bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro prion protein conversion suggests risk of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
Authors: Morawski Aaron R , Carlson Christina M , Chang Haeyoon , Johnson Christopher J 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) affect both domestic sheep (scrapie) and captive and free-ranging cervids (chronic wasting disease; CWD). The geographical range of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis; BHS) overlaps with states or provinces that have contained scrapie-positive sheep or goats and areas with present epizootics of CWD in cervids. No TSEs have been documented in BHS, but the susceptibility of this species to TSEs remains unknown.

Results
We acquired a library of BHS tissues and found no evidence of preexisting TSEs in these animals. The prion protein gene (Prnp) in all BHS in our library was identical to scrapie-susceptible domestic sheep (A136R154Q171 genotype). Using an in vitro prion protein conversion assay, which has been previously used to assess TSE species barriers and, in our study appears to recollect known species barriers in mice, we assessed the potential transmissibility of TSEs to BHS. As expected based upon Prnp genotype, we observed BHS prion protein conversion by classical scrapie agent and evidence for a species barrier between transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) and BHS. Interestingly, our data suggest that the species barrier of BHS to white-tailed deer or wapiti CWD agents is likely low. We also used protein misfolding cyclic amplification to confirm that CWD, but not TME, can template prion protein misfolding in A136R154Q171 genotype sheep.

Conclusions
Our results indicate the in vitro conversion assay used in our study does mimic the species barrier of mice to the TSE agents that we tested. Based on Prnp genotype and results from conversion assays, BHS are likely to be susceptible to infection by classical scrapie. Despite mismatches in amino acids thought to modulate prion protein conversion, our data indicate that A136R154Q171 genotype sheep prion protein is misfolded by CWD agent, suggesting that these animals could be susceptible to CWD. Further investigation of TSE transmissibility to BHS, including animal studies, is warranted. The lack of reported TSEs in BHS may be attributable to other host factors or a lack of TSE surveillance in this species.
Rectal endoscopy findings following stereotactic body radiation therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer
Authors: Sood Sumit , Ju Andrew W , Wang Honkung , Lei Siyuan , Uhm Sunghae , Zhang Guowei , Suy Simeng , Carroll John , Lynch John , Dritschilo Anatoly , Collins Sean P 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Treating prostate cancer with SBRT could potentially minimize radiation proctitis by reducing high-dose rectal irradiation. In addition, it offers the potential radiobiologic benefits of hypofractionation. This study reports the endoscopic changes and the associated clinical rectal toxicity in these patients.

Methods
We reviewed the records of patients treated from 2008–2011 for localized prostate cancer who had rectal endoscopy following SBRT. SBRT was delivered either as primary treatment in 5 fractions of 7–7.25 Gy, or as an initial boost in 3 fractions of 6.5 Gy followed by conventionally fractionated radiotherapy to 45–50.4 Gy. Endoscopic changes were graded using the Vienna Rectoscopy Score (VRS). Rectal toxicity was graded via CTCAEv.4. Rectal quality of life (QOL) was assessed via the bowel domain of the EPIC-26 questionnaire.

Results
Fifty-one patients with a median 23 months follow-up were analyzed. Thirty-five patients completed SBRT monotherapy and 16 patients received SBRT as a boost to conventionally fractionated IMRT. The median interval from SBRT to rectal endoscopy was 13 months. Endoscopy revealed VRS Grade 1–2 telangiectasias for 10 patients and VRS Grade 1–2 mucosal edema for 12 patients. No rectal ulcerations, strictures or necrosis were observed. Grade 1–2 late rectal bleeding occurred in 10 patients. There were no CTCAEv.4 Grade ≥3 toxicities. Mean EPIC bowel scores decreased from a baseline value of 96.9 to 82.3 at 1-month, but subsequently increased to 91.0 at 24 months.

Conclusions
In this cohort that is skewed towards patients with rectal complaints, the rate and severity of endoscopic changes following SBRT is low. Rectal toxicity and QOL were comparable to patients treated with other radiation modalities. Prospective trials examining the endoscopic outcomes following SBRT for prostate cancer are needed for confirmation of the findings of this study.

