bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CKMT1 regulates the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in a process that provides evidence for alternative forms of the complex
Authors: Datler Christoph , Pazarentzos Evangelos , Mahul-Mellier Anne-Laure , Chaisaklert Wanwisa , Hwang Ming-Shih , Osborne Foy , Grimm Stefan 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT
The permeability transition pore (PT-pore) mediates cell death through the dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Because the exact composition of the PT-pore is controversial, it is crucial to investigate the actual molecular constituents and regulators of this complex. We found that mitochondrial creatine kinase-1 (CKMT1) is a universal and functionally necessary gatekeeper of the PT-pore, as its depletion induces mitochondrial depolarization and apoptotic cell death. This can be inhibited efficiently by bongkrekic acid, a compound that is widely used to inhibit the PT-pore. However, when the ‘classical’ PT-pore subunits cyclophilin D and VDAC1 are pharmacologically inhibited or their expression levels reduced, mitochondrial depolarization by CKMT1 depletion remains unaffected. At later stages of drug-induced apoptosis, CKMT1 levels are reduced, suggesting that CKMT1 downregulation acts to reinforce the commitment of cells to apoptosis. A novel high-molecular-mass CKMT1 complex that is distinct from the known CKMT1 octamer disintegrates upon treatment with cytotoxic drugs, concomitant with mitochondrial depolarization. Our study provides evidence that CKMT1 is a key regulator of the PT-pore through a complex that is distinct from the classical PT-pore.
Dynamic Properties of Water Confined in Sephadex G15 Gel by Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering and Neutron Spin Echo Measurements
Authors: Ito Kanae , Yoshida Koji , Bellissent-Funel Marie-Claire , Yamaguchi Toshio 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The dynamic properties of water confined in Sephadex G15 gel were investigated over the temperature range of 275–320 K at a hydration level h (= mass of water/mass of dry G15 gel) of 0.38, where both bound water melting at 258–268 K and unfrozen water are present, by using quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) and neutron spin echo (NSE) techniques. The QENS data showed that, at 290 K, the water molecules perform local motions characterized by a diffusion coefficient Dlocal of (0.65 ± 0.05) × 10−5 cm2 s−1 and that the diffusion is limited to some volume estimated as a sphere with a radius of 4.4 Å. The Arrhenius plots of the relaxation time of water gave the activation energy of 44.2 ± 1.5 kJ mol−1, which is somewhat larger than the value (15–36 kJ mol−1) of water confined in MCM-41 C10 (pore diameter 21 Å). This finding suggests that water molecules in G15 gel are strongly bound to the hydroxy groups of the crosslinked substrates.
Low Resistivity Composite Catalyst for Hybrid Gas Purifier with DC Corona Discharge
Authors: Su Penghao , Zhu Yimin , Hou Chunyan , Liu Yingjie 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
To make titanium tin oxide (TTO) adapted to serve as a catalyst as well as a ground electrode in a DC corona discharge gas purifier, indium tin oxide (ITO) with low resistivity was composited with TTO via the sol–gel method. The resistivity of TTO–ITO composite was reduced to ca. 5 from ca. 104 Ω cm of TTO. The discharge characteristics and the purification performance were promoted by the reduction of resistivity. There was no difference between TTO–ITO and TTO in valence states or crystal phases. We deduced that the hybrid purification mechanism of purifier TTO–ITO was plasma catalysis driven by electrons.
The saphenofemoral junction in ultrasound
Authors: Mendoza E. 
Published: February 2014

ZusammenfassungDie Untersuchung der Mündung der V. saphena magna in der Leiste in die tiefe Beinvene ist einer der Kernbestandteile der phlebologischen Duplexsonographie. Die Mündungs -varianten der Venensternseitenäste sind vielfältig, ebenso die möglichen Refluxquellen in Abhängigkeit der Kompetenz der beiden Klappen im Mündungsbereich der terminalen Klappe unmittelbar am Übergang zur tiefen Beinvene und der präterminalen Klappe distal des Venensterns. Die Duplexsonographie bietet die Möglichkeit, den Fluss in jeder dieser Venen einzeln darzustellen und ihr Zusammenspiel zu analysieren. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die verschiedenen Einteilungen der Mündungsinsuffizienz zusammengestellt und schematisch vorgestellt und an-hand der duplexsonographischen Bilder erläutert.
