bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Interaction of Novel Indolylarylsulfone Derivatives with K103N and Y181I Mutant HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase in Complex with its Substrates
Authors: Samuele Alberta , Bisi Sara , Kataropoulou Alexandra , Regina Giuseppe La , Piscitelli Francesco , Gatti Valerio , Silvestri Romano , Maga Giovanni 
Published: July 2011

Background: Novel indolylarylsulfones (lASs), designed through rational structure-based molecular modelling and docking approaches, have been recently characterized as effective inhibitors of the wild-type and drug-resistant mutant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). Methods: Here, we studied the interaction of selected halo- and nitra-substituted IAS derivatives, with the RT enzyme carrying the single resistance mutations K103N and Y181I through steady-state kinetic experiments. Results: The studied compounds exhibited high selectivity to the mutant RT in complex with its substrates, behaving as uncompetitive inhibitors. The presence of the K103N mutation, and to a lesser extent the Y181I, stabilized the drug interactions with the viral RT, when both its substrates were bound. Conclusions: The characterization of these mutation-specific effects on inhibitor binding might be relevant to the design of more effective new generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, with better resilience towards drug resistant mutants.
Specific Sites of N-Linked Glycosylation on the Hemagglutinin of H1N1 Subtype Influenza A Virus Determine Sensitivity to Inhibitors of the Innate Immune System and Virulence in Mice
Authors: Tate Michelle D. , Brooks Andrew G. , Reading Patrick C. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Oligosaccharides on the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase of influenza A virus (IAV) are a target for recognition by lectins of the innate immune system, including soluble surfactant protein-D and the macrophage mannose receptor on airway macrophages. Glycans attached to the head of H1 subtype of IAV differ markedly in number and location. A reverse genetic approach was used to define the importance of particular N-glycosylation sites on H1 in determining sensitivity to innate immune defenses and virulence in mice. The HA of A/PR/8/34 (PR8, H1N1) and A/Brazil/11/78 (Brazil, H1N1) express zero and four glycosylation sites on the head of HA, respectively. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to add (PR8) or delete (Brazil) glycosylation sites, and IAV expressing wild-type or mutant HA were generated on a PR8 backbone. Addition or removal of particular glycans modulated sensitivity to mouse lung fluids but was not a major factor determining susceptibility of airway macrophages to infection. PR8 is a mouse-adapted virus, and mutations in multiple IAV genes have been shown to contribute to virulence, yet addition of glycosylation to PR8 HA was sufficient to attenuate disease. In contrast, removal of glycans from Brazil HA resulted in severe disease and death. These studies provide insight regarding the mechanisms by which IAV can induce disease in mice. Moreover, reduced glycosylation of HA is likely to be an important factor associated with adaptation of human IAV to growth in mouse lung.
Galvanic Corrosion Study in Ethylene Glycol
Authors: Rostron P. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The potential for galvanic corrosion between carbon steel and duplex (22Cr) stainless steel in impure ethylene glycol (CH2OHCH2OH) is assessed. The temperature dependence of the corrosion is determined, as well as the effect of temperature on the conductivity of dry, wet, and impure wet ethylene glycol. The temperature dependence of the corrosion can be explained by the change in electrical resistance of the glycol with temperature. The authors also show the importance of testing corrosiveness by using the actual working fluid rather than a simulation fluid.
Modelo de Avaliação de Risco do Capital Humano em Atividades de Inteligência Competitiva - MARCHAIC
Authors: Oliveira Paulo Henrique de 
Published: July 2011

