bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiscale analysis in nonlinear thermal diffusion problems in composite structures
Authors: Timofte Claudia 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to analyze the asymptotic behavior of the solution of a nonlinear problem arising in the modelling of thermal diffusion in a two-component composite material. We consider, at the microscale, a periodic structure formed by two materials with different thermal properties. We assume that we have nonlinear sources and that at the interface between the two materials the flux is continuous and depends in a dynamical nonlinear way on the jump of the temperature field. We shall be interested in describing the asymptotic behavior of the temperature field in the periodic composite as the small parameter which characterizes the sizes of our two regions tends to zero. We prove that the effective behavior of the solution of this system is governed by a new system, similar to Barenblatt’s model, with additional terms capturing the effect of the interfacial barrier, of the dynamical boundary condition, and of the nonlinear sources.
Oxidant stress in HIV-infected women from the Women's Interagency HIV Study
Authors: Glesby Marshall J , Hoover Donald R , Raiszadeh Farbod , Lee Irene , Shi Qiuhu , Milne Ginger , Sanchez Stephanie C , Gao Wei , Kaplan Robert C , Morrow Jason D , Anastos Kathryn 
Published: October 2009

Background Oxidant stress contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple conditions and can be assessed by measuring plasma F2-isoprostane concentrations. We hypothesized that oxidant stress is associated with plasma homocysteine concentration and risk factors for atherosclerosis in HIV-infected women. Methods We measured plasma F2-isoprostane concentrations in a cross-sectional study of 249 HIV-infected women attending the Bronx (NY, USA) site of the Women's Interagency HIV Study and assessed associations with plasma homocysteine concentration and other metabolic parameters by linear regression. Results In multivariate analysis, hepatitis C virus (HCV) viraemia, waist circumference, homocysteine concentration and serum aspartate aminotransferase level were positively associated with log F2-isoprostane concentration (all P<0.005). There was a trend for an inverse association between log F2-isoprostane and CD4+ T-cell percentage ( P=0.06). Among women with HCV infection, the FIB-4 index, an indirect marker of liver fibrosis derived from routine laboratory tests, was positively associated with log F2-isoprostane concentration. Conclusions In this cross-sectional study of HIV-infected women, plasma F2-isoprostane concentration was positively associated with homocysteine concentration, as well as HCV infection, abdominal obesity and aspartate aminotransferase level.
Smoking motivations and quitting motivations among HIV-infected smokers
Authors: Peretti-Watel Patrick , Garelik Daniel , Baron Gabriel , Spire Bruno , Ravaud Philippe , Duval Xavier ,   the EVIT Study Group
Published: October 2009

Background The aim of this study was to examine smoking motivation and motivation to quit, and determinants of these motivations among HIV-infected cigarette smokers. Methods We conducted a 1-day cross-sectional survey on cigarette smoking in a representative sample of HIV-infected outpatients of French hospitals. A cluster analysis was used to characterize respondents’ smoking motivation. A logistic regression was performed to study the factors associated with motivation to quit, including the clusters describing smoking motives. Results We found four clusters of smoking motivation. These included intellectual/emotional support (22% of respondents), automatic/stress relief (22%; characterized by heavy smoking and strong dependency); weight control (29%; characterized by frequent symptoms of fat accumulation because of antiretroviral therapy) and pleasure/conviviality (27%; corresponding to ‘lighter’ smokers). In the logistic regression model, among other significant covariates (cigarette consumption level, tobacco dependence and perceived risk of developing a smoking-related disease), the automatic/stress relief cluster was negatively correlated to the motivation to quit (odds ratio 0.39), whereas the weight control cluster was strongly associated to this motivation (odds ratio 2.87). Conclusions The diversity of HIV-infected smokers’ profiles suggests that different types of anti-tobacco measures should be implemented in this population, such as information campaigns on specific risks incurred by HIV-infected smokers, non-specific and comprehensive measures for those for whom smoking is combined with other difficulties, and alternative therapeutic solutions for those who smoke to deal with lipodystrophy.
Stimulation of the interleukin-1 receptor and Toll-like receptor 2 inhibits hepatitis B virus replication in hepatoma cell lines in vitro
Authors: Thompson Alex J , Colledge Danni , Rodgers Sally , Wilson Rachel , Revill Peter , Desmond Paul , Mansell Ashley , Visvanathan Kumar , Locarnini Stephen 
Published: October 2009

