bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ti incorporation on the interface properties and band alignment of HfTaOx thin films on sulfur passivated GaAs
Authors: Das T. , Mahata C. , Maiti C. K. , Miranda E. , Sutradhar G. , Bose P. K.
Published: January 2011

Thin HfTaOx and HfTaTiOx gate dielectrics (∼7–8 nm) have been rf sputter-deposited on sulfur passivated GaAs. Our experimental results suggest that the formation of Ga-O at GaAs surface and As diffusion in dielectric may be effectively controlled by Ti incorporation. Possibility of tailoring of band alignment via Ti incorporation is shown. Valence band offsets of 2.6±0.05 and 2.68±0.05 eV and conduction-band offsets of 1.43±0.05 and 1.05±0.05 eV were found for HfTaOx (Eg∼5.45 eV) and HfTaTiOx (Eg∼5.15 eV), respectively.
Formation and evolution of self-organized Au nanorings on indium-tin-oxide surface
Authors: Ruffino F. , Crupi I. , Simone F. , Grimaldi M. G.
Published: January 2011

This work reports on the formation of Au nanoclusters and on their evolution in nanoring structures on indium-tin-oxide surface by sputtering deposition and annealing processes. The quantification of the characteristics of the nanorings (surface density, depth, height, and width) is performed by atomic force microscopy. The possibility to control these characteristics by tuning annealing temperature and time is demonstrated establishing relations which allow to set the process parameters to obtain nanostructures of desired morphological properties for various technological applications.
High internal and external quantum efficiency InGaN/GaN solar cells
Authors: Matioli Elison , Neufeld Carl , Iza Michael , Cruz Samantha C. , Al-Heji Ali A. , Chen Xu , Farrell Robert M. , Keller Stacia , DenBaars Steven , Mishra Umesh , Nakamura Shuji , Speck James , Weisbuch Claude
Published: January 2011

High internal and external quantum efficiency GaN/InGaN solar cells are demonstrated. The internal quantum efficiency was assessed through the combination of absorption and external quantum efficiency measurements. The measured internal quantum efficiency, as high as 97%, revealed an efficient conversion of absorbed photons into electrons and holes and an efficient transport of these carriers outside the device. Improved light incoupling into the solar cells was achieved by texturing the surface. A peak external quantum efficiency of 72%, a fill factor of 79%, a short-circuit current density of 1.06 mA/cm2, and an open circuit voltage of 1.89 V were achieved under 1 sun air-mass 1.5 global spectrum illumination conditions.
Style and Spectral Power: Processing of Abstract and Representational Art in Artists and Non-Artists
Authors: Batt Roger , Palmiero Massimiliano , Nakatani Chie , van Leeuwen Cees
Published: January 2011

We investigated cortical activity in response to abstract and representational paintings in artists and non-artists. Participants engaged in visual inspection of works of art and recalled them immediately afterwards through mental imagery. Meanwhile, we recorded their EEG, and calculated the power of their alpha band and theta band activity afterwards. In accordance with previous studies, theta band and alpha band power differed between artists and non-artists; these differences were found to depend, however, on the abstract or representational character of the paintings. Differences between abstract and representational art, and between inspection and imagery, occurred in alpha band power for non-artists only and in theta band power for artists. These results were taken to suggest that effects in artists reflect sustained focused attention and perceptual flexibility; in non-artists motivation and engagement with the task. The results were essentially whole-head, despite the local character of the measurement.
Nationalism and social welfare in the post-Soviet context
Authors: Chandler Andrea
Published: January 2011

This paper offers hypotheses on the role that state social welfare measures can play in reflecting nationalism and in aggravating interethnic tensions. Social welfare is often overlooked in theoretical literature on nationalism, because of the widespread assumption that the welfare state promotes social cohesion. However, social welfare systems may face contradictions between the goal of promoting universal access to all citizens on the one hand, and social pressures to recognize particular groups in distinct ways on the other. Examples from the post-Soviet context (particularly Russia) are offered to illustrate the ways in which social welfare issues may be perceived as having ethnic connotations.
Between history and nation: Paul Robert Magocsi and the rewriting of Ukrainian history
Authors: Plokhy Serhii
Published: January 2011

“Getting history wrong is an essential factor in the formation of a nation,” wrote Ernest Renan, basing this observation on his analysis of the nation-building experience in nineteenth-century Europe (qtd. in Eric Hobsbawm,On History.New York: New York Press, 1997: 270; for a different translation of the same sentiment, see Ernest Renan, “What is a Nation,” inNationalism in Europe from 1815 to the Present: A Reader.Ed. Stuart Woolf. London: Routledge, 1996: 50). Many historians today tend to agree with Renan's statement and are doing their best to “get history right” as they search for alternatives to national history. More often than not they face an uphill battle in that regard, both within and outside their profession.
A multi-vectored scholar for a multi-vectored era: Paul Robert Magocsi
Authors: Kuzio Taras
Published: January 2011

Magocsi has held the Chair of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Toronto for three decades during which he has devoted himself to both Ukrainian and Rusyn history. Critics of Magocsi, particularly in the Ukrainian diaspora in North America, focus on his Rusyn publications while ignoring his great contribution to Ukrainian history which remains unparalleled among other Western historians of Ukraine and other Chairs of Ukrainian History and academic institutions.
A role for oxysterol-binding protein–related protein 5 in endosomal cholesterol trafficking
Authors: Du Ximing , Kumar Jaspal , Ferguson Charles , Schulz Timothy A. , Ong Yan Shan , Hong Wanjin , Prinz William A. , Parton Robert G. , Brown Andrew J. , Yang Hongyuan
Published: January 2011

Oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) and its related proteins (ORPs) constitute a large and evolutionarily conserved family of lipid-binding proteins that target organelle membranes to mediate sterol signaling and/or transport. Here we characterize ORP5, a tail-anchored ORP protein that localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum. Knocking down ORP5 causes cholesterol accumulation in late endosomes and lysosomes, which is reminiscent of the cholesterol trafficking defect in Niemann Pick C (NPC) fibroblasts. Cholesterol appears to accumulate in the limiting membranes of endosomal compartments in ORP5-depleted cells, whereas depletion of NPC1 or both ORP5 and NPC1 results in luminal accumulation of cholesterol. Moreover, trans-Golgi resident proteins mislocalize to endosomal compartments upon ORP5 depletion, which depends on a functional NPC1. Our results establish the first link between NPC1 and a cytoplasmic sterol carrier, and suggest that ORP5 may cooperate with NPC1 to mediate the exit of cholesterol from endosomes/lysosomes.
Microtubule disruption targets HIF-1α mRNA to cytoplasmic P-bodies for translational repression
Authors: Carbonaro Marisa , O'Brate Aurora , Giannakakou Paraskevi
Published: January 2011

The hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is overexpressed in solid tumors, driving tumor angiogenesis and survival. However, the mechanisms regulating HIF-1α expression in solid tumors are not fully understood. In this study, we find that microtubule integrity and dynamics are intricately involved in orchestrating HIF-1α translation. HIF-1α messenger RNA (mRNA) traffics on dynamic microtubules when it is actively translated. Microtubule perturbation by taxol (TX) and other microtubule-targeting drugs stalls HIF-1α mRNA transport and releases it from polysomes, suppressing its translation. Immunoprecipitation of the P-body component Argonaute 2 (Ago2) after microtubule disruption shows significant enrichment of HIF-1α mRNAs and HIF-targeting microRNAs (miRNAs). Inhibition of HIF-repressing miRNAs or Ago2 knockdown abrogates TX’s ability to suppress HIF-1α translation. Interestingly, microtubule repolymerization after nocodazole washout allows HIF-1α mRNA to reenter active translation, suggesting that microtubule dynamics exert tight yet reversible control over HIF-1α translation. Collectively, we provide evidence for a new mechanism of microtubule-dependent HIF-1α translation with important implications for cell biology.
Highly stable loading of Mcm proteins onto chromatin in living cells requires replication to unload
Authors: Kuipers Marjorie A. , Stasevich Timothy J. , Sasaki Takayo , Wilson Korey A. , Hazelwood Kristin L. , McNally James G. , Davidson Michael W. , Gilbert David M.
Published: January 2011

The heterohexameric minichromosome maintenance protein complex (Mcm2-7) functions as the eukaryotic helicase during DNA replication. Mcm2-7 loads onto chromatin during early G1 phase but is not converted into an active helicase until much later during S phase. Hence, inactive Mcm complexes are presumed to remain stably bound from early G1 through the completion of S phase. Here, we investigated Mcm protein dynamics in live mammalian cells. We demonstrate that Mcm proteins are irreversibly loaded onto chromatin cumulatively throughout G1 phase, showing no detectable exchange with a gradually diminishing soluble pool. Eviction of Mcm requires replication; during replication arrest, Mcm proteins remained bound indefinitely. Moreover, the density of immobile Mcms is reduced together with chromatin decondensation within sites of active replication, which provides an explanation for the lack of colocalization of Mcm with replication fork proteins. These results provide in vivo evidence for an exceptionally stable lockdown mechanism to retain all loaded Mcm proteins on chromatin throughout prolonged cell cycles.
BMW algebra, quantized coordinate algebra and type 𝐶 Schur–Weyl duality
Authors: Hu Jun
Published: January 2011

We prove an integral version of the Schur–Weyl duality between the specialized Birman–Murakami–Wenzl algebra

B

n

(
−

q

2
m
+
1

,
q
)

\mathfrak {B}_n(-q^{2m+1},q)

and the quantum algebra associated to the symplectic Lie algebra

s
p

2
m

\mathfrak {sp}_{2m}

. In particular, we deduce that this Schur–Weyl duality holds over arbitrary (commutative) ground rings, which answers a question of Lehrer and Zhang in the symplectic case. As a byproduct, we show that, as a

Z

[
q
,

q

−
1

]

\mathbb {Z}[q,q^{-1}]

-algebra, the quantized coordinate algebra defined by Kashiwara (which he denoted by

A
q

Z

(
g
)

A_q^{\mathbb {Z}}(g)

) is isomorphic to the quantized coordinate algebra arising from a generalized Faddeev–Reshetikhin–Takhtajan construction.
Novel mRNA-containing cytoplasmic granules in ALK-transformed cells
Authors: Fawal Mohamad , Jean-Jean Olivier , Vanzo Nathalie , Morello Dominique
Published: January 2011