Trial registration
The Georgetown Institutional Review Board has approved this retrospective study (IRB 2009–510).
Assessment of a novel, capsid-modified adenovirus with an improved vascular gene transfer profile
Authors: White Katie M , Alba Raul , Parker Alan L , Wright Audrey F , Bradshaw Angela C , Delles Christian , McDonald Robert A , Baker Andrew H 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular disorders, including coronary artery bypass graft failure and in-stent restenosis remain significant opportunities for the advancement of novel therapeutics that target neointimal hyperplasia, a characteristic of both pathologies. Gene therapy may provide a successful approach to improve the clinical outcome of these conditions, but would benefit from the development of more efficient vectors for vascular gene delivery. The aim of this study was to assess whether a novel genetically engineered Adenovirus could be utilised to produce enhanced levels of vascular gene expression.

Methods
Vascular transduction capacity was assessed in primary human saphenous vein smooth muscle and endothelial cells using vectors expressing the LacZ reporter gene. The therapeutic capacity of the vectors was compared by measuring smooth muscle cell metabolic activity and migration following infection with vectors that over-express the candidate therapeutic gene tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3).

Results
Compared to Adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5), the novel vector Ad5T*F35++ demonstrated improved binding and transduction of human vascular cells. Ad5T*F35++ mediated expression of TIMP-3 reduced smooth muscle cell metabolic activity and migration in vitro. We also demonstrated that in human serum samples pre-existing neutralising antibodies to Ad5T*F35++ were less prevalent than Ad5 neutralising antibodies.

Conclusions
We have developed a novel vector with improved vascular transduction and improved resistance to human serum neutralisation. This may provide a novel vector platform for human vascular gene transfer.
Performance evaluation of data aggregation for cluster-based wireless sensor network
Authors: Sinha Adwitiya , Lobiyal Daya Krishan 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn wireless sensor network, data fusion is considered an essential process for preserving sensor energy. Periodic data sampling leads to enormous collection of raw facts, the transmission of which would rapidly deplete the sensor power. In this paper, we have performed data aggregation on the basis of entropy of the sensors. The entropy is computed from the proposed local and global probability models. The models provide assistance in extracting high precision data from the sensor nodes. We have also proposed an energy efficient method for clustering the nodes in the network. Initially, sensors sensing the same category of data are placed within a distinct cluster. The remaining unclustered sensors estimate their divergence with respect to the clustered neighbors and ultimately join the least-divergent cluster. The overall performance of our proposed methods is evaluated using NS-2 simulator in terms of convergence rate, aggregation cycles, average packet drops, transmission cost and network lifetime. Finally, the simulation results establish the validity and efficiency of our approach.
The effects of active labour market policies for immigrants receiving social assistance in Denmark
Authors: Heinesen Eskil , Husted Leif , Rosholm Michael 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
We estimate the effect of active labour-market programmes on the exit rate to regular employment for non-western immigrants in Denmark who receive social assistance. We use the timing-of-events duration model and rich administrative data. We find large positive post-programme effects, and, surprisingly, even most in-programme effects are positive. The effects are largest for subsidized employment programmes, but effects are also large and significant for direct employment programmes and other programmes. Effects are larger if programmes begin after six months of unemployment. Implications of our estimates are illustrated by calculating effects on the duration to regular employment over a five-year period.

JEL classification codes

J64, J24, J68, J61, C41
Targeted next-generation sequencing of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma identifies novel genetic alterations in HPV+ and HPV- tumors
Authors: Lechner Matthias , Frampton Garrett M , Fenton Tim , Feber Andrew , Palmer Gary , Jay Amrita , Pillay Nischalan , Forster Martin , Cronin Maureen T , Lipson Doron , Miller Vincent A , Brennan Timothy A , Henderson Stephen , Vaz Francis , O'Flynn Paul , Kalavrezos Nicholas , Yelensky Roman , Beck Stephan , Stephens Philip J , Boshoff Chris 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Background
Human papillomavirus positive (HPV+) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an emerging disease, representing a distinct clinical and epidemiological entity. Understanding the genetic basis of this specific subtype of cancer could allow therapeutic targeting of affected pathways for a stratified medicine approach.

