bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integratie en depressie - De relatie tussen sociaal-culturele integratie en depressieklachten bij Turkse en Marokkaanse Nederlander
Authors: Zwan, van der Roos , Tolsma Jochem
Published: January 2014

Integration and depression. The relationship between social-cultural integration and symptoms of depression among Turkish and Moroccan migrants in the Netherlands.In this study we described differences in the prevalence of depressive symptoms among first and second
generation Turkish and Moroccan migrants and Native Dutch. Furthermore, we scrutinized to what extent differences in socio-cultural integration are related to differences in the prevalence of depressive symptoms. Hypotheses are tested using the NEtherlands Longitudinal Lifecourse Study (NELLS).
Results show that first and second generation Turkish migrants and first generation Moroccan migrants experience more depressive symptoms than Native Dutch. For migrants, maintaining weak and strong ties with native Dutch is related to less symptoms of depression. Ethnic and national identification
protect against depressive symptoms. Living according to Islamic rules is not related to depressive symptoms. We did not observe that bicultural migrants – migrants who have strong ethnic and national identifications and migrants who maintain social relationships with ethnic ingroup
members and with native Dutch – experience more depressive symptoms. Differences in socio-cultural integration hardly explain differences in depressive symptoms among first and second generation Turkish and Moroccan migrants.
Weg met de spreker-luisteraar
Authors: Hendriks Petra
Published: January 2014

Traditionally, in formal linguistics no distinction is made between the roles of the speaker and the listener when investigating the properties of the grammar. Rather, it is assumed that these roles can be merged into a combined speaker-listener role. In this paper I discuss the so-called Delay of Principle B Effect in language acquisition. This effect has been observed in English-speaking and Dutch-speaking children’s comprehension of pronouns in binding environments, but not in their production of these pronouns. On the basis of this asymmetry between production and comprehension, I argue that for an adequate description and explanation of grammatical phenomena such as pronominal binding it is necessary to distinguish between the role and perspective of the speaker and that of the listener. Whereas Principle A of Binding Theory is a symmetric correspondence between a reflexive form and a reflexive meaning that is used similarly by speakers and listeners, Principle B is a derived pattern emerging when the listener takes into account the perspective of the speaker. The Delay of Principle B Effect is thus explained as children’s failure as a listener to consider the perspective of the speaker.
Best nogal aardige middenmoters: de semantiek van graadadverbia van het midden-bereik
Authors: Nouwen Rick
Published: January 2014

In this squib, I discuss the semantics of Dutch adverbs of medium degree. The goal is to identify which scalar properties are part of the semantics of such expressions. I refrain from giving a definitive formal-semantic account, but I do argue that the scalar meaning of such expressions is much more complex than the identification of a particular (e.g. midrange, high range, etc.) region on a scale.
Lidwoord weg: Kale nomina in een absolute constructie
Authors: Zwarts Joost
Published: January 2014

The occurrence of determinerless subjects in an absolute construction in Dutch might suggest a grammaticalized mechanism of left-edge determiner omission.
boekbesprekingen
Authors: Berns Jan , Van Keymeulen Jacques , Dyk Sybren , Oosterhof Albert , Backus Ad
Published: January 2014

-- geen abstract beschikbaar --
The Ability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in Solution, Spray-Dried or Lyophilized to Bind Aflatoxin B1
Authors: Bovo Fernanda , Franco Larissa Tuanny , Rosim Roice Eliana , Trindade Carmen Silvia Favaro , Oliveira Carlos Augusto Fernandes de
Published: January 2014

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) can cause carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic and immunosuppressive effects in humans and animals. Several lactic acid bacteria species have the ability to bind AFB1 in vitro, showing a potential application for reducing the bioavailability of AFB1 in contaminated products. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, non-viable and dried, in removing the AFB1 from a contaminated medium. L. rhamnosus were cultured in MRS broth, sterilized (121 ºC, 15 min.) to inactivate their metabolism and then dried by spray-drying or freeze-drying (lyophilization). Binding assays using AFB1 (1.0 µg/ml) and L. rhamnosus cells (1×1010 cells, in suspension or spray-dried or freeze-dried) were conducted at pH 3.0 and 6.0, room temperature and contact time of 60 min. Quantification of AFB1 was achieved by high performance liquid chromatography. Scanning electron microscope was also performed in order to analyze the drying effect on the atomized and lyophilized L. rhamnosus cells. For pH 3.0 and 6.0, there were no significant differences between AFB1 binding efficiency by L. rhamnosus cells in solution (45.9 ± 8.8% and 35.8 ± 7.7%, respectively) or freeze-dried (36.6 ± 7.1% and 27.2 ± 4.0%, respectively). However, the spray-dried cells lost completely the AFB1 binding capacity during atomization, which damaged the structural and functional properties of the bacterial cell wall. In conclusion, L. rhamnosus retained its AFB1 binding ability only when its cell wall remained intact as observed in the lyophilization procedure. Lyophilized L. rhamnosus cells therefore can be a practicable alternative for decontamination of food products susceptible to aflatoxin contamination.
Tabbed Tissue Expanders Improve Breast Symmetry Scores in Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Khavanin Nima , Gust Madeleine J , Grant David W , Nguyen Khang T , Kim John YS
Published: January 2014

Background Achieving symmetry is a key goal in breast reconstruction. Anatomically shaped tabbed expanders are a new tool in the armamentarium of the breast reconstruction surgeon. Suture tabs allow for full control over the expander position and thus inframammary fold position, and, in theory, tabbed expanders mitigate many factors responsible for poor symmetry. The impact of a tabbed expander on breast symmetry, however, has not been formally reported. This study aims to evaluate breast symmetry following expander-implant reconstruction using tabbed and non-tabbed tissue expanders.

