bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ formation and rapid decomposition of Ti(BH4)3 by mechanical milling LiBH4 with TiF3
Authors: Fang Z. Z. , Ma L. P. , Kang X. D. , Wang P. J. , Wang P. , Cheng H. M.
Published: January 2009

Mechanically milled 3LiBH4/TiF3 mixture can rapidly release over 5 wt % hydrogen at moderate temperatures (70–90 °C) without undesired gas impurity. Structure analyses results show that the favorable dehydrogenation performance of the material should be associated with the in situ formation and rapid decomposition of an intermediate titanium borohydride (Ti(BH4)3). These findings demonstrated a viable chemical activation approach for promoting hydrogen release from the thermodynamically stable borohydrides. Particularly, it shows the potential of transition metal borohydrides for hydrogen storage applications.
Directed self-organization of trenched templates for nanowire growth
Authors: Yu Yan-Mei , Voigt Axel
Published: January 2009

We combine a proposed approach to fabricate self-organized nanowires, which are grown in trenched templates, with a periodic strain field of a buried misfit dislocation network or a compliant substrate to guide the kinetic roughening and coarsening process in the formation of the template. Numerical simulations of the directed self-organization process show the possibility to form perfectly ordered parallel trenches with adjustable period, which allows to grow extended nanowires.
Toward metal-organic insulator-semiconductor solar cells, based on molecular monolayer self-assembly on n-Si
Authors: Har-Lavan Rotem , Ron Izhar , Thieblemont Florent , Cahen David
Published: January 2009

Alkyl chain molecules on n-Si were used to test the concept of hybrid metal-organic insulator-semiconductor (MOIS) solar cells. Test structures were made by binding alkyl chain molecules via Si–O–C bonds to oxide-free n-Si surfaces, using self-assembly. With thiol groups at the terminals away from the Si, binding of Au nanoparticles, followed by electroless Au plating yields semitransparent top contacts. First cells give, under 25 mW/cm2 white light illumination, open-circuit voltage Voc=0.48 V and fill factor FF=0.58. Because with sulfur termination the molecules have a dipole that limits inversion of the Si, we also used methyl-terminated monolayers. Even though then we can work, at this point, only with a Hg top contact, without chemical bond to the molecules, we get, using only radiation (∼AM 1.5) collected around the contact, the expected higher Voc=0.54 V, and respectable 0.8 FF, justifying further MOIS cell development.
Influence of side chain of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester on interfacial electronic structure of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester /Ag substrate
Authors: Akaike Kouki , Kanai Kaname , Ouchi Yukio , Seki Kazuhiko
Published: January 2009

Interfacial electronic structure of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)/Ag substrate was investigated. The interfacial states, derived from the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of PCBM, are formed around the Fermi level. The vacuum level (VL) was lowered by the positively charged PCBM molecules at the interface, although the VL was raised at C60/Ag interfaces. The x-ray photoelectron spectra revealed that the oxygen atoms of the side chain of PCBM are positively charged at the interface due to the electron transfer to Ag substrate, leading the lowering of the VL. The side chain of PCBM strongly influences the interfacial electronic structure.
Access to Finance for High-Tech SMEs: Regional Differences in China
Authors: Xiao Li , Ritchie Bob
Published: January 2009

Differences exist in the pace of regional development in China between the richer Eastern coastal and poorer Western regions. These differences may result from the relative success of national and regional policy initiatives or more simply the ability of businesses to access finance. High-tech businesses are being encouraged by China's government as a means of rebalancing regional development from the existing physical resource-intensive industries. In this paper we examine the experiences of high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in relation to securing finance, evaluating the experiences at the three stages in their development. The empirical evidence, based on seventy-four face-to-face interviews with owners and senior managers of high-tech SMEs and on nine with bank and government officials, facilitates a comparison of the two study regions, Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. The findings indicate significant differences in the availability and nature of financial sources between the two regions. Firms in the more-developed Eastern region experience access to a wider range of funds from both formal and informal sources than their counterparts in the less-developed Western region. Although this was evident at all three stages of the business development cycle, it was more significant during the earlier stages of development. The consequences of such a disparity in financial sources may lead to further exacerbation of the regional differences and hence prove counterproductive in seeking to develop a more balanced strategy of economic development. We conclude by discussing the prospects for improving this present situation through policy initiatives.
Monitoring by telemetry reveals differences in movement and survival following hatchery or wild rearing of an endangered fish
Authors: Ebner B. C. , Thiem J. D.
Published: January 2009

