bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large telomerase RNA, telomere length heterogeneity and escape from senescence in Candida glabrata
Authors: Kachouri-Lafond R. , Dujon B. , Gilson E. , Westhof E. , Fairhead C. , Teixeira M.T.
Published: October 2009

Telomerase, the key enzyme essential for the maintenance of eukaryotic chromosome ends, contains a reverse transcriptase and an RNA that provides the template for the synthesis of telomeric repeats. Here, we characterize the telomerase subunits in the hemiascomycete yeast Candida glabrata. We propose a secondary structure model for the telomerase RNA that is the largest described to date. Telomerase deletion mutants show a progressive shortening of telomeres and a modest loss of viability. Frequent post‐senescence survivors emerge that possess long telomeric repeat tracts. We suggest that the high telomere length heterogeneity accounts for this distinct senescence phenotype.
Matrilin‐3 activates the expression of osteoarthritis‐associated genes in primary human chondrocytes
Authors: Klatt Andreas R. , Klinger Gabriele , Paul-Klausch Brigitte , Kühn Gertrud , Renno Joerg H. , Wagener Raimund , Paulsson Mats , Schmidt Joachim , Malchau Gebhart , Wielckens Klaus
Published: October 2009

Here, we tested the matrilin‐3‐dependent induction of osteoarthritis‐associated genes in primary human chondrocytes. Matrilin stimulation leads to the induction of MMP1, MMP3, MMP13, COX‐2, iNOS, IL‐1β, TNFα, IL‐6 and IL‐8. Furthermore, we show the participation of ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 in the in vitro degradation of matrilin‐3. We provide evidence for a matrilin‐3‐dependent feed‐forward mechanism of matrix degradation, whereby proteolytically‐released matrilin‐3 induces pro‐inflammatory cytokines as well as ADAMTS4 and ‐5 indirectly via IL‐1β. ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5, in turn, cleave matrilin‐3 and may release more matrilin‐3 from the matrix, which could lead to further release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and proteases in cartilage.
A prospective multi-centre clinical trial to compare buprenorphine and butorphanol for postoperative analgesia in cats
Authors: Taylor Polly M. , Kirby Jonathan J. , Robinson Clare , Watkins Elizabeth A. , Clarke David D. , Ford Marion A. , Church Karen E.
Published: October 2009

One hundred and fifty-three cats undergoing surgery in seven veterinary practices in Great Britain were studied. They were randomly allocated to receive either 10–20 μg/kg buprenorphine or 0.4 mg/kg butorphanol with acepromazine before anaesthesia with propofol, Saffan or thiopentone and isoflurane or halothane. Routine monitoring was undertaken. Pain and sedation were assessed blind using a four point (0–3) simple descriptive scale (SDS) at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 h. Pain and sedation data were compared using non-parametric statistical tests and continuous data using t tests or analysis of variance (ANOVA). Anaesthesia and surgery were uneventful, and cardiorespiratory data were within normal limits. After surgery, overall, more cats had pain score 0 after buprenorphine and more had pain score 3 after butorphanol ( P=0.0465). At individual time points, more cats had lower pain scores after buprenorphine at 2 ( P=0.040) and 24 ( P=0.036) h. At 24 h 83% after buprenorphine and 63% after butorphanol had pain score 0 ( P<0.04). Buprenorphine provided better and longer lasting postoperative analgesia than butorphanol.
OP-Simulation – ein Werkzeug zur Prozessoptimierung
Authors: Pfänder Tomas , Fischlein Jörg
Published: October 2009

Einleitung

Eine zentrale Rolle im heutigen Klinikalltag spielt die permanente Herausforderung des OP-Managements, die sich aus dem Spannungsfeld zwischen ökonomischen Zwängen, medizinischer Leistungserbringung und reibungsloser interdisziplinärer Zusammenarbeit ergibt. Die Organisation und die Effizienz der Operationssäle sind deshalb entscheidend für die Ertragsstärke einer Klinik. Mit einem innovativen Ansatz der Simulationstechnik, die sich an den Abläufen der Fertigungsindustrie orientiert, können die Prozesse in den OP-Sälen optimiert und typische Problemfelder – wie hohe Wechselzeiten – vermieden werden.
Role of zinc along with ascorbic acid and folic acid during long-termin vitroalbumin glycation
Authors: Tupe Rashmi Santosh , Agte Vaishali Vilas
Published: October 2009

The present study aimed to investigate the role of Zn alone and in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA) and folic acid (FA) in albumin glycation. Glycation was performed by incubations of bovine serum albumin with glucose at 37°C along with Zn, AA or FA separately and Zn+AA or Zn+FA for 150 d. Glycation-mediated modifications were monitored as fluorescence of advanced glycation endproducts, carbonyl formation, β aggregation (thioflavin T and Congo red dyes), albumin-bound Zn, thiol groups and glycated aggregate's toxicity in HepG2 cells. Zn inhibited glycation and β aggregation, probably due to observed higher protein-bound Zn. It also protected protein thiols and increased cell survival. AA and FA enhanced glycation, which was lowered in Zn-co-incubated samples. FA increased albumin-bound Zn and showed maximum cell survival. Although these results warrant furtherin vivoinvestigation, the present data help in the understanding of the interplay of Zn with micronutrients in albumin glycation.
Molecules and morphology reveal cryptic variation among digeneans infecting sympatric mullets in the Mediterranean
Authors: BLASCO-COSTA I. , BALBUENA J. A. , RAGA J. A. , KOSTADINOVA A. , OLSON P. D.
Published: October 2009

