bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of inulinase production by solid‐state fermentation in a packed‐bed bioreactor
Authors: Mazutti Marcio A. , Zabot Giovani , Boni Gabriela , Skovronski Aline , de Oliveira Débora , Di Luccio Marco , Rodrigues Maria Isabel , Treichel Helen , Maugeri Francisco
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: This work is focused on inulinase production by solid‐sate fermentation (SSF) using sugarcane bagasse, corn steep liquor (CSL), pre‐treated cane molasses, and soybean bran as substrates in a 3‐kg (dry basis) packed‐bed bioreactor. SSF was carried out by the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus NRRL Y‐7571 and response surface methodology was used to optimize the temperature, air flow rate and initial mass of cells.

RESULTS: The optimum inulinase activity (436.7 ± 36.3 U g−1 dry substrate) was obtained at 24 h at an inlet air temperature of 30 °C, air flow rate 2.2 m3 h−1 and 22 g of cells for fermentation. Inulinase productivity at these conditions was 18.2 U gds−1 h−1. Kinetic evaluation at the optimized conditions showed that the maximum inulinase production was verified at 24 h of fermentation. The carbon dioxide and the metabolic heat generation are directly associated with the consumption of total reducing sugars present in the medium.

CONCLUSION: The high productivity achieved in this work shows the technical viability of inulinase production by SSF in a packed‐bed bioreactor. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Cranial architecture of tube‐snouted gasterosteiformes (Syngnathus rostellatus and Hippocampus capensis)
Authors: Leysen Heleen , Jouk Philippe , Brunain Marleen , Christiaens Joachim , Adriaens Dominique
Published: October 2009

The long snout of pipefishes and seahorses (Syngnathidae, Gasterosteiformes) is formed as an elongation of the ethmoid region. This is in contrast to many other teleosts with elongate snouts (e.g., butterflyfishes) in which the snout is formed as an extension of the jaws. Syngnathid fishes perform very fast suction feeding, accomplished by powerful neurocranial elevation and hyoid retraction. Clearly, suction through a long and narrow tube and its hydrodynamic implications can be expected to require certain adaptations in the cranium, especially in musculoskeletal elements of the feeding apparatus. Not much is known about which skeletal elements actually support the snout and what the effect of elongation is on related structures. Here, we give a detailed morphological description of the cartilaginous and bony feeding apparatus in both juvenile and adult Syngnathus rostellatus and Hippocampus capensis. Our results are compared with previous morphological studies of a generalized teleost, Gasterosteus aculeatus. We found that the ethmoid region is elongated early during development, with the ethmoid plate, the hyosymplectic, and the basihyal cartilage being extended in the chondrocranium. In the juveniles of both species almost all bones are forming, although only as a very thin layer. The elongation of the vomeral, mesethmoid, quadrate, metapterygoid, symplectic, and preopercular bones is already present. Probably, because of the long and specialized parental care which releases advanced developmental stages from the brooding pouch, morphology of the feeding apparatus of juveniles is already very similar to that of the adults. We describe morphological features related to snout elongation that may be considered adaptations for suction feeding; e.g. the peculiar shape of the interhyal bone and its saddle‐shaped articulation with the posterior ceratohyal bone might aid in explosive hyoid retraction by reducing the risk of hyoid dislocation. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synergistic effect between proteasome and autophagosome in the clearance of polyubiquitinated TDP‐43
Authors: Urushitani Makoto , Sato Takashi , Bamba Hitoshi , Hisa Yasuo , Tooyama Ikuo
Published: October 2009