Species reintroduction is a management strategy used to conserve endemic fish biodiversity. The present study investigated stocking on-grown endangered trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) in the Murrumbidgee River, Australia. The hypothesis that post-juvenile dispersal underpins the long-term scarcity of adults recorded at fingerling stocking locations was also tested. Radio-tracking was used to quantify dispersal of stocked sub-adults (2-year old hatchery fish, n = 27) compared with fish originally stocked as fingerlings (unknown-age wild fish, n = 31), but we encountered poor survivorship of the former group (survivorship = 9% and 95%, respectively, at 13 months post release). The hatchery group exhibited both limited dispersal and large-scale dispersal (up to 55 km) downstream from the release site. Wild fish exhibited limited net dispersal, occupying home-ranges within a 13-km reach and occasionally undertook large-scale excursions (10–70 km). It is concluded that (1) re-establishment of cod populations based on release of on-grown fish is not straightforward, and (2) adults of this species have an ability to disperse away from stocking sites. The study demonstrates the benefit of using radio-tracking to monitor the movement and survivorship of stocked threatened fish and indicates a need to consider the effects of hatchery rearing when conducting fish reintroductions.
Distribution of the cyanobacterial toxins cylindrospermopsin and deoxycylindrospermopsin in a stratified lake in north-eastern New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Everson Sally , Fabbro Larelle , Kinnear Susan , Eaglesham Geoff , Wright Paul
Published: January 2009

This paper describes the vertical water column distribution of the cyanobacterial toxins cylindrospermopsin and deoxycylindrospermopsin in a water body containing the cyanobacteria Aphanizomenon ovalisporum and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii. The study site was Cobaki Village Lake, a small stratified anthropogenic lake in north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. Water quality analysis indicated that stratification and oxygenation of the water column were significant in both the distribution of the cyanobacterial populations and their associated toxin concentrations. Toxin was distributed throughout the entire water column, but the highest concentrations were recorded in the hypolimnion. Maximum toxin concentrations were detected in February 2007 (38.2 μg L–1 cylindrospermopsin (CYN) and 42.2 μg L–1 deoxy-CYN). The relative distribution of CYN and deoxy-CYN paralleled the distribution of NH3H and NOX within the water column, with oxygenated chemical species dominating above 15 m and de-oxygenated chemical species dominating below 15 m. Cyanobacterial cell concentrations were highest in the oxic, warm and low conductivity waters of the epilimnion and cyanobacterial species succession was associated with nutrient and trace-metal depletion in this surface layer. These research findings are directly relevant to the management of water supplies affected by toxic blue-green algal blooms, particularly with respect to the considered placement of off-take devices to avoid layers of cyanobacterial cell and toxin concentrations.
In vivo and in vitro effects of interleukin-1β on equine oocyte maturation and on steroidogenesis and prostaglandin synthesis in granulosa and cumulus cells
Authors: Caillaud Maud , Gérard Nadine
Published: January 2009

We analysed the effect of interleukin-1 on oocyte maturation and on steroid and prostaglandin production by equine granulosa and cumulus cells. In Experiment 1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was injected into the growing dominant follicle, which was punctured 38 h later. Follicular fluid was assayed for steroids and prostaglandin-F2α (PGF2α). Granulosa cells were analysed for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), progesterone receptor (PR), cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (Cox 1 and Cox 2) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNAs. In Experiment 2, cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from slaughterhouse ovaries and cultured in different media: control group (TCM199 + BSA); Group 2 (+ IL-1β); Group 3 (+ EGF); Group 4 (+ EGF + IL-1β); and Group 5 (+ EGF + IL-1β + IL-1RA). Cumulus cells were analysed for 3β-HSD, PR, Cox 1, Cox 2 and StAR mRNAs. After injections of crude equine gonadotropin (CEG; LH effect) or IL-1β, progesterone and PGF2α levels increased, whereas 17β-oestradiol decreased. EGF induced an increase in the rate of in vitro maturation (P < 0.05), whereas IL-1β had a limited effect. IL-1β significantly decreased the rate of EGF-induced oocyte maturation (P < 0.05). Cox 2 mRNA level increases in granulosa cells after CEG injection (P = 0.07). In cumulus cells, StAR and PR mRNAs were lower in Group 2 and 3β-HSD mRNA was higher in Groups 4 and 5. These data confirm that IL-1 is involved in equine oocyte in vitro maturation. We demonstrated in vivo that IL-1β has an effect on steroids and PGF2α secretion in the preovulatory follicle.
Knockdown of proteins involved in iron metabolism limits tick reproduction and development
Authors: Hajdusek Ondrej , Sojka Daniel , Kopacek Petr , Buresova Veronika , Franta Zdenek , Sauman Ivo , Winzerling Joy , Grubhoffer Libor
Published: January 2009

Ticks are among the most important vectors of a wide range of human and animal diseases. During blood feeding, ticks are exposed to an enormous amount of free iron that must be appropriately used and detoxified. However, the mechanism of iron metabolism in ticks is poorly understood. Here, we show that ticks possess a complex system that efficiently utilizes, stores and transports non-heme iron within the tick body. We have characterized a new secreted ferritin (FER2) and an iron regulatory protein (IRP1) from the sheep tick,
Ixodes ricinus
, and have demonstrated their relationship to a previously described tick intracellular ferritin (FER1). By using RNA interference-mediated gene silencing in the tick, we show that synthesis of FER1, but not of FER2, is subject to IRP1-mediated translational control. Further, we find that depletion of FER2 from the tick plasma leads to a loss of FER1 expression in the salivary glands and ovaries that normally follows blood ingestion. We therefore suggest that secreted FER2 functions as the primary transporter of non-heme iron between the tick gut and the peripheral tissues. Silencing of the
fer1
,
fer2
, and
irp1
genes by RNAi has an adverse impact on hatching rate and decreases postbloodmeal weight in tick females. Importantly, knockdown of
fer2
dramatically impairs the ability of ticks to feed, thus making FER2 a promising candidate for development of an efficient anti-tick vaccine.
Multiple conformational switches in a GTPase complex control co-translational protein targeting
Authors: Zhang Xin , Schaffitzel Christiane , Ban Nenad , Shan Shu-ou
Published: January 2009

