bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacologic manipulation of random skin flaps with pentoxifylline
Authors: Hayden Richard E. , Snyder Brad J.
Published: October 2009

The literature demonstrates inconsistent results amongst investigators who have used pentoxifylline in an effort to enhance skin flap survival. This study employed a standardized skin flap model in the rat and a standard intraperitoneal dose of pentoxifylline (10 mg/kg) delivered in four different temporal regimens. Fluorescein staining and length of flap survival were measured. The only regimen that demonstrated increased flap survival over saline controls included administration of the drug immediately upon raising the flap and every 12 hours for the next 7 days. Three different regimens that included preoperative administration of the drug failed to demonstrate a beneficial effect on skin flap survival. Slight improvement in flap survival was seen in animals receiving fluorescein. These results suggest an inconsistent pentoxifylline effect even within a single controlled study.
Biochemical aspects of autologous fibrin glue derived from ammonium sulfate precipitation
Authors: Park Moon Suh , Cha Chang
Published: October 2009

The autologous fibrin glue (AFG) was produced from 30 human donors using the ammonium sulfate precipitation method, and a study of its biochemical composition was performed. The fibrinogen concentration ranged 13 to 57 mg/mL, the yield averaged 54.6%, and there was a direct relationship between the level of fibrinogen in plasma and AFG which had been made from the same donor's plasma. Our results suggest that the quality of this category of AFG depends partially on the fibrinogen level of donor's plasma. Quality control of the AFG is discussed. Additionally, the effectiveness of three fibrynolysis inhibitors were compared to find an optimum one which inhibits autofibrinolysis of this glue. Tranexamic acid and epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) were acceptable alternatives to aprotinin.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in verrucous carcinoma of the larynx
Authors: Kasperbauer Jan L. , O'Halloran Gerard L. , Espy Mark J. , Smith Thomas F. , Lewis Jean E.
Published: October 2009

The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in archival formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue sections from verrucous carcinoma of the larynx was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with consensus primers and by in situ hybridization designed to detect HPV types 6/11, 16/18, 31/33/35. HPV DNA was detected in 17 (85%) of 20 tissue samples by PCR; none of the 20 samples were positive for the seven genotype types tested by in situ hybridization. PCR is a valuable tool to detect HPV and therefore will significantly clarify the importance of HPV in squamous mucosal disorders.
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: Juvenile versus adult forms
Authors: Doyle Deborah J. , Gianoli Gerard J. , Espinola Trina , Miller Robert H.
Published: October 2009

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) has been described to have a juvenile or aggressive form and an adult or less aggressive form. However, the aggressive form may occur in an adult and vice versa. Some authors have reported a quiescence in the juvenile form with the onset of puberty. In order to further characterize these two forms of RRP and to analyze the effects of puberty, we reviewed the records of 32 patients treated for RRP at our institution over a 10‐year period. We found that the aggressive form typically occurs in the very youngest of patients (average of 2 years old as compared to an average of 17 years old in the less aggressive form). Although subglottic involvement universally occurred in our group with aggressive disease, approximately 40% developed subglottic disease very early as compared with 20% of patients with less aggressive disease. Additionally, our data do not support the theory of spontaneous regression with the onset of puberty. These and other findings will be discussed in detail. We also propose a new classification for RRP to eliminate confusion.
Prevalence of carotid canal dehiscence in the human middle ear: A report of 1000 temporal bones
Authors: Moreano Edwin H. , Paparella Michael M. , Zelterman Daniel , Goycoolea Marcos V.
Published: October 2009

A total of 1000 human temporal bones were used to study the prevalence of carotid canal dehiscence, microdehiscence, and thin bony coverage. Additionally, this study compares the prevalence according to sex and temporal bone age. A carotid canal dehiscence was detected in 77 (7.7%) bones. It was present bilaterally in 23.2% of the paired temporal bones. The prevalence of carotid canal dehiscence decreases with increasing temporal bone age. It was found in 10 (15.9%) bones in the younger than 2 age group, as opposed to 43 (6.3%) bones from the 40 and older group.

The concept of microdehiscence of the carotid canal is introduced. A carotid canal microdehiscence was found in 74 (7.4%) bones. Microdehiscences were noted to occur bilaterally in 12.3% of the paired bones. The prevalence of carotid canal microdehiscence also decreases with increasing temporal bone age. It was detected in 7 (11.1%) bones in the younger than 2 age group, in contrast to 51 (7.5%) bones in the 40 and older group.

A total of 134 (15.5%) temporal bones were found to have a thin bony coverage, without the presence of a dehiscence or microdehiscence. The prevalence of thin coverage was noted to increase linearly with age. A thin carotid canal was found in 2 (8.3%) bones from the younger than 2 age group, whereas 113 (17.3%) temporal bones from the 40 and older group exhibited this entity.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic study of histologic sections of a large number of temporal bones that looks at these entities.
Effects of odorants and irritants on respiratory behavior
Authors: Warren Donald W. , Walker James C. , Drake Amelia F. , Lutz Richard W.
Published: October 2009

