bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2‐D mapping of skin chromophores in the spectral range 500 – 700 nm
Authors: Jakovels Dainis , Spigulis Janis
Published: November 2009

The multi‐spectral imaging technique has been used for distant mapping of in‐vivo skin chromophores by analyzing spectral data at each reflected image pixel and constructing 2‐D maps of the relative concentrations of oxy‐/deoxy‐haemoglobin and melanin. Instead of using a broad visible‐NIR spectral range, this study focuses on narrowed spectral band 500–700 nm, speeding‐up the signal processing procedure. Regression analysis confirmed that superposition of three Gaussians is optimal analytic approximation for the oxy‐haemoglobin absorption tabular spectrum in this spectral band, while superposition of two Gaussians fits well for deoxy‐haemoglobin absorption and exponential function – for melanin absorption. The proposed approach was clinically tested for three types of in‐vivo skin provocations: ultraviolet irradiance, chemical reaction with vinegar essence and finger arterial occlusion. Spectral range 500–700 nm provided better sensitivity to oxy‐haemoglobin changes and higher response stability to melanin than two reduced ranges 500–600 nm and 530–620 nm. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A 17 GHZ colpitts VCO using reverse‐ and forward‐biased diode tuning in 0.18 μm CMOS
Authors: Huang Chuang‐Jen , Hsue Ching‐Wen , Liu Cheng‐Chen , Jang Sheng‐Lyang
Published: November 2009

A 17 GHz complementary Colpitts voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) is designed and implemented in a 0.18 μm CMOS 1P6M process. The drain‐body diode of MOSFET is used as the varactor. The VCO consists of two single‐ended complementary Colpitts LC‐tank VCOs coupled by a pair of capacitors. At the supply voltage of 1.2 V, the output phase noise of the VCO is −108.54 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset frequency from the carrier frequency of 17.3 GHz, and the figure of merit is −189.51 dBc/Hz. Total VCO core power consumption is 2.4 mW. Tuning range is about 1 GHz, from 17.4 to 16.4 GHz, whereas the control voltage was tuned from 0 to 0.9 V. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 38–41, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24818
DBR‐fiber‐laser‐based active temperature sensor and its applications in the measurement of fiber birefringence
Authors: Liu Bo , Jia Chenglai , Zhang Hao , Luo Jianhua
Published: November 2009

A fiber active temperature sensor based on single‐longitudinal‐mode distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) fiber laser is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The dual‐polarization mode DBR fiber laser could be employed as a temperature sensor through beat frequency interrogation. The temperature sensitivities of this polarimetric sensor are experimentally compared both through frequency and wavelength interrogations. By calculating the fiber birefringence at different temperature, temperature dependence of fiber birefringence is also investigated. Theoretical analysis and experiment results indicate that the fiber birefringence would linearly decrease with the increase of temperature. Based on the frequency and wavelength interrogations, respectively, the fiber active sensor would provide an effective way to achieve simultaneous measurement of multi‐parameters. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 41–44, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24820
Design of a multiantenna structure for WCDMA and Wibro MIMO systems using ENG‐ZOR unit cells
Authors: Kim Jeongpyo , Choi Jaehoon
Published: November 2009

We propose an internal multiantenna structure for WCDMA and Wibro MIMO systems using epsilon negative zeroth order resonator (ENG‐ZOR) unit cells. The proposed multiantenna consists of a dual resonant antenna for the WCDMA band and a MIMO antenna with two antenna elements and an isolator for the Wibro band. The designed multiantenna has the measured peak gains of 3.8 dBi at WCDMA lower band, 1.4 dBi at WCDMA higher band, 1.2 dBi for antenna #2, and −0.95 dBi for antenna #3 at Wibro band. In addition, the isolation characteristic at the Wibro band is higher than 17 dB. The total size of the designed antenna is 40 mm × 7 mm × 5 mm. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 13–17, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24826
Novel UWB planar monopole antenna with dual band‐notched characteristics
Authors: Li Wentao , Shi Xiaowei , Zhang Tieling , Song Yue
Published: November 2009

A novel spade‐shaped microstrip‐fed ultrawideband planar monopole antenna with dual band‐notched characteristics is presented. Dual narrow band‐notched characteristics are achieved by employing an Ω‐shaped slot on the radiating patch and a split‐ring resonator on the backed side. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed antenna satisfies the voltage standing wave ratio requirement of less than 2.0 in the frequency band of 3–12 GHz, except two frequency stop‐bands of 3.3–3.9 GHz and 5.70–6.05 GHz. Moreover, measured group delay and transmission characteristics indicate that the proposed antenna has good transient response. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 48–51, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24827
Phase velocity measurement using a sinusoidal wire resonator
Authors: Salman A. O.
Published: November 2009

Resonators are commonly used in the measurements of electromagnetic parameters. One of the applications is the phase velocity measurement of electromagnetic wave. In this article, a sinusoidal wire resonator is experimentally investigated for measuring phase velocity of surface wave supported by a Goubou‐line. The phase velocity values are obtained and the results are also compared with another technique (near‐field propping). It is shown that a sinusoidal wire resonator is a promising tool to measure the phase velocity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 103–107, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24839
Microstrip ring resonator bandpass filters using ceramic substrate
Authors: Chen Yuan‐Bin , Huang Cheng‐Liang , Liu Shih‐Sheng , Lin Shih‐Hung
Published: November 2009

