bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triterpenes of Commiphora holtziana oleo-gum resin
Authors: Manguro Lawrence Onyango Arot , Opiyo Sylvia Awino , Herdtweck Eberhardt , Lemmen Peter
Published: August 2009

Chemical analysis of the acetone extract of Commiphora holtziana gum resin has led to the isolation of triterpenes characterized as methyl 3-oxo-1α,19α,28-trihydroxyurs-12-en-24-oate (1), methyl 3β-acetyl-2α,11α,19α,28-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-24-oate (2), methyl 3β,11α-diacetyl-1α,2α,28-trihydroxyurs-12-ene-24-oate (3), and 3β,28-diacetyl-1α,2α,25-trihydroxydammar-23-ene (4). The known compounds isolated from the same extract included cabraleadiol monoacetate (5), mansumbinol (6), 3β-acetylamyrin (7), 3α-acetylboswellic acid (8), 2-methoxy-8,12-epoxygermacra-1(10),7,11-trien-6-one (9), 2-methoxy-5-acetylfuranogermacra-1(10),7,11-trien-6-one (10), furadienone (11), 2-methoxy-5-acetyl-4-furanogermacra-1(10)Z-en-6-one (12), α-amyrin (13), sistosterol (14) and stigmasterol 3-O-acetate (15). Structural elucidation was carried out using spectroscopic and physical methods as well as by comparison with the literature data.
Photoelectrochemical studies on poly[1-(2-aminophenyl)pyrrole] — Creation of a photoactive inorganic–organic semiconductor interface (IOI)
Authors: Kasem Kasem K. , Menges Sara , Jones Stephenie
Published: August 2009

The compound 2-APPy [1-(2-aminophenyl)pyrrole] as an organic phase in an inorganic–organic semiconductor interface (IOI) assembly was the subject of photoelectrochemical studies in aqueous solutions. Results show that thin films of poly(2-APPy) can be prepared using oxidative electropolymerization. Furthermore, absorption spectroscopic studies indicate that the protonated 2-APPy polymer’s ionization potential (IP) is 4.7 eV, the electron affinity (EA) is 1.90 eV, and a gap of 2.80 eV separates the higher occupied molecular orbital’s (HOMO) and lower unoccupied molecular orbital’s (LUMO) energy levels of this polymer. Impedance measurements under illumination show an increase in the film charge capacitance compared with those measured under darkened conditions. The behavior of the poly(2-APPy) film as a host for redox-active dopants was also explored. The results show that the film did not alter the redox potentials of a large dopant such as PMo12O403–. The photoactivities of the IOI assemblies consisting of 2-APPy and nanoparticles of ZnO, and of Fe2O3 were investigated using fluorescence emissions. Results show that the fluorescence emissions generated by 2-APPy were quenched by 5% and 55% on ZnO and on Fe2O3, respectively. The charge injection rate constants, kct, at the inorganic metal oxide–2-APPy interface, were calculated.
Aluminum nitrate and silica sulfuric acid as efficient nitrating media for the mononitration of phenols under mild and heterogeneous conditions
Authors: Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash , Goudarziafshar Hamid , Nikoorazm Mohsen , Yousefi Somaieh
Published: August 2009

A variety of phenol derivatives were successfully nitrated via combination of Al(NO3)3·9H2O and silica sulfuric acid in the presence of wet SiO2 (50% w/w) in dichloromethane at room temperature with moderate-to-good yields.
Theoretical study of the electronic spectra of s-triazine vapour
Authors: Chong Delano P.
Published: August 2009

The ionization and excitation spectra of valence and core electrons of s-triazine in the gas phase are studied with ab initio, density functional, and semi-empirical methods. The results are compared with available experimental data and previous calculations. New estimates are proposed for the ionization energies of both valence and core electrons. The calculated excitation energies are consistent with experiment.
THE LARGE CP PHASE IN $B_{s}\hbox{--}\bar{B}_{s}$ MIXING FROM PRIMARY SCALAR UNPARTICLES
Authors: PARRY J. K.
Published: August 2009

Here we consider the case of primary scalar unparticle contributions to Bd, s mixing. With particular emphasis on the impact of the recent hint of new physics in the measurement of the Bs mixing phase, ϕs, we determine the allowed parameter space and impose bounds on the unparticle couplings.
HOMOGENEOUS ANISOTROPIC COSMOLOGICAL MODELS WITH VISCOUS FLUID AND HEAT FLOW IN LYRA'S GEOMETRY
Authors: RAM SHRI , VERMA M. K. , ZEYAUDDIN MOHD
Published: August 2009

In this paper, a spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type V model filled with an imperfect fluid with both viscosity and heat conduction is investigated within the framework of Lyra's geometry. Exact solutions of the field equations are obtained by applying a special law of variation for Hubble's parameter which yields a constant value of the deceleration parameter. Two different physically viable models of the universe are presented in two types of cosmologies, one with power-law expansion and other one with exponential expansion. Cosmological model with power-law expansion has an initial big-bang type singularity at t = 0 whereas the model with exponential expansion has a singularity in the infinite past. The physical and dynamical properties of the models are discussed.
APPROXIMATE ANALYTICAL SOLUTIONS OF THE SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION WITH THE MANNING–ROSEN POTENTIAL MODEL
Authors: CHEN ZHAO-YOU , LI MIN , JIA CHUN-SHENG
Published: August 2009

