bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computational Analysis of Precipitation during Continuous Casting of Microalloyed Steel
Authors: Pudar M. , Zamberger S. , Spiradek‐Hahn K. , Radis R. , Kozeschnik E. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn this paper, the kinetics of TiN, V(C,N)) and AlN precipitation in microalloyed steel during continuous casting is investigated experimentally and theoretically. The precipitate phase fraction, mean radius, number density and composition are simulated with the thermo‐kinetic software MatCalc and compared with experimental results obtained from transmission electron microscopy analysis. A new methodology for modelling precipitation in cast steel is proposed, which consists of two parts: First, a Scheil – Gulliver simulation, which is carried out to obtain information on the amount of microsegregation during solidification. Then, based on this information, two precipitation kinetics simulations are performed: One with the chemical composition representative for the solute‐poor core of the secondary dendrite arms, the other with the composition of the residual liquid at a fraction of 5%, corresponding to the segregated solute‐rich interdendritic regions. The results of the computer simulations using the new methodology are in good agreement with experimental observation.
Nitric Oxide Stimulates the Proliferation of Neural Stem Cells Bypassing the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
Authors: Carreira Bruno Pereira , Morte Maria Inês , Inácio Ângela , Costa Gabriel , Rosmaninho-Salgado Joana , Agasse Fabienne , Carmo Anália , Couceiro Patrícia , Brundin Patrik , Ambrósio António Francisco , Carvalho Caetana Monteiro , Araújo Inês Maria 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) was described to inhibit the proliferation of neural stem cells. Some evidence suggests that NO, under certain conditions, can also promote cell proliferation, although the mechanisms responsible for a potential proliferative effect of NO in neural stem cells have remained unaddressed. In this work, we investigated and characterized the proliferative effect of NO in cell cultures obtained from the mouse subventricular zone. We found that the NO donor NOC-18 (10 μM) increased cell proliferation, whereas higher concentrations (100 μM) inhibited cell proliferation. Increased cell proliferation was detected rapidly following exposure to NO and was prevented by blocking the mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) pathway, independently of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Downstream of the EGF receptor, NO activated p21Ras and the MAPK pathway, resulting in a decrease in the nuclear presence of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1, p27KIP1, allowing for cell cycle progression. Furthermore, in a mouse model that shows increased proliferation of neural stem cells in the hippocampus following seizure injury, we observed that the absence of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS−/− mice) prevented the increase in cell proliferation observed following seizures in wild-type mice, showing that NO from iNOS origin is important for increased cell proliferation following a brain insult. Overall, we show that NO is able to stimulate the proliferation of neural stem cells bypassing the EGF receptor and promoting cell division. Moreover, under pathophysiological conditions in vivo, NO from iNOS origin also promotes proliferation in the hippocampus.
Medial Ganglionic Eminence-Derived Neural Stem Cell Grafts Ease Spontaneous Seizures and Restore GDNF Expression in a Rat Model of Chronic Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Waldau Ben , Hattiangady Bharathi , Kuruba Ramkumar , Shetty Ashok K. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractNearly 30% of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) are resistant to treatment with antiepileptic drugs. Neural stem cell (NSC) grafting into the hippocampus could offer an alternative therapy to hippocampal resection in these patients. As TLE is associated with reduced numbers of inhibitory gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)-ergic interneurons and astrocytes expressing the anticonvulsant glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the hippocampus, we tested the hypothesis that grafting of NSCs that are capable of adding new GABA-ergic interneurons and GDNF-expressing astrocytes into the epileptic hippocampus restrains spontaneous recurrent motor seizures (SRMS) in chronic TLE. We grafted NSCs expanded in vitro from embryonic medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) into hippocampi of adult rats exhibiting chronic TLE with cognitive impairments. NSC grafting reduced frequencies of SRMS by 43% and stage V seizures by 90%. The duration of individual SRMS and the total time spent in seizures were reduced by 51 and 74%, respectively. Grafting did not improve the cognitive function however. Graft-derived cells (equivalent to ∼28% of injected cells) were observed in various layers of the epileptic hippocampus where they differentiated into NeuN+ neurons (13%), S-100β+ astrocytes (57%), and NG2+ oligodendrocyte-progenitors (3%). Furthermore, among graft-derived cells, 10% expressed GABA and 50% expressed GDNF. Additionally, NSC grafting restored GDNF in a vast majority of the hippocampal astrocytes but had no effect on neurogenesis. Thus, MGE-NSC therapy is efficacious for diminishing SRMS in chronic TLE. Addition of new GABA-ergic neurons and GDNF+ cells, and restoration of GDNF in the hippocampal astrocytes may underlie the therapeutic effect of MGE-NSC grafts.
