bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of the multilayer morphology (alumina/Cu/YIG/Cu) to characterize YIG thin film
Authors: Khalil Ismaïl , Siblini Ali , Chatelon Jean Pierre , Blanc‐Mignon Marie Françoise , Rousseau Jean Jacques
Published: March 2011

The aim of our study is to characterize yttrium iron garnet (YIG) thin film for its applications in the microwaves and magneto‐optical domains. For this purpose, we have manufactured a microinductor by deposition of YIG film between two copper layers on an alumina substrate. Multilayers have been deposited by radio‐frequency magnetron sputtering technique. Thin films of YIG are amorphous after deposition; a post‐thermal annealing at 740 °C for 2 h is necessary to obtain satisfactory magnetic properties. In this work, we have studied the effects of different parameters concerning the substrate surface state, deposition and post‐thermal treatment of YIG and copper thin films on their structure and morphological properties. We have come against several mechanical and electrical problems: crack formation, detachment of YIG or Cu films from the substrate, deterioration of Cu films, open or short circuits. The roughness of alumina substrate and the annealing mode play an important role on the quality of the microinductor prototype. After several tests by varying different parameters, we have established a protocol permitting to manufacture a prototype of good quality. This prototype is characterized using: profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, and a precision LCR meter.
The Herbal Preparation Padma® 28 Protects Against Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells
Authors: Ginsburg Isaac , Rozenstein‐Tsalkovich Lea , Koren Erez , Rosenmann Hanna
Published: March 2011

Padma® 28 is a multicompound herbal preparation based on the camphor formulas from traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM). It contains a variety of different secondary plant substances, which include terpenes and polyphenols such as flavonoids and tannins. As a rich source of antioxidant polyphenols, this herbal Padma 28 preparation seems to be a promising candidate for the treatment of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), a condition involving oxidative stress. Moreover, polyphenols have also been shown to mitigate AD neuropathology. The study investigated the protective effect of Padma 28 and of certain polyphenols on the neurotoxicity of PC12 cells induced by the neurotoxins: amyloid‐beta (Aβ), glutamate, 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 3‐nitropropionate (3‐NP), known to be involved in AD, Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic‐lateral‐sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington's disease (HD), respectively. The decrease in cell viability induced by each of the toxins was significantly attenuated by Padma 28 treatment. Also, a decrease in the oxidative capacity of PC12 cells treated with Padma 28 was noted, indicating that the decrease in cell viability induced by the toxins might have been the result of an oxidative stress which could be attenuated by Padma 28 acting as a potent antioxidant. Padma 28, which is available in Europe and USA, seems to be a promising candidate for the treatment of CNS diseases. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable Molluscicide Formulation of an Aqueous Extract of Euphorbia myrsinites
Authors: Patel Asmita V. , Wright David , Blunden Gerald , Sumner Steven , Rice Jillian
Published: March 2011

Aqueous extracts of Euphorbia myrsinites L. (Euphorbiaceae) were tested for molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria glabrata; LC50 values of 15.1 and 8.9 ppm were obtained for the stem and leaf extracts, respectively, which are within the WHO limit for an effective molluscicide. However, the extracts were found to be unstable at room temperature and the level of activity fell rapidly (about 50% after 7 days at 20 °C). Moreover, the extracts were shown to be cytotoxic and would thus, if used as a molluscicide, be potentially hazardous to the user. As a result, attempts were made to produce a simple formulation that was stable and easy to handle, thereby reducing the danger to the user, but which would decompose rapidly in aqueous solution after application, thus reducing any lasting ecological damage. A product based on spray drying the aqueous extract of the leaves and stems led to a preparation that, although slightly lower in activity than the original extract, was stable at room temperature for at least a year, but which decomposed in aqueous solution at a similar rate to the original extract. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ion mobility mass spectrometric investigation of ellagitannins and their non‐covalent aggregates
Authors: Franceschi Pietro , Vrhovsek Urska , Guella Graziano
Published: March 2011

Mass spectrometry is an established analytical technique in high‐throughput metabolomics, often coupled with ultra‐performance liquid chromatographic separation (UPLC). Since ion formation under ‘soft’ conditions is a complex phenomenon resulting in fragmentation, clustering and adduct formation, the extraction of meaningful information from holistic metabolomic profiling of biological samples requires the understanding of the physicochemical phenomena occurring inside an ionization source. In this paper we investigate the ionization dynamics of two ellagitannins (sanguiin H6 and lambertianin C) by combining state of the art mass spectrometric techniques (MALDI, ESI, APCI), ion mobility (IMS) and NMR. These compounds can be used as prototype of an important class of bio‐active compound present in relevant concentrations in some food matrices. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of the fragmentation pathway of α‐aminophosphonates by chemical ionization and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry
Authors: Tibhe Gaurao D. , Labastida‐Galván Victoria , Ordóñez Mario
Published: March 2011