The miniaturization of ring bandpass filters by employing high‐permittivity ceramic substrates (with respective dielectric constants of 9.7 and 23.5) are investigated. Microwave dielectric ceramics with high permittivity are commonly applied in several microwave communication components. With the advantages of compact size, high‐permittivity ceramics can be used as the substrate for bandpass filters. Moreover, the fundamental characteristics of newly developed compact square‐ring resonators have also been described and applied to the design of bandpass filters. In this paper, the designed square‐ring resonators structures are simulated using an IE3D simulator. The responses of the fabricated bandpass filters using Al2O3 (εr = 9.7, tan δ = 0.000036) and 0.875Mg0.95Zn0.05TiO3‐0.125Ca0.8Sm0.4/3TiO3 (εr = 23.5, tan δ = 0.000021) ceramic substrates are designed at the center frequency of 2.4 GHz. This compact size, low loss bandpass filter should be useful in many wireless communication systems. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 218–220, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24847
Increasing directionality of planar ultra‐wideband antennas
Authors: Locatelli Andrea , Modotto Daniele , Maria Pigozzo Filippo , Boscolo Stefano , Autizi Elena , De Angelis Costantino , Capobianco Antonio‐Daniele , Midrio Michele
Published: November 2009

A directional planar ultra‐wideband antenna is described and characterized through numerical and experimental results. The antenna is composed of a disc monopole fed by a 50‐Ω microstrip line with an L‐shaped ground plane. Simulations and measurements performed in an anechoic chamber demonstrate that the structured ground plane behaves as a corner reflector, which allows an increase of directionality with respect to conventional monopoles. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 78–82, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24849
A ring monopole antenna for UWB application
Authors: Xiao Jin‐Xiang , Wang Mei‐Fang , Li Guo‐Jian
Published: November 2009

A simple and compact microstrip‐fed ultra wideband printed monopole antenna is proposed and investigated. The proposed antenna is composed of a circular‐ring fed by a microstrip line and a multistep ground. The measured bandwidth of voltage‐standing wave ratio < 2 is from 3.0 to 12.0 GHz. The transfer functions of antenna systems are given experimentally. The parametric studies are performed numerically in this article. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 179–182, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24857
A novel planar three‐way triband power divider
Authors: Wang Xin‐Huai , Chen Xiaoqun , Shi Xiao‐Wei , Wei Feng , Bai Yanfu
Published: November 2009

A novel planar three‐way triple‐band power divider is proposed in this article. The circuit is composed of three sections of three transmission lines and planar isolation resistors, which can provide high isolation and good amplitude balance simultaneously at three arbitrary frequencies. The structure of the power divider and the formulas used to determine the design parameters has been given. To verify the validity, a proposed power divider was fabricated and measured at 900, 1800, and 2400 MHz. Both theoretical and simulated results are presented, which are in good agreement with the measured results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 182–184, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24858
Improved selectivity compact band‐stop filter with Gosper fractal‐shaped defected ground structures
Authors: Smierzchalski M. , Kurgan P. , Kitlinski M.
Published: November 2009

A novel band‐stop filter using Gosper fractal‐shaped defected ground structures has been designed and manufactured. The improvement in the filter selectivity has been achieved by introducing a multiresonance fractal‐shaped defect leading to a higher filter order, simultaneously maintaining its compact size. The experimental results prove the validity of proposed solution and its utility in novel miniaturized and severe requirement filter applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 227–229, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24869
Reduced size bow‐tie slot monopole antenna for land mine detection
Authors: Badhai Ritesh Kumar , Gupta Nisha
Published: November 2009

This article presents the design of a printed bow–tie slot monopole antenna for landmine detection. The characteristics of antenna are obtained for coplanar waveguide feed bow–tie slot monopole configuration for several cases. The proposed antenna exhibits a bandwidth of 340 MHz with a reduced area of around 76% with respect to rectangular and circular patch antennas. Finally, a prototype model of reduced size bow–tie slot monopole antenna is fabricated and tested for Ground penetration radar application. The experimental results are compared with simulation results and are found to be in good agreement. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 122–125, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24872
New wavelength division multiplexing bands generated by using a Gaussian pulse in a microring resonator system
Authors: Dunmeekaew U. , Pornsuwancharoen N. , Yupapin P. P.
Published: November 2009

A novel system that can be used to generate the new optical communication bandwidths (wavelength bands) using a Gaussian pulse propagating within a nonlinear microring resonator system is discussed. By using the wide range of the Gaussian input pulses, for instance, when the input pulses of the common lasers with center wavelengths from 400 to 1400 nm are used. Results obtained have shown that more available wavelength bands from the different center wavelengths can be generated, which can be used to form new dense wavelength division multiplexing bands, whereas the use of the very high channel capacity for personal wavelength and network applications is plausible. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 98–101, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24880
Compact sub‐wavelength microstrip band‐reject filter based on inter‐digital capacitance loaded loop resonators
Authors: Peng Yi , Zhang Wen‐Xun
Published: November 2009