A technique that combines psychophysical measurements with continuous recording of nasal patency and respiratory behavior was used to study the psychophysical and respiratory responses of 10 subjects to well‐controlled stimulation with three compounds differing in relative stimulatory effectiveness for nasal olfactory and trigeminal chemoreceptors. All four concentrations of acetic acid, amyl acetate, and phenethyl alcohol were well above the odor detection threshold. The magnitudes of both the increase in odor strength and nasal irritation and the decreases in tidal volume were greatest for acetic acid and least for phenethyl alcohol. Among the odorants, differences in nasal irritation were greater than those in odor strength, and tidal volume appeared to have a reasonably close and inverse relationship to nasal irritation.
Good choices: Making better decisions by knowing how best to decide
Authors: Musselwhite Christopher
Published: October 2009

Effective decision makers know that deciding what's best and knowing how best to decide are two very different skills. A leader's mastery of the difference between these two capabilities has major implications for both the decision maker and those affected by the decisions.
Building the pipeline: Leadership succession is a key challenge
Authors: Hazarika Anjali
Published: October 2009

In times of uncertainty, turbulence, and intense competition like these, companies now more than ever need to focus on strengthening their pipelines of talent and ensuring successful leadership transition. The example of a large hydrocarbon exploration and production company in India shows how to tackle the challenge.
Charakterisierung des Ermüdungsverhaltens hochbeanspruchter Eisenbahnvollräder für den Hochgeschwindigkeitspersonenverkehr bei betriebsrelevanten Temperaturen
Authors: Peters C. J. , Kerscher E.
Published: October 2009

Im Hochgeschwindigkeitspersonenverkehr treten bei Eisenbahnrädern aufgrund von Brems‐ und Schlupfvorgängen Temperaturerhöhungen auf, die das Ermüdungsverhalten der Radstähle stark beeinflussen. Für eine zuverlässige Auslegung hochbeanspruchter Eisenbahnvollräder sind daher fundierte Kenntnisse des Ermüdungsverhaltens der eingesetzten Radwerkstoffe unter besonderer Berücksichtung betriebsrelevanter Temperaturen unabdingbar.

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden die Vollradstähle R7 und R8 untersucht, die als Originalbauteile für den Hochgeschwindigkeitspersonenverkehr in technisch relevanten Wärmebehandlungszuständen zur Verfügung standen. Neben mechanischen Spannung‐Dehnung‐Hysteresismessungen wurden thermometrische und resistometrische Messverfahren gleichermaßen zur Beschreibung und Bewertung des Wechselverformungsverhaltens und der zugrundeliegenden Ermüdungsprozesse angewandt. Das Wechselverformungsverhalten wird auf Basis der ortsabhängigen Mikrostruktur der Radwerkstoffe und dem daraus resultierenden ortsabhängigen Ermüdungsverhalten beurteilt.
NSAID switching and short‐term gastrointestinal outcome rates after the withdrawal of rofecoxib
Authors: Schneeweiss Sebastian , Glynn Robert J. , Avorn Jerry , Mamdani Muhammad , Mogun Helen , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: October 2009

Objective

The consequences of the rofecoxib withdrawal on upper GI toxicity are largely unknown. We sought to estimate the effect of switching from selective Cox‐2 inhibitors to non‐selective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (nsNSAIDs) on the incidence of upper GI adverse events following the withdrawal of rofecoxib on 30 September 2004.

Methods

We identified a cohort of 33 045 patients with arthritis and chronic use of any selective Cox‐2 inhibitor during the 6 months before the withdrawal of rofecoxib in claims data from several US health plans. We calculated monthly rates of hospitalization for upper GI adverse events or upper GI endoscopy for the 6 months before and 3 months after the switching and compared the time trends in outcomes.

Results

In the subgroup of 15 916 patients using rofecoxib immediately before its withdrawal, 2626 (17%) switched to nsNSAIDs without co‐prescribing of a gastroprotective drug, 146 (1%) with a gastroprotective drug, and 5246 (33%) switched to either celecoxib or valdecoxib. Among those switching to nsNSAID without gastroprotection, time trends of upper GI hospitalization rates and endoscopies did not significantly increase compared with those switching to celecoxib or valdecoxib (+0.3 per 1000 per month; 95%CI −3.0 to 3.5). The visit rate for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) increased more in the group switching to nsNSAIDs without gastroprotection (+5.2 visits per 1000 per month; 1.2–9.2) compared with the group switching to another coxib.

Conclusions

Short‐term follow‐up data suggest that the sudden shift from rofecoxib to nsNSAIDs without gastroprotection did not increase the rate of hospitalization for GI complications but increased outpatient visits for PUD. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An interdomain disulfide bridge links the NtA and first FS domain in agrin
Authors: McFarlane Ainsley A. , Stetefeld Jörg
Published: October 2009

Agrin is a multidomain heparan sulfate proteoglycan involved in postsynaptic differentiation at the neuromuscular junction. Binding of agrin to synaptic basal lamina is mediated by the N‐terminal agrin (NtA) domain. The NtA domain of agrin is followed by a tandem of nine follistatin‐like (FS) domains forming a rod‐like spacer to the laminin G‐like domains of the molecule. Here we report that the most C‐terminal cysteine residue of NtA (Cys123) forms an interdomain disulfide bond with the FOLN subdomain of the FS module. Remarkably, this single cysteine is flanked by Leu117 and Val124, which are two essential β‐branched amino acids forming the heterocomplex of NtA with the γ1 chain of laminin. Moreover, we show that this covalent linkage compensates for the seven amino acid residue splice insert at the very C‐terminal helix H3 and causes a rigid interface between NtA and FS independent of the alternative mRNA splice event. These results suggest that the interdomain disulfide bond between the NtA and the first FS domain might be important for the proper folding of agrin.
Process hazard analysis quality
Authors: Collins Robert L.
Published: October 2009