The diastereoisomers of α‐aminophosphonates are key intermediates in the synthesis of enantiomerically pure α‐aminophosphonic acids, which are analogs of α‐amino acids. Although several methods have been reported for the diastereoselective synthesis of α‐aminophosphonates, their mass spectrometry (MS) fragmentation patterns have not yet been fully investigated. The work described here involved a detailed study of the fragmentation of enriched α‐aminophosphonate diastereoisomers by chemical ionization (CI‐MS) and fast atom bombardment (FAB)‐MS. The complete characterization of the different conventional MS fragmentation pathways is represented and this intriguing exercise required the use of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments and high‐resolution accurate mass measurements. All α‐aminophosphonates gave prominent pseudomolecular ions, protonated molecules [MH]+, and their fragmentations mainly showed a loss of dimethyl phosphite to give the corresponding iminium ions as base peaks for α‐aminophosphonates bearing methylbenzyl and 2,2‐dimethylbutyl fragments. The loss of the chiral fragment from the iminium ions bearing the (S)‐1‐(1‐naphthyl)ethyl group gave rise to a base peak due to aryl cations. The nature of all fragment ions were confirmed by high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of soil moisture stress from flowering to grain maturity on functional properties of Sri Lankan rice flour
Authors: Gunaratne Anil , Ratnayaka Upul Kumari , Sirisena Nihal , Ratnayaka Jennet , Kong Xiangli , Arachchi Lal Vidana , Corke Harold
Published: March 2011

Functional properties of flour from rice variety BG 250 (short‐season) and BG 359 (long‐season) exposed to soil water stress from flowering to grain maturity were investigated. Protein content was reduced in both varieties but lipid was reduced only in BG 359 in response to soil moisture stress. AAM content decreased in BG 250 but unaffected in BG 359. Water stress increased swelling power, onset of pasting, peak viscosity, granular breakdown, gel hardness, and cohesiveness in both varieties. Gelatinization temperatures in both varieties were unaffected by water stress, while gelatinization enthalpy was increased in BG 359 but unchanged in BG 250. A double endotherm (type I and type II) appeared in AM–lipid complex in all the flour samples. Type I AM–lipid complex was reduced in BG 359 in response to water stress. Only a single endotherm appeared in the re‐formed AM–lipid complex in gelatinized starch. The magnitude of the ΔH of re‐formed AM–lipid complex was reduced in BG 359 in response to soil moisture stress, but unaffected in BG 250. Water stress decreased AP retrogradation in BG 359 while it was unaffected in BG 250.
Influence of prior acid treatment on physicochemical and structural properties of acetylated sorghum starch
Authors: Singh Harinder , Chang Yung‐Ho , Sodhi Navdeep Singh , Singh Narpinder
Published: March 2011

Influence of prior acid treatment on acetylation of starch isolated from an Indian sorghum cultivar was investigated. The starch was acid thinned (AT) using 0.1, 0.5, and 1 M HCl for 1.5 h and then acetylated (Ac) with acetic anhydride (8% w/w). The acid thinning and subsequent acetylation appeared to reduce the percentage acetylation as indicated by degree of substitution. Ac‐AT starches exhibited significantly different physicochemical, thermal, pasting, and gel textural properties from those of AT and Ac starches. Starches after dual modification showed higher solubility, lower AM content, gelatinization temperatures, retrogradation, peak viscosity, and gel hardness than native starch. Enthalpy and range of gelatinization were observed to be higher in dual modified starches than native starch. However, no significant changes in granule morphology or crystalline pattern of Ac‐AT starches were observed compared with native starch.
Effect of acid–ethanol on the physicochemical properties of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. and Pueraria thomsonii Benth. starches
Authors: Jiang QianQian , Gao Wenyuan , Li Xia , Zhang Junying , Huang Luqi
Published: March 2011

Dioscorea opposita Thunb. and Pueraria thomsonii Benth. starches were hydrolyzed with 0.36% HCl under ethanol conditions during 1, 3, 5, 8, and 12 h. Structural and physicochemical characteristics studies of C‐type D. opposita Thunb. and P. thomsonii Benth. starches were carried out using SEM, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy. From the FTIR result, it was determined that the amorphous areas of starch granules were hydrolyzed successfully. The SEM and XRD results revealed that the interior was preferentially hydrolyzed and the degree of crystallinity increased for D. opposita and P. thomsonii starches. However, the two kinds of starches were hydrolyzed in different ways. The starch granules of D. opposita presented bread‐like in shape after acid hydrolysis. While the P. thomsonii Benth. starch granules were degraded for concaves formed on the surface, and several small particles appeared. Water‐binding capacity and AM content were observed to be lower for both starches. The thermal results revealed that the hydrolyzed starches showed the lower ΔHgel than the native starches, which can be related to the preferential destruction of amorphous areas in the granules.
Type of Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy Incision: Parallel or Vertical?
Authors: Ersoz Feyzullah , Arikan Soykan , Sari Serkan , Bektas Hasan , Ozcan Ozhan
Published: March 2011

Background

The lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) technique is considered the optimal surgical treatment for chronic anal fissures (CAFs), although questions remain regarding the best technique. The present study investigated whether the type of anoderm incision (vertical or parallel to the anus) affects wound healing, wound‐related complications, incontinence, and recurrence rates in CAF patients undergoing open LIS.

Methods

This prospective randomized clinical study divided 52 patients undergoing LIS for CAF into two groups. In group 1 (n = 25) the incision was made vertical to the anus; and in group 2 (n = 27) it was made parallel to the anus. Incision sites were not sutured in either group. Wound site complications, wound healing times, perianal itching, incontinence, and recurrence rates were evaluated.