In mammalian cells, nontranslating messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are concentrated in different cytoplasmic foci, such as processing bodies (PBs) and stress granules (SGs), where they are either degraded or stored. In the present study, we have thoroughly characterized cytoplasmic foci, hereafter called AGs for ALK granules that form in transformed cells expressing the constitutively active anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). AGs contain polyadenylated mRNAs and a unique combination of several RNA binding proteins that so far has not been described in mammalian foci, including AUF1, HuR, and the poly (A+) binding protein PABP. AGs shelter neither components of the mRNA degradation machinery present in PBs nor known markers of SGs, such as translation initiation factors or TIA/TIAR, showing that they are distinct from PBs or SGs. AGs and PBs, however, both move on microtubules with similar dynamics and frequently establish close contacts. In addition, in conditions in which mRNA metabolism is perturbed, AGs concentrate PB components with the noticeable exception of the 5′ to 3′ exonuclease XRN1. Altogether, we show that AGs constitute novel mRNA-containing cytoplasmic foci and we propose that they could protect translatable mRNAs from degradation, contributing thus to ALK-mediated oncogenicity.
Effects of Protein Content, Glutenin‐to‐Gliadin Ratio, Amylose Content, and Starch Damage on Textural Properties of Chinese Fresh White Noodles
Authors: Zhang Shao Bing , Lu Qi Yu , Yang Hongshun , Dan Meng Dan
Published: January 2011

The independent effects of flour protein and starch on textural properties of Chinese fresh white noodles were investigated through reconstitution of fractionated flour components. Noodle hardness decreased with decreased protein content, whereas it unexpectedly increased as protein content decreased to a very low level (7.0%). Noodle cohesiveness, tensile strength, and breaking length increased with increased protein content. Higher glutenin‐to‐gliadin ratio resulted in harder and stronger noodles at constant protein content. Increased starch amylose content resulted in increased flour peak viscosity. When water absorption remained the same during noodle making, hardness and cohesiveness of cooked noodles also increased with increased starch amylose content, while springiness did not vary significantly. Increased starch damage of ≈5.5–10.4% effectively improved noodle hardness; however, starch damage >10.4% decreased it. Increased starch damage also enhanced noodle springiness while it decreased cohesiveness.
Impact of Wheat Grain Selenium Content Variation on Milling and Bread Baking
Authors: Garvin David F. , Hareland Gary , Gregoire Brian R. , Finley John W.
Published: January 2011

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient in animals. High levels of Se can accumulate in wheat grain, but it is not clear how high Se affects milling or baking. Low and high Se grain from the same hard red winter wheat cultivar was milled and used for breadbaking studies and Se analysis. Mill stream yields from the low and high Se wheat were comparable, as were flour yields. The amount of total grain Se retained in the flour mill streams was 71.2 and 66.4% for the low and high Se wheat, respectively. Proportionally, Se content in the bran, shorts, and the first reduction flour stream in high Se wheat was higher by 13–20% compared to the low Se wheat. Flour quality parameters including protein content, ash content, and farinograph traits were similar in low and high Se flours, although high Se flour mill streams exhibited lower farinograph stability. Breadbaking evaluations indicated that high Se had a deleterious effect on loaf volume. There was no evidence of significant Se loss after breadbaking with either low or high Se flour.
Influence of Isolation Method on Recovery of Pythium Species from Forest Nursery Soils in Oregon and Washington
Authors: Weiland Jerry E.
Published: January 2011

Pythium species are common damping-off pathogens that can cause stunting, chlorosis, and death of conifer seedlings in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of the United States. Despite the prevalence and importance of these pathogens in forest nurseries, relatively little is known about the identity of Pythium species associated with forest nursery soils in Washington and Oregon. A limited number of studies have reported P. aphanidermatum, P. irregulare, P. mamillatum, and P. ultimum as the predominant species in the PNW, but most studies of this genus in forest nurseries have not reported Pythium species identity. In an attempt to identify Pythium species associated with forest nursery soils, field surveys were conducted at three forest nurseries (two in Oregon and one in Washington) in 2008 using three isolation methods. Pythium species were isolated by plating soil onto a semiselective medium or by baiting soil with rhododendron leaf disks and Douglas-fir needle segments. One hundred isolates were randomly selected from each isolation method at each nursery (900 isolates total) and identified on the basis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence. Nineteen Pythium species were identified during the survey. Species richness and abundance were strongly influenced by both nursery and isolation method. Of the 300 isolates obtained from each nursery, P. irregulare was the most commonly isolated species from nursery A in Washington (65% incidence). P. ‘vipa’ and P. dissotocum were the most commonly isolated species from nurseries B and C in Oregon, respectively (53 and 47% incidence, respectively).
Characterization of a Synergistic Interaction Between Two Cucurbit-Infecting Begomoviruses:Squash leaf curl virusandWatermelon chlorotic stunt virus
Authors: Sufrin-Ringwald Tali , Lapidot Moshe
Published: January 2011