In this article, the author will discuss the elements that go into a high quality process hazard analysis (PHA). Specific suggestions for performing a high quality PHA will be presented and discussed. The author will show that it is possible to adhere faithfully to the legal requirements in performing a PHA and still produce a poor quality PHA. It is only through continued focus on the basic principle underlying the performance of a PHA (i.e., the prevention of potential future incidents) in every aspect of the PHA's performance that a high quality PHA will result. When management realizes that they can expend valuable resources in the effort to perform either a poor quality PHA (i.e., just what the law requires) or a high quality PHA, the author is confident that focus will shift to a demand for high quality performance. In this article, we will discuss the elements that go into the performance of a PHA. It is through a better understanding of the application of these elements that PHA team leaders can infer the existence of a high quality PHA. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
Microstructural, thermal, and conducting properties of Bi4−xPbxV2O11−δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) compound as solid electrolyte
Authors: Kant R. , Singh K. , Pandey O. P.
Published: October 2009

The effects of doping were investigated with respect to concentration of dopant and sintering temperature. The compound is prepared by a solid‐state reaction route sintered in the temperature range from 750 to 825 °C. X‐ray diffraction study reveals the existence of α‐phase of Bi4−xPbxV2O11−δ compound for all compositions of 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.4. However, the formation of solid solution was observed up to x = 0.2. The higher conductivity obtained for x = 0.2 composition of the sample also supports this finding. The scanning electron microscopy study of the samples sintered at various temperatures was done to correlate the effect of sintering temperature on microstructure and ionic conductivity.
Electrodeposition of Bi2Te3 films and micro‐pillar arrays on p‐Si(100) wafers
Authors: Liu Da‐Wei , Xu Ying , Li Jing‐Feng
Published: October 2009

Bi2Te3 films and micro‐pillar arrays were electrodeposited, respectively, onto p‐Si(100) wafers and into micro‐templates that were etched on the same wafers with reactive ion etching (RIE). With the potentials of −100 to −300 mV (vs. saturated calomel electrode), Bi2Te3 films can be obtained from Bi3+ and HTeO solution, which showed a (001) preferential orientation. Micro‐templates with vertical holes of 15–18 µm in diameter and 40 µm in depth were etched on p‐Si(100) wafers, and then were set as cathodes. During electrodeposition, the SiO2 layer on the wafer surface served as an insulating layer, and Bi2Te3 only crystallized on the inner wall of etched holes. With the potentials of −300 to −700 mV, Bi2Te3 pillar arrays can be fabricated by filling electrodeposition, and the filling ratios and qualities were sensitive to the potentials. After removing the templates with RIE, the Bi2Te3 pillars can stand on the wafer surfaces.
Rapid simultaneous quantitative determination of different small pharmaceutical drugs using a conventional matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry system
Authors: Persike Markus , Karas Michael
Published: October 2009

The present study establishes a simple, rapid and sensitive method for the simultaneous quantification of different small pharmaceutical drugs using a matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization source (MALDI) coupled with a time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass analyzer. Neither time‐consuming sample preparation, nor special target plates, isotopically labelled internal standards or other extra equipment are necessary. A simple standard dried‐droplet preparation with the common matrix α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) was used. The background signals of CHCA in the low‐mass region did not pose the presumed problem, because the sensitivity, resolution and mass accuracy of a modern MALDI‐TOF MS system is sufficient to overcome this difficulty.

Four experiments were performed in order to verify the quantification method. First, ten different phenothiazines were quantified in the range of 5–2000 nM (1–880 ng/mL). A good precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) 4.4–9.3%), linearity (R2 >0.99) and accuracy (error 4.7–11%) was obtained in all cases. Additionally, simultaneous quantification of these ten phenothiazines was carried out in human plasma without prior chromatographic separation in the range of 2–1750 ng/mL yielding good linearity, precision and accuracy (mean RSD 7.6%; R2 >0.99, mean error 8.0%). Accordingly, a quantitative analysis of ten chemically and pharmaceutically unrelated drugs was performed in the same way. A comparable linearity (R2 >0.99), precision (mean RSD 7.6%) and accuracy (mean error 8.3%) was obtained in the range of 5–2000 nM. Finally, the prazosin content of a commercial tablet was directly determined without further purification steps. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Surface Properties on Nanoparticle–Cell Interactions
Authors: Verma Ayush , Stellacci Francesco
Published: October 2009

The interaction of nanomaterials with cells and lipid bilayers is critical in many applications such as phototherapy, imaging, and drug/gene delivery. These applications require a firm control over nanoparticle–cell interactions, which are mainly dictated by surface properties of nanoparticles. This critical Review presents an understanding of how synthetic and natural chemical moieties on the nanoparticle surface (in addition to nanoparticle shape and size) impact their interaction with lipid bilayers and cells. Challenges for undertaking a systematic study to elucidate nanoparticle–cell interactions are also discussed.