Results

Complications involving bleeding, hematoma, abscess formation, or fistulization were not observed in either group. Complications were observed in 5 patients of group 1 (1 wound infection, 1 ecchymosis, 2 flatus incontinence, 1 recurrence) and in three patients of group 2 (2 wound infections, 1 flatus incontinence). Overall wound complication, incontinence, and recurrence rates were 7.7, 5.8, and 1.9%, respectively. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of wound complications, incontinence, or recurrence. Itching duration was significantly longer in group 1 (p < 0.0001) Complete wound healing was slower in group 1 than group 2 (19.44 ± 6.82 vs. 10.59 ± 3.48 days, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Wound healing time and perianal itching duration were significantly reduced when anoderm incisions were made parallel to the anus compared to those made vertical to the anus.
Extensive peritoneal calcification and small intestinal perforation in a peritoneal dialysis patient: A case report
Authors: Tu Hsing‐Yang , Hsia Ching‐Chih , Chen Tom , Chen Ran‐Chou
Published: March 2011

A 56‐year‐old woman was maintained on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (PD) for 12 years. The patient presented to our hospital with chief complaints of intermittent abdominal pain and frequent loose stool. Plain radiograph of abdomen revealed extensive peritoneal calcification. Computed tomography confirmed the extensive peritoneal calcification and revealed a large right ovarian cyst. Torsion of the right ovarian cyst was suspected. Right oophorectomy was performed. Small intestinal perforation developed 37 days after the operation. The patient expired because of peritonitis and sepsis. Extensive peritoneal calcification is a rare and serious complication after long‐term PD. Intestinal perforation is a rare complication of PD. Pathognomic signs of imaging studies can be important in early diagnosis and treatment.
Absorption and metabolism of olive oil secoiridoids in the small intestine
Authors: Pinto Joana , Paiva-Martins Fátima , Corona Giulia , Debnam Edward S. , Jose Oruna-Concha Maria , Vauzour David , Gordon Michael H. , Spencer Jeremy P. E.
Published: March 2011

The secoiridoids 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol-elenolic acid (3,4-DHPEA-EA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol-elenolic acid dialdehyde (3,4-DHPEA-EDA) account for approximately 55 % of the phenolic content of olive oil and may be partly responsible for its reported human health benefits. We have investigated the absorption and metabolism of these secoiridoids in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Both 3,4-DHPEA-EDA and 3,4-DHPEA-EA were relatively stable under gastric conditions, only undergoing limited hydrolysis. Both secoiridoids were transferred across a human cellular model of the small intestine (Caco-2 cells). However, no glucuronide conjugation was observed for either secoiridoid during transfer, although some hydroxytyrosol and homovanillic alcohol were formed. As Caco-2 cells are known to express only limited metabolic activity, we also investigated the absorption and metabolism of secoiridoids in isolated, perfused segments of the jejunum and ileum. Here, both secoiridoids underwent extensive metabolism, most notably a two-electron reduction and glucuronidation during the transfer across both the ileum and jejunum. Unlike Caco-2 cells, the intact small-intestinal segments contain NADPH-dependent aldo-keto reductases, which reduce the aldehyde carbonyl group of 3,4-DHPEA-EA and one of the two aldeydic carbonyl groups present on 3,4-DHPEA-EDA. These reduced forms are then glucuronidated and represent the major in vivo small-intestinal metabolites of the secoiridoids. In agreement with the cell studies, perfusion of the jejunum and ileum also yielded hydroxytyrosol and homovanillic alcohol and their respective glucuronides. We suggest that the reduced and glucuronidated forms represent novel physiological metabolites of the secoiridoids that should be pursued in vivo and investigated for their biological activity.
Transcriptional and physiological changes of alfalfa in response to aluminium stress
Authors: CHEN Q. , ZHANG X. D. , WANG S. S. , WANG Q. F. , WANG G. Q. , NIAN H. J. , LI K. Z. , YU Y. X. , CHEN L. M.
Published: March 2011

Medicago sativais an excellent pasture legume, but it is very sensitive to aluminium (Al) toxicity. To better understand the mechanism ofM. sativasensitivity to Al, a forward suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) cDNA library for an Al-sensitive cultivar,M. sativaL. cv. Yumu No. 1 (YM1), under 5 μmAl stress over a 24 h period was constructed to analyse changes in its gene expression in response to Al stress. Sequence analysis for the SSH cDNA library generated 291 high-quantity expression sequence tags (ESTs). Of these, 229 were known as functional ESTs, 137 of which have already been reported as Al response genes, whereas the other 92 were potentially novel Al-associated genes. The up-regulation of known Al resistance-associated genes encoding the transcription factor sensitive to proton rhizotoxicity 1 (STOP1) and malate transporterMsALMT1(Al-activated malate transporter) as well as genes for antioxidant enzymes was observed. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis validated the reliability of the SSH data and confirmed the up-regulated expression ofSTOP1andMsALMT1under 5 μmAl stress. The analysis of physiological changes indicated that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde levels were elevated rapidly under 5 μmAl stress, suggesting that severe oxidative stress occurred in the YM1 roots. The up-regulation of antioxidant-related genes might be an important protective mechanism for YM1 in response to the oxidative stress induced by 5 μmAl toxicity. Al-induced malate exudation was increased drastically during the early period after Al treatment, which might have been due to the up-regulation and function ofMsALMTandSTOP1. However, malate exudation from the YM1 roots declined quickly during the subsequent period, and a gradual decrease in malate content was simultaneously observed in the YM1 roots. This result is in agreement with the observation that organic acid metabolism-associated enzymes such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, citrate synthase and malate dehydrogenase were not present in the SSH library. This might be a major reason for the YM1 sensitivity to Al.
Comparison of methods for analysis of proteolysis by plasmin in milk
Authors: Chove Lucy M , Grandison Alistair S , Lewis Michael J
Published: March 2011