The “GTPase switch” paradigm, in which a GTPase switches between an active, GTP-bound state and an inactive, GDP-bound state through the recruitment of nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) or GTPase activating proteins (GAPs), has been used to interpret the regulatory mechanism of many GTPases. A notable exception to this paradigm is provided by two GTPases in the signal recognition particle (SRP) and the SRP receptor (SR) that control the co-translational targeting of proteins to cellular membranes. Instead of the classical “GTPase switch,” both the SRP and SR undergo a series of discrete conformational rearrangements during their interaction with one another, culminating in their reciprocal GTPase activation. Here, we show that this series of rearrangements during SRP-SR binding and activation provide important control points to drive and regulate protein targeting. Using real-time fluorescence, we showed that the cargo for SRP—ribosomes translating nascent polypeptides with signal sequences—accelerates SRP·SR complex assembly over 100-fold, thereby driving rapid delivery of cargo to the membrane. A series of subsequent rearrangements in the SRP·SR GTPase complex provide important driving forces to unload the cargo during late stages of protein targeting. Further, the cargo delays GTPase activation in the SRP·SR complex by 8–12 fold, creating an important time window that could further improve the efficiency and fidelity of protein targeting. Thus, the SRP and SR GTPases, without recruiting external regulatory factors, constitute a self-sufficient system that provides exquisite spatial and temporal control of a complex cellular process.
PGC-1α is coupled to HIF-1α-dependent gene expression by increasing mitochondrial oxygen consumption in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: O'Hagan Kathleen A. , Cocchiglia Sinead , Zhdanov Alexander V. , Tambuwala Murtaza M. , Cummins Eoin P. , Monfared Mona , Agbor Terence A. , Garvey John F. , Papkovsky Dmitri B. , Taylor Cormac T. , Allan Bernard B.
Published: January 2009

Mitochondrial biogenesis occurs in response to increased cellular ATP demand. The mitochondrial electron transport chain requires molecular oxygen to produce ATP. Thus, increased ATP generation after mitochondrial biogenesis results in increased oxygen demand that must be matched by a corresponding increase in oxygen supply. We found that overexpression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), which increases mitochondrial biogenesis in primary skeletal muscle cells, leads to increased expression of a cohort of genes known to be regulated by the dimeric hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), a master regulator of the adaptive response to hypoxia. PGC-1α-dependent induction of HIF target genes under physiologic oxygen concentrations is not through transcriptional coactivation of HIF or up-regulation of HIF-1α mRNA but through HIF-1α protein stabilization. It occurs because of intracellular hypoxia as a result of increased oxygen consumption after mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, we propose that at physiologic oxygen concentrations, PGC-1α is coupled to HIF signaling through the regulation of intracellular oxygen availability, allowing cells and tissues to match increased oxygen demand after mitochondrial biogenesis with increased oxygen supply.
The substrate-binding protein imposes directionality on an electrochemical sodium gradient-driven TRAP transporter
Authors: Mulligan Christopher , Geertsma Eric R. , Severi Emmanuele , Kelly David J. , Poolman Bert , Thomas Gavin H.
Published: January 2009

Substrate-binding protein-dependent secondary transporters are widespread in prokaryotes and are represented most frequently by members of the tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic (TRAP) transporter family. Here, we report the membrane reconstitution of a TRAP transporter, the sialic acid-specific SiaPQM system from
Haemophilus influenzae
, and elucidate its mechanism of energy coupling. Uptake of sialic acid via membrane-reconstituted SiaQM depends on the presence of the sialic acid-binding protein, SiaP, and is driven by the electrochemical sodium gradient. The interaction between SiaP and SiaQM is specific as transport is not reconstituted using the orthologous sialic acid-binding protein VC1779. Importantly, the binding protein also confers directionality on the transporter, and reversal of sialic acid transport from import to export is only possible in the presence of an excess of unliganded SiaP.
The Ψ
m
depolarization that accompanies mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake is greater in mutant SOD1 than in wild-type mouse motor terminals
Authors: Nguyen Khanh T. , García-Chacón Luis E. , Barrett John N. , Barrett Ellen F. , David Gavriel
Published: January 2009