By approximating the centrifugal term in terms of a new approximation scheme, we solve the Schrödinger equation with the arbitrary angular momentum for the Manning–Rosen potential. The bound state energy eigenvalues and the unnormalized radial wave functions have been approximately obtained by using the supersymmetric shape invariance approach and the function analysis method. The numerical experiments show that our approximate analytical results are in better agreement with those obtained by using the numerical integration procedure than the analytical results obtained by using the conventional approximation scheme to deal with the centrifugal term.
SPACETIME FROM SYMMETRY: THE MOYAL PLANE FROM THE POINCARÉ–HOPF ALGEBRA
Authors: BALACHANDRAN A. P. , MARTONE M.
Published: August 2009

We show how to get a noncommutative product for functions on spacetime starting from the deformation of the coproduct of the Poincaré group using the Drinfel'd twist. Thus it is easy to see that the commutative algebra of functions on spacetime (ℝ4) can be identified as the set of functions on the Poincaré group invariant under the right action of the Lorentz group provided we use the standard coproduct for the Poincaré group. We obtain our results for the noncommutative Moyal plane by generalizing this result to the case of the twisted coproduct. This extension is not trivial and involves cohomological features.

As is known, spacetime algebra fixes the coproduct on the diffeomorphism group of the manifold. We now see that the influence is reciprocal: they are strongly tied.
CHIRAL BLACK HOLE IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL GRAVITATIONAL CHERN–SIMONS
Authors: KIM WONTAE , SON EDWIN J.
Published: August 2009

A chiral black hole can be defined by the three-dimensional pure gravitational Chern–Simons action as an independent gravitational theory. The third-order derivative of the Cotton tensor gives a dimensional constant which plays a role of the cosmological constant. The handedness of angular momentum depends on the signature of the Chern–Simons coefficient. Even in the massless black hole which corresponds to the static black hole, it has a nonvanishing angular momentum. We also discuss three different entropies depending on the methods of Wald, Cardy and 't Hooft.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BARE AND RENORMALIZED COUPLINGS IN SCALAR ELECTRODYNAMICS
Authors: MCKEON D. G. C.
Published: August 2009

When using dimensional regularization, the bare couplings are expressed as a power series in (2-n/2)-1 where n is the number of dimensions. It is shown how the renormalization group can be used to sum the leading pole, next-to-leading pole etc. contributions to these sums in scalar electrodynamics (or any theory with multiple couplings).
Novel extended π-conjugated Zn(II)-porphyrin derivatives bearing pendant triphenylamine moiety for dye-sensitized solar cell: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Kang Min Soo , Oh Jae Buem , Seo Kang Deuk , Kim Hwan Kyu , Park Jihee , Kim Kyoungkon , Park Nam-Gyu
Published: August 2009

We have designed and synthesized novel Zn(II) -porphyrin derivatives for dye-sensitized solar cells. The derivatives incorporate the electron-donating group of a pendant triphenylamine into cyano-substituted ( [TPA]Zn-Por-CN1 ) or non-substituted stilbene moiety ( [TPA]Zn-Por1 ) in the 5,10,15-meso-position and carboxylic acid group in the 20-meso-position in a porphyrin derivative. Their chemical structures were characterized by 1H NMR, FT-IR, UV-vis absorption, EI-mass, and MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopies. Their electrochemical properties were studied by cyclic voltammetry measurement. These Zn(II) -porphyrin derivatives have been used to fabricate dye-sensitized solar cells based on I-/I2 liquid electrolytes as dye sensitizers and their device performances were evaluated by comparing with that of a standard Ru(II) complex dye. [TPA]Zn-Por-CN1 showed higher power conversion efficiency than that of [TPA]Zn-Por1 , due to a broader absorption band around 435 nm. Short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (η) of DSSC for [TPA]Zn-Por-CN1 were evaluated to be Jsc = 6.3 mA.cm-2 , Voc = 0.737 V , FF = 0.683 , and η = 3.1% , respectively.
Photophysical properties of composite film of dendron-appended porphyrin and fullerene[60]
Authors: Kho Yu-Seon , Roh Kyung-Jin , Haw Jung-Rim , Kim Young-Jin , Jang Woo-Dong , Choi Myung-Seok
Published: August 2009

Dendron-appended porphyrin (den-por) and C 60 (den- C 60) were synthesized for the application of photovoltaic materials. The composite films of den-por and den- C 60 were subjected to absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopic measurements. We determined that solid-state film, spin-coated with a blend of den-por and den- C 60 at weight ratio 1:0.5, showed an efficient photoluminescence quenching via donor-to-acceptor electron transfer.
Gadolinium complexes of chlorin derivatives applicable for MRI contrast agents and PDT
Authors: Galindev Oyunbileg , Dalantai Monkhoobor , Ahn Woong Shick , Shim Young Key
Published: August 2009

One of the ultimate goals of contrast agent (CA) research in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is to identify tumor-seeking materials. Thus, cancer diagnosis by Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) using photosensitizer will be one of the best tools for cancer research. By linking paramagnetic gadolinium [ Gd(III) ] ion to tumor selective chlorin-based photosensitizers, the cancer cell can be easily detected with high sensitivity and cured by appropriate laser irradiation simultaneously. The synthesis of monomer and dimer chlorin derivatives, such as pyropheophorbide-a and purpurin systems, conjugated with Gd(III) diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) by means of diethylene-triaminepentaacetic dianhydride (caDTPA) for the evaluation as CAs for MRI was described in the present study.
Hydroxypheophorbide-α-mediated photodynamic therapy augmented by pretreatment with genistein inCaSkicervical cancer cells
Authors: Shin Jang-In , Ahn Jin-Chul , Lee Sang-Joon , Park Ock Jin , Chung Phil-Sang
Published: August 2009

