bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling of the Inhibition of the Intermediate‐Conductance Ca2+‐Activated K+ Channel (IKCa1) by Some Triarylmethanes Using Quantum Chemical Properties Derived From Ab Initio Calculations
Authors: Fernández Michael , Caballero Julio 
Published: May 2008

AbstractInhibition of the Intermediate‐Conductance Ca2+‐Activated K+ Channel (IKCa1) by some Triarylmethane (TRAM) derivatives has been successfully modeled by using quantum chemical properties derived from Ab Initio calculations and Weighted Holistic Invariant Molecular (WHIM) descriptors. The predictive model was conducted by Partial Least Squares (PLS) method in combination with Genetic Algorithm (GA). Models with good predictivity were obtained both in cross‐validation procedures and external test set predictions. Our results show that Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) energy, some electronic properties, and topological distributions are important parameters influencing the binding of TRAMs with IKCa1. In addition, our model identified some relevant patterns that can be useful for understanding the IKCa1 inhibitory process and the design of new blockers.
Accurate Prediction of Aquatic Toxicity of Aromatic Compounds Based on Genetic Algorithm and Least Squares Support Vector Machines
Authors: Lei Beilei , Li Jiazhong , Liu Huanxiang , Yao Xiaojun 
Published: May 2008

AbstractQuantitative Structure–Toxicity Relationship (QSTR) plays an important role in ecotoxicology for its fast and practical ability to assess the potential negative effects of chemicals. The aim of this investigation was to develop accurate QSTR models for the aquatic toxicity of a large set of aromatic compounds through the combination of Least Squares Support Vector Machines (LS‐SVMs) and a Genetic Algorithm (GA). Molecular descriptors calculated by DRAGON package and log P were used to describe the molecular structures. The most relevant descriptors used to build QSTR models were selected by a GA‐Variable Subset Selection procedure. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and nonlinear LS‐SVMs methods were employed to build QSTR models. The predictive ability of the derived models was validated using both the test set, selected from the whole data set by the Kennard–Stone Algorithm, and an external prediction set. The model applicability domain was checked by the leverage approach and the external prediction set was used to verify the predictive reliability of the models. The results indicated that the proposed QSTR models are robust and satisfactory, and can provide a feasible and promising tool for the rapid assessment of the toxicity of chemicals.
Linear quadratic optimal sliding mode flow control for connection‐oriented communication networks
Authors: Ignaciuk Przemysław , Bartoszewicz Andrzej 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this paper, a new sliding mode flow controller for multi‐source connection‐oriented communication networks is proposed. The networks are modelled as discrete time,nth‐order systems. On the basis of the system state space description, novel sliding mode controllers with linear quadratic (LQ) optimal and sub‐optimal switching planes are designed. The control law derivation focuses on the minimization of the LQ cost functional and solving the resultant matrix Riccati equation. Closed‐loop system stability is demonstrated, and conditions for no data loss and full bottleneck link bandwidth utilization in the network are presented and strictly proved. To the best of our knowledge, this paper presents the first attempt to design a discrete time sliding mode flow control algorithm for connection‐oriented communication networks. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Appropriate Surgical Treatment of Lithium‐Associated Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Carchman Evie , Ogilvie Jennifer , Holst Jennifer , Yim John , Carty Sally 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundLithium is frequently used in the treatment of bipolar disease. Although lithium‐associated hyperparathyroidism (LAH) is well documented, reports concerning its pathologic findings are sparse. Because of a high‐reported incidence of multiglandular disease, focused exploration for LAH is controversial.MethodsFrom 1995 to 2007, data from 1207 consecutive patients who underwent concise parathyroid exploration for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) directed by quick intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring (QPTH) were reviewed to identify patients with LAH. Anatomic findings were determined. All patients had >5 months of follow‐up.ResultsThe incidence of LAH was 16/1207 (1.3%). The rate of multiglandular disease was not higher in LAH: present in 25% (4/16) patients with LAH and 12.3% (146/1191) patients without LAH (p = 0.13 Fisher two‐tailed test). Among 16 patients with LAH, 12 (75%) had a single adenoma. The use of QPTH allowed unilateral exploration in 8 of 12 patients with single adenoma. Parathyroid exploration resulted in durable biochemical cure for all 16 patients with LAH.ConclusionMultiglandular disease seems to be no more frequent in patients with LAH than in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) without LAH. Patients with LAH can be safely and effectively managed with selective unilateral exploration directed by intraoperative PTH monitoring.
