bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trans-Bilayer Ion Conduction by Proline Containing Cyclic Hexapeptides and Effects of Amino Acid Substitutions on Ion Conducting Properties
Authors: Taira Junichi , Osada Satoshi , Hayashi Ryo , Ueda Toshihisa , Jelokhani-Niaraki Masoud , Aoyagi Haruhiko , Kodama Hiroaki 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Several ion channel forming cyclic peptides have been reported over the past two decades and various ion conducting mechanisms have been proposed. In this article, we report on amino acid substitutions in cyclic hexapeptides and their effects on the ion conducting properties of these peptides. Cyclic hexapeptides, cyclo(Pro–Xxx–Yyy)2, containing two Pro residues, were used as the main framework. The substitution is performed at the Xxx positions with cationic/hydrophilic Lys or hydrophobic Leu. Yyy positions were substituted with d-Phe, d-Ala, or Gly. The peptides which were absent Lys residues showed ion conducting profiles with clear transitions of electric currents, whereas the peptides containing Lys residues tended to exhibit spiky or burst-like profiles. These profiles were altered single state profiles by the protection of ε-amino groups with aromatic protecting groups. The protected analogs exhibited significant decrease in ion conductance. These results indicated that peptides containing Lys conduct ions without forming ring stacked tube-like structure. Ion channel properties were also affected by conformational changes of the cyclic peptides induced by substitution of the Yyy positions. Enhancement of intramolecular β-turn structures of cyclic peptides tended to decrease their ion conductance values.
Role of the Succinate Skeleton in the Disorder–Order Transition of AOT and Its Analogous Molecules: Detection by Infrared Absorption Spectra of the Configurations Arising from the Difference in Torsion Angles of the Succinate Skeleton
Authors: Okabayashi Hiro-Fumi , Izawa Ken-Ichi , Sumiya Akiko , Eastoe Julian , O’Connor Charmian J 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The IR spectra in the 1300–1450 cm−1 region, which reflect the CH and CH2 deformation vibrational modes of the succinate skeleton, have been investigated in detail for sodium dialkylsulfonates (alkyl groups: ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-decyl, and n-dodecyl) and sodium 1,2-bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (sodium 1,2-bis(2-ethylhexyloxycarbonyl)ethanesulfonate) (AOT). The results have provided clear evidence that two configurations, arising from the difference in the torsion angles of the succinate skeleton, are preferentially stabilized in aqueous solution as well as in the solid state, depending upon the concentration. Thus, the IR spectra of this region can be used as a powerful tool for elucidation of the mechanism of the disorder–order transition in aggregate systems of AOT or its homologs at the molecular level.
Half-Sandwich Rare Earth Metal Complexes as Novel Catalysts for Olefin Polymerization and Other Chemical Transformations
Authors: Nishiura Masayoshi , Hou Zhaomin 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
This article describes our recent studies on the synthesis and chemistry of mono(cyclopentadienyl)-ligated rare earth metal alkyl and hydride complexes. The half-sandwich mono- and dialkyl rare earth metal complexes are prepared either by alkane elimination reactions between trialkyl rare earth complexes and the neutral cyclopentadiene derivatives or by metathetical reactions of rare earth trichlorides with the alkali metal salts of the corresponding ligands. The reaction of the dialkyl complexes with an equivalent of a borate compound such as [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] or [PhNMe2H][B(C6F5)4] generates easily the corresponding cationic monoalkyl species, which serve as excellent catalysts for the polymerization and copolymerization of a variety of olefins to yield a new family of polymer materials that show novel properties but are difficult to prepare by other catalysts. The half-sandwich monoalkyl rare earth complexes bearing the silylene-linked cyclopentadienyl–arylamido ligands act as excellent catalysts for the catalytic dimerization of terminal alkynes, cross coupling of terminal alkynes with isocyanides, and the catalytic addition of terminal alkyne C–H, amine N–H, and phosphine P–H bonds to carbodiimides. The hydrogenolysis of the dialkyl rare earth complexes with H2 affords a new class of polynuclear rare earth metal polyhydride complexes, which show unique features in both structure and reactivity.
Preparations and Photosensitizing Properties of 2,7,12,17-Tetra-n-propylporphycenatotin(IV) Dihalide Complexes
Authors: Taneda Masatsugu , Maeda Daisuke , Shimakoshi Hisashi , Abe Masaaki , Hisaeda Yoshio 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
2,7,12,17-Tetra-n-propylporphycenatodihalotin(IV) complexes ([Sn(TPrPc)X2], X = F, Cl, and Br) were synthesized and their photophysical properties were investigated. These complexes exhibit strong absorptions in the red region (600–630 nm). Strong quenching was observed during the fluorescence emission of the dibromotin(IV) complex, which is caused by an intramolecular heavy-atom effect. The complexes emit NIR phosphorescence in 1-iodopropane at room temperature and the intensity of the emission of the dibromotin(IV) complex is found to be smaller than that of the dichlorotin(IV) complex. The quantum efficiency (ΦΔ) of generation of singlet oxygen using the dibromotin(IV) complex is the highest among the porphycenatotin(IV) complexes (ΦΔ = 0.79). Photooxidation of 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran catalyzed by the complexes upon irradiation with red light (over 600 nm) was studied and a rapid oxidation of the substrate was observed when using the dibromotin(IV) complex.
Influence of Calcination Temperatures on Iridium Dispersion and Hydrogenation Activity in Silica-Supported Iridium Catalysts
Authors: Shibuya Ryoji , Ohshima Masa-aki , Kurokawa Hideki , Miura Hiroshi 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The influence of calcination temperatures on the dispersion of Ir/SiO2 catalysts has been studied. At low calcination temperatures, the chloride precursor was dispersed on the silica surface and formed highly dispersed Ir/SiO2 catalysts upon reduction. At high calcination temperatures, the formation of IrO2 was confirmed, which resulted in low dispersion after reduction.
Fatigue Damage Severity Calculation for Vibration Tests
Authors: Lee Yung-Li , Polehna Dennis , Kang Hong-Tae 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
An analytical solution to calculate a fatigue damage spectrum for a linear single degree-of-freedom system is presented to assess fatigue damage severity for various vibration test specifications. This solution can be served as the fundamental to develop an accelerated vibration test specification based on the real measured customer usage data and the use of material. Fundamentals of vibration characteristics for sinusoidal and random vibrations are well described in this paper. The state-of-the-art frequency-based fatigue theories are also reviewed. Finally, this paper compares the calculation results for a product subject to the vibration loads defined in IEC-60068-2-6 and ISO 16750-3.
Modellbasierte Überwachung und Fehlerdiagnose von kontinuierlichen technischen Prozessen
Authors: Isermann Rolf 
Published: May 2010