Efficacy and safety of a new pneumatic compression device for peripheral arterial disease with intermittent claudication
Authors: Zelikovski A. , Loberman Z. , Rauh G. , Breu F. X. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryBackground: The primary objective of the study was to demonstrate that Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) with the new ANGIO PRESS™ IPC device can significantly improve the walking distance, i.e. pain free initial intermittent claudication distance (ICD) and the absolute claudication distance (ACD) in patients with stage II peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) compared to control treatment.Patients and methods: A total of 67 patients were screened and randomized into the study in four clinical centers based in Israel and Germany. Patients were randomized to one of the two study groups: 1. Medication treatment with ASS / Clopidogrel and standardized walking exercise with additional IPC treatment, two times per day for 1.5 hours for three months. 2. Medication treatment and standardized walking exercise alone. The safety and efficacy of the ANGIO PRESS™ device was determined for the treatment of symptoms of PAD Fontaine stage IIb by measuring the pain free walking distance, the absolute walking distance, the ankle-brachial-index (ABI) and the walking pain. Additionally the quality of life (QOL) of each subject was assessed according to the SF-36 questionnaire. Subjects were followed up at six weeks and 3 months.Results: No statistical differences were observed in any of the demographic characteristics and baseline scores. A significant difference was found between the treatment and control group in the ACD and the walking pain scale. Subjects in the treatment group improved their total walking distance in 54 meters, an improvement of 40% compared to their baseline distance. The walking pain improved by 1.89 points in the treatment group. Despite the fact that the difference in the ICD between the study groups were not found significantly different, the mean change from baseline in ICD score at the three month visit in the treatment group of 37 m was found statistically significant (p=0.0002), whereas the mean change of 20.7 m in the control group was not found significantly different. No changes were found between the study groups in the ABI and the QOL. The treatment was easy to tolerate and most patients suffered no side-effects, nor complained of any significant discomfort. Two subjects suffered from SAEs which were determined as not related to the study treatment.Conclusion: The ANGIO PRESS™ is a non-invasive, easy to use, home treatment which is safe and moderately effective for the treatment of intermittent claudication. The ability of subjects to improve their absolute walking distance and reduce the walking pain on the same time may offer a significant value for patients at early stages of PAD who are not indicated for an invasive treatment.
Biogas Filter Based on Local Natural Zeolite Materials
Authors: Krido Wahono Satriyo , Anggo Rizal Wahyu 
Published: February 2014

UPT BPPTK LIPI has created a biogas filter tool to improve the purity of methane in the biogas. The device shaped cylindrical tube containing absorbent materials which based on local natural zeolite of Indonesia. The absorbent has been activated and modified with other materials. This absorbtion material has multi-adsorption capacity for almost impurities gas of biogas. The biogas filter increase methane content of biogas for 5-20%. The biogas filter improve the biogas’s performance such as increasing methane contents, increasing heating value, reduction of odors, reduction of corrosion potential, increasing the efficiency and stability of the generator.
6-Pentyl-α-pyrone as an anti-sapstain compound produced by Trichoderma gamsii KUC1747 inhibits the germination of ophiostomatoid fungi
Authors: Hong Joo-Hyun , Lee Jaejung , Min Mihee , Ryu Seung-mok , Lee Dongho , Kim Gyu-Hyeok , Kim Jae-Jin 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The capability of Trichoderma gamsii to biologically control sapstain fungi has been investigated. Six ophiostomatoids, including Ophiostoma floccosum, O. piceae, O. piliferum, O. ips, Grosmannia koreana, and G. piceaperda, were inhibited by the extracts of T. gamsii. Of the various cultivation periods, 7 days of T. gamsii cultivation produced antifungal compounds most efficiently. The crude extracts of T. gamsii inhibited O. ips, G. koreana, and G. piceaperda by over 99%. The crude extracts of T. gamsii were isolated, and the compounds were purified by thin layer chromatography (TLC), open column chromatography, ultra-performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-MS) and NMR spectroscopy. The active fractions were separated based on the degree of T. gamsii antifungal activity. The compound 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6PAP) was evaluated as a biological control agent for sapstain fungi.