Methods A chart review was performed of 188 consecutive expander-implant reconstructions that met the inclusion criteria of adequate follow-up data and postoperative photographs. Demographic, oncologic, postoperative complication, and photographic data was obtained for each patient. The photographic data was scored using a 4-point scale assessing breast symmetry by three blinded, independent reviewers.

Results Of the 188 patients, 74 underwent reconstruction with tabbed expanders and 114 with non-tabbed expanders. The tabbed cohort had significantly higher symmetry scores than the non-tabbed cohort (2.82/4±0.86 vs. 2.55/4±0.92, P=0.034).

Conclusions The use of tabbed tissue expanders improves breast symmetry in tissue expander-implant-based breast reconstruction. Fixation of the expander to the chest wall allows for more precise control over its location and counteracts the day-to-day translational forces that may influence the shape and location of the expander pocket, mitigating many factors responsible for breast asymmetry.
Crystal structures of virus-like photosystem I complexes from the mesophilic cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803
Authors: Mazor Yuval , Nataf Daniel , Toporik Hila , Nelson Nathan
Published: January 2014

Oxygenic photosynthesis supports virtually all life forms on earth. Light energy is converted by two photosystems—photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII). Globally, nearly 50% of photosynthesis takes place in the Ocean, where single cell cyanobacteria and algae reside together with their viruses. An operon encoding PSI was identified in cyanobacterial marine viruses. We generated a PSI that mimics the salient features of the viral complex, named PSIPsaJF. PSIPsaJF is promiscuous for its electron donors and can accept electrons from respiratory cytochromes. We solved the structure of PSIPsaJF and a monomeric PSI, with subunit composition similar to the viral PSI, providing for the first time a detailed description of the reaction center and antenna system from mesophilic cyanobacteria, including red chlorophylls and cofactors of the electron transport chain. Our finding extends the understanding of PSI structure, function and evolution and suggests a unique function for the viral PSI.
Single-molecule tracking of the transcription cycle by sub-second RNA detection
Authors: Zhang Zhengjian , Revyakin Andrey , Grimm Jonathan B , Lavis Luke D , Tjian Robert
Published: January 2014

Transcription is an inherently stochastic, noisy, and multi-step process, in which fluctuations at every step can cause variations in RNA synthesis, and affect physiology and differentiation decisions in otherwise identical cells. However, it has been an experimental challenge to directly link the stochastic events at the promoter to transcript production. Here we established a fast fluorescence in situ hybridization (fastFISH) method that takes advantage of intrinsically unstructured nucleic acid sequences to achieve exceptionally fast rates of specific hybridization (∼10e7 M−1s−1), and allows deterministic detection of single nascent transcripts. Using a prototypical RNA polymerase, we demonstrated the use of fastFISH to measure the kinetic rates of promoter escape, elongation, and termination in one assay at the single-molecule level, at sub-second temporal resolution. The principles of fastFISH design can be used to study stochasticity in gene regulation, to select targets for gene silencing, and to design nucleic acid nanostructures.
Spin Dynamics Study in Conducting Polymers by Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Kenji Mizoguchi Kenji Mizoguchi
Published: January 2014

We have applied the spin dynamics technique to conducting polymers, in particular, with the ESR method, and investigated microscopic transport properties in a quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) polymer chain. This technique is a unique method for obtaining microscopic information on intrinsic transport properties, because macroscopic resistivity is mainly limited by electrical properties of interfacial regions between microcrystals. In this article, the principles and applications of this method will be reviewed in detail. The difference between ESR applied here and1H NMR will also be discussed, and each characteristic feature will be stressed.
SiC/SiN Multilayer Membrane for X-Ray Mask Deposited by Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Ohta Tsuneaki , Noda Shuichi , Kasai Masanori , Hirosi Hoga Hirosi Hoga
Published: January 2014

SiC/SiN multilayer membranes consisting of SiC and thin SiN layers were prepared using hot-wall, low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) for synchrotron radiation (SR) lithography. The SiC/SiN multilayers had advantages such as uniformity in the controlled film stress, good surface morphology and optical transmittance of over 60% at film thicknesses from 1.7 to 2.5 µ m. The optical transmittance of over 80% with an antireflection coating (ARC) was obtained. X-ray masks were fabricated using the SiC/SiN multilayer membranes and W films as absorber. The 80-nm-feature patterns on the resist films were obtained by electron beam (EB) lithography. SR durability of the X-ray masks using the SiC/SiN multilayer was discussed assuming a stress change in the thin SiN layers.
High Carrier Density and Mobility in GaAs/InGaAs/GaAs Double Delta-Doped Channels Heterostructures
Authors: Kao M. J. , Hsu W. C. , Shieh H. M. , Liu W. C. , Chang C. Y.
Published: January 2014