The electrical gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane (Ψ
m
) is established by electron transport chain (ETC) activity and permits mitochondrial Ca
2+
sequestration. Using rhodamine-123, we determined how repetitive nerve stimulation (100 Hz) affects Ψ
m
in motor terminals innervating mouse levator auris muscles. Stimulation-induced Ψ
m
depolarizations in wild-type (WT) terminals were small (<5 mV at 30 °C) and reversible. These depolarizations depended on Ca
2+
influx into motor terminals, as they were inhibited when P/Q-type Ca
2+
channels were blocked with ω-agatoxin. Stimulation-induced Ψ
m
depolarization and elevation of cytosolic [Ca
2+
] both increased when complex I of the ETC was partially inhibited by low concentrations of rotenone (25–50 nmol/l). This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that acceleration of ETC proton extrusion normally limits the magnitude of Ψ
m
depolarization during mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake, thereby permitting continued Ca
2+
uptake. Compared with WT, stimulation-induced increases in rhodamine-123 fluorescence were ≈5 times larger in motor terminals from presymptomatic mice expressing mutations of human superoxide dismutase I (SOD1) that cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SOD1-G85R, which lacks dismutase activity; SOD1-G93A, which retains dismutase activity). Ψ
m
depolarizations were not significantly altered by expression of WT human SOD1 or knockout of SOD1 or by inhibiting opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore with cyclosporin A. We suggest that an early functional consequence of the association of SOD1-G85R or SOD1-G93A with motoneuronal mitochondria is reduced capacity of the ETC to limit Ca
2+
-induced Ψ
m
depolarization, and that this impairment contributes to disease progression in mutant SOD1 motor terminals.
Heterogeneity of natural Foxp3
+
T cells: A committed regulatory T-cell lineage and an uncommitted minor population retaining plasticity
Authors: Komatsu Noriko , Mariotti-Ferrandiz Maria Encarnita , Wang Ying , Malissen Bernard , Waldmann Herman , Hori Shohei
Published: January 2009

Natural regulatory T cells (T
reg
) represent a distinct lineage of T lymphocytes committed to suppressive functions, and expression of the transcription factor Foxp3 is thought to identify this lineage specifically. Here we report that, whereas the majority of natural CD4
+
Foxp3
+
T cells maintain stable Foxp3 expression after adoptive transfer to lymphopenic or lymphoreplete recipients, a minor fraction enriched within the CD25
−
subset actually lose it. Some of those Foxp3
−
T cells adopt effector helper T cell (T
h
) functions, whereas some retain “memory” of previous Foxp3 expression, reacquiring Foxp3 upon activation. This minority “unstable” population exhibits flexible responses to cytokine signals, relying on transforming growth factor-β to maintain Foxp3 expression and responding to other cytokines by differentiating into effector T
h
in vitro. In contrast, CD4
+
Foxp3
+
CD25
high
T cells are resistant to such conversion to effector T
h
even after many rounds of cell division. These results demonstrate that natural Foxp3
+
T cells are a heterogeneous population consisting of a committed T
reg
lineage and an uncommitted subpopulation with developmental plasticity.
Volume-dependent overestimation of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma volume by the ABC/2 formula
Authors: Wang Chih-Wei , Juan Chun-Jung , Liu Yi-Jui , Hsu Hsian-He , Liu Hua-Shan , Chen Cheng-Yu , Hsueh Chun-Jen , Lo Chung-Ping , Kao Hung-Wen , Huang Guo-Shu
Published: January 2009

Background: Although the ABC/2 formula has been widely used to estimate the volume of intracerebral hematoma (ICH), the formula tends to overestimate hematoma volume. The volume-related imprecision of the ABC/2 formula has not been documented quantitatively.

Purpose: To investigate the volume-dependent overestimation of the ABC/2 formula by comparing it with computer-assisted volumetric analysis (CAVA).

Material and Methods: Forty patients who had suffered spontaneous ICH and who had undergone non-enhanced brain computed tomography scans were enrolled in this study. The ICH volume was estimated based on the ABC/2 formula and also calculated by CAVA. Based on the ICH volume calculated by the CAVA method, the patients were divided into three groups: group 1 consisted of 17 patients with an ICH volume of less than 20 ml; group 2 comprised 13 patients with an ICH volume of 20 to 40 ml; and group 3 was composed of 10 patients with an ICH volume larger than 40 ml.

Results: The mean estimated hematoma volume was 43.6 ml when using the ABC/2 formula, compared with 33.8 ml when using the CAVA method. The mean estimated difference was 1.3 ml, 4.4 ml, and 31.4 ml for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, corresponding to an estimation error of 9.9%, 16.7%, and 37.1% by the ABC/2 formula ( P<0.05).

Conclusion: The ABC/2 formula significantly overestimates the volume of ICH. A positive association between the estimation error and the volume of ICH is demonstrated.
Evidence-based imaging in trauma radiology: Where we are and how to move forward
Authors: Blackmore C. C.
Published: January 2009

Evidence-based imaging is an important tool for the determination of which subjects should undergo imaging and what imaging approach should be applied. This paper includes a summary of the methods of evidence-based imaging, including formulation of a clinically relevant question, searching the medical literature, critically analyzing the data, summarizing the evidence, and applying the evidence to practice. Application of the many validated clinical prediction rules to trauma imaging is also discussed. In addition, the challenges of evidence-based imaging and the needs for future research are detailed.
Looking for “Industrial Confraternity” Small-Scale Industries and Institutions in Nineteenth-Century Paris
Authors: Lemercier Claire
Published: January 2009

