bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioprocesses for air pollution control
Authors: Kennes Christian , Rene Eldon R. , Veiga María C.
Published: June 2009

Bioprocesses have been developed as relatively recent alternatives to conventional, non‐biological technologies, for waste gas treatment and air pollution control in general. This paper reviews major biodegradation processes relevant in this field as well as both accepted and major innovative bioreactor configurations studied or used nowadays for the treatment of polluted air, i.e. biofilters, one‐ and two‐liquid phase biotrickling filters, bioscrubbers, membrane bioreactors, rotating biodiscs and biodrums, one‐ and two‐liquid phase suspended growth bioreactors, as well as hybrid reactor configurations. Some of these bioreactors are being used at full‐scale for solving air pollution problems, while others are still at the research and development stage at laboratory‐ or pilot‐scale. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Association of orthodenticle with natural variation for early embryonic patterning in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Goering Lisa M. , Hunt Priscilla K. , Heighington Cassandra , Busick Christopher , Pennings Pleuni , Hermisson Joachim , Kumar Sudhir , Gibson Greg
Published: June 2009

Although it is well established that cis‐acting regulatory variation contributes to morphological evolution between species, few concrete examples of polymorphism affecting developmental patterning within species have been demonstrated. Early embryogenesis in Drosophila is initiated by a gradient of Bicoid morphogen activity that results in differential expression of multiple target genes. In a screen for genetic variation affecting this process, we surveyed 96 wild‐type lines of Drosophila melanogaster for polymorphisms in binding sites within 16 Bicoid cis‐regulatory response elements. One common polymorphism in the orthodenticle (otd) early head enhancer is associated with a complex series of indels/substitutions that define two distinct haplotypes. The middle region of this enhancer exhibits an unusual pattern of nucleotide diversity that does not easily fit into standard models of selection and demography. Population Gene Expression Maps, generated by extracting binary expression profiles from normalized embryo images, revealed a ventral reduction of otd transcript abundance in one of the haplotypes that was recapitulated in expression of transgenic constructs containing the two alleles. We thus demonstrate that even a process as robust as early developmental patterning is affected by standing genetic variation, intriguingly involving otd, whose morphogenetic function bicoid is thought to have displaced during dipteran evolution. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:841–854, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Star coloring planar graphs from small lists
Authors: Kündgen André , Timmons Craig
Published: June 2009

A star coloring of a graph is a proper vertex‐coloring such that no path on four vertices is 2‐colored. We prove that the vertices of every planar graph of girth 6 (respectively 7, 8) can be star colored from lists of size 8 (respectively 7, 6). We give an example of a planar graph of girth 5 that requires 6 colors to star color. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 63: 324–337, 2010
Ageing of calcium silicate cements for endodontic use in simulated body fluids: a micro‐Raman study
Authors: Taddei Paola , Tinti Anna , Gandolfi Maria Giovanna , Rossi Piermaria Luigi , Prati Carlo
Published: June 2009

To evaluate bioactivity properties, a calcium silicate experimental cement (wTC) and a phosphate‐doped wTC cement (wTC‐TCP) were aged for different times (1–180 days) at 37 °C in two simulated body fluids, i.e. Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS) and Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS). The cements were analyzed by micro‐Raman spectroscopy to investigate the presence of calcium phosphate deposits and the composition changes as a function of the storage time (hydration of anhydrite/gypsum and formation of ettringite; hydration of belite/alite and formation of hydrated silicates). After 1 day of ageing in DPBS, the two cements already showed a different behavior: only the surface of wTC‐TCP cement showed the band at 965 cm−1, suggesting the formation of a detectably thick calcium phosphate deposit. The trend of the I965/I990 Raman intensity ratio indicated the formation of a meanly thicker apatite deposit on the wTC‐TCP cement until 90 days. After 60 days of ageing in DPBS, the thickness of the apatite deposit on wTC and wTC‐TCP was about 200 and 500 µm, respectively, whereas at 180 days, the two cements did not appear significantly different (thickness of about 900 µm). The bioactivity of both cements in HBSS was less pronounced than in DPBS, according to the lower phosphate concentration of HBSS; at the same time, higher amounts of calcite were found on the surface of both cements. The wTC‐TCP cement showed a higher bioactivity in this medium also; after 180 days, the thickness of the apatite deposit on wTC and wTC‐TCP was < 50 µm and about 100 µm, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution Brillouin scattering and heat capacity studies of bis(guanidinium)zirconium bis(nitrilotriacetate)hydrate, [C(NH2)3]2Zr[N(CH2COO)3]2·H2O
Authors: Mączka M. , Kaminskii A. A. , Hanuza J. , Kojima S.
Published: June 2009

High‐resolution micro‐Brillouin scattering and heat capacitiy studies of polar bis(guanidinium)zirconium bis(nitrilotriacetate)hydrate were performed in the temperature range 230–305 K. Strong anomalies in the Brillouin shift and the attenuation were observed near 290 K upon cooling for the sound waves corresponding to the c22 elastic constant. For this elastic constant, the coupling between the order parameter and the elastic strains is linear quadratic. In case of the c44 and c66, the coupling is biquadratic, giving rise to an increase of these parameters below 290 K. The analysis of the acoustic anomalies and heat capacity results near 290 K revealed that they correspond to a second‐order, cell‐multiplying, displacive phase transition. The second phase transition leads to weak acoustic anomalies at approximately 284 K. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photonic atoms and molecules
Authors: Rakovich Y.P. , Donegan J.F.
Published: June 2009