Apresenta uma breve revisão da literatura sobre a função de inteligência competitiva. Aponta as principais habilidades desejáveis aos profissionais de inteligência na atualidade, conforme estudos de Oliveira e Lacerda, Katz e Miller. Propõe um modelo para avaliar o risco do capital humano em atividades de inteligência competitiva (MARCHAIC) que foi desenvolvido em quatro etapas: pesquisa bibliográfica; definição da escala de mensuração; construção do modelo e teste em uma empresa fictícia do setor supermercadista. Os resultados demonstraram que o MARCHAIC pode ser uma importante ferramenta para os gestores na medida em que permite a identificação e gestão de pontos críticos relacionados com as habilidades dos profissionais envolvidos em funções de inteligência competitiva.
Clinical presentation and surgical outcomes in primary myopic macular hole retinal detachment
Authors: Kumar Atul , Tinwala Sana , Gogia Varun , Sinha Subijay 
Published: July 2011

Purpose To describe the clinical presentation of primary macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) secondary to high myopia and to evaluate the surgical outcomes. Methods Nine eyes of 9 patients with primary myopic MHRD (axial length ≥26.5 mm) were enrolled. A standardized surgical protocol was performed using vitrectomy with preservative-free triamcinolone acetonide–assisted internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and silicone oil tamponade and were followed for at least 6 months from the first surgery. Results There were 6 women and 3 men with a median age of 52 years. Six (66.6%) patients presented with inferior bullous configuration and 3 had subtotal retinal detachment. The mean preoperative refractive error (spherical equivalent) and mean axial length was 12±3.553 D (range 8.50-19.50) and 28.13±1.65 mm (range 26.50-31.50), respectively. The patients were followed up for a period of at least 6 months. The retina was attached and macular hole closed in all the eyes. There was significant visual acuity improvement from mean preoperative visual acuity of logMAR 1.85±0.11 (range 1.76-1.93) to postoperative visual acuity of logMAR 0.95±0.14 (range 0.84-1.06) (p<0.001). Conclusions Retinal detachment in highly myopic eyes can often be secondary to a macular hole with predominance of inferior bullous configuration and primary vitrectomy with ILM peeling with silicone oil tamponade results in good anatomic and functional outcomes.
A Seven-Zone Rating System for Assessing Bone Mineral Density after Hip Resurfacing Using Implants with Metaphyseal Femoral Stems
Authors: Naal Florian D. , Zuercher Patrick , Munzinger Urs , Hersche Otmar , Leunig Michael 
Published: July 2011

The seven Gruen zones are widely accepted for the assessment of periprosthestic bone mineral density (BMD) following traditional total hip arthroplasty, but no comparable rating system exists for hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA). We describe a seven-zone rating system around the femoral component of a typical HRA implant with a short metaphyseal stem and its intra- and inter-observer reliability. A cohort of 23 selected male patients underwent bone mineral density (BMD) measurements by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) two years after HRA. After development of the new seven-zone rating system, reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The coefficient of variation was also determined. The new rating-system proved high reliability with ICCs for the intra-and inter-observer reliability ranging from 0.92 to 1.0. The coefficient of variation ranged from 1.4% to 3.3%. Mean BMD values were highest in the medial zones 5 to 7 and lowest in the lateral zones 1 to 3 and below the stem tip, corresponding to zone 4. We observed that BMD after HRA can be measured reliably in seven zones around the femoral component. The use of this easily applicable method in future investigations might enhance the comparability of study results. However, the rating system described may have limitations in HRA implants with very short metaphyseal femoral stems.
Did the Staging of Renal Neoplasm Improve with Time? Retrospective Study on a Cohort of 2000 Patients
Authors: Arrighi Nicola , Antonelli Alessandro , Zanotelli Tiziano , Danilo Danilo , Cunico Sergio Cosciani , Simeone Claudio 
Published: July 2011