Squash leaf curl virus (SLCV) and Watermelon chlorotic stunt virus (WmCSV) are cucurbit-infecting bipartite begomoviruses. Both viruses are found in the eastern Mediterranean basin but the effects of dual infection of both viruses on melon (Cucumis melo L.) have not been described. ‘Arava’ melon plants were inoculated in the greenhouse, using whiteflies, with either SLCV, WmCSV, or both. Control plants were exposed to nonviruliferous whiteflies or not exposed at all. Following inoculation, plants were transplanted to a 50-mesh insect-proof nethouse and grown until fruit maturity. The experiment was performed in two melon-growing seasons: spring, transplant in May and harvest in July; and summer, transplant in August and harvest in October. Following inoculation, SLCV-infected melon plants showed mild symptoms that disappeared with time, and there was no effect on plant height. WmCSV-infected plants developed disease symptoms that became more obvious with time, and plants were somewhat shorter than control plants in the spring but not in the summer. SLCV had no effect on yield, regardless of season. WmCSV had no statistically significant effect on yield in the spring but, in the summer, reduced yield by 22%, on average. Dual-inoculated plants showed a synergistic interaction between the two viruses. They developed disease symptoms that were more pronounced than WmCSV alone, with plants being shorter than control plants by 20 to 25% regardless of season. Moreover, the yield of dual-inoculated plants was reduced on average by 21% in the spring and 54% in the summer, and fruit appearance was adversely affected. Dual inoculation did not affect WmCSV DNA level but SLCV DNA level was increased several-fold by the presence of WmCSV.
Fear, pandemonium, equanimity and delight: human responses to extra-terrestrial life
Authors: Harrison Albert A.
Published: January 2011

How will people respond to the discovery of extra-terrestrial life? Potentially useful resources for addressing this question include historical prototypes, disaster studies and survey research. Reactions will depend on the interplay of the characteristics of the newly found life, the unfolding of the discovery, the context and content of the message and human information processing as shaped by biology, culture and psychology. Pre-existing images of extra-terrestrials as god-like, demonic, or artificial will influence first impressions that may prove highly resistant to change. Most probably people will develop comprehensive images based on minimal information and assess extra-terrestrials in the same ways that they assess one another. Although it is easy to develop frightening scenarios, finding microbial life in our Solar System or intercepting a microwave transmission from many light years away are less likely to be met with adverse reactions such as fear and pandemonium than with positive reactions such as equanimity and delight.
Is life what we make of it?
Authors: Denning Kathryn
Published: January 2011

Although astrobiological or SETI detections are possible, actual invasions of sentient extra-terrestrials or plagues of escaped alien microbes are unlikely. Therefore, an anthropological perspective on the question suggests that in the event of a detection, the vast majority of humanity will be dealing not with extra-terrestrial life itself (whether intelligent or not, local or distant), but with human perceptions and representations of that alien life. These will, inevitably, derive from the powerful influences of culture and individual psychology, as well as from science. It may even be argued that in most detection scenarios, the scientific data (and debates about their interpretation) will be nigh-irrelevant to the unfolding of international public reaction. ‘Extra-terrestrial life’ will, in short, go wild. From this premise, some key questions emerge, including: what can scientists reasonably do to prepare, and what should their responsibilities be, particularly with respect to information dissemination and public discussions about policy? Then, moving beyond the level of immediate practicalities, we might also ask some more anthropological questions: what are the cultural substrates underneath the inquiries of Western science into extra-terrestrial life? In particular, what are the stories we have been told about discovery of rare life, and about contact with other beings, and do these stories really mean what we think they do? Might a closer look at those narratives help us gain perspective on the quest to find extra-terrestrial life, and on our quest to prepare for the consequences of detection?
Extra-terrestrial life in the European Space Agency’s Cosmic Vision plan and beyond
Authors: Fridlund Malcolm
Published: January 2011

Our exciting time allows us to contemplate the moment in the not-too-distant future when we can detect the presence of life on worlds orbiting stars other than our Sun. It will not be easy and will require the development and use of the very latest technologies. It also very probably demands deployment in space of relevant instrumentation in order to carry out these investigations. The European Space Agency has been involved in the studies and development of the required technologies for more than a decade and is currently formulating a roadmap for how to achieve the ultimate detection of signs of life as we know it on terrestrial exoplanets. The major elements of the roadmap consist of the following. First, the search for and detection of terrestrial exoplanets. Here, some progress has been made recently and is reported in this paper. Second, the more and more detailed study of the physical characteristics of such exoplanets. Finally, the search for biomarkers—indicators of biological activity—that can be observed at interstellar distances. The last is probably one of the most difficult problems ever contemplated by observational astronomy.
The detection of extra-terrestrial life and the consequences for science and society
Authors: Dominik Martin , Zarnecki John C.
Published: January 2011

Astronomers are now able to detect planets orbiting stars other than the Sun where life may exist, and living generations could see the signatures of extra-terrestrial life being detected. Should it turn out that we are not alone in the Universe, it will fundamentally affect how humanity understands itself—and we need to be prepared for the consequences. A Discussion Meeting held at the Royal Society in London, 6–9 Carlton House Terrace, on 25–26 January 2010, addressed not only the scientific but also the societal agenda, with presentations covering a large diversity of topics.
Three approaches to total quantitative phase analysis of organic mixtures using an external standard
Authors: Schreyer Martin , Guo Liangfeng , Tjahjono Martin , Garland Marc
Published: January 2011

Three different approaches for a total quantitative phase analysis of organic mixture data were presented and subsequently tested on a set of ten ternary powder mixtures consisting of α-glycine, α-lactose monohydrate and paracetamol form I. In each of these methods, an external standard was used (in the present study, diamond) to determine the diffractometer constant, which was employed to place the crystalline intensities of all other samples on an absolute scale. In Method A, pure component diffractograms were also measured. In Methods B and C, no pure component diffractograms were used. Using Methods A–C, both the absolute crystalline compositions and all the amorphous compositions of the samples were determined. These methods outperform the quantitative phase analysis provided by conventional Rietveld analysis. An average error of less than 0.5 wt% was achieved with the present approaches, whereas the average error from conventional Rietveld analysis wasca1.3 wt%.
EPCryst: a computer program for solving crystal structures from powder diffraction data
Authors: Deng Xiaodi , Dong Cheng
Published: January 2011