In this article, the microstrip band‐reject filters based on inter‐digital capacitance loaded loop resonators (IDCLLRs) are proposed by using meandered microstip‐line, which enhances the coupling to the resonators and provides more structural parameters for flexible design. First, an IDCLLR‐based single‐stage meandered prototype of band‐reject filter has been designed and fabricated. The measured frequency response shows 2.2% relative stop‐bandwidth (−10 dB) with −21 dB maximal insertion‐loss at 3.34 GHz. Furthermore, the resonant frequencies versus inter‐digital length are studied. Finally, an IDCLLR‐based three‐stage meandered prototype of band‐reject filter was designed and fabricated too, the measured relative stop‐bandwidth (−10 dB) is 6.2% and the insertion‐loss at center frequency approaches −42 dB. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 166–169, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24885
Frequency range dependent TE10 to TE20 mode converter
Authors: Kokubo Yoshihiro
Published: November 2009

We have reported that single‐mode propagation is available for a metallic waveguide with dielectric rods arrayed at the center of the waveguide in the frequency under twice the cutoff frequency region using the TE10 mode, and in the frequency over twice the cutoff frequency region using the TE20 mode. In this investigation, a mode converter is proposed, which passes through a TE10 mode for low frequency range and converts TE10 to TE20 mode for the high frequency range. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 169–171, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24886
Erratum: On the advantages of magnetic materials in microstrip antenna miniaturization
Authors: Ikonen Pekka , Tretyakov Sergei
Published: November 2009

Originally published in Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 3131–3134, 2008
. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 247, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24890
Synthesis and characterization of low‐bandgap cyclopentadithiophene‐biselenophene copolymer and its use in field‐effect transistor and polymer solar cells
Authors: Lee Sang Kyu , Cho Nam Sung , Cho Shinuk , Moon Sang‐Jin , Lee Jae Kwan , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: November 2009

Novel series of conjugated copolymers, incorporating cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) and the biselenophene (R‐CPDT‐Se2), were synthesized by Pd‐catalyzed Stille coupling polymerization. The optical, electrochemical, field‐effect carrier mobilities, and photovoltaic properties of the R‐CPDT‐Se2 were investigated and compared with cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) and the bithiophene (EHex‐CPDT‐T2). The highest hole mobility of thin film transistor devices fabricated with new p‐type polymer semiconductors, Oct‐CPDT‐Se2, was 1.3 × 10−3 cm2/Vs with an on/off ratio of about 105. The maximum power conversion efficiency of polymer solar cell fabricated with the blend of EHex‐CPDT‐Se2/C71‐PCBM reached 1.86% with an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.55 V, a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 7.27 mA/cm2, and a fill factor (FF) of 0.47 under AM 1.5G irradiation (100 mW/cm2). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2009
Vinyl esters: Low cytotoxicity monomers for the fabrication of biocompatible 3D scaffolds by lithography based additive manufacturing
Authors: Heller Christian , Schwentenwein Martin , Russmueller Guenter , Varga Franz , Stampfl Juergen , Liska Robert
Published: November 2009

Lithography based additive manufacturing technologies (AMT) like stereolithography or digital light processing have become appealing methods for the fabrication of 3D cellular scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. To circumvent the use of (meth)acrylate‐based photopolymers, that suffer from skin irritation and sometimes cytotoxicity, new monomers based on vinyl esters were prepared. In vitro cytotoxicity studies with osteoblast‐like cells proofed that monomers based on vinyl esters are significantly less cytotoxic than (meth)acrylates. Photoreactivity was followed by photo‐differential scanning calorimetry and the mechanical properties of the photocured materials were screened by nanoindentation. Conversion rates and indentation moduli between those of acrylate and methacrylate references could be observed. Furthermore, osteoblast‐like cells were successfully seeded onto polymer specimens. Finally, we were able to print a 3D test structure out of a vinyl ester‐based formulation by μ‐SLA with a layer thickness of 50 μm. For in vivo testing of vinyl esters these 3D scaffolds were implanted into surgical defects of the distal femoral bone of adult New Zealand white rabbits. The obtained histological results approved the excellent biocompatibility of vinyl esters. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2009
Acetylcholinesterase point mutations in European strains of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) resistant to organophosphates
Authors: Khajehali Jahangir , Van Leeuwen Thomas , Grispou Maria , Morou Evangelia , Alout Haoués , Weill Mylène , Tirry Luc , Vontas John , Tsagkarakou Anastasia
Published: November 2009

BACKROUND: In Tetranychus urticae Koch, acetylcholinesterase insensitivity is often involved in organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CARB) resistance. By combining toxicological, biochemical and molecular data from three reference laboratory and three OP selected strains (OP strains), the AChE1 mutations associated with resistance in T. urticae were characterised.

RESULTS: The resistance ratios of the OP strains varied from 9 to 43 for pirimiphos‐methyl, from 78 to 586 for chlorpyrifos, from 8 to 333 for methomyl and from 137 to 4164 for dimethoate. The insecticide concentration needed to inhibit 50% of the AChE1 activity was, in the OP strains, at least 2.7, 55, 58 and 31 times higher for the OP pirimiphos‐methyl, chlorpyrifos oxon, paraoxon and omethoate respectively, and 87 times higher for the CARB carbaryl. By comparing the AChE1 sequence, four amino acid substitutions were detected in the OP strains: (1) F331W (Torpedo numbering) in all the three OP strains; (2) T280A found in the three OP strains but not in all clones; (3) G328A, found in two OP strains; (4) A201S found in only one OP strain.

