bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Refined study of the interaction between HIV-1 p6 late domain and ALIX
Authors: Lazert Carine , Chazal Nathalie , Briant Laurence , Gerlier Denis , Cortay Jean-Claude 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
The interaction between the HIV-1 p6 late budding domain and ALIX, a class E vacuolar protein sorting factor, was explored by using the yeast two-hybrid approach. We refined the ALIX binding site of p6 as being the leucine triplet repeat sequence (Lxx)4 (LYPLTSLRSLFG). Intriguingly, the deletion of the C-terminal proline-rich region of ALIX prevented detectable binding to p6. In contrast, a four-amino acid deletion in the central hinge region of p6 increased its association with ALIX as shown by its ability to bind to ALIX lacking the proline rich domain. Finally, by using a random screening approach, the minimal ALIX391–510 fragment was found to specifically interact with this p6 deletion mutant. A parallel analysis of ALIX binding to the late domain p9 from EIAV revealed that p6 and p9, which exhibit distinct ALIX binding motives, likely bind differently to ALIX. Altogether, our data support a model where the C-terminal proline-rich domain of ALIX allows the access of its binding site to p6 by alleviating a conformational constraint resulting from the presence of the central p6 hinge.
Determinants of late disease-stage presentation at diagnosis of HIV infection in Venezuela: A case-case comparison
Authors: Bonjour Maeva A , Montagne Morelba , Zambrano Martha , Molina Gloria , Lippuner Catherine , Wadskier Francis G , Castrillo Milvida , Incani Renzo N , Tami Adriana 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Background
Although Venezuela has a National Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Program offering free diagnosis and treatment, 41% of patients present for diagnosis at a later disease-stage, indicating that access to care may still be limited. Our study aimed to identify factors influencing delay in presenting for HIV-diagnosis using a case-case comparison. A cross-sectional survey was performed at the Regional HIV Reference Centre (CAI), Carabobo Region, Venezuela. Between May 2005 and October 2006 225 patients diagnosed with HIV at CAI were included and demographic, behavioural and medical characteristics collected from medical files. Socio-economic and behavioural factors were obtained from 129 eligible subjects through interviews. "Late presentation" at diagnosis was defined as patients classified with disease-stage B or C according to the 1993 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, USA) classification, and "early presentation" defined as diagnosis in disease-stage A.

Results
Of 225 subjects, 91 (40%) were defined as late presenters. A similar proportion (51/129) was obtained in the interviewed sub-sample. Older age (>30 years), male heterosexuality, lower socio-economic status, perceiving ones partner to be faithful and living ≥ 25 km from the CAI were positively associated with late diagnosis in a multivariate model. Females were less likely to present late than heterosexual males (odds ratio = 0.23, P = 0.06). The main barriers to HIV testing were low knowledge of HIV/AIDS, lack of awareness of the free HIV program, lack of perceived risk of HIV-infection, fear for HIV-related stigma, fear for lack of confidentiality at testing site and logistic barriers.

Conclusion
Despite the free Venezuelan HIV Program, poverty and barriers related to lack of knowledge and awareness of both HIV and the Program itself were important determinants in late presentation at HIV diagnosis. This study also indicates that women; heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual men might have different pathways to testing and different factors related to late presentation in each subgroup. Efforts must be directed to i) increase awareness of HIV/AIDS and the Program and ii) the identification of specific factors associated with delay in HIV diagnosis per subgroup, to help develop targeted public health interventions improving early diagnosis and prognosis of people living with HIV/AIDS in Venezuela and elsewhere.
Nav1.7 Expression is Increased in Painful Human Dental Pulp
Authors: Luo Songjiang , Perry Griffin M , Levinson S Rock , Henry Michael A 
Published: May 2008