We will review recent advances in the investigation of optical modes in single three‐dimensional whispering‐gallery microcavities and coupled microresonators. Due to the small size and high quality factor these resonators have the potential for development of single‐photon emitters, nanojets, sensors and low‐threshold lasers and for fundamental studies of optical matter interactions.
Inhibition of 304 stainless steel corrosion in acidic solution by Ferula gumosa (galbanum) extract
Authors: Behpour M. , Ghoreishi S. M. , Kashani M. Khayat , Soltani N.
Published: June 2009

The inhibition effect of the extract of galbanum (Ferula gummosa Boiss.) on the corrosion of 304 stainless steel in 2 M HCl solution was studied by weight loss measurements, Tafel polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. It was found that the inhibition efficiency (IE) increases as the extract concentration is increased. Tafel polarization method revealed the mixed mode inhibition of galbanum extract (GE) with predominant control of anodic reaction. The effect of temperature on the corrosion behavior of steel indicates that inhibition efficiency of the natural substance increases with the rise in temperature. At all temperatures, the adsorption of the extract components onto the steel surface was found to follow the Temkin adsorption isotherm.
Corrosion inhibition of mild steel in hydrochloric acid by 6‐aminohexanoic acid
Authors: Abdeli M. , Ahmadi N. P. , Khosroshahi R. A.
Published: June 2009

The inhibiting behavior of 6‐aminohexanoic acid (C6H13NO2) on mild steel corrosion in 1 M HCl as corroding solution at 25 °C was evaluated by weight loss, polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. The weight loss, polarization, and EIS measurements were relatively in good agreement together. Results obtained by the three methods showed that the inhibition efficiency (%IE) increases with increasing the concentration of 6‐aminohexanoic acid up to 6.86 × 10−05 M (about %IE = 80). It was also found that the adsorptive behavior of the investigated inhibitor on the steel surface followed Langmuir‐type isotherm, the 6‐aminohexanoic acid acted as a mixed type inhibitor and its inhibition mechanism obeys from the chemisorption interaction between 6‐aminohexanoic acid and the mild steel.
Corrosion‐technical properties of high‐strength stainless steels for the application in prestressed concrete structures
Authors: Wu Y. , Nürnberger U.
Published: June 2009

Experience with prestressed concrete over about half a century has indicated that the corrosion resistance of conventional prestressing steel does not always satisfy, especially the prestressing steels are susceptible to chloride attack (de‐icing salts) and hydrogen (hydrogen‐induced stress corrosion cracking). On the other hand corrosion agents, such as chloride, condensation water, can penetrate in the concrete and arrive at the surface of steels. Hence, corrosion damage of prestressing steels can happen and, in the extreme cases, the prestressed concrete structure collapsed resulting from the failure of the tendon. In this paper, consideration is made to use high‐strength stainless steels as prestressing tendon with bond in concrete. The high‐strength stainless steels of qualities 1.4301 (X5CrNi18‐10), 1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17‐12‐2), 1.4436 (X3CrNiMo17‐13‐3) and 1.4439 (X3CrNiMoN17‐13‐5) with sequence of increasing austenite stability were investigated. For application in prestressing tendon with bond in concrete the cold‐drawn high‐strength stainless steel of quality 1.4401 is an optimal proposition regarding its satisfactory resistance against pitting corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in structure‐related corrosive conditions. The lower alloyed steel 1.4301 has an insufficient resistance against the chloride‐induced corrosion because of the lack of molybdenum and the content of deformation martensite due to the strong cold‐drawing of its unstable austenitic structure.
A field study of critical chloride content in reinforced concrete with blended binder
Authors: Tang L. , Utgenannt P.
Published: June 2009

This paper presents the results from the investigation of chloride‐induced reinforcement corrosion in concrete slabs after over 13 years exposure in the marine environment. In the beginning of 1990s over 40 reinforced concrete slabs with different types of binder and water/binder ratios were exposed in a marine environment at Swedish west coast. In this study a new rapid technique was used for non‐destructive measurement of corrosion. Based on the results from the non‐destructive measurement, the actual corrosion of steel bars in five concrete slabs was visually examined and the chloride profiles in the penetrating direction as well as at the cover level were measured. The results show that the visible corrosion normally occurred about 10–20 cm under the seawater level, where the oxygen may be sufficiently available for initiating the corrosion. It is also found that chloride may easily penetrate through a poor interface between concrete and mortar spacer and initiate an early corrosion. As a conclusion, although the chloride level 1% by mass of binder may not be the same as the conventionally defined threshold value, it can be taken as the critical level for significant on‐going corrosion that is visible by destructive visual examination, despite types of binder.
Critical chloride content and its influence on service life predictions
Authors: Markeset G.
Published: June 2009

In service life predictions of concrete structures in marine environment, the critical chloride content is a crucial parameter. However, there is a lack of reliable data for this parameter. This paper presents a statistical model for the critical chloride content derived from measurements based on corrosion sensors installed in a 37 years old jetty. For each corrosion sensor location, the chloride content at different sensor rings is found from the chloride profile obtained from detailed profile grinding of the concrete core drilled out before installation of each sensor. The critical chloride content for each sensor location is then obtained by comparing the chloride profile with the sensor reading at the depth of depassivation. Further, the influence of the critical chloride content on the calculated service life is studied. From the probabilistic service life calculations, it is found that the service life increases from 50 to 100 years if the characteristic value of the critical chloride content increases from 0.34 to 0.67% (by weight of cement).
Quadrupole ion traps
Authors: March Raymond E.
Published: June 2009