Cytoplasmic aggregates of ubiquitinated TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) are a pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the mechanism of TDP‐43 polyubiquitination remains elusive. We investigated the effect of nuclear exclusion of TDP‐43 on aggregate formation and fragmentation, using TDP‐43 expression constructs for WT or mutant TDP‐43 with a modified nuclear localizing signal (LQ‐NLS). Overexpression of the LQ‐NLS mutant alone induced no detectable cytoplasmic aggregates during a 72‐hr period. Polyubiquitination of both WT TDP‐43 and the LQ‐NLS mutant was similar in total cell lysates exposed to the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin. However, analysis of subcellular fractions demonstrated a higher concentration of polyubiquitinated TDP‐43 in the nuclear fraction than in the cytosol for WT, and vice versa for the LQ‐NLS mutant. Polyubiquitin‐charged WT and mutant TDP‐43 were highly concentrated in the membrane/microsome fraction, which was also positive for the autophagosome marker LC3. In addition, the autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine (3MA) blocked degradation of both TDP‐43 types, whereas lactacystin was minimally restorative. Furthermore, lactacystin plus 3MA induced prominent cytoplasmic aggregates. We also demonstrated mediation of TDP‐43 polyubiquitination by lysine 48 of ubiquitin, indicating a degradation signal in both TDP‐43 types. This is the first report delineating the distribution of polyubiquitinated TDP‐43 and the degradation pathway of TDP‐43 and clarifying the crucial role of autophagosomes in TDP‐43 clearance. We also demonstrate that nuclear exclusion itself is not an immediate trigger for ALS pathology. Further clarification of the mechanism of polyubiquitination of TDP‐43 and the role of autophagosomes may help in understanding and treating ALS. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Calcium imaging in single neurons from brain slices using bioluminescent reporters
Authors: Drobac Estelle , Tricoire Ludovic , Chaffotte Alain‐François , Guiot Elvire , Lambolez Bertrand
Published: October 2009

Responses of three bioluminescent Ca2+ sensors were studied in vitro and in neurons from brain slices. These sensors consisted of tandem fusions of green fluorescent protein (GFP) with the photoproteins aequorin, obelin, or a mutant aequorin with high Ca2+ sensitivity. Kinetics of GFP‐obelin responses to a saturating Ca2+ concentration were faster than those of GFP‐aequorin at all Mg2+ concentrations tested, whereas GFP‐mutant aequorin responses were the slowest. GFP‐photoproteins were efficiently expressed in pyramidal neurons following overnight incubation of acute neocortical slices with recombinant Sindbis viruses. Expression of GFP‐photoproteins did not result in conspicuous modification of morphological or electrophysiological properties of layer V pyramidal cells. The three sensors allowed the detection of Ca2+ transients associated with action potential discharge in single layer V pyramidal neurons. In these neurons, depolarizing steps of increasing amplitude elicited action potential discharge of increasing frequency. Bioluminescent responses of the three sensors were similar in several respects: detection thresholds, an exponential increase with stimulus intensity, photoprotein consumptions, and kinetic properties. These responses, which were markedly slower than kinetics measured in vitro, increased linearly during the action potential discharge and decayed exponentially at the end of the discharge. Onset slopes increased with stimulus intensity, whereas decay kinetics remained constant. Dendritic light emission contributed to whole‐field responses, but the spatial resolution of bioluminescence imaging was limited to the soma and proximal apical dendrite. Nonetheless, the high signal‐to‐background ratio of GFP‐photoproteins allowed the detection of Ca2+ transients associated with 5 action potentials in single neurons upon whole‐field bioluminescence recordings. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statistical assessment of changes in climate extremes over Greece (1955–2002)
Authors: Kioutsioukis Ioannis , Melas Dimitrios , Zerefos Christos
Published: October 2009

This article focuses on extreme events of high and low temperatures and precipitation and their amplitude and frequency changes over the last 50 years in Greece. Sixteen climate indices have been calculated and their trends were analysed to identify possible changes over a network of measurement stations covering the region quite homogeneously. Furthermore, the changes in the probability distribution of the indices were examined. In addition, we analyzed the temporal evolution of the amplitude and frequency of extreme events through the parameters of extreme value distribution. The temporal stability of the fitted distributions is examined and the spatial distribution of their trend as well as the changes in the 5‐year return levels is investigated.

Half of the examined climatic indices exhibit significant regional trend; most of them are sole functions of minimum temperature or precipitation. A shift was found in the tail distribution of the peak minimum temperatures, with the 5‐year return value in the last quartile of the twientieth century to be equal to the 7‐year return value in the previous quartile. Warming was also apparent for the maximum temperature, mainly in the summer months, but of smaller magnitude. Total precipitation shifted towards drier climate over the domain while extreme rainfall events exhibit increased variability without following any coherent regional pattern. The changes in the peak temperature extremes are most sensitive to the changes in the location of the distribution of annual extremes. Changes in the precipitation extremes are associated with changes in both the scale and location of the fitted distribution. The highest range of change was found for the scale parameter for both temperature and precipitation extremes, pointing out that the most influenced factor is the interannual variability of the extremes. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Muscle fiber properties and thermal stability of intramuscular connective tissue in porcineM. semimembranosus
Authors: Voutila Liisa , Perero Juan , Ruusunen Marita , Jouppila Kirsi , Puolanne Eero
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND:Strips can be easily peeled from raw destructured pork (M. semimembranosus, SM muscle) by hand but in normal meat these strips break. In general, destructured meat is pale in color. Porcine SM muscles have thick muscle fibers which could predispose them to destructuration. This study investigated whether the onset and peak temperatures of thermal shrinkage (ToandTp) of intramuscular connective tissue from SM muscles were associated with muscle fiber thickness, capillary density or extracellular space. We also investigated whether these muscle fiber properties of destructured muscles differed from those of normal muscles.