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment for cancer involving three key components — a sensitizing compound (light) tissue, and oxygen. In this study we applied phototreatment to cancer cells with 2 J.cm-2of red light after sensitizing with 9-hydroxypheophorbide-α (9-HpbD-α), a new chlorophyll-derived photosensitizer. We have investigated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of 9-HpbD-α-induced PDT in cervical cancer cells, the enhancing effect of genistein in PDT, and explored the molecular mechanisms of E6 or E7 oncogenes, apoptotic signaling molecules, and ER stress. Co-treatment downregulated the transcripts of the E6*I, E6*II, and E7 oncogenes. Combined treatment with PDT and genistein showed typical apoptotic features, i.e. apoptotic bodies. To elucidate the mechanism of combination treatment-induced apoptosis, various mediators of apoptosis were investigated. Activation of caspase-8, caspase-3, and PARP were distinct after combination treatment. Furthermore, ER stress-related proteins, such as CHOP and GRP78, were activated after combination treatment. We conclude that genistein sensitizes CaSki cells to apoptosis treated with PDT by 9-HpbD-α (0.59 μg/mL) through mechanisms that involve downregulation of the E6*I, E6*II, and E7 oncogenes, activation of caspase-8 or caspase-3, and ER stress.
The contribution of malacology in dating the Pleistocene submarine levels of the English Channel
Authors: Danukalova Guzel , Lefort Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2009

The submerged Pleistocene beach conglomerate is an underwater shelly and cobble-rich formation that has been found only on the southern flanks of the English Channel. It resulted from the cementation of beach deposits that were overlain by loessic silts at a time of lower sea level. Study of the fauna within this conglomerate allows the separation of three shelly belts located between −24 and −54 m around the Channel Islands of the Normano-Breton Gulf, −40 and −65 m off Tregor, and −52 and −80 m off Leon. These belts are correlated with three regressive Pleistocene episodes. A comparison with one of Shackleton's published sea-level curves has produced age estimates that date the three beach deposits at around 105–110, 73–80 and 30–57 ka, respectively. These beaches were sealed by three phases of loess deposition around 103, 67 and 18 ka. We assume that there are at least three different Pleistocene beach conglomerates in the English Channel. Some of them show differences in their fossil fauna that could be partly a factor of contemporaneous water temperature. A fourth beach conglomerate without fossil fauna may exist at −93 m.
Evidence of multi-phase Cretaceous to Quaternary alkaline magmatism on Tore–Madeira Rise and neighbouring seamounts from
40
Ar/
39
Ar ages
Authors: Merle Renaud , Jourdan Fred , Marzoli Andrea , Renne Paul R. , Grange Marion , Girardeau Jacques
Published: August 2009

The Tore–Madeira Rise is a seamount chain located 300 km off the Portugal and Morocco coasts attributed to hotspot activity. U–Pb ages of lavas from the northern and central Tore–Madeira Rise range between 103 and 80.5 Ma whereas
40
Ar/
39
Ar ages from the central and southern Tore–Madeira Rise yield ages ranging from 94.5 to 0.5 Ma. We performed new
40
Ar/
39
Ar measurements to better understand the geodynamic history of the Tore–Madeira Rise. Plagioclase ages from the Bikini Bottom and Torillon seamounts suggest ages of >90 Ma and ≥60 Ma, respectively. Amphiboles from the Seine seamount yield an age of 24.0 ± 0.8 Ma. Biotites from lavas of the Ashton seamount give ages of 97.4 ± 1.1 Ma and 97.8 ± 1.1 Ma. The geochronological database available on the Tore–Madeira Rise has been filtered on statistical criteria to eliminate unreliable ages. The resulting database reveals three pulses of alkaline magmatism on the Tore–Madeira Rise at 103–80.5 Ma, at
c
. 68 Ma and between 30 Ma and the present. The magmatism was continuous from 103 Ma until
c
. 68 Ma and from
c
. 30 Ma until the present on the Tore–Madeira Rise, the surrounding seamounts and the Portugal coast. We suggest that the space–time distribution of this magmatism results from the interaction between a wide thermal anomaly emitting magmatic pulses and the complex motion of the Iberian plate.

Supplementary material:

A detailed Ar measurements dataset is available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18359
.
Surface-water freshening and high-latitude river discharge in the Eocene North Sea
Authors: Zacke Anne , Voigt Silke , Joachimski Michael M. , Gale Andrew S. , Ward David J. , Tütken Thomas
Published: August 2009

A shark-tooth apatite δ
18
O record of the early Palaeogene North Sea reflects changes in regional hydrography by showing variable temperatures and salinities. A 2–4 Ma period in the early Eocene was particularly influenced by substantial surface-water freshening, indicated by a 3–4‰ reduction of δ
18
O values. The magnitude of the δ
18
O decrease indicates a depletion in
18
O of surface waters by 2–3‰ relative to Eocene mean ocean water. This value is lower than that of coeval lakes reconstructed from freshwater gastropod δ
18
O values from the Paris Basin, suggesting that large rivers with high-latitude catchment areas drained into the North Sea. The period of surface-water freshening began close to the Palaeocene – Eocene thermal maximum, when relative sea-level fall, tectonic uplift and basaltic volcanism caused a temporary isolation of the North Sea. North Atlantic and North Sea surface waters became reconnected during a series of early Eocene transgressions.
New range data for marine invertebrate species across the early Toarcian (Early Jurassic) mass extinction
Authors: Caswell Bryony A. , Coe Angela L. , Cohen Anthony S.
Published: August 2009