Methods
Twenty HPV+ and 20 HPV- laser-capture microdissected oropharyngeal carcinomas were used for paired-end sequencing of hybrid-captured DNA, targeting 3,230 exons in 182 genes often mutated in cancer. Copy number alteration (CNA) profiling, Sequenom MassArray sequencing and immunohistochemistry were used to further validate findings.

Results
HPV+ and HPV- oropharyngeal carcinomas cluster into two distinct subgroups. TP53 mutations are detected in 100% of HPV negative cases and abrogation of the G1/S checkpoint by CDKN2A/B deletion and/or CCND1 amplification occurs in the majority of HPV- tumors.

Conclusion
These findings strongly support a causal role for HPV, acting via p53 and RB pathway inhibition, in the pathogenesis of a subset of oropharyngeal cancers and suggest that studies of CDK inhibitors in HPV- disease may be warranted. Mutation and copy number alteration of PI3 kinase (PI3K) pathway components appears particularly prevalent in HPV+ tumors and assessment of these alterations may aid in the interpretation of current clinical trials of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR inhibitors in HNSCC.
Increased expression of intrinsic antiviral genes in HLA-B*57-positive individuals
Authors: Raposo Rui André Saraiva , Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed , Holditch Sara J , Kuebler Peter J , Cheng Rex G , Eriksson Emily M , Liao Wilson , Pillai Satish K , Nixon Douglas F 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThe genetic background of HIV-1-infected subjects, particularly the HLA class I haplotype, appears to be critical in determining disease progression rates, thought to be a result of the role of HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cell responses. The HLA-B*57 allele is strongly associated with viremic suppression and slower disease progression. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in HIV-1 disease progression rates among HLA-B*57-positive subjects, suggesting that additional factors may help to contain viral replication. In this report, we investigated the association between host restriction factors, other established immunological parameters, and HLA type in HIV-1-seronegative individuals. Our results demonstrate that healthy, uninfected HLA-B*57-positive individuals exhibit significantly higher gene-expression levels of host restriction factors, such as APOBEC3A, APOBEC3B, BST-2/tetherin, and ISG15. Interestingly, HLA-B*57 individuals have significantly lower CD4+ T cell frequencies but harbor slightly more activated CD4+ T cells compared with their HLA-B*35 counterparts. We detected significant correlations between CD4+ T cell activation and expression of several APOBEC3 family members, BST-2/tetherin, SAMHD1, and TRIM5α in HLA-B*57-positive individuals. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing distinct associations between host restriction factors and HLA class I genotype. Our results provide insights into natural protection mechanisms and immunity against HIV-1 that fall outside of classical HLA-mediated effects.
Quantum Chemical Studies on Dioxygen Activation and Methane Hydroxylation by Diiron and Dicopper Species as well as Related Metal–Oxo Species
Authors: Yoshizawa Kazunari 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Quantum chemical studies by the author and co-workers on dioxygen activation and methane hydroxylation by diiron and dicopper enzyme species as well as related metal–oxo species are reviewed. The activation of the O–O bond of dioxygen at the mono- and dimetal sites of metalloenzymes is an essential process in the initial catalytic stages of naturally occurring oxygenation reactions. A way of orbital thinking about dioxygen activation at diiron and dicopper enzymes is developed at the extended Hückel level of theory. Two different reaction pathways that lead from dimetal peroxo complexes with µ-η1:η1-O2 and µ-η2:η2-O2 modes to the corresponding dioxo complexes are discussed in detail. In considering the mechanism of methane hydroxylation, special attention to FeO+-mediated methane hydroxylation that occurs under ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) conditions is given. Mechanistic aspects about methane hydroxylation by the bare transition-metal oxide ions ScO+, TiO+, VO+, CrO+, MnO+, FeO+, CoO+, NiO+, and CuO+ are systematically analyzed on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. An important feature in the reaction is the spin crossover between the high-spin and low-spin potential energy surfaces in particular in the C–H activation process. The spin