Chasing Down the Mundane: The Near East with Social Historical Interest
Authors: Fleming Daniel E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAlthough the “new social history” of the 1960s and 1970s quickly bequeathed its universal ambitions to a “new cultural history” in the 1980s, the attraction of the social historical category for study of the ancient Near East remains its potential to transform how we see the entire landscape of each past setting, still evoking E. P. Thompson’s history “from the bottom up.” Cuneiform writing offers a wealth of materials from the transactions of everyday life, in spite of the fact that the scribal profession served the centers of power and families of means, and a social historical perspective allows even documents from administrative archives to be viewed from below as well as from the rulers’ vantage. The potential for examining ancient society from below, in all its variety and lack of order, is illustrated in the archives of Late Bronze Age Emar in northwestern Syria. It is to be hoped that specialists in the ancient Near East will join a larger conversation among historians about how to approach the movement of societies through time.
Plyometric Long Jump Training With Progressive Loading Improves Kinetic and Kinematic Swimming Start Parameters
Authors: Rebutini Vanessa Z. , Pereira Gleber , Bohrer Roberta C.D. , Ugrinowitsch Carlos , Rodacki André L.F. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Rebutini, VZ, Pereira, G, Bohrer, RCD, Ugrinowitsch, C, and Rodacki, ALF. Plyometric long jump training with progressive loading improves kinetic and kinematic swimming start parameters. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2392–2398, 2016—This study was aimed to determine the effects of a plyometric long jump training program on torque around the lower limb joints and kinetic and kinematics parameters during the swimming jump start. Ten swimmers performed 3 identical assessment sessions, measuring hip and knee muscle extensors during maximal voluntary isometric contraction and kinetic and kinematics parameters during the swimming jump start, at 3 instants: INI (2 weeks before the training program, control period), PRE (2 weeks after INI measurements), and POST (24–48 hours after 9 weeks of training). There were no significant changes from INI to PRE measurements. However, the peak torque and rate of torque development increased significantly from PRE to POST measurements for both hip (47 and 108%) and knee (24 and 41%) joints. There were significant improvements to the horizontal force (7%), impulse (9%), and angle of resultant force (19%). In addition, there were significant improvements to the center of mass displacement (5%), horizontal takeoff velocity (16%), horizontal velocity at water entrance (22%), and peak angle velocity for the knee (15%) and hip joints (16%). Therefore, the plyometric long jump training protocol was effective to enhance torque around the lower limb joints and to control the resultant vector direction, to increase the swimming jump start performance. These findings suggest that coaches should use long jump training instead of vertical jump training to improve swimming start performance.
Quantitative Model for Clusters of String-like Cooperative Motion in a Coarse-Grained Glass-Forming Polymer Melt
Authors: Pazmiño Betancourt Beatriz A , Douglas Jack F. , Starr Francis W. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTWe apply a living polymerization theory to describe cooperative string-like particle rearrangement clusters observed in simulations of a coarse-grained polymer melt. The theory quantitatively describes the interrelation between the average string length L, configurational entropy Sconf, and the order parameter for string assembly Φ without free parameters. Combining this theory with the Adam-Gibbs (AG) model allows us to predict the relaxation time τ in a lower temperature T range than accessible by current simulations. In particular, the combined theories suggest a return to Arrhenius behavior near Tg and a low T residual entropy, thus avoiding a Kauzmann ‘entropy crisis’.
Feasibility of spoof surface plasmon waveguide enabled ultrathin room temperature THz GaN quantum cascade laser
Authors: Sun Greg , Khurgin Jacob B. , Tsai Din Ping 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe propose and study the feasibility of a THz GaN/AlGaN quantum cascade laser (QCL) consisting of only five periods with confinement provided by a spoof surface plasmon (SSP) waveguide for room temperature operation. The QCL design takes advantages of the large optical phonon energy and the ultrafast phonon scattering in GaN that allow for engineering favorable laser state lifetimes, and the SSP waveguide provides the optical confinement for the ultrathin QCL. Our analysis has shown that the waveguide loss is sufficiently low for the QCL to reach its threshold at the injection current density around 6 kA/cm2 at room temperature.