Zusammenfassung
Durch zunehmende Anforderungen an hochzuverlässige und sichere Prozesse, an Lebenszykluskosten und an das Assetmanagement kommt der Überwachung und Fehlerdiagnose aller wichtiger Komponenten technischer Anlagen eine wesentliche Bedeutung zu. Der Beitrag gibt zunächst eine Übersicht von einigen signalgestützten und modellgestützten Methoden zur Erkennung von fehlerhaften Änderungen des normalen Prozessverhaltens. Hierbei gelingt es durch Analyse einzelner periodischer oder stochastischer Signale mit Methoden der Spektralanalyse und durch Analyse mehrerer Ein- und Ausgangssignale über Prozessmodelle mit Parameterschätzung, Beobachtern oder Paritätsgleichungen mehrere Symptome zu erzeugen. Diese bilden die Grundlagen für eine Fehlerdiagnose mit Klassifikations- oder Inferenzmethoden. Das prinzipielle Vorgehen wird an einer Auswahl von am Institut für Automatisierungstechnik untersuchten technischen Prozessen, wie einem hydraulischen Aktor, Elektroantrieben, Kreiselpumpen, Verbrennungsmotoren und Kraftfahrzeugen kurz erläutert und es werden experimentelle Ergebnisse für eingebaute Fehler beschrieben. Der Beitrag schließt mit einer Zusammenfassung bisher erreichter Ergebnisse und einer Beurteilung der angewandten Methoden, die im Laufe der Jahre entwickelt wurden. Der Beitrag soll mit Hilfe der Beispiele die Anwendbarkeit deutlich machen.
Multitouch-Produkte: Welche kulturellen Unterschiede und Gemeinsamkeiten gibt es bei der Nutzung von Gesten
Authors: Le Hong Sylvia , Koller Franz 
Published: May 2010