RESULTS:The destructured and normal muscles were similar in muscle fiber cross‐sectional area, capillary density, extracellular space and sarcomere length.Tocorrelated negatively with sarcomere length. The water content of differential scanning calorimetry samples consisting of intramuscular connective tissue was higher in destructured muscles than in normal muscles.

CONCLUSION:Muscle fiber properties (muscle fiber cross‐sectional area and sarcomere length) and capillary density are similar in destructured and normal SM muscles.ToandTpof intramuscular connective tissue are similar in destructured and normal muscles. Muscle fiber properties show no association with the thermal shrinkage properties of intramuscular connective tissue. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of essential oil from Mentha arvensis L. to control storage moulds and insects in stored chickpea
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Shukla Ravindra , Singh Priyanka , Singh Amit K , Dubey Nawal K
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Fungal contamination and Callosobruchus infestation results in qualitative and quantitative losses of chickpea seeds during storage. Most of the synthetic chemicals used as preservatives have adverse effects. Therefore, the antifungal and insecticidal potential of Mentha arvensis essential oil was evaluated to determine whether this could be an eco‐friendly substitute of synthetic preservatives.

RESULTS: The stored chickpea seeds were dominated by Aspergillus flavus (46.1%) and 30% isolates among them were found toxigenic. The MIC of Mentha oil against A. flavus was recorded at 400 µL L−1 and it exhibited broad fungitoxic activity against 14 storage fungi. The oil was found superior to some prevalent synthetic fungicides. Mentha oil showed potent insecticidal activity against Callosobruchus chinensis at different concentrations and exposure times. The oviposition by C. chinensis was completely checked at 10 µL L−1 while F1 emergence was completely inhibited at 200 µL L−1. During in situ experiments, 94.05% protection of the chickpea from C. chinensis by Mentha oil showed superiority over the organophosphate insecticide malathion, where 90.75% protection was recorded.

CONCLUSION: The Mentha EO showing potent fungitoxic and insecticidal efficacy and may be recommended as a plant‐based preservative in the management of fungal and insect infestation of chickpea and other pulses during storage. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Triple negative phenotype and N‐ratio are important for prognosis in patients with stage IIIB non‐inflammatory breast carcinoma
Authors: Mersin Hakan , Yildirim Emin , Berberoglu Ugur , Gulben Kaptan
Published: October 2009

Background and Objectives

The aim is to evaluate novel prognostic factors such as triple negative (TN) phenotype and ratio between positive nodes and total dissected lymph nodes (N‐ratio) in stage IIIB breast carcinoma patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, primary endpoints were local recurrence (LR), distant recurrence (DR), and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate prognostic factor analyses were carried out using Cox and Kaplan–Meier methods in the data of 185 patients.

Results

The median observation time was 36 (range 16–86) months. Pathological tumor size (continuous [cont.],P = 0.002; Hazard ratio [HR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–1.3) and N‐ratio (cont.,P < 0.0001; HR, 1.02; CI, 1.01–1.03) were strongly associated with LR. Tumor phenotype (triple vs. non‐triple,P = 0.002; HR, 2.6; CI, 1.4–4.7), N‐ratio (cont.,P = 0.01; HR, 1.02; CI, 1.01–1.03) and pathological tumor size (cont.,P = 0.003; HR, 1.2; CI, 1.1–1.3) for DR, and also tumor phenotype (triple vs. non‐triple,P < 0.0001; HR, 3.7; CI, 1.8–7.5), N‐ratio (cont.,P = 0.03; HR, 1.02; CI, 1.01–1.03) and pathological tumor size (cont.,P = 0.006; HR, 1.3; CI, 1.2–1.4) for OS were the most important prognostic factors.