The extraordinary story of the three‐dimensional radiofrequency quadrupole ion trap, accompanied by a seemingly unintelligible theoretical treatment, is told in some detail because of the quite considerable degree of commercial success that quadrupole technology has achieved. The quadrupole ion trap, often used in conjunction with a quadrupole mass filter, remained a laboratory curiosity until 1979 when, at the American Society for Mass Spectrometry Conference in Seattle, George Stafford, Jr., of Finnigan Corp., learned of the Masters' study of Allison Armitage of a combined quadrupole ion trap/quadrupole mass filter instrument for the observation of electron impact and chemical ionization mass spectra of simple compounds eluting from a gas chromatograph. Stafford developed subsequently the mass‐selective axial instability method for obtaining mass spectra from the quadrupole ion trap alone and, in 1983, Finnigan Corp. announced the first commercial quadrupole ion trap instrument as a detector for a gas chromatograph. In 1987, confinement of ions generated externally to the ion trap was demonstrated and, soon after, the new technique of electrospray ionization was shown to be compatible with the ion trap. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 28:961–989, 2009
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled, multi‐center study of intravenous iron sucrose and placebo in the treatment of restless legs syndrome
Authors: Grote Ludger , Leissner Lena , Hedner Jan , Ulfberg Jan
Published: June 2009

Iron deficiency may exacerbate symptoms in the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). We investigated the effect of intravenous iron sucrose or placebo on symptoms in patients with RLS and mild to moderate iron deficit. Sixty patients with primary RLS (seven males, age 46 (9) years, S‐ferritin ≤45 μg/L) recruited from a cohort of 231 patients were randomly assigned in a 12‐months double‐blind, multi‐centre study of iron sucrose 1000 mg (n = 29) or saline (n = 31). The primary efficacy variable was the RLS severity scale (IRLS) score at week 11. Median IRLS score decreased from 24 to 7 (week 11) after iron sucrose and from 26 to 17 after placebo (P= 0.123, N.S. for between treatment comparison). The corresponding scores at week 7 were 12 and 20 in the two groups (P= 0.017). Drop out rate because of lack of efficacy at 12 months was 19/31 after placebo and 5/29 patients after iron sucrose (Kaplan–Meier estimate, log rank testP= 0.0006) suggesting an iron induced superior long term RLS symptom control. Iron sucrose was well tolerated. This study showed a lack of superiority of iron sucrose at 11 weeks but found evidence that iron sucrose reduced RLS symptoms both in the acute phase (7 weeks) and during long‐term follow up in patients with variable degree of iron deficiency. Further studies on target patient groups, dosing and dosing intervals are warranted before iron sucrose could be considered for treatment of iron deficient patients with RLS. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Observations on the extended Matsuoka–Nakai failure criterion
Authors: Griffiths D. V. , Huang Jinsong
Published: June 2009

The equivalent Mohr–Coulomb (M‐C) friction angle ϕ (J. Geotech. Eng. 1990; 116(6):986–999) of the extended Matsuoka–Nakai (E‐M‐N) criterion has been examined under all possible stress paths. It is shown that ϕ depends only on the ratio of cohesion to confining stress c′/σ and the frictional angle ϕ, where ϕ is the friction angle measured in triaxial compression (or extension) to which the E‐M‐N surface is fitted. It is also shown that ϕ is independent of c′, when σ=0 and of σ when c′=0, with the former representing an upper bound and the latter a lower bound of ϕ for any particular stress path. The closest point projection method has also been implemented successfully with the E‐M‐N criterion, and plane strain and axisymmetric element tests performed to verify some theoretical predictions relating to failure and post‐yielding behavior. Finally, a bearing capacity problem was analyzed using both E‐M‐N and M‐C, highlighting the conservative nature of M‐C for different friction angles. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance imaging and biological properties of pancreatic islets labeled with iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Hoe Suk , Choi YoonSeok , Song In Chan , Moon Woo Kyung
Published: June 2009

This study was undertaken to investigate the in vitro effect of islet labeling with iron oxide nanoparticles for MRI on islet viability, insulin secretion, and gene expression. Isolated rat islets were labeled with Resovist (25–200 µg Fe/mL, a clinically approved MRI contrast agent) in the presence or absence of poly‐l‐Lysine (PLL, 1.5 µg/mL) for 48 h. The iron content of labeled islets was found to increase in a dose‐dependent manner. More than 90% of the islets were labeled with 100 µg Fe/mL. We confirmed the localizations of iron oxide nanoparticles within islet β‐cells by insulin immunostaining. As the concentration of Resovist increased, T2 values as determined by T2‐weighted MRI on a 1.5 Tesla MR scanner decreased. Labeling of 100 islets in a medium containing 100 µg Fe/mL of Resovist in the absence of PLL provided sufficient contrast for islet visualization on T2‐weighted MRI. MTT assays showed that the viability of labeled islets was not different from that of unlabeled islets. No statistical difference was observed between labeled (2.91 ± 0.36) and unlabeled islets (2.83 ± 0.61) in terms of the ability to secrete insulin, as determined by the glucose stimulation index. We also evaluated the effect of iron oxide incorporation on the gene expressions in islet cells using RT‐PCR (reverse transcriptase PCR). Insulin expression in labeled islets was significantly elevated (1.83 ± 0.25 fold vs. unlabeled; p = 0.005), but not the expression of somatostatin (1.39 ± 0.18 fold vs. unlabeled; p = 0.085) or glucagons (1.28 ± 0.13 fold vs. unlabeled; p = 0.09). Expression of an important transcription factor for insulin gene transcription, BETA2 (beta‐cell E‐box trans‐activator), was increased in labeled islets (1.67 ± 0.15 fold vs. unlabeled; p = 0.029). The findings of this study indicate that Resovist provides a satisfactory means to image islets and has no deleterious effect on islet function or gene expression. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagonalization procedure for scaled boundary finite element method in modeling semi‐infinite reservoir with uniform cross‐section
Authors: Li S. M.
Published: June 2009