Zusammenfassung
Gesten, die während eines Gesprächs verwendet werden, können in verschiedenen Ländern eine ganz unterschiedliche Bedeutung haben. Doch gibt es auch kulturelle Unterschiede bei Gesten, die zur Bedienung eines Multi-Touchscreen-Geräts genutzt werden? Die International Usability Partners (IUP) haben eine Pilotstudie in den USA und Deutschland durchgeführt. Diese bildete den Auftakt für eine weltweite Untersuchung in insgesamt neun Ländern. Pro Land nahmen 40 Nutzer an der Studie teil. Die Probanden mussten für insgesamt 28 verschiedene Aktionen, wie zum Beispiel das Löschen eines Items, eine entsprechende Geste finden. Als Stimulus-Material dienten Bilder, die den Vorher- und Nachher-Zustand eines mobilen Multitouch- Geräts darstellen. Der deutlichste kulturelle Unterschied zeigte sich in der Nutzung von symbolischen Gesten versus direkten Manipulationen: Chinesische Nutzer verwenden signifikant mehr symbolische Gesten (z. B. Schriftzeichen, Fragezeichen, etc.) als Nutzer aller anderen Länder. Insgesamt ließen sich aber mehr Gemeinsamkeiten als Unterschiede im Ländervergleich beobachten. So zeigten sich bei einigen Aktionen (z. B. Drehen eines Bildes, Verschieben eines Objekts) in allen Ländern klare Tendenzen für die gleiche Geste. Bei anderen Funktionen, wie dem Bearbeiten von Text, gab es zwischen den Nutzern verschiedener Länder jedoch nur einen geringen Grad an Übereinstimmung. Im weiteren Verlauf der Studie werden detaillierte Analysen der Ergebnisse durchgeführt. Sie tragen dazu bei, weitere kulturelle Unterschiede oder Gemeinsamkeiten zu erkennen.
Blended Library – Neue Interaktionsformen für die Bibliothek der Zukunft
Authors: Heilig Mathias , Demarmels Mischa , Huber Stephan , Reiterer Harald 
Published: May 2010

