bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ternary Poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile)/Poly(vinyl chloride) Blend Composites with Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Enhanced Physical Characteristics
Authors: Lim Sang‐Kyun , Hong Eun‐Pyo , Song You‐Hyun , Choi Hyoung Jin , Chin In‐Joo 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe report a ternary system of poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (SAN), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites prepared by both a solution blending method and the SOAM. The MWCNT content in the composites was optimized by both TGA and mechanical characterization of binary mixtures of SAN/MWCNT and PVC/MWCNT composites. The dispersion of MWCNTs in the miscible SAN/PVC blends was characterized by FT‐Raman spectroscopy, FE‐SEM, and FE‐TEM. The distribution of MWCNTs in the SAN/PVC blends was examined in terms of their wetting coefficients and minimization of the interfacial energy. Composites prepared using the SOAM method showed superior physical properties to the SAN/PVC blends and SAN/PVC/MWCNT composites prepared using the solution blending method.magnified image
Accessory spleen: Differential diagnosis for lymphoma in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
Authors: Georgin‐Lavialle Sophie , Aouba Achille , Canioni Danielle , Rieux‐Laucat Frédéric , Fischer Alain , Hermine Olivier 
Published: February 2010

AbstractMutations of Fas or, less frequently, Fas ligand genes result in a rare inherited lymphoid disorder called autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) in which lymphoma frequency is increased. We report on a patient with ALPS who had been splenectomized for giant splenomegaly and progressively developed a voluminous abdominal tumor. The histology of the removed tumor revealed that it was an accessory spleen exhibiting typical features of ALPS involvement, as shown by the presence of a large excess of CD3+CD4−CD8− T cells and plasma cells without a detectable monoclonal population. This observation highlights the lymphoma's differential diagnosis in this context. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:1020–1022 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization and conductivity studies of nanocomposite films with polymer networks containing polyaniline‐alginate/titanium dioxide
Authors: Basavaraja C. , Kim Na Ri , Jo Eun Ae , Huh Do Sung 
Published: February 2010

AbstractPolyaniline nanocomposite films were chemically synthesized in the presence of alginate template by varying the concentration of TiO2 in the composites. Characterization of the composite samples by FTIR, UV‐Vis spectra (UV), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicates the formation of polyaniline‐alginate/titanium dioxide (PAT) composites. The morphology analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) also supports the formation of the composites. Temperature‐dependent DC conductivity of the polyaniline‐alginate (PA) and PAT composites was studied in the range of 300 ≤ T ≤ 500 K. UV‐Vis and FTIR spectral studies reveal that the alginate is a good template for the chemical interaction between polyaniline and TiO2, which suggests that the micelles formed by the anilinium‐alginate cations containing TiO2 are responsible for the transport properties of the PAT composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1754–1761, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Comparative characterization of random‐sequence proteins consisting of 5, 12, and 20 kinds of amino acids
Authors: Tanaka Junko , Doi Nobuhide , Takashima Hideaki , Yanagawa Hiroshi 
Published: February 2010