We have reinvestigated the marine mass extinction interval that occurred during the early Toarcian, which was a time of widespread marine anoxia. The ranges of marine benthic invertebrates are significantly altered using new observations from the Cleveland Basin, UK.
Goniomya rhombifera
is reported for the first time from the Whitby Mudstone Formation and together with an increased epifaunal bivalve diversity indicates a brief, relatively oxygenated period towards the end of the event. The new data, together with published results, suggest three apparent extinction horizons on a global scale; the first is just above the Pliensbachian–Toarcian boundary, and the following two are in the
semicelatum
ammonite Subzone. As a result of the Signor–Lipps effect there may be only one, or possibly two, true extinctions. The youngest extinction horizon coincides with the first of the abrupt carbon isotope shifts that characterize this interval, and with increases in sea surface temperature, continental weathering rates, and seawater anoxia.
Pseudomytiloides dubius
is the only abundant benthic macroinvertebrate during the most hostile environmental conditions but it and all other benthic species are almost entirely absent for many thousands of years immediately after each abrupt negative carbon isotope shift.

Supplementary material:

A compilation of the Late Pliensbachian and Early Toarcian marine biotic changes and a discussion of the systematics of the key faunal elements are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18353
.
How cold were the Early Permian glacial tropics? Testing sea-surface temperature using the oxygen isotope composition of rigorously screened brachiopod shells
Authors: Angiolini Lucia , Jadoul Flavio , Leng Melanie J. , Stephenson Michael H. , Rushton Jeremy , Chenery Simon , Crippa Gaia
Published: August 2009

Brachiopod carbonate from Early Permian brachiopod shells from low palaeolatitude north Iran and higher palaeolatitude Pakistan Karakorum were screened for diagenesis and analysed for oxygen isotope ratios to derive seawater palaeotemperatures. Screening techniques employed included SEM ultrastructural analysis, cathodoluminescence (CL), image analysis of CL images, trace-element (Sr, Mn, Fe) determinations, and carbon and oxygen stable-isotope determinations. The Karakorum shells were found to be diagenetically altered, but those from north Iran were judged to be pristine. Using data from pristine material, two distinct time slices were analysed: the early and middle Asselian. Two contrasting δ
18
O values for seawater (0‰ and +1.0‰ V-SMOW) were used to account for different extensions of the Gondwanan ice caps. The δ
18
O data from north Iran indicate a range of seawater temperatures from +24.3 to +30.3 °C (for δ
18
O
seawater
= 0‰ V-SMOW) or from +30.3 to +35.4 °C (for δ
18
O
seawater
= +1.0‰ V-SMOW) for the early Asselian. Results for δ
18
O from the middle Asselian indicate seawater temperatures of +24.4 to +28.0 °C (for δ
18
O
seawater
= 0‰) or +29.2 to +32.8 °C (for δ
18
O
seawater
= +1.0‰). The maximum calculated temperatures in the middle Asselian are about 2 °C lower than those for the early Asselian. The average temperature for both time slices is similar to modern tropical sea-surface temperatures, indicating that low-latitude Early Permian ocean waters in Iran did not undergo significant cooling during the final Glacial III episode of Gondwanan glaciation. This confirms other evidence based on biotic provinces, which suggests that during the Permo-Carboniferous glaciation, the low-latitude warm belt became narrower and confined to the western Tethys and Cathaysian provinces, and was not subject to a reduction in temperature, but rather a reduction in size.
A composite C-isotope profile for the Neoproterozoic Dalradian Supergroup of Scotland and Ireland
Authors: Prave A.R. , Fallick A.E. , Thomas C.W. , Graham C.M.
Published: August 2009

The Neoproterozoic Dalradian Supergroup is a dominantly siliciclastic metasedimentary succession in the Caledonian orogenic belt of Scotland and Ireland. Despite polyphase deformation and greenschist- to upper amphibolite-facies metamorphism, carbonate units distributed throughout the Dalradian record marked δ
13
C
carbonate
excursions that can be linked to those associated with key environmental events of Neoproterozoic time. These include: (1) tentative correlation of the Ballachulish Limestone with the
c
. 800 Ma Bitter Springs anomaly; (2) the presence of the pre-Marinoan Trezona anomaly and 635 Ma Marinoan-equivalent cap carbonate sequence in rocks of the middle Easdale Subgroup; (3) the terminal Proterozoic (
c
. 600–551 Ma) Wonoka–Shuram anomaly in the Girlsta Limestone on Shetland. These linkages strengthen previously inferred correlations of the Stralinchy–Reelan formations and the Inishowen–Loch na Cille–MacDuff ice-rafted debris beds to the respectively 635 Ma Marinoan and 582 Ma Gaskiers glaciations, and suggest that the oldest Dalradian glacial unit, the Port Askaig Formation, represents one of the
c
. 750–690 Ma Sturtian glacial episodes. These δ
13
C data and resulting correlations provide more robust constraints on the geological evolution of the Dalradian Supergroup than anything hitherto available and enhance its utility in helping refine understanding of Neoproterozoic Earth history.
A magmatic age and four successive metamorphic events recorded in zircons from a single meta-anorthosite sample in the Central Zone of the Limpopo Belt, South Africa
Authors: Mouri H. , Whitehouse M.J. , Brandl G. , Rajesh H.M.
Published: August 2009

Ion microprobe U–Th–Pb analyses combined with cathodoluminescence imaging of zircons from a meta-anorthosite from the Central Zone of the Limpopo Belt record five distinct events. The most concordant ages of cores of zircon yielded a weighted mean
207
Pb/
206
Pb age of 3344 ± 3.6 Ma, representing the protolith age. The unzoned overgrowths yielded four discrete groups with weighted mean
207
Pb/
206
Pb ages of 3150 ± 15 Ma, 2614 ± 4 Ma, 2488 ± 22 Ma and 2009 ± 28 Ma, representing four possible metamorphic events in the Central Zone. This is the first time that a succession of several metamorphic events has been demonstrated in a single rock-type from the Limpopo Belt.