Background Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a key component of the innate immune system and TLR2 has been shown to be involved in the immunopathogenesis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in vivo. We investigated the role of TLR2 stimulation of virus-infected hepatocyte cell lines as a potential antiviral mechanism in vitro. Methods The hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2 was transduced with recombinant HBV baculoviruses and the hepatoma cell line Huh-7 was transiently transfected with complimentary DNA clones of HBV. HBV viral replication was quantified after stimulation with interleukin (IL)-1β and Pam-2-Cys, a synthetic TLR2 ligand, by measuring intracellular core-associated single-stranded HBV DNA using Southern blot hybridization, as well as viral nucleocapsid formation using a non-denaturing immunoblot method. Results Stimulation of both cell lines in vitro with IL-1β and Pam-2-Cys, both known to induce expression of the pro inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α and IL-8 via a nuclear factor-κB dependent pathway, resulted in the inhibition of HBV DNA replication in the transduced HepG2 cells by up to 90% and nucleocapsid formation in the transiently transfected Huh-7 cells by up to 30%, when compared with mock-treated cells. Conclusions Hepatoma cell lines expressed functional IL-1 receptor and TLR2 receptors, which when stimulated led to a signalling cascade that inhibited HBV replication. These data support an active role for hepatocytes in inhibiting HBV replication and provide a rationale for the development of TLR agonists as potentially novel antiviral agents.
α-Galactosylceramide in Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: Results from a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Phase I/ II Trial
Authors: Woltman Andrea M , ter Borg Martijn J , Binda Rekha S , Sprengers Dave , von Blomberg B Mary E , Scheper Rik J , Hayashi Kunihiko , Nishi Nobusuke , Boonstra André , van der Molen Renate , Janssen Harry LA 
Published: October 2009

Background The glycosphingolipid α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) is known to stimulate invariant natural killer T-cells (iNKTs) and is able to induce powerful antiviral immune responses. The present dose-escalating randomized placebo-controlled Phase I/II trial aimed to investigate antiviral activity and safety of α-GalCer as a novel class of treatment for chronic hepatitis B patients. Methods Patients were randomly assigned to 0.1 μg/kg ( n=8), 1 μg/kg ( n=6) or 10 μg/kg ( n=6) α-GalCer or placebo ( n=7) treatment. Results Almost all α-GalCer-treated patients showed a rapid and strong decrease in natural killer T-cell (NKT) numbers. Patients with high baseline NKT numbers showed immune activation, including natural killer cell activation, increased serum tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels, and development of fever. Three patients demonstrated a transient decrease in hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. Only one α-GalCer-treated patient had a sustained decrease in HBV DNA at the end of follow-up. Four patients discontinued therapy because of fever shortly after drug administration. No significant side effects were observed. Conclusions α-GalCer (0.1–10 μg/kg) used as mono-therapy for chronic hepatitis B infection resulted in a strong decrease of NKTs, but did not clearly affect HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase levels. α-GalCer was poorly tolerated and is unlikely to be suitable as an alternative monotherapy to the current treatment regimen.
Pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of a single oral dose of maraviroc in HIV-negative subjects with mild and moderate hepatic impairment
Authors: Abel Samantha , Davis John D , Ridgway Caroline E , Hamlin Julia C , Vourvahis Manoli 
Published: October 2009