Cyanobacterial LPS potentiates cadmium toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Authors: Notch Emily G. , Miniutti Danielle M. , Berry John P. , Mayer Gregory D. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractCyanobacteria are prevalent in the freshwater environment, reaching critical mass in harmful algal blooms. These organisms produce a variety of toxins including endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which have been previously shown to decrease glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. GST plays a vital role in detoxification response during oxidative stress and provides a first line of defense after toxic heavy metal insult, before increased metallothionein expression. Although some attention has focused on cyanobacterial LPS, little research has focused on effects of concurrent exposures with other toxicants. Because cyanobacterial LPS can alter detoxification enzymes including GST, we hypothesized that cyanobacterial LPS could potentiate metal toxicity. This study investigated the effects of LPS from two cyanobacterial species, Lyngbya spp. and Microcystis aeruginosa, on cadmium toxicity in zebrafish embryos. Forty‐eight‐hour CdCl2 LC50 values showed that coexposure of cadmium and Lyngbya LPS or Microcystis LPS resulted in significantly increased cadmium toxicity in comparison with cadmium alone. However, increased cadmium toxicity was not due to decreased GST activity as initially hypothesized. In concurrent Microcystis LPS‐cadmium exposures, GST activity was significantly increased in comparison with control embryos at all time points and cadmium concentrations sampled. Concurrent Lyngbya LPS‐cadmium exposures also resulted in increased GST activity at most exposure concentrations. These results indicate that regardless of mechanism, cyanobacterial LPS can potentiate the toxic effects of heavy metals. This represents a significant risk for aquatic organisms exposed to combinations of LPS and metals in the environment. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2010.
Bentazon triggers the promotion of oxidative damage in the Portuguese ricefield cyanobacterium Anabaena cylindrica: Response of the antioxidant system
Authors: Galhano Victor , Peixoto Francisco , Gomes‐Laranjo José 
Published: May 2010

AbstractRice fields are frequently exposed to environmental contamination by herbicides and cyanobacteria, as primary producers of these aquatic ecosystems, are adversely affected. Anabaena cylindrica is a cyanobacterium with a significantly widespread occurrence in Portuguese rice fields. This strain was studied throughout 72 h in laboratory conditions for its stress responses to sublethal concentrations (0.75–2 mM) of bentazon, a selective postemergence herbicide recommended for integrated weed management in rice, with special reference to oxidative stress, role of proline and intracellular antioxidant enzymes in herbicide‐induced free radicals detoxification. Activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) increased in a time‐ and herbicide dose‐response manner and were higher than those in the control samples after 72 h. A time‐ and concentration‐dependent increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the enhanced cell membrane leakage following bentazon exposure are indicative of lipid peroxidation, free radicals formation, and oxidative damage, while increased amounts of SOD, CAT, APX, GST, and proline indicated their involvement in free radical scavenging mechanisms. The appreciable decline in the reduced glutathione (GSH) pool after 72 h at higher bentazon concentrations could be explained by the reduction of the NADPH‐dependent glutathione reductase (GR) activity. The obtained results suggested that the alterations of antioxidant systems in A. cylindrica might be useful biomarkers of bentazon exposure. As the toxic mechanism of bentazon is a complex phenomenon, this study also adds relevant findings to explain the oxidative stress pathways of bentazon promoting oxidative stress in cyanobacteria. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2010.