Supplementary material:

Analytical methods and data are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18368
.
Melt segregation and far-field melt transfer in the mid-crust
Authors: Kisters A.F.M. , Ward R.A. , Anthonissen C.J. , Vietze M.E.
Published: August 2009

Migmatites in the Damara Belt in Namibia preserve relationships between anatectic leucosomes and intrusive leucogranite sheets illustrating the consecutive stages of partial melting, local melt segregation and far-field mobilization of melts over hundreds of metres and out of the anatectic region. Initial melting and localized segregation of melts are controlled by gradients in fluid pressure created by pervasively developed, shallowly dipping dilatant fractures. Subsequent melt transfer out of these initial sites of melting and melt storage occurs along subvertical, disc-shaped leucogranite sheets that intersect the leucosomes. The leucogranite sheets propagate as isolated, melt-filled hydrofractures, driven by the pressure differential along the subvertical fractures. The collapse of wall rocks into former melt-bearing fractures, and the presence of residual peritectic phases of the melting reaction trapped in wall rocks testify to the efficient extraction of melt by the mobile hydrofractures during their ascent. This process of melt drainage into and transport by hydrofractures leaves almost no trace of the ascent conduits. This study also shows that melt transport and the stability of melt pathways in strongly layered mid-crustal levels characterized by low deviatoric stresses are determined by the presence of pre-existing anisotropies and the progressively evolving structure in deforming orogens.
Evidence of slope instabilities and tsunami associated with the 3.5 ka Avellino eruption of Somma-Vesuvius volcano, Italy
Authors: Milia Alfonsa , Raspini Arturo , Torrente Maurizio M.
Published: August 2009

The interpretation of high-resolution seismic profiles acquired close the eastern coast of the Bay of Naples offshore Somma–Vesuvius volcano, and calibrated by borehole data, allowed us to recognize a reflection-free seismic facies consisting of a volcaniclastic debris avalanche overlain by pyroclastic density current deposits. Both are associated with the 3.5 ka ‘Avellino eruption’ and are in turn overlain by a marine succession. The top of the volcaniclastic unit corresponds to a deep erosional surface covered by a coarse-grained bioclastic layer with rounded pumice. We argue that these features are related to a tsunami that was triggered by the sudden entrance into the sea of the gigantic (>1 km
3
) volcaniclastic unit. The onshore–offshore correlation and mapping of this volcaniclastic unit have allowed us to evaluate its distribution west of Somma–Vesuvius. The pyroclastic density current deposits terminate seaward at 40 m water depth; at the same depth the debris avalanche is affected by a gravitational instability. Over the last 3.5 ka the slump has been in constant movement, as documented by the angular unconformities at the top of the chaotic seismic unit and within the overlying marine deposits.
Alluvial and coastal hazards caused by long-range effects of Plinian eruptions: the case of the Lattari Mts. after the
ad
79 eruption of Vesuvius
Authors: Cinque Aldo , Robustelli Gaetano
Published: August 2009

The Lattari Mountains (a limestone ridge about 20 km south of Vesuvius) received 1–2.5 m of fallout from the famous Plinian eruption of
ad
79. As demonstrated by many residual outcrops of thick volcanoclastic debris-flow and alluvial deposits (referred to here as the Durece unit), the pyroclastic fall was soon followed by rapid erosion and landsliding that produced (1) decametre-scale aggradation of some narrow valley floors; (2) reactivation of alluvial fans; and (3) growth of new fan-deltas (extending as far as 500 m) at the coast. This response was primarily due to the steep topography of the area and the high erodability of the pyroclastic materials (light and cohesionless pumice fragments). Several geo-archaeological data indicate that the accelerated sedimentation had a duration of the order of decades and was followed by rapid dissection of the Durece unit deposits and fast dismantling by wave action of the newly created fan-deltas. This case highlights the need to consider the possibly catastrophic reaction of fluvial and coastal systems to large explosive eruptions, even in non-volcanic terrains at some distance from the volcano.
Application of a method to assess coastal hazard: the cliffs of the Sorrento Peninsula and Capri (southern Italy)
Authors: De Pippo T. , Donadio C. , Pennetta M. , Terlizzi F. , Valente A.
Published: August 2009

A systematic method to quantify, rank and map the distribution of hazards is applied to the coastal cliffs of the Sorrento Peninsula and Capri (Campania, southern Italy). For such cliffs, which have previously been characterized in terms of types and processes, and therefore compartmentalized, the predisposition to a particular hazard (or indicator), based on its nature, magnitude and recurrence, is evaluated by assigning a code: the higher the predisposition, the higher the code for each compartment. Moreover, hazards can influence one another, and the number of such interactions indicates the seriousness of each hazard, to which a weighting is assigned. By comparing each code in a specific compartment using an interaction matrix, which takes the weighting into consideration, we have calculated a resultant, which is the overall hazard for the compartment. This resultant can also be expressed cartographically. In this application six primary hazards (parameters) are considered: cliff retreat, riverine flooding, storms, landslides, seismicity and volcanism, and man-made structures. The last is the most hazardous parameter, which is weighted highly, owing to its extensive influence on the other hazards. In contrast, riverine flooding and seismicity and volcanism are the least interactive.
Thioredoxins and Glutaredoxins: Unifying Elements in Redox Biology
Authors: Meyer Yves , Buchanan Bob B. , Vignols Florence , Reichheld Jean-Philippe
Published: August 2009