Conclusions

N‐Ratio and TN phenotype were the most important prognostic factors for stage IIIB breast carcinoma patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:681–687. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does diabetes mellitus influence pathologic complete response and tumor downstaging after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal and gastroesophageal cancer? A two‐institution report
Authors: Showalter Shayna L. , Rosato Ernest L. , Anne P. Rani , Scott Walter , Mitchell Edith , Berger Adam C.
Published: October 2009

Background

Esophageal carcinoma is an aggressive disease that is often treated with neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgical resection. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been associated with reduced efficacy of chemoradiation (CRT) in other gastrointestinal cancers. The goal of this study was to determine if DM affects response to neoadjuvant CRT in the management of gastroesophageal carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the esophageal cancer patient databases and subsequently analyzed those patients who received neoadjuvant CRT followed by surgical resection at two institutions, Thomas Jefferson University (TJUH) and Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC). Comparative analyses of rates of pathologic complete response rate (pCR) and pathologic downstaging in DM patients versus non‐DM patients was performed.

Results

Two hundred sixty patients were included in the study; 36 patients had DM and 224 were non‐diabetics. The average age of the patients was 61 years (range 24–84 years). The overall pCR was 26%. The pCR rate was 19% and 27% for patients with DM and without DM, respectively (P = 0.31). Pathologic downstaging occurred in 39% of study patients, including of 33% of DM patients and 40% of non‐DM patients (P = 0.42).

Conclusions

Although the current analysis does not demonstrate a significant reduction in pCR rates or pathologic downstaging in patients with DM, the observed trend suggests that a potential difference may be observed with a larger patient population. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the influence of DM on the effectiveness of neoadjuvant CRT in esophageal cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;101:43–46. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inverted papilloma of the sphenoid sinus: Clinical presentation, management, and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Guillemaud Jennifer P. , Witterick Ian J.
Published: October 2009

Objectives:

Inverted papilloma (IP) of the sphenoid sinus is a rare neoplasm with a nonspecific and insidious presentation that is further complicated by difficult access for assessment and follow‐up. In conjunction with a systematic review of the English literature, we review our experience with IP of the sphenoid sinus to better delineate the clinical presentation, prevalence, management, and recurrence of this challenging lesion.

Methods:

A systematic search strategy was developed to assess and summarize the best available evidence on sphenoid IP. A retrospective chart review of the 5‐year database of one tertiary care Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery practice was performed; all patients with histologically confirmed IP of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses were included.

Results:

Seventy‐one patients (49 males, 22 females; mean age, 57.2 years) treated between June 2003 and January 2009 were included. Nine patients were diagnosed with IP originating in the sphenoid sinus. Two of these patients were asymptomatic, and in the remaining seven patients the most common presentation was headache (42.9%), followed by visual disturbances, hearing loss, and nasal obstruction (28.6% each). Review of the literature confirms our finding that the most common presenting symptom is headache (45.0%), followed by nasal obstruction (30.0%) and epistaxis (22.5%).

Conclusions:

This is the largest reported series of sphenoid sinus IP in the English literature. We have demonstrated a predominance of neurological and visual symptoms in symptomatic patients with sphenoid IP, and suggest that these may be early manifestations of sphenoid IP, before the more common sinonasal symptoms develop secondary to extension into the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Laryngoscope, 2009
E2F2 suppresses Myc‐induced proliferation and tumorigenesis
Authors: Pusapati Raju V. , Weaks Regina L. , Rounbehler Robert J. , McArthur Mark J. , Johnson David G.
Published: October 2009

Deregulation of E2F transcriptional activity as a result of alterations in the p16‐cyclin D‐Rb pathway is a hallmark of cancer. However, the roles of the different E2F family members in the process of tumorigenesis are still being elucidated. Studies in mice and humans suggest that E2F2 functions as a tumor suppressor. Here we demonstrate that E2f2 inactivation cooperates with transgenic expression of Myc to enhance tumor development in the skin and oral cavity. In fact, hemizygosity at the E2f2 locus was sufficient to increase tumor incidence in this model. Loss of E2F2 enhanced proliferation in Myc transgenic tissue but did not affect Myc‐induced apoptosis. E2F2 did not behave as a simple activator of transcription in epidermal keratinocytes but instead appeared to differentially regulate gene expression dependent on the individual target. E2f2 inactivation also altered the changes in gene expression in Myc transgenic cells by enhancing the increase of some genes, such as cyclin E, and reversing the repression of other genes. These findings demonstrate that E2F2 can function as a tumor suppressor in epithelial tissues, perhaps by limiting proliferation in response to Myc. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies on the isothermal crystallization kinetics and crystal morphology of PTT/SGF composites
Authors: Run Mingtao , Hao Yanping , He Zhihui
Published: October 2009