Background Maraviroc is the first CCR5 antagonist and only oral entry inhibitor approved for the treatment of HIV type-1 infection. Maraviroc is extensively metabolized, primarily by cytochrome P450 3A4 and hence its pharmacokinetics might be affected by impaired hepatic function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of maraviroc in subjects with mild or moderate hepatic impairment compared with subjects with normal hepatic function. Safety and tolerability were also assessed. Methods This was an open-label, non-randomized, single- centre, parallel-group study. A total of 24 subjects with mild ( n=8) or moderate ( n=8) hepatic impairment, or normal hepatic function ( n=8) received a single dose of 300 mg maraviroc. Results Relative to those with normal hepatic function, the geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) for the maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) of maraviroc was 111% (74.6–166) and 132% (89.6–194) for those with mild and moderate hepatic impairment, respectively; the area under the concentration–time curve from time 0 to the last quantifable concentration (AUClast) was 125% (84.7–185) and 146% (100–212); oral clearance was 89% (53.2–150) and 83% (49.2–139); and renal clearance was 94% (70.5–126) and 131% (98.6–173), respectively. Maraviroc was well tolerated in all subjects. Conclusions Although differences in maraviroc pharmacokinetics were noted in subjects with hepatic impairment compared with those with normal hepatic function, these do not currently support a dose modification. The single 300 mg dose of maraviroc was well tolerated by subjects with normal and impaired hepatic function.
Insulin resistance impairs sustained virological response rate to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in HIV–hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients: HOMAVIC-ANRS HC02 Study
Authors: Cacoub Patrice , Carrat Fabrice , Bédossa Pierre , Lambert Jérôme , Pénaranda Guillaume , Pol Stanislas , Halfon Philippe 
Published: October 2009

Background The aim of this study was to assess the effect of insulin resistance (IR) on the response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients. Methods A total of 238 HIV-HCV-coinfected patients (74% male, mean ±sd age 40 ±5 years, mean alcohol intake <50 g/day and 38% HCV genotype 2 or 3), treated by standard or pegylated interferon-α2b plus ribavirin during 48 weeks were studied. Liver biopsies were assessed before treatment. Patients were considered to have IR when the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) was ≥2.5. Multiple logistic regression with stepwise selection was used to estimate independent factors associated with sustained virological response (SVR). Results IR was present in 32% and significant liver fibrosis (Metavir≥F2) in 74% of patients. Patients with SVR (96/238 [40%]) were more likely to be infected with HCV genotype 2 or 3 (54% versus 27%; P<0.0001), and had more severe liver fibrosis (≥F3; 45% versus 30%; P=0.03). By multivariate analysis, a HOMA-IR>2.5 had a negative effect on the SVR (odds ratio 0.49 [95% confdence interval 0.26-0.92]; P=0.05). Conclusions A high HOMA-IR level is frequently found in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients and is associated with a reduced SVR rate. Improving insulin sensitivity might be a useful adjunct to HCV therapy in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients.
Statin therapy and changes in hip circumference among HIV-infected participants in the ALLRT Cohort
Authors: Brown Todd T , Smurzynski Marlene , Wu Kunling , Bosch Ronald J , McComsey Grace A 
Published: October 2009

Background We aimed to determine whether statin exposure in antiretroviral-treated individuals is associated with increases in hip circumference compared with HIV treatment without concomitant statin use. Methods This was a prospective multicentre cohort study involving individuals who had received antiretroviral therapy for at least 40 weeks and who were enrolled in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group Longitudinal Linked Randomized Trials cohort. There were 2,223 participants in the statin-unexposed group and 371 in the statin-exposed group. The main outcome measure was change in hip circumference at week 32. Results The 32-week change in hip circumference in the statin-exposed group was 0.60 cm greater (95% confidence interval 0.11–1.10; P=0.02) than in the statin- unexposed group after adjustment for age, gender, race, baseline body mass index and thymidine analogue exposure. Conclusions Our findings support the hypothesis that statins might be beneficial in lipoatrophy. Given the limited treatment options for this important problem, further studies are needed to confirm this effect and to determine its clinical significance.
Efficacy and safety of darunavir/ritonavir in treatment-experienced HIV type-1 patients in the POWER 1, 2 and 3 trials at week 96
Authors: Arastéh Keikawus , Yeni Patrick , Pozniak Anton , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Jayaweera Dushyantha , Roberts Afsoon , Hoy Jennifer , De Meyer Sandra , Vangeneugden Tony , Tomaka Frank 
Published: October 2009