To improve the ability of the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) in the dynamic analysis of dam–reservoir interaction problems in the time domain, a diagonalization procedure was proposed, in which the SBFEM was used to model the reservoir with uniform cross‐section. First, SBFEM formulations in the full matrix form in the frequency and time domains were outlined to describe the semi‐infinite reservoir. No sediments and the reservoir bottom absorption were considered. Second, a generalized eigenproblem consisting of coefficient matrices of the SBFEM was constructed and analyzed to obtain corresponding eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Finally, using these eigenvalues and eigenvectors to normalize the SBFEM formulations yielded diagonal SBFEM formulations. A diagonal dynamic stiffness matrix and a diagonal dynamic mass matrix were derived. An efficient method was presented to evaluate them. In this method, no Riccati equation and Lyapunov equations needed solving and no Schur decomposition was required, which resulted in great computational costs saving. The correctness and efficiency of the diagonalization procedure were verified by numerical examples in the frequency and time domains, but the diagonalization procedure is only applicable for the SBFEM formulation whose scaling center is located at infinity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The clinical management of hemophilia and head trauma: A survey of current clinical practice among pediatric hematology/oncology physicians
Authors: Witmer Char M. , Manno Catherine S. , Butler Regina B. , Raffini Leslie J.
Published: June 2009

Background

Determining the appropriate evaluation for a pediatric patient with hemophilia and head trauma is a diagnostic challenge with no neuroimaging guidelines and limited clinical evidence to direct care.

Procedure

A questionnaire, with two case scenarios, was emailed to members of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. The case scenarios involved asymptomatic toddlers with severe hemophilia who had either fallen from a height (case 1) or from standing (case 2). Respondents were asked to select from six management options. The case scenarios were then altered to include: a large palpable hematoma, prophylactic factor infusion 24 hr prior, the trauma occurred 48 hr prior, wearing a soft helmet, or emesis.

Results

The completed response rate was 23% (252/1,077). Computed tomography (CT) was selected by 68.9% (#1) and 56.4% (#2) of respondents. In both case scenarios the presence of a palpable bruise resulted in a statistically significant increase in CT usage to 83.7% and 82.8% (P < 0.001). The use of prophylaxis did not result in a statistically significant decrease in CT usage. Duration of factor replacement was variable ranging from 1 to 4 days.

Conclusion

Physician self reported management of pediatric patients with hemophilia and head trauma is diverse. The use of CT imaging for mild head trauma in patients without signs or symptoms of intracranial hemorrhage was very common. The use of prophylaxis did not reduce the use of head CT imaging. This variation in clinical practice demonstrates the lack of evidence regarding the management of head trauma in patients with hemophilia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:406–410. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A remarkable difference in the deprotonation steps of the Friedel–Crafts acylation and alkylation reactions
Authors: Yamabe Shinichi , Yamazaki Shoko
Published: June 2009

Friedel–Crafts acylation and alkylation reactions were investigated using density functional theory calculations. The reaction systems studied were (benzene + acetyl chloride + Al2Cl6 (or AlCl3)) and (benzene + 2‐chloropropane + Al2Cl6). In the acylation reaction, the acylium ion intermediate is reached either via a MeC(Cl)OAl2Cl6 complex or via direct Cl transfer: MeC(O)ClAl2Cl6 → MeCO⌉+Al2Cl. The ion adds to benzene electrophilically to form a Wheland intermediate containing a strong CHCl hydrogen bond, which leads to deprotonation and the subsequent formation of acetophenone. The resulting HClAl2Cl6 fragment is subjected to a nucleophilic attack by the carbonyl oxygen of the acetophenone, and recovery of the Al2Cl6 bridge is unlikely. Attack of the Al2Cl6 moiety by MeC(Cl)O gives the complex MeC(Cl)O–AlCl3, whose reactivity toward acylation is similar to that of the MeC(Cl)O–Al2Cl6 complex. In the alkylation reaction, deprotonation does not take place, but rather a [1,2] H‐shift from the Wheland intermediate. The resulting α‐protonated cumene undergoes deprotonation, with subsequent recovery of the Al2Cl6 bridge. In addition, the Al2Cl6‐catalyzed isomerization of the n‐propyl to the isopropyl cation was found to be a dyotropic shift. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene expression profile of primary prostate epithelial and stromal cells in response to sulforaphane or iberin exposure
Authors: Chambers Karen F. , Bacon James R. , Kemsley E. Katherine , Mills Robert D. , Ball Richard Y. , Mithen Richard F. , Traka Maria H.
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND

Broccoli consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Isothiocyanates (ITCs) derived from glucosinolates that accumulate in broccoli are dietary compounds that may mediate these health effects. Sulforaphane (SF, 4‐methylsulphinylbutyl ITC) derives from heading broccoli (calabrese) and iberin (IB, 3‐methylsulphinypropyl ITC) from sprouting broccoli. While there are many studies regarding the biological activity of SF, mainly undertaken with cancerous cells, there are few studies associated with IB.