Double-quantum-well GaAs/InGaAs/GaAs pseudomorphic heterostructures by δ-doping the InGaAs channels are demonstrated for the first time. A very high carrier density of more than 1×1013 cm-2 along with an enhanced mobility of 2100 cm2/V·s at 300 K are achieved. Influences of barrier thickness on the carrier densities and mobilities are also investigated.
Identification of Fixed and Interface Trap Charges in Hot-Carrier Stressed Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFET's) through Ultraviolet Light Anneal and Gate Capacitance Measurements
Authors: C. H. Ling C. H. Ling
Published: January 2014

Fixed and interface trap charges in hot-carrier degraded metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFET's) can be distinguished by ultraviolet light (λ=253.7 nm) annealing, and observing the resultant changes in the gate-to-drain capacitance. Trapped electrons anneal readily, resulting in large changes in the gate capacitance and the threshold voltage. This suggests a trap level below the conduction band edge of SiO2 that is smaller than the photon energy (4.9 eV). In contrast, trapped holes and interface traps do not anneal, or anneal insignificantly even after prolonged irradiation. This is consistent with a much deeper hole trap level in SiO2, generally reported.
Effects of Sulfide Treatment on InP Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor Devices with Photochemical Vapor Deposit P3N5 Gate Insulators
Authors: Jeong Yoon-Ha , Lee Bong-Hoon , Jo Seong-Kue , Jeong Moon-Young , Sugano Takuo
Published: January 2014

The effects of sulfide treatment on Al-P3N5/InP metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) devices with a photochemical vapor deposit P3N5 insulating film are investigated. The minimum density of interface trap states is as low as 2.6×1010/cm2·eV, and has been obtained from a sample sulfide-treated at 40° C for 20 min. We have successfully fabricated depletion-mode InP metal-insulator-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MISFETs) for microwave power device applications. The effective channel electron mobility is observed to be 3100 cm2/V·s at 300 K.
The extrinsic transconductance of 5.8 mS/mm shows a broad plateau region over a range of nearly 4 V gate voltage swing.
Nucleation and Growth Morphology in Heteroepitaxy of CaF2 on Si(111): a Study with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Sumiya Touru , Miura Tadao , Shun-ichiro Tanaka Shun-ichiro Tanaka
Published: January 2014

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was used to investigate nucleation and growth phenomena in the heteroepitaxy of calcium fluoride ( CaF2) on a Si(111) surface. CaF2 was evaporated at room temperature on Si(111), and annealed to about 450° C. Subsequently, characteristically, shaped islands, with steps arranged in the [11̄0] direction, were observed both on a terrace and a step edge of Si(111). After annealing this surface to about 600° C, STM images clearly showed that these islands underwent a structural transformation to well-ordered heteroepitaxial layers which consisted of rows running along the [11̄0] direction and grew from Si step edges. These findings show that at a high temperature the preferential nucleation sites are distributed on the Si step edges and that CaF2 molecules have sufficient surface diffusion length to form the heteroepitaxial layers at the step edges.
Second-Harmonic Generation from Electrically Poled Niobium Alkali Silicate Glasses
Authors: Miyata Masaaki , Nasu Hiroyuki , Mito Akihiro , Kurachi Kiyoshi , Matsuoka Jun , Kanichi Kamiya Kanichi Kamiya
Published: January 2014

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) has been observed from electrically poled Nb2O5-containing mixed alkali silicate glasses. The glasses were poled by application of various high dc voltages at various temperatures for 2 h. SHG was observable from 150° C and 1.0 kV, and the intensity increased with the increase of poling temperature and applied voltage. SHG intensity depended on Nb2O5 content, and the maximum was seen for the glass containing nearly 13 mol% Nb2O5.
Annealing Effects on (NH4)2Sx-Treated GaAs(001) and InP(001) Surfaces
Authors: Sugiyama Munehiro , Yabumoto Norikuni , Satoshi Maeyama Satoshi Maeyama , Masaharu Oshima Masaharu Oshima
Published: January 2014

Chemical state changes and desorption properties of S atoms in (NH4)2S

x

-treated GaAs(001) and InP(001) surfaces are studied using soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (SXPES) and thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). It was revealed by SXPES that (NH4)2S

x

-treated and deionized-water-rinsed GaAs(001) and InP(001) surfaces, after annealing at 400° C, are completely terminated by S-Ga and In-S bonds, respectively. Desorption peaks of S atoms are observed at 560° C for S/GaAs(001) and 460° C for S/InP(001) in TDS spectra. Desorption of V-elements, such as As and P atoms, is hindered by the S passivation.
Electrically Induced Orientation of Poly(silane)s
Authors: Nakayama Yoshikazu , Miyamoto Masahiko , Akita Seiji , Dohmaru Takaaki , West Robert
Published: January 2014

Electric-field orientation of poly(phenylmethylsilane) (PPMS) and poly(cyclohexylmethylsilane) (PHMS) in solvent has been observed. This phenomenon can be explained in terms of the birefringence of polysilanes. PPMS and PHMS align perpendicular to and parallel to the electric field, respectively, but do not align along the grooves on the polyimide film. Electrically oriented films of PHMS are also demonstrated.
A New Fabrication Technology for Field-Emission Triodes with Emitter-Gate Separation of 0.18 µm
Authors: Wang Chih-Chong , Lee Wen-Fang , Ku Tze-Kun , Chen Ming-Shang , Feng Ming-Shiann , Hsieh Iing-Jar , Huang-Chung Cheng Huang-Chung Cheng
Published: January 2014