Recently, a new algorithm has been proposed to generate a full set of trial structure models (TSMs) by enumerating all possible equivalent position combinations (EPCs) based on the unit-cell content and space-group information [Deng & Dong (2009).J. Appl. Cryst.42, 953–958]. Using this algorithm, a new computer program namedEPCrysthas been developed for crystal structure determination from powder diffraction data. It is designed to solve a crystal structure as efficiently as possible. Rather than applying a time-consuming global optimization procedure on each TSM,EPCrystfirstly tries to eliminate improbable TSMs. Several methods (such as the statistical analysis method and direct-space heavy-atom method) are designed to achieve this goal. Usually, a lot of improbable TSMs can be eliminated and only a few promising TSMs are preserved for global optimization by grid search or simulated annealing. These methods can greatly increase the efficiency of structure solution in direct space. Bond-length checking is available inEPCrystas a tool for crystal structure validation.EPCrystwas successfully applied to determine several inorganic crystal structures using powder diffraction data obtained from PowBase [Le Bail (2000). http://sdpd.univ-lemans.fr/powbase/].
Persistent Krüppel‐like factor 4 expression predicts progression and poor prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tai Shyh‐Kuan , Yang Muh‐Hwa , Chang Shyue‐Yih , Chang Yung‐Chi , Li Wing‐Yin , Tsai Tung‐Lung , Wang Yi‐Fen , Chu Pen‐Yuan , Hsieh Shie‐Liang
Published: January 2011

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one prevalent human cancer worldwide. No molecular markers are presently used for predicting prognosis in HNSCC. Krüppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) is a transcription factor with diverse physiological functions, and possesses opposing roles in different human cancers. The expression and roles of KLF4 in HNSCC remain to be elucidated. In this study, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of KLF4 in 62 HNSCC was firstly performed. IHC results demonstrated that 42 (67.7%) had decreased KLF4 expression compared with surrounding normal epithelium, while persistent KLF4 expression was demonstrated in 20 (32.3%). The IHC results were further verified by Western blot and real‐time PCR analyses to confirm the robustness of staining and interpretation. Interestingly, persistent KLF4 expression independently correlated with a worse disease‐specific survival (P = 0.005), especially in patients with advanced disease. In consistent with clinical observation, all five HNSCC cell lines tested revealed a low level of baseline KLF4 expression. Moreover, enforced KLF4 expression in cell line SAS significantly increased in vitro migration/invasion abilities, multi‐drug resistance, and in vivo tumorigenicity. These results clearly illustrate that persistent KLF4 expression predicts poor prognosis and confers aggressiveness in HNSCC. Our data therefore provides valuable information that HNSCC with persistent KLF4 expression might require intensified combination treatment in future practice. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 895–902)
Downregulation of HTPAP transcript variant 1 correlates with tumor metastasis and poor survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Dai Chun , Dong Qiong‐Zhu , Ren Ning , Zhu Jun‐Jie , Zhou Hai‐Jun , Sun Hai‐Jing , Wang Guan , Zhang Xiao‐Fei , Xue Yu‐Hua , Jia Hu‐Liang , Ye Qing‐Hai , Qin Lun‐Xiu
Published: January 2011

Our previous study has identified HTPAP as a novel metastasis suppressor from chromosome 8p which is often deleted in metastatic HCC. We sought to further evaluate the expression levels of transcript variants of HTPAP (HTPAP‐1, HTPAP‐2 and HTPAP‐3) in 67 HCC tumor tissues and 11 normal liver tissues by RT‐PCR with specific TaqMan probes and primer sets, and explore their association with HCC metastasis and survival. We found that the expression levels of three HTPAP transcript variants were quite different in HCCs. Only HTPAP‐1 was found to be significantly associated with HCC metastasis (P = 0.00053), overall survival (P = 0.0023) and time to recurrence (P = 0.010) of HCC. Patients with a lower expression of HTPAP‐1 were inclined to accompany intrahepatic metastases and tumor thrombi (P < 0.05) and had a poor prognosis. In vitro, three fusion pEGFP‐N1 vectors encoding HTPAP‐1, HTPAP‐2 and HTPAP‐3 were introduced into HCC cells respectively to track HTPAPs’ expressions and identify their function. We found overexpression of HTPAP‐1 conferred HCC cells reduced ability of invasion without significant impact on cell proliferation, and also displayed a distinct cell location on cell membrane and in cytoplasm, which were different from two other variants. Consequently, HTPAP‐1 may be the transcript of HTPAP to exhibit a suppressive role on HCC metastasis, and can be a prognostic marker for HCC. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 583–590)
Functional immunoglobulin E cross‐reactivity between Pas n 1 of Bahia grass pollen and other group 1 grass pollen allergens
Authors: Davies J. M. , Dang T. D. , Voskamp A. , Drew A. C. , Biondo M. , Phung M. , Upham J. W. , Rolland J. M. , O'Hehir R. E.
Published: January 2011

Cite this as: J. M. Davies, T. D. Dang, A. Voskamp, A. C. Drew, M. Biondo, M. Phung, J. W. Upham, J. M. Rolland and R. E. O'Hehir, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 281–291.

Background
Grass pollens are major triggers of allergic rhinitis and asthma, but the immunological relationships between pollen allergens of the subtropical Bahia grass, Paspalum notatum, and temperate grasses are unresolved.