Sensitive methods that are currently used to monitor proteolysis by plasmin in milk are limited due to their high cost and lack of standardisation for quality assurance in the various dairy laboratories. In this study, four methods, trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS), reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), gel electrophoresis and fluorescamine, were selected to assess their suitability for the detection of proteolysis in milk by plasmin. Commercial UHT milk was incubated with plasmin at 37°C for one week. Clarification was achieved by isoelectric precipitation (pH 4·6 soluble extracts) or 6% (final concentration) trichloroacetic acid (TCA). The pH 4·6 and 6% TCA soluble extracts of milk showed high correlations (R2 > 0·93) by the TNBS, fluorescamine and RP-HPLC methods, confirming increased proteolysis during storage. For gel electrophoresis, extensive proteolysis was confirmed by the disappearance of α- and β-casein bands on the seventh day, which was more evident in the highest plasmin concentration. This was accompanied by the appearance of α- and β-casein proteolysis products with higher intensities than on previous days, implying that more products had been formed as a result of casein breakdown. The fluorescamine method had a lower detection limit compared with the other methods, whereas gel electrophoresis was the best qualitative method for monitoring β-casein proteolysis products. Although HPLC was the most sensitive, the TNBS method is recommended for use in routine laboratory analysis on the basis of its accuracy, reliability and simplicity.
Caseinomacropeptide behaviour in a whey protein fractionation process based on α-lactalbumin precipitation
Authors: Fernández Ayoa , Menéndez Violeta , Riera Francisco A , Álvarez Ricardo
Published: March 2011

This work studied the behaviour of caseinomacropeptide (CMP) in a whey protein fractionation process based on the selective precipitation of α-lactalbumin (α-la) in an acid medium. Three different acids (hydrochloric, citric and lactic) and different operating conditions (protein concentration, temperature and pH) were considered to perform the precipitation step. Under the optimised precipitation conditions obtained for α-la (pH 4, 55°C, initial α-la concentration around 12 g/l) CMP presents quite similar behaviour to that observed for β-lactoglobulin (β-lg), namely remaining in the supernatant fraction. However, at a lower pH value (3·5) the amount of precipitated CMP increases up to 72% when citric acid is added. This behaviour could be due to the fact that CMP is close to its isoelectric point, which allows a supernatant fraction enriched in β-lg that is almost free from the rest of proteins in sweet whey.
Influence of APOE Status on Lexical–Semantic Skills in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Biundo Roberta , Gardini Simona , Caffarra Paolo , Concari Letizia , Martorana Davide , Neri Tauro Maria , Shanks Michael F. , Venneri Annalena
Published: March 2011

This study characterized the relationship between apolipoprotein E (APOE) status and residual semantic abilities in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). APOE status (ε4 carrier/non ε4 carrier) was determined in 30 amnestic MCIs and in 22 healthy matched non ε4 carrier controls. The lexical characteristics (age of acquisition, typicality, familiarity) of words produced in a category fluency task were determined. MCIs produced fewer words than controls and these were also earlier acquired and more familiar. The words produced by MCI ε4 carriers were earlier acquired than those of non ε4 carriers. Analyses limited to the first 10 words produced by patients and controls showed similar findings and also revealed that MCI subgroups retrieved first more typical words than controls. Follow up showed higher conversion to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in MCI ε4 carriers than in non ε4 carriers. These findings show that a significant proportion of phenotype variability in performance on category fluency in people at increased AD risk is influenced by genetic factors. These findings explain why category fluency deficits, together with episodic memory deficits, are the only consistent early deficits in MCI patients who convert to AD. (JINS, 2011, 17, 423–430)
On the antenna calibration of space radio instruments using the galactic background: General formulas and application to STEREO/WAVES
Authors: Zaslavsky A. , Meyer‐Vernet N. , Hoang S. , Maksimovic M. , Bale S. D.
Published: March 2011

We present general formulas to calibrate the antennas of a space‐based radio instrument using as a reference source the galactic background radiation (or any isotropic source). We apply these formulas to determine the effective length of the STEREO/WAVES antennas. The results for the monopoles are in agreement with the measurements performed on ground, and we provide new results for the XY and YZ dipoles used by the instrument. Our method also allows us to accurately determine the internal noise background of the radio receiver.
Stochastic analysis of well‐type flows in randomly heterogeneous porous formations
Authors: Severino Gerardo
Published: March 2011