This research focuses on luxury and fashion industries, especially artificial flower making. This sector of small businesses was often described as totally unregulated but efficient. A very successful union (in terms of membership), nevertheless, was created in 1858. I investigate the motives of its founders and the reality of its economic influence. It acted as a service firm, allowing small businesses to lower transaction costs, and as a conciliation board. However, to understand its creation, success, and limits, other factors must be taken into account, such as political opportunities and the founders' organizational repertoire.
The gene regulatory network for root epidermal cell-type pattern formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Schiefelbein John , Kwak Su-Hwan , Wieckowski Yana , Barron Christa , Bruex Angela
Published: January 2009

A fundamental aspect of multicellular development is the patterning of distinct cell types in appropriate locations. In this review, the molecular genetic control of cell-type pattern formation in the root epidermis of Arabidopsis thaliana is summarized. This developmental system represents a simple and genetically tractable example of plant cell patterning. The distribution of the two epidermal cell types, root-hair cells and non-hair cells, are generated by a combination of positional signalling and lateral inhibition mechanisms. In addition, recent evidence suggests that reinforcing mechanisms are used to ensure that the initial cell fate choice is adopted in a robust manner.
Regulation of Carotenoid Composition and Shoot Branching inArabidopsisby a Chromatin Modifying Histone Methyltransferase, SDG8
Authors: Cazzonelli Christopher I. , Cuttriss Abby J. , Cossetto Susan B. , Pye William , Crisp Peter , Whelan Jim , Finnegan E. Jean , Turnbull Colin , Pogson Barry J.
Published: January 2009

Carotenoid pigments are critical for plant survival, and carotenoid composition is tuned to the developmental stage, tissue, and to environmental stimuli. We report the cloning of the CAROTENOID CHLOROPLAST REGULATORY1 (CCR1) gene. The ccr1 mutant has increased shoot branching and altered carotenoid composition, namely, reduced lutein in leaves and accumulation of cis-carotenes in dark-grown seedlings. The CCR1 gene was previously isolated as EARLY FLOWERING IN SHORT DAYS and encodes a histone methyltransferase (SET DOMAIN GROUP 8) that methylates histone H3 on Lys 4 and/or 36 (H3K4 and H3K36). ccr1 plants show reduced trimethyl-H3K4 and increased dimethyl-H3K4 surrounding the CAROTENOID ISOMERASE (CRTISO) translation start site, which correlates with low levels of CRTISO mRNA. Microarrays of ccr1 revealed the downregulation of 85 genes, including CRTISO and genes associated with signaling and development, and upregulation of just 28 genes. The reduction in CRTISO transcript abundance explains the altered carotenoid profile. The changes in shoot branching are additive with more axillary branching mutants, but the altered carotenoid profile may partially affect shoot branching, potentially by perturbed biosynthesis of the carotenoid substrates of strigolactones. These results are consistent with SDG8 regulating shoot meristem activity and carotenoid biosynthesis by modifying the chromatin surrounding key genes, including CRTISO. Thus, the level of lutein, the most abundant carotenoid in higher plants that is critical for photosynthesis and photoprotection, appears to be regulated by a chromatin modifying enzyme in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Cherished Possessions
Authors: Arnould Eric J , Price Linda L , Curasi Carolyn Folkman
Published: January 2009

“Tell you what, I go to estate sales all the time. And when I go, every time I go, I realize that I have to do something. I must get rid of what I have. It is so sad [stresses the word sad] and there are these beautiful items that are being sold. And I think of these people; and of how they must have felt. They had all of this, and it meant so much to them. So, every time I go, I think that's not going to happen to me.”—Iris (78, married)
Inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in allergic rhinitis: the effect of smoking
Authors: Tanou K. , Koutsokera A. , Kiropoulos T. S. , Maniati M. , Papaioannou A. I. , Georga K. , Zarogiannis S. , Gourgoulianis K. I. , Kostikas K.
Published: January 2009

Background
Accumulating evidence confirms the presence of pan‐airway inflammation in allergic rhinitis patients. Smoking is known to affect the asthmatic airway inflammation. However, no study has evaluated the impact of smoking on airway inflammation of allergic rhinitis patients.

Objective
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of smoking on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, using non‐invasive methods for sample collection.

Methods
Forty patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (20 smokers and 20 non‐smokers) and 30 healthy subjects (15 smokers and 15 non‐smokers) were recruited for the study during pollen season. All subjects were submitted to measurement of the fraction of exhaled NO (FeNO), exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection, nasal lavage collection, pre‐ and post‐ bronchodilation spirometry and metacholine bronchial challenge testing. pH, leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and 8‐isoprostane were determined in EBC and nasal lavage samples.

Results
Patients with allergic rhinitis presented higher LTB4 and 8‐isoprostane levels in nasal lavage (P<0.0001 for both comparisons), with no significant differences between smokers and non‐smokers. Patients with allergic rhinitis also presented higher LTB4 levels and lower pH in EBC (P<0.001 and P=0.004, respectively), with prominent differences between smokers and non‐smokers (P<0.0001 and P=0.003, for LTB4 and pH, respectively). A significant correlation between nasal lavage and EBC LTB4 values was observed (rs=0.313, P=0.048).