Background: Animal studies and a few human studies have shown a change in sodium channel (NaCh) expression after inflammatory lesions, and this change is implicated in the generation of pain states. We are using the extracted human tooth as a model system to study peripheral pain mechanisms and here examine the expression of the Nav1.7 NaCh isoform in normal and painful samples. Pulpal sections were labeled with antibodies against: 1) Nav1.7, N52 and PGP9.5, and 2) Nav1.7, caspr (a paranodal protein used to identify nodes of Ranvier), and myelin basic protein (MBP), and a z-series of optically-sectioned images were obtained with the confocal microscope. Nav1.7-immunofluorescence was quantified in N52/PGP9.5-identified nerve fibers with NIH ImageJ software, while Nav1.7 expression in myelinated fibers at caspr-identified nodal sites was evaluated and further characterized as either typical or atypical as based on caspr-relationships. Results: Results show a significant increase in nerve area with Nav1.7 expression within coronal and radicular fiber bundles and increased expression at typical and atypical caspr-identified nodal sites in painful samples. Painful samples also showed an augmentation of Nav1.7 within localized areas that lacked MBP, including those associated with atypical caspr-identified sites, thus identifying NaCh remodeling within demyelinating axons as the basis for a possible pulpal pain mechanism. Conclusion: This study identifies the increased axonal expression and augmentation of Nav1.7 at intact and remodeling/demyelinating nodes within the painful human dental pulp where these changes may contribute to constant, increased evoked and spontaneous pain responses that characterize the pain associated with toothache.
Changes in γ-secretase activity and specificity caused by the introduction of consensus aspartyl protease active motif in Presenilin 1
Authors: Carter Donald B , Dunn Edwige , Pauley Adele M , McKinley Denise D , Fleck Timothy J , Ellerbrook Brenda R , Stratman Nancy C , Zhou Xiangdong , Himes Carol S , Nye Jeffrey S , Tomasselli Alfredo , Yan Riqiang 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Presenilin (PS1 or PS2) is an essential component of the active γ-secretase complex that liberates the Aβ peptides from amyloid precursor protein (APP). PS1 is regarded as an atypical aspartyl protease harboring two essential aspartic acids in the context of the sequence D257LV and D385FI, respectively, rather than the typical DTG...DTG catalytic motif of classical aspartyl proteases. In the present studies, we introduced the sequence DTG in PS1 at and around the catalytic D257 and D385 residues to generate three PS1 mutants: D257TG, D385TG, and the double-mutant D257TG/D385TG. The effects of these changes on the γ-secretase activity in the presence or absence of γ-secretase inhibitors and modulators were investigated. The results showed that PS1 mutants having D385TG robustly enhanced Aβ42 production compared to the wild type (wt), and were more sensitive than wt to inhibition by a classical aspartyl protease transition state mimic, and fenchylamine, a sulfonamide derivative. Unlike wt PS1 and some of its clinical mutants, all three PS1 artificial mutants decreased cleavage of Notch S3-site, suggesting that these artificial mutations may trigger conformational changes at the substrate docking and catalytic site that cause alteration of substrate specificity and inhibition pattern. Consistent with this notion, we have found that NSAID enzymatic inhibitors of COX, known modulators of the γ-secretase activity, cause PS1 mutants containing D385TG to produce higher levels of both Aβ38 and Aβ42, but to reduce levels of Aβ39, showing a pattern of Aβ formation different from that observed with wild type PS1 and its clinical mutants. This study provides an important structural clue for the rational design of drugs to inhibit processing of APP at the γ-site without interfering with Notch processing.
Sleep structure and sleepiness in chronic fatigue syndrome with or without coexisting fibromyalgia
Authors: Togo Fumiharu , Natelson Benjamin H , Cherniack Neil S , FitzGibbons Jennifer , Garcon Carmen , Rapoport David M 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Introduction
We evaluated polysomnograms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients with and without fibromyalgia to determine whether patients in either group had elevated rates of sleep-disturbed breathing (obstructive sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome) or periodic leg movement disorder. We also determined whether feelings of unrefreshing sleep were associated with differences in sleep architecture from normal.

Methods
We compared sleep structures and subjective scores on visual analog scales for sleepiness and fatigue in CFS patients with or without coexisting fibromyalgia (n = 12 and 14, respectively) with 26 healthy subjects. None had current major depressive disorder, and all were studied at the same menstrual phase.