CONCLUSIONS: Four AChE1 mutations were found in resistant strains of T. urticae, and three of them, F331W, G328A and A201S, are possibly involved in resistance to OP and CARB insecticides. Among them, F331W is probably the most important and the most common in T. urticae. It can be easily detected by the diagnostic PCR‐RLFP assay developed in this study. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Dual functions of Mdt1 in genome maintenance and cell integrity pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Traven Ana , Lo Tricia L. , Pike Brietta L. , Friesen Helena , Guzzo Julie , Andrews Brenda , Heierhorst Jörg
Published: November 2009

Recent evidence indicates considerable cross‐talk between genome maintenance and cell integrity control pathways. The RNA recognition motif (RRM)‐ and SQ/TQ cluster domain (SCD)‐containing protein Mdt1 is required for repair of 3′‐blocked DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) and efficient recombinational maintenance of telomeres in budding yeast. Here we show that deletion of MDT1 (PIN4/YBL051C) leads to severe synthetic sickness in the absence of the genes for the central cell integrity MAP kinases Bck1 and Slt2/Mpk1. Consistent with a cell integrity function, mdt1Δ cells are hypersensitive to the cell wall toxin calcofluor white and the Bck1–Slt2 pathway activator caffeine. An RRM‐deficient mdt1‐RRM0 allele shares the severe bleomycin hypersensitivity, inefficient recombinational telomere maintenance and slt2 synthetic sickness phenotypes, but not the cell wall toxin hypersensitivity with mdt1Δ. However, the mdt1‐RRM(3A) allele, where only the RNA‐binding site is mutated, behaves similarly to the wild‐type, suggesting that the Mdt1 RRM functions as a protein–protein interaction rather than a nucleic acid‐binding module. Surprisingly, in a strain background where double mutants are sick but still viable, bck1Δmdt1Δ and slt2Δmdt1Δ mutants differ in some of their phenotypes, consistent with the emerging concept of flexible signal entry and exit points in the Bck1–Mkk1/2–Slt2 pathway. Overall, the results indicate that Mdt1 has partially separable functions in both cell wall and genome integrity pathways. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound-guided foreign body localization and removal using a finder needle
Authors: Mau Jonathan K. L. , Nelson Mathew , Raio Christopher
Published: November 2009

The localization and removal of a superficial foreign body is a common challenge that emergency physicians encounter. The use of ultrasonography to detect superficial foreign bodies has been well documented, but with varying success. This case report demonstrates the use of a finder needle, placed under ultrasound-guidance, to assist in the localization and removal of a glass foreign body that could not be identified after extensive wound exploration alone.
A report on the reproductive health of women after the massive 2008 Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Liu Shujuan , Han Juntao , Xiao Dan , Ma Cuiling , Chen Biliang
Published: November 2009

Objective

To evaluate the reproductive health of women in the aftermath of the 2008 Richter scale 8.0 Wenchuan earthquake in China.

Methods

Gynecologists surveyed 170 women using a questionnaire inquiring about symptoms of reproductive tract infection, menstruation disorders, satisfaction with sexual life, and desire for fertility.

Results

The rates of symptoms of lower genital tract infection were higher after than before the earthquake (50.0% vs 26.5%), as were the rates for pelvic inflammatory disease (35.9% vs 19.4%) and menstruation disorders (51.8% vs 22.4%) (P < 0.05 for all). At the same time, the women's satisfaction with their sexual life was markedly decreased; 89.4% of them said they would not pursue a plan to become pregnant; and 67.1% said they would request pregnancy termination if they became pregnant.

Conclusion

The findings of this first population‐based assessment of reproductive health following the massive Wenchuan earthquake may help in shaping public health measures benefiting women surviving large‐sale disasters.
Second‐look hysteroscopy after antitubercular treatment in infertile women with genital tuberculosis undergoing in vitro fertilization
Authors: Bahadur Anupama , Malhotra Neena , Mittal Suneeta , Singh Neeta , Gurunath Sumana
Published: November 2009

Objectives

To assess the efficacy of antitubercular treatment on the uterine cavity in infertile women diagnosed with genital tuberculosis using second‐look hysteroscopy.

Methods

A total of 70 women with genital tuberculosis who underwent second‐look hysteroscopy were enrolled in the study. They were started on antitubercular drugs and followed up after 6 months of therapy with second‐look hysteroscopy. McNemar's χ2 test was used to compare the hysteroscopy findings before and after antitubercular treatment.

Results

Antitubercular treatment improved hysteroscopy findings in women with thin or flimsy adhesions (grade I), singular dense adhesions (grade II), and occluding adhesions at the internal os (grade IIa) (P < 0.01). Patients with extensive adhesions, extensive endometrial scarring, fibrosis, and a tubular cavity showed no improvement after antitubercular treatment. Mean endometrial thickness of the 70 patients on day 21 prior to starting drug therapy was 6.8 mm, which increased to 8.1 mm after 6 months of treatment.