Spatial and temporal patterns of soil respiration over the Japanese Archipelago: a model intercomparison study
Authors: Ito Akihiko , Ichii Kazuhito , Kato Tomomichi 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe used terrestrial ecosystem models to estimate spatial and temporal variability in and uncertainty of estimated soil carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux, or soil respiration, over the Japanese Archipelago. We compared five carbon‐cycle models to assess inter‐model variability: Biome‐BGC, CASA, LPJ, SEIB, and VISIT. These models differ in approaches to soil carbon dynamics, root respiration estimation, and relationships between decomposition and environmental factors. We simulated the carbon budget of natural ecosystems over the archipelago for 2001–2006 at 1‐day time steps and 2‐min (latitude and longitude) spatial resolution. The models were calibrated using measured flux data to accurately represent net ecosystem CO2 exchange. Each model successfully reproduced seasonal changes and latitudinal gradients in soil respiration. The five‐model average of estimated total soil respiration of Japanese ecosystems was 295 Tg C year−1, with individual model estimates ranging from 210 to 396 Tg C year−1 (1 Tg = 1012 g). The differences between modeled estimates were more evident in summer and in warmer years, implying that they were mainly attributable to differences in modeling the temperature dependence of soil respiration. There was a large discrepancy between models in the estimated contribution of roots to total soil respiration, ranging from 3.9 to 48.4%. Although model calibration reduced the uncertainty of flux estimates, substantial uncertainties still remained in estimates of underground processes from these terrestrial carbon‐cycle models.
G3T1 Bladder Cancer: Is Early Re-Resection Necessary?
Authors: Parkin J. , O'Keefe K. , Bhatt R.I. , Doherty A.P. , Deshmukh N.S. , Chaudhri S. , Wallace D.M. 
Published: May 2010

Objective: To review the results of a series of patients with G3 T1 bladder cancer, with specific reference to upstaging at subsequent cystoscopy. Patients and methods: One hundred and two patients were identified over a 5-year period, with complete data for 100 regarding original TURBT, early re-resection or 1st check cystoscopy, and subsequent management and outcome. Results: Eight patients had primary radical treatment, 32 an early re-resection, 54 BCG and six a routine check cystoscopy. Twenty-one patients had residual Ta/T1 tumour on the first follow up cystoscopy. Only three patients were found to have been originally under-staged. At a mean follow up of 28 months, seven patients had progressed to muscle invasive disease, although 23 had had superficial recurrences. Twenty patients had radical treatment (eight as primary treatment, 12 for BCG ‘failure’). Conclusions: An early re-resection may not be necessary for all patients with G3 T1 bladder cancer. Under-staging of these tumours is unusual in our practise, and selection for second-look cystoscopy could be based on review of operative and histological findings at a multidisciplinary clinico-pathology meeting, with a suggestion that T1 sub-classification may have a role in determining the optimum management of this group of patients.