We applied a combined molecular and morphological approach to resolve the taxonomic status of Saccocoelium spp. parasitizing sympatric mullets (Mugilidae) in the Mediterranean. Eight morphotypes of Saccocoelium were distinguished by means of multivariate statistical analyses: 2 of Saccocoelium obesum ex Liza spp.; 4 of S. tensum ex Liza spp.; and 2 (S. cephali and Saccocoelium sp.) ex Mugil cephalus. Sequences of the 28S and ITS2 rRNA gene regions were obtained for a total of 21 isolates of these morphotypes. Combining sequence data analysis with a detailed morphological and multivariate morphometric study of the specimens allowed the demonstration of cryptic diversity thus rejecting the hypothesis of a single species of Saccocoelium infecting sympatric mullets in the Mediterranean. Comparative sequence analysis revealed 4 unique genotypes, thus corroborating the distinct species status of Saccocoelium obesum, S. tensum and S. cephali and a new cryptic species ex Liza aurata and L. saliens recognized by its consistent morphological differentiation and genetic divergence. However, in spite of their sharp morphological difference the 2 morphotypes from M. cephalus showed no molecular differentiation and 4 morphotypes of S. tensum were genetically identical. This wide intraspecific morphological variation within S. tensum and S. cephali suggests that delimiting species of Saccocoelium using solely morphological criteria will be misleading.
Reading the mind of God (without Hebrew lessons): Alston, shared attention, and mystical experience
Authors: GREEN ADAM
Published: October 2009

Alston's perceptual account of mystical experience fails to show how it is that the sort of predicates that are used to describe God in these experiences could be derived from perception, even though the ascription of matched predicates in the natural order are not derived in the manner Alston has in mind. In contrast, if one looks to research on shared attention between individuals as mediated by mirror neurons, then one can give a perceptual account of mystical experience which draws a tighter connection between what is reported in mystical reports and the most similar reports in the natural order.
Richard Swinburne's argument to the simplicity of God via the infinite
Authors: GWIAZDA JEREMY
Published: October 2009

In The Coherence of Theism Richard Swinburne writes that a person cannot be omniscient and perfectly free. In The Existence of God Swinburne writes that God is a person who is omniscient and perfectly free. There is a straightforward reason why the two passages are not in tension, but recognition of this reason raises a problem for Swinburne's argument in The Existence of God (the conclusion of which is that God likely exists). In this paper I present the problem for Swinburne's argument. I then consider two potential responses and suggest that neither succeeds.
CURIOSITY IS LIMITLESS: A LAST INTERVIEW WITH MAURICIO KAGEL
Authors: Solare Juan María
Published: October 2009

This conversation with Mauricio Kagel took place on 16 April 2008 in the studio of Kagel's house in Cologne. Just by looking at the shelves one could learn a lot, seeing how Kagel organized his scores. Each box included everything related to a single work (or group of works), including the ‘Ur-Manuskript’ (primordial manuscript), as he called it, as well as the working copy with the corrections that arose during rehearsals and the contract with the publishing house. The studio enclosed an unsophisticated upright piano, a huge desk and a corner to receive visits like mine.
WHAT IS THE DITHECOUS LEAF? AN INVESTIGATION OF THE NEOTROPICAL PODOSTEMUM RUTIFOLIUM SUBSP. RICCIIFORME (PODOSTEMACEAE – PODOSTEMOIDEAE)
Authors: Jäger-Zürn I.
Published: October 2009

The so-called dithecous leaves with two sheaths (adaxial and abaxial) which occur at branching in species of subfamily Podostemoideae of the aquatic flowering plant family Podostemaceae are enigmatic structures. The fact that in many species the shoot axes and leaves are fused has previously prevented an understanding of the real nature of dithecous leaves. This study reports on the position of the dithecous leaf in Podostemum rutifolium subsp. ricciiforme, the simple shoot structure of which has revealed that the dithecous leaf is the first leaf of the branch and does not arise from the main shoot as previously believed. Accordingly, the two sheaths of the dithecous leaf are interpreted anew: the sheath towards the branch, and its flower bud, is the true (ventral, adaxial) sheath of the dithecous leaf (formerly viewed as an additional new structure), and the other (dorsal, abaxial) sheath towards the flower bud of the main shoot of the branch is a novel structure. Consequently, the branch does not develop from the reverse side of the dithecous leaf in a subfoliar position, but rather is axillary above its subtending leaf. A similar structure was described in a previous paper on Apinagia riedelii, and in both species, and thus in subfamily Podostemoideae, the ramification pattern conforms to the pattern in other angiosperms.
Successful treatment of a thrombus in the left aortic coronary sinus in a child with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Georgiev Stanimir , Lacheva Alexandra , Pavlova Maya
Published: October 2009

We report our experience in a 12 year old boy referred with suspected myocardial infarction. He has previously been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, and was being treated with steroids. Echocardiographic examination revealed a thrombus in the left aortic coronary sinus of Valsalva partially occluding the orifice of the left coronary artery. The thrombosis was successfully treated by venous thrombolysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.
The taming of institutions in economics: the rise and methodology of the ‘newnew institutionalism’
Authors: SPIEGLER PETER , MILBERG WILLIAM
Published: October 2009