Objective
To assess serum IgE cross‐reactivity between subtropical P. notatum and temperate Lolium perenne (Ryegrass) pollen allergens.

Methods
Serum IgE reactivities of grass pollen‐allergic patients with P. notatum, L. perenne and Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) pollen extracts and their respective purified group 1 allergens, Pas n 1, Lol p 1 and Cyn d 1, were compared by immunoblotting, ELISA and basophil activation.

Results
In a cohort of 51 patients from a temperate region, a high frequency of IgE reactivity with each grass pollen was detected, but reactivity with L. perenne pollen was substantially greater than with P. notatum and C. dactylon pollen. Similarly, serum IgE reactivity with Lol p 1 was greater than with Pas n 1 or Cyn d 1. For seven of eight sera studied in detail, asymmetric serum IgE cross‐reactivity was observed; L. perenne pollen inhibited IgE reactivity with P. notatum pollen but not the converse, and IgE reactivity with Pas n 1 was inhibited by Lol p 1 but IgE reactivity with Lol p 1 was not inhibited by Pas n 1 or Cyn d 1. Importantly, P. notatum pollen and Pas n 1 activated basophils in grass pollen‐allergic patients from a temperate region, although stimulation was greater by pollen of L. perenne than P. notatum or C. dactylon, and by Lol p 1 than Pas n 1 or Cyn d 1. In contrast, a cohort of 47 patients from a subtropical region showed similar IgE reactivity with P. notatum and L. perenne pollen, and reciprocal cross‐inhibition of IgE reactivity between L. perenne and P. notatum.

Conclusions
Pollen allergens of the subtropical P. notatum, including Pas n 1, show clinically relevant IgE cross‐reactivity with pollen allergens of L. perenne but also species‐specific IgE reactivity.

Cite this as: J. M. Davies, T. D. Dang, A. Voskamp, A. C. Drew, M. Biondo, M. Phung, J. W. Upham, J. M. Rolland and R. E. O'Hehir, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 281–291.
Inventory and evaluation of grasslands in Albania
Authors: Pasho E. , Papanastasis V. P. , Pelz D. , Lako T.
Published: January 2011

Grasslands are an important forage resource in Albania but irrational management systems during the recent communist period have led to their present state of degradation. This paper reports an investigation into the relative contribution of abiotic, biotic and management variables to this degradation, after implementing a national inventory using field‐based and remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) techniques. A matrix of all these variables was produced in GIS and analysed statistically by applying principal component analysis, cluster analysis and correlation analysis. Grasslands occurred mainly in mountainous areas, mostly above 800 m elevation; 0·44 were on south‐facing slopes and 0·79 on steep (>15%) slopes, and predominantly (0·59) overlying limestone and on shallow soils (0·51) with loose surface stones (0·84). Most were grazed during the summer period, predominantly (0·94) managed in a communal way, and many (0·23) were overgrazed. Multivariate analysis showed that no single abiotic variable was important for the low vegetative cover. It is concluded that degradation of grasslands in Albania can be attributed to the interaction of unfavourable abiotic conditions and irrational grazing management practices.
Effects of temperature and light on salinity tolerance during germination in two desert glycophytic grasses, Lasiurus scindicus and Panicum turgidum
Authors: El‐Keblawy A. , Al‐Ansari F. , Al‐Shamsi N.
Published: January 2011

The grasses Lasiurus scindicus and Panicum turgidum are among the most important forage species of the Arabian deserts. Both are ‘glycophytic’ or salt‐intolerant species, where seed germination becomes reduced by salinity effects. Here, we report experimental effects of light/darkness, temperature and NaCl salinity on seed germination and ‘recovery’ germination in these two species, after seeds had been transferred from saline solution to distilled water. Seeds were germinated in a range of salinities and incubated at a range of temperatures, in both light and darkness. Seeds of P. turgidum germinated significantly more in darkness than in light at temperatures 15–25°C, but the reverse was true at higher temperatures. Seeds of L. scindicus germinated well across a wide range of temperatures and in both light and darkness. In both species, germination decreased with the increase in salt concentration, and in P. turgidum germination was almost completely inhibited at a concentration of 200 mm. In saline solution, germination in darkness was significantly greater than in light at all the temperatures. Seeds of both species ‘recovered’ their germination capacity after transfer from saline solutions to distilled water. Germination recovery depended on both light and temperature of incubation in both species.
The utilization of long‐chain fatty acids as markers for diet composition estimates in ruminants: effects of animal species, diet composition and marker combination
Authors: Ferreira L. M. M. , Celaya R. , Santos A. S. , Falco V. , Guedes C. , Rodrigues M. A. M. , Osoro K.
Published: January 2011

Utilization of long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA) as diet composition markers, combined or not with alkanes, was evaluated in a study performed with sheep, goats and cattle fed on two different diets composed of herbaceous species and heather. Proportions of plant species were estimated from LCFA concentrations in plant species and faeces, using least‐square procedures, and were compared with those obtained using alkanes or LCFA + alkane. The impact of grouping plant species with similar LCFA + alkane profiles and the application of different levels of feeding selectivity within the dietary group on the accuracy of estimates were also assessed. Results showed that LCFA faecal recoveries were incomplete and tended to increase with carbon‐chain length in a curvilinear fashion in both diets and all animal species. Furthermore, differences between ruminant species and diets in the LCFA faecal recovery were observed. Combination of alkanes and LCFA provided the most accurate estimates of diet composition, while estimates based on LCFA alone were better than those using alkanes alone. Accuracy of these estimates differed among animal species but was not influenced by diet composition. Grouping plant species with similar LCFA + alkane profiles reduced the accuracy of estimates with a clear underestimation of the dietary group.
A comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy and flow properties for Epiphany, Guttaflow and AH‐Plus sealer
Authors: Nawal R. R. , Parande M. , Sehgal R. , Naik A. , Rao N. R.
Published: January 2011

Nawal RR, Parande M, Sehgal R, Naik A, Rao NR. A comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy and flow properties for Epiphany, Guttaflow and AH‐Plus sealer. International Endodontic Journal.

