bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New drug targets in inflammation: efforts to expand the anti‐inflammatory armoury
Authors: Ward S G
Published: February 2008

Inflammation is a beneficial host response to challenge by foreign bodies or to tissue injury. When this normal physiological process (which is designed to restore normal tissue structure and function), becomes dysregulated, it can become harmful and destructive leading to inflammatory diseases that are a major burden on humanity. Despite some notable successes, there are still major unmet medical needs in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and the development of new anti‐inflammatory drugs features prominently in the research portfolios of most pharmaceutical and biotech companies. New insights into inflammatory processes and new anti‐inflammatory drug targets were the subjects of a Focus Topic organized for the Life Sciences 2007 meeting in Glasgow (July 2007). The speakers from this meeting were invited to generate reviews on the basis of their presentations and these reviews contribute to this themed issue and are summarized in this short article.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, S5–S6; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707628; published online 4 February 2008
RIC‐3: a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor chaperone
Authors: Millar N S
Published: February 2008

RIC‐3 is a transmembrane protein which acts as a molecular chaperone of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). For some nAChR subtypes (such as homomeric α7 neuronal nAChRs), RIC‐3 is required for efficient receptor folding, assembly and functional expression. In contrast, for other nAChR subtypes (such as heteromeric α4β2 neuronal nAChRs) there have been reports that RIC‐3 can both enhance and reduce levels of functional expression. There is also evidence that RIC‐3 can modulate maturation of the closely related 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptor (5‐HT3R). As with heteromeric nAChRs, apparently contradictory results have been reported for the influence of RIC‐3 on 5‐HT3R maturation in different expression systems. Recent evidence indicates that these differences in RIC‐3 chaperone activity may be influenced by the host cell, suggesting that other proteins may play an important role in modulating the effects of RIC‐3 as a chaperone. RIC‐3 was originally identified in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as the protein encoded by the gene ric‐3 (resistance to inhibitors of cholinesterase) and has subsequently been cloned and characterized from mammalian and insect species. This review provides a brief history of RIC‐3; from the identification of the ric‐3 gene in C. elegans in 1995 to the more recent demonstration of its activity as a nAChR chaperone.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, S177–S183; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707661; published online 4 February 2008
Once in a lifetime: strategies for preventing re‐replication in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Authors: Nielsen Olaf , Løbner‐Olesen Anders
Published: February 2008

DNA replication is an extremely accurate process and cells have evolved intricate control mechanisms to ensure that each region of their genome is replicated only once during S phase. Here, we compare what is known about the processes that prevent re‐replication in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells by using the model organisms Escherichia coli and Schizosaccharomyces pombe as examples. Although the underlying molecular details are different, the logic behind the control mechanisms is similar. For example, after initiation, crucial molecules required for the loading of replicative helicases in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes are inactivated until the next cell cycle. Furthermore, in both systems the β‐clamp of the replicative polymerase associates with enzymatic activities that contribute to the inactivation of the helicase loaders. Finally, recent studies suggest that the control mechanism that prevents re‐replication in both systems also increases the synthesis of DNA building blocks.
Molecular simulations of protein dynamics: new windows on mechanisms in biology
Authors: Dodson Guy G , Lane David P , Verma Chandra S
Published: February 2008

Recent advances in computer hardware and software have led to the development of increasingly successful molecular simulations of protein structural dynamics that are intrinsic to biological processes. These simulations have resulted in models that increasingly agree with experimental observations, suggest new experiments and provide insights into biological mechanisms. Used in combination with data obtained with sophisticated experimental techniques, simulations are helping us to understand biological complexity at the atomic and molecular levels and are giving promising insights into the genetic, thermodynamic and functional/mechanistic behaviour of biological processes. Here, we highlight some examples of such approaches that illustrate the current state and potential of the field of molecular simulation.
Envisioning Sustainable Tourism Futures: An Evaluation of the Futures Wheel Method
Authors: Benckendorff Pierre
Published: February 2008

Methods for researching the future have grown both in variety and rigour, offering new opportunities for understanding sustainable tourism. This paper discusses the value of futures research as a tool for envisioning and planning sustainable tourism futures but observes that there is greater potential for the use of futures methods in tourism. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the usefulness of a particular method known as the futures wheel as a sustainable planning tool for tourism decision makers and researchers. The futures wheel method is combined with a grounded theory approach to capture and distil the tacit knowledge of three ‘expert’ think tanks. The evaluation suggests that the futures wheel is a useful tool for researching sustainable tourism futures but that its potential may be enhanced if it can be combined with other futures research methods.
BEST EN Case Studies: Innovation for Sustainable Tourism
Authors: Carlsen Jack , Edwards Deborah
Published: February 2008

These three case studies explore the key drivers, processes, barriers and networks associated with innovation for sustainable tourism. The case studies were presented by representatives of the three very distinct organisations, yet reveal common issues when describing their approach to innovation. The common denominator that runs through both small and large organisations is the need for collaboration networks that support, communicate and disseminate the benefits of innovation.
Status of ITEP decaborane ion source program
Authors: Kulevoy T. V. , Petrenko S. V. , Kuibeda R. P. , Seleznev D. N. , Koshelev V. A. , Kozlov A. V. , Stasevich Yu. B. , Sitnikov A. L. , Shamailov I. M. , Pershin V. I. , Hershcovitch A. , Johnson B. M. , Gushenets V. I. , Oks E. M. , Poole H. P. , Masunov E. S. , Polozov S. M.
Published: February 2008