Conclusion

Considering the exorbitant cost of assisted reproductive technology in low‐resource countries, it is necessary to consider reassessment of the uterine cavity prior to beginning such treatment.
Relationship between just‐in‐time manufacturing practices and performance: A meta‐analytic investigation
Authors: Mackelprang Alan W. , Nair Anand
Published: November 2009

Just‐in‐time (JIT) manufacturing is among the most commonly researched topics in the area of operations management. This study examines the relationship between JIT manufacturing practices and performance outcomes by means of meta‐analysis of correlations approach. Based on an in‐depth analysis of literature spanning from 1992 to 2008, the results of this meta‐analytic investigation support a positive relationship between JIT manufacturing practices and aggregate performance. However, the findings suggest that not all individual JIT practices are associated with all types of performance outcomes. This study highlights the JIT practices that have the greatest impact on individual performance outcomes and emphasizes the role of moderating factors in the relationship between JIT practices and performance. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed and directions for future theory building in JIT are presented.
Dietary wheat germ agglutinin modulates ovalbumin-induced immune responses in Brown Norway rats
Authors: Watzl Bernhard , Neudecker Christian , Hänsch Gertrud M. , Rechkemmer Gerhard , Pool-Zobel Beatrice L.
Published: November 2009

The trend towards an increased consumption of minimally processed plant food results in a higher intake of non-nutritive compounds such as lectins. Lectins are typically globular proteins that are resistant to digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. They affect the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and the absorption of dietary antigens, and induce the release of allergic mediators from mast cellsin vitro. Based on this information we have studied whether dietary wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) could be involved in triggering food allergies. Brown Norway rats were immunized intraperitoneally using ovalbumin (OVA; 10 μg/rat) and 10 d later treated for five consecutive days with WGA (10 mg/rat per d) administered intragastrically. Rats were then orally challenged with OVA (100 μg/rat) 1 h after the last WGA application, and blood was collected 4 h later. Immunological responses (anti-OVA immunoglobulins E and G, rat mast cell protease II, interferon-γ and lymphocyte proliferation) were measured and lymphocyte subpopulations were determined. In immunized rats WGA treatment resulted in increased serum rat mast cell protease II concentrations (pre-challenge 0.26 (SE 0.08) ΜG/ML, POST-CHALLENGE 0.49 (se 0.09) μg/ml; P<0.01) 4 h after the OVA challenge. After 5 d serum concentrations of anti-OVA immunoglobulin E were significantly increased only in the immunized controls (absorbance at 405 nm on days 14 and 19 was 0.09 (se 0.008) and 0.24 (se 0.046) respectively; P=0.02), while in WGA-treated rats no significant increase was seen (0.08 (se 0.004) and 0.15 (se 0.037 respectively; P=0.14). CD4+: CD8+T lymphocytes in the spleen was significantly increased at this time (OVA 1.1 (sd 0.2), OVA+WGA 1.4 (sd 0.1), P<0.05). The treatment did not impair the proliferation and interferon-γ production of mesenteric lymphocytes. In conclusion, these data suggest that high dietary intake of lectins such as WGA may affect the allergic response towards oral antigens in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue.
Consumption of caffeinated coffee and a high carbohydrate meal affects postprandial metabolism of a subsequent oral glucose tolerance test in young, healthy males
Authors: Moisey Lesley L. , Robinson Lindsay E. , Graham Terry E.
Published: November 2009

Caffeine and caffeinated coffee (CC) elicit acute insulin insensitivity when ingested before a carbohydrate load. The effects of CC on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity when co-ingested with a high carbohydrate meal and on postprandial metabolism of a subsequent (second) carbohydrate load have not been studied. In a randomised, crossover design, ten healthy males ingested either CC (5 mg caffeine/kg body weight), decaffeinated coffee (DC) or water (W; equal volume) co-ingested with a high glycaemic index cereal followed 3 h later by a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. After the initial meal, insulin area under the curve (AUC) and insulin sensitivity index did not differ between treatments, although glucose AUC for CC (107 (sem 18) mmol/l × 3 h) and DC (74 (sem 15) mmol/l × 3 h) was greater than W ( − 0·2 (sem 29) mmol/l × 3 h, P < 0·05). After the second carbohydrate load, insulin AUC for CC was 49 % and 57 % greater (P < 0·01) than for DC and W, respectively. Despite the greater insulin response, glucose AUC for CC (217 (sem 24) mmol/l × 2 h) was greater than both DC (126 (sem 11) mmol/l × 2 h, P = 0·01) and W (55 (sem 34) mmol/l × 2 h, P < 0·001). Insulin sensitivity index after the second meal was lower after CC (8·2 (sem 0·9)) compared with both DC (12·4 (sem 1·2), P < 0·01) and W (13·4 (sem 1·4), P < 0·001). Co-ingestion of CC with one meal resulted in insulin insensitivity during the postprandial phase of a second meal in the absence of further CC ingestion. Thus, CC may play a role in daily glycaemic management.
Nuklearmedizinische Diagnostik von Knochenmetastasen
Authors: Strobel
Published: November 2009