Excitation and detection of coherent optical phonon modes in epitaxial cubic Ge2Sb2Te5thin films of different crystallographic orientation
Authors: Al-Saigh R. , Shalini A. , Srivastava G. P. , Hicken R. J. , Calarco R. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTOptical pump-probe studies of cubic crystalline Ge2Sb2Te5/GaSb(001) have previously shown that the amplitude of a coherent optical phonon (COP) with frequency of 3.4 THz observed in the anisotropic reflectance (AR) signal exhibits a four-fold dependence upon the polarization of the probe beam. The appearance of the mode in the AR signal but not the reflectance (R) signal, and the dependence upon probe polarization, both suggest a three-dimensional mode character. Confirmation that this mode indeed has three-dimensional character, similar to the Raman inactive T2 mode in the pristine rock salt structure, is highly important in understanding the structure of the crystalline phase of Ge2Sb2Te5 that has important applications within data storage technology. A phonon of the same frequency has been observed in an epitaxial Ge2Sb2Te5/InAs(111) structure, suggesting that this phonon is indeed characteristic of epitaxial cubic GST. A theory, which considers the symmetry of the Raman tensor for a particular phonon mode, is used to predict the dependence of R and AR signal amplitude upon pump and probe polarization for the T2 mode of a (111) facet of the putative rock-salt structure.
Solute-Vacancy Interactions in Nickel
Authors: Tucker Julie D. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTSolute trapping of vacancies in a Ni host lattice is a first step to understanding how solute additions may effect ordering phase transformation in Ni-based alloys. Minor additions of solutes (<3 wt.%) may not have an appreciable effect on the thermodynamics of phase stability but strong binding between the vacancy and solute may significantly alter the kinetics of phase transformations. In this work vacancy-solute binding energies are calculated for multiple elements (Cr, Fe, Mn, Si, Ti, Nb, Ta, Cu, Al, Mo) in a pure Ni face-centered cubic lattice. These elements are common in corrosion-resistant Ni-based alloys. Binding enthalpies for the first four nearest-neighbor vacancy-solute pairs are reported for all elements. The results of this study show that Si, Ti, Nb and Ta bind to vacancies in the first nearest-neighbor position. Alloys containing these solute additions may experience delayed phase transformation due to vacancy trapping that slows diffusion.
A Multisite Study of the Prevalence of HIV With Rapid Testing in Mental Health Settings
Authors: Blank Michael B. , Himelhoch Seth S. , Balaji Alexandra B. , Metzger David S. , Dixon Lisa B. , Rose Charles E. , Oraka Emeka , Davis-Vogel Annet , Thompson William W. , Heffelfinger James D. 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We estimated HIV prevalence and risk factors among persons receiving mental health treatment in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore, Maryland, January 2009 to August 2011. Methods. We used a multisite, cross-sectional design stratified by clinical setting. We tested 1061 individuals for HIV in university-based inpatient psychiatric units (n = 287), intensive case-management programs (n = 273), and community mental health centers (n = 501). Results. Fifty-one individuals (4.8%) were HIV-infected. Confirmed positive HIV tests were 5.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.7%, 9.4%) for inpatient units, 5.1% (95% CI = 3.1%, 8.5%) for intensive case-management programs, and 4.0% (95% CI = 2.6%, 6.1%) for community mental health centers. Characteristics associated with HIV included Black race, homosexual or bisexual identity, and HCV infection. Conclusions. HIV prevalence for individuals receiving mental health services was about 4 times as high as in the general population. We found a positive association between psychiatric symptom severity and HIV infection, indicating that engaging persons with mental illness in appropriate mental health treatment may be important to HIV prevention. These findings reinforce recommendations for routine HIV testing in all clinical settings to ensure that HIV-infected persons receiving mental health services are identified and referred to timely infectious disease care.
The Effect of Household Smoking Bans on Household Smoking
Authors: Hennessy Michael , Bleakley Amy , Mallya Giridhar , Romer Daniel 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. Because household smoking levels and adoption of domestic smoking rules may be endogenously related, we estimated a nonrecursive regression model to determine the simultaneous relationship between home smoking restrictions and household smoking. Methods. We used data from a May–June 2012 survey of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, households with smokers (n = 456) to determine the simultaneous association between smoking levels in the home and the presence of home restrictions on smoking. Results. We found that home smoking rules predicted smoking in the home but smoking in the home had no effect on home smoking restrictions. Conclusions. Absent in-home randomized experiments, a quasi-experimental causal inference suggesting that home smoking rules result in lower home smoking levels may be plausible.