Results
CFS patients had significant differences in polysomnograpic findings from healthy controls and felt sleepier and more fatigued than controls after a night's sleep. CFS patients as a group had less total sleep time, lower sleep efficiency, and less rapid eye movement sleep than controls. A possible explanation for the unrefreshing quality of sleep in CFS patients was revealed by stratification of patients into those who reported more or less sleepiness after a night's sleep (a.m. sleepier or a.m. less sleepy, respectively). Those in the sleepier group reported that sleep did not improve their symptoms and had poorer sleep efficiencies and shorter runs of sleep than both controls and patients in the less sleepy group; patients in the less sleepy group reported reduced fatigue and pain after sleep and had relatively normal sleep structures. This difference in sleep effects was due primarily to a decrease in the length of periods of uninterrupted sleep in the a.m. sleepier group.

Conclusion
CFS patients had significant differences in polysomnographic findings from healthy controls and felt sleepier and more fatigued than controls after a night's sleep. This difference was due neither to diagnosable sleep disorders nor to coexisting fibromyalgia but primarily to a decrease in the length of periods of uninterrupted sleep in the patients with more sleepiness in the morning than on the night before. This sleep disruption may explain the overwhelming fatigue, report of unrefreshing sleep, and pain in this subgroup of patients.
Targeting β-Cell Mass in Type 2 Diabetes: Promise and Limitations of New Drugs Based on Incretins
Authors: Salehi Marzieh , Aulinger Benedikt A. , D'Alessio David A. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Progressive insulin secretory defects, due to either functional abnormalities of the pancreatic β-cells or a reduction in β-cell mass, are the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes. Incretin-based drugs hold the potential to improve glucose tolerance by immediate favorable effect on β-cell physiology as well as by expanding or at least maintaining β-cell mass, which may delay the progression of the disease. Long-term studies in humans are needed to elaborate on these effects.
Evaluation of Finishing Processes for Linen Fabrics Using the Kawabata Evaluation System
Authors: Namligöz E. S. , Bahtiyari M. İ , Körlü A. E. , Çoban S. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
The main problems of linen textiles are roughness, stiffness, and wrinkling tendency. To solve these problems, different finishing processes are necessary. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different finishing processes such as enzymatic treatment with cellulases, softening process with micro-silicone softener, and wrinkle resistance treatment with modified-DMDHEU (dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea), on the mechanical properties of linen fabric. The bio-polishing of linen fabrics was performed in laboratory type exhausting machine. The softening and wrinkle resistance processes were realized with laboratory padder for impregnation and laboratory stenter for drying and curing. The Kawabata Evaluation System was used to test tensile, bending, and shearing properties of linen fabric treated with different finishing processes. Moreover, the wrinkle recovery angles (WRAs) of untreated and treated samples were also investigated according to DIN 53890. It was found that the bio-polishing process is important like softening processes in accordance with the softness feel of linen fabric. While the WRA of the treated fabrics had increased, the mechanical properties (tensile, shear, and bending) of fabrics did not change significantly.
Halbleitende Polymere als Funktionswerkstoffe für gedruckte Optoelektronik – Neue Möglichkeiten und Besonderheiten (Semiconducting Polymers for Printed Opto Electronics – Opportunities and Special Features)
Authors: Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar 
Published: May 2008

Zusammenfassung
Die konjugierten Polymere als organische Halbleiter sind besondere Werkstoffe: Sie vereinen die Vorteile eines “Plastik”-Werkstoffes wie z.B. die Löslichkeit, Verarbeitungsfähigkeit, Dünnschichtherstellung, mechanische Flexibilität usw. und die elektrischen und optischen Eigenschaften eines Halbleiters und Metalls. Demnach werden diese Werkstoffe als aktive Substanzen in der gedruckten Optoelektronik interessant sein.
Design of Printed Circuits – New Requirements and New Opportunities (Entwurf gedruckter Schaltungen – Neue Anforderungen und neue Möglichkeiten)
Authors: Kempa Heiko , Hambsch Mike , Voigt Sven 
Published: May 2008