magnified image
Sphingolipid topology and the dynamic organization and function of membrane proteins
Authors: van Meer Gerrit , Hoetzl Sandra
Published: October 2009

When acquiring internal membranes and vesicular transport, eukaryotic cells started to synthesize sphingolipids and sterols. The physical differences between these and the glycerophospholipids must have enabled the cells to segregate lipids in the membrane plane. Localizing this event to the Golgi then allowed them to create membranes of different lipid composition, notably a thin, flexible ER membrane, consisting of glycerolipids, and a sturdy plasma membrane containing at least 50% sphingolipids and sterols. Besides sorting membrane proteins, in the course of evolution the simple sphingolipids obtained key positions in cellular physiology by developing specific interactions with (membrane) proteins involved in the execution and control of signaling. The few signaling sphingolipids in mammals must provide basic transmission principles that evolution has built upon for organizing the specific regulatory pathways tuned to the needs of the different cell types in the body.
Amphipathic helices and membrane curvature
Authors: Drin Guillaume , Antonny Bruno
Published: October 2009

Numerous data have been collected on lipid‐binding amphipathic helices involved in membrane‐remodeling machineries and vesicular transport. Here we describe how, with regard to lipid composition, the physicochemical features of some amphipathic helices explain their ability to recognize membrane curvature or to participate in membrane remodeling. We propose that sensing highly‐curved membranes requires that the polar and hydrophobic faces of the helix do not cooperate in lipid binding. A more detailed description of the interaction between amphipathic helices and lipids is however needed; notably to explain how new helices contribute to detection of modest changes in curvature or even negative curvature.
Evolution and diversity of the Golgi body
Authors: Mowbrey Kevin , Dacks Joel B.
Published: October 2009

Often considered a defining eukaryotic feature, the Golgi body is one of the most recognizable and functionally integrated cellular organelles. It is therefore surprising that some unicellular eukaryotes do not, at first glance, appear to possess Golgi stacks. Here we review the molecular evolutionary, genomic and cell biological evidence for Golgi bodies in these organisms, with the organelle likely present in some form in all cases. This, along with the overwhelming prevalence of stacked cisternae in most eukaryotes, implies that the ancestral eukaryote possessed a stacked Golgi body, with at least eight independent instances of Golgi unstacking in our cellular history.
Multiple roles of the vesicular‐SNARE TI‐VAMP in post‐Golgi and endosomal trafficking
Authors: Chaineau Mathilde , Danglot Lydia , Galli Thierry
Published: October 2009

SNARE (Soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins are the core machinery of membrane fusion. Vesicular SNAREs (v‐SNAREs) interact with their target SNAREs (t‐SNAREs) to form SNARE complexes which mediate membrane fusion. Here we review the basic properties and functions of the v‐SNARE TI‐VAMP/VAMP7 (Tetanus neurotoxin insensitive‐vesicle associated membrane protein). TI‐VAMP interacts with its t‐SNARE partners, particularly plasmalemmal syntaxins, to mediate membrane fusion and with several regulatory proteins especially via its amino‐terminal regulatory Longin domain. Partners include AP‐3, Hrb/(Human immunodeficiency virus Rev binding) protein, and Varp (Vps9 domain and ankyrin repeats containing protein) and regulate TI‐VAMP's function and targeting. TI‐VAMP is involved both in secretory and endocytic pathways which mediate neurite outgrowth and synaptic transmission, plasma membrane remodeling and lysosomal secretion.
A dual-strain feline calicivirus vaccine stimulates broader cross-neutralization antibodies than a single-strain vaccine and lessens clinical signs in vaccinated cats when challenged with a homologous feline calicivirus strain associated with virulent systemic disease
Authors: Huang Chengjin , Hess Jennifer , Gill Michael , Hustead David
Published: October 2009

Feline calicivirus (FCV) causes an array of clinical disease in cats. Traditionally this disease has been associated with respiratory disease, limping, or chronic stomatitis. Within the last 10 years, virulent systemic feline calicivirus (VS-FCV) has been recognized which causes additional clinical signs and has a higher fatality rate. A dual-strain FCV vaccine containing a strain of FCV associated with traditional respiratory disease and a VS-FCV strain stimulates serum cross-neutralization antibodies when tested against field strains from Europe and VS-FCV strains from USA. Following challenge with a homologous VS-FCV strain, vaccinated cats had significantly reduced clinical signs.
Megaesophagus in a 6-month-old cat secondary to a nasopharyngeal polyp
Authors: Byron Julie K. , Shadwick Steven R. , Bennett Avery R.
Published: October 2009

A 6-month-old male domestic shorthair cat was presented for a 3-month history of dysphagia and upper respiratory signs. The cat was diagnosed with a generalized megaesophagus secondary to a large nasopharyngeal polyp that extended into the cervical esophagus. The polyp was removed by traction and a left ventral bulla osteotomy was performed to remove the polyp base. The cat's clinical signs resolved and follow-up radiographs 14 days after surgery revealed resolution of the megaesophagus. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of resolution of megaesophagus after removal of a nasopharyngeal polyp in a cat.
An experimental investigation of divergent bow waves simulated by a two-dimensional plus temporal wave maker technique – ERRATUM
Authors: SHAKERI MOSTAFA , TAVAKOLINEJAD MOHAMMADREZA , DUNCAN JAMES H.
Published: October 2009

In the published article Shakeri et al. (2009) the title should read as above (i.e. ‘wave maker technique’, not ‘wave marker technique’ as in the published article).
The (re)marketing of disability in pop: Ian Curtis and Joy Division
Authors: WALTZ MITZI , JAMES MARTIN
Published: October 2009

In this article we examine the relatively new use of disability as a marketing device in pop music. Our analysis makes specific reference to how the career of Ian Curtis and Joy Division has become overshadowed by his epilepsy, depression and subsequent suicide, with comparison between early press and promotional materials from 1979–1980 and more recent materials created to promote reissues and films about Curtis. It also references other relevant individuals from the pop music sphere and marketing campaigns created around them that ignore or highlight issues of disability.