The kinetics of isothermal crystallization and crystal morphology of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/short glass fibers (PTT/SGF) composites were investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). DSC data was analyzed by the Avrami equation and Hoffman‐Lauritzen theory. The results show that SGF plays a role as the nucleating agent, which largely accelerates the crystallization rate of PTT. SGF below 20% will increase the crystallinity of the composites but 30% SGF will decrease the crystallinity, which is also verified by the crystallinity results calculated from the wide‐angle x‐ray diffraction (WAXD) experiments. The crystal morphology of the composites exhibits so much microcrystallites because of the fast crystallization rate and the strong interaction between SGF and polymers, which is consistent with the results analysized by the Avrami theory. The nuclei exponent Kg is increased sharply as the SGF added into polymer, and SGF makes PTT easier to crystallize during isothermal crystallization process. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
A new measure for dispositional optimism and pessimism in young children
Authors: Lemola Sakari , Räikkönen Katri , Matthews Karen A. , Scheier Michael F. , Heinonen Kati , Pesonen Anu‐Katriina , Komsi Niina , Lahti Jari
Published: October 2009

We describe here a new test for dispositional optimism and pessimism in young children, the Parent‐rated Life Orientation Test of children (the PLOT) and assess its psychometric properties. Two hundred and twenty one mother–father pairs rated their children's (mean age = 8.1, SD = 0.3 years) dispositional optimism and pessimism using a new scale, the PLOT, including four optimism and four pessimism items. We associated the PLOT with parent‐rated self‐esteem (Behavioral Rating Scale of Presented Self‐Esteem in Young Children), social competence (Social Competence and Behaviour Evaluation Scale, the SCBE‐30), psychiatric symptoms (Child Behaviour Checklist, the CBCL) and temperament (Children's Behaviour Questionnaire, the CBQ) of the child. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the mother‐ and father‐rated PLOT revealed a significantly better fit for a two‐ over a one‐factor solution (p < 0.001). The optimism and pessimism subscales displayed good reliabilities, inter‐parental agreement and modest to moderate associations, in the expected direction, with the measures of self‐esteem, social competence, temperament and behaviour problems. To conclude, the PLOT shows good construct and convergent validity and reliability. The findings encourage its use to assess early emerging generalized expectancies of positive and negative outcomes in young children. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attovial‐based antibody nanoarrays
Authors: Ellmark Peter , Ghatnekar‐Nilsson Sara , Meister André , Heinzelmann Harry , Montelius Lars , Wingren Christer , Borrebaeck Carl A. K.
Published: October 2009

Antibody array‐based technology is a powerful emerging tool in proteomics, but to enable global proteome analysis, antibody array layouts with even higher density has to be developed. To this end, we have further developed the first generation of a nanoarray platform, based on attoliter‐sized vials, attovials, which we have characterized and used for the detection of complement factor C1q in human serum samples. Finally, we demonstrated proof‐of‐concept for individual functionalization of the attovials with a recombinant antibody.
Adaptation to β‐myrcene catabolism in Pseudomonas sp. M1: An expression proteomics analysis
Authors: Santos Pedro M. , Sá‐Correia Isabel
Published: October 2009

β‐Myrcene, a monoterpene widely used as a fragrance and flavoring additive, also possesses analgesic, anti‐mutagenic, and tyrosinase inhibitory properties. In order to get insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the ability of Pseudomonas sp. M1 to catabolize β‐myrcene, an expression proteomics approach was used in this study. Results indicate that the catabolic enzyme machinery for β‐myrcene utilization (MyrB, MyrC, and MyrD and other uncharacterized proteins) is strongly induced when β‐myrcene is present in the growth medium. Since an M1 mutant, lacking a functional 2‐methylisocitrate dehydratase, is not able to grow in mineral medium with β‐myrcene or propionic acid as the sole C‐source, and also based on the expression proteomic analysis carried out in this study, it is suggested that the β‐myrcene catabolic intermediate propionyl‐CoA is channeled into the central metabolism via the 2‐methylcitrate cycle. Results also suggest that the major alteration occurring in the central carbon metabolism of cells growing in β‐myrcene‐containing media is related with the redistribution of the metabolic fluxes leading to increased oxaloacetate production. Other up‐regulated proteins are believed to prevent protein misfolding and aggregation or to play important structural roles, contributing to the adaptive alteration of cell wall and membrane organization and integrity, which are essential features to allow the bacterium to cope with the highly lipophilic β‐myrcene as C‐source.
Comparative proteomic analysis to discover potential therapeutic targets in human multiple myeloma
Authors: Xiao Chuan‐Le , Zhang Zhi‐Ping , Xiong Sheng , Lu Chun‐Hua , Wei Hong‐Ping , Zeng Hui‐Lan , Liu Zhi , Zhang Xian‐En , Ge Feng
Published: October 2009