The joint research and development program is continued to develop steady-state ion source of decaborane beam for ion implantation industry. Both Freeman and Bernas ion sources for decaborane ion beam generation were investigated. Decaborane negative ion beam as well as positive ion beam were generated and delivered to the output of mass separator. Experimental results obtained in ITEP are presented.
Orthogonal separation of variables for the Hamilton-Jacobi and wave equations in three-dimensional Minkowski space
Authors: Horwood Joshua T. , McLenaghan Raymond G.
Published: February 2008

We give a complete solution of the Eisenhart integrability conditions in three-dimensional Minkowski space obtaining 39 orthogonally separable webs and 58 inequivalent metrics in adapted coordinate systems which permit orthogonal separation of variables for the associated Hamilton-Jacobi and wave equations. The corresponding transformations from canonical separable coordinates to canonical pseudo-Cartesian coordinates are listed for each of the 58 cases and characteristic Killing tensors are given for each of the 39 webs.
Interfacial spin effects on Hex in metallic polycrystalline exchange biased systems
Authors: Fernandez-Outon L. E. , Vallejo-Fernandez G. , O’Grady K.
Published: February 2008

In this work, we show how the magnitude of the annealing field affects the antiferromagnetic (AF) spin structure in an exchange biased trilayer with two ferromagnetic layers with different thicknesses pinned by a single AF layer. The value of Hex is moderated by the interfacial spin structure, while the mean blocking temperature remains constant. We find a 24% increase in Hex when the setting field (Hset) used in the field cooling procedure is increased from 0.25to20kOe, while all other setting conditions are kept constant. We show that the reversal of the order in the AF gives the same mean blocking temperature, 442±2K, while the maximum value of Hex increases with Hset from 220to286Oe. The superposition of the variation of Hex with the degree of order of the AF reveals the dependence of the blocking temperature TB on the bulk of the AF, while the magnitude of the exchange field is shown to be dependent not only on the order in the AF but also on the degree of alignment of the interfacial spins determined by Hset. A further confirmation that this is an interfacial effect comes from an observation that similar behavior occurs at both AF interfaces in our trilayer system.
Nitrogen effect on the dust presence and behavior in a radio frequency CH4∕N2 discharge
Authors: Péreira Jérémy , Massereau-Guilbaud Véronique , Géraud-Grenier Isabelle , Plain André
Published: February 2008

In this paper, we have studied the effects of the nitrogen percentage on particles generated in low pressure radio frequency CH4∕N2 discharges. The particle behavior has been analyzed by laser beam extinction and scattering. The nitrogen percentage in the mixture influences the particle presence, behavior, and size in the discharge. For nitrogen percentages greater than 50%, we have evidenced a particle multigeneration and oscillations in particle clouds. These oscillations have been correlated with the discharge electrical parameters.
Preparation and characterization of Eu-doped LiNbO3 films prepared by the sol-gel method
Authors: Takahashi Makoto , Iyoda Kazuki , Maeda Yoshihiko , Miyauchi Toshiyuki , Ohkido Sadao , Sato Shoji , Wakita Koichi , Kajitani Naofumi , Hotta Kazutoshi , Kurachi Masato
Published: February 2008

Europium (Eu3+)-doped lithium niobate (LiNbO3) thick films were deposited on a z-cut congruent LiNbO3 (LN) substrate by the sol-gel method from 0.20moldm−3 precursor solution containing various Eu3+ concentrations and 0.10moldm−3 polyvinylalcohol, and their crystal characteristics were evaluated. The Eu3+ concentration in the LN film was controlled by the Eu3+ concentration in the starting solution. The orientation relationships between Eu3+-doped LN films and LN substrates were determined by x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, and (006) oriented Eu-doped LN epitaxial layers with parallel epitaxial relationships could be grown on the z-cut LN wafer. The refractive indices of Eu3+-doped LN films decreased with the increase of Eu3+ concentration. The luminescence intensities (D05→FJ7 emission) increased with increasing of the Eu3+ ion concentration.
Switching behavior of a Stoner–Wohlfarth particle subjected to spin-torque effect
Authors: Pham Huy , Cimpoesu Dorin , Stancu Alexandru , Spinu Leonard
Published: February 2008

Recently, the current-induced spin-transfer torque has been proposed as a convenient writing process in high density magnetic random access memory. A spin-polarized current can switch the magnetization of a ferromagnetic layer more efficiently than a current induced magnetic field. Our paper discusses the switching properties of a Stoner–Wohlfarth magnetic particle for the case when spin torques and external field pulses are simultaneously present. The theoretical investigation of precessional motion is described by using Landau–Lifschitz–Gilbert equation with a spin-transfer torque term included. The main goal is to determine the parameters of field pulse for that the fast and stable switching can be achieved.
Novel stator design of fan motors using soft magnetic composites
Authors: Hsu Yu-Sheng , Tsai Mi-Ching , Hsieh Min-Fu
Published: February 2008