Using these examples, we examine the ways in which messages about disability are packaged and presented within pop marketing discourses and discuss the issue of ‘acceptable’ and ‘unacceptable’ disability identities in pop, which have been created through a largely marketing-driven discourse. Finally, we briefly explore how the deployment of ‘disabled’ identities impacts on the musicians so identified, as opposed to on the sales of products.
Rapid oxygen utilization in the ocean twilight zone assessed with the cosmogenic isotope 7Be
Authors: Kadko David
Published: October 2009

The rate of oxygen utilization beneath the sunlit surface ocean provides a measure of the export rate of biologically produced carbon to the deep sea, and its variation with depth suggests where remineralization of that carbon occurs. The latter consideration is relevant to the efficiency of carbon sequestration in deep water. However, accurate characterization of this process, particularly within 200 m of the euphotic zone where carbon utilization is most intense, has been difficult owing to limitations of techniques applied to these shallow depths. Here, a novel approach utilizing the cosmogenic isotope 7Be indicates that at a site in the subtropical North Atlantic, 65% of sinking carbon is remineralized within 200 m of the ocean's surface and is thus readily available for return to the atmosphere. The corresponding oxygen utilization rates are greater than would be suggested by the attenuation with depth of organic matter measured by shallow sediment traps.
Structural heterogeneity of the Longmenshan fault zone and the mechanism of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake (Ms 8.0)
Authors: Lei Jianshe , Zhao Dapeng
Published: October 2009

We determined detailed 3‐D images of P and S wave velocity (Vp, Vs) and Poisson's ratio (σ) in and around the Longmenshan (LMS) fault zone by using a large number of P and S wave arrival times from the aftershocks of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake (Ms 8.0) and other local events. Our results show that the structure of the LMS fault zone north of the Wenchuan main shock is very different from that south of the main shock. The southern section of the LMS fault zone contains a broad zone with low‐Vp, low‐Vs, and high‐σ anomalies, while the northern segment exhibits more scattered heterogeneities, corresponding to most of the aftershocks which occurred there. A prominent low‐Vp, low‐Vs, and high‐σ anomaly exists directly beneath the Wenchuan main shock hypocenter, suggesting that in addition to compositional variations, fluid‐filled fractured rock matrices may exist in the LMS fault zone, which may have influenced the generation of the large Wenchuan earthquake. Our tomographic results provide sound seismic evidence for the hypothesis that an upward intrusion of lower crustal flow occurred along the LMS fault zone. In addition, most small earthquakes before the 2008 Wenchuan main shock occurred around the Guanxian‐Jiangyou fault, while the Wenchuan aftershocks were mainly concentrated on the Yingxiu‐Beichuan fault, suggesting that the rupture process of the Wenchuan earthquake may belong to an out‐of‐sequence thrusting event, a suggestion which is in good agreement with the results from geological surveys and also quite similar to the rupture processes of the 1999 Chi‐Chi earthquake (M 7.5) and the 2005 Kashmir earthquake (M 7.6). A few aftershocks occurred close to the blind Guangyuan‐Dayi fault in the Sichuan basin, suggesting that this blind fault was also ruptured by the Wenchuan earthquake, consistent with geological surveys.
Reverse signaling through BAFF differentially regulates the expression of inflammatory mediators and cytoskeletal movements in THP‐1 cells
Authors: Jeon Sung‐Tak , Kim Won‐Jung , Lee Sang‐Min , Lee Min‐Young , Park Seung‐Beom , Lee Seung‐Hee , Kim In‐San , Suk Kyoungho , Choi Beom Kyu , Choi Eun M , Kwon Byoung S , Lee Won‐Ha
Published: October 2009

Most members of the tumor‐necrosis factor superfamily have been reported to mediate reverse signaling in T cells, macrophages, and/or dendritic cells. BAFF has been reported to have important functions in B‐cell survival through forward signaling, but the presence of reverse signaling has not been explored. To investigate the possibility of BAFF‐mediated reverse signaling, the expression patterns and functions of BAFF were analyzed in monocytic cell lines including the human macrophage‐like cell line, THP‐1. The expression of BAFF and its receptors was detected in monocytic cell lines, either before or after activation. The stimulation of BAFF induced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9, interleukin ‐8, and transforming growth factor‐β‐induced gene product (βig‐h3) and the upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 in THP‐1 cells. The activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2 and nuclear factor‐κB was required for these responses. In addition to these stimulatory effects, BAFF‐mediated signaling inhibited processes involving cytoskeletal movement such as phagocytosis and transmigration through blocking the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/AKT and Rac‐1. Furthermore, murine primary macrophage culture such as peritoneal macrophages expressed BAFF and stimulation of it induced the expression of MMP‐9. These observations show that the reverse signaling initiated from BAFF induces the expression of inflammatory mediators while suppressing the cytoskeletal movements associated with phagocytosis and transmigration.
Weyl’s Lagrangian in teleparallel form
Authors: Burnett James , Vassiliev Dmitri
Published: October 2009