Predation on two vole species by a shared predator: antipredatory response and prey preference
Authors: Sundell Janne , Trebatická Lenka , Oksanen Tarja , Ovaskainen Otso , Haapakoski Marko , Ylönen Hannu 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn prey communities with shared predators, variation in prey vulnerability is a key factor in shaping community dynamics. Conversely, the hunting efficiency of a predator depends on the prey community structure, preferences of the predator and antipredatory behavioural traits of the prey. We studied experimentally, under seminatural field conditions, the preferences of a predator and the antipredatory responses of prey in a system consisting of two Myodes species of voles, the grey‐sided vole (M. rufocanus Sund.) and the bank vole (M. glareolus Schreb.), and their specialist predator, the least weasel (Mustela nivalis nivalis L.). To quantify the preference of the weasels, we developed a new modelling framework that can be used for unbalanced data. The two vole species were hypothesised to have different habitat‐dependent vulnerabilities. We created two habitats, open and forest, to provide different escape possibilities for the voles. We found a weak general preference of the weasels for the grey‐sided voles over the bank voles, and a somewhat stronger preference specifically in open habitats. The weasels clearly preferred male grey‐sided voles over females, whereas in bank voles, there was no difference. The activity of voles changed over time, so that voles increased their movements immediately after weasel introduction, but later adjusted their movements to times of lowered predation risk. Females that were more active had an elevated mortality risk, whereas in the case of males, the result was the opposite. We conclude that, in vulnerability to predation, the species‐ or habitat‐specific characteristics of these prey species are playing a minor role compared to sex‐specific characteristics.
Inter‐species variation of photosynthetic and xylem hydraulic traits in the deciduous and evergreen Euphorbiaceae tree species from a seasonally tropical forest in south‐western China
Authors: Chen Jun‐Wen , Zhang Qiang , Cao Kun‐Fang 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to examine the functional coordination among hydraulic traits, xylem characteristics and gas exchange rates across three deciduous Euphorbiaceae tree species (Hevea brasiliensis, Macaranga denticulata and Bischofia javanica) and three evergreen Euphorbiaceae tree species (Drypetes indica, Aleurites moluccana and Codiaeum variegatum) from a seasonally tropical forest in south‐western China. The deciduous tree species were more vulnerable to water stress‐induced embolism than the evergreen tree species. However, the deciduous tree species generally had higher maximal rates of sapwood and leaf‐specific hydraulic conductivity (KS and KL), respectively. Compared with the evergreen tree species, the deciduous tree species, however, possessed a lower density of sapwood and a wider diameter of xylem vessels. Regardless of leaf phenology, the hydraulic vulnerability and conductivity were significantly correlated with sapwood density and mean vessel diameter. Furthermore, the hydraulic vulnerability was positively correlated with water transport efficiency. In addition, the deciduous tree species exhibited higher maximal photosynthetic rates (Amax) and stomatal conductance (gmax), but lower water use efficiency (WUE). Interestingly, the Amax, gmax and WUE were strongly correlated with KS and KL across the deciduous and evergreen tree species. These results suggest that xylem structure, rather than leaf phenology, accounts for the difference in hydraulic traits between the deciduous tree species and the evergreen tree species. Meanwhile, our results show that there is a significant trade‐off between hydraulic efficiency and safety, and a strong functional correlation between the hydraulic capacity and gas exchange rates across the deciduous and evergreen tree species.