A new fabrication technology has been used for field-emission triodes with the emitter-gate separation as small as 0.18 µ m to reduce the turn-on and anode voltages. The technology is based on the thermal oxidation of silicon and low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) of polycrystalline silicon, making the fabrication of a sub-half-micronmeter gate opening easy and reproducible. The entire process requires use of only one photolithography mask, and does not require advanced high-resolution photolithographic techniques. In this device, the oxidation process serves the three purposes of sharpening the emitters, defining the emitter-gate separation, and achieving a high-quality insulator. The finished devices have the emitter situated exactly at the center of the gate opening due to a self-alignment process. Furthermore, the LPCVD polysilicon film can form gate electrodes with a smooth edge and a small gate opening due to excellent step coverage.
The dependence of transient climate sensitivity and radiative feedbacks on the spatial pattern of ocean heat uptake
Authors: Rose Brian E. J. , Armour Kyle C. , Battisti David S. , Feldl Nicole , Koll Daniel D. B.
Published: January 2014

The effect of ocean heat uptake (OHU) on transient global warming is studied in a multimodel framework. Simple heat sinks are prescribed in shallow aquaplanet ocean mixed layers underlying atmospheric general circulation models independently and combined with CO2 forcing. Sinks are localized to either tropical or high latitudes, representing distinct modes of OHU found in coupled simulations. Tropical OHU produces modest cooling at all latitudes, offsetting only a fraction of CO2 warming. High‐latitude OHU produces three times more global mean cooling in a strongly polar‐amplified pattern. Global sensitivities in each scenario are set primarily by large differences in local shortwave cloud feedbacks, robust across models. Differences in atmospheric energy transport set the pattern of temperature change. Results imply that global and regional warming rates depend sensitively on regional ocean processes setting the OHU pattern, and that equilibrium climate sensitivity cannot be reliably estimated from transient observations.
Ozone photolysis: Strong isotopologue/isotopomer selectivity in the stratosphere
Authors: Ndengué Steve , Madronich Sasha , Gatti Fabien , Meyer Hans‐Dieter , Motapon Ousmanou , Jost Rémy
Published: January 2014

We calculated the photolysis rate coefficients of five ozone isotopologues/isotopomers as functions of altitude up to 80 km using recent ab initio absorption cross sections and an averaged actinic flux. Three of the five ozone isotopologues/isotopomers are symmetric, with a single isotopic dissociation channel, and two are asymmetric with two isotopic dissociation channels. The specific contributions of the Chappuis, Huggins, and Hartley bands to the photolysis rates and enrichments have been determined as a function of altitude. The Chappuis and Hartley bands have a dominant contribution to the photolysis rates, respectively at low and high altitudes, but these two bands are characterized by small fractionations. In contrast, the Huggins band has a minor contribution to the overall photolysis rate at any altitude, but it generates most of the strong fractionation which peaks around 35 km. The photolysis fractionations are “mass dependent” in contrast with those due to the ozone formation process which are “non–mass dependent.” The altitude dependences of our photolysis fractionations are in qualitative agreement with those of Liang et al. (2006) but differ quantitatively, most notably because the contribution of the Huggins band has been reevaluated. The branching ratio between the two electronic dissociation channels (either O(3P) or O(1D) products) has been used to calculate the isotopic enrichments of the reactive O(1D) induced by ozone photolysis. The isotopic photolysis rates can be included in a global kinetic model that includes ozone formation processes and collision with O2 and other oxygen‐containing species.
Considerations in the Design of Materials for Solar‐Driven Fuel Production Using Metal‐Oxide Thermochemical Cycles
Authors: Miller James E. , McDaniel Anthony H. , Allendorf Mark D.
Published: January 2014

With demand for energy increasing worldwide and an ever‐stronger case building for anthropogenic climate change, the need for carbon‐neutral fuels is becoming an imperative. Extensive transportation infrastructure based on liquid hydrocarbon fuels motivates development of processes using solar energy to convert CO2 and H2O to fuel precursors such as synthesis gas. Here, perspectives concerning the use of solar‐driven thermochemical cycles using metal oxides to produce fuel precursors are given and, in particular, the important relationship between reactor design and material selection is discussed. Considering both a detailed thermodynamic analysis and factors such as reaction kinetics, volatility, and phase stability, an integrated analytical approach that facilitates material design is presented. These concepts are illustrated using three oxide materials currently receiving considerable attention: metal‐substituted ferrites, ceria, and doped cerias. Although none of these materials is “ideal,” the tradeoffs made in selecting any one of them are clearly indicated, providing a starting point for assessing the feasibility of alternative materials developed in the future.
Teaching and Learning Theory For Family Therapy Practice: On The Art and Craft of Balancing
Authors: Flaskas Carmel
Published: January 2014