The Weyl Lagrangian is the massless Dirac Lagrangian. The dynamical variable in the Weyl Lagrangian is a spinor field. We provide a mathematically equivalent representation in terms of a different dynamical variable — the coframe (an orthonormal tetrad of covector fields). We show that when written in terms of this dynamical variable, the Weyl Lagrangian becomes remarkably simple: it is the wedge product of axial torsion of the teleparallel connection with a teleparallel lightlike element of the coframe. We also examine the issues of U(1)-invariance and conformal invariance. Examination of the latter motivates us to introduce a positive scalar field (equivalent to a density) as an additional dynamical variable; this makes conformal invariance self-evident.
Gated pinhole camera imaging of the high-energy ions emitted by a discharge produced Sn plasma for extreme ultraviolet generation
Authors: Gielissen K. , Sidelnikov Y. , Glushkov D. , Soer W. A. , Banine V. , v. d. Mullen J. J. A. M.
Published: October 2009

The origin and nature of the high-energy ions emitted by a discharge produced plasma source are studied using gated pinhole camera imaging. Time-of-flight analysis in combination with Faraday cup measurements enables characterization of the high-velocity component of the ionic debris. The use of an optional magnetic field allows mass-to-charge analysis of the first part of the Faraday cup signal. It is shown that this consists mainly of oxygen ions emitted from a region near the cathode. Time-resolved images of Sn ions with a kinetic energy of 45 keV visualize the regions in between the electrodes where the high-energy ion generation takes place.
Time-resolved measurements on reflectivity of an ultrafast laser-induced plasma mirror
Authors: Cai Yi , Wang Wentao , Xia Changquan , Liu Jiansheng , Liu Li , Wang Cheng , Xu Yi , Leng Yuxin , Li Ruxin , Xu Zhizhan
Published: October 2009

Using a linearly chirped laser pulse to irradiate antireflection coated targets, the time-varying reflectivity of a plasma mirror (PM) has been measured at various laser intensities from 1012 to 1017 W/cm2. The onset of plasma generation as well as the formation process of a PM with the highest reflectivity has been observed. The rise time of the PM’s reflectivity reaching up to the maximum varies from 300–500 fs at lower laser intensities but goes up to 900 fs at higher intensity of >1016 W/cm2. This long rise time can be attributed to a slowly rising shoulder of the laser pulse, which will trigger the generation of preplasma well in advance of the laser peak. The detailed measurements on both time-integrated and time-resolved reflectivity of a PM, which is induced by p- and s-polarized laser pulses, respectively, indicate that an s-polarized pulse is favorable to obtain the maximal reflectivity and the best contrast improvement as well. This difference can be attributed to the weaker absorption and a smaller plasma scale length generated for s-polarization.
Magnetic force microscopy analysis of magnetization reversal in exchange-biased Co/CoO nanostructure arrays
Authors: Suck S. Y. , Neu V. , Wolff U. , Bahr S. , Bourgeois O. , Givord D.
Published: October 2009

Asymmetry in the magnetization reversal processes of exchange bias Co/CoO rectangular nanodot arrays is revealed by magnetic force microscopy. One-step switching is found along the descending branch of the hysteresis cycle whereas rotational or multidomain processes are involved along the ascending branch. From a statistical analysis of the environment of each dot during reversal, it is concluded that dipolar interactions do not significantly influence the magnetization reversal processes.
Dynamics of free carrier absorption in InN layers
Authors: Nargelas S. , Aleksiejūnas R. , Vengris M. , Malinauskas T. , Jarašiūnas K. , Dimakis E.
Published: October 2009

Carrier dynamics in highly excited InN epitaxial layers was investigated in the 1550–2440 nm (0.8–0.51 eV) spectral range by using a femtosecond differential transmission technique. A transition from induced bleaching to induced absorption was observed for probing energy of 90 meV below the bandgap of the samples. The decay of the induced free carrier absorption provided the averaged lifetime of the total nonequilibrium carriers. In the carrier density range of Δn=1018–1020 cm−3, the density-dependent recombination mechanism was attributed to trap-assisted Auger recombination with decay rate 1/τ=BTAARΔn, with BTAAR in the range (4–30)×10−10 cm3 s−1 for layers with different defect densities.
Band offsets of HfO2/ZnO interface: In situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement and ab initio calculation
Authors: Chen Q. , Yang M. , Feng Y. P. , Chai J. W. , Zhang Z. , Pan J. S. , Wang S. J.
Published: October 2009

High quality HfO2 dielectrics have been grown on ZnO (0001) substrates. The valence- and conduction-band offsets for HfO2/ZnO (0001) heterojunctions have been determined to be 0.14±0.05 and 2.29±0.05 eV, respectively, by using in situ x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. First-principles calculations show that the valence-band offset at the HfO2/ZnO (0001) interface of the most energetically favorable interface structure is 0.40 eV, which is consistent with the experimental results.
Msh2-dependent DNA repair mitigates a unique susceptibility of B cell progenitors to
c-Myc
-induced lymphomas
Authors: Nepal Rajeev M. , Tong Li , Kolaj Blerta , Edelmann Winfried , Martin Alberto
Published: October 2009