METHODS

Primary epithelial and stromal cells were derived from benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue. Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 whole genome arrays were used to compare global gene expression between these cells, and to quantify changes in gene expression following exposure to physiologically appropriate concentrations of SF and IB. Ontology and pathway analyses were used to interpret results. Changes in expression of a subset of genes were confirmed by real‐time RT‐PCR.

RESULTS

Global gene expression profiling identified epithelial and stromal‐specific gene expression profiles. SF induced more changes in epithelial cells, whereas IB was more effective in stromal cells. Although IB and SF induced different changes in gene expression in both epithelial and stromal cells, these were associated with similar pathways, such as cell cycle and detoxification. Both ITCs increased expression of PLAGL1, a tumor suppressor gene, in stromal cells and suppressed expression of the putative tumor promoting genes IFITM1, CSPG2, and VIM in epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that IB and SF both alter genes associated with cancer prevention, and IB should be investigated further as a potential chemopreventative agent. Prostate 69: 1411–1421, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
C/EBPβ regulates metastatic gene expression and confers TNF‐α resistance to prostate cancer cells
Authors: Kim Myoung H. , Minton Alena Z. , Agrawal Vikas
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND

CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein β (C/EBPβ) is a transcription factor and consists of three isoforms, transcription‐activating A/B (C/EBPβ‐AB) and transcription inhibitory C (C/EBPβ‐C). We previously reported that C/EBPβ‐C was predominantly expressed in hormone‐dependent LNCaP cells, while C/EBPβ‐AB forms were predominant in hormone‐independent prostate cancer (HI‐PCa) cells.

METHODS

Reporter gene analysis was performed to investigate transcriptional activity of C/EBPβ on metastatic gene expression upon TNF‐α treatment. NF‐κB activation and C/EBPβ protein upregulation were determined by immunoblotting. WST assay was used to determine the role of C/EBPβ in TNF‐α‐induced cell death.

RESULTS

We first determined that the C/EBPβ‐C overexpression or siRNA‐mediated C/EBPβ depletion decreased TNF‐α‐induced promoter activities of Bfl‐1, IL‐6, and IL‐8 genes. IL‐6 and IL‐8 are autocrine growth factors of HI‐PCa cells and Bfl‐1 is an anti‐apoptotic protein whose function in prostate cancer is yet to be determined. Secondly, we determined differential regulation of C/EBPβ by TNF‐α. In DU‐145 cells, C/EBPβ was upregulated by TNF‐α, but downregulated in LNCaP cells, although NF‐κB was activated in both cells. This result suggested cell‐type specific activation of signaling pathways leading to C/EBPβ upregulation, which was distinct from that leading to NF‐κB activation. Most importantly, C/EBPβ depletion decreased cell growth and sensitized DU‐145 cells to TNF‐α‐induced cell death. Conversely, overexpression of C/EBPβ‐A in LNCaP cells increased resistance to TNF‐induced cell death and TNF‐induced promoter activities of IL‐6 and Bfl‐1.

CONCLUSION

Our study, for the first time, demonstrated that C/EBPβ regulated cell growth and conferred TNF‐α resistance to PCa cells, in part, via regulation of metastatic gene expression. Prostate 69: 1435–1447, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies on thermodynamic properties of III–V compounds by first‐principles response‐function calculation
Authors: Wang Shaoqing
Published: June 2009

The temperature dependences of the Grüneisen parameter, heat capacity, bulk modulus and linear thermal expansion coefficient of sixteen III–V zincblende compounds are studied by first‐principles response‐function calculations. The fundamental relationships among these physical parameters are explored. Negative thermal expansions at lower temperature are found in most of these III–V phases except for the nitrides and boron compounds. By analyzing the cell‐volume dependences of the phonon spectrum, it is found that the phases with a negative thermal expansion show a significant acoustic phonon weakening at the X‐point in their phonon dispersion, while slight weakening is only seen around the L‐point for those boron phases. There is no sign of phonon weakening in the nitrides. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Negative ion fragmentations of deprotonated peptides. The unusual case of isoAsp: a joint experimental and theoretical study. Comparison with positive ion cleavages
Authors: Andreazza Hayley J. , Wang Tianfang , Bagley Christopher J. , Hoffmann Peter , Bowie John H.
Published: June 2009