We examine the origin and methodology of a ‘NewNew Institutional Economics’ (NNIE) – an emerging research agenda distinguished by its attempt to account for the role of institutions in complex socio-economic change by formally modeling institutions as the background conditions to parameterized cost–benefit calculations. The NNIE expands the application of economic modeling tools to new areas of inquiry, models institutional outcomes with parsimony and mathematical rigor, and introduces political and economic power, thereby allowing for consideration of institutional change that is not Pareto improving. Using a four-part analytical framework, we find that the explanatory power of NNIE analysis derives not from its formal models, but from a more vague, nuanced, and narrative version of the formal models, which we call ‘Quasi-Models’. We find that the NNIE's formal models are too parsimonious to meaningfully illuminate the complex institutions they ostensibly represent.
British Columbian continental shelf as a source of dissolved iron to the subarctic northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Cullen Jay T. , Chong Marina , Ianson Debby
Published: October 2009

The distribution of dissolved (<0.4 μm) iron (Fe) across the continental shelf and slope of Queen Charlotte Sound on the west coast of Canada was examined to estimate the potential of these waters as a source of Fe to the Fe‐limited waters of the subarctic northeast Pacific. Iron profiles obtained in shelf, slope, and offshore waters demonstrate decreasing concentrations of Fe with distance from the continent. Within 50 m of the shelf sediments dissolved Fe concentrations were 5.3 ± 0.3 nM. This signal was detected, although attenuated by 80%, along the isopycnal surface at offshore stations 40–50 km seaward of the shelf break, strongly suggesting cross‐shelf transport of an Fe‐rich plume originating in low dissolved oxygen (<3 ml L−1, <130 μmol kg−1) waters in subsurface water over the continental shelf. Several physical mechanisms that may cause these Fe‐enriched waters to advect offshore in this region (i.e., tidal currents and Ekman transport in the bottom boundary layer, coastal downwelling/relaxation from upwelling, and the formation of anticyclonic, westward‐propagating, coastal eddies) are discussed. We suggest that strong tidal currents over broad continental shelves may play a key role in Fe supply to ocean basins.
Spatial patterns of stream solute concentrations in a steep mountainous catchment with a homogeneous landscape
Authors: Asano Y. , Uchida T. , Mimasu Y. , Ohte N.
Published: October 2009

The spatial patterns of stream solute concentrations in a catchment reflect its hydrology and biogeochemistry. The spatial relationship between drainage areas and solute concentrations may be asymptotic or convergent (large variation in small streams that becomes dampened as they merge into larger streams), probably depending on landscape features and/or solute type. Thus, we investigated the concentration spatial patterns of dissolved silica and major ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, NO3−, SO42−, and Cl−) in steep, humid headwaters of a 4.27 km2 catchment on Tanakami Mountain, central Japan. Because the catchment had a nearly homogenous landscape of incised valley and granitic bedrock covered in forest, we could eliminate any potential effects of variable landscape features. We found convergent relationships between drainage area and solute concentrations for all solutes. The concentrations of all solutes were similar among sampling locations with an area of more than 0.1–1.5 km2 independent of variable biogeochemical property of measured solutes. When considering only the longitudinal profile, solute concentrations showed a mostly asymptotic pattern. Taken together, these results indicate that longitudinal profiles with asymptotic patterns form convergent solute spatial patterns and suggest that variation in zero‐order hollow discharges and the mixing of water from a variety of hillslopes control downstream chemistry.
Ice core evidence for significant 100‐year regional warming on the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Thomas E. R. , Dennis P. F. , Bracegirdle T. J. , Franzke C.
Published: October 2009

We present a new 150‐year, high‐resolution, stable isotope record (δ18O) from the Gomez ice core, drilled on the data sparse south western Antarctic Peninsula, revealing a ∼2.7°C rise in surface temperatures since the 1950s. The record is highly correlated with satellite‐derived temperature reconstructions and instrumental records from Faraday station on the north west coast, thus making it a robust proxy for local and regional temperatures since the 1850s. We conclude that the exceptional 50‐year warming, previously only observed in the northern Peninsula, is not just a local phenomena but part of a statistically significant 100‐year regional warming trend that began around 1900. A suite of coupled climate models are employed to demonstrate that the 50 and 100 year temperature trends are outside of the expected range of variability from pre‐industrial control runs, indicating that the warming is likely the result of external climate forcing.
Triboelectric charging of lunar regolith simulant
Authors: Forward Keith M. , Lacks Daniel J. , Sankaran R. Mohan
Published: October 2009

We present an experimental investigation of the triboelectric charging behavior of lunar simulant (JSC‐1). Our experimental approach ensures that the JSC‐1 particles only make contact to other JSC‐1 particles during the charging process (and no other surfaces). The results show that charge segregation occurs such that smaller particles tend to charge negatively and larger particles charge positively. This particle‐size‐dependent charging follows behavior observed for other single‐component granular systems and appears to be universal.
Structures of yeast glutathione‐S‐transferase Gtt2 reveal a new catalytic type of GST family
Authors: Ma Xiao‐Xiao , Jiang Yong‐Liang , He Yong‐Xing , Bao Rui , Chen Yuxing , Zhou Cong‐Zhao
Published: October 2009