To clarify the molecular mechanisms that participate in the formation of multiple myeloma (MM) and to detect any tumor‐related biomarkers, we performed proteomic analysis of cellular protein extracts from MM cells and normal plasma cells. Plasma cells from nine patients with newly diagnosed MM and nine healthy donors were purified by using anti‐CD138 based immunomagnetic bead‐positive selection. The protein profiles of purified MM and normal plasma cells were compared using 2‐DE. We identified a total of 43 differentially expressed proteins, and confirmed with Western blotting six proteins. The altered proteins were analyzed using the software program Pathway Studio and the biological network can be accessed via (http://life‐health.jnu.edu.cn/pathway/pathway.html). Further functional studies showed that annexin A1 knock down modestly induces lethality alone and potentiates the effects of dexamethasone on both dexamethasone‐sensitive and dexamethasone‐resistant MM cells. By correlating the proteomic data with these functional studies, the current results provide not only new insights into the pathogenesis of MM but also direct implications for the development of novel anti‐MM therapeutic strategies and could lead to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets. Future molecular and functional studies would provide novel insights into the roles of these dysregulated proteins in the molecular etiology of MM.
Proteomic profiling of differential display analysis for human oral squamous cell carcinoma: 14‐3‐3 σ Protein is upregulated in human oral squamous cell carcinoma and dependent on the differentiation level
Authors: Hayashi Eiko , Kuramitsu Yasuhiro , Fujimoto Masanori , Zhang Xiulian , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Uchida Kenichiro , Fukuda Teruyo , Furumoto Hiroko , Ueyama Yoshiya , Nakamura Kazuyuki
Published: October 2009

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has an absolute majority of all oral cancer. We used proteomic technology to analyze the protein expression profile in OSCC tissues and accompanying surrounding normal tissues in four oral locations (buccal mucosa, gingival mucosa, oral floor, and tongue). Ten protein spots were overexpressed more strongly in cancer tissues than normal ones, and were identified as proliferating cell nuclear antigen, 14‐3‐3 ε, 14‐3‐3 σ, proteasome subunit α type 5, translationally controlled tumor protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit, macrophage capping protein, and mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase subunit α. Macrophage capping protein and mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase subunit α had two spots. Especially, we focused on 14‐3‐3 σ protein, one of the eight identified proteins, and assessed its expression level in four oral locations of OSCC by using differential display methods. The expression level of 14‐3‐3 σ protein was upregulated in four locations of oral cavity. Eight proteins which we identified in this study may play an important role in OSCC carcinogenesis and progression and could be used as diagnostic biomarkers of OSCC.
Crystal structure of YnjE from Escherichia coli, a sulfurtransferase with three rhodanese domains
Authors: Hänzelmann Petra , Dahl Jan U. , Kuper Jochen , Urban Alexander , Müller‐Theissen Ursula , Leimkühler Silke , Schindelin Hermann
Published: October 2009

Rhodaneses/sulfurtransferases are ubiquitous enzymes that catalyze the transfer of sulfane sulfur from a donor molecule to a thiophilic acceptor via an active site cysteine that is modified to a persulfide during the reaction. Here, we present the first crystal structure of a triple‐domain rhodanese‐like protein, namely YnjE from Escherichia coli, in two states where its active site cysteine is either unmodified or present as a persulfide. Compared to well‐characterized tandem domain rhodaneses, which are composed of one inactive and one active domain, YnjE contains an extra N‐terminal inactive rhodanese‐like domain. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that YnjE triple‐domain homologs can be found in a variety of other γ‐proteobacteria, in addition, some single‐, tandem‐, four and even six‐domain variants exist. All YnjE rhodaneses are characterized by a highly conserved active site loop (CGTGWR) and evolved independently from other rhodaneses, thus forming their own subfamily. On the basis of structural comparisons with other rhodaneses and kinetic studies, YnjE, which is more similar to thiosulfate:cyanide sulfurtransferases than to 3‐mercaptopyruvate:cyanide sulfurtransferases, has a different substrate specificity that depends not only on the composition of the active site loop with the catalytic cysteine at the first position but also on the surrounding residues. In vitro YnjE can be efficiently persulfurated by the cysteine desulfurase IscS. The catalytic site is located within an elongated cleft, formed by the central and C‐terminal domain and is lined by bulky hydrophobic residues with the catalytic active cysteine largely shielded from the solvent.
Positron lifetime in piezoelectric PbNb2O6 and BaTiO3 polycrystals
Authors: De Udayan , Chaudhuri S. K. , Sahu Kriti Ranjan , Das D. , DuttaGupta N. , Chakraborty Keka R.
Published: October 2009