Cooling fans are an important device needed in consumer electronic products. To enhance the performance of cooling fans, this paper presents a novel brushless dc motor with a three dimensional stator structure using soft magnetic composite to reduce the hub size and allow more airflow. Four models are designed and their output characteristics are compared using finite element simulation. From the results, one of them is selected for prototyping whose performance appears to meet the requirement. The prototype has a 10% smaller diameter than that of conventional types. Moreover, the operation test shows that the required performance is achieved.
Determination of exchange and rotational anisotropies in IrMn∕Fe(t)∕IrMn exchange coupled structures using dynamic and static techniques: Application to microwave devices
Authors: Kuanr Bijoy K. , Maat Stefan , Chandrashekariaih S. , Veerakumar V. , Camley R. E. , Celinski Z.
Published: February 2008

We determined the exchange anisotropy and rotational anisotropy of IrMn(7 nm)/Fe(t=3–20 nm)/IrMn(7 nm) exchange-biased structures using conventional ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) and network analyzer FMR (NA-FMR). Compared to single Fe layer films of identical thickness, we observe an isotropic downward shift and an angular variation of the FMR resonance field in the multilayer structures. The isotropic shift originates from the rotational anisotropy, while the angular variation originates from the exchange anisotropy. Both exchange anisotropy and rotational anisotropy increase with decreasing Fe thickness in the exchange-biased structures. The isotropic downward shift of the resonance field translates to an upward shift of the resonance frequency, and can be used to boost the operational frequency of microwave devices (bandpass/stop filters) by several gigahertz.
Tricritical point and magnetocaloric effect of Nd1−xSrxMnO3
Authors: Venkatesh R. , Pattabiraman M. , Sethupathi K. , Rangarajan G. , Angappane S. , Park J.-G.
Published: February 2008

A tricritical point is observed in the Nd1−xSrxMnO3 (NSMO) (x=0.3, 0.33, and 0.4) manganites at x=0.33 which separates the first-order transition in NSMO-0.3 and second order transition in NSMO-0.4. The ferromagnetic transition of these compounds is further investigated by measuring magnetocaloric effect (MCE) and by applying a theoretical model based on Landau theory of phase transitions. Results indicate that the contributions to the free energy from the presence of correlated clusters are strongly influencing the MCE by coupling with the order parameter around the Curie temperature.
Waveguide bend designs in three-dimensional woodpile photonic crystals
Authors: Liu Rong-Juan , Ruan Ming , Zhou Fei , Li Zhi-Yuan , Cheng Bing-Ying , Zhang Dao-Zhong
Published: February 2008

The transmission efficiency of electromagnetic waves through waveguide bends in a three-dimensional woodpile photonic crystal is investigated experimentally in the microwave regime. A stable technique of field extrapolation is employed to evaluate the coefficient of transmitted waves both for the reference straight waveguide and waveguide bend. We compare and analyze the transmission spectra of a wide variety of bend structures, and find that the multiface mirror scattering effect and cavity resonant effect in the bend zone are two major factors that influence the transmission property of the waveguide bends. A simple picture of the physical mechanism governing the electromagnetic wave transport at the bend zone can be drawn; this allows easier design of high-efficiency waveguide bend structures.
A simple toroidal shell model for the study of feedback stabilization of resistive wall modes in a tokamak plasma
Authors: Jhang Hogun
Published: February 2008

A study is conducted on the feedback stabilization of resistive wall modes (RWMs) in a tokamak plasma using a toroidal shell model. An analytically tractable form of the RWM dispersion relation is derived in the presence of a set of discrete feedback coil currents. A parametric study is carried out to optimize the feedback system configuration. It is shown that the total toroidal angle of a resistive wall spanned by the feedback coils and the poloidal angular extent of a feedback coil are crucial parameters to determine the efficacy of the feedback system.
A calibration method for lateral forces for use with colloidal probe force microscopy cantilevers
Authors: Quintanilla M. A. S. , Goddard D. T.
Published: February 2008

A calibration method is described for colloidal probe cantilevers that enables friction force measurements obtained using lateral force microscopy (LFM) to be quantified. The method is an adaptation of the lever method of Feiler et al. [A. Feiler, P. Attard, and I. Larson, Rev. Sci. Instum. 71, 2746 (2000)] and uses the advantageous positioning of probe particles that are usually offset from the central axis of the cantilever. The main sources of error in the calibration method are assessed, in particular, the potential misalignment of the long axis of the cantilever that ideally should be perpendicular to the photodiode detector. When this is not taken into account, the misalignment is shown to have a significant effect on the cantilever torsional stiffness but not on the lateral photodiode sensitivity. Also, because the friction signal is affected by the topography of the substrate, the method presented is valid only against flat substrates. Two types of particles, 20μm glass beads and UO3 agglomerates attached to silicon tapping mode cantilevers were used to test the method against substrates including glass, cleaved mica, and UO2 single crystals. Comparisons with the lateral compliance method of Cain et al. [R. G. Cain, S. Biggs, and N. W. Page, J. Colloid Interface Sci. 227, 55 (2000)] are also made.
The limiting current in a one-dimensional situation: Transition from a space charge limited to magnetically limited flow
Authors: Kumar Raghwendra , Biswas Debabrata
Published: February 2008