The following peptides have been examined in this study: GLDFG(OH), caeridin 1.1 [GLLDGLLGLGGL(NH2)], 11 Ala citropin 1.1 [GLFDVIKKVAAVIGGL(NH2)], Crinia angiotensin [APGDRIYVHPF(OH)] and their isoAsp isomers. It is not possible to differentiate between Asp‐ and isoAsp‐containing peptides (used in this study) using negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry. This is because the isoAsp residue cleaves to give the same fragment anions as those formed by δ and γ backbone cleavage of Asp. The isoAsp fragmentations are as follows: RNHCH(CO2H)−CHCONHR′ → [RNH−(HO2CCHCHCONHR′)] → RNH−+HO2CCHCHCONHR′ and RNHCH(CO2H)−CHCONHR′ → [RNH−(HO2CCHCHCONHR′] → −O2CCHCHCONHR′+RNH2. Calculations at the HF/6‐31+G(d)//AM1 level of theory indicate that the first of these isoAsp cleavage processes is endothermic (by +115 kJ mol−1), while the second is exothermic (−85 kJ mol−1). The barrier to the highest transition state is 42 kJ mol−1. No diagnostic cleavage cations were observed in the electrospray mass spectra of the MH+ ion of the Asp‐ and isoAsp‐containing peptides (used in this study) to allow differentiation between these two amino acid residues. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust impedance control of a hydraulic suspension system
Authors: Fateh Mohammad Mehdi
Published: June 2009

A novel robust impedance control approach is developed to control dynamic behavior of a vehicle subject to road disturbances. This behavior is predetermined as an impedance rule to achieve passenger comfort and vehicle handling by the use of a hydraulically actuated suspension system. Impedance control law is simple, free of model and efficient to apply for a broad range of road conditions. Moreover, it relates comfort to handling. This control approach can provide a desired comfort when passing a bump, and both desired comfort and handling after passing a bump. Robust position and force controls are used to implement the robust impedance control with the presence of uncertainties. A transformed proportional–integral–derivative control is proposed to perform the robust control. The system stability is analyzed and analytical results are confirmed by simulations. A quarter‐car model of suspension system and a nonlinear model of hydraulic actuator are used to simulate the control system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An extended enterprise architecture for a network‐enabled, effects‐based approach for national park protection
Authors: Schuck Tod M.
Published: June 2009

Threats to the national parks in the United States are many and varied. These range from climate changes, animal/fish population cycle variations, invasive species introduction, and cultural affects of indigenous peoples to problems associated with natural disasters, oil spills, land development, and criminal enterprises. The U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service (NPS) has issued a Natural Resource Challenge to pursue the preservation of the many diverse national parks in all 50 states and U.S. territories. According to the NPS National Park Service Action Plan for preserving natural resources, a focused methodology is necessary to achieve this challenge. By investigating the Wrangell‐St. Elias National Park and Preserve (WRST) in Southeastern Alaska as a specific illustration of a complex U.S. national park environment, this paper proposes a solution for national park protection in the 21st century via the application of a network‐enabled effects‐based requirements approach married with a well‐defined extended enterprise architecture. The interconnection of planning systems, monitoring sensors, visualization tools, and other information sources will allow for knowledge instantiation and quick reaction to national park threats. This paper further discusses some command systems in use by U.S. forestry agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) that could be used to form an initial realization of a network‐enabled, effects‐based approach to national park protection. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Complexes of Crown Ether‐Containing N‐Phosphorylated Thioamides and Thioureas with CoII, ZnII and PdII Cations
Authors: Safin Damir A. , Babashkina Maria G. , Sokolov Felix D. , Baranov Sergey V. , Hahn F. Ekkehardt , Pape Tania
Published: June 2009

The reaction of the potassium salts of N‐phosphorylated thioureas [4′‐benzo‐15‐crown‐5]NHC(S)NHP(Y)(OiPr)2 (Y = S, HLI; Y = O, HLII) with ZnII and CoII cations in aqueous EtOH leads to complexes of formulae Zn(LI,II‐S,Y)2 (Y = S, 1; Y = O, 2) and Co(LI‐S,S′)2 (3), while interaction of the potassium salt of N‐phosphorylated thioamide [4′‐benzo‐15‐crown‐5]C(S)NHP(O)(OiPr)2 (HLIII) with ZnII in the same conditions leads to the complex Zn(HLIII)(LIII‐S,O)2 (4). The reaction of the potassium salt of crown ether‐containing N‐phosphorylated bis‐thiourea N,N′‐[C(S)NHP(O)(OiPr)2]2‐1,10‐diaza‐18‐crown‐6 (H2L) with CoII, ZnII and PdII cations in anhydrous CH3OH leads to complexes M2(L‐O,S)2 (M = Co, 5; Zn, 6; M = Pd, 7). Thioamide HLIII was investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Synthesis and Characterization of LnF(HF)(BF4)2 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, and Dy), and Crystal Structures of LnF(HF)(BF4)2 (Ln = Pr, Nd) and La(BF4)3
Authors: Mazej Zoran , Goreshnik Evgeny , Hironaka Kohei , Katayama Yasushi , Hagiwara Rika
Published: June 2009