AbstractScreening of functional proteins from a random‐sequence library has been used to evolve novel proteins in the field of evolutionary protein engineering. However, random‐sequence proteins consisting of the 20 natural amino acids tend to aggregate, and the occurrence rate of functional proteins in a random‐sequence library is low. From the viewpoint of the origin of life, it has been proposed that primordial proteins consisted of a limited set of amino acids that could have been abundantly formed early during chemical evolution. We have previously found that members of a random‐sequence protein library constructed with five primitive amino acids show high solubility (Doi et al., Protein Eng Des Sel 2005;18:279–284). Although such a library is expected to be appropriate for finding functional proteins, the functionality may be limited, because they have no positively charged amino acid. Here, we constructed three libraries of 120‐amino acid, random‐sequence proteins using alphabets of 5, 12, and 20 amino acids by preselection using mRNA display (to eliminate sequences containing stop codons and frameshifts) and characterized and compared the structural properties of random‐sequence proteins arbitrarily chosen from these libraries. We found that random‐sequence proteins constructed with the 12‐member alphabet (including five primitive amino acids and positively charged amino acids) have higher solubility than those constructed with the 20‐member alphabet, though other biophysical properties are very similar in the two libraries. Thus, a library of moderate complexity constructed from 12 amino acids may be a more appropriate resource for functional screening than one constructed from 20 amino acids.
A reported archaeal mechanosensitive channel is a structural homolog of MarR‐like transcriptional regulators
Authors: Liu Zhenfeng , Walton Troy A. , Rees Douglas C. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractSeveral archaeal mechanosensitive (MS) channels have been reported, including one from Thermoplasma volcanium designated MscTV. Here, we report the crystal structure of MscTV at 1.6‐Å resolution. Unexpectedly, MscTV was found to be a water‐soluble protein exhibiting a winged helix‐turn‐helix (wHTH) motif, which is the signature of the MarR (multiple antibiotic resistance regulator) family of transcriptional regulators. A cell‐based osmotic downshock functional assay demonstrated that MscTV was unable to protect a knockout strain of Escherichia coli from hypoosmotic shock, further indicating that it does not function as a MS channel. We propose this protein be renamed MLPTv for MarR‐like protein from T. volcanium.
Discovery and characterization of a mammalian amyloid disaggregation activity
Authors: Murray Amber N. , Solomon James P. , Wang Ya‐Juan , Balch William E. , Kelly Jeffery W. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe formation of amyloid, a cross‐β‐sheet fibrillar aggregate, is associated with a variety of aging‐associated degenerative diseases. Herein, we report the existence of a mammalian amyloid disaggregase activity that is present in all tissues and cell types tested. Homogenates from mammalian tissues and cell lines are able to disaggregate amyloid fibrils composed of amyloid β (Aβ)1–40 or the 8 kDa plasma gelsolin fragment. The mammalian disaggregase activity is sensitive to proteinase K digestion and can be uncoupled from proteolysis activity using a protease inhibitor cocktail. Amyloid disaggregation and proteolysis activities are remarkably resistant to changes in temperature and pH. Identification and manipulation of the proteins responsible for the amyloid disaggregation/degradation activities offers the possibility of ameliorating aggregation‐associated diseases.
Quantum skyrmions and the stability of an SO(3) quantum spin‐glass
Authors: Marino E. C. , da Conceição C. M. S. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe explore the order–disorder duality relation existing between the spin degrees of freedom and the skyrmion topological excitations in a quenched, disordered SO(3) quantum spin system described by a Heisenberg hamiltonian with nearest neighbor interactions and a Gaussian distribution of couplings. The quantum skyrmion correlation functions are evaluated in each of the phases presented by the system. These realize all possibilities allowed by the duality relation. There is a spin‐glass phase at finite temperature, where the skyrmion correlator have a power‐law behavior. The Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) mechanism stabilizes this phase.
Attosecond quantum fluid dynamics of H2 molecule in a strong time‐dependent magnetic field
Authors: Vikas  
Published: February 2010