Conclusions
Patients with allergic rhinitis present increased LTB4 and 8‐isoprostane in their nasal cavity, however, with no significant differences between smokers and non‐smokers. In contrast, smokers with allergic rhinitis present higher LTB4 levels and lower pH in EBC, suggesting that these patients may be more susceptible to the deleterious effects of smoking, compared with non‐smokers.
Linking spatial pattern of bottom fish assemblages with water masses in the North Sea
Authors: EHRICH SIEGFRIED , STELZENMÜLLER VANESSA , ADLERSTEIN SARA
Published: January 2009

Understanding the links between large scale spatial structuring of fish assemblages and shaping factors is essential to develop comprehensive ecosystem‐based fisheries management. In this study, we investigated spatial patterns of bottom fish assemblages in the North Sea in relation to prevailing water masses in the region. We based our analysis on catch data from the German Small‐Scale Bottom Trawl Survey conducted between 1987 and 2005 and used both ordination techniques and Mantel tests. Spatial variability of bottom fish assemblages was larger than inter‐annual variability. Five significantly different bottom fish assemblages were associated with the following prevailing hydrographical regimes: i) the English Channel, ii) Continental Coastal, iii) central North Sea, iv) northern North Sea, and v) northern Atlantic water masses. Associations were generated by gradients in relative proportions of abundant species such as grey gurnard (Eutrigla gurnardus), dab (Limanda limanda), whiting (Merlangius merlangus), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) and Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarki). Taking into account large scale spatial structuring of catch data Mantel tests confirmed significant correlation between the fish assemblages and hydrographical variables. In summary, our results strongly support the hypotheses that hydrographical features such as water masses, fronts, and residual currents could shape bottom fish associations in the North Sea. Spatial demarcations of bottom fish assemblages indicated by this study can be used to support ecosystem‐based fisheries management strategies.
Larval fish abundance and distribution during the late winter bloom off Gran Canaria Island, Canary Islands
Authors: MOYANO M. , RODRÍGUEZ J. M. , HERNÁNDEZ‐LEÓN S.
Published: January 2009

The species composition, distribution and abundance of fish larvae off Gran Canaria (Canary Islands), an oceanic island in the NE Atlantic, were studied from January to August 2005. Weekly samplings were carried out at six stations in the eastern and southern flanks of the island, at the edge of the island shelf, in order to analyze the fluctuations of the planktonic community. The highest chlorophyll a values were recorded in March, coinciding with the lowest values of temperature in the mixed layer, which gave rise to the ‘late winter bloom’. Mesozooplankton biomass peaked with only a week‐lag to phytoplankton, and its average value (13.5 ± 10.9 SD mg dry weight m−3) was typical for the area. A clear windward‐leeward distribution pattern was found for small mesozooplankton and neritic larvae, showing higher values in two stagnation points, upstream and downstream of the island. A total of 128 taxa of fish larvae were identified. Neritic and oceanic larvae appeared in quite similar proportions. Only three families accounted for half of the total larval fish collected: Myctophidae (24.9%), Sparidae (12.7%) and Clupeidae (11.9%). Sardinella aurita (8% of total larvae collected) was the most abundant species, appearing during the whole period of study and at each of the six sampled stations. Sardina pilchardus larvae were rarely captured but were always encountered with the arrival of NW African upwelling filaments to the island coast, suggesting that these larvae were transported in those mesoscale structures.
A Bayesian model for anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus): the combined forcing of man and environment
Authors: RUIZ JAVIER , GONZÁLEZ‐QUIRÓS RAFAEL , PRIETO LAURA , NAVARRO GABRIEL
Published: January 2009

Fishery collapses frequently result from combined pressures of the environment and man, which are difficult to discern because of the complexities involved and our limited knowledge. Models to resolve this complexity often become too sophisticated, with too many assumptions and, consequently, with little capacity to predict beyond calibration data. In this paper we implement a different procedure where the model is kept simple and uncertainty accounts for the equation imperfectness to reproduce ecological complexity. Human and environmental forcing on an anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) stock are simulated with only six parameters plus their error terms, and the uncertainty is computed with Bayesian methods. The simple structure is able to reproduce the major dynamical features of this species in the Gulf of Cádiz, including data on life stages and age structure that had no contact with the model. This is a distinct performance for a frugal approach working on a mid‐trophic species and a positive instance where parsimony can simulate the interaction of man, fish and the environment, provided uncertainty is accounted for in the process.
Chemically specific imaging of cryptosporidium oocysts using coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy
Authors: MURUGKAR S. , EVANS C.L. , XIE X.S. , ANIS H.
Published: January 2009

We demonstrate the application of coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering microscopy for the rapid, label‐free chemical imaging of waterborne pathogens. Chemically selective images of cryptosporidium were acquired in just a few seconds using coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering microscopy, demonstrating its capability for the rapid detection of cryptosporidium at the single oocyst level. We discuss the applicability of such a technique in a near‐real time automated water testing system.
Shack‐Hartmann wave front measurements in cortical tissue for deconvolution of large three‐dimensional mosaic transmitted light brightfield micrographs
Authors: OBERLAENDER M. , BROSER P.J. , SAKMANN B. , HIPPLER S.
Published: January 2009