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: A Thought-Experiment in Medieval Philosophical Theology
Authors: Adams Marilyn McCord 
Published: May 2010

On 8 December 1854, Pius IX issued Ineffabilis Deus, in which he dogmatized the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The bull reads,
For the honor of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, for the glory and ornament of the Virgin Godbearer, for the exaltation of the catholic faith and the growth of the Christian religion, by the authority of Our Lord Jesus Christ, of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, and by our own, we declare, pronounce, and define the doctrine which holds that the Most Blessed Virgin Mary at the first instant of her conception was by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, in consideration of the merits of Christ Jesus, the Savior of the human race, preserved immune from every stain of original guilt; that this was revealed by God and therefore is firmly and constantly to be believed by all of the faithful.1
Apophatic Strategies in Allogenes (NHC XI, 3)
Authors: Burns Dylan 
Published: May 2010

Despite decades of research, it remains surprisingly difficult to identify the origins of the works preserved in the hoard of Coptic manuscripts discovered at Nag Hammadi in 1945. Even as unearthed “Gnostic” gospels continue to make headlines, many academics repent intoning these old, fiery heretics, and some have even called for an all-out dispensation of the term “Gnosticism.”2 Yet a felicitous piece of external evidence seems to offer a more stable foundation for identifying the date and sectarian provenance of several of the most difficult works discovered at Nag Hammadi, the so-called “Platonizing” treatises of the “Sethian school” of Gnosticism.3 Porphyry, the top pupil of the Neoplatonic philosopher Plotinus (third century C.E.), remarks that,
there were in his [Plotinus's] time Christians of many kinds, and especially certain heretics who based their teachings on the ancient philosophy. They were followers of Adelphius and Aculinus, who possessed a lot of writings by Alexander the Libyan, Philocomus, Demostratus and Lydus, and also brandished apocalyptic works of Zoroaster, Zostrianus, Nicotheus, Allogenes, Messus and others of that kind.4
Unveiling a wildlife haven: status and distribution of four Trans-Himalayan ungulates in Sikkim, India
Authors: Chanchani Pranav , Rawat Gopal S. , Goyal Surendra P. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe conducted surveys in the Trans-Himalayan Tso Lhamo plateau in Sikkim, India, to ascertain the status and distribution of some of India’s last surviving populations of wild ungulates (numbers in brackets are estimates for Sikkim): Tibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni (c. 177 individuals), Tibetan gazelle Procapra picticaudata (c. 77), and kiang Equus kiang polyodon (c. 18). Topography appears to have an important influence on ungulate distribution, and populations of these species are aggregated in a small region along the northern boundary of the plateau. Persistence of the wild ungulates in this area can be attributed to the non-hunting tradition of local residents and to the seasonal absence of livestock (yak Bos grunniens and domestic sheep Ovis aries) and grazing. Nonetheless, wild ungulates remain vulnerable because of their small populations and anthropogenic pressure on their habitats. We recommend that conservation be prioritized in important wildlife habitats through partnerships with local communities.
The discovery of zinc fingers and their development for practical applications in gene regulation and genome manipulation
Authors: Klug Aaron 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA long-standing goal of molecular biologists has been to construct DNA-binding proteins for the control of gene expression. The classical Cys2His2(C2H2) zinc finger design is ideally suited for such purposes. Discriminating between closely related DNA sequences bothin vitroandin vivo, this naturally occurring design was adopted for engineering zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) to target genes specifically.Zinc fingers were discovered in 1985, arising from the interpretation of our biochemical studies on the interaction of the Xenopus protein transcription factor IIIA (TFIIIA) with 5S RNA. Subsequent structural studies revealed its three-dimensional structure and its interaction with DNA. Each finger constitutes a self-contained domain stabilized by a zinc (Zn) ion ligated to a pair of cysteines and a pair of histidines and also by an inner structural hydrophobic core. This discovery showed not only a new protein fold but also a novel principle of DNA recognition. Whereas other DNA-binding proteins generally make use of the 2-fold symmetry of the double helix, functioning as homo- or heterodimers, zinc fingers can be linked linearly in tandem to recognize nucleic acid sequences of varying lengths. This modular design offers a large number of combinatorial possibilities for the specific recognition of DNA (or RNA). It is therefore not surprising that the zinc finger is found widespread in nature, including 3% of the genes of the human genome.The zinc finger design can be used to construct DNA-binding proteins for specific intervention in gene expression. By fusing selected zinc finger peptides to repression or activation domains, genes can be selectively switched off or on by targeting the peptide to the desired gene target. It was also suggested that by combining an appropriate zinc finger peptide with other effector or functional domains, e.g. from nucleases or integrases to form chimaeric proteins, genomes could be modified or manipulated.The first example of the power of the method was published in 1994 when a three-finger protein was constructed to block the expression of a human oncogene transformed into a mouse cell line. The same paper also described how a reporter gene was activated by targeting an inserted 9-base pair (bp) sequence, which acts as the promoter. Thus, by fusing zinc finger peptides to repression or activation domains, genes can be selectively switched off or on. It was also suggested that, by combining zinc fingers with other effector or functional domains, e.g. from nucleases or integrases, to form chimaeric proteins, genomes could be manipulated or modified.Several applications of such engineered ZFPs are described here, including some of therapeutic importance, and also their adaptation for breeding improved crop plants.