Since their discovery as a substrate for ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), the role of thioredoxin (Trx) and glutaredoxin (Grx) has been largely extended through their regulatory function. Both proteins act by changing the structure and activity of a broad spectrum of target proteins, typically by modifying redox status. Trx and Grx are members of families with multiple and partially redundant genes. The number of genes clearly increased with the appearance of multicellular organisms, in part because of new types of Trx and Grx with orthologs throughout the animal and plant kingdoms. The function of Trx and Grx also broadened as cells achieved increased complexity, especially in the regulation arena. In view of these progressive changes, the ubiquitous distribution of Trx and the wide occurrence of Grx enable these proteins to serve as indicators of the evolutionary history of redox regulation. In so doing, they add a unifying element that links the diverse forms of life to one another in an uninterrupted continuum. It is anticipated that future research will embellish this continuum and further elucidate the properties of these proteins and their impact on biology. The new information will be important not only to our understanding of the role of Trx and Grx in fundamental cell processes but also to future societal benefits as the proteins find new applications in a range of fields.
Evolving the Capacity to Understand Actions, Intentions, and Goals
Authors: Hauser Marc , Wood Justin
Published: August 2009

We synthesize the contrasting predictions of motor simulation and teleological theories of action comprehension and present evidence from a series of studies showing that monkeys and apes—like humans—extract the meaning of an event by (a) going beyond the surface appearance of actions, attributing goals and intentions to the agent; (b) using details about the environment to infer when an action is rational or irrational; (c) making predictions about an agent's goal and the most probable action to obtain the goal, within the constraints of the situation; (d) predicting the most probable outcome of actions even when they are physiologically incapable of producing the actions; and (e) combining information about means and outcomes to make decisions about social interactions, some with moral relevance. These studies reveal the limitations of motor simulation theories, especially those that rely on the notion of direct matching and mirror neuron activation. They provide support, however, for a teleological theory, rooted in an inferential process that extracts information about action means, potential goals, and the environmental constraints that limit rational action.
Separate and overlapping metabolic functions of LXRα and LXRβ in C57Bl/6 female mice
Authors: Korach-André Marion , Parini Paolo , Larsson Lilian , Arner Anders , Steffensen Knut R. , Gustafsson Jan-Åke
Published: August 2009

The two liver X receptors (LXRs), LXRα and LXRβ, are transcriptional regulators of cholesterol, lipid, and glucose metabolism and are both activated by oxysterols. Impaired metabolism is linked with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2-diabetes (T2D). In the present study, we aimed to delineate the specific roles of LXRα and -β in metabolic processes. C57Bl/6 female mice were fed a normal or a high-fat diet (HFD) and metabolic responses in wild-type, LXRα−/−, LXRβ−/−, and LXRαβ−/−mice were analyzed. Whole body fat and intramyocellular lipid contents were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance. Energy expenditure was measured in individual metabolic cages. Glucose, insulin, and pyruvate tolerance tests were performed and gene expression profiles analyzed by qPCR. We found that both LXRβ−/−and LXRαβ−/−mice are resistant to HFD-induced obesity independently of the presence of high cholesterol. Using tolerance tests, we found that, on an HFD, LXRβ−/−mice enhanced their endogenous glucose production and became highly insulin resistant, whereas LXRα−/−and LXRαβ−/−mice remained glucose tolerant and insulin sensitive. Gene expression profiling confirmed that LXRβ is the regulator of lipogenic genes in visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) and muscle tissue and, surprisingly, that Ucp1 and Dio2 are not responsible for the protection against diet-induced obesity observed in LXRβ−/−and LXRαβ−/−mice. LXRα is required for the control of cholesterol metabolism in the liver, while LXRβ appears to be a major regulator of glucose homeostasis and energy utilization and of fat storage in muscle and WAT. We conclude that selective LXRβ agonists would be novel pharmaceuticals in the treatment of T2D.
Critical roles for the TSC-mTOR pathway in β-cell function
Authors: Mori Hiroyuki , Inoki Ken , Opland Darren , Münzberg Heike , Villanueva Eneida C. , Faouzi Miro , Ikenoue Tsuneo , Kwiatkowski David J. , MacDougald Ormond A. , Myers Martin G. , Guan Kun-Liang
Published: August 2009

TSC1 is a tumor suppressor that associates with TSC2 to inactivate Rheb, thereby inhibiting signaling by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1). mTORC1 stimulates cell growth by promoting anabolic cellular processes, such as translation, in response to growth factors and nutrient signals. To test roles for TSC1 and mTORC1 in β-cell function, we utilized Rip2/ Cre to generate mice lacking Tsc1 in pancreatic β-cells ( Rip-Tsc1cKO mice). Although obesity developed due to hypothalamic Tsc1 excision in older Rip-Tsc1cKO animals, young animals displayed a prominent gain-of-function β-cell phenotype prior to the onset of obesity. The young Rip-Tsc1cKO animals displayed improved glycemic control due to mTOR-mediated enhancement of β-cell size, mass, and insulin production but not determinants of β-cell number (proliferation and apoptosis), consistent with an important anabolic role for mTOR in β-cell function. Furthermore, mTOR mediated these effects in the face of impaired Akt signaling in β-cells. Thus, mTOR promulgates a dominant signal to promote β-cell/islet size and insulin production, and this pathway is crucial for β-cell function and glycemic control.
UCF-101 mitigates streptozotocin-induced cardiomyocyte dysfunction: role of AMPK
Authors: Li Qun , Li Ji , Ren Jun
Published: August 2009