Quenching induced orthorhombic distortion makes quenched (Q) lead meta‐niobate (PbNb2O6), to be called PNQ, piezoelectric with a high Curie temperature (Tc) of 570 °C, while its slow‐cooled rhombohedral phase, PNS, remains non‐piezoelectric. So, positron lifetime components ((i and Ii) have been measured for these pellets and also for tetragonal BaTiO3 or BT pellets (Tc = 127 °C), prepared by 6h and (6+4)h firings. In our 3‐component fit, (1 is different in PNQ (152.9 ± 9.8) ps and PNS (136.6 ± 9.2) ps. Fraction (related to I2) of trapped positrons (showing (2) is higher in PN‐samples (∼74 to 79%) than in BT‐samples (40 to 53%). This is tentatively attributed to a structural peculiarity of PN tungsten‐bronze structure. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Positron attachment to molecules
Authors: Young J. A. , Surko C. M.
Published: October 2009

At incident positron energies below the threshold for positronium atom formation annihilation rates for molecules are much larger than those expected on the basis of simple two‐body collisions. We now understand that this phenomenon is due to positron attachment to molecules mediated by vibrational Feshbach resonances. This attachment enhances greatly the overlap of the positron and the molecular electron wave functions and hence increases the probability of annihilation. Annihilation spectra as a function of incident positron energy yield measurements positron‐molecule binding energies. Using this technique, to date, positron‐molecule binding energies for thirty molecules have been measured. This paper presents a brief review of our current understanding of this process, the significance of these results, and outstanding questions for future research. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Setting up a 30 MeV high current cyclotron facility in Kolkata
Authors: Dey Malay Kanti , Bhandari Rakesh Kumar
Published: October 2009

A 30 MeV proton cyclotron facility is being set up by this centre in Kolkata. This high current cyclotron will be used to produce PET (Positron Emission Tomography and SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) isotopes for medical diagnostics purposes. Two beams will be simultaneously extractable from the cyclotron, which is the Cyclone‐30 model of IBA, Belgium. The beams can be of different energy and intensity. There will be several beam lines for utilization of the beam. Two beam lines are being dedicated for SPECT and one for PET isotope production. In addition, there will be one dedicated beam line for material science and chemistry research. A fifth beam line, which will bend the beam vertically down into a basement cave, will be utilized for dedicated experiments for R&D on windows for high power beams. Several hot cells are being provided for SPECT and PET isotope radiochemistry works. In addition, hot cells are being provided for research experiments also. This facility, when is operation around the middle of 2010, will offer unique opportunities for R&D in the area of radiochemistry, material science, isotope production and their applications etc. In this presentation details of the facility and its utilization will be presented. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of free volume on the mechanical properties of epoxy based composites: A correlation study
Authors: Altaweel Abdullah M. A. M. , Ravikumar H. B. , Ranganathaiah C.
Published: October 2009

Epoxy resins need toughening for enhancement of their usage in various applications. The commonly used rubber for toughening epoxies is silicones. In the present study, the effect of Amine containing silicones (ACS) as modifiers and hollow micro sphere such as cenospheres as fillers on DGEBA epoxy resin is studied. To understand the microstructure and its influence on the mechanical properties, free volume measurements have been carried out using Positron Annihilation Lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). The positron results indicate that the mechanical properties like tensile strength and modulus have a significant dependence on free volume. Attempts to correlate the available free volume with chain mobility and mechanical properties have led to the the general belief that any process, which reduces free volume, increases tensile strength and similar change in tensile modulus. From positron data it was observed that both free volume hole size, Vf and fractional free volume, Fv decreases as the cenospheres wt% increased up to 30 wt% and a slight increase thereafter in the siliconized epoxy composite. The tensile strength of cenospheres filled composite shows moderate increase of about 17.5% while an opposite trend is observed in fractional free volume which is on the expected lines. However tensile modulus exhibits behaviour different from tensile strength. This may be possibly due to low density of the fillers and the also the characteristics of epoxies as far as mechanical properties are concerned. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The influence of stratospheric potential vorticity on baroclinic instability
Authors: Smy L. A. , Scott R. K.
Published: October 2009

