genes (Atg)5, Atg7, and Atg8.
In vitro
, Sirt1 can, in an NAD-dependent fashion, directly deacetylate these components. The absence of Sirt1 leads to markedly elevated acetylation of proteins known to be required for autophagy in both cultured cells and in embryonic and neonatal tissues. Finally, we show that Sirt1
−/−
mice partially resemble Atg5
−/−
mice, including the accumulation of damaged organelles, disruption of energy homeostasis, and early perinatal mortality. Furthermore, the
in utero
delivery of the metabolic substrate pyruvate extends the survival of Sirt1
−/−
pups. These results suggest that the Sirt1 deacetylase is an important
in vivo
regulator of autophagy and provide a link between sirtuin function and the overall cellular response to limited nutrients.
Tree-guided Bayesian inference of population structures
Authors: Zhang Yu
Published: February 2008

Motivation: Inferring population structures using genetic data sampled from a group of individuals is a challenging task. Many methods either consider a fixed population number or ignore the correlation between populations. As a result, they can lose sensitivity and specificity in detecting subtle stratifications. In addition, when a large number of genetic markers are used, many existing algorithms perform rather inefficiently.

Result: We propose a new Bayesian method to infer population structures using multiple unlinked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Our approach explicitly considers the population correlation through a tree hierarchy, and treat the population number as a random variable. Using both simulated and real datasets of worldwide samples, we demonstrate that an incorporated tree can consistently improve the power in detecting subtle population stratifications. A tree-based model often involves a large number of unknown parameters, and the corresponding estimation procedure can be highly inefficient. We further implement a partition method to analytically integrate out all nuisance parameters in the tree. As a result, our method can analyze large SNP datasets with significantly improved convergence rate.

Availability:  http://www.stat.psu.edu/~yuzhang/tips.tar

Contact:  yuzhang@stat.psu.edu

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Management Teaching in Technical Education
Authors: Maxwell S.R.
Published: February 2008

Management as a subject is undoubtedly going to have an increasingly important place in the education of many technologists. In very few subjects do the ‘why,’ ‘when,’‘how,’‘who,’ and ‘where’ of teaching present such serious problems as here, where personal, social and economic factors mingle with the technical. This is the first of two articles in which the author considers these problems in relation to management studies as a part of technical education.
The education of technician engineers
Authors: Mansell Jack
Published: February 2008

The training recommendations issued by the EITB for Technician Engineers is an imposing document and requires careful appraisal for it undoubtedly presents a pattern of training that is to be with us for some time. The progressive nature of the job is recognized in the introduction to the recommendations where the technician engineer is not only to be capable of applying proven technique but his expertise must also be expected to ‘change and develop’. Out of this specification comes the requirement ‘that his education and training provide both a high level of expertise in his particular field and a broad base of skill and knowledge from which he can adapt himself to change’.
A rung up the ladder?
Authors: Thomas DH
Published: February 2008

The author examines the history of the part III examination of the Institution of Electrical Engineers in its role as one entry to the profession of electrical engineering, and points out serious defects.
The suitable placement of engineering students
Authors: Bell Derrick , Dunstan Roy
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this research project was to determine more precise methods for the enrolment of 16‐year‐old engineering students when they first commence classes in colleges of further education. This research work has now been going on at the Aylesbury college for four years. It was originated because we felt that we would like to have some more exact methods of predicting examination successes rather than the previously used methods which we had in operation at the time.
What price security?
Authors: Pollard Michael
Published: February 2008

Whenever you look at the condition of teachers, from whatever angle, you very soon begin to hear about the security of the job. Traditionally, it has been the lure of security that made a teaching career the ambition of so many children from lower middle and skilled working class families with gaunt memories of between‐the‐wars depression. Security is one of the root causes, too, of teachers' recurring plight in the Burnham Committee; behind every management offer lies the implication that the figures may not amount to much, but at least they're assured. And because the sort of people who go for career security are not usually protesters, workers to rule or bearers of banners, it has taken a century of shabby treatment to screw the NUT up to its present pitch of militancy.
Salaries
Authors: Robinson Eric
Published: February 2008

There can be few better schools in the politics of education than the NUT executive for this is the only body, other than parliament and the DES, that concerns itself actively with every aspect of education in England and Wales. Every other teachers' association limits itself to part of the system or to one ideology, sex, or creed but the NUT seeks to represent all teachers and it does indeed have active members in every sector and every type of institution. A consequence of this is that executive members have a wide range of experience but the price they pay for this is that they are inundated with paper and subjected to a disturbing variety of pressures.
Whatever happened to the training boards?
Authors: Barlow Peppy
Published: February 2008