Glutathione‐S‐transferases (GSTs) are ubiquitous detoxification enzymes that catalyse the conjugation of electrophilic substrates to glutathione. Here, we present the crystal structures of Gtt2, a GST of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in apo and two ligand‐bound forms, at 2.23 Å, 2.20 Å and 2.10 Å, respectively. Although Gtt2 has the overall structure of a GST, the absence of the classic catalytic essential residues—tyrosine, serine and cysteine—distinguishes it from all other cytosolic GSTs of known structure. Site‐directed mutagenesis in combination with activity assays showed that instead of the classic catalytic residues, a water molecule stabilized by Ser129 and His123 acts as the deprotonator of the glutathione sulphur atom. Furthermore, only glycine and alanine are allowed at the amino‐terminus of helix‐α1 because of stereo‐hindrance. Taken together, these results show that yeast Gtt2 is a novel atypical type of cytosolic GST.
Consciousness as Recursive, Spatiotemporal Self-Location
Authors: Peters Frederic
Published: October 2009

At the phenomenal level, consciousness can be described as a singular, unified field of recursive self-awareness, consistently coherent in a particular way; that of a subject located both spatially and temporally in an egocentrically-extended domain, such that conscious self-awareness is explicitly characterized by I-ness, now-ness and here-ness. The psychological mechanism underwriting this spatiotemporal self-locatedness and its recursive processing style involves an evolutionary elaboration of the basic orientative reference frame which consistently structures ongoing spatiotemporal self-location computations as i-here-now. Cognition computes action-output in the midst of ongoing movement, and consequently requires a constant self-locating spatiotemporal reference frame as basis for these computations. Over time, constant evolutionary pressures for energy efficiency have encouraged both the proliferation of anticipative feedforward processing mechansims, and the elaboration, at the apex of the sensorimotor processing hierarchy, of self-activating, highly attenuated recursively-feedforward circuitry processing the basic orientational schema independent of external action output. As the primary reference frame of active waking cognition, this recursive i-here-now processing generates a zone of subjective self-awareness in terms of which it feels like something to be oneself here and now. This is consciousness.
On continuum dynamics
Authors: Romano Giovanni , Barretta Raffaele , Diaco Marina
Published: October 2009

The theory of continuous dynamical systems is developed with an intrinsic geometric approach based on the action principle formulated in the velocity-time manifold. By endowing the finite dimensional Riemannian ambient manifold with a connection, an induced connection is naturally defined in the infinite dimensional configuration manifold of maps. The motion is shown to be governed, in the Banach configuration manifold, by a generalized Lagrange law and, in the ambient manifold, by a generalized Euler law which is independent of the Banach topology of the configuration manifold. Extended versions of Euler–Poincaré law, Euler classical laws and d’Alembert law are also derived as special cases. Stress fields in the body are introduced as Lagrange’s multipliers of the rigidity constraint on virtual velocities, dual to the Lie derivative of the metric. No special assumptions are made so that any constitutive behaviors can be modeled.
Quantum hypothesis testing with group symmetry
Authors: Hiai Fumio , Mosonyi Milán , Hayashi Masahito
Published: October 2009

The asymptotic discrimination problem of two quantum states is studied in the setting where measurements are required to be invariant under some symmetry group of the system. We consider various asymptotic error exponents in connection with the problems of the Chernoff bound, the Hoeffding bound, and Stein’s lemma, and derive bounds on these quantities in terms of their corresponding statistical distance measures. A special emphasis is put on the comparison of the performances of group-invariant and unrestricted measurements.
Experimental measurements of multiphoton enhanced air breakdown by a subthreshold intensity excimer laser
Authors: Way Jesse , Hummelt Jason , Scharer John
Published: October 2009

This work presents density, spectroscopic temperature, and shockwave measurements of laser induced breakdown plasma in atmospheric air by subthreshold intensity (5.5×109 W/cm2) 193 nm laser radiation. Using molecular spectroscopy and two-wavelength interferometry, it is shown that substantial ionization (>1016 cm−3) occurs that is not predicted by collisional cascade (CC) breakdown theory. While the focused laser irradiance is three orders of magnitude below the theoretical collisional breakdown threshold, the substantial photon energy at 193 nm (6.42 eV/photon) compared with the ionization potential of air (15.6 eV) significantly increases the probability of multiphoton ionization effects. By spectroscopically monitoring the intensity of the N2+ first negative system (B Σu+2−X Σg+2) vibrational bandhead (v′=0,v″=0) at low pressure (20 Torr) where multiphoton effects are dominant, it is shown that two photon excitation, resonant enhanced multiphoton ionization is the primary mechanism for quantized ionization of N2 to the N2+(B Σu+2) state. This multiphoton effect then serves to amplify the collisional breakdown process at higher pressures by electron seeding, thereby reducing the threshold intensity from that required via CC processes for breakdown and producing high density laser formed plasmas.
Single crystal chemical vapor deposited diamond detectors for intensity-modulated radiation therapy applications
Authors: Rebisz-Pomorska M. , Tromson D. , Isambert A. , Marczewska B. , Bergonzo P.
Published: October 2009