Well‐type flow takes place in a heterogeneous porous formation where the transmissivity is modeled as a stationary random space function (RSF). General expressions for the covariances of the head and flux are obtained and analyzed. The second‐order approximation of the mean radial flux is represented as the product between the solution valid in a homogeneous domain and a distortion term , which adjusts according to the medium heterogeneity. The spatial dependence of the function is studied. In view of the formation identification problem, the equivalent T(eq) and apparent T(ap) transmissivity are computed. The important result is the relationship ( may be either “eq” or “ap”), where TH and TG represent the harmonic and the geometric means of the transmissivity, respectively. The position‐dependent weight is explicitly calculated. Indeed, close to the well, it yields , which is understandable in view of the fact that the limit is equivalent to I → ∞, which is the heterogeneity structure of a stratified formation. Nevertheless, the effective transmissivity of a stratified formation is precisely TH. In contrast, far from the well, one has , with the flow being slowly varying in the mean there. It is shown that grows with increasing . In the case of T(eq), the rate of growing is found (similar to Dagan and Lessoff (2007)) to be strongly dependent upon the position in the flow domain, whereas T(ap) is a more robust property. Finally, it is shown how the general results can be used for practical applications.
Mechanisms for Predictability of Polar Climate
Authors: Shepherd Theodore G.
Published: March 2011

Workshop on Seasonal to Multi‐Decadal Predictability of Polar Climate; Bergen, Norway, 25–29 October 2010; Over the past few decades the two Earth poles have exhibited drastically different behavior. The Arctic has warmed, as expected from the polar amplification of global warming, although the observed rate of summertime sea ice retreat is at the upper limit of climate model predictions. At the same time, Antarctic sea ice extent is increasing, contrary to model predictions. However, natural variability in polar regions is large, with substantial power at multidecadal time scales. All this leads to considerable uncertainty concerning the future evolution of polar climate over the next few decades. To address this issue, the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) convened a workshop to assess scientists' current knowledge of the predictability of polar climate and identify physical mechanisms that could be exploited to improve predictive capability. The workshop participants included experts in observations, theory, processes, and modeling, and they looked at both polar regions in the context of their coupling with the global climate system.
Hypoxia down-regulates sFlt-1 (sVEGFR-1) expression in human microvascular endothelial cells by a mechanism involving mRNA alternative processing
Authors: Ikeda Takayuki , Sun Li , Tsuruoka Naoki , Ishigaki Yasuhito , Yoshitomi Yasuo , Yoshitake Yoshino , Yonekura Hideto
Published: March 2011

sFlt-1 (soluble Flt-1) potently inhibits angiogenesis by binding extracellularly to VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). In the present paper, we report that hypoxia down-regulates sFlt-1 expression in HMVECs (human microvascular endothelial cells), a constituent of microvessels where angiogenesis occurs. Hypoxia (5–1% O2) increased VEGF expression in HMVECs. In contrast, the levels of sFlt-1 mRNA and protein in HMVECs decreased significantly as the O2 concentration fell, whereas mFlt-1 (membrane-bound Flt-1) mRNA and protein remained unchanged. This suggested that hypoxia selectively regulates alternative 3′-end processing of sFlt-1 pre-mRNA. We have also demonstrated that sFlt-1 overexpression in lentiviral-construct-infected HMVECs counteracted VEGF-induced endothelial cell growth. We next identified cis-elements involved in sFlt-1 mRNA processing in HMVECs using a human Flt-1 minigene and found that two non-contiguous AUUAAA sequences function as the poly(A) signal. Furthermore, we identified a cis-element in intron 13 that regulates sFlt-1 mRNA processing. Mutagenesis of the U-rich region in intron 13 caused a significant decrease in the soluble-form/membrane-form RNA ratio in the minigene-transfected HMVECs. These results suggest that decreased sFlt-1 expression due to hypoxia contributes to hypoxia-induced angiogenesis and reveals a novel mechanism regulating angiogenesis by alternative mRNA 3′-end processing.
Mest/Peg1 inhibits Wnt signalling through regulation of LRP6 glycosylation
Authors: Jung Hwajin , Lee Suk Kyung , Jho Eek-hoon
Published: March 2011

Mest (mesoderm-specific transcript)/Peg1 (paternally expressed gene 1) is an imprinted gene that plays important roles in embryo development, although its biochemical role has not been determined. Ectopic expression of Mest/Peg1 inhibited Wnt-mediated reporter activity by enhancing the ubiquitination of β-catenin. The maturation and plasma membrane localization of the Wnt co-receptor LRP6 [LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor)-related protein 6], which are both necessary for Wnt signalling, were blocked by the expression of Mest/Peg1. Mest/Peg1 inhibited maturation of LRP6 by controlling the glycosylation of LRP6. Knockdown of Mest/Peg1, which might enhance Wnt signalling, blocked adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. Overall, our results suggest that Mest/Peg1 is a novel regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signalling during adipogenic differentiation.
5-HT2A receptor signalling through phospholipase D1 associated with its C-terminal tail
Authors: Barclay Zoë , Dickson Louise , Robertson Derek N. , Johnson Melanie S. , Holland Pamela J. , Rosie Roberta , Sun Liting , Fleetwood-Walker Sue , Lutz Eve M. , Mitchell Rory
Published: March 2011