For a nonrelativistic electron beam propagating in a cylindrical drift tube, it is shown that the limiting current density does not saturate to the electrostatic one-dimensional (1D) estimate with increasing beam radius. Fully electromagnetic particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation studies show that beyond a critical aspect ratio, the limiting current density is lower than the 1D electrostatic prediction. The lowering in the limiting current density is found to be due to the transition from the space charge limited to magnetically limited flow. An adaptation of Alfvén’s single particle trajectory method is used to estimate the magnetically limited current as well as the critical radius beyond which the flow is magnetically limited in a drift tube. The predictions are found to be in close agreement with PIC simulations.
Large magnetic entropy changes and magnetoresistance in Ni45Mn42Cr2Sn11 alloy
Authors: Wang D. H. , Zhang C. L. , Han Z. D. , Xuan H. C. , Gu B. X. , Du Y. W.
Published: February 2008

The magnetic entropy changes and magnetoresistance were studied in Ni45Mn42Cr2Sn11 ferromagnetic shape memory alloy near the martensitic transition temperature. The substitution of Mn by Cr leads to the rapid decrease of the martensitic transition temperature. A large magnetic entropy change, ΔSM, of 15 J/kg K in a magnetic field of 10 kOe and a large negative MR of 45% in a magnetic field up to 50 kOe were observed in this alloy. The temperature and magnetic field induced martensitic transition should be the origin of large ΔSM and MR in Ni45Mn42Cr2Sn11 ferromagnetic shape memory alloy.
Electroacoustic simulation and experiment on a miniature loudspeaker for cellular phones
Authors: Huang Jin H. , Her Hong-Ching , Shiah Y. C. , Shin Shaw-Jyh
Published: February 2008

The performance of a miniature loudspeaker used in computer, communication, and consumer electronics products is an integrated function with coupled magnetic, electrical, mechanical, and acoustical fields. Through the finite element method, optimal design parameters to enhance the performance of a miniature loudspeaker are obtained. The sound pressure response of the miniature loudspeaker is simulated by using an equivalent circuit method. Its electrical driver, mechanical motion, and acoustical radiation are analogized by their equivalent elements individually. For the present work, such an analysis is carried out for a miniature loudspeaker manufactured in the cellular phone industry. All speaker parameters in the analysis are experimentally measured. Sound pressure responses are experimentally taken by PULSE Electroacoustics in an anechoic chamber. The equivalent-circuit analysis show fairly good agreement with the experimental results.
Stationary axisymmetric solutions involving a third order equation irreducible to Painlevé transcendents
Authors: Gariel J. , Marcilhacy G. , Santos N. O.
Published: February 2008

We extend the method of separation of variables, studied by Léauté and Marcilhacy [Ann. Inst. Henri Poincare, Sect. A 331, 363 (1979)], to obtain transcendent solutions of the field equations for stationary axisymmetric systems. These solutions depend on transcendent functions satisfying a third order differential equation. For some solutions this equation satisfies the necessary conditions, but not sufficient, to have fixed critical points.
Optical characterization of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser for a coherent population trapping frequency reference
Authors: Long Christopher M. , Choquette Kent D.
Published: February 2008

Characterization of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser source for a frequency reference that uses coherent population trapping with atomic rubidium is reported. The frequency reference requires a low-noise laser that operates in a single transverse mode at 794.7nm. We show that biasing the laser at low output power and modulating it at higher frequency than its low relaxation oscillation frequency are necessary to obtain symmetric modulation sidebands and improve the long-term performance of the frequency reference.
Control of resistance switching voltages in rectifying Pt∕TiOx∕Pt trilayer
Authors: Shima Hisashi , Takano Fumiyoshi , Muramatsu Hidenobu , Akinaga Hiro , Inoue Isao H. , Takagi Hidenori
Published: February 2008

The Pt∕TiOx∕Pt trilayer with electrically asymmetrical interface have been synthesized by means of the reactive sputtering technique followed by the oxygen annealing. The initial current-voltage characteristics in the Pt∕TiOx∕Pt trilayer cell have rectifying behavior originated from the Schottky junction formed between TiOx and Pt top electrode layer. The series connection of Pt∕TiOx∕Pt trilayer cells brings about the control of the reset and set voltages depending on the resistance of the connected Schottky diode, which is the demonstration of the resistance switching in the resistance random access memory with the one diode and one resistance structure using Schottky barrier diode.
Size dependence of lattice constants of semiconductor nanocrystals
Authors: Cherian Roby , Mahadevan Priya
Published: February 2008

We have theoretically examined the size dependence of the equilibrium lattice constant of nanocrystals of Si, GaAs, and CdSe. While deviations from the bulk lattice constant are as large as 1%–2% for unpassivated nanocrystals of Si, the deviations drop to ∼0.3%–0.4% once the surfaces are passivated. Inspite of the fact that the average equilibrium bond lengths are bulklike, we find that the nearest-neighbor bond length exhibits an unusual strain profile with bulklike bond lengths in the core and shorter (∼1%) bonds at the surface.
Improved circuit model for left-handed lines loaded with split ring resonators
Authors: Aznar F. , Bonache J. , Martín F.
Published: February 2008