Summary
Design of printed circuits becomes an increasingly important research field as applications of this emerging technology come into sight. However, significant demand of research and development exists because new technology-related requirements apply as well as new opportunities evolve. We illustrate recent progress and future developments in terms of device modelling, circuit design and simulation as well as circuitry concepts using practical examples.
Einsatz eines Physikmodells zur Simulation des Materialflusses einer Produktionsanlage (Application of a Physical Model for the Simulation of the Material Flow of a Manufacturing Plant)
Authors: Zäh Michael F. , Spitzweg Michael , Lacour Frédéric-Felix 
Published: May 2008

Zusammenfassung
Die Idee der virtuellen Inbetriebnahme wird von Werkzeugmaschinen auf materialflussintensive Produktionsanlagen übertragen. Dabei zeigt sich, dass der Materialfluss für die Aussagekraft der Simulation wesentlich ist. Ausgehend vom CAD-Modell wird ein reduziertes Geometriemodell um ein Physik- und Kinematikmodell erweitert. Auf Basis dieses Modells wird die Simulation für die virtuelle Inbetriebnahme durchgeführt. Anhand eines realitätsnahen Anwendungsszenarios wird die praktische Nutzbarkeit gezeigt.
Corticosterone stress response in tree swallows nesting near polychlorinated biphenyl- and dioxin-contaminated rivers
Authors: Franceschini Melinda D , Custer Christine M , Custer Thomas W , Reed J. Michael , Romero L. Michael 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe assayed baseline and stress-induced corticosterone concentrations from adult female and nestling tree swallows, Tachycineta bicolor, from New England, USA, sites with different levels of contamination with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Corticosterone was compared over 2 years from a highly contaminated PCB site along the Housatonic River (Berkshire County, MA, USA), a midrange contaminated site upstream, and a reference site. Adult females (n = 29), sampled only in 2003, showed an inverted-U association with PCBs, with higher stress-induced corticosterone with midrange contamination than at the high-contamination site. In nestlings, stress-induced corticosterone was highest for the highly contaminated site compared with the other sites in 2003 (n = 53, 29 nests), with no difference among sites in 2004 (n = 93, 27 nests). In 2004, we began testing mechanisms underlying these changes in nestlings at the high- and low-PCB sites. Corticosterone response to dexamethasone injection (used to test negative feedback) was not different between sites, but stress-induced corticosterone was reduced at the contaminated site after adrenocorticotropin hormone injection (used to test adrenal responsiveness), suggesting an inhibited ability to mount a stress response. We also compared nestlings from a stretch of the Woonasquatucket River, Rhode Island, USA, heavily contaminated with TCDD (n = 80, 43 nests) with nestlings from an upstream site that had lower levels of TCDD and the Berkshire County reference site. Although there were no stress-induced differences, baseline corticosterone was lower at the higher TCDD site than at the reference site. Altogether these findings suggest that tree swallows chronically exposed to high PCB and TCDD levels exhibit altered baseline and stress-induced corticosterone responses, but the patterns of alteration might not be predictable.
Influence of electrolyte species and concentration on the aggregation and transport of fullerene nanoparticles in quartz sands
Authors: Wang Yonggang , Li Yusong , Pennell Kurt D 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
The potential toxicity of nanoscale particles has received considerable attention, but the fate of engineered nanomaterials in the environment has been studied only under a limited set of conditions. In the present study, batch and column experiments were performed to assess the aggregation and transport of nanoscale fullerene (nC60) particles in water-saturated quartz sands as a function of electrolyte concentration and species. As the electrolyte concentration increased from 1 to 100 mM, the change in nC60 particle diameter was minimal in the presence of NaCl but increased by more than sevenfold in the presence of CaCl2. The latter effect was attributed to the agglomeration of individual nC60 particles, consistent with a net attractive force between particles and suppression of the electrical double layer. At low ionic strength (3.05 mM), nC60 particles were readily transported through 40- to 50-mesh quartz sand, appearing in the column effluent after introducing less than 1.5 pore volumes of nC60 suspension, with approximately 30% and less than 10% of the injected mass retained in the presence of CaCl2 or NaCl, respectively. At higher ionic strength (30.05 mM) and in finer Ottawa sand (100–140 mesh), greater than 95% of the introduced nC60 particles were retained in the column regardless of the electrolyte species. Approximately 50% of the deposited nC60 particles were recovered from 100- to 140-mesh Ottawa sand after sequential introduction of deionized water adjusted the pH to 10 and 12. These findings demonstrate that nC60 transport and retention in water-saturated sand is strongly dependent on electrolyte conditions and that release of deposited nC60 requires substantial changes in surface charge, consistent with retention in a primary energy minimum.
Effect of commonly used herbicides on the virulence factor CDR1 in Candida albicans
Authors: Schmidt Martin , Barker Stephanie , Essmann Michael , Larsen Bryan 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
The ubiquitous yeast Candida albicans becomes a troublesome pathogen by inducing virulence factors in response to environmental stimuli. Among these virulence factors is a drug-exporting transport protein, Cdr1p, which renders cells resistant to certain antifungal drugs. The expression of the CDR1 gene responds to a wide spectrum of stimuli, including drugs, heat shock, and steroid hormones. The aim of the present study is to characterize the effects of commonly used herbicides on the expression of CDR1. Following exposure of C. albicans cultures to varying doses of herbicides and azole drugs, CDR1 expression was quantified by flow cytometry using a reporter strain in which expression of a green fluorescent protein is under the control of the CDR1 promoter. Correlating CDR1 expression with cell growth and survival revealed that—similar to antifungal azole drugs— herbicides induce CDR1 expression only at inhibitory doses. It is concluded that none of the tested herbicides mimics the worrisome action of hormones, which increase virulence without reducing survival.
A Classroom Exercise on Unconscious Bias in Financial Reporting and Auditing
Authors: Boylan Scott J. 
Published: May 2008