As with all practice knowledges, family therapy theory sits in a complicated relationship to practice. This paper offers a set of reflections exploring challenges of teaching and learning theory for, and about, practice in family therapy. The importance of teaching particular frameworks of practice sits in tension and balance with the importance of the common factors of therapeutic change, and the inseparability of the use of self and the use of particular practice knowledge. Passion and commitment to particular ways of working is held in balance with the need for flexibility and the freedom to think independently. Discipline and focus is balanced with creativity and the room for integration. A number of balancing practices are identified in the art and craft of teaching, and the contextual issue of power and vulnerability in the teaching and learning relationship is acknowledged. Finally, the three ‘Rs’ in teaching and learning family therapy practice theory are drawn out – reflection, the recursiveness of theory and practice, and the reflexivity of self in relation to context and knowledge.
Developing Family Therapy Skills on a Shoe String Budget: A Peer Supervision and Training Approach
Authors: Stiefel Ingeborg , Brand Matthew S. , Hinchcliffe Davida K. , Innes Waverney R.
Published: January 2014

Family therapy skills are an essential tool when working with young children and their families, yet accessing family therapy training and supervision in workplace settings has become more difficult. Skills enhancement may be obtained through formal training in accredited courses, a costly undertaking, in which clinicians most often carry the entire cost for the training. In this paper, we propose that specific family therapy skills relevant to working with families of young children can be developed within a peer group format. The peer training described in this paper is extremely cost effective, easy to set up, specifically tailored to our unique training needs and the characteristics of the population of families we are working with. Further, the training allows us to develop fresh and creative ways of skills acquisition, our own ‘curriculum’, with flexible use of training techniques, depending on our particular needs at a given time. We conclude with some of the disadvantages of the model and propose ideas for future development.
Integrating Reflective Practice in Family Therapy Supervision
Authors: Senediak Christine
Published: January 2014

This paper discusses how to integrate reflective practice in the family therapy supervisory relationship. This enables family therapists to think creatively, be insightful, and develop a range of perspectives regarding systemic formulation and practice. It encourages review of the past and promotes understanding in the present with the aim to improve therapists work with families in the future. Reflective practice encourages independent thinking and learning and helps therapists to develop a systemic process of critical enquiry to investigate and critique their own practice. It encourages therapists to be self‐reflective and develop confidence to think hypothetically regarding change. This allows them to pose questions for exploration, construct a new lens to conceptualise therapy and the therapeutic relationship and develop awareness of the personal as well as the professional self.
On Learning and Teaching Family Therapy
Authors: Cullin Joel
Published: January 2014

This paper explores some ideas about the process of learning to be a family therapist. It considers the questions: how does one learn to think like a family therapist? How is family therapy best taught? How is it learned? The author's experiences in learning and teaching are described. It is argued that family therapy differs from other approaches to therapy in some fundamental respects, and that learning to ‘be’ a family therapist is a different kind of task than learning to be a practitioner of other therapeutic approaches. The paper examines some key theoretical constructs, especially the idea of ‘levels’ of thinking, which are seen as central to both the learning and practice of family therapy.
Aging genomes: A necessary evil in the logic of life
Authors: Vijg Jan
Published: January 2014

Genomes are inherently unstable because of the need for DNA sequence variation as a substrate for evolution through natural selection. However, most multicellular organisms have postmitotic tissues, with limited opportunity for selective removal of cells harboring persistent damage and deleterious mutations, which can therefore contribute to functional decline, disease, and death. Key in this process is the role of genome maintenance, the network of protein products that repair DNA damage and signal DNA damage response pathways. Genome maintenance is beneficial early in life by swiftly eliminating DNA damage or damaged cells, facilitating rapid cell proliferation. However, at later ages accumulation of unrepaired damage and mutations, as well as ongoing cell depletion, promotes cancer, atrophy, and other deleterious effects associated with aging. As such, genome maintenance and its phenotypic sequelae provide yet another example of antagonistic pleiotropy in aging and longevity.
Characterizing the Effect of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6 Genetic Polymorphisms on Stereoselective N‐demethylation of Fluoxetine
Authors: Wang Zhangting , Wang Shengjia , Huang Minmin , Hu Haihong , Yu Lushan , Zeng Su
Published: January 2014

Fluoxetine (FLX) is one of the most widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Although FLX is used as racemate in the clinic, the clinical pharmacokinetics of FLX and its N‐demethylation metabolite norfluoxetine (NFLX) show obvious cytochrome P450 (CYP) polymorphism dependency and exhibit marked stereoselectivity. However, the kinetic profiles of CYP variants to FLX remain unclear. In the present study, some variants of human CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6 were first expressed in insect cells, and their catalytic roles with respect to FLX enantiomers were then investigated. CYP2C8.4 and CYP2C9.10 showed significantly lower activity and CYP2C8.3 showed significantly higher activity toward both R‐ and S‐FLX compared with the wildtype, while CYP2C9.3, CYP2C9.13, and CYP2C9.16 showed significantly lower activity only toward R‐FLX. Five CYP2C9 variants and CYP2D6.1 exhibited significantly stereoselective kinetic profiles prior to R‐FLX, and CYP2C8.3 showed a slight stereoselectivity. Interestingly, obvious substrate inhibition was observed in the CYP2C9 wildtype and its three variants only in the case of R‐FLX. Together, these findings suggest that CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 polymorphism may play an important role in the clearance of FLX and also in the stereoselective kinetic profiles of FLX enantiomers. Chirality 26:166–173, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Capacitance‐to‐digital: A single chip detector for capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Drevinskas Tomas , Kaljurand Mihkel , Maruška Audrius
Published: January 2014