Die 99mTc-Skelettszintigraphie ist nach wie vor die Standarduntersuchung zum Nachweis von Skelettmetastasen, besonders bei Mammakarzinom und Prostatakarzinom. Unklare szintigraphische Anreicherungen im peripheren Skelett können mit einem konventionellen Röntgenbild meist ausreichend geklärt werden. Bei unklaren Anreicherungen im Stammskelett kann die zusätzliche Durchführung eines SPECT/CT im gleichen Untersuchungsgang sinnvoll sein, um die Spezifität der Untersuchung zu erhöhen. Das Fluorid-PET/CT ist der konventionellen Szintigraphie überlegen, steht in der Routine jedoch noch nicht zur Verfügung. Bei Patientinnen mit high-risk-Mammakarzinom und Patienten mit Bronchuskarzinom sollte das Staging primär mit FDG-PET/CT durchgeführt werden. Eine zusätzliche Skelettszintigraphie ist dann nicht mehr nötig. Der grosse Vorteil der FDG-PET/CT besteht darin, dass neben Skelettmetastasen auch Organmetastasen in der gleichen Untersuchung erfasst werden können. Die Cholin-PET/CT ist sensitiver als die Skelettszintigraphie bezüglich der Lokalisation eines Prostatakarzinomrezidivs. Insgesamt wird der schon jetzt stattfindende Shift von der konventionellen Nuklearmedizin zum PET/CT wohl auch bei der Abklärung von Skelettmetastasen weiter zunehmen.
Koma nach luzidem Intervall – schwere sekundäre Bewusstseinseinschränkung nach Polytrauma
Authors: Richter  , Stansiak  , Freitag
Published: November 2009

Bei einem 71-jährigen Mann kommt es nach Polytrauma mit multiplen Frakturen nach einem luziden Intervall zu einer sekundären neurologischen Verschlechterung mit komatösem Zustandsbild. In der weiterführenden Diagnostik werden eine intrakranielle Blutung, ein Status epilepticus, medikamentöse Nebenwirkungen, toxisch-metabolische, ischämische oder infektiöse Ursachen ausgeschlossen. Bei Ausbildung von Petechien und Entwicklung einer Thrombopenie wird der Verdacht auf ein Fettembolie-Syndrom geäussert, welcher sich im MRI des Schädels 72 Stunden nach Unfall bestätigt. Die aktuellen Überlegungen zur Ätiologie sowie die Diagnostik und Klinik des zerebralen Fettembolie-Syndroms werden diskutiert.
Longitudinally propagating arc wave in the pre‐onset optical aurora
Authors: Uritsky V. M. , Liang J. , Donovan E. , Spanswick E. , Knudsen D. , Liu W. , Bonnell J. , Glassmeier K. H.
Published: November 2009

We present the first systematic observational evidence for a traveling periodic structure in the pre‐onset optical aurora – the longitudinally propagating arc wave (LPAW) – associated with flapping oscillations in the magnetotail. The LPAW is characterized by azimuthally moving intensity enhancements inside auroral arcs as seen by THEMIS ground‐based all‐sky imagers. It travels westward in the pre‐midnight auroral sector during the 10–20 minutes preceding auroral breakup with a velocity of 2–10 km/s, time period 40–110 s, and wavelength 250–420 km. Magnetically conjugate measurements by THEMIS satellites show low frequency plasma oscillations consistent with the parameters of the arc wave in the course of current sheet thinning. When mapped into tail, wavelength (4800–9400 km) and velocity (70–190 km/s) of the LPAW are compatible with observations and theoretical predictions for current sheet flapping motions. Our results strongly suggest that LPAW is an auroral footprint of the drift wave mode (kink, sausage, ballooning, etc.) in a stretched magnetotail.
Polarimetric radar properties of smoke plumes: A model
Authors: Melnikov V. M. , Zrnic D. S. , Rabin R. M.
Published: November 2009

Smoke plumes can be recognized with the polarimetric Weather Surveillance Radar, 1988 Doppler (WSR‐88D) using low correlation coefficient between signals in the horizontal and vertical channels. A model that describes radar measurements at 10 cm wavelength is developed. Using the model it is concluded that smoke scatterers have a needle‐like form. The scatterers flutter with the mean angle of 23…27° which is the angle between the major particle's axis and horizontal plane. It is inferred that the scatterers have the real part of dielectric permittivity larger than 15 and the major‐to‐minor axis ratio larger than 6. Future capabilities of the polarimetric radar can be used to determine smoke particles' properties with better accuracy.
Overexpression of PIP5KL1 suppresses the growth of human cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Shi Lan , Wang Kai , Zhao Mei , Yuan Xinghua , Huang Changzhi
Published: November 2009

PIP5KL1 (phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate 5‐kinase‐like 1), the fourth member of PIP5Ks (phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate 5‐kinases) type I, acts as a scaffold for localization and activation of PIP5Ks, which in turn regulate numerous cellular processes. However, the role of PIP5KL1 in the development of human cancer is poorly studied. In this study, we established a stable clone of PIP5KL1 overexpressing human cervical cancer HeLa cells. RT‐PCR (reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction) and Western immunoblot analysis were performed to testify the mRNA and protein levels of PIP5KL1 in HeLa cells. The effect of PIP5KL1 overexpression on in vitro cell growth was assessed by measuring cell proliferation and migration. The athymic nude mouse model was used to examine the effects of PIP5KL1 on tumour growth in vivo. Stable transfection of PIP5KL1 induced a significant increase in expression of both mRNA and protein levels and consequent robust inhibition of proliferation (P<0.05) and migration (P<0.05) of HeLa cells. Overexpression of PIP5KL1 significantly suppressed the growth of HeLa xenograft tumours in the flanks of nude mice. Taken together, these studies indicate a functional negative correlation between elevated levels of PIP5KL1 and the development of human cervical cancer, suggesting that PIP5KL1 overexpression may suppress cervical cancer formation.
Surface modification of magnetic recording media by filtered cathodic vacuum arc
Authors: Zhang H.-S. , Komvopoulos K.
Published: November 2009