Fluorescent nucleic acid base analogues
Authors: Wilhelmsson L. Marcus 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe use of fluorescent nucleic acid base analogues is becoming increasingly important in the fields of biology, biochemistry and biophysical chemistry as well as in the field of DNA nanotechnology. The advantage of being able to incorporate a fluorescent probe molecule close to the site of examination in the nucleic acid-containing system of interest with merely a minimal perturbation to the natural structure makes fluorescent base analogues highly attractive. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing novel candidates in this group of fluorophores for utilization in various investigations. This review describes the different classes of fluorophores that can be used for studying nucleic acid-containing systems, with an emphasis on choosing the right kind of probe for the system under investigation. It describes the characteristics of the large group of base analogues that has an emission that is sensitive to the surrounding microenvironment and gives examples of investigations in which this group of molecules has been used so far. Furthermore, the characterization and use of fluorescent base analogues that are virtually insensitive to changes in their microenvironment are described in detail. This group of base analogues can be used in several fluorescence investigations of nucleic acids, especially in fluorescence anisotropy and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements. Finally, the development and characterization of the first nucleic base analogue FRET pair, tCO–tCnitro, and its possible future uses are discussed.
Five hepatitis B outbreaks in care homes in the UK associated with deficiencies in infection control practice in blood glucose monitoring
Authors: DUFFELL E. F. , MILNE L. M. , SENG C. , YOUNG Y. , XAVIER S. , KING S. , SHUKLA H. , IJAZ S. , RAMSAY M. 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYHealthcare-associated hepatitis B virus (HBV) outbreaks have been reported in the USA and from several countries in Europe. Patient-to-patient transmission of HBV in these settings has been linked to several different types of exposure but one of the most common exposures implicated is the use of ‘finger-stick’ lancet devices for blood glucose testing. This article is an account of the investigations into a series of HBV outbreaks linked to the use of lancing devices in community healthcare settings in the UK. Between February 2004 and December 2006, nine individuals with acute HBV infection were reported to five local units of the Health Protection Agency. Investigations identified a further 12 individuals with HBV infection in residents in these settings. The epidemiological and environmental evidence suggests that HBV transmission occurred mostly from a significant breakdown in infection control measures in blood glucose testing. The occurrence of these outbreaks has highlighted the confusion that exists and the need for clear recommendations regarding the use of such devices in the UK.
In search of hidden Q-fever outbreaks: linking syndromic hospital clusters to infected goat farms
Authors: VAN DEN WIJNGAARD C. C. , DIJKSTRA F. , VAN PELT W. , VAN ASTEN L. , KRETZSCHMAR M. , SCHIMMER B. , NAGELKERKE N. J. D. , VELLEMA P. , DONKER G. A. , KOOPMANS M. P. G. 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYLarge Q-fever outbreaks were reported in The Netherlands from May 2007 to 2009, with dairy-goat farms as the putative source. Since Q-fever outbreaks at such farms were first reported in 2005, we explored whether there was evidence of human outbreaks before May 2007. Space–time scan statistics were used to look for clusters of lower-respiratory infections (LRIs), hepatitis, and/or endocarditis in hospitalizations, 2005–2007. We assessed whether these were plausibly caused by Q fever, using patients' age, discharge diagnoses, indications for other causes, and overlap with reported Q fever in goats/humans. For seven detected LRI clusters and one hepatitis cluster, we considered Q fever a plausible cause. One of these clusters reflected the recognized May 2007 outbreak. Real-time syndromic surveillance would have detected four of the other clusters in 2007, one in 2006 and two in 2005, which might have resulted in detection of Q-fever outbreaks up to 2 years earlier.