We report here on first intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) clinical tests performed at the Gustave Roussy Institute in France using one small (0.117 mm3) synthetic single crystal diamond detector (SCDD). We report the comparison between the point doses evaluated with our detector, with a PTW semiflex air ionization chamber (0.125 cm3) and calculated with the treatment planning system (TPS), respectively. The obtained results show a maximum difference of 2.3% for the diamond detector and of 4.6% for the ionization chamber, as compared with the TPS calculations. These very promising results show the potentiality of chemical vapor deposited SCDD for dosimetry of IMRT fields and opens up the field for diamond dosimeters toward novel applications such as very small beam monitoring.
Molecular dynamics simulations on single-file diffusions: Effects of channel potential periods and particle-particle interactions
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Wu Mingzhong , Qin Zhangfeng , Wang Jianguo , Wen Tindun
Published: October 2009

This paper reports molecular dynamics simulations on the diffusion of sulfur hexafluoride SF6 molecules in one-dimensional zeolite ZSM-22 pores. In particular, the simulations explored the effects of the periodic boundary conditions of the ZSM-22 pores and the SF6–SF6 molecular interactions on the time (t) dependence of the mean square displacement (d) of the SF6 molecules. The simulation results clearly indicate that, with time, the molecules undergo three types of diffusions in sequence: a projectile diffusion regime with d∼t2, a single-file diffusion regime with d∼t0.5, and a normal diffusion regime with d∼t1. The time for the transition from the single-file diffusion to the normal diffusion increases with the length of the pores. When the interaction between the SF6 molecules is sufficiently strong, there exists also a suppressed single-file (SSF) diffusion regime in between the single-file and normal diffusion regimes that is characterized by d∼tα with α<0.5. The intermolecule interaction also substantially affects the durations of the single-file diffusion and the SSF diffusion, as well as the time for the transition to the normal diffusion state. A detailed discussion is provided that compares the results from this work with those from previous simulation and experimental works.
A quantitative link between microplastic instability and macroscopic deformation behaviors in metallic glasses
Authors: Wu Y. , Chen G. L. , Hui X. D. , Liu C. T. , Lin Y. , Shang X. C. , Lu Z. P.
Published: October 2009

Based on mechanical instability of individual shear transformation zones (STZs), a quantitative link between the microplastic instability and macroscopic deformation behavior of metallic glasses was proposed. Our analysis confirms that macroscopic metallic glasses comprise a statistical distribution of STZ embryos with distributed values of activation energy, and the microplastic instability of all the individual STZs dictates the macroscopic deformation behavior of amorphous solids. The statistical model presented in this paper can successfully reproduce the macroscopic stress-strain curves determined experimentally and readily be used to predict strain-rate effects on the macroscopic responses with the availability of the material parameters at a certain strain rate, which offer new insights into understanding the actual deformation mechanism in amorphous solids.
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of the rise and dissolution of two-dimensional immiscible droplets
Authors: Chen Cheng , Zhang Dongxiao
Published: October 2009

We used a coupled multiphase lattice Boltzmann (LB) model to simulate the dissolution of immiscible liquid droplets in another liquid during the rising process resulting from buoyancy. It was found that there existed a terminal rise velocity for each droplet, and there was a power law relationship between the Eötvös (Eo) number and the terminal Reynolds (Re) number. Our simulation results were in agreement with the empirical correlation derived for predicting bubble rise. When more than two identical droplets rose simultaneously in a close proximity, the average terminal rise velocity was lower than that of a single droplet with the same size because of the mutual resistant interactions. The droplet trajectories at the noncentral positions were not straight because of the nonzero net horizontal forces acting on the droplets. The Damkohler (Da) and Peclet (Pe) numbers were varied to investigate the coupling between droplet size, flow field, dissolution at the interface, and solute transport. For a given Pe, increasing Da led to a higher dissolution rate. For a given Da, increasing Pe led to a higher dissolution rate. For a large Da and a small Pe, the process near the interface was diffusion limited, and the advective flow relative to the droplet resulting from droplet rise was unable to move the accumulated solute away from the interface quickly. In this case, it was favorable to split the single droplet into as many small ones as possible in order to increase the interface area per unit mass and consequently enhance the whole dissolution process. For a small Da and a large Pe, the process was dissolution limited near the interface. The mass of accumulated solute near the interface was little, so the advective flow at the top side of the droplet was able to clean the solute quickly. In this case it was favorable to keep the droplet as a single one in order to obtain a high rise velocity and consequently enhance the whole dissolution process. By studying the coupling between Da and Pe, we qualitatively proposed to construct a Da-Pe phase plane and found the interface dividing the plane into regions 1 and 2. Region 1 was the collection of points where it was favorable to break down the droplet into as many small ones as possible in order to accelerate dissolution, while region 2 was the collection of points where it was favorable to keep the droplet in a single one for the same purpose. Based on our LB simulations, we found that the interface was an increasing function of Pe. Region 1 was the portion above the interface, while region 2 was the portion below it. In real applications, if both Pe and Da are obtained, it will be easy to judge whether it is favorable to break down the droplet or not in order to accelerate dissolution by checking whether (Pe, Da) falls in region 1 or 2.
First-principles study of the electronic properties of Ge dangling bonds at (100)Si1−xGex/SiO2 interfaces
Authors: Houssa M. , Afanas’ev V. V. , Stesmans A. , Pourtois G. , Meuris M. , Heyns M. M.
Published: October 2009