Aim  To test the antimicrobial efficacy and flow properties of Guttaflow, Epiphany sealer and AH‐Plus sealer.

Methodology  With the use of Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 as a test organism, both the agar diffusion test (ADT) and direct contact test (DCT) were performed. For DCT, sealers were mixed and placed over the bottom of sterile screw‐capped test tubes. A 50μL bacterial suspension was placed on the tested material samples. Bacteria were allowed to directly come in contact with the sealers for 1 h at 37 °C in one group and for 24 h in the other group. The suspensions were then diluted and inoculated over blood agar plates, and bacterial colony counts were determined with the use of a digital colony counter. The data in both 1‐ and24‐h groups were individually analysed using repeated measures ANOVA. Kruskal Wallis tests were further used to obtain comparison between 1‐ and 24‐h results for all three sealers. In the flow assay, the sealers were placed between two glass slides, and a weight of 500 g was placed on the top of the glass. The diameters of the formed discs were recorded.

Results  For both the ADT and DCT tests, Epiphany and AH‐Plus sealer reduced the bacterial counts significantly (P = 0.000). Epiphany produced a greater reduction in bacterial counts when compared to AH‐Plus in both the tests (P = 0.000). Guttaflow paste failed to show any antibacterial activity in both ADT & DCT. According to the flow test, all root canal sealers flowed; Epiphany sealer had the maximum flow under the given conditions, followed by AH‐Plus sealer and Guttaflow paste.

Conclusions  Antimicrobial activity of the sealers was greatest for Epiphany followed by AH‐Plus sealer and Guttaflow. Epiphany sealer had the maximum flow followed by AH‐Plus sealer and Guttaflow.
Identification of root filling interfaces by microscopy and tomography methods
Authors: Zaslansky P. , Fratzl P. , Rack A. , Wu M‐K. , Wesselink P. R. , Shemesh H.
Published: January 2011

Zaslansky P, Fratzl P, Rack A, Wu M‐K, Wesselink PR, Shemesh H. Identification of root filling interfaces by microscopy and tomography methods. International Endodontic Journal, 44, 395–401, 2011.

Aim  To assess differences in observed cross‐sectional areas of root canals and filling materials, as imaged by three microscopy and two tomography methods.

Methodology  Six roots filled with laterally compacted Gutta‐percha and AH26 were scanned with phase‐contrast enhanced microtomography in a synchrotron facility. Reconstructed virtual slices were compared with sections of both wet and acrylic‐embedded roots, evaluated also by light and electron microscopy (EM) and laboratory‐based microtomography (μCT). The different contrasts of Gutta‐percha, voids, sealer and root dentine were identified and correlated. Inner canal border, outer Gutta‐percha rim and the external margin of a void were manually delineated, and the enclosed areas were repeatedly measured by three observers. Interobserver and interimaging method differences were tested by 2‐way anova with Bonferroni adjustments (P < 0.05). Percentages of Gutta‐percha‐filled canal areas (PGP) were determined.

Results  Phase‐contrast enhanced microtomography revealed internal interfaces and detailed 3D volumes of accentuated voids as well as micrometre‐sized particles and gaps within the treated roots. Overestimates in the cross‐sectional areas were obtained by light microscopy, whereas underestimates were obtained by μCT and EM. Differences exceeded 40%; however, PGP values by all methods were within 5% for the same slice. Differences between observers were sometimes significant, but they were not method related (<3%).

Conclusions  Phase‐contrast enhanced microtomography is a powerful non‐destructive ex vivo investigation method for studying the interfaces within root canals and filling materials at a micrometre resolution. The method does not require damage‐prone sectioning/polishing during sample preparation procedures. Caution should be used when quantifying the extent of Gutta‐percha in root fillings by measurements using μCT, light and EM.
Mechanical properties of nickel–titanium rotary instruments produced with a new manufacturing technique
Authors: Gambarini G. , Plotino G. , Grande N. M. , Al‐Sudani D. , De Luca M. , Testarelli L.
Published: January 2011

Gambarini G, Plotino G, Grande NM, Al‐Sudani D, De Luca M, Testarelli L. Mechanical properties of nickel–titanium rotary instruments produced with a new manufacturing technique. International Endodontic Journal.

Aim  To investigate whether flexibility and cyclic fatigue resistance was increased for nickel–titanium instruments produced by a new manufacturing technique.

Methodology  Forty K3 tip size 25, 0.06 taper (SybronEndo) nickel–titanium rotary instruments were randomly selected and divided into two groups (n = 20). One group served as control, being the commercially available instruments produced with a traditional grinding process (K3). The second group of instruments (K4 prototypes) were then subjected to a proprietary thermal treatment after the grinding process. Finally, each group was randomly divided into two subgroups of 10 instruments each, to perform the stiffness test and the cyclic fatigue test. All data were recorded and subjected to statistical evaluation using Student’s t‐test. Significance was set at the 95% confidence level.