Zusammenfassung
Im Zuge der voranschreitenden Digitalisierung wurden in der Vergangenheit in den unterschiedlichsten Bereichen reale Dienste, wie die einer Bibliothek, auf digitale Dienste übertragen. Jedoch gingen dadurch viele soziale und physische Mehrwerte realer Umgebungen (z. B. persönlicher Kundenkontakt, räumliche Orientierung, greifbare Medienobjekte) verloren. Dieser Beitrag schlägt deshalb einen Paradigmenwechsel, weg von der Entwicklung rein virtueller Welten hin zur Einbettung von Informationstechnologien in die soziale und physische Welt einer Bibliothek vor. Eine Lösungsvariante für diesen Paradigmenwechsel ist das hier vorgestellte Konzept der Blended Library, welches die physischen und sozialen Fähigkeiten von Benutzern in die Interaktion mit der ”Bibliothek der Zukunft“ einbringt. Die theoretische Basis hierfür liefert die aus der Kognitionswissenschaft bekannte und zunehmend dominierende Theorie des ”Embodiment“. Diese Theorie offenbart Anforderungen an digitale Systeme, welche eine neue Generation von Benutzerschnittstellen verlangen. Als konzeptionelles Werkzeug für diese neuen Benutzerschnittstellen werden ”Blends“ vorgeschlagen. MedioVis 2.0 dient dabei als erste exemplarische Umsetzung einer Blended Library, welche umfassend auf den kreativen Arbeitsablauf eines Wissensarbeiters in der Bibliothek der Zukunft eingeht. Das Konzept wird anhand eines realitätsnahen Szenarios vorgestellt, in dem die Designentscheidungen von MedioVis 2.0 basierend auf ”Conceptual Blending“ erklärt werden. Dazu wurde eine begleitende Benutzerstudie mit elf Teilnehmern durchgeführt, die das Potenzial von MedioVis 2.0 untersuchte.
Answers to the Sterlinski´s comments
Authors: Aupiais Jean , Vivier V. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Recently, the Bayesian approach has been considered in the standard ISO to refine the determination of the decision threshold by taking into account all accessible information such as type A and type B uncertainties. In a previous paper [1] and later a corrigendum [2], we had demonstrated that such treatment was not properly performed and we have developed a complete treatment without simplification, based on the Bayesian approach and Poisson distribution. A new law of distribution of the net counting knowing one experimental determination of the background was thus introduced. Here, we discuss the comments from S. Sterlinski about this law of distribution. All variables in bold and italic are random while all variables in italic style are numbers experimentally obtained after a measurement.
Sorption of radiocobalt and other activation product radionuclides on titanium oxide material CoTreat®
Authors: Harjula Risto , Kelokaski Maarit , Leinonen Heikki 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
CoTreat is a commercial titanate material that is effective for the removal of 60Co and other activated corrosion product nuclides from nuclear waste effluents. A basic study has been carried out to investigate the uptake mechanism and selectivity of CoTreat material for trace sorption of 54Mn, 59Fe, 57Co, 63Ni, 65Zn and 110mAg. The analyses of the trace sorption isotherms indicate that except for 110mAg the uptake mechanism for the trace metal ions is surface complex formation. The selectivity of the material for the metal ions studied decreases in the order Fe>Ag>Mn>Co ≈Ni>Zn. Except for Fe, the selectivity thus decreases with the increasing tendency of the cations to hydrolyse.
Neuroprotection by glucagon: role of gluconeogenesis
Authors: Fanne Rami Abu , Nassar Taher , Mazuz Achinoam , Waked Otailah , Heyman Samuel N. , Hijazi Nuha , Goelman Gadi , Higazi Abd Al-Roof 
Published: May 2010

Object
The severity of neurological impairment following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is exacerbated by several endogenous processes, including hyperglycemia, hypotension, and the generation of glutamate. However, in addition to controlling hyperglycemia, insulin has pleiotropic effects on tissue metabolism, which include reducing the concentration of the neurotoxic amino acid glutamate, making it unclear whether insulin's beneficial effects are attributable to the establishment of euglycemia per se. In the present study, the authors asked if reducing glutamate via approaches that do not lower glucose levels would improve neurological outcome following TBI.

Methods
Glucagon activates gluconeogenesis by increasing the hepatic uptake of amino acids such as glutamate and facilitating their conversion to glucose. Glucagon was administered as a single intraperitoneal injection before or after closed head injury (CHI). Neurological function, brain histological features, blood glutamate and glucose levels, and CSF glutamate concentrations were measured.

Results
A single intraperitoneal injection of glucagon (25 μg) into mice 10 minutes before or after CHI reduced lesion size by about 60% (p < 0.0001) and accelerated neurological recovery. The neuroprotective effect of glucagon was related to gluconeogenesis by decreasing the concentration of the neuroexcitatory amino acid glutamate in the circulation from 207 ± 32.1 μmol/L in untreated mice to 101.11 ± 21.6 μmol/L in treated mice (p < 0.001); a similar effect occurred in the CSF. The neuroprotective effect of glucagon was seen notwithstanding the attendant increase in blood glucose, the final substrate of gluconeogenesis.