Designing an Inducer‐Feeding Schedule To Enhance Production of Recombinant Protein in Escherichia coli by Microbial Reaction Engineering
Authors: Gonzalez Jesus M. , Hsu James T. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMetabolic constraints during the production of recombinant protein in Escherichia coli impede the efficient utilization of resources by the cells, thus reducing their production potential. In order to minimize these adverse effects, we have proposed to segregate the cell population into two groups: the first one formed by non‐induced cells, growing at a high specific growth rate and rapidly contributing cells to the system, and the second one formed by fully induced cells, growing slowly but using the cell machinery to express the target protein. An adequate balance between these two populations should maximize the protein expression in a given system. This segregation is accomplished experimentally by taking advantage of the “all or none” phenomenon, in which at subsaturated inducer conditions the cells are either fully induced or fully uninduced. Based on this two‐population theory, a mathematical model was developed in which a parameter α was defined as the fraction of the fully induced cells in the total population. In this study three different induction strategies were investigated and their effect on the protein production was established. It was found that the linear increase of this fraction, achieving maximum induction (α = 1) only at the end of the fermentation and with a slope m = 0.15 gave the best results. Finally these results were validated experimentally with the finding that they closely match the mathematical simulation with a 26% increase in protein production with respect to the conventional induction approach described.
Endosomal compartment contributes to the propagation of CD95/Fas-mediated signals in type II cells
Authors: Matarrese Paola , Manganelli Valeria , Garofalo Tina , Tinari Antonella , Gambardella Lucrezia , Ndebele Kenneth , Khosravi-Far Roya , Sorice Maurizio , Esposti Mauro Degli , Malorni Walter 
Published: May 2008

Participation of diverse organelles in the intracellular signalling that follows CD95/Fas receptor ligation encompasses a series of subcellular changes that are mandatory for, or even bolster, the apoptotic cascade. In the present study, we analysed the role of endocytosis in the propagation of cell death signalling after CD95/Fas engagement in type II cells (CEM cells). We show that this receptor–ligand interaction triggers endocytosis independently of any caspase activation. This FasL (Fas ligand)-induced endocytosis also leads to an early and directional ‘movement’ of endocytic vesicles towards the mitochondrial compartment. In turn, this cross-talk between endosomal and mitochondrial compartments was followed by the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis execution. This cell remodelling was absent in receptor-independent cell death, such as that induced by the mitochondriotropic drug staurosporine, and in a CEM cell line selected for its multidrug resistance (CEM VBL100). In these cells a reduced FasL (Fas ligand)-induced endocytosis and a reduced organelle cross-talk corresponded to a reduced apoptosis. Altogether, these findings suggest a key role of endocytosis in the propagation and amplification of the CD95/Fas-activated signalling leading to type II cell demise.
The experiences of counselling for persons with ME
Authors: Ward Tony , Hogan Kevin , Stuart Viki , Singleton Elizabeth 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA number of studies have evaluated counselling interventions for people with myalgic encephalitis, but few report client perceptions in any detail. This study seeks to explore client perceptions using a qualitative methodology. A sample of 25 individuals with myalgic encephalitis were interviewed about their experiences in counselling. The interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis using grounded theory principles. The analysis showed that people with myalgic encephalitis endure significant changes to their lives, often involving great loss and trauma. After seeking help through counselling, participants had experienced a wide variety of approaches and there were positive and negative perceptions of each. Other perceptions related to therapist characteristics and the way in which interventions were carried out. Recommendations for practitioners are given.
A follow‐up study of the long‐term effects of counselling in a primary care counselling psychology service
Authors: Davis Debi , Corrin-Pendry Stephanie , Savill Mark 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDespite much recent work examining the short‐term effect of counselling in primary healthcare settings, to date relatively little research has examined the effectiveness of such treatment programmes over the longer term. In this study, 58 participants underwent brief, time‐limited integrative counselling sessions, with symptoms being measured using the CORE‐OM immediately before, immediately after, and 30 months after counselling. It was found that in addition to participants reporting significantly lower levels of psychological distress immediately post‐counselling, a further significant improvement at 30‐month follow‐up was also apparent, indicating that the benefit from counselling was maintained. In addition to this reduction in symptoms post‐counselling, a significant reduction in GP visits was also detected in the 12 months following counselling when compared with the 12 months prior to counselling, indicating a lower reliance on the primary healthcare team after counselling.