We present a novel approach for deconvolution of 3D image stacks of cortical tissue taken by mosaic/optical‐sectioning technology, using a transmitted light brightfield microscope. Mosaic/optical‐sectioning offers the possibility of imaging large volumes (e.g. from cortical sections) on a millimetre scale at sub‐micrometre resolution. However, a blurred contribution from out‐of‐focus light results in an image quality that usually prohibits 3D quantitative analysis. Such quantitative analysis is only possible after deblurring by deconvolution. The resulting image quality is strongly dependent on how accurate the point spread function used for deconvolution resembles the properties of the imaging system. Since direct measurement of the true point spread function is laborious and modelled point spread functions usually deviate from measured ones, we present a method of optimizing the microscope until it meets almost ideal imaging conditions. These conditions are validated by measuring the aberration function of the microscope and tissue using a Shack‐Hartmann sensor. The analysis shows that cortical tissue from rat brains embedded in Mowiol and imaged by an oil‐immersion objective can be regarded as having a homogeneous index of refraction. In addition, the amount of spherical aberration that is caused by the optics or the specimen is relatively low. Consequently the image formation is simplified to refraction between the embedding and immersion medium and to 3D diffraction at the finite entrance pupil of the objective. The resulting model point spread function is applied to the image stacks by linear or iterative deconvolution algorithms. For the presented dataset of large 3D images the linear approach proves to be superior. The linear deconvolution yields a significant improvement in signal‐to‐noise ratio and resolution. This novel approach allows a quantitative analysis of the cortical image stacks such as the reconstruction of biocytin‐stained neuronal dendrites and axons.
Accuracy assessment of elastic strain measurement by EBSD
Authors: VILLERT S. , MAURICE C. , WYON C. , FORTUNIER R.
Published: January 2009

A detailed accuracy analysis of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) elastic strain measurement has been carried out using both simulated and experimental patterns. Strains are determined by measuring shifts between two EBSD patterns (one being the reference) over regions of interest (ROI) using an iterative cross‐correlation algorithm. An original minimization procedure over 20 regions of interests gives a unique solution for the eight independent components of the deviatoric displacement gradient tensor. It is shown that this method leads to strain measurements on simulated patterns with an accuracy better than 10−4. The influence of the projection parameters is also investigated. The accuracy assessment is illustrated by two worked examples: (i) four‐point bending of a silicon single crystal and (ii) Si1 –xGex layers on a Si substrate. Experimental results are compared with finite‐element simulations.
Adding new dimensions to laser‐scanning fluorescence microscopy
Authors: DE A.K. , GOSWAMI D.
Published: January 2009

We describe a novel method of optical imaging by exploiting simple ideas borrowed from pulsed optics. We show that the use of ultrafast pulsed one‐photon excitation in laser‐scanning fluorescence microscopy dramatically brings together several advantages offered by two widely used present day microscopic techniques, confocal and multi‐photon fluorescence microscopy. The method appears as a novel tool in the context of laser‐scanning fluorescence microscopy by having a ‘built‐in’ 3D spatial resolution.
Self‐calibration method for vision‐guided cell micromanipulation systems
Authors: ZHANG Y.L. , HAN M.L. , SHEE C.Y. , CHIA T.F. , ANG W.T.
Published: January 2009

A new self‐calibration method for a piezoelectric actuator‐based vision‐guided cell micromanipulation system is proposed. This method consolidates all the system parameters' uncertainties into a matrix instead of classifying into intrinsic and extrinsic. The position difference of the micromanipulator tip in the image plane between the measured and estimated output which is based on estimations of relevant parameters is assumed to be caused by the matrix. This matrix is estimated by means of collecting several pairs of known input and the corresponding output differences. Matrix standard deviation and gray‐value based matching are applied to identify the output differences. Biological contamination is reduced since a calibration template is not required. This self‐calibration is particularly suitable for cell micromanipulation systems where the micromanipulator is frequently dismounted and mounted.
Analysis of 3D elemental mapping artefacts in biological specimens using Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: SCOTT K. , RITCHIE N.W.M.
Published: January 2009

In this paper, we present Monte Carlo simulation results demonstrating the feasibility of using the focused ion beam based X‐ray microanalysis technique (FIB‐EDS) for the 3D elemental analysis of biological samples. In this study, we used a marine diatomThalassiosira pseudonanaas our model organism and NISTMonte for the Monte Carlo simulations. We explored several beam energies commonly used for the X‐ray microanalysis to examine their effects on the resulting 3D elemental volume of the model organism. We also performed a preliminary study on the sensitivity of X‐ray analysis for detecting nanoparticles in the model. For the conditions considered in this work, we show that the X‐ray mapping performed using the 5 keV beam energy results in 3D elemental distributions that closely reflect the elemental distributions in the original model. At 5 keV, the depth resolution of the X‐ray maps is about 250 nm for the model organism. We also show that the nanoparticles that are 50 nm in diameter or greater are easily located. Although much work is still needed in generating more accurate biological models and simulating experimental conditions relevant to these samples, our results indicate that FIB‐EDS is a promising technique for the 3D elemental analysis of some biological specimens.
Adaptive watershed segmentation of binary particle image
Authors: SUN H.Q. , LUO Y.J.
Published: January 2009