Conclusions
Glucagon exerts a marked neuroprotective effect post-TBI by decreasing CNS glutamate. Glucagon was beneficial despite increasing blood glucose. Favorable effects also occurred when glucagon was given prior to TBI, suggesting its involvement in the preconditioning process. Thus, glucagon may be of value in providing neuroprotection when administered after TBI or prior to certain neurosurgical or cardiac interventions in which the incidence of perioperative ischemia is high.
Association between initiation of antiretroviral therapy with efavirenz and decreases in 25-hydroxyvitamin D
Authors: Brown Todd T , McComsey Grace A 
Published: May 2010

Background We aimed to determine whether antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation with efavirenz (EFV) is associated with decreases in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) compared with non-EFV regimens. Methods 25(OH)D was measured from stored plasma samples in 87 ART-naive HIV-positive patients prior to ART initiation with EFV-containing ( n=51) or non-EFV-containing (89% with protease inhibitors; n=36) regimens from a single clinic in Cleveland (OH, USA). A repeat measurement was made 6–12 months after ART initiation. The change in 25(OH)D after ART initiation and the prevalence of patients with hypovitaminosis D (≤37.5 nmol/l [15 ng/ml]) after ART initiation was compared in those who initiated ART with and without EFV using multivariable linear and modified Poisson regression, respectively. Results Prior to ART initiation, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) 25(OH)D concentration was 52.7 nmol/l (IQR 32.2–72.1), with 33% prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. After 6–12 months of ART, 25(OH)D decreased by a mean ±se of -12.7 ±3.7 nmol/l in the EFV group relative to the non-EFV group ( P=0.001) after adjustment for baseline 25(OH)D concentration, race and season (non-summer versus summer) at the visit 6–12 months after ART initiation. Similarly, after multivariable adjustment, the risk of hypovitaminosis D after ART initiation was significantly higher in the EFV group compared with the non-EFV group (prevalence ratio 1.8 [95% confidence interval 1.2–2.8]; P=0.007). Conclusions ART initiation with EFV is associated with significant decreases in 25(OH)D and an increased risk of hypovitaminosis D compared with non-EFV regimens.
Pharmacokinetic study of once-daily versus twice-daily abacavir and lamivudine in HIV type-1-infected children aged 3–<36 months
Authors:   Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA), Jacqz-Aigrain Evelyne , Harrison Linda , Zhao Wei , Compagnucci Alexandra , Castro (née Green) Hannah , Farrelly Laura , Saidi Yacine , Hamadache Djamel , Welch Steven , Wintergerst Uwe , Forcat Silvia , Hadjou Ghenima , Firtion Ghislaine , Snowden Wendy , Giaquinto Carlo , Gibb Diana , Burger David 
Published: May 2010

Background Once-daily dosing of abacavir and lamivudine has been approved for adults, but paediatric data are insufficient. We conducted a pharmacokinetic study of once-daily and twice-daily abacavir and lamivudine in children aged 3–<36 months. Methods Children with stable HIV type-1 (HIV-1) RNA levels after 12 weeks treatment with twice-daily abacavir (8 mg/kg) with or without lamivudine (4 mg/kg) underwent plasma pharmacokinetic sampling. Children then switched to once-daily abacavir (16 mg/kg) with or without lamivudine (8 mg/kg), and sampling was repeated 4 weeks later. The area under the plasma concentration– time curve over 24 h (AUC0–24) and the maximum concentration (Cmax) were compared using geometric mean ratios (GMRs); 90% confidence intervals (CIs) within the range of 0.80–1.25 were considered bioequivalent. Results A total of 18 children (4, 6 and 8 in the 3–<12, 12–<24 and 24–<36 month age ranges, respectively) provided pharmacokinetic data for abacavir (17 for lamivudine). The GMR of AUC0–24, once-daily versus twice-daily, was 1.07 (90% CI 0.92–1.23) for abacavir and 0.91 (90% CI 0.79–1.06) for lamivudine. Cmax almost doubled on once-daily versus twice-daily dosing: abacavir and lamivudine GMRs were 2.04 (90% CI 1.73–2.42) and 1.78 (90% CI 1.52–2.09), respectively. At baseline, 12, 24 and 48 weeks, 89%, 94%, 100% and 89% of children had HIV-1 RNA<400 copies/ml, respectively. Conclusions Bioequivalence was demonstrated on AUC0–24 between twice-daily and once-daily abacavir; very similar AUC0–24 values were seen for twice-daily and once-daily lamivudine. Given that viral load suppression rates were maintained, these data suggest that once-daily abacavir and lamivudine might be an option for children aged 3–<36 months.
Short hairpin RNAs specific to human cytomegalovirus terminase subunit pUL89 prevent viral maturation
Authors: Thoma Corina , Bogner Elke 
Published: May 2010