The manifestation of transference during early psychotherapy sessions
Authors: Tellides Catherine , Fitzpatrick Marilyn , Drapeau Martin , Bracewell Robert , Janzen Jennifer , Jaouich Alexia 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDespite the clinical use of therapeutic transference across various schools of psychotherapy, there have been relatively few empirical studies of this phenomenon, none of which has examined transference with a non‐pathological population. In this study, the core conflictual relationship theme (CCRT) method was used to examine the manifestation of therapeutic transference in the first three sessions of 22 counselling contracts with high‐functioning individuals. Factor analyses of the wish (W) and response of other (RO) components of the CCRT indicate a complementary pattern of relating in which the therapist is idealised and others are devalued. Within the response of self (RS) component, clients exhibited a concordant relational transfer whereby they had a negative response to both the therapist and others. Additionally, control issues emerged in the W component for significant others and in the RS component for the therapist.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Blastomycosis: 2008 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America
Authors: Chapman Stanley W. , Dismukes William E. , Proia Laurie A. , Bradsher Robert W. , Pappas Peter G. , Threlkeld Michael G. , Kauffman Carol A. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with blastomycosis were prepared by an Expert Panel of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. These updated guidelines replace the previous management guidelines published in the April 2000 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases. The guidelines are intended for use by health care providers who care for patients who have blastomycosis. Since 2000, several new antifungal agents have become available, and blastomycosis has been noted more frequently among immunosuppressed patients. New information, based on publications between 2000 and 2006, is incorporated in this guideline document, and recommendations for treating children with blastomycosis have been noted.
EQUILIBRIUM PHASE TRANSITIONS
Authors: Ghoniem Nasr M. , Walgraef Daniel D. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
This chapter aims to develop the fundamental equations of thermodynamics which govern equilibrium between reacting species or phases. It begins with a review of the basic thermodynamic state variables of a homogeneous phase, followed by a discussion of the basic concepts of phase equilibrium in pure species as well as in multi-component systems. The ideal and non-ideal behaviour of mixtures, which facilitates the development of free energy formalisms associated with the mixture, is discussed in the subsequent sections. An introduction to phase diagram calculation techniques for binary and briefly for multi-component systems is presented. Finally, the concept of metastability and equilibrium suppression is introduced, and the significance and applications of metastable phase diagrams are outlined.
MULTISCALE COMPUTER SIMULATION METHODS
Authors: Ghoniem Nasr M. , Walgraef Daniel D. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Computational modelling of materials behaviour is becoming a reliable tool of scientific investigation, complementary to traditional theory and experimentation. The Multiscale Materials Modelling (MMM) approach reflects the realization that continuum and atomistic analysis methods are complementary. This chapter describes the most popular numerical techniques of each component that make up the MMM paradigm for modelling nano- and micro-systems: Quantum Mechanics (QM), Molecular Dynamics (MD), Monte Carlo (MC), Dislocation Dynamics (DD), Statistical Mechanics (SM), and Continuum Mechanics (CM).
SURFACE ROUGHENING, PATTERNS AND CRACKS
Authors: Ghoniem Nasr M. , Walgraef Daniel D. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
This chapter begins with a discussion of the causes of the roughening and grooving of solid surfaces. It then discusses Asaro-Tiller surface instability, phase field models, surface patterns caused by energetic photons and ions, surface stress during rapid heating, stress corrosion cracking, and numerical methods.
SELF-ORGANIZATION OF SURFACE ATOMS
Authors: Ghoniem Nasr M. , Walgraef Daniel D. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
This chapter presents a method for quantitatively studying the evolution (i.e., nucleation and growth) of the solid phase from the vapour phase. The technical applications of the methods developed is mainly in chemical vapour deposition (CVD), physical vapour deposition (PVD), chemical vapour infiltration (CVI), epitaxial growth of semiconductors, plasma and laser processing, etc. The definition of vapour is broadened to include all energetic processes, such as plasma, electron, ion, or laser, in which low-density material (vapour) is employed. The latter part of the chapter examines heat and mass transport during CVD processes.