In this letter, an improved lumped element equivalent circuit model for left-handed lines based on split ring resonators (SRRs) is presented and discussed. It is rigorously demonstrated that although the previously accepted circuit model of these metamaterial transmission lines (a π circuit) provides a good description of device behavior, its electrical parameters do not actually describe the physics of the structure. Conversely, the parameters of the improved equivalent circuit model are representative of the different elements of the structure, including the SRRs, the shunt inductive elements and the host line. It is also shown that the proposed model can be transformed to a π model which is formally identical to the previous reported model of SRR-based left-handed lines. With this transformation, the main relevant characteristics of these left-handed lines are perfectly interpreted.
The dominant role of impurities in the composition of high pressure noble gas plasmas
Authors: Martens T. , Bogaerts A. , Brok W. J. M. , Dijk J. V.
Published: February 2008

We present in this letter how a molecular gas such as nitrogen at different levels of impurity dominates the ionic composition of an atmospheric pressure noble gas plasma such as in helium. The positive charge in the discharge is only determined by helium ions if the discharge gas contains less than 1ppm of impurity. Above this impurity level, the positive charge is completely determined by the impurity nitrogen. The higher the relative nitrogen concentration, the more N4+ dominates over N2+. If the impurity level is between 1 and about 20ppm, N2+ is clearly the most abundant positive ion but for higher levels of impurity, N4+ almost completely determines the positive charge.
Risk management for mycotoxin contamination of Australian maize
Authors: Bricknell L. K. , Blaney B. J. , Ng J.
Published: February 2008

Recent incidents of mycotoxin contamination (particularly aflatoxins and fumonisins) have demonstrated a need for an industry-wide management system to ensure Australian maize meets the requirements of all domestic users and export markets. Results of recent surveys are presented, demonstrating overall good conformity with nationally accepted industry marketing standards but with occasional samples exceeding these levels. This paper describes mycotoxin-related hazards inherent in the Australian maize production system and a methodology combining good agricultural practices and the hazard analysis critical control point framework to manage risk.
Life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from irrigated maize and their significance in the value chain
Authors: Grant Tim , Beer Tom
Published: February 2008

The life cycle assessment component of this multi-institutional project determined greenhouse gas emissions in pre-farm, on-farm and post-farm activities involved in the use of maize for the manufacture of corn chips. When the emissions were expressed in terms of carbon dioxide-equivalents (CO2-e), pre-farm emissions comprised ~6% of the life cycle emissions, on-farm activities comprised ~36% and post-farm activities accounted for ~58% of life cycle greenhouse gas emissions. We used one 400 g packet of corn chips as the functional unit. The single largest source of greenhouse emissions was the emission of nitrous oxide on the farm as a result of fertiliser application (0.126 kg CO2-e per packet). The next largest was electricity used during the manufacture of the corn chips (0.086 kg CO2-e per packet). The manufacture of the packaging (box plus packet, being 0.06 kg CO2-e) was the next largest source and then the oil for frying the corn chips (0.048 kg CO2-e per packet). Greenhouse gas emissions from fertiliser application were primarily nitrous oxide (N2O), which has a global warming potential of 310 kg CO2-e/kg N2O. In typical irrigated farm systems, these emissions, when converted to CO2-e, are almost three times more than the greenhouse gas emissions that result from energy used to pump water. However, pumping irrigation water from deep bores currently produces greenhouse gas emissions that are almost three times those from irrigation using surface waters. Greenhouse gas emissions from the use of tractors on typical farms are about one-third of the emissions from pumping water. Farm management techniques can be used to increase soil carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If farms that currently burn stubble were to implement stubble incorporation then, in the absence of other changes to the supply chain, they will achieve a 30% reduction in emissions from ‘cradle to farm-gate’. In absolute terms, when the soil carbon dioxide is included (even though soil carbon dioxide in this instance is not counted as a greenhouse gas in national and international greenhouse gas inventories), our measurements indicate that carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions from farms that produce maize using stubble incorporation are 56% lower than emissions from farms that burn their stubble. The pre-farm and on-farm operations add $0.40 value per kg of CO2-e greenhouse gas emitted. Post-farm processing added $2 value per kg of CO2-e greenhouse gas emitted. Processing maize for corn chips emitted more greenhouse gases than processing the same amount of corn for starch or ethanol.
Endothelial expression of the Notch ligand Jagged1 is required for vascular smooth muscle development
Authors: High Frances A. , Lu Min Min , Pear Warren S. , Loomes Kathleen M. , Kaestner Klaus H. , Epstein Jonathan A.
Published: February 2008