Surface modification of a magnetic recording medium was accomplished by filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA). The carbon overcoat of thin-film disks was removed by Ar+ ion sputter etching in vacuum to prevent oxidation of the exposed magnetic medium, which was then modified by FCVA carbon plasma under conditions of zero and −100 V pulsed substrate bias. Monte Carlo simulations performed with the T-DYN code, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and surface force microscopy (SFM) provided insight into carbon implantation profiles, surface chemical composition, roughness, and nanomechanical properties of the surface-treated magnetic medium. The dependence of surface modification on the FCVA treatment conditions is discussed in the context of T-DYN, XPS, AFM, and SFM results. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of FCVA to provide overcoat-free magnetic recording media exhibiting oxidation resistance and enhanced nanomechanical properties.
Design an immobilized lipase enzyme for biodiesel production
Authors: Jegannathan Kenthorai Raman , Jun-Yee Leong , Chan Eng-Seng , Ravindra Pogaku
Published: November 2009

In this study, an eco-friendly immobilized lipase was designed for biodiesel production process. Lipase enzyme was encapsulated in κ-carrageenan by coextrusion technique. The various parameters, such as catalytic activity, stability, reusability, shape, and size of the encapsulated lipase, were studied to design an immobilized lipase for biodiesel production. Transesterification of palm oil with methanol was used for biodiesel production. At the optimum conditions, the results were found to be quite promising, converting the raw material near to 100% biodiesel production. This attempt was found to be very effective and eco-friendly with the environmentally benign novel technique.
Quantum confined Stark effect and corresponding lifetime reduction in a single InxGa1−xN quantum disk
Authors: Holmes Mark J. , Park Young S. , Warner Jamie H. , Taylor Robert A.
Published: November 2009

Time-integrated and time-resolved microphotoluminescence studies were carried out on InxGa1−xN quantum disks embedded in GaN nanocolumns grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Emission at ∼3.33 eV from confined states was detected and observed to blueshift with excitation power; a result of charge screening and the quantum confined Stark effect. Due to the reduced band bending and resulting increased overlap of the confined electron and hole wave functions, the lifetime of the emission was measured to decrease with increasing excitation power. The saturation of the blueshift and lifetime reduction follows that of the peak intensity, indicating a Stark screening process.
Engineering single photon emitters by ion implantation in diamond
Authors: Naydenov B. , Kolesov R. , Batalov A. , Meijer J. , Pezzagna S. , Rogalla D. , Jelezko F. , Wrachtrup J.
Published: November 2009

Diamond provides unique technological platform for quantum technologies including quantum computing and communication. Controlled fabrication of optically active defects is a key element for such quantum toolkit. Here we report the production of single color centers emitting in the blue spectral region by high energy implantation of carbon ions. We demonstrate that single implanted defects show sub-poissonian statistics of the emitted photons and can be explored as single photon source in quantum cryptography. Strong zero phonon line at 470.5 nm allows unambiguous identification of this defect as interstitial-related TR12 color center.
Enhanced thermal stability of Pt electrodes for flat epitaxial biferroic-YMnO3/Pt heterostructures
Authors: Bachelet R. , Muralidharan R. , Rigato F. , Dix N. , Martí X. , Santiso J. , Sánchez F. , Fontcuberta J.
Published: November 2009

We have investigated the thermal stability of platinum electrodes on oxide substrates for oxide-based devices. We show that flat epitaxial Pt(111) bottom electrodes, deposited on SrTiO3(111) and Al2O3(0001) substrates, can be stable against dewetting up to usual oxide-deposition temperatures (Ts) by increasing Pt film thickness (tPt) and preferably using SrTiO3(111) rather than Al2O3(0001) substrates. Subsequently, high-quality epitaxial biferroic YMnO3/Pt/oxide-substrate heterostructures have been grown. A diagram of morphological and crystalline quality versus tPt and Ts is given for both YMnO3/Pt/SrTiO3(111) and YMnO3/Pt/Al2O3(0001) heterostructures. These results shall guideline the growth of other functional oxide thin films on Pt electrodes.
Molecular rotor dynamics influenced by the elastic modulus of polyethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Jee Ah-Young , Kwon Haneul , Lee Minyung
Published: November 2009

We observed that the excited-state twisting motion of 3,3′-diethyloxacarbocyanine in polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) depends strongly on the elastic modulus of medium. PNCs consist of low density polyethylene dispersed with surface-functionalized nanodiamonds with various alkyl groups. The mechanical properties of the PNCs were measured by a nanoindentation method, and the photoisomerization processes of the cyanine dye doped in the composites were investigated by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. It was found that the molecular rotor dynamics in rigid media should be quantitatively describable by the elastic modulus of polymer.
Biochemical constrains limit the potential of the photochemical reflectance index as a predictor of effective quantum efficiency of photosynthesis during the winter spring transition in Jack pine seedlings
Authors: Busch Florian , Hüner Norman P. A. , Ensminger Ingo
Published: November 2009