First-principles calculations of the electronic properties of (100)Si1−xGex/SiO2 structures, with a Ge dangling bond at the interface, are reported. It is found that the defect level associated with this dangling bond approaches the valence band edge of the Si1−xGex substrate as the Si concentration is reduced, mainly due to the narrowing of the energy bandgap of the alloy. These results suggest that these dangling bonds likely behave as acceptor-type defects at Ge-rich (100)Si1−xGex interfaces.
Manipulation of a one dimensional molecular assembly of helical superstructures by dielectrophoresis
Authors: Kubo Wakana , Fujikawa Shigenori
Published: October 2009

We demonstrate that it is possible to manipulate helical superstructures composed of self-assembled chiral lipids by dielectrophoresis while preserving the shape of the superstructures. Alignment and migration of the helical fibers were only observed for an applied ac field of 1 kHz–1 MHz. The structural and physical properties of the helical fibers were preserved even under ac electric fields. This is the first report on the manipulation of a helical molecular assembly wherein the original properties of the assembly remained unchanged even after manipulation.
On the hydrogen storage capacity of carbon nanotube bundles
Authors: Muniz Andre R. , Meyyappan M. , Maroudas Dimitrios
Published: October 2009

An analytical model is presented to describe the effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) swelling upon hydrogenation on the hydrogen storage capacity of single-walled CNT bundles; the model is properly parameterized using atomistic calculations for the relationship between CNT swelling and the degree of hydrogenation as measured by the coverage of the CNTs by chemisorbed atomic H. The model generates experimentally testable hypotheses, which can be used to explain the lower H storage capacities reported for CNT bundles and the experimentally observed nonuniformity of hydrogenation of CNT bundles.
Strain effects on the intersubband transitions in GaN/AlN multiple quantum wells grown by low-temperature metal organic vapor phase epitaxy with AlGaN interlayer
Authors: Sodabanlu Hassanet , Yang Jung-Seung , Sugiyama Masakazu , Shimogaki Yukihiro , Nakano Yoshiaki
Published: October 2009

The strain in low-temperature-grown GaN/AlN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) have been tailored by inserting an AlGaN interlayer between an AlN template and the MQWs, for the purpose of intersubband transition (ISBT) at shorter wavelength (1.52 μm) with smaller full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) (113 meV). The strain in GaN wells, ISBT wavelength and its FWHM were dependent on Al-content in the AlGaN interlayer. The compressive strain in GaN wells shifted ISBT to shorter wavelengths and narrowed absorption peaks. The interlayer with an appropriate Al-content has been proved to be mandatory for achieving strong and short-wavelength ISBT by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy-grown GaN/AlN MQWs.
Differential induction of apoptosis in HER2 and EGFR addicted cancers following PI3K inhibition
Authors: Faber Anthony C. , Li Danan , Song YoungChul , Liang Mei-Chih , Yeap Beow Y. , Bronson Roderick T. , Lifshits Eugene , Chen Zhao , Maira Sauveur-Michel , García-Echeverría Carlos , Wong Kwok-Kin , Engelman Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2009

Non-small cell lung cancers with activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are highly responsive to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as gefitinib and erlotinib. Such cancers are “addicted” to EGFR, and treatment with a TKI invariably leads to down-regulation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR and MEK-ERK signaling pathways, resulting in apoptosis. Using a dual PI3K-mTOR inhibitor, NVP-BEZ235, we evaluated whether PI3K-mTOR inhibition alone induced apoptosis in these cancers. In contrast toHER2-amplified breast cancers, we found that PI3K-mTOR inhibition did not promote substantial apoptosis in theEGFRmutant lung cancers. However, blocking both PI3K-mTOR and MEK simultaneously led to apoptosis to similar levels as the EGFR TKIs, suggesting that down-regulation of these pathways may account for much of the apoptosis promoted by EGFR inhibition. InEGFRmutant lung cancers, down-regulation of both intracellular pathways converged on the BH3 family of proteins regulating apoptosis. PI3K inhibition led to down-regulation of Mcl-1, and MEK inhibition led to up-regulation of BIM. In fact, down-regulation of Mcl-1 by siRNA was sufficient to sensitize these cancers to single-agent MEK inhibitors. Surprisingly, an AKT inhibitor did not decrease Mcl-1 levels, and when combined with MEK inhibitors, failed to induce apoptosis. Importantly, we observed that the combination of PI3K-mTOR and MEK inhibitors effectively shrunk tumors in a transgenic and xenograft model ofEGFRT790M-L858R cancers. These data indicate simultaneous inhibition of PI3K-mTOR and MEK signaling is an effective strategy for treatingEGFRmutant lung cancers, including those with acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs.
Alzheimer's disease-like pathological features in transgenic mice expressing the APP intracellular domain
Authors: Ghosal Kaushik , Vogt Daniel L. , Liang Man , Shen Yong , Lamb Bruce T. , Pimplikar Sanjay W.
Published: October 2009