inversion from the high-spin state to the low-spin state effectively decreases the barrier height of C–H activation. Another feature in the reaction is that no radical species is involved in the course of the hydroxylation because the methyl species formed as a result of the C–H bond cleavage can directly coordinate to the metal active site. The coupling of the OH and CH3 ligands occurs to produce methanol at the metal active center. The reaction profiles obtained from DFT calculations are similar to those of the Gif chemistry proposed by D. H. R. Barton, in particular the involvement of the HO–M–CH3 species as an intermediate in the hydroxylation of methane. The nonradical mechanism is extended to methane hydroxylation by the diiron and dicopper species of methane monooxygenase (MMO). This mechanism is possible when the metal active center is coordinatively unsaturated to have a space for the coordination of the OH and CH3 groups as ligands. Although compelling discussion to support the involvement of oxygen- and carbon-centered radicals is provided, the nonradical mechanism still seems to be applicable for methane hydroxylation from the viewpoint of reaction selectivity. Kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) in the C–H activation process by the bare FeO+ complex and diiron and dicopper enzyme models are compared with respect to the radical and nonradical mechanisms by using transition state theory.
Syntheses and Photochromic Properties of Thiophenophan-1-ene-S,S,S′,S′-tetraoxides
Authors: Takeshita Michinori , Kodama Tomohiro , Wada Yuta , Hatcho Natsumi 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Photochromic thiophenophan-1-ene-S,S,S′,S′-tetraoxides have been synthesized by oxidation of sulfur atoms of thiophenophan-1-enes, and their photochromic properties were studied. The tetraoxides indicated photochromism and the quantum yields for photocyclization reactions became higher than that of nonbridged dithienylethene-S,S,S′,S′-tetraoxide due to fixation of conformations.
Highly Regioselective Palladium-catalyzed Double Hydroselenation of Terminal Alkynes with Benzeneselenol in the Presence of Acetic Acid
Authors: Ikeda Takuma , Tamai Taichi , Daitou Masayuki , Minamida Yoshiaki , Mitamura Takenori , Kusano Hiroki , Nomoto Akihiro , Ogawa Akiya 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Palladium diacetate (Pd(OAc)2), in the presence of acetic acid, is found to exhibit excellent catalytic activity for the double hydroselenation of terminal alkynes with benzeneselenol to yield the corresponding diselenoketals regioselectively.
Palladium-catalyzed Oxidation of Benzyl Ketones to Synthesis of α-Acetoxy Ketones Using Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Chen Zheng-Wang , Ye Dong-Nai , Ye Min , Liu Liang-Xian 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
An efficient procedure for the preparation of α-acetoxy ketone derivatives by palladium-catalyzed oxidation reactions employing molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant has been reported. A variety of benzyl ketones were used to investigate the scope of the reactions.
Properties of molding plates made with various matrices impregnated with PF and liquefied wood-based PF resins
Authors: Lee Yun-Yun , Lee Wen-Jau , Hsu Ling-Ying , Hsieh Han-Min 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Phenol (P) and phenol-liquefied wood (LW; Cryptomeria japonica, Japanese cedar) have been reacted with formalin and ammonium hydroxide as a catalyst to prepare alcohol-soluble phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins named PF and LWPF, respectively. The resins prepared were dehydrated, diluted with ethanol, and impregnated into wood powders, filter papers, and cloths. The PF resin-impregnated matrix materials were then hot-pressed to form molding plates (MP) and their properties were tested. Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis shows that both PF and LWPF behave as hot-melting resins and are able to further condensation reactions to form a set resin. However, the maximal temperatures of LWPF are shifted to a higher temperature range compared with PF. MPs made with LWPF-impregnated materials have poorer performance than that of PF. However, the bending strength of MP with filter paper is 96.8 MPa, which fits the request of CNS 10559. The MPs made of filter papers have the best mechanical properties followed by MPs with wood powders and cloths.
Selective purification of bleached spruce TMP process water by induced air flotation (IAF)