Results  For the stiffness test, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was noted between K3 and K4 prototype instruments. K4 prototype instruments were significantly more flexible when compared to K3 instruments (59.3 ± 4.3 vs. 98.1 ± 6.4 g cm−1). For the cyclic fatigue test, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was noted between K3 and K4 prototype instruments. K4 prototype instruments demonstrated a significant increase in the mean number of cycles to failure (NCF) when compared to K3 instruments (1198 ± 279 vs. 542 ± 81 NCF).

Conclusions  The new manufacturing technique resulted in the K4 prototype instruments having enhanced mechanical properties, compared to K3 instruments, manufactured with a traditional grinding process.
Influence of several fibre‐reinforced composite restoration techniques on cusp movement and fracture strength of molar teeth
Authors: Akman S. , Akman M. , Eskitascioglu G. , Belli S.
Published: January 2011

Akman S, Akman M, Eskitascioglu G, Belli S. Influence of several fibre‐reinforced composite restoration techniques on cusp movement and fracture strength of molar teeth. International Endodontic Journal, 44, 407–415, 2011.

Aim  To compare mean cusp movement in molar teeth with endodontic access and mesial‐occlusal‐distal (MOD) cavities before and after restoration with several fibre‐reinforced composite restoration techniques under loading and to evaluate the effect of restoration technique on fracture strength.

Methodology  Reference points were marked at the mesial cusp ridges of extracted human mandibular molar teeth. Digital images were taken under loading (300 N) using a stereomicroscope (Leica MZ16A; Wetzlar, Germany). Three‐dimensional (3D) distances between the reference points were recorded (Leica, Stereo‐Explorer, 2.1) as controls. Standard MOD cavities were prepared and restored as follows (n = 10), group 1: composite restoration (Clearfil AP‐X; Kuraray, Tokyo, Japan); group 2: cavity lined with polyethylene fibre (Ribbond, Ribbond Inc., Seattle, WA, USA) in combination with flowable resin (Protect‐Liner F; Kuraray, Tokyo, Japan) before composite restoration; group 3: polyethylene fibre inserted on occlusal surface of the tooth from buccal to lingual after finishing the composite restoration; group 4: missing walls were restored with composite resin and inner surfaces of the axial walls were then reinforced with polyethylene fibre placed circumferentially before the composite restoration. The restored teeth were re‐loaded, digital images were re‐taken and the 3D distance between the reference points was recorded in μm. Comparisons of the restoration techniques, the effectiveness of restoration for each group were analysed statistically (Kruskall–Wallis, paired‐samples t‐test). The teeth were then loaded until failure (5 mm min−1), the data were recorded (N) and analysed statistically (Kruskall–Wallis test).

Results  A significant difference occurred amongst the groups in terms of cusp movement (P = 0.018). All the groups revealed a decrease in inter‐cuspal width when compared to their initial records. The mean values of these decreases were as follows: group 1 17.6 (P = 0.003), group 2 6.7 (not sig), group 3 6.6 (not sig) and group 4 0.85 (not sig) μm. No significant difference was found amongst the fracture strength values (P = 0.22). In group 1, 90% of the fractures were non‐restorable, whereas in group 3 100% of the fractures were restorable.

Conclusions  Regardless of restoration technique, fibre reinforcement of composite restorations decreased cusp movement in molar teeth with MOD and endodontic access cavities but did not affect fracture strength.
Spatio‐temporal changes in the genetic structure of thePasserinabunting hybrid zone
Authors: CARLING MATTHEW D. , ZUCKERBERG BENJAMIN
Published: January 2011

Although theoretical models predict that the structure of a hybrid zone can change under a variety of scenarios, only a few empirical studies of hybrid zones have unequivocally demonstrated zone movement. These studies are rare because few data sets exist that include repeated, temporally spaced, samples of the same hybrid zone. We analysed mitochondrial DNA haplotype data from samples separated by 40–45 years from across thePasserina amoena(Lazuli Bunting) andPasserina cyanea(Indigo Bunting) hybrid zone to investigate whether the genetic structure of this zone has changed during that interval. Both cline and generalized linear mixed modelling analyses uncovered a significant narrowing and a substantial westward shift of thePasserinabunting hybrid zone, clearly illustrating hybrid zone movement. The cause of the change may be due to a combination of ecological, demographic and behavioural factors. Our results predict that the width of the hybrid zone will continue to narrow over time, a finding consistent with reinforcement theory.
The double life of a bacterial lipoprotein
Authors: Bernstein Harris D.
Published: January 2011

It has been known for many years that the small lipoprotein Lpp, which is the most abundant protein in E. coli, exists in two forms. The ‘bound’ form of the protein is tethered to the outer membrane (OM) by its N‐terminal lipid moiety and covalently attached to the cell wall by its C‐terminal lysine residue. The exact location of the ‘free’ form, however, has never been determined. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Cowles et al. demonstrate that the free form of Lpp is an integral OM protein whose C‐terminus is exposed on the cell surface. The new study provides the first example of a lipoprotein that has a dual localization and adds to a growing body of evidence that lipoproteins can span the OM despite the lack of an obvious transmembrane segment. Furthermore, the new results raise intriguing questions about the assembly of both lipoproteins and other types of OM proteins.