Like it or not — the Industrial Training Boards are here to stay and growing fast. To date there are 29 (coming up 30 with the ‘pending’ Hairdressing and Beauty Culture ITB), ranging down from the mighty Engineering ITB with a levy yield of £85 million (1968/9) and influence over the fate of three million workers, to happy little outfits like the Water Supply ITB with a mere 44 000, and the romantic sounding Knitting, Lace and Net ITB which proves, in fact, to be quite a substantial organization involving 1400 establishments, 154 700 employees and a one per cent payrole levy amounting to over a million. Between them they levy £130 million, grant £120 million, spend around £4 million on administration and the remainder on centrally directed training services for their specific industries — including research.
Next to cleanliness
Authors: Beard Roger
Published: February 2008

From the nine Quaker boarding schools to the 900 000 children in over 6700 aided or controlled Church of England schools, the religious bodies continue to play a large part in the provision of education at both primary and secondary level in the State system. Additionally, they control a significant number of the direct grant and independent schools as well as many colleges of education. With the exception of the 50 Jewish day schools, which take in over 11 000 Jewish children, religious education means Christian education.
The middle way
Authors: Deadman Ron
Published: February 2008

If I go inside a church again, it will be feet first, screwed down under uncompromising oak. Even then, I implore all keeners and beaters of breasts to get hold of an electro‐cardiograph machine and carry out one last test: the experience could well bring on a protesting surge and revive me — apoplexy in reverse, as it were.
Success or failure?
Authors: Burgess Tyrrell
Published: February 2008

Tyrrell Burgess of LSE's Higher Education Unit suggests that we should rethink how the third world can help itself.
Educating for development
Authors: Platt William J.
Published: February 2008

The pathology of the relationship between education and development is sometimes easier to see than the health. The term ‘educated unemployed’ implies some kind of causal connection between education and unemployment. And yet the educated unemployed often coexist with shortages of manpower critically needed in development, such as public health workers, entrepreneurs, construction workers, agricultural extension agents, surveyors, diesel engine mechanics, family planning advisers, refrigeration technicians, science teachers and others. When these symptoms of maladjustment are combined with the universally mounting costs of education there is a risk that public officials and their constituents will become disenchanted with education as one of the key components of development strategy.
Finchley Central
Authors: Kemble Bruce
Published: February 2008

Bruce Kemble reviews the pressure groups' reaction to Mrs Thatcher's appointment.
Wish you were here
Authors: Barlow Peppy
Published: February 2008

In a world of mass communications, youth is on the move. Our fastest growing industry is travel, the fastest growing sector is youth travel and within that the expansion of educational exchange programmes — a situation which might lead the unwary to suspect that travel had become an accepted part of education. In some senses it has, but there is still a long way to go before it is fully supported from within the education system and overall facilities are made available to an age group regardless of whether its individual members are still attending specific educational establishments. What impetus there is comes mainly from outside organisations, slowly insinuating the value of their projects into the minds of sceptical local education authorities and government funding bodies.
Productivity in FE 1
Authors: Mansell Jack
Published: February 2008

The first in a series of pieces on educational productivity. ‘Sir C. Taylor asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity on 10 December, how productivity was calculated for policemen, nurses, teachers and dustmen in relation to salaries paid. Mr Harold Walker replied that it was not practicable to relate the pay of policemen, nurses, and teachers to productivity. The productivity of dustmen could be measured …’
Teaching systems
Authors: Hills Philip
Published: February 2008

Philip Hills, of the University of Surrey, makes a plea for effective teaching systems.
Back in 10 minutes
Authors: Wymer Ivor
Published: February 2008

Regardless of John Pratt's pessimism, Ivor Wymer, of Bilston CFE, examines the success his college has had in preparing students for the Open University.
Fortifying the over forties
Authors: Kemble Bruce
Published: February 2008

Bruce Kemble reviews the progress to date of the Adult Education enquiry of the Russell Committee.
Network analysis—
Authors: Hall Geoffrey , Lewis Peter
Published: February 2008

Perhaps the most surprising thing about educational programmes on the BBC is the sheer number and variety of them. In a typical week ‘in term’ some 40 hours of air time is devoted to what might be called formal educational broadcasting for schools and adults, on radio and television. Ever since the early days of radio the BBC has recognised its obligation to make a systematic contribution to education, and over the years a framework of consultation and advice has built up. The School Broadcasting Council and the Further Education Advisory Council are there to provide continuing links with the world of education: they are the source from which our educational broadcasting springs.
Glasgow ETV—
Authors: Beaton William
Published: February 2008

When Glasgow Educational Television Service went into operation in August 1965, educationists were still mulling over the educational, technical and financial implications of local authority CCTV and coming up, one after another, with the 64 000 dollar question: Can Glasgow translate what is undoubtedly an interesting but very expensive television experiment into a sound, long‐term educational investment? There could of course be no instant, reassuring answer to that kind of question, no cast‐iron guarantee that the City Fathers would not end up with the whitest of white elephants in their Education Department. The ETV Service was the first closed‐circuit network of its kind to be set up in Europe — fine copy, to be sure, for the municipal PRO but a very hot seat for those of us whose job it was to make the Service work.
Come home carrel, all is forgiven
Authors: Breen Myles
Published: February 2008

Dr Myles Breen, of Northern Illinois University, reviews the audio tutorial system of instruction
Dear kindly social worker
Authors: Ashley Brian
Published: February 2008