Rare earth trifluorides (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, and Dy) react with boron trifluoride in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) at room temperature. Products were found to be only sparingly soluble in aHF where the solubility decreases from lanthanum to dysprosium. After an excess of BF3 and aHF were pumped away at ambient temperature, LnF(HF)(BF4)2 type of compounds were isolated. Single crystals of LnF(HF)(BF4)2 (Ln = Pr, Nd) and La(BF4)3 were grown for 3–5 months from solutions of LnF3 (Ln = La, Pr) and Nd2O3 in aHF under pressure of BF3 (4 bar). Structures consist from the zig‐zag [–Ln–F–Ln–] (Ln = Pr, Nd) chains connected via BF4 units and HF molecules into tridimensional network. The Ln–F(Ln) distances are significantly shorter [2.2489(6) Å for Pr and 2.234(1) Å for Nd] than Ln–F(BF4–) and Ln–F(HF) ones [Pr: 2.461(4)–2.528(5) Å, Nd : 2.446(7)–2.511(9) Å]. In La(BF4)3, the lanthanum atoms are coordinated by nine fluorine atoms with seven shorter La–F distances [2.410(2)–2.485(2) Å] and two elongated ones [2.600(2) Å]. The vibrational spectra of isolated rare earth tetrafluoroborates show strong deviations of the [BF4]– anions from ideal Td symmetry. Because of the strong cation‐anion interactions, the splittings of the anion vibrational modes are observed indicating rather covalent character of the bonding between LnF3 and BF3.
Can we use statins to prevent stroke in Fabry disease?
Authors: Politei J. M.
Published: June 2009

Fabry disease is a rare, X‐linked lysosomal storage disease caused by an inborn deficiency of α‐galactosidase A, which results in the progressive accumulation of globotriaosylceramide and other neutral glycolipids in a range of cells and tissues. In association with the renal and cardiac insufficiency, cerebrovascular complications can result in the death of the patients. Several mechanisms causing vascular damage that leads to the development of deep‐white matter lesions have been described. Recent clinical trials strongly suggest that statins protect against stroke by neuroprotective properties or pleiotropic effects. Aim: To evaluate evidence and potential beneficial effects of statins in the vasculopathy of Fabry disease.
Intimate partner violence and contraception use among women in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Alio Amina P. , Daley Ellen M. , Nana Philip N. , Duan Jingyi , Salihu Hamisu M.
Published: May 2009

Objective

To determine the association between contraceptive use and intimate partner violence (IPV) in Sub‐Saharan African women.

Method

The data analyzed were from national Demographic Health Surveys conducted between 2003 and 2006 in 6 Sub‐Saharan African countries: Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Women of childbearing age completed surveys regarding the use of contraception and about their experience of physical, emotional, and sexual violence inflicted by their partners. Analyses were conducted using logistic regression.

Results

Of the 24 311 women who responded to the violence modules, 39.8% reported that they had experienced IPV. Women who had experienced IPV were significantly more likely to report that they had used contraception compared with women who had not experienced IPV (odds ratio 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–1.38).

Conclusion

Intimate partner violence appears to be associated with increased contraception use in the African setting. Among women who have experienced IPV, modern contraception is used more commonly than traditional and folkloric contraceptive methods.
Population biology of Callinectes danae and Callinectes sapidus (Crustacea: Brachyura: Portunidae) in the south-western Atlantic
Authors: Pereira Mário José , Branco Joaquim Olinto , Christoffersen Martin Lindsey , Freitas Felipe , Fracasso Hélio Augusto Alves , Pinheiro Tuane Cristine
Published: June 2009

The capture of crabs of the genus Callinectes is one of the oldest extractive activities practised by waterside communities, due to the abundance of brachyurans along the Brazilian coast. The present paper aimed to provide basic information on the population biology of C. sapidus and C. danae during the period of December 2003 to November 2004, in Babitonga Bay, Joinville, Santa Catarina. The size of the first maturation of C. danae was estimated as 7.1 cm in total carapace width for females, and as 8.6 cm for males. Fecundity of the 20 females of C. danae with carapace width from 7.0 to 11.0 cm varied from 618,667 to 811,267 eggs. Fecundity of C. sapidus was higher, with a median of 978,000 eggs per female, but carapace widths in this species were also larger, with the highest frequency of females attaining 19.01 cm on average. In both species, a tendency was observed for the egg mass to increase with size of females. The capture per unit of effort presented the lowest values in summer, while the largest values occurred from March, August and November. A total of 80 males and 117 females of C. sapidus were captured in the four collecting areas, with the largest abundances in Area III (45.18%), followed by Areas II, IV and I. The size of the first maturation of C. sapidus was estimated as 10.2 cm for females and as 9.0 cm for males. Fishing effort was in relative equilibrium for adult stock (males = 58.75% and females = 52.99%) and juveniles (males = 41.25% and females = 47.01%). The largest monthly rates of biomass of C. sapidus occurred from April to November, with a peak of capture in August, without significant differences in the participation of males and females.
Influence of growth and reproductive cycle on the meat yield and proximate composition of Hexaplex trunculus (Gastropoda: Muricidae)
Authors: Vasconcelos P. , Gaspar M.B. , Castro M. , Nunes M.L.
Published: June 2009