The Notch ligand Jagged1 (Jag1) is essential for vascular remodeling and has been linked to congenital heart disease in humans, but its precise role in various cell types of the cardiovascular system has not been extensively investigated. We show that endothelial-specific deletion of
Jag1
results in embryonic lethality and cardiovascular defects, recapitulating the
Jag1
null phenotype. These embryos show striking deficits in vascular smooth muscle, whereas endothelial Notch activation and arterial-venous differentiation appear normal. Endothelial Jag1 mutant embryos are phenotypically distinct from embryos in which Notch signaling is inhibited in endothelium. Together, these results imply that the primary role of endothelial Jag1 is to potentiate the development of neighboring vascular smooth muscle.
Genome-wide association study shows
BCL11A
associated with persistent fetal hemoglobin and amelioration of the phenotype of β-thalassemia
Authors: Uda Manuela , Galanello Renzo , Sanna Serena , Lettre Guillaume , Sankaran Vijay G. , Chen Weimin , Usala Gianluca , Busonero Fabio , Maschio Andrea , Albai Giuseppe , Piras Maria Grazia , Sestu Natascia , Lai Sandra , Dei Mariano , Mulas Antonella , Crisponi Laura , Naitza Silvia , Asunis Isadora , Deiana Manila , Nagaraja Ramaiah , Perseu Lucia , Satta Stefania , Cipollina Maria Dolores , Sollaino Carla , Moi Paolo , Hirschhorn Joel N. , Orkin Stuart H. , Abecasis Gonçalo R. , Schlessinger David , Cao Antonio
Published: February 2008

β-Thalassemia and sickle cell disease both display a great deal of phenotypic heterogeneity, despite being generally thought of as simple Mendelian diseases. The reasons for this are not well understood, although the level of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is one well characterized ameliorating factor in both of these conditions. To better understand the genetic basis of this heterogeneity, we carried out genome-wide scans with 362,129 common SNPs on 4,305 Sardinians to look for genetic linkage and association with HbF levels, as well as other red blood cell-related traits. Among major variants affecting HbF levels, SNP rs11886868 in the
BCL11A
gene was strongly associated with this trait (
P
< 10
−35
). The C allele frequency was significantly higher in Sardinian individuals with elevated HbF levels, detected by screening for β-thalassemia, and patients with attenuated forms of β-thalassemia vs. those with thalassemia major. We also show that the same
BCL11A
variant is strongly associated with HbF levels in a large cohort of sickle cell patients. These results indicate that
BCL11A
variants, by modulating HbF levels, act as an important ameliorating factor of the β-thalassemia phenotype, and it is likely they could help ameliorate other hemoglobin disorders. We expect our findings will help to characterize the molecular mechanisms of fetal globin regulation and could eventually contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches for β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.
Kinetic analysis of a complete poxvirus transcriptome reveals an immediate-early class of genes
Authors: Assarsson Erika , Greenbaum Jason A. , Sundström Magnus , Schaffer Lana , Hammond Jennifer A. , Pasquetto Valerie , Oseroff Carla , Hendrickson R. Curtis , Lefkowitz Elliot J. , Tscharke David C. , Sidney John , Grey Howard M. , Head Steven R. , Peters Bjoern , Sette Alessandro
Published: February 2008

Vaccinia virus is the prototypic orthopoxvirus and was the vaccine used to eradicate smallpox, yet the expression profiles of many of its genes remain unknown. Using a genome tiling array approach, we simultaneously measured the expression levels of all 223 annotated vaccinia virus genes during infection and determined their kinetics. For 95% of these genes, significant transcript levels were detected. Most remarkably, classification of the genes by their expression profiles revealed 35 genes exhibiting immediate-early expression. Although a similar kinetic class has been described for other virus families, to our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of its existence in orthopoxviruses. Despite expression levels higher than for genes in the other three kinetic classes, the functions of more than half of these remain unknown. Additionally, genes within each kinetic class were spatially grouped together in the genome. This genome-wide picture of transcription alters our understanding of how orthopoxviruses regulate gene expression.
Mechanistic duality of transcription factor function in phytochrome signaling
Authors: Al-Sady Bassem , Kikis Elise A. , Monte Elena , Quail Peter H.
Published: February 2008

The phytochrome (phy) family of sensory photoreceptors (phyA–E in
Arabidopsis
) elicit changes in gene expression after light-induced migration to the nucleus, where they interact with basic helix–loop–helix transcription factors, such as phytochrome-interacting factor 3 (PIF3). The mechanism by which PIF3 relays phy signals, both early after initial light exposure and later during long-term irradiation, is not understood. Using transgenically expressed PIF3 variants, carrying site-specific amino acid substitutions that block the protein from binding either to DNA, phyA, and/or phyB, we examined the involvement of PIF3 in early, phy-induced marker gene expression and in modulating long-term, phy-imposed inhibition of hypocotyl cell elongation under prolonged, continuous irradiation. We describe an unanticipated dual mechanism of PIF3 action that involves the temporal uncoupling of its two most central molecular functions. We find that in early signaling, PIF3 acts positively as a transcription factor, exclusively requiring its DNA-binding capacity. Contrary to previous proposals, PIF3 functions as a constitutive coactivator in this process, without the need for phy binding and subsequent phy-induced modifications. This finding implies that another factor(s) is conditionally activated by phy and functions in concert with PIF3, to induce target gene transcription. In contrast, during long-term irradiations, PIF3 acts exclusively through its phyB-interacting capacity to control hypocotyl cell elongation, independently of its ability to bind DNA. Unexpectedly, PIF3 uses this capacity to regulate phyB protein abundance (and thereby global photosensory sensitivity) to modulate this long-term response rather than participating directly in the transduction chain as a signaling intermediate.
Scots English and the English-lexifier creole relativizer we
Authors: Hancock Ian F.
Published: February 2008