AbstractQuantum fluid dynamics of hydrogen molecule evolving in a strong time‐dependent magnetic field of order >109 G, at internuclear separation R = 1.4 a.u., is presented in a parallel internuclear and magnetic field axis configuration. Time‐dependent density functional computations are performed through a generalized nonlinear time‐dependent Schrödinger equation, which is based on a quantum fluid dynamics approach. The computations reveal interesting dynamics, taking place on the attosecond timescale, in the time‐dependent electronic charge‐density distribution of hydrogen molecule. A distinctive feature of these dynamics is the field‐dependent crossing between different spin‐states as observed in the time‐independent studies of hydrogen molecule in strong static magnetic fields. These crossovers are further elaborated in relevance to the transitions observed in the behavior of correlation energy and exchange energy of hydrogen molecule with magnetic field strength in real‐time. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Adaptation to sensory loss
Authors: Voss Patrice , Collignon Olivier , Lassonde Maryse , Lepore Franco 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe human brain has the remarkable ability to adapt to changes in its environment by benefiting from its ‘plastic’ properties. Following brain injury, the amputation of a limb, or the loss of a sensory input such as peripheral blindness, brain circuitry often seems to be able to reorganize itself in order to compensate for the handicap by being recruited to carry out tasks not associated with their prior ‘default’ functioning. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the brain's remarkable ability to adapt to changes in its environment, particularly when it is faced with a sensory loss. Two excellent models to study this phenomenon are provided by blind and deaf individuals. In both cases, studies have shown that they appear to compensate for the loss of sensory input with enhanced abilities in their remaining senses. These behavioral modifications are often coupled with changes in cerebral processing, generally in the form of crossmodal recruitment of deaffarented primary and secondary sensory areas. We will also discuss the possible mechanisms underlying these changes and whether the functional topography of these regions present in unimpaired individuals is preserved in blindness and deafness. The notion of a critical period for plastic changes will also be discussed and its importance will be shown to be twofold. On the one hand, the functional relevance of crossmodal processing appears to decrease as a function of the age of onset of the deficiency. On the other hand, the more cortical reorganization takes place, the less likely brain areas will be able to process input from its original sensory modality. This is especially important for deaf individuals as auditory input can now be restored thanks to cochlear implants. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:Psychology > Perception and PsychophysicsNeuroscience > Development
Gene function prediction from synthetic lethality networks via ranking on demand
Authors: Lippert Christoph , Ghahramani Zoubin , Borgwardt Karsten M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractMotivation: Synthetic lethal interactions represent pairs of genes whose individual mutations are not lethal, while the double mutation of both genes does incur lethality. Several studies have shown a correlation between functional similarity of genes and their distances in networks based on synthetic lethal interactions. However, there is a lack of algorithms for predicting gene function from synthetic lethality interaction networks.Results: In this article, we present a novel technique called kernelROD for gene function prediction from synthetic lethal interaction networks based on kernel machines. We apply our novel algorithm to Gene Ontology functional annotation prediction in yeast. Our experiments show that our method leads to improved gene function prediction compared with state-of-the-art competitors and that combining genetic and congruence networks leads to a further improvement in prediction accuracy.Contact: christoph.lippert@tuebingen.mpg.deSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Clinical trial: the efficacy and safety of oral PF‐03491390, a pancaspase inhibitor – a randomized placebo‐controlled study in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: SHIFFMAN M. L. , POCKROS P. , MCHUTCHISON J. G. , SCHIFF E. R. , MORRIS M. , BURGESS G. 
Published: February 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 969–978SummaryBackground  Elevated serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) reflect hepatocellular injury in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Increased apoptosis and activated caspases are present in these patients. PF‐03491390 inhibits multiple caspases and lowers serum AST and ALT levels in patients with chronic liver diseases.Aim  To determine if treatment with an oral pancaspase inhibitor could reduce serum AST and ALT in patients with HCV.Methods  Double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐dose study in 204 patients treated with placebo or PF‐03491390 (5, 25 or 50 mg) orally twice daily (b.d.) for up to 12 weeks. Serum AST and ALT were monitored weekly.Results  Significant reductions in serum AST and ALT were observed within 1 week of initiating PF‐03491390 in all treatment groups (P < 0.0001). These reductions in AST and ALT were maintained throughout the 12 week treatment period and returned to baseline levels when PF‐03491390 was discontinued. Increasing the dose did not further lower AST or ALT. The most frequently reported adverse events were headache and fatigue.Conclusion  PF‐03491390 significantly reduced serum AST and ALT levels in patients with chronic HCV, and was well tolerated over 12 weeks.
Recruitment subsidies support tree subpopulations in non‐preferred tropical forest habitats
Authors: Zuidema Pieter A. , Yamada Toshihiro , During Heinjo J. , Itoh Akira , Yamakura Takuo , Ohkubo Tatsuhiro , Kanzaki Mamoru , Tan Sylvester , Ashton Peter S. 
Published: February 2010

Summary 1. A large share of tree species in tropical forests exhibit preference for certain habitats, resulting in strong abundance differences across habitats. While the occurrence of such habitat preference is now documented for over a thousand species, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. How are subpopulations in non‐preferred habitats able to survive? Theoretical studies have suggested that these subpopulations are maintained by source–sink dynamics –‘recruitment subsidies’ from high‐density to low‐density subpopulations – but empirical tests are lacking. 2. Here, we evaluate the role of recruitment subsidies in maintaining subpopulations of a rainforest tree in non‐preferred habitats. Our study species Scaphium borneense (Sterculiaceae) shows strong habitat preference for drier ridges at Lambir Hills, Malaysia, where it occurs at ninefold higher densities than in the wetter valleys. On slopes, Scaphium occurs at intermediate densities. 3. We estimated source–sink exchange between subpopulations in three habitats in a 52‐ha plot, using nearest‐neighbour analyses. We found evidence for strong recruitment subsidies to the non‐preferred habitats: 83–91% of recruits (of 1 cm diameter) in the valley had likely mother trees in another habitat. For slope recruits this was 54–78%. 4. We then used 10‐year demographic data to construct multi‐state matrix models that included the dynamics within, and exchange of recruits between subpopulations. We found that blocking recruitment subsidies to valley and slope subpopulations led to strong reductions in subpopulation growth rates over 100 years (λ100). By contrast, λ100 of the ridge population was hardly affected by blocking recruitment exchange. 5. Elasticity analysis confirmed the importance of recruitment subsidies for λ100 in valley and slope subpopulations: elasticity of recruitment subsidies to these subpopulations was three to five times larger than local recruitment. Again, the reverse pattern was found for the preferred habitat, where elasticity for recruitment from other habitats was very low. 6.
Synthesis. Our results show that recruitment subsidies can be crucial for maintaining subpopulations of tropical tree species in non‐preferred habitats. To the extent that such source–sink dynamics are common among tropical tree species, this mechanism may play a role in maintaining high tree diversity in tropical forests.
Research to realisation: the challenging path for novel pest management products in Australia
Authors: Gregg Peter C , Greive Kerryn A , Del Socorro Alice P , Hawes Anthony J 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn this Overview, we explore the linkages between basic research and the commercial development of novel pest management products in Australia. Despite the large volume of research in fundamental and applied aspects of entomology, very few new pest management products are developed and commercialised in Australia. Reasons for this include demanding and expensive regulatory requirements which (as in many other countries) mean that commercial development is the province of large multinational agrochemical companies. We describe the Australian regulatory system and the opportunities and difficulties it can present, using examples from recently registered Australian products, Magnet® moth attractant and the MOOV® range of insect repellents. The science behind these products is described in a series of papers in this issue of Australian Journal of Entomology. We also explore some of the commercial imperatives in novel product development, and aspects of the interactions between researchers and commercial partners. Finally, we discuss potential advantages of Australia as a locale for commercial development of novel products.
Capsule Endoscopy in Examination of Esophagus for Lesions After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: A Potential Tool to Select Patients With Increased Risk of Complications
Authors: DI BIASE LUIGI , DODIG MILAN , SALIBA WALID , SIU ALAN , SANTISI JANICE , POE STACY , SANAKA MADHUSUDHAN , UPCHURCH BENNIE , VARGO JOHN , NATALE ANDREA 
Published: February 2010