LASER-INDUCED DEFORMATION OF THIN FILMS
Authors: Ghoniem Nasr M. , Walgraef Daniel D. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
This chapter presents the theory of laser-induced deformation and patterning of irradiated surfaces. Topics discussed include laser irradiation and thin film deformation, laser-induced temperature distribution, vacancy dynamics in strained crystals, deformation equations for thin films, variational principle for the free energy, deformation instability and surface patterning, and the influence of crystal anisotropy and adhesion.
Involvement of 15‐lipoxygenase and prostaglandin EP receptors in aspirin‐triggered 15‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid generation in aspirin‐sensitive asthmatics
Authors: Jedrzejczak‐Czechowicz M. , Lewandowska‐Polak A. , Bienkiewicz B. , Kowalski M. L. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryBackground
The mechanism of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid: ASA) hypersensitivity in asthmatic patients is related to arachidonic acid metabolism abnormalities, and specific triggering by ASA of 15‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15‐HETE) generation was observed in leucocytes from aspirin‐sensitive (AS) but not from aspirin‐tolerant (AT) asthmatics.Objective
The aim of this study was to identify the enzymatic pathway involved in ASA‐induced 15‐HETE generation in AS asthmatics and to assess the regulatory role of prostaglandin EP receptors.Methods
Peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) were isolated from AS (n=18) and AT (n=20) asthmatics and challenged with ASA, with and without pre‐incubation with caffeic acid (CA) [15‐lipoxygenase (15‐LO) inhibitor] or prostaglandin receptor non‐specific (misoprostol, sulprostone) and specific EP1–4 receptors agonists. Eicosanoids were measured in supernatants using specific immunoassays.Results
Aspirin triggered 15‐HETE generation in PBLs of AS asthmatics (mean increase 292%) but not in AT asthmatics and inhibited prostaglandin2 (PGE2) generation in both groups of patients to the same degree. Leucocytes from AS patients produced less PGE2, both before and after ASA incubation. Pre‐incubation of PBLs with CA decreased basal 15‐HETE production in all patients and completely inhibited ASA‐induced 15‐HETE generation in AS asthmatics. CA did not change basal PGE2 production but enhanced induced by ASA inhibition of PGE2. Non‐specific agonists of EP receptors (misoprostol and sulprostone) did not affect basal 15‐HETE production but inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner the ASA‐induced increase of 15‐HETE generation in AS asthmatics. On the contrary, in AT asthmatics, pre‐incubation of PBLs with misoprostol or sulprostone resulted in a significant increase in 15‐HETE generation after addition of ASA (200 μm). EP1–3 receptor agonists inhibited (range 72–94%) the ASA‐induced 15‐HETE production significantly.Conclusion
Our study demonstrated that ASA‐triggered 15‐HETE generation involves the activation of 15‐LO and is modulated by prostaglandin EP1–3 receptors. The relevance of these observations to the mechanism of in vivo ASA‐induced asthmatic attack remains to be established.
An unusual case of root perforation caused by surgical trephination
Authors: Kosti E. , Molyvdas I. , Lambrianidis T. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim  To present the diagnosis and management of an unusual case of root perforation caused by surgical trephination.Summary  A root perforation caused by surgical trephination on a maxillary lateral incisor with diagnosis of symptomatic chronic periradicular periodontitis was managed with standard root canal preparation and filling with thermoplasticized gutta‐percha. Recall radiographs up to 1 year revealed healing of the periapical lesion.Key learning points

During surgical trephination, there is risk of damaging anatomical structures surrounding the tooth as well as the tooth itself.
Root perforation caused by trephination was successfully managed by standard canal preparation and filling with thermoplasticized gutta‐percha.