Objectives During the last 3 decades ultrasonographic and cross-sectional imaging techniques have been widely adopted in the pre-operative staging of renal masses with a progressive technological refinement. The aim of this study is to evaluate if, according to such a change, the accuracy of pre-operative staging is getting better. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of 1935 patients, surgically treated at our Institute since 1983 for a renal neoplasm, has been carried out. Dividing the experience in 2 periods, before and after the year 2000, the diagnostic tools adopted during pre-operative staging and their accuracy have been evaluated by a comparison with the post-operative data (accuracy=true positive+true negative/total number of cases), also taking into account each single aspect of staging (dimension of tumor, local extension, venous invasion, lymphnodal and distant metastasis). Results and discussion 994 patients have been treated before 2000, and 941 afterwards. During time, a progressive reduction in the use of urography and, on the other hand, a diffusion of chest CT have been observed, whereas NMR maintained a similar and limited field of application in both periods. During time, the overall accuracy of staging has not significantly improved (69.5% vs 72.3%, p=0.18), but a slightly better staging of distant (93.9% vs 96.7%, p=0.01) and lymphnodal metastasis (90.9% vs 94.8%, p=0.01) can be found. Conclusions The pre-operative staging of renal cancer has not really improved during the last 3 decades, in spite of the availability of more precise radiological tools. Anyway, due to the diffusion of CT scan, a slightly better definition of lymphnodal and distant metastasis can be observed. This fact could play a role in indicating a targeted therapy for advanced disease, especially in the light of a neoadjuvant setting.
Highly Conductive Organosilica Hybrid Films Prepared from a Liquid‐Crystal Perylene Bisimide Precursor
Authors: Mizoshita Norihiro , Tani Takao , Inagaki Shinji 
Published: July 2011

AbstractSignificant anisotropic electrical conduction in organosilica films is achieved by long‐range orientation of electroactive perylene bisimide (PBI) moieties in the silica scaffold. A new PBI‐based organosilane precursor is designed with lyotropic liquid‐crystalline properties. The PBI precursor with triethoxysilylphenyl groups exhibits a hexagonal columnar phase in the presence of organic solvents. The lyotropic liquid‐crystalline behavior of the precursor enables the preparation of dip‐coated films consisting of uniaxially aligned columnar aggregates of the PBI precursor on the centimeter scale. The oriented structure is successfully fixed by in situ polycondensation, which yields insoluble, thermally stable PBI–silica hybrid films. The oriented organosilica films doped with hydrazine exhibit high electrical conductivities on the order of 10−2 S cm−1, which are at the highest level for organosilica materials, and are comparable to those of all‐organic PBI assemblies. Definite anisotropy of conductivities is also found for these films. The present results suggest that the induction of significant electrical properties in organic molecular assemblies is compatible with the structural stabilization by inorganic–organic hybridization.
Spinel‐Layered Core‐Shell Cathode Materials for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cho Yonghyun , Lee Sanghan , Lee Yongseok , Hong Taeeun , Cho Jaephil 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn an attempt to overcome the problems associated with LiNiO2, the solid solution series of lithium nickel‐metal oxides, Li[Ni1–xMx]O2 (with M = Co, Mn, Al, Ti, Mg, etc.), have been investigated as favorable cathode materials for high‐energy and high‐power lithium‐ion batteries. However, along with the improvement in the electrochemical properties in Ni‐based cathode materials, the thermal stability has been a great concern, and thus violent reaction of the cathode with the electrolyte needs to be avoided. Here, we report a heterostructured Li[Ni0.54Co0.12Mn0.34]O2 cathode material which possesses both high energy and safety. The core of the particle is Li[Ni0.54Co0.12Mn0.34]O2 with a layered phase (R3‐m) and the shell, with a thickness of < 0.5 μm, is a highly stable Li1+x[CoNixMn2–x]2O4 spinel phase (Fd‐3m). The material demonstrates reversible capacity of 200 mAhg‐1 and retains 95% capacity retention under the most severe test condition of 60 °C. In addition, the amount of oxygen evolution from the lattice in the cathode with two heterostructures is reduced by 70%, compared to the reference sample. All these results suggest that the bulk Li[Ni0.54Co0.12Mn0.34]O2 consisting of two heterostructures satisfy the requirements for hybrid electric vehicles, power tools, and mobile electronics.
Cancer‐testis antigen expression and its epigenetic modulation in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Atanackovic Djordje , Luetkens Tim , Kloth Benjamin , Fuchs Gregor , Cao Yanran , Hildebrandt York , Meyer Sabrina , Bartels Katrin , Reinhard Henrike , Lajmi Nesrine , Hegewisch‐Becker Susanna , Schilling Georgia , Platzbecker Uwe , Kobbe Guido , Schroeder Thomas , Bokemeyer Carsten , Kröger Nicolaus 
Published: July 2011