Diabetic heart disease contributes to the high mortality in diabetics, although effective clinical management is lacking. The protease inhibitor 5-[5-(2-nitrophenyl) furfuryliodine]-1,3-diphenyl-2-thiobarbituric acid (UCF-101) was reported to protect the hearts against ischemic injury. This study examined the role of UCF-101 on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic heart defect. Vehicle or UCF-101 was administrated to STZ diabetic mice, and cardiomyocyte mechanical properties were analyzed. UCF-101 reduced STZ-induced hyperglycemia and alleviated STZ-induced aberration in cardiomyocyte contractile mechanics. Diabetes dramatically decreased AMPK phosphorylation at Thr172 of catalytic α-subunit, which was restored by UCF-101. Neither diabetes nor UCF-101 affected the expression of HtrA2/Omi and XIAP or caspase-3 activity. The AMPK activator resveratrol mimicked the UCF-101-induced beneficial effect against diabetic cardiac dysfunction. Mechanical properties in cardiomyocytes from the AMPK-kinase-dead (KD) mice displayed markedly impaired contractile function reminiscent of diabetes. STZ injection in AMPK-KD mice failed to elicit any additional cardiomyocyte contractile defect. UCF-101 significantly downregulated the AMPK-degrading enzymes PP2A and PP2C, the effect of which was mimicked by resveratrol. Taken together, these results indicate that UCF-101 protects against STZ-induced cardiac dysfunction, possibly through AMPK signaling.
Will the original glucose transporter isoform please stand up!
Authors: Carruthers Anthony , DeZutter Julie , Ganguly Amit , Devaskar Sherin U.
Published: August 2009

Monosaccharides enter cells by slow translipid bilayer diffusion by rapid, protein-mediated, cation-dependent cotransport and by rapid, protein-mediated equilibrative transport. This review addresses protein-mediated, equilibrative glucose transport catalyzed by GLUT1, the first equilibrative glucose transporter to be identified, purified, and cloned. GLUT1 is a polytopic, membrane-spanning protein that is one of 13 members of the human equilibrative glucose transport protein family. We review GLUT1 catalytic and ligand-binding properties and interpret these behaviors in the context of several putative mechanisms for protein-mediated transport. We conclude that no single model satisfactorily explains GLUT1 behavior. We then review GLUT1 topology, subunit architecture, and oligomeric structure and examine a new model for sugar transport that combines structural and kinetic analyses to satisfactorily reproduce GLUT1 behavior in human erythrocytes. We next review GLUT1 cell biology and the transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of GLUT1 expression in the context of development and in response to glucose perturbations and hypoxia in blood-tissue barriers. Emphasis is placed on transgenic GLUT1 overexpression and null mutant model systems, the latter serving as surrogates for the human GLUT1 deficiency syndrome. Finally, we review the role of GLUT1 in the absence or deficiency of a related isoform, GLUT3, toward establishing the physiological significance of coordination between these two isoforms.
A rosiglitazone-induced increase in adiponectin does not improve glucose metabolism in HIV-infected patients with overt lipoatrophy
Authors: Blümer Regje M. E. , van der Valk Marc , Ackermans Mariette , Endert Erik , Serlie Mireille J. , Reiss Peter , Sauerwein Hans P.
Published: August 2009

HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy frequently develop changes in body fat distribution and disturbances in glucose metabolism, associated with reduced adiponectin levels. Because adiponectin, principally the high-molecular-weight (HMW) form, has insulin-sensitizing properties, we investigated the effects of an increase in adiponectin on glucose metabolism in HIV-lipodystrophy. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we included HIV-1-infected patients with severe lipoatrophy, with an undetectable viral load and who had received neither protease inhibitors nor stavudine for ≥6 mo. Patients were randomized to rosiglitazone [8 mg daily ( n = 8)] to increase adiponectin levels or placebo ( n = 5) for 16 wk. Peripheral glucose disposal, glucose production, and lipolysis were measured after an overnight fast and during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp using stable isotopes. Body composition was assessed by computed tomography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Although body fat distribution was unaffected, rosiglitazone increased total plasma adiponectin levels by 107% ( P < 0.02) and the ratio of HMW to total adiponectin by 73% ( P < 0.001). In the placebo group, neither total adiponectin levels ( P = 0.62) nor the ratio of HMW to total adiponectin changed ( P = 0.94). The marked increase in adiponectin induced by rosiglitazone was not associated with significant changes in basal endogenous glucose production ( P = 0.90), basal lipolysis ( P = 0.90), insulin-mediated suppression of glucose production ( P = 0.17) and lipolysis ( P = 0.54) nor with changes in peripheral glucose disposal ( P = 0.13). Acknowledging the limited statistical power of our small study, these findings, if confirmed by larger studies, could question the importance of adiponectin in regulating glucose metabolism in HIV-lipodystrophy.
Novel missense mutation of uromodulin in mice causes renal dysfunction with alterations in urea handling, energy, and bone metabolism
Authors: Kemter Elisabeth , Rathkolb Birgit , Rozman Jan , Hans Wolfgang , Schrewe Anja , Landbrecht Christina , Klaften Matthias , Ivandic Boris , Fuchs Helmut , Gailus-Durner Valérie , Klingenspor Martin , de Angelis Martin Hrabé , Wolf Eckhard , Wanke Ruediger , Aigner Bernhard
Published: August 2009