The 5-HT2AR (5-hydroxytryptamine-2A receptor) is a GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptor) that is implicated in the actions of hallucinogens and represents a major target of atypical antipsychotic agents. In addition to its classical signalling though PLC (phospholipase C), the receptor can activate several other pathways, including ARF (ADP-ribosylation factor)-dependent activation of PLD (phospholipase D), which appears to be achieved through a mechanism independent of heterotrimeric G-proteins. In the present study we show that wild-type and inactive constructs of PLD1 (but not PLD2) respectively facilitate and inhibit ARF-dependent PLD signalling by the 5-HT2AR. Furthermore we demonstrate that PLD1 specifically co-immunoprecipitates with the receptor and binds to a distal site in GST (glutathione transferase) fusion protein constructs of its C-terminal tail which is distinct from the ARF-interaction site, thereby suggesting the existence of a functional ARF–PLD signalling complex directly associated with this receptor. This reveals the spatial co-ordination of an important GPCR, transducer and effector into a physical complex that is likely to reinforce the impact of receptor activation on a heterotrimeric G-protein-independent signalling pathway. Signalling of this receptor through such non-canonical pathways may be important to its role in particular disorders.
The crystal structure of the cephalosporin deacetylating enzyme acetyl xylan esterase bound to paraoxon explains the low sensitivity of this serine hydrolase to organophosphate inactivation
Authors: Montoro-García Silvia , Gil-Ortiz Fernando , García-Carmona Francisco , Polo Luis Mariano , Rubio Vicente , Sánchez-Ferrer Álvaro
Published: March 2011

Organophosphorus insecticides and nerve agents irreversibly inhibit serine hydrolase superfamily enzymes. One enzyme of this superfamily, the industrially important (for β-lactam antibiotic synthesis) AXE/CAH (acetyl xylan esterase/cephalosporin acetyl hydrolase) from the biotechnologically valuable organism Bacillus pumilus, exhibits low sensitivity to the organophosphate paraoxon (diethyl-p-nitrophenyl phosphate, also called paraoxon-ethyl), reflected in a high Ki for it (~5 mM) and in a slow formation (t½~1 min) of the covalent adduct of the enzyme and for DEP (E-DEP, enzyme–diethyl phosphate, i.e. enzyme–paraoxon). The crystal structure of the E-DEP complex determined at 2.7 Å resolution (1 Å=0.1 nm) reveals strain in the active Ser181-bound organophosphate as a likely cause for the limited paraoxon sensitivity. The strain results from active-site-size limitation imposed by bulky conserved aromatic residues that may exclude as substrates esters having acyl groups larger than acetate. Interestingly, in the doughnut-like homohexamer of the enzyme, the six active sites are confined within a central chamber formed between two 60°-staggered trimers. The exclusive access to this chamber through a hole around the three-fold axis possibly limits the size of the xylan natural substrates. The enzyme provides a rigid scaffold for catalysis, as reflected in the lack of movement associated with paraoxon adduct formation, as revealed by comparing this adduct structure with that also determined in the present study at 1.9 Å resolution for the paraoxon-free enzyme.
Thiols stabilize cobblestone morphology of cultured mesothelial cells
Authors: Bird Stephen D , Legge Michael , Walker Robert J.
Published: March 2011

Cellular thiols including GSH (glutathione) and l‐Cys (l‐cysteine) are essential for cell signalling, growth and differentiation. l‐Cys is derived from the extracellular thiol pool and is the rate‐limiting compound for intracellular GSH biosynthesis. The present study investigated the effect of thiol‐supplemented medium on cell growth, phenotype and total GSH of cultured hPMCs (human peritoneal mesothelial cells). Cells were cultured in medium M199 supplemented with 2% serum, with ‘plus’ or without ‘minus’ l‐Cys and compared with medium supplemented with either β‐ME (β‐mercaptoethanol) (0.25 mmol/l) or the receptor tyrosine kinase ligand EGF (epidermal growth factor, 100 ng/ml). β‐ME produced a disproportionate increase in total GSH compared with l‐Cys and other thiols tested [(procysteine (2‐oxothiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid) or NAC (N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine)], while growth and morphology were identical. Cell behaviour of primary hPMCs is characterized by the transition of fibroblastoid to cobblestone morphology during early passage. l‐Cys and β‐ME promoted a rapid MET (mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition) within 3 days of culture, confirmed by the presence of cobblestone cells, intact organelles, abundant microvilli, primary cilia and cortical actin. In contrast, EGF produced a biphasic response consisting of delayed growth and retention of a fibroblastoid morphology. During a rapid log phase of growth, MET was accompanied by rapid catch‐up growth. Thiols may stabilize the epithelial phenotype by engaging redox‐sensitive receptors and transcription factors that modulate differentiation. These data may benefit researchers working on thiol‐mediated cell differentiation and strategies to regenerate damage to serosal membranes.
Effect of calcitonin gene‐related peptide on nitric oxide production in osteoblasts: an experimental study
Authors: Yan Li , Yinghui Tan , Bo Yang , Gang Zhang , Xian Xiao , Lu Zheng
Published: March 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects and regulatory mechanism of CGRP (calcitonin gene‐related peptide) on NO (nitric oxide) production in osteoblasts. MOB (primary human mandibular osteoblasts) and osteoblast‐like cells (MG‐63) were either cultured with CGRP or co‐incubated with inhibitors targeting eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase), nNOS (neuronal nitric oxide synthase) and [Ca2+]i (intracellular Ca2+). The NO concentration in cell culture supernatants was measured during the first 24 h using the Griess test; cellular NO was marked with the fluorescent marker DAF‐FM, DA (3‐amino, 4‐aminomethyl‐2′,7′‐difluorescein; diacetate) and measured by fluorescence microscopy from 1 to 4 h after treatment. eNOS and iNOS mRNA expression levels were measured by quantitative RT‐PCR during the first 24 h after treatment. CGRP‐induced NO production in the supernatants was high between 1 to 12 h, while cellular NO was highest between 1 to 2 h after treatment and returned to basal levels by 3 h. Both in MG‐63 cells and MOBs, the most effective CGRP concentration was 10 nM with a peak time of 1 h. CGRP‐induced NO production decreased when eNOS activity was inhibited or when voltage‐dependent L‐type Ca2+ channels were blocked at 4 h. CGRP was not able to induce changes in iNOS or eNOS mRNA levels and had no effect on the cytokine‐induced increase of iNOS expression. Our results suggest that CGRP transiently induces NO production in osteoblasts by elevating intracellular Ca2+ to stimulate the activity of eNOS in vitro.
Dysphagia Following Cervical Fusion
Authors: Gould Rebecca L. , Reeves Elizabeth
Published: March 2011