AbstractCancer‐testis antigens (CTA) represent attractive targets for tumor immunotherapy. However, a broad picture of CTA expression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is missing. CTA expression was analyzed in normal bone marrow (BM) as well as in AML cell lines before and after treatment with demethylating agents and/or histone acetylase inhibitors. Presence of selected CTA with a strictly tumor‐restricted expression was then determined in samples of patients with AML before and after demethylating therapy. Screening AML cell lines for the expression of 20 CTA, we identified six genes (MAGE‐A3, PRAME, ROPN1, SCP‐1, SLLP1, and SPO11) with an AML‐restricted expression. Analyzing the expression of these CTA in blast‐containing samples from AML patients (N = 64), we found all samples to be negative for MAGE‐A3 and SPO11 while a minority of patients expressed ROPN1 (1.6%), SCP‐1 (3.1%), or SLLP1 (9.4%). The only CTA expressed in substantial proportion of patients (53.1%) was PRAME. Following demethylating treatment with 5′‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine, we observed an increased or de novo expression of CTA, in particular of SSX‐2, in AML cell lines. In AML patients, we detected increased expression of PRAME and induction of SSX‐2 after demethylating therapy with 5‐azacytidine. With the exception of PRAME, CTA are mostly absent from AML blasts. However, demethylating treatment induces strong expression of CTA, particularly of SSX‐2, in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we propose that CTA‐specific immunotherapy for AML should preferentially target PRAME and/or should be combined with the application of demethylating agents opening the perspective for alternative targets like CTA SSX‐2. Am. J. Hematol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nitridosilicates and Oxonitridosilicates: From Ceramic Materials to Structural and Functional Diversity
Authors: Zeuner Martin , Pagano Sandro , Schnick Wolfgang 
Published: July 2011