C-
Myc
is one of the most common targets of genetic alterations in human cancers. Although overexpression of c-Myc in the B cell compartment predisposes to lymphomas, secondary mutations are required for disease manifestation. In this article, we show that genetic deficiencies causing arrested B cell development and accumulation of B cell progenitors lead to accelerated lymphomagenesis in Eμ c-myc transgenic mice. This result suggests that B cell progenitors are more prone than their mature counterparts to developing secondary oncogenic lesions that complement c-Myc in promoting transformation. To investigate the nature of these oncogenic lesions, we examined Eμ c-myc mice deficient in mismatch repair function. We report that Msh2
−/−
Eμ c-myc and Msh2
G674A/G674A
Eμ c-myc mice rapidly succumb to pro-B cell stage lymphomas, indicating that Msh2-dependent mismatch repair function actively suppresses
c-Myc
-associated oncogenesis during early B cell development.
Co-evolution of KIR2DL3 with HLA-C in a human population retaining minimal essential diversity of KIR and HLA class I ligands
Authors: Gendzekhadze Ketevan , Norman Paul J. , Abi-Rached Laurent , Graef Thorsten , Moesta Achim K. , Layrisse Zulay , Parham Peter
Published: October 2009

Natural killer (NK) cells contribute to immunity and reproduction. Guiding these functions, and NK cell education, are killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIR), NK cell receptors that recognize HLA class I. In most human populations, these highly polymorphic receptors and ligands combine with extraordinary diversity. To assess how much of this diversity is necessary, we studied KIR and HLA class I at high resolution in the Yucpa, a small South Amerindian population that survived an approximate 15,000-year history of population bottleneck and epidemic infection, including recent viral hepatitis. The Yucpa retain the three major HLA epitopes recognized by KIR. Through balancing selection on a few divergent haplotypes the Yucpa maintain much of the
KIR
variation found worldwide. HLA-C*07, the strongest educator of C1-specific NK cells, has reached unusually high frequency in the Yucpa. Concomitantly, weaker variants of the C1 receptor, KIR2DL3, were selected and have largely replaced the form of KIR2DL3 brought by the original migrants from Asia. HLA-C1 and KIR2DL3 homozygosity has previously been correlated with resistance to viral hepatitis. Selection of weaker forms of KIR2DL3 in the Yucpa can be seen as compensation for the high frequency of the potent HLA-C*07 ligand. This study provides an estimate of the minimal KIR-HLA system essential for long-term survival of a human population. That it contains all functional elements of KIR diversity worldwide, attests to the competitive advantage it provides, not only for surviving epidemic infections, but also for rebuilding populations once infection has passed.
Evolutionary maintenance of selfish homing endonuclease genes in the absence of horizontal transfer
Authors: Yahara Koji , Fukuyo Masaki , Sasaki Akira , Kobayashi Ichizo
Published: October 2009

Homing endonuclease genes are “selfish” mobile genetic elements whose endonuclease promotes the spread of its own gene by creating a break at a specific target site and using the host machinery to repair the break by copying and inserting the gene at this site. Horizontal transfer across the boundary of a species or population within which mating takes place has been thought to be necessary for their evolutionary persistence. This is based on the assumption that they will become fixed in a host population, where opportunities of homing will disappear, and become susceptible to degeneration. To test this hypothesis, we modeled behavior of a homing endonuclease gene that moves during meiosis through double-strand break repair. We mathematically explored conditions for persistence of the homing endonuclease gene and elucidated their parameter dependence as phase diagrams. We found that, if the cost of the pseudogene is lower than that of the homing endonuclease gene, the 2 forms can persist in a population through autonomous periodic oscillation. If the cost of the pseudogene is higher, 2 types of dynamics appear that enable evolutionary persistence: bistability dependent on initial frequency or fixation irrespective of initial frequency. The prediction of long persistence in the absence of horizontal transfer was confirmed by stochastic simulations in finite populations. The average time to extinction of the endonuclease gene was found to be thousands of meiotic generations or more based on realistic parameter values. These results provide a solid theoretical basis for an understanding of these and other extremely selfish elements.
Plant DNA barcodes and a community phylogeny of a tropical forest dynamics plot in Panama
Authors: Kress W. John , Erickson David L. , Jones F. Andrew , Swenson Nathan G. , Perez Rolando , Sanjur Oris , Bermingham Eldredge
Published: October 2009