A capacitance‐to‐digital converter integrated circuit was implemented in an automated CE device as a single chip detector. In this paper, design and hardware issues related to the fabrication and application of a miniature detector for contactless measurement of complex impedance are discussed. The capacitance‐to‐digital converter integrated circuit was used as the whole detector. The advantage of this setup is that the single integrated circuit provides digital data and neither additional signal conditioning nor analog‐to‐digital converter is required. Different separation conditions were used to evaluate the detection characteristics of the constructed detection unit. A 1 μM LOD for sodium and a 1.6 μM LOD for potassium ions were revealed for the detector. The detection system designed is competitive with miniaturized contactless conductivity detectors or UV absorbance detectors with respect to overall parameters (sensitivity, resolution, power consumption properties, and size). The obtained separation and detection results show that such detection technique can be used as an extremely low power consuming and space saving solution for CE detection with potential applications in environmental monitoring, process control, and various analytical measurements.
Fast and versatile fabrication of PMMA microchip electrophoretic devices by laser engraving
Authors: Gabriel Ellen Flávia Moreira , Coltro Wendell Karlos Tomazelli , Garcia Carlos D.
Published: January 2014

This paper describes the effects of different modes and engraving parameters on the dimensions of microfluidic structures produced in PMMA using laser engraving. The engraving modes included raster and vector, while the explored engraving parameters included power, speed, frequency, resolution, line‐width, and number of passes. Under the optimum conditions, the technique was applied to produce channels suitable for CE separations. Taking advantage of the possibility to cut‐through the substrates, the laser was also used to define solution reservoirs (buffer, sample, and waste) and a PDMS‐based decoupler. The final device was used to perform the analysis of a model mixture of phenolic compounds within 200 s with baseline resolution.
Accurate LC‐ESI‐MS/MS quantification of 2′‐deoxymugineic acid in soil and root related samples employing porous graphitic carbon as stationary phase and a 13C4‐labeled internal standard
Authors: Schindlegger Yvonne , Oburger Eva , Gruber Barbara , Schenkeveld Walter D. C. , Kraemer Stephan M. , Puschenreiter Markus , Koellensperger Gunda , Hann Stephan
Published: January 2014

For the first time the phytosiderophore 2′‐deoxymugineic acid (DMA) could be accurately quantified by LC‐MS/MS in plant and soil related samples. For this purpose a novel chromatographic method employing porous graphitic carbon as stationary phase combined with ESI‐MS/MS detection in selected reaction monitoring was developed. Isotope dilution was implemented by using in‐house synthesized DMA as external calibrant and 13C4‐labeled DMA as internal standard (concentration levels of standards 0.1–80 μM, determination coefficient of linear regression R2 > 0.9995). Sample preparation involved acidification of the samples in order to obtain complete dissociation of metal‐DMA complexes. Excellent matrix related LOD and LOQ depending on different experimental setups were obtained in the range of 3–34 nM and 11–113 nM, respectively. Standard addition experiments and the implementation of the internal 13C4‐DMA standard proved the accuracy of the quantification strategy even in complex matrices such as soil solution. The repeatability of the method, including sample preparation, expressed as short‐ and long term precision was below 4 and 5% RSD, respectively. Finally, application in the context of plant and soil research to samples from rhizosphere sampling via micro suction cups, from soil solutions and soil adsorption/extraction studies revealed a DMA concentration range from 0.1 to 235 μM.
Separation of bio‐based chemicals from fermentation broths by salting‐out extraction
Authors: Dai Jian‐Ying , Sun Ya‐Qin , Xiu Zhi‐Long
Published: January 2014

The possibility of creating a biorefinery using inexpensive biomass has attracted a great deal of attention, which is mainly focused on the improvement of strains and fermentation, whereas few resources have been spent on downstream processing. Bio‐based chemical downstream processing can become a bottleneck in industrial production because so many impurities are introduced into the fermentation broth. This review introduces a technique referred to as salting‐out extraction, which is based on the partition difference between chemicals in two phases consisting of salts and polymers or hydrophilic solvents, hydrophobic solvents, and amphipathic chemicals. The effects of solvents and salts on the formation of two phases were discussed, as was the use of this method to recover bio‐based chemicals. This review focused on the separation of hydrophilic chemicals (1,3‐propanediol, 2,3‐butanediol, acetoin, and lactic acid) from fermentation broths. Diols could be recovered at a high yield from fermentation broths without pretreatment especially with a hydrophilic solvent‐based system, whereas the recovery of organic acids was slightly lower. Most of the impurities (cells and proteins) were removed during the same step. Extractive fermentations were also used for polymer‐based aqueous two‐phase systems.
A flume experiment on wood storage and remobilization in braided river systems
Authors: Bertoldi Walter , Welber Matilde , Mao Luca , Zanella Sandra , Comiti Francesco
Published: January 2014