AbstractSilicates are one of the most important classes of compounds on this planet, and more than 1000 silicates have been identified in the mineral kingdom. Additionally, several hundreds of artificial silicates have been synthesized. The substitution of oxygen by nitrogen leads to the structurally diverse and manifold class of nitridosilicates. Silicon nitride, one of the most important non‐oxidic ceramic materials, is the binary parent compound of nitridosilicates, and it symbolizes the inherent material properties of these refractory compounds. However, prior to the last decades, a broad systematic investigation of nitridosilicates had not been accomplished. In the meantime, these and related compounds have reached a remarkable level of industrial application. This review illustrates recent progress in synthesis and structure–property relationships and also applications of nitridosilicates, oxonitridosilicates, and related SiAlONs.
A computational tool to investigate different drying methods for New Zealand indigenous red beech timber (Nothofagus fusca)
Authors: Herritsch Alfred , Nijdam Justin James 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTNew Zealand's indigenous red beech timber is commonly air dried to remove much of the moisture before it is dried in a dehumidifier to the desired final moisture content. Air drying times are affected significantly by both the season the timber is stacked and year‐to‐year climate variations. This paper investigates drying‐time variations at different locations in New Zealand to represent the variety of climatic conditions possible (from dry to wet), using a validated drying model and published climate data spanning a decade. In addition, an alternative method of drying red beech timber known as warehouse pre‐drying is investigated. This method employs a relatively inexpensive drying chamber operated at low temperatures and humidities to dry red beech in a controlled fashion. The simulations show that 27 mm red beech timber stacked in spring can air dry nearly twice as quickly as the same timber stacked in autumn. Year‐to‐year climate variations can change the air drying time by over 2 months, which demonstrates the importance of tracking moisture content to ensure the timber is dried to the desired level. Warehouse pre‐drying can be used to dry red beech from the green condition more quickly than can be achieved by air drying and with relatively low energy requirements compared with more the traditional methods of drying such as dehumidifier or conventional‐kiln drying. The problem of significant green moisture‐content variations in red beech timber can be addressed by pre‐sorting the green timber or kiln equalising the air‐dried or warehouse pre‐dried timber. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlinear control strategy for thermal budget in spike rapid thermal processing systems based on Wiener model
Authors: Jeng Jyh‐Cheng , Chen Wen‐Chung 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTThe spike‐shaped temperature profile in thermal treatments is widely used in semiconductor manufacturing for providing precise thermal budget. This thermal budget control issue gets more crucial as the technology node progressively shrinks. Therefore, rapid thermal processing (RTP) with spike‐shaped temperature profile, such as spike annealing, has the ability to meet this requirement. With its exceptionally stringent performance requirements (e.g. high temperature ramp‐up/down rate and high temperature uniformity), temperature control in RTP systems is a challenging task. Our previous work proposed a methodology of control system design which can precisely target the thermal budget indices. The major problem in that work is that a linear model of the RTP system is assumed, but the dynamics of RTP system is, in fact, nonlinear in nature. In this study, we extend the previous work by considering the nonlinearity of the RTP system. First, a nonlinear Wiener model, instead of linear model, is used to represent the RTP system. For this purpose, a simple noniterative algorithm for the identification of Wiener model is proposed. Then, a simple nonlinear control strategy based on the Wiener model is developed for providing precise thermal budget. Simulation results have shown that the proposed method performs well in spike RTP systems. © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity analysis for causal inference using inverse probability weighting
Authors: Shen Changyu , Li Xiaochun , Li Lingling , Were Martin C. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractEvaluation of impact of potential uncontrolled confounding is an important component for causal inference based on observational studies. In this article, we introduce a general framework of sensitivity analysis that is based on inverse probability weighting. We propose a general methodology that allows both non‐parametric and parametric analyses, which are driven by two parameters that govern the magnitude of the variation of the multiplicative errors of the propensity score and their correlations with the potential outcomes. We also introduce a specific parametric model that offers a mechanistic view on how the uncontrolled confounding may bias the inference through these parameters. Our method can be readily applied to both binary and continuous outcomes and depends on the covariates only through the propensity score that can be estimated by any parametric or non‐parametric method. We illustrate our method with two medical data sets.
From green to blue: Site‐directed mutagenesis of the green fluorescent protein to teach protein structure–function relationships
Authors: Girón María D. , Salto Rafael 
Published: July 2011

AbstractStructure–function relationship studies in proteins are essential in modern Cell Biology. Laboratory exercises that allow students to familiarize themselves with basic mutagenesis techniques are essential in all Genetic Engineering courses to teach the relevance of protein structure. We have implemented a laboratory course based on the site‐directed mutagenesis of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria. The GFP is ideal because the students are able to correlate the changes introduced into the structure of the protein with the observable modification of its fluorescence properties. By using noncommercial kits, we set up a non PCR‐thermocycling reaction using mutagenic primers, followed by removal of the original plasmid template by DpnI digestion. By introducing only one (Y66H) or two mutations (Y66H/Y145F) in the “cycle 3” variant of GFP (F99S, M153T, and V163A) or GFPuv, students are able to analyze the changes from green to blue in the fluorescence emission of the mutated proteins and to correlate these differences in fluorescence with the structural changes using three‐dimensional structure visualization software. This inexpensive laboratory course familiarizes the students with the design of mutagenic oligonucleotides, site‐directed mutagenesis, bacterial transformation, restriction analysis of the mutated plasmids, and protein characterization by SDS‐PAGE and fluorescence spectroscopy. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 39, No. 4, pp. 309‐315, 2011