Prevalence and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Newly Arrived Refugees in San Diego County, January 2010–October 2012
Authors: Bennett Rachel J. , Brodine Stephanie , Waalen Jill , Moser Kathleen , Rodwell Timothy C. 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We determined the prevalence and treatment rates of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in newly arrived refugees in San Diego County, California, and assessed demographic and clinical characteristics associated with these outcomes. Methods. We analyzed data from LTBI screening results of 4280 refugees resettled in San Diego County between January 2010 and October 2012. Using multivariate logistic regression, we calculated the associations between demographic and clinical risk factors and the outcomes of LTBI diagnosis and LTBI treatment initiation. Results. The prevalence of LTBI was highest among refugees from sub-Saharan Africa (43%) and was associated with current smoking and having a clinical comorbidity that increases the risk for active tuberculosis. Although refugees from sub-Saharan Africa had the highest prevalence of infection, they were significantly less likely to initiate treatment than refugees from the Middle East. Refugees with postsecondary education were significantly more likely to initiate LTBI treatment. Conclusions. Public health strategies are needed to increase treatment rates among high-risk refugees with LTBI. Particular attention is required among refugees from sub-Saharan Africa and those with less education.
Bridging the Divide: HIV Prevention Research and Black Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Andrasik Michele Peake , Chandler Christian , Powell Borris , Humes Damon , Wakefield Steven , Kripke Katharine , Eckstein Daniel 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We obtained contextual information regarding documented barriers to HIV clinical trial participation among Black men who have sex with men (MSM), and explored current preventive HIV clinical trial attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions among Black MSM leaders in the United States. Methods. We conducted 2 focus groups with Black MSM leaders attending an annual African American MSM Leadership Conference on HIV/AIDS. Focus group questions explored biomedical research perceptions and attitudes, barriers to participation in biomedical prevention research, and steps that need to be taken to address these barriers. A feedback and member checking (participants presented with final themes to provide feedback and guidance) session was also held at the 2012 conference. Results. Three distinct themes emerged regarding Black MSM engagement and participation in HIV vaccine research: (1) community-based organizations as true partners, (2) investment in the Black gay community, and (3) true efforts to inform and educate the community. Conclusions. A key focus for improving efforts to engage the Black MSM community in preventive HIV clinical trials is building and maintaining equitable and reciprocal partnerships among research institutions, Black-led AIDS service organizations and community-based organizations, and community members.
Homelessness and Other Risk Factors for HIV Infection in the Current Outbreak Among Injection Drug Users in Athens, Greece
Authors: Sypsa Vana , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Malliori Meni , Nikolopoulos Georgios K. , Panopoulos Anastasios , Kantzanou Maria , Katsoulidou Antigoni , Psichogiou Mina , Fotiou Anastasios , Pharris Anastasia , Van De Laar Marita , Wiessing Lucas , Jarlais Don Des , Friedman Samuel R. , Hatzakis Angelos 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We examined HIV prevalence and risk factors among injection drug users (IDUs) in Athens, Greece, during an HIV outbreak. Methods. We used respondent-driven sampling (RDS) to recruit 1404 IDUs to the Aristotle intervention in August to October 2012. We interviewed participants and tested for HIV. We performed bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results. Estimated HIV prevalence was 19.8% (RDS-weighted prevalence = 14.8%). Odds of infection were 2.3 times as high in homeless as in housed IDUs and 2.1 times as high among IDUs who injected at least once per day as among less frequent injectors (both, P < .001). Six percent of men and 23.5% of women reported transactional sex in the past 12 months, and condom use was low. Intercourse with non-IDUs was common (53.2% of men, 25.6% of women). Among IDUs who had been injecting for 2 years or less the estimated incidence rate was 23.4 new HIV cases per 100 person-years at risk. Conclusions. Efforts to reduce HIV transmission should address homelessness as well as scaling up prevention services, such as needle and syringe distribution and other risk reduction interventions.