Leaf reflectance spectral measurements are an emerging non-invasive technique that can be used to derive the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) to assess the physiological state of plants from leaf to ecosystem level. Changes in PRI are associated with changes in the xanthophyll cycle activity and provide an estimate of changes in the effective photochemical quantum efficiency (ΦII) during the growing season. However, we hypothesised that the correlation between PRI and ΦII might be poor when the xanthophyll cycle is primed for sustained thermal dissipation of the light energy absorbed. To test our hypothesis, we studied the recovery of winter acclimated Jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings that were exposed to different simulated spring recovery treatments in controlled environments. Different growth temperatures and light intensities were used to dissect the effect of these two factors on chlorophyll fluorescence, pigment composition and leaf reflectance. ΦII showed a clear response to temperature whereas PRI was mostly affected by light intensity. In contrast, the de-epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle pigments was both temperature and light dependent. Our data suggest that zeaxanthin-independent non-photochemical quenching is employed to various degrees in the different treatments. As a result, within the limits of our experimental setup, PRI could not explain the variation in ΦII. This indicates that an improved understanding of the different energy quenching mechanisms is critical to accurately interpret the PRI signal under environmental conditions where the predominant mode of excess energy dissipation does not involve a dynamic operation of the xanthophyll cycle, but a sustained mechanism of energy dissipation.
Transposon-based activation tagging in cereals
Authors: Ayliffe M. A. , Pryor A. J.
Published: November 2009

Advances in DNA sequencing technologies have produced an ever increasing number of sequenced genomes. However, many of the genes identified in these sequencing efforts have unknown functions or functions inferred based upon sequence homology, highlighting the necessity for functional gene analysis. Mutagenesis combined with phenotypic analyses remains a key mechanism for identifying and establishing gene function. Activation tagging is a mutagenic process that uses altered gene expression, usually gene overexpression, to generate mutant phenotypes. We have developed an activation tagging system in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) based upon a maize (Zea mays L.) transposable element that carries two highly expressed cereal promoters. Insertion of this mobile genetic element in the genome can lead to insertional gene inactivation, gene overexpression and gene silencing through the production of antisense transcripts. This transposable element system has also been introduced into both wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize and transposon mobility observed.
Alpha 1,3 fucosyltransferases are master regulators of prostate cancer cell trafficking
Authors: Barthel Steven R. , Wiese Georg K. , Cho Jaehyung , Opperman Matthew J. , Hays Danielle L. , Siddiqui Javed , Pienta Kenneth J. , Furie Bruce , Dimitroff Charles J.
Published: November 2009

How cancer cells bind to vascular surfaces and extravasate into target organs is an underappreciated, yet essential step in metastasis. We postulate that the metastatic process involves discrete adhesive interactions between circulating cancer cells and microvascular endothelial cells. Sialyl Lewis X (sLe
X
) on prostate cancer (PCa) cells is thought to promote metastasis by mediating PCa cell binding to microvascular endothelial (E)-selectin. Yet, regulation of sLe
X
and related E-selectin ligand expression in PCa cells is a poorly understood factor in PCa metastasis. Here, we describe a glycobiological mechanism regulating E-selectin-mediated adhesion and metastatic potential of PCa cells. We demonstrate that α1,3 fucosyltransferases (FT) 3, 6, and 7 are markedly elevated in bone- and liver-metastatic PCa and dictate synthesis of sLe
X
and E-selectin ligands on metastatic PCa cells. Upregulated FT3, FT6, or FT7 expression induced robust PCa PC-3 cell adhesion to bone marrow (BM) endothelium and to inflamed postcapillary venules in an E-selectin-dependent manner. Membrane proteins, CD44, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), podocalyxin-like protein (PCLP), and melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) were major scaffolds presenting E-selectin-binding determinants on FT-upregulated PC-3 cells. Furthermore, elevated FT7 expression promoted PC-3 cell trafficking to and retention in BM through an E-selectin dependent event. These results indicate that α1,3 FTs could enhance metastatic efficiency of PCa by triggering an E-selectin-dependent trafficking mechanism.
Rad4 Regulates Protein Turnover at a Postubiquitylation Step
Authors: Li Yue , Yan Jing , Kim Ikjin , Liu Chang , Huo Keke , Rao Hai
Published: November 2009

The ubiquitin (Ub)-binding protein Rad23 plays an important role in facilitating the transfer of substrates to the proteasome. However, the mechanism underlying Rad23's function in proteolysis remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Rad4, a Rad23-binding protein, also regulates ubiquitylated substrate turnover. Rad4 was known previously only as a key repair factor that directly recognizes DNA damage and initiates DNA repair. Our results, however, reveal a novel function of Rad4. We found that Rad4 and Rad23 share several common substrates. Substrates in rad4Δ cells are ubiquitylated, indicating that Rad4 regulates a postubiquitylation event. Moreover, we found that Rad4 participates in the Rad23–Ufd2 pathway, but not the Rad23-Png1 pathway, consistent with previous findings that Png1 and Rad4 or Ufd2 form separate Rad23 complexes. The Rad4-binding domain is crucial for the functioning of Rad23 in degradation, suggesting that Rad4 and Rad23 work together in proteolysis. It is interesting to note that upon DNA damage, Rad4 becomes concentrated in the nucleus and degradation of the nonnuclear protein Pex29 is compromised, further suggesting that Rad4 may influence the coordination of various cellular processes. Our findings will help to unravel the detailed mechanisms underlying the roles of Rad23 and Rad4 in proteolysis and also the interplay between DNA repair and proteolysis.