Colleges of education can be used to train social workers. Brian Ashley, of Moray House College, outlines how
Unwillingly to school
Authors: Turner Barry
Published: February 2008

Truants are one thing, school phobia is another, Barry Turner investigates it
Lying down on the job
Authors: O'Connor Maureen
Published: February 2008

Maureen O'Connor examines the present jungle of careers guidance in the secondary schools
Initial occupations of physicists
Authors: Greaves C.
Published: February 2008

Dr Greaves, of Lanchester Polytechnic, investigates the first jobs of physics graduates
WHAT ABOUT THE WORKERS
Authors: Nash Roy
Published: February 2008

A life‐long supporter, Roy Nash looks at the present state of the WEA
Laboratory objectives
Authors: Collacott R.A.
Published: February 2008

What is the need for engineering lab. work? Here, Dr Collacott shows how essential it is
SENT TO BORSTAL
Authors: Barlow Peppy
Published: February 2008

Are borstals prisons or schools? Peppy Barlow review their progress to date
THEY PAY FOREVER
Authors: Wainewright Katherine
Published: February 2008

Prisons are places the other people go to. Kathy Wainewright points out why they are wrong
EXPERTS IN GOVERNMENT
Authors: Hudson J.R.
Published: February 2008

Mr Hudson, of Durham Technical College, discusses the need and the scope for the training of councillors.
Sacred cows
Authors: Pollard Michael
Published: February 2008

In the third of a series of articles on the sacred cows of education Michael Pollard looks at the National Foundation for Educational Research.
WOMEN'S LIB AND THE COLLEGES
Authors: O'Connor Maureen
Published: February 2008

If they are looking for a battle ground Women's Lib could do worse than launch an attack on further education. It is here, rather than in the higher or lower reaches of the educational system, that the emancipation of women has furthest to go.
CHAMELEONIC CHEMISTS
Authors: Robinson Malcolm
Published: February 2008

Dr Robinson discusses the careers prospects in chemistry, particularly in the light of the present economic climate.
Liberal Studies:
Authors: Flower Fred
Published: February 2008

“There also remain a number of problems which really constitute the unfinished business of Circular 523. We still have not begun to tackle the translation into practice of the essential idea of the unity of education. The educational objectives of the technical portions of technical courses and the liberal portions are not clearly worked out in relation to each other. There is still too much time wasted upon the futile Arts v. Science dichotomy or the even worse three‐sided battle in which the Social Sciences join as a combatant. We still have not learnt how Liberal Studies tutors and the teachers of specialist disciplines can co‐operate to make unified programmes, that is programmes of study which are not unified just in the teachers' minds but in the minds of the students.’
Complementary and Contrasting:
Authors: O'Connor Maureen
Published: February 2008

A major policy statement on General Studies is expected soon from the CNAA. There 7nay no longer be any compulsion to include complementary and contrasting studies in CNAA degree courses, and Maureen O'Connor suggests that this may provide a let out for colleges which have always been opposed to the concept of liberal studies. This could be a major setback. Liberal studies are now established for scientific and technological courses, but there still seems to be some doubt about their applicability to CNAA arts courses.
Liberal Studies
Authors: Wainwright Harry
Published: February 2008

Mr Wainwright, Manager, Training and Education Services, Imperial Metal Industries, points out that the chief role of a training officer in industry is to seek to improve the vocational element of industrial training and to resist attempts to make further increases in direct costs to industry. Nevertheless, liberal studies play an important part in helping young people to see the significance in life outside their work, and he is in full agreement with the trend towards general education inherent in the Dainton and Crowther reports.
SHOP STEWARDS AND FURTHER EDUCATION
Authors: Norman Colin
Published: February 2008

Few would deny that the shop steward is one of the most important cogs in the whole industrial relations machinery. But his functions, of course, go much deeper than the headlines in the press often suggest. Not only is he called upon to represent the views and grievances of his colleagues to the management, but he is also often their only direct link with the union as well. If he has the task of negotiating improvements in the conditions in his workplace, he will have to understand and apply complex agreements and parliamentary legislation to the particular situation in his factory or office. All this demands that he is not only articulate, but that he can communicate with and retain the respect both of his colleagues and of the management. How is he trained to carry out these formidable tasks? The answer, in most cases, is not at all.
The Loughborough Sandwich
Authors: Cantor Leonard M. , Deere Malcolm
Published: February 2008

Leonard M. Cantor, Schofield Professor of Education and Malcolm Deere, Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Loughborough, examine the developments that have taken place in the Department of Education there.
Student and Staff Selection:
Authors: Rofé J.A.D.
Published: February 2008

Mr Rofé, Principal of the South Cheshire Central College of Further Education, looks at teacher training methods and the importance of selection.
Micro Teaching by CCTV
Authors: McLelland David
Published: February 2008

David McLelland outlines the way in which micro teaching by CCTV can be of help to the student teacher and his tutor in assessing progress in teaching practice.