Capsule Endoscopy in Examination of Esophagus. Background: Esophageal injury can result from left atrial radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy, with added concern because of its possible relationship to the development of atrial‐esophageal (A‐E) fistulas.
Objective:
Evaluate utility of esophageal capsule endoscopy to detect esophageal lesions as a complication of RFA therapy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF).
Methods:
Consecutive patients with AF who underwent left atrial RFA therapy and received capsule endoscopy within 48 hours postablation. Video was reviewed by a single gastroenterologist. The medical records were also reviewed for symptoms immediately postablation and at the 3‐month follow‐up.
Results:
A total of 93 consecutive patients were included and 88 completed the study and were analyzed. The prevalence of esophageal lesions was 17% (15/88 patients). Nine percent (8/88) of these patients had lesions anatomically consistent with the location of the ablation catheter. Six patients with positive capsule findings had symptoms of chest pain (3/6, 50%), throat pain (2/6, 33%), nausea (1/6, 17%), and abdominal pain (1/6, 17%). An additional 24 patients were symptomatic postablation, but with normal capsule findings. All patients with identified lesions by capsule endoscopy received oral proton pump inhibitor therapy, and were instructed to contact the Cleveland Clinic in the event of worsening symptoms. No delayed complications were reported at the 3‐month follow‐up.
Conclusion:
This study supports the use of capsule endoscopy as a tool for the detection of esophageal injury post‐RFA therapy. PillCam ESO is well tolerated and provides satisfactory images of the areas of interest in the esophagus without potential risk related to insufflation with regular esophagogastroduodenoscopy. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 839‐844, August 2010)
A Fixed Point Approach to the Stability of an Additive-Quadratic-Cubic-Quartic Functional Equation
Authors: Lee JungRye , Kim Ji-hye , Park Choonkil 
Published: February 2010

AbstractUsing the fixed point method, we prove the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of the following additive-quadratic-cubic-quartic functional equation "Equation missing" in Banach spaces.
Imagination: A Hermeneutical Tool for the Study of the Hebrew Bible
Authors: de Hulster Izaak 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBiblical scholars use the word 'imagination' more and more often, but in different cases 'imagination' covers different concepts. In order to reach a more systematic application of 'imagination' in hermeneutics and Old Testament Studies in general, there is a need to explore the possible uses of 'imagination'. This article comprises: 1) a theoretical introduction extending what Barth and Steck wrote in their classical primer on exegetical methods; 2) a section on imagination and history; 3) a heuristic classifying survey of Brueggemann's use of the word 'imagination'; 4) a reflection on how imagination is restricted by parameters of time and place. The article distinguishes between imagination of ancient people and of people nowadays, but deals with the interplay of both as well. It further reflects on the informed, controlled use of imagination in hermeneutics. After a brief comment on "moral imagination," a survey and mapping of the uses of imagination in hermeneutics rounds off the article. This will make clear how the different notions referred to with the word 'imagination' are related and why it is important to consider them as interdependent concepts. Although the majority of the examples will be taken from the Hebrew Bible, the thoughts expressed here are applicable to the study of the New Testament as well and some more specific New Testament issues and related literature will be referred to.