The assembly of DNA barcode libraries is particularly relevant within species-rich natural communities for which accurate species identifications will enable detailed ecological forensic studies. In addition, well-resolved molecular phylogenies derived from these DNA barcode sequences have the potential to improve investigations of the mechanisms underlying community assembly and functional trait evolution. To date, no studies have effectively applied DNA barcodes
sensu strictu
in this manner. In this report, we demonstrate that a three-locus DNA barcode when applied to 296 species of woody trees, shrubs, and palms found within the 50-ha Forest Dynamics Plot on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, resulted in >98% correct identifications. These DNA barcode sequences are also used to reconstruct a robust community phylogeny employing a supermatrix method for 281 of the 296 plant species in the plot. The three-locus barcode data were sufficient to reliably reconstruct evolutionary relationships among the plant taxa in the plot that are congruent with the broadly accepted phylogeny of flowering plants (APG II). Earlier work on the phylogenetic structure of the BCI forest dynamics plot employing less resolved phylogenies reveals significant differences in evolutionary and ecological inferences compared with our data and suggests that unresolved community phylogenies may have increased type I and type II errors. These results illustrate how highly resolved phylogenies based on DNA barcode sequence data will enhance research focused on the interface between community ecology and evolution.
Degrons in protein substrates program the speed and operating efficiency of the AAA+ Lon proteolytic machine
Authors: Gur Eyal , Sauer Robert T.
Published: October 2009

AAA+ proteases are ATP-fueled machines that bind protein substrates via a degradation tag, unfold the molecule if necessary, and then translocate the polypeptide into a chamber for proteolysis. Tag recognition is normally viewed as a passive reaction. By contrast, for the AAA+ Lon protease, we show that degron tags are also regulatory elements that determine protease activity levels. Indeed, different tags fused to the same protein change degradation speeds and energetic efficiencies by 10-fold or more. Degron binding to multiple sites in the Lon hexamer appears to differentially stabilize specific enzyme conformations, including one with high protease and low ATPase activity, and results in positively cooperative degradation. These allosteric mechanisms allow Lon to operate in either a fast or slow proteolysis mode, according to specific physiological needs, and may help maximize degradation of misfolded proteins following stress-induced denaturation.
Direct observation of ultrafast folding and denatured state dynamics in single protein molecules
Authors: Neuweiler Hannes , Johnson Christopher M. , Fersht Alan R.
Published: October 2009

Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) experiments are extremely useful in studying protein folding but are generally limited to time scales of greater than ≈100 μs and distances greater than ≈2 nm. We used single-molecule fluorescence quenching by photoinduced electron transfer, detecting short-range events, in combination with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (PET-FCS) to investigate folding dynamics of the small binding domain BBL with nanosecond time resolution. The kinetics of folding appeared as a 10-μs decay in the autocorrelation function, resulting from stochastic fluctuations between denatured and native conformations of individual molecules. The observed rate constants were probe independent and in excellent agreement with values derived from conventional temperature-jump (T-jump) measurements. A submicrosecond relaxation was detected in PET-FCS data that reported on the kinetics of intrachain contact formation within the thermally denatured state. We engineered a mutant of BBL that was denatured under the reaction conditions that favored folding of the parent wild type (“D
phys
”). D
phys
had the same kinetic signature as the thermally denatured state and revealed segmental diffusion with a time constant of intrachain contact formation of 500 ns. This time constant was more than 10 times faster than folding and in the range estimated to be the “speed limit” of folding. D
phys
exhibited significant deviations from a random coil. The solvent viscosity and temperature dependence of intrachain diffusion showed that chain motions were slaved by the presence of intramolecular interactions. PET-FCS in combination with protein engineering is a powerful approach to study the early events and mechanism of ultrafast protein folding.
Adult attachment styles and cognitive vulnerability to depression in a sample of undergraduate students: The mediational roles of sociotropy and autonomy
Authors: Permuy Beatriz , Merino Hipólito , Fernandez‐Rey Jose
Published: October 2009

We analysed the mediational role of the personality dimensions of sociotropy and autonomy in the relationship between certain styles of attachment and depressive symptoms. In order for us to do so, a group of university students filled out the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Revised Personal Style Inventory (PSI‐II) and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ). Individuals having attachment styles with a negative model of self (preoccupied and fearful) obtained significantly higher scores in the BDI than those having attachment styles with a positive model of self (secure and dismissing), which coincides with previous research. We followed the standard procedure of Baron and Kenny of linear regression in order to perform the mediational analyses. The preoccupied attachment style–depressive symptoms relationship was mediated by sociotropy. It was also found that autonomy exerted a significant mediational effect on the relationship between the fearful attachment style and depressive symptoms. These results are consistent with the notion that insecure attachment predisposes individuals to the development of depressogenic personality styles. Thus, the findings of the present study contribute to improving the understanding of the factors involved in the development of vulnerability to depression. Furthermore, the results point out the importance of evaluating both attachment style and sociotropy/autonomy personality dimensions for the treatment of depressive patients.
Why are there limits on theory of mind use? Evidence from adults’ ability to follow instructions from an ignorant speaker
Authors: Apperly Ian A. , Carroll Daniel J. , Samson Dana , Humphreys Glyn W. , Qureshi Adam , Moffitt Graham
Published: October 2009

Keysar et al. (Keysar, Barr, Balin, & Brauner, 2000; Keysar, Lin, & Barr, 2003) report that adults frequently failed to use their conceptual competence for theory of mind (ToM) in an online communication game where they needed to take account of a speaker's perspective. The current research reports 3 experiments investigating the cognitive processes contributing to adults’ errors. In Experiments 1 and 2 the frequency of adults’ failure to use ToM was unaffected by perspective switching. In Experiment 3 adults made more errors when interpreting instructions according to the speaker's perspective than according to an arbitrary rule. We suggest that adults are efficient at switching perspectives, but that actually using what another person knows to interpret what they say is relatively inefficient, giving rise to egocentric errors during communication.