In this instructional resource, I describe a classroom exercise in which students witness their own behavioral biases as they arise endogenously within a financial reporting and auditing setting. Students use data from the exercise to identify evidence of unconscious biases in their judgments, to differentiate between unconscious biases in judgment and biases attributable to deliberate gamesmanship, and to consider the importance of making such a distinction.
The exercise contributes to accounting and auditing education by illustrating a provocative argument made by Bazerman et al. (1997), that the quality of financial reporting and auditing is affected by unconscious biases in judgment. In addition to identifying biases, students use insights from the exercise as a platform for exploring issues pertaining to the quality of auditing and financial reporting at a deeper level than would otherwise be possible. In light of its short duration (about 30 minutes) and ease of implementation, the exercise is well suited for auditing and financial accounting classes, where topics pertaining to financial reporting and accounting quality are of interest.
Clinicopathological features and survival rates of patients with renal cell carcinoma under 50 years of age
Authors: Atmaca Ali , Bayrak Ömer , Kandemir Olcay , Şerefoğlu Ege , Çulha Ílke , Canda Abdullah , Balbay M. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
We analyzed the clinicopathological features and survival rates of the patients with renal cell carcinoma younger than 50 years old. Between 2004 and 2007, 28 patients between 19–49 years underwent surgery for renal cell carcinoma. Presenting symptoms, type of the surgery performed, postoperative outcomes and duration of follow-up were recorded. Mean age was 41.5±7.6 years and 75% of patients were male. The tumor was symptomatic in 19(67.9%) and incidental in 9(32.1%) patients. Radical nephrectomy and nephron-sparing surgery were performed in 18(64.3%) and 10(35.7%) patients, respectively. The most common histologic type was clear cell(67.9%). The mean tumor diameters were 3.5±0.95 and 7.4±5.2 cm in the incidental and symptomatic groups, respectively(p=0.035). Incidentally discovered tumors and tumors treated by NSS did not include Fuhrman grade 4. There were no differences regarding pathological stage and Fuhrman grades when patients were grouped according to their symptomatology(p=0.242 and p=0.265, respectively). Overall mortality was 17.9%(n=5) whereas 4 patients(14.3%) died because of cancer. The mean survival was 30.6 months and cancer specific survival rate was 85.2%. Most of the tumors in this age group were symptomatic and most common histologic subtype was clear cell carcinoma. Incidentally discovered tumors had statistically significant lower tumor size.