This article describes the prevalence of dysphagia following anterior cervical fusion as well as presenting a classic case study with recommendation for applying current knowledge to standard of care for individuals with swallowing difficulty post operatively.
Salinity and waterlogging tolerance amongst accessions of messina (Melilotus siculus)
Authors: Rogers M. E. , Colmer T. D. , Nichols P. G. H. , Hughes S. J. , Frost K. , Cornwall D. , Chandra S. , Miller S. M. , Craig A. D.
Published: March 2011

Melilotus siculus (common name messina) has shown potential as a productive annual forage legume in saline and waterlogged areas in temperate Australia. The salt and waterlogging tolerances of 30 M. siculus accessions were evaluated at germination and as established plants. Many accessions germinated at 240 mm NaCl, but germination was <15% at 320 mm NaCl. In vegetative plants, accessions differed in the degree of growth reduction at 300 mm NaCl, with some producing >90%, but others <20%, of non-saline controls. A negative relationship (r = 0.47, P < 0.001) was found between dry weight under non-saline conditions and relative salt tolerance (i.e. salt-treated as % of controls). Concentrations of Cl– and Na+ in shoots of all accessions increased significantly with increasing NaCl in the medium, although these differed among accessions. No relationships were found between shoot Cl–, Na+, or K+ concentrations and relative salt tolerance at 300 mm NaCl, whereas net K+ : Na+ selectivity to shoots was positively correlated with relative salt tolerance (r = 0.30, P = 0.1). All accessions showed good tolerance to stagnant, O2-deficient conditions in the root medium, and shoot growth was not reduced by >20% in any accession. Root porosity (% gas volume/root volume) in both the main and lateral roots increased in all accessions when in stagnant medium, but accessions differed in root porosity. Lateral root porosity was not, however, correlated with either shoot dry weight or root dry weight in stagnant conditions. No single accession of M. siculus had the highest tolerance to saline conditions both at germination and the vegetative stage, but some accessions (e.g. SA 40002 and SA 40004) performed consistently well under saline and waterlogged conditions. Further research and selection is warranted on these accessions with the aim to release a cultivar.
Development of a DNA marker tightly linked to low-alkaloid gene iucundus in narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) for marker-assisted selection
Authors: Li X. , Yang H. , Buirchell B. , Yan G.
Published: March 2011

Narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustilolius L.) is a grain legume of exceptionally high nutritive value and much versatile food and animal feed around the world. The development of lupin as a modern crop was limited by its high concentration of alkaloids. Progress in breeding necessitates a better understanding of the genetics underlying the trait – low-alkaloid level (sweet). Marker-assisted selection would allow a better targeting of the desired genes. The microsatellite-anchored fragment length polymorphism (MFLP) fingerprinting technology was applied to an F8 recombination inbred line (RIL) population to identify and select candidate markers linked to the low-alkaloid gene iucundus. Four MFLP markers were identified as candidate markers based on their banding patterns in the F8 RIL population. One of these candidate markers showing the best correlation with phenotypes in the representative germplasm was selected and successfully converted into a simple PCR-based co-dominant marker, named IucLi. This established marker IucLi is 0.9 cM away from the sweet (low-alkaloid) gene iucundus. The accuracy between marker genotype and phenotype is 100% in the common 25 cultivars and 86.4% among the 125 accessions of narrow-leafed lupin core collection. Marker IucLi is being used in narrow-leafed lupin breeding for selection of ‘sweet’ individuals. The marker is also used to develop near-isogenic lines to further characterise and fine mapping the iucundus locus.
Who is missing from higher education in New Zealand?
Authors: Strathdee Rob , Engler Ralf
Published: March 2011

There is disagreement in the literature regarding the influence of social and cultural factors on the propensity for young people to undertake higher education. This study draws upon a national data set of over 45,000 young people to assesses their propensity to progress to bachelor level study, while controlling for their ethnic backgrounds, their socio‐economic status (as measured by the decile of the last secondary school they attended), their gender, and their school achievement. The results are discussed in light of recent policy developments designed to ensure that access to bachelor‐level study is not closed to under‐represented groups.
Micro–macro modelling of stress-dependent anisotropic magnetoresistance
Authors: Bartók A , Daniel L , Razek A
Published: March 2011

Anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) is the basic phenomenon of a spread class of sensors. AMR effect has a strong mechanical stress dependence. Micromagnetic simulations are often used for modelling the magnetoresistance of ferromagnetic materials, but these approaches do not allow us to investigate macroscopic effects (for example behaviour of a polycrystal under stress) due to the high number of interactions and degrees of freedom. On the other hand macroscopic phenomenological approaches fail in describing the main role of microstructure on the effective behaviour. In this work a micro–macro model is proposed to describe the effect of stress on the AMR in ferromagnetic polycrystals. Results are discussed and compared with experimental data from the literature.
Experimental Determination of the Vibrational Constants of FeS(X5Δ) by Dispersed Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Li , Huang Dao-ling , Zhen Jun-feng , Zhang Qun , Chen Yang
Published: March 2011

Based on previous laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectroscopy work, the vibrational constants of neutral FeS in the X5Δ electronic state were obtained by directly mapping the ground-state vibrational levels up to v=3 using conventional laser-induced dispersed fluorescence spectroscopy. The vibrational frequency of FeS(X5Δ) (518±5 cm−1) agrees well with that reported in a recent PES measurement (520±30 cm−1) [J. Phys. Chem. A 107, 2821 (2003)] which is the only one prior experimental vibrational frequency value for the 5Δ state of FeS. Careful comparisons of our experimental results and those documented in the literature (mainly from theoretical predictions) suggest that the ground state of FeS is 5Δ state.
Thermodynamics Properties of Oxymatrine in NaCl Solution
Authors: Li Zong-xiao , Pu Xiao-hua , Zhao Wei-wei , Chen Yan
Published: March 2011

The enthalpies of dissolution of oxymatrine in 0.9%NaCl solution were measured using a RD496-2000 Calvet Microcalorimeter at 309.65 K under atmospheric pressure. The differential enthalpy and molar enthalpy of oxymatrine dissolution in the 0.9%NaCl solution of were determined. The corresponding kinetic equation that described the dissolution process was elucidated. Moreover, the half-life, molar entropy, molar enthaply, and Gibbs free energy of the dissolution process were also obtained.
DFT Study on Electronic Structures and Spectroscopic Properties of Oligo(silanylenediethynylanthracene)
Authors: Zhang Pei-bin , Huang Xin-wei , Li Xin , Teng Qi-wen
Published: March 2011

Poly(silanylenediethynylanthracene) (PSDEA) exhibits a hole-transporting ability experimentally. In order to simulate the property of PSDEA, a series of silanylenediethynylanthracene oligomers were designed. The structures of these oligomers were optimized by using density function theory at B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The energy gaps of the oligomers decrease with the increase in the chain length. The energy gaps of the oligomers also decrease in the presence of the electron-withdrawing group on the anthracene ring. The 13C chemical shifts and nucleus independent chemical shifts (NICS) at the anthracene ring center in the oligomers were calculated at B3LYP/6–31G level. The chemical shifts of the carbon atoms connected with the nitryl group changed upfield, compared with those of the carbon atoms without the nitryl group. The aromaticity at the anthracene ring center decreases in the presence of the electron-withdrawing group, whereas increases with the increase in the number of the silanylene units. The most sensitive location for calculating the NICS values is 0.1 nm above the anthracene plane.
Production of Mixed Alcohols from Bio-syngas over Mo-based Catalyst
Authors: Qiu Song-bai , Huang Wei-wei , Xu Yong , Liu Lu , Li Quan-xin
Published: March 2011

A series of Mo-based catalysts prepared by sol-gel method using citric acid as complexant were successfully applied in the high efficient production of mixed alcohols from bio-syngas, derived from the biomass gasification. The Cu1Co1Fe1Mo1Zn0.5−6%K catalyst exhibited a higher activity on the space-time yield of mixed alcohols, compared with the other Mo-based catalysts. The carbon conversion significantly increases with rising temperature below 340 °C, but the alcohol selectivity has an opposite trend. The maximum mixed alcohols yield derived from biomass gasification is 494.8 g/(kgcatal·h) with the C2+ (C2—C6 higher alcohols) alcohols of 80.4% under the tested conditions. The alcohol distributions are consistent with the Schulz-Flory plots, except methanol. In the alcohols products, the C2+ alcohols (higher alcohols) dominate with a weight ratio of 70%–85%. The Mo-based catalysts have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and N2 adsorption/desorption. The clean bio-fules of mixed alcohols derived from bio-syngas with higher octane values could be used as transportation fuels or petrol additives.
Seroepidemiology of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Mawle Alison C. , Nisenbaum Rosane , Dobbins James G. , Gary Howard E. , Stewart John A. , Reyes Michele , Steele Lea , Schmid D. Scott , Reeves William C.
Published: March 2011

We performed serological testing for a large number of infectious agents in 26 patients from Atlanta who had chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and in 50 controls matched by age, race, and sex. We did not find any agent associated with CFS. In addition, we did not find elevated levels of antibody to any of a wide range of agents examined. In particular, we did not find elevated titers of antibody to any herpesvirus, nor did we find evidence of enteroviral exposure in this group of patients.