This study aimed to assess the influence of growth and reproductive cycle on the meat yield and proximate composition of the banded murex (Hexaplex trunculus) from the Ria Formosa lagoon (Algarve coast, southern Portugal). Samples of the edible portion (all soft-body tissues) were analysed monthly during one year. The average meat yield was 37.9±4.6%, with females containing more edible content (39.1±4.7%) than males (36.8±4.2%). The proximate composition comprised 70.7±1.4% moisture, 20.1±1.2% protein, 1.6±0.3% fat, 3.0±0.3% ash, and 4.6±1.2% carbohydrate, corresponding to an energetic value of 119.2±7.5 kcal/100 g wet weight. The meat yield was influenced by specimen size, increasing significantly during growth. Both meat yield and proximate composition presented seasonal fluctuations related to the reproductive cycle, which coincided mainly with the periods of maturation and spawning of this species in the Ria Formosa. Finally, H. trunculus meat yield and proximate composition were compared with similar information available for other marine gastropods.
Cytokine expression in dogs with naturalLeishmania infantuminfection
Authors: PANARO M. A. , BRANDONISIO O. , CIANCIULLI A. , CAVALLO P. , LACASELLA V. , PARADIES P. , TESTINI G. , DE CAPRARIIS D. , MITOLO V. , OTRANTO D.
Published: June 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate cytokine expression in 22Leishmania infantumnaturally infected dogs, in order to correlate this parameter with the clinical status of infected animals. After 4 and 8 months from the first diagnosis ofLeishmaniainfection, clinical and laboratory examination of dogs was performed and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated. The cytokine profile was analysed in terms of IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10 and TNF-alpha mRNA expression in cultured PBMC by a semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. Thirteen out of 22Leishmania-infected dogs remained asymptomatic in the follow-up, while 9 showed clinical signs of leishmaniasis. IL-4, IL-10, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma mRNA levels were not significantly different in asymptomatic compared to symptomatic animals 4 months from the diagnosis ofLeishmaniainfection, but were significantly higher in symptomaticversusasymptomatic dogs after 8 months from diagnosis. In addition, IL-4, IL-10 and TNF-alpha mRNA levels significantly increased only in symptomatic dogs at 8 months, in comparison to the levels found at 4 months. These results show a mixed Th1 and Th2 cytokine response inLeishmania-infected dogs, with higher cytokine expression in dogs with manifest clinical disease, during the second follow-up after 8 months from the first diagnosis of infection.
Species-specific probes for the identification of the African tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes
Authors: GIBSON W.
Published: June 2009

The first step in studying the epidemiology of a disease is the accurate identification of the pathogen. Traditional reliance on morphological identification has given way to the use of molecular methods for the detection and identification of pathogens, greatly improving our understanding of epidemiology. For the African tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes, the growth of PCR methods for identification of trypanosomes has led to increased appreciation of trypanosome genetic diversity and discovery of hitherto unknown trypanosome species, as well as greater knowledge about the number and type of trypanosome infections circulating in mammalian hosts and vectors. Sequence data and phylogenetic analysis have provided quantitative information on the relatedness of different trypanosome species and allowed the new trypanosome genotypes discovered through the use of species identification methods in the field to be accurately placed in the phylogenetic tree.
Envoicing the Future: Victoria Hanna's Exterior Voice
Authors: ABELIOVICH RUTHIE
Published: June 2009

This essay examines theatrical dimensions of the future in Signals, a performance by the Israeli vocalist Victoria Hanna. An examination of four scenes from this performance, I argue, shows that the sounds in Hanna's voice act in the symbolic dualities of female–male, human–technological, and embodied–disembodied figures. These dualities amplify the discrepancy between Hanna's staged identity (female, human, embodied figure) and an absent exterior other (male, technological, disembodied figure). The notion of ‘envoicement’ is developed in order to analyse these dualities and, in particular, to explore the body–voice relationship that they compose. Drawing on Emmanuel Levinas's ethical theory in Time and the Other, I argue that the meaning attributed to the future is never conveyed in its presence but rather in its absence; that is, signifying practices that represent the absent exterior referent stage the future. Through this central claim, I thus assert that Hanna's disembodied voice ‘envoices’ the future.
Distribution of GABA-immunoreactive amacrine cell synapses in the inner plexiform layer of macaque monkey retina
Authors: Koontz Margaret A. , Hendrickson Anita E.
Published: June 2009

The distribution patterns of GABA immunoreactive (+) and immunonegative (−) amacrine cell synapses and profiles in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) were analyzed in three macaque monkey retinas using postembedding electron-microscopic (EM) immunogold cytochemistry. Synapses and profiles were counted at 5% intervals throughout the IPL depth in three EM montages (total area = 6509 μm2), with 0% depth at the inner nuclear layer/IPL border. Nearly 70% of all amacrine synapses were GABA+, and they contacted all major classes of neurons that arborize in the IPL: bipolars (45%), ganglion cells (25%), and GABA+ (20%) and GABA− (10%) amacrines. A major relationship was seen between GABA+ amacrine processes and bipolar terminals: 76% of all amacrine-to-bipolar synapses were GABA+, and 82% of bipolar output dyads contained at least one GABA+ amacrine.

GABA+ amacrine profiles (N = 2455) were concentrated in three wide bands at IPL depths of 0–25%, 40–60%, and 75–100%, corresponding to the dense bands seen with light-microscopic immunocytochemistry. In contrast, GABA+ amacrine synapses (N = 1081) were distributed evenly throughout the IPL depth, rather than being confined to the three dense bands. GABA− amacrine synapses (N = 516) were concentrated at 40% and 60% depths.

Each category of amacrine output synapses had a characteristic pattern of stratification in the IPL. GABA+amacrine-to-bipolar synapses occurred throughout the IPL but were most frequent at 20% and 80% IPL depths, where the dendrites of midget cone bipolars arborize (Polyak, 1941). In contrast, GABA+amacrine-to-ganglion cell synapses were concentrated at 30% and 70% IPL depths, near the dendritic arborizations of parasol ganglion cells (Watanabe & Rodieck, 1989). GABA+ synapses onto bipolars and amacrines were also concentrated at the level of rod bipolar terminals. GABA+ amacrines must play significant but different roles in ON and OFF midget and parasol pathways as well as the rod pathway.