Authors: Zasadowski Dariusz , Strand Anders , Sundberg Anna , Edlund Håkan , Norgren Magnus 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The environmentally benign closure of water systems in paper mills leads to the problem of accumulation of dissolved and colloidal wood substances (DCS) in process water. Notably, pitch affects the pulp and paper production negatively and increases the demand for additional treatment of the process water. In the present article, the purification of thermomechanical pulping process water from the alkaline peroxide bleaching stage has been investigated, with the induced air flotation (IAF) in focus. The following parameters were considered concerning the IAF efficiency to remove detrimental substances: concentration of cationic foaming agent, pH value, calcium concentration, and temperature. The amounts and characteristics of residual DCS were determined by gas chromatography and turbidity measurements. Residual concentrations of the foaming agent dodecyltrimetylammonium chloride were determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Up to 90% of pitch was removed, whereas hemicelluloses, which are important in preventing pitch problems, remained in the waters. Up to 70% of the pectic acids accounted for the high cationic demand of the process waters were removed by optimization of the IAF parameters. The presented separation process gives new opportunities to a selective purification of the process waters.
Synthesis of alcohol-soluble phenol-formaldehyde resins from pyrolysis oil of Cunninghamia lanceolata wood and properties of molding plates made of resin-impregnated materials
Authors: Lee Wen-Jau , Tseng I-Min , Kao Yu-Pin , Lee Yun-Yun , Hu Ming-Shan 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Fast pyrolysis oil (Py-oil) from Cunninghamia lanceolata wood was the starting material in preparing alcohol-soluble phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins. For this purpose, phenol (Ph) and Py-oils were mixed in weight ratios of 50/50, 40/60, and 30/70. The molecular weight distribution, thermal setting behavior, and heat resistance of the set resins were investigated. Albizia falcataria wood powder and cotton paper were impregnated with the resin mixture, and molding plates were produced by hot pressing; their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties were evaluated. The results show that Py-oil blended with Ph is a suitable raw material for preparing alcohol-soluble PF resins, which possess the characteristics of thermal melting and setting. The properties of the molding plates were satisfactory. The static bending strength (>100 MPa) and elastic modulus of the cotton paper-based products fulfill the requirements of CNS 10559 standard. The initial temperature of the thermal degradation of molding plates is >345°C. The performance of the molding plates decreased with increasing ratios of Py-oil.
Neopterin and other indicators of HIV progression in Zambian adults
Authors: Hosp M , Quigley M , Mwinga Am , Godfrey-Faussett P , Porter Jdh , McAdam Kpw , Fuchs Oj 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In this study, we assessed a possible correlation of CD4 counts with the low-cost progression markers neopterin, 132-microglobulin (B2M), total lymphocyte count (TLC) and hemoglobin, and we investigated associations between progression :narkers and clinical parameters in HIV -1 seropositive Zambians. Of 147 HIV- 1 seropositive patients presenting to an outpatient clinic in Lusaka, blood was taken for CD4 counts, serum progression markers and full blood count. A detailed clinical history and medical examination was taken at that point, and the patients were seen 3··monthly over the following 12 months. Further CD4 counts were taken after 6 and 12 months. Neopterin, B2M: lymphocyte count, and hemoglobin showed a strong correlation with CD4 count. Of the serum progression markers, neopterin was more sensitive than B2M to detect HIV related symptoms and to predict weight loss and death in the follow-up period. Lymphocyte count and hemoglobin were significantly lower in patients with oral candidiasis and those falling sick or dying in the follow-up period. Hemoglobin was also associated with past diarrhoea. When stratified by sex, the associations of hemoglobin were very strong in males, but weaker in females . In conclusion, neopterin and B2M correlate well with CD 4 counts in this African population. Neopterin appears to be more sensitive for the clinical evaluation o: the patients in this study. Hemoglobin might only be useful as a progression marker in male individuals .