Background In order to define the role of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) small terminase subunit pUL89, analysis by RNA interference was applied. Methods Cell lines expressing pUL89-specific short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) were constructed by transduction of shR-NAs via infection with retroviral vectors. These cell lines were infected with HCMV AD169 and were analysed for pUL89 expression, viral yield, plaque reduction, amount of viral DNA and particle formation. Results After infection of the cell lines with HCMV, the expression of pUL89 was reduced by up to 86% for shRNA_A and 84% for shRNA_B at the later time points of infection. Cell lines expressing shRNA_C and the control had no effect on the pUL89 expression level. In addition, the inhibitory effect corresponded to a decrease in viral growth kinetics, viral DNA and plaque formation. Analysis by electron microscopy demonstrated that infection of cells expressing pUL89-specific shRNA_A and shRNA_B resulted in a complete inhibition of viral particle formation. Conclusions HCMV is a serious life-threatening opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients. Because of multiple problems caused by the current available drugs, development of new strategies are needed. Our data clearly demonstrate that pUL89-specific shRNAs mediated the inhibition of formation of replicative infectious particles and therefore represent a new promising mechanism for antiviral therapy against HCMV infection.
Genomic events contributing to the high prevalence of amantadine-resistant influenza A/H3N2
Authors: Zaraket Hassan , Saito Reiko , Suzuki Yasushi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Caperig-Dapat Isolde , Dapat Clyde , Shabana Iman I , Baranovich Tatiana , Suzuki Hiroshi 
Published: May 2010

Background The prevalence of amantadine-resistant influenza A/H3N2 viruses (belonging to the N-lineage), possessing an S31N mutation in the M2 protein and S193F and D225N substitutions in their HA1 subunit, has significantly increased worldwide since 2005. The aim of this study was to clarify the genomic events contributing to the evolution and continuity of the N-lineage amantadine-resistant viruses. Methods The full genome sequence of A/H3N2 isolates, including both amantadine-resistant and amantadine-sensitive viruses, collected in Japan between 2006 and 2008, was determined and phylogenetically compared with isolates obtained from the database. Results On the basis of the full genome sequence analysis, the N-lineage could be further divided into three genetically related clades: N1 (A/Wisconsin/67/2005-like amantadine-resistant viruses from years 2005–2007), N2 (amantadine-sensitive viruses from 2007) and N3 (A/Brisbane/10/2007-like amantadine-resistant viruses from 2007 and 2008). The 2006/2007 season showed cocirculation of antigenic variants of amantadine-resistant viruses of clades N1 and N3 in addition to the N2-sensitive viruses. In the 2007/2008 season, the clade N3 amantadine-resistant lineage dominated and replaced other strains. Phylogenetic analysis of each individual segment suggested that N2 and N3 were generated from two independent reassortment events involving clade N1 viruses and pre-N- lineage strains. Conclusions Our data show that several reassortment events have contributed to the evolution of amantadine-resistant A/H3N2 strains and, consequently, to the successful spread of this lineage. Although amantadine resistance is caused by single amino acid mutations in the M2 protein, genome-wide adjustment involving multiple genes appears to be necessary to obtain efficient replication and transmission of resistant viruses. Such adjustments are attainable through reassortment of segments among different virus lineages.