Oversegmentation is a tough problem in the morphological watershed segmentation of irregular‐shaped binary particles, which is usually caused by spurious minima in the inverse distance transform. The position relationship between two objects is clear, according to the value of overlap parameter defined in the paper, and an adaptive algorithm is presented to depress oversegmentation by building the criterion to merge the spurious local minima. Some particle images are provided to validate the performance of the proposed method.
Defocus convergent beam electron diffraction analysis of dislocations in mullite
Authors: GUSTAFSSON S. , FALK L.K.L.
Published: January 2009

Burgers vectors of matrix dislocations in mullite have been determined by the defocus large‐angle convergent beam electron diffraction technique. Vectors of the types [100], [010], [110] and [112] were identified. These Burgers vectors are discussed in relation to the open channels and the oxygen vacancy distribution in the mullite structure. It is suggested that a short‐range ordering of oxygen vacancies may account for a Burgers vector of the type [112].
Drought tolerance in Arabidopsis is controlled by the OCP3 disease resistance regulator
Authors: Ramírez Vicente , Coego Alberto , López Ana , Agorio Astrid , Flors Víctor , Vera Pablo
Published: January 2009

Water scarcity and corresponding abiotic drought stress is one of the most important factors limiting plant performance and yield. In addition, plant productivity is severely compromised worldwide by infection with microbial pathogens. Two of the most prominent pathways responsible for drought tolerance and disease resistance to fungal pathogens in Arabidopsis are those controlled by the phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA) and the oxylipin methyl jasmonate (MeJA), respectively. Here, we report on the functional characterization of OCP3, a transcriptional regulator from the homeodomain (HD) family. The Arabidopsis loss‐of‐function ocp3 mutant exhibits both drought resistance and enhanced disease resistance to necrotrophic fungal pathogens. Double‐mutant analysis revealed that these two resistance phenotypes have different genetic requirements. Whereas drought tolerance in ocp3 is ABA‐dependent but MeJA‐independent, the opposite holds true for the enhanced disease resistance characteristics. These observations lead us to propose a regulatory role of OCP3 in the adaptive responses to these two stresses, functioning as a modulator of independent and specific aspects of the ABA‐ and MeJA‐mediated signal transduction pathways.
The CRABS CLAW ortholog from California poppy (Eschscholzia californica, Papaveraceae), EcCRC, is involved in floral meristem termination, gynoecium differentiation and ovule initiation
Authors: Orashakova Svetlana , Lange Matthias , Lange Sabrina , Wege Stefanie , Becker Annette
Published: January 2009

The Arabidopsis transcription factor CRABS CLAW (CRC) is a major determinant of carpel growth and fusion, and, in concert with other redundantly acting genes, of floral meristem termination. Its rice ortholog, however, has additional functions in specifying carpel organ identity. We were interested in understanding the history of gene function modulation of CRC‐like genes during angiosperm evolution. Here, we report the identification and functional characterization of EcCRC, the Californica poppy (Eschscholzia californica) CRC ortholog. The downregulation of EcCRC by virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) produces additional organ whorls that develop exclusively into gynoecia, resulting in a reiteration of the fourth whorl. Additionally, defects in carpel polarity and ovule initiation are apparent, and the observed phenotype is restricted to the gynoecium. Our results further show that the history of CRC‐like genes during angiosperm evolution is characterized by gains of function, independent of duplication processes in this gene subfamily. Moreover, our data indicate that the ancestral angiosperm CRC‐like gene was involved in floral meristem termination and the promotion of abaxial cell fate in the gynoecium, and that in the lineage leading to Arabidopsis, additional genes have been recruited to adopt some of these functions, resulting in a high degree of redundancy.
Norwegian adolescents with asthma are physical active and fit*
Authors: Berntsen S. , Carlsen K. C. L. , Anderssen S. A. , Mowinckel P. , Hageberg R. , Bueso A. K. , Carlsen K.‐H.
Published: January 2009

Background:  Evidence regarding habitual physical activity levels and aerobic fitness of asthmatic compared to nonasthmatic children and adolescents is contradictory, and it is unclear if low physical activity levels can contribute to asthma development. The present study therefore aimed to determine whether adolescents with asthma have reduced physical activity levels and aerobic fitness, or increased energy intake and body fat compared to controls.

Methods:  From the environment and childhood asthma study in Oslo, 174 (13‐ to 14‐year old) adolescents, 95 (66 boys) with and 79 (41 boys) without asthma performed maximal running on a treadmill with oxygen consumption measurement (aerobic fitness) and had the sum of four skinfolds and waist circumference recorded (body fat), followed by wearing an activity monitor and registering diet for four consecutive days. Asthma was defined by at least two of the following three criteria fulfilled: (1) dyspnoea, chest tightness and/or wheezing; (2) a doctor’s diagnosis of asthma; (3) use of asthma medication. Participants with asthma used their regular medications.

Results:  Neither aerobic fitness, total energy expenditure nor hours in moderate to very vigorous intensity physical activity during week and weekend differed between adolescents with and without asthma. Energy intake and body fat was similar in both groups.

Conclusions:  Total energy expenditure, aerobic fitness and hours in moderate to very vigorous intensity physical activity were not reduced and energy intake and body fat measured with skinfolds not increased among Norwegian adolescents with asthma.