We (wey, whey, way) as relativizer occurs in the English-lexifier creoles on both sides of the Atlantic, and has been assumed to originate in English what (e.g. by Cassidy and Le Page 1967: 459). Instances of this word as a relativizer in English, however, date only from the beginning of the 19th century — too late by over a century to have provided the widespread creole form. This essay examines alternative possibilities for its origin, and concludes that it must be sought in Scottish and/or northern English who. Determining its ultimate origin may shed light upon the age and development of these particular languages.
The localization of global linguistic variants
Authors: Buchstaller Isabelle
Published: February 2008

Globalization has been defined as the process whereby “events happening in one place … impact upon many other places, often remote in time and space” (Urry 2003: 39). This paper examines the impact of two globally available linguistic resources — the quotatives be like and go — in two spatially discontinuous localities. The investigation of the local processes that are involved in the adoption and negotiation of these global newcomers provides a holistic as well as a particularized view on the sociolinguistic mechanisms of globalization. I will demonstrate that by way of creatively adapting linguistic innovations, speakers can participate in global trends, yet do so in a highly localized and idiosyncratic manner. A micro-linguistic analysis of the emerging local practises allows us to situate localized linguistic processes into a “wider picture of structural becoming” (Blommaert 2003: 613), and provides one step forward towards our understanding of the development and/or maintenance of social spatiality.
Comparison of Therapeutic Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Fluoxetine, Separately and in Combination, in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Jazayeri Shima , Tehrani-Doost Mehdi , Keshavarz Seyed A. , Hosseini Mostafa , Djazayery Abolghassem , Amini Homayoun , Jalali Mahmoud , Peet Malcolm
Published: February 2008

Objective: To compare therapeutic effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), fluoxetine and a combination of them in major depression.

Method: Sixty outpatients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder based on DSM-IV criteria and a score ≥15 in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were randomly allocated to receive daily either 1000 mg EPA or 20 mg fluoxetine, or their combination for 8 weeks. Double dummy technique was used to double blind the study. Patients were assessed at 2 week intervals. Change in HDRS was the primary outcome measure.

Results: Analysis of covariance for HDRS at week 8 across treatment groups was performed in 48 patients who completed at least 4 weeks of the study, with the last observation carried forward. Treatment, age of onset and baseline HDRS had a significant effect on HDRS at week 8. EPA + fluoxetine combination was significantly better than fluoxetine or EPA alone from the fourth week of treatment. Fluoxetine and EPA appear to be equally effective in controlling depressive symptoms. Response rates (≥50% decrease in baseline HDRS) were 50%, 56% and 81% in the fluoxetine, EPA and combination groups, respectively.

Conclusions: In the present 8 week trial EPA and fluoxetine had equal therapeutic effects in major depressive disorder. EPA + fluoxetine combination was superior to either of them alone.
Many Faces of the Dual-Role Dilemma in Psychiatric Ethics
Authors: Robertson Michael D. , Walter Garry
Published: February 2008

Objective: To identify the various potential manifestations of the dual-role dilemma in the psychiatric ethics literature.

Method: The terms ‘dual role’, ‘dual agency’, ‘overlapping roles’, and ‘double agency’ were searched on the electronic databases PubMed, Medline, Embase and PsychInfo. Classic papers in the field of psychiatric ethics and their references were manually searched. Papers were selected for relevance to the topic of the dual-role dilemma in relation to psychiatry.

Results: The dual-role dilemma is most explicitly addressed in the literature on forensic psychiatry and military psychiatry. Review of the ethics literature in other fields of psychiatry indicates many instances of the dilemma of psychiatrists facing conflicting obligations akin to the dual-role problem identified in the literature on forensic psychiatry. Many of these dilemmas are characterized by the presence of a powerful third party to whom the psychiatrist has some perceived obligations.

Conclusions: In psychiatric ethics, the dual-role dilemma refers to the tension between psychiatrists’ obligations of beneficence towards their patients, and conflicting obligations to the community, third parties, other health-care workers, or the pursuit of knowledge in the field. These conflicting obligations transcend a conflict of interest in that the expectations of the psychiatrist, other than the patient's best interests, are so compelling. This tension illustrates how the discourse in psychiatric ethics is embedded in the social and cultural context of the situations encountered. It appears that as society changes in its approach to the value of liberal autonomy and the ‘collective good’, psychiatrists may also need to change.
Treatment of Catatonia With Electroconvulsive Therapy in an 11-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Chung Alfred , Varghese John
Published: February 2008

Objective: To report the case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with acute onset of psychotic symptoms with catatonic features treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Method: Described herein is the case of an 11-year-old, prepubertal girl who represented with catatonic symptoms unresponsive to conventional medical treatment. After thorough clinical investigation and obtaining a second opinion we gained consent from her parents to perform ECT as a life saving procedure.