The hypothesis that amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides are the primary cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains the best supported theory of AD pathogenesis. Yet, many observations are inconsistent with the hypothesis. Aβ peptides are generated when amyloid precursor protein (APP) is cleaved by presenilins, a process that also produces APP intracellular domain (AICD). We previously generated AICD-overexpressing transgenic mice that showed abnormal activation of GSK-3β, a pathological feature of AD. We now report that these mice exhibit additional AD-like characteristics, including hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau, neurodegeneration and working memory deficits that are prevented by treatment with lithium, a GSK-3β inhibitor. Consistent with its potential role in AD pathogenesis, we find AICD levels to be elevated in brains from AD patients. The in vivo findings that AICD can contribute to AD pathology independently of Aβ have important therapeutic implications and may explain some observations that are discordant with the amyloid hypothesis.
A perinuclear actin cap regulates nuclear shape
Authors: Khatau Shyam B. , Hale Christopher M. , Stewart-Hutchinson P. J. , Patel Meet S. , Stewart Colin L. , Searson Peter C. , Hodzic Didier , Wirtz Denis
Published: October 2009

Defects in nuclear morphology often correlate with the onset of disease, including cancer, progeria, cardiomyopathy, and muscular dystrophy. However, the mechanism by which a cell controls its nuclear shape is unknown. Here, we use adhesive micropatterned surfaces to control the overall shape of fibroblasts and find that the shape of the nucleus is tightly regulated by the underlying cell adhesion geometry. We found that this regulation occurs through a dome-like actin cap that covers the top of the nucleus. This cap is composed of contractile actin filament bundles containing phosphorylated myosin, which form a highly organized, dynamic, and oriented structure in a wide variety of cells. The perinuclear actin cap is specifically disorganized or eliminated by inhibition of actomyosin contractility and rupture of the LINC complexes, which connect the nucleus to the actin cap. The organization of this actin cap and its nuclear shape-determining function are disrupted in cells from mouse models of accelerated aging (progeria) and muscular dystrophy with distorted nuclei caused by alterations of A-type lamins. These results highlight the interplay between cell shape, nuclear shape, and cell adhesion mediated by the perinuclear actin cap.
Longitudinal effects of egoistic and fraternal relative deprivation on well‐being and protest
Authors: Schmitt Manfred , Maes Jürgen , Widaman Keith
Published: October 2009

According to the social justice literature, fraternal relative deprivation causes protest, but has little impact on well‐being. We consider this view incomplete and predict that fraternal relative deprivation can impair well‐being if it is enduring and difficult to ameliorate. As part of a longitudinal study of the German unification process, measures of egoistic relative deprivation, fraternal relative deprivation, life satisfaction, mental health, and protest were obtained on three occasions of measurement (1996, 1998, 2000) from a demographically heterogeneous sample of 1276 East German citizens. Model tests and parameter estimation were performed with LISREL. In line with our predictions, unique longitudinal effects of fraternal relative deprivation on well‐being were identified. No longitudinal effect of fraternal relative deprivation on protest was identified.
Personal and general belief in a just world as judgement norms
Authors: Alves Hélder , Correia Isabel
Published: October 2009

Research on the belief in a just world (BJW) has focused on its intra‐individual functions (e.g., psychological well‐being) and its inter‐individual consequences (e.g., derogation of victims). Recent theorizing, however, has indicated that the BJW may also have more societal functions and consequences, serving as a legitimizing device of the status quo. The studies in the current paper focus on this latter view and are based on Alves and Correia's (2008) research which found that the expression of high personal and general belief in a just world is injunctively normative. Two experimental studies aimed at ascertaining three issues: (1) the dimension(s) of social value (social utility and/or social desirability) on which the BJW normativity anchors; (2) whether the expression of moderate BJW is also injunctively normative; and (3) whether the injunctive normativity of the BJW is related to perceptions of truth. Results indicate that moderate and high personal and general BJW are normative. Yet, whereas the normativity of personal BJW anchors both on social utility and social desirability, that of general BJW anchors only on social utility. We discuss personal and general BJW as judgement norms, whose normativity may not be personally acknowledged (in the case of general BJW) and does not necessarily derive from being perceived as true, but from the fact that such norms carry social value at least in individualistic societies.
On the parallel momentum balance in low pressure plasmas with an inhomogeneous magnetic field
Authors: Smolyakov A.I. , Garbet X. , Bourdelle C.
Published: October 2009

This paper describes the structure of the parallel momentum balance in low pressure plasmas with an inhomogeneous magnetic field. The parallel momentum balance equation is derived from magnetohydrodynamic equations by an expansion in the inverse magnetic field 1/B as a small parameter. Contributions of the gyroviscosity and inertia terms are clarified. It is shown that magnetic field curvature leads to important coupling of parallel flow with fluctuations of the electric field and plasma pressure.
South American sea lion and spiny dogfish predation on artisanal catches of southern hake in fjords of Chilean Patagonia
Authors: de la Torriente Ana , Quiñones Renato A. , Miranda-Urbina Diego A. , Echevarría Fidel
Published: October 2009