Uromodulin-associated kidney disease is a heritable renal disease in humans caused by mutations in the uromodulin ( UMOD) gene. The pathogenesis of the disease is mostly unknown. In this study, we describe a novel chemically induced mutant mouse line termed UmodA227T exhibiting impaired renal function. The A227T amino acid exchange may impair uromodulin trafficking, leading to dysfunction of thick ascending limb cells of Henle's loop of the kidney. As a consequence, homozygous mutant mice display azotemia, impaired urine concentration ability, reduced fractional excretion of uric acid, and a selective defect in concentrating urea. Osteopenia in mutant mice is presumably a result of chronic hypercalciuria. In addition, body composition, lipid, and energy metabolism are indirectly affected in heterozygous and homozygous mutant UmodA227T mice, manifesting in reduced body weight, fat mass, and metabolic rate as well as reduced blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and nonesterified fatty acids. In conclusion, UmodA227T might act as a gain-of-toxic-function mutation. Therefore, the UmodA227T mouse line provides novel insights into consequences of disturbed uromodulin excretion regarding renal dysfunction as well as bone, energy, and lipid metabolism.
Deletion of the vitamin D receptor specifically in the parathyroid demonstrates a limited role for the receptor in parathyroid physiology
Authors: Meir Tomer , Levi Ronen , Lieben Liesbet , Libutti Steven , Carmeliet Geert , Bouillon Roger , Silver Justin , Naveh-Many Tally
Published: August 2009

1,25(OH)2D3 decreases parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene transcription through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Total body VDR−/− mice have high PTH levels, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and bone malformations. To investigate PTH regulation by the VDR specifically in the parathyroid, we generated parathyroid-specific VDR knockout mice ( PT-VDR−/−). In both strains, there was a decrease in parathyroid calcium receptor (CaR) levels. The number of proliferating parathyroid cells was increased in the VDR−/− mice but not in the PT-VDR−/− mice. Serum PTH levels were moderately but significantly increased in the PT-VDR−/− mice with normal serum calcium levels. The sensitivity of the parathyroid glands of the PT-VDR−/− mice to calcium was intact as measured by serum PTH levels after changes in serum calcium. This indicates that the reduced CaR in the PT-VDR−/− mice enables a physiologic response to serum calcium. Serum C-terminal collagen crosslinks, a marker of bone resorption, were increased in the PT-VDR−/− mice with no change in the bone formation marker, serum osteocalcin, consistent with a resorptive effect due to the increased serum PTH levels in the PT-VDR−/− mice. Therefore, deletion of the VDR specifically in the parathyroid decreases parathyroid CaR expression and only moderately increases basal PTH levels, suggesting that the VDR has a limited role in parathyroid physiology.
Neural Activity in Primate Caudate Nucleus Associated With Pro- and Antisaccades
Authors: Ford Kristen A. , Everling Stefan
Published: August 2009

The basal ganglia (BG) play a central role in movement and it has been demonstrated that the discharge rate of neurons in these structures are modulated by the behavioral context of a given task. Here we used the antisaccade task, in which a saccade toward a flashed visual stimulus must be inhibited in favor of a saccade to the opposite location, to investigate the role of the caudate nucleus, a major input structure of the BG, in flexible behavior. In this study, we recorded extracellular neuronal activity while monkeys performed pro- and antisaccade trials. We identified two populations of neurons: those that preferred contralateral saccades (CSNs) and those that preferred ipsilateral saccades (ISNs). CSNs increased their firing rates for prosaccades, but not for antisaccades, and ISNs increased their firing rates for antisaccades, but not for prosaccades. We propose a model in which CSNs project to the direct BG pathway, facilitating saccades, and ISNs project to the indirect pathway, suppressing saccades. This model suggests one possible mechanism by which these neuronal populations could be modulating activity in the superior colliculus.
Discovery of candidate genes and pathways in the endometrium regulating ovine blastocyst growth and conceptus elongation
Authors: Satterfield M. Carey , Song Gwonhwa , Kochan Kelli J. , Riggs Penny K. , Simmons Rebecca M. , Elsik Christine G. , Adelson David L. , Bazer Fuller W. , Zhou Huaijun , Spencer Thomas E.
Published: August 2009

Establishment of pregnancy in ruminants requires blastocyst growth to form an elongated conceptus that produces interferon tau, the pregnancy recognition signal, and initiates implantation. Blastocyst growth and development requires secretions from the uterine endometrium. An early increase in circulating concentrations of progesterone (P4) stimulates blastocyst growth and elongation in ruminants. This study utilized sheep as a model to identify candidate genes and regulatory networks in the endometrium that govern preimplantation blastocyst growth and development. Ewes were treated daily with either P4 or corn oil vehicle from day 1.5 after mating to either day 9 or day 12 of pregnancy when endometrium was obtained by hysterectomy. Microarray analyses revealed many differentially expressed genes in the endometria affected by day of pregnancy and early P4 treatment. In situ hybridization analyses revealed that many differentially expressed genes were expressed in a cell-specific manner within the endometrium. The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) was used to identify functional groups of genes and biological processes in the endometrium that are associated with growth and development of preimplantation blastocysts. Notably, biological processes affected by day of pregnancy and/or early P4 treatment included lipid biosynthesis and metabolism, angiogenesis, transport, extracellular space, defense and inflammatory response, proteolysis, amino acid transport and metabolism, and hormone metabolism. This transcriptomic data provides novel insights into the biology of endometrial function and preimplantation blastocyst growth and development in sheep.