This work investigates wood dynamics in braided streams through physical modelling in a mobile bed laboratory flume, with the specific objective to characterize wood storage and turnover as a function of wood input rate and of wood element type. Three parallel channels (1.7 m wide, 10 m long) filled with uniform sand were used to reproduce braided networks with constant water discharge and sediment feeding. Wood dowels with and without simplified root wads were regularly added at the upstream end of each flume at different input rates, with a 1:2:3 ratio between the three flumes. Temporal evolution of wood deposition patterns and remobilization rates were monitored by a series of vertical images that permitted the recognition of individual logs. Results show that wood tends to disperse in generally small accumulations (< 5 logs), with higher spatial density on top of sediment bars, and is frequently remobilized due to the intense morphological changes. The amount of wood stored in the channel depends on log input rate through a non‐linear relationship, and input rates exceeding approximately 100 logs/hour determine a sharp change in wood dynamics, with higher storage volume and augmented formation of large jams (> 10 elements) that are less prone to remobilization. Presence of root wads seems to play a minor role in wood deposition, but it reduces the average travel distance of logs. Turnover rates of logs were similar in the three flumes, independently of wood input rate and largely resembling the turnover rate of exposed bars. For the simulated conditions, significant effects of wood on bed morphology were not observed, suggesting that interactions with fine sediments and living vegetation are crucial to form large, stable wood jams able to bring about relevant morphological changes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Twenty‐First Century Employment Relationships: The Case for an Altruistic Model
Authors: Clarkson Gail P.
Published: January 2014

Different parties in any form of employment relationship (ER) will display variation in terms of their motivations and what they want to accomplish. Insights into how we might meet these potentially competing interests come from the discipline of sociobiology. In particular, this article focuses upon multilevel selection (MLS); the central tenet being that internally altruistic groups are likely to outperform their more selfish counterparts, which many contemporary theoretical biologists agree is a legitimate theory accounting for evolutionary change and success. On the assumption that the interests of all parties are more likely to be realized in the context of overall organizational success, the simple logic of MLS challenges the quid pro quo arrangements central to dominant theoretical perspectives of the ER. Drawing upon the growing evidence in support of MLS theory, and long‐accepted insights from social psychology, the case for altruism as a model of the ER fit for the twenty‐first century world of work is presented and consideration is given as to how altruistic behaviors can be encouraged in all parties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Downregulation of a putative tumor suppressor BMP4 by SOX2 promotes growth of lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Fang Wen‐Tsen , Fan Chi‐Chen , Li Shih‐Miao , Jang Te‐Hsuan , Lin Hsiu‐Ping , Shih Neng‐Yao , Chen Chung‐Hsing , Wang Tao‐Yeuen , Huang Shiu‐Feng , Lee Alan Yueh‐Luen , Liu Ying‐Lan , Tsai Fang‐Yu , Huang Chih‐Ting , Yang Su Jing , Yen Lin‐Ju , Chuu Chih‐Pin , Chen Chih‐Yi , Hsiung Chao A. , Chang Jang‐Yang , Wang Lu‐Hai , Chang I‐Shou , Jiang Shih Sheng
Published: January 2014

SOX2 is a transcription factor essential for self‐renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. Recently, SOX2 was found overexpressed in the majority of the lung squamous cell carcinoma (SQC), in which it acts as a lineage‐survival oncogene. However, downstream targets/pathways of SOX2 in lung SQC cells remain to be identified. Here, we show that BMP4 is a downstream target of SOX2 in lung SQC. We found that SOX2‐silencing‐mediated inhibition of cell growth was accompanied by upregulation of BMP4 mRNA and its protein expression. Meta‐analysis with 293 samples and qRT‐PCR validation with 73 clinical samples revealed an inversely correlated relationship between levels of SOX2 and BMP4 mRNA, and significantly lower mRNA levels in tumor than in adjacent normal tissues. This was corroborated by immunohistochemistry analysis of 35 lung SQC samples showing lower BMP4 protein expression in tumor tissues. Cell‐based experiments including siRNA transfection, growth assay and flow cytometry assay, further combined with a xenograft tumor model in mice, revealed that reactivation of BMP4 signaling could partially account for growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest in lung SQC cells upon silencing SOX2. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis and luciferase reporter assay revealed that SOX2 could negatively regulate BMP4 promoter activity, possibly through binding to the promoter located in the first intron region of BMP4. Collectively, our findings suggest that BMP4 could act as a tumor suppressor and its downregulation by elevated SOX2 resulting in enhanced growth of lung SQC cells.
LIF/STAT3/SOCS3 Signaling Pathway in Murine Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Suppresses Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Matsushita Kenta , Itoh Shousaku , Ikeda Shun , Yamamoto Yumiko , Yamauchi Yukako , Hayashi Mikako
Published: January 2014

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that belongs to the interleukin‐6 family and is expressed by multiple tissue types. This study analyzed the effect of LIF on osteoblast differentiation using primary murine bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Colony‐forming unit‐osteoblast formation by BMSCs was significantly suppressed by LIF treatment. To clarify the mechanism underlying the LIF suppressive effect on osteoblast differentiation, we analyzed the downstream signaling pathway of LIF. LIF/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling induces the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3). SOCS3 knockdown experiments have previously demonstrated that short‐hairpin SOCS3‐BMSCs reversed the LIF suppressive effect. Our results demonstrated that LIF suppresses osteoblast differentiation through the LIF/STAT3/SOCS3 signaling pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1262–1268, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
miR‐20a Promotes Prostate Cancer Invasion and Migration Through Targeting ABL2
Authors: Qiang Xiao‐Fei , Zhang Zheng‐Wei , Liu Qian , Sun Nan , Pan Liang‐Liang , Shen Jing , Li Tong , Yun Chen , Li Hui , Shi Li‐Hua
Published: January 2014

The aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been found in various types of cancer. The present study found miR‐20a was significantly up‐regulated in prostate cancer compared with normal prostate tissues. Patients with a higher miR‐20a expression had a Gleason score of 7–10 and shorter survival time. The transwell and wound healing assays revealed that blocking expression of miR‐20a by miR‐20a ASO suppresses the invasion and migration of PC‐3 and DU145 cells in vitro and also inhibits tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, we identified miR‐20a directly targets the ABL family non‐receptor tyrosine kinases ABL2 and negatively regulates the phosphorylation of its downstream gene p190RhoGAP. Knockdown of ABL2 promoted cell invasion and migration and we identified miR‐20a‐induced cell invasion and migration can be rescued by ABL2. In conclusion, our findings show that miR‐20a significantly contributes to the progression of prostate cancer by targeting ABL2. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1269–1276, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment of metalworking fluids using a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (SAMBR)
Authors: Teli Aronne , Vyrides Ioannis , Stuckey David C.
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

The role of biodegradation and physical–chemical mechanisms involved in the treatment of metal working fluids (MWFs) using a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (SAMBR) was assessed in this research. Two SAMBRs were employed in series, with the second SAMBR being fed the permeate from the first bioreactor.

RESULTS

Results showed a low biodegradability of the MWF both in batch tests (bioconversion efficiency ≤ 3%), and operating the bioreactors continuously (bioconversion efficiency ∼0%). Among the physical–chemical removal mechanisms identified, it was found that bio‐adhesion was the most important in MWF removal (removal rate of 96.0 ± 1.64%), whereas membrane rejection was not significant (removal rate of 0.2 ± 0.18%). However, it is expected that membrane separation will play an important role in removal after bio‐adhesion has been saturated.

CONCLUSION

The inhibition of the hydrolytic/heteroacetogenic biomass was the most problematic aspect in anaerobic digestion, resulting in the need for bioaugmentation of specific microorganisms to degrade MWFs. In the case of non‐adaptation during long‐term operation, the bio‐adhesive propensity of MWFs could be used as a potential method for removing spent MWFs from wastewater streams. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
In vivo absolute quantification for mouse muscle metabolites using an inductively coupled synthetic signal injection method and newly developed 1H/31P dual tuned probe
Authors: Lee Donghoon , Marro Kenneth , Mathis Mark , Shankland Eric , Hayes Cecil
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To obtain robust estimates of 31P metabolite content in mouse skeletal muscles using our recently developed MR absolute quantification method and a custom‐built 1H/31P dual tuned radiofrequency (RF) coil optimized for mouse leg.

Materials and Methods

We designed and fabricated a probe consisting of two dual tuned 1H/31P solenoid coils: one leg was inserted to each solenoid. The mouse leg volume coil was incorporated with injector coils for MR absolute quantification. The absolute quantification method uses a synthetic reference signal injection approach and solves several challenges in MR absolute quantification including changes of coil loading and receiver gains.

Results

The 1H/31P dual tuned probe was composed of two separate solenoid coils, one for each leg, to increase coil filling factors and signal‐to‐noise ratio. Each solenoid was equipped with a second coil to allow injection of reference signals. 31P metabolite concentrations determined for normal mice were well within the expected range reported in the literature.

Conclusion

We developed an RF probe and an absolute quantification approach adapted for mouse skeletal muscle. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:1039–1046. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Enigma of Čiurlionis's Illness and Its Relationship to His Creativity
Authors: Lerner Vladimir , Witztum Eliezer
Published: January 2014

Assumption regarding the relationship between creativity and mental disturbances has attracted academic and public interest from antiquity. Research performed in recent years, support these associations and show a disproportionately high rate of mental illnesses, especially bipolar disorder, in creative individuals. In this article, we give another example of this link by describing the life and works of a Lithuanian composer, painter, and poet Mikalojus Konstantinas Chiurlionis (1875–1911) (Lithuanian transcription—Čiurlionis). This relationship is demonstrated graphically, which enables to see a link between his mood fluctuations and quantity of Chiurlionis' works. Chiurlionis lived in the complex period with its turbulent whirl of changing trends in art doubtlessly influenced his art. Chiurlionis had synesthesia and he was one of the first who tried to join music and painting in a synthesis of the arts. Significant components of his work are related to Symbolism. Chiurlionis lived very short life—only 36 years, but during his life, he created over 200 musical works, and painted about 300 canvases. His compositions were romantic and nationalist in spirit, sometimes inspired by Lithuanian folklore and his best work is thought to be his “musical paintings”. For many years, they were virtually unknown outside his motherland. While it was well‐known that Chiurlionis died in a sanatorium for mental ill, almost nothing was written about his mental illness. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the Chiurlionis' illness (bipolar affective disorder) and his creative output in music and paintings were connected.