de la Torriente, A., Quiñones, R. A., Miranda-Urbina, D. A., and Echevarría, F. 2010. South American sea lion and spiny dogfish predation on artisanal catches of southern hake in fjords of Chilean Patagonia. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 294–303. The South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) is a pinniped known to interact with fisheries, potentially damaging gear and lowering catches. Predation by O. flavescens and spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) on artisanal southern hake (Merluccius australis) catches in fjords of Chilean Patagonia is estimated and compared. Observations were made in the Gulf of Ancud and Comau Fjord in southern Chile from October 2005 to September 2006. Losses of southern hake catches to O. flavescens predation were 1.6% of the total catch of the species, and to spiny dogfish predation were slightly higher, at 3.3%. The predation of both species on southern hake catches varied throughout the year, but was lower in summer. Both predators showed a preference for adult southern hake over juveniles. There was no significant relationship between predation on southern hake catches by the sea lion and the availability of adult and juvenile southern hake on longlines (AHCL). However, there was a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between AHCL and spiny dogfish predation. Most O. flavescens interaction events (81.4%) were during longline retrieval. Our results showed minimal interactions between O. flavescens and the artisanal southern hake fishery in the area, so with the present abundance of O. flavescens, there is no justification for reducing the sea lion population by hunting.
The Phytochrome-Interacting Factor PIF7 Negatively RegulatesDREB1Expression under Circadian Control in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kidokoro Satoshi , Maruyama Kyonoshin , Nakashima Kazuo , Imura Yoshiyuki , Narusaka Yoshihiro , Shinwari Zabta K. , Osakabe Yuriko , Fujita Yasunari , Mizoi Junya , Shinozaki Kazuo , Yamaguchi-Shinozaki Kazuko
Published: October 2009

Transcription factors of the DRE-Binding1 (DREB1)/C-repeat binding factor family specifically interact with a cis-acting dehydration-responsive element/C-repeat involved in low-temperature stress-responsive gene expression in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Expression of DREB1s is induced by low temperatures and is regulated by the circadian clock under unstressed conditions. Promoter sequences of DREB1s contain six conserved motifs, boxes I to VI. We analyzed the promoter region of DREB1C using transgenic plants and found that box V with the G-box sequence negatively regulates DREB1C expression under circadian control. The region around box VI contains positive regulatory elements for low-temperature-induced expression of DREB1C. Using yeast one-hybrid screens, we isolated cDNA encoding the transcriptional factor Phytochrome-Interacting Factor7 (PIF7), which specifically binds to the G-box of the DREB1C promoter. The PIF7 gene was expressed in rosette leaves, and the PIF7 protein was localized in the nuclei of the cells. Transactivation experiments using Arabidopsis protoplasts indicated that PIF7 functions as a transcriptional repressor for DREB1C expression and that its activity is regulated by PIF7-interacting factors TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION1 and Phytochrome B, which are components of the circadian oscillator and the red light photoreceptor, respectively. Moreover, in the pif7 mutant, expression of DREB1B and DREB1C was not repressed under light conditions, indicating that PIF7 functions as a transcriptional repressor for the expression of DREB1B and DREB1C under circadian control. This negative regulation of DREB1 expression may be important for avoiding plant growth retardation by the accumulation of DREB1 proteins under unstressed conditions.
Atomistic simulation of micro‐scale adiabatic piston problem
Authors: Sengil Nevsan , Oguz Edis Firat
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the utilization of the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method for moving‐boundary/deforming‐domain micro‐scale gas flow problems. Furthermore, a hydrodynamic model, proposed in the literature, is used to compare its results with those obtained using the DSMC method.

Design/methodology/approach

A micro‐scale adiabatic piston problem is analyzed using a parallel DSMC implementation for deforming domains. Initially, pressures at both sides of the piston wall are different. Consequently, frictionless piston moves toward low‐pressure compartment, keeps oscillating from one side to the other. Eventually, the piston reaches the “Mechanical equilibrium” state. Although the temperatures are different, pressures are equal at this state. The unsteady problem is analyzed until it reaches this state. Three test cases, all with the same initial conditions but different piston masses are analyzed. The time variation of the piston position, conditions in the compartments separated by the piston, are presented and compared with the results obtained from a hydrodynamic model proposed in the literature.

Findings

The results show that the DSMC and hydrodynamic results agree for the case where the piston mass is much larger than the mass of the gas inside the cylinder. But for other two cases, where the piston mass is smaller, piston motion, and conditions in the compartments separated by the piston differ for the two methods. This is attributed to the linear velocity distribution assumption of the hydrodynamic model. The DSMC results demonstrate that this assumption is not valid for cases where the piston mass is equal or less than the mass of the gas inside the cylinder.

Originality/value

Implementation of the DSMC method for problems with deforming domain is presented and a limitation for applicability of hydrodynamic model for these problems is shown.
Linear correlations of principal parameters for the preliminary design of twin civil jet aircraft
Authors: Kallinderis Yannis , Vouvakos Xenakis , Menounou Pinelopi
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to simplify the preliminary design process as well as the initial evaluation of existing design parameters of civil jet aircraft; to include noise level consideration right from the start of the design process; and to form a current database of civil jet aircraft design parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

Simple (linear) correlations are found between key design parameters.

Findings

Direct linear relationships are found between design parameters including noise levels. Simplified preliminary design process.

Originality/value

New correlations which simplify the current procedures for preliminary design. In addition, the noise is included right from the beginning of the design. Finally, a new database is formed with specially selected aircraft that is current and covers a wide spectrum of sizes.