Results: Six ECT treatments were administered with clinical improvement, the patient did develop hypomanic symptoms as a side-affect of ECT.

Conclusion: The patient exhibited potentially life-threatening self-harming behaviour secondary to catatonic and psychotic symptoms. Her behaviour and symptoms responded to ECT. The patient developed hypomania that responded to mood stabilization. ECT was a safe and effective treatment for catatonia in this prepubescent girl.
ONTO-PERL: An API for supporting the development and analysis of bio-ontologies
Authors: Antezana Erick , Egaña Mikel , De Baets Bernard , Kuiper Martin , Mironov Vladimir
Published: February 2008

Motivation: Many biomedical ontologies use OBO or OWL as knowledge representation language. The rapid increase of such ontologies calls for adequate tools to facilitate their use. In particular, there is a pressing need to programmatically deal with such ontologies in many applications, including data integration, text mining, as well as semantic applications supporting translational research.

Results: We present an Application Programming Interface (API) called ONTO-PERL. This API significantly extends the repertoire of available tools supporting the development and analysis of bio-ontologies.

Availability: The source code code as well as sample usage scripts can be found at: http://search.cpan.org/dist/ONTO-PERL/

Contact:  erick.antezana@psb.ugent.be
Design and optimization of interplanetary low‐thrust trajectory with planetary aerogravity‐assist maneuver
Authors: Shang Haibin , Cui Pingyuan , Luan Enjie
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the application of the planetary aerogravity‐assist (AGA) technique to the interplanetary transfer mission with low‐thrust engine, and the design and optimization approach of low‐thrust AGA trajectory.

Design/methodology/approach

In the research, the transfer trajectory with planetary AGA maneuver is analyzed first, the maximum atmospheric turn angle and the matching condition for AGA trajectory is derived out, which is the significant principle for AGA trajectory design and studies. Then, a design and optimization approach for interplanetary low‐thrust trajectory with AGA maneuver is developed. The complicated design problem is transformed into a parameter optimization problem with multiple nonlinear constraints by using calculus of variations and the matching condition associated with AGA trajectory. Furthermore, since the optimization problem is very sensitive to the launch date and AGA maneuver parameters, three ordinal sub‐problems are reformulated to reduce the sensitivity. Finally, a direct/indirect hybrid approach is utilized to solve these sub‐problems.

Findings

The planetary AGA maneuver is feasible and effective in decreasing the propellant consumption and flight time for interplanetary low‐thrust mission and provides better performance than pure planetary gravity assist. Moreover, the proposed approach is effective to design and optimize the low‐thrust transfer mission with AGA maneuver.

Research limitations/implications

In further research, some simple preliminary design approaches for interplanetary low‐thrust trajectory with AGA maneuver are required to developed, which can provide a good initial conjecture for a hybrid optimization algorithm.

Originality/value

The paper provides the matching condition for interplanetary AGA transfer trajectory by analyzing some characteristics of planetary AGA maneuver, and presents an effective approach to design and optimize interplanetary low‐thrust AGA trajectory.
Opportunities and realities of supply chain integration: the case of food manufacturers
Authors: Pieter van Donk Dirk , Akkerman Renzo , van der Vaart Taco
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the limitations and barriers for supply chain integration that food manufacturers experience and to highlight their planning and scheduling problems. Possible ways to cope with these are offered.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is theoretical/conceptual in nature: the findings are illustrated in an explorative case study.

Findings

It is often suggested that food supply chains are typical for what can be achieved in supply chain management. This paper challenges this belief by investigating the possibilities and limitations for supply chain integration for food manufacturers. The authors argue that a combination of typical food characteristics and the use of shared resources limit the possibility for integration, while uncertainties and complex business conditions increase the need for integration. In a case study, the paper explores alternatives to cope with that situation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on previous empirical work, which is applied and further developed in a case‐study setting of a consumer product food manufacturer. The authors argue that the case has several generic characteristics, but further research is needed to test the main ideas in a wider context.

Practical implications

Production managers and planners in food manufacturing are often aware of the described situation, but general managers, marketing managers, and supply chain managers can learn that there are limits to aligning operations to customers. The paper offers a number of solutions that might assist production managers in better understanding their situation and thinking about improvements.

Originality/value

The paper introduces buyer focus, shared resources and the limitations of supply chain integration into the field of food supply chains.
Managing capabilities for talent engagement and pipeline development
Authors: Bhatnagar Jyotsna
Published: February 2008

Purpose

With talent management becoming an area of growing concern in the literature, this paper seeks to investigate talent management, employee engagement and talent pipeline development.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of best practice in talent pipeline development is followed using interviews and archival data as shared by the organization.

Findings

The findings of the case looked at interventions of employee engagement and dialogue. Establishing talent pools and identification of talent through talent matrix is highlighted. A basic HR architecture is emphasized. Global managerial diversity with rotational assignments in different markets is another finding of the case which grooms future leaders for the organization.

Originality/value

The present study indicated that a good level of engagement may lead to high retention and grooming of future leaders for the organization.