Background Long-term (96-week) efficacy and safety of the protease inhibitor (PI) darunavir coadministered with low-dose ritonavir (DRV/r) was evaluated in HIV type-1 (HIV-1)-infected patients with extensive prior treatment experience in the POWER 1, 2 and 3 trials. Methods Patients with HIV-1 RNA≥1,000 copies/ml and ≥1 primary PI mutation were randomized to receive either DRV/r 600/100 mg twice daily plus an optimized background regimen (OBR), or an investigator- selected control PI (CPI) plus OBR (POWER 3 was a DRV/r 600/100 mg twice daily single-arm study). The proportion of patients with HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml at week 96 was assessed (intent-to-treat [ITT], time-to-loss of virological response algorithm). Results In total, 467 patients received DRV/r 600/100 mg twice daily; 124 patients received CPI(s). At week 96, 39% of DRV/r patients in POWER 1 and 2 (pooled analysis) versus 9% of CPI patients achieved HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml (ITT, time-to-loss of virological response algorithm; P<0.001). A similar proportion of DRV/r patients (42%) in POWER 3 achieved HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml at week 96. Mean absolute CD4+ T-cell count increase for DRV/r at 96 weeks was 133 cells/mm3 in POWER 1 and 2 and 103 cells/mm3 in POWER 3. Grade 2–4 treatment-emergent adverse events at least possibly related to DRV/r (≥2% incidence, excluding laboratory abnormalities) were diarrhoea (3%), vomiting (3%), nausea (2%) and headache (2%). Conclusions Treatment with DRV/r 600/100 mg twice daily was well tolerated and led to sustained virological and immunological responses in treatment-experienced HIV-1-infected patients over 96 weeks.
Identifying protein stabilizing ligands using GroEL
Authors: Naik Subhashchandra , Haque Inamul , Degner Nick , Kornilayev Boris , Bomhoff Gregory , Hodges Jacob , Khorassani Ara‐Azad , Katayama Hiroo , Morris Jill , Kelly Jeffery , Seed John , Fisher Mark T. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractOver the past 5 years, it has become increasingly apparent to researchers that the initial promise and excitement of using gene replacement therapies to ameliorate folding diseases are still far from being broadly or easily applicable. Because a large number of human diseases are protein folding diseases (∼30 to 50%), many researchers now realize that more directed approaches to target and reverse the fundamental misfolding reactions preceding disease are highly feasible and offer the potential of developing more targeted drug therapies. This is also true with a large number of so called orphan protein folding diseases. The development of a broad‐based general screening array method using the chaperonin as a detection platform will enable us to screen large chemical combinatorial libraries for specific ligands against the elusive transient, primary reactions that often lead to protein misfolding. This development will provide a highly desirable tool for the pharmaceutical, academic, and medical professions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 237–251, 2010.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Analysis of a new crystal form of procarboxypeptidase B: Further insights into the catalytic mechanism
Authors: Fernández Daniel , Boix Ester , Pallarès Irantzu , Avilés Francesc X. , Vendrell Josep 
Published: October 2009

AbstractA new triclinic crystal structure form of porcine pancreatic procarboxypeptidase B (PCPB) was obtained at higher resolution than the previously known tetragonal crystal structure. This new crystal polymorph has allowed for a corrected, accurate assignment of residues along the polypeptide chain based on the currently available gene sequence information and crystallographic data. The present structure shows unbound PCPB in a distinct molecular packing as compared to the previous benzamidine complexed form. Its catalytically important Tyr248 residue is oriented and hydrogen‐bonded to solvent water molecules, and locates the furthest away from the catalytic zinc ion as compared to previous structures. A relatively long stretch of residues flanking Tyr248 and guarding the access to the catalytic zinc ion was found to be sequentially unique to the M14 family of peptidases. Predictions from a normal mode analysis indicated that this stretch of residues belongs to a rigid subdomain in the protein structure. The specific presence of a tyrosyl residue at the most exposed position in this region would allow for a delicate balance between extreme hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity, and affect substrate binding and the kinetic efficiency of the enzyme. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 178–185, 2010.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Rethinking NIMBYism: The role of place attachment and place identity in explaining place‐protective action
Authors: Devine‐Wright Patrick 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe ‘NIMBY’ (Not In My Back Yard) concept is commonly used to explain public opposition to new developments near homes and communities, particularly arising from energy technologies such as wind farms or electricity pylons. Despite its common use, the concept has been extensively critiqued by social scientists as a useful concept for research and practice. Given European policy goals to increase sustainable energy supply by 2020, deepening understanding of local opposition is of both conceptual and practical importance. This paper reviews NIMBY literature and proposes an alternative framework to explain local opposition, drawing upon social and environmental psychological theory on place. Local opposition is conceived as a form of place‐protective action, which arises when new developments disrupt pre‐existing emotional attachments and threaten place‐related identity processes. Adopting a social constructivist perspective and drawing on social representation theory, a framework of place change is proposed encompassing stages of becoming aware, interpreting, evaluating, coping and acting, with each stage conceived at multiple levels of analysis, from intrapersonal to socio‐cultural. Directions for future research and potential implications of the place‐based approach for public engagement by energy policy‐makers and practitioners are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Communication practices of coaches during mediator training: Addressing issues of knowledge and enactment
Authors: White Cindy H. , Agne Robert R. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to describe how coaches of mediators‐in‐training manage interaction in role‐play sessions and help trainees learn about mediation practices. Using a qualitative, discourse analytic approach, we examined role‐played mediation sessions where thirteen professional mediators each provided coaching to two pairs of student trainees who had completed training in interest‐based mediation (for a total of twenty‐six sessions). We argue that the techniques we observed at crucial moments in mediation training seemed designed to improve trainees' understanding of the mediation process but offered limited help in teaching trainees how to enact the communication practices that are essential to mediation. We consider how the demands of giving advice and assessing communication behavior affect what coaches say to trainees in these circumstances.
A Facile Synthesis of α‐Aryl α‐Oxoheterocyclic Ketene N,N‐Acetals Bearing an Electron‐Rich Catechol Subunit–An Electrochemical Oxidative Approach
Authors: Zeng Cheng‐Chu , Ping Da‐Wei , Xu Yi‐Sheng , Hu Li‐Ming , Zhong Ru‐Gang 
Published: October 2009

AbstractHeterocyclic ketene N,N‐acetals are versatile building blocks for the synthesis of nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds. In the present work, the anodic oxidation of catechols 2a–f in the presence of α‐oxoheterocyclic ketene N,N‐acetals 1a–d has been investigated using cyclic voltammetry and controlled‐potential electrolysis methods. These results indicate that α‐oxoheterocyclic ketene N,N‐acetals could undergo Michael addition to the anodically generated o‐benzoquinones and produce α‐carbon‐arylated products in good yields. This approach provides effective and “green“ access to the synthesis of α‐aryl α‐oxoheterocyclic ketene N,N‐acetals containing an electron‐rich aromatic ring. In addition, density functional theory calculations were performed to explain the exclusive formation of α‐carbon‐arylated products. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Serum chromium levels sampled with steel needle versus plastic IV cannula. Does method matter?
Authors: Penny Jeannette Ø. , Overgaard Soren 
Published: October 2009

AbstractPurpose: Modern metal‐on‐metal (MoM) joint articulations releases metal ions to the body. Research tries to establish how much this elevates metal ion levels and whether it causes adverse effects. The steel needle that samples the blood may introduce additional chromium to the sample thereby causing bias. This study aimed to test that theory. Methods: We compared serum chromium values for two sampling methods, steel needle and IV plastic cannula, as well as sampling sequence in 16 healthy volunteers. Results: We found statistically significant chromium contamination from the steel needle with mean differences between the two methods of 0.073 ng/mL, for the first sample, and 0.033 ng/mL for the second. No difference was found between the first and second plastic sample. The first steel needle sample contained an average of 0.047 ng/mL more than the second. This difference was only borderline significant. Conclusion: The chromium contamination from the steel needle is low, and sampling method matters little in MoM populations. If using steel needles we suggest discarding the first sample. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010