This article examines the dynamical coupling between the stratosphere and troposphere by considering the effect of direct perturbations to stratospheric potential vorticity on the evolution of midlatitude baroclinic instability in a simple extension of an Eady model. A simulation in which stratospheric potential vorticity is exactly zero is used as a control case, and both zonally symmetric and asymmetric perturbations to the stratospheric potential vorticity are then considered, the former representative of a strong polar vortex, the latter representative of the stratospheric state following a major sudden warming. Both types of stratospheric perturbation result in significant changes to the synoptic‐scale evolution of surface temperature, as well as to zonally and globally averaged tropospheric quantities. In the case of a zonally symmetric perturbation, the linear growth rate of all unstable modes decreases with increasing perturbation amplitude. Initial growth rates in cases with significant asymmetric perturbations are also weaker than those of the control case, but final eddy kinetic energy values are much larger due to the growth of low zonal wavenumbers triggered by the initial stratospheric perturbation. A comparison of the zonally symmetric and asymmetric perturbations gives some insight into the possible influence of pre‐ or post‐sudden‐warming conditions on tropospheric evolution. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Wind profiler analysis of the African Easterly Jet in relation with the boundary layer and the Saharan heat‐low
Authors: Kalapureddy M. C. R. , Lothon M. , Campistron B. , Lohou F. , Saïd F.
Published: October 2009

Wind profiler measurements in Niger and Benin during the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis project are used to study the intraseasonal variability of the low and mid troposphere at several time‐scales. We focus on the African Easterly Jet (AEJ) and its interaction with the Saharan Heat‐Low (HL) and the planetary boundary layer (PBL).

We find a pronounced diurnal cycle of the AEJ, characterised by a decrease of wind speed during the afternoon, reaching a minimum at 1800 UTC of about 15–20% of the daily average during the pre‐onset period. This decrease is out of phase with the HL intensity, but in phase with the daytime turbulent mixing associated with the PBL. The interaction between the PBL and mid‐troposphere is likely responsible for this daily decrease of the AEJ.

During the transition periods (dry to wet or wet to dry), the HL seems to govern the AEJ; however, slightly before the monsoon onset, it has no direct influence on the jet. During that time, we find smaller AEJ wind speed for deeper PBL, as found at the diurnal time‐scale. This is consistent with the still large surface heating at that time, which favours deep PBL growth, with a top inversion often higher than the shear layer between the monsoon and the easterlies. After the monsoon onset, deep convection, African Easterly Waves (AEWs) and dry intrusions make the synoptic environment complex and blur the interaction between AEJ and PBL. We still find weaker AEJ for deeper PBL, but likely without a direct connection between them. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Obstacles to sustainable development: the destabilization of climate change knowledge
Authors: Ryghaug Marianne
Published: October 2009

The appropriation of climate change knowledge may be a very important factor for promoting radical changes towards sustainable development. By studying three sets of actors, the science community, the media and the political community, the author reveals how climate change knowledge and politics is stabilized and destabilized in Norway. The article provides an analysis of the opposing forces that appear to mould climate change policy in Norway. The article suggests that policy follows up on the recommendations of the research community only to a small extent, even though it believes its conclusions. By reference to the literature on co‐production, the article demonstrates that the climate science so far has not managed to stabilize the climate policy because (1) mass media contributes to maintaining several (and often opposing) climate discourses, (2) the dialogue between science and policy does not function well, (3) there is a lack of institutions where climate policy meets climate science, (4) the identity of ‘climate politician’ does not exist among decision‐makers and (5) the representations of climate knowledge have an unclear relationship with the representations of the climate policy scientific controversy created by the media, which destabilize the climate change knowledge. Based on these findings, the author argues that it is fruitful to study sustainable development within a co‐productionist framework, as the development and behaviours of individuals, institutions and organizations on which sustainable development is dependent is often ‘co‐produced’ by different actors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Sustainable development paths: investigating the roots of local policy responses to climate change
Authors: Burch Sarah
Published: October 2009

As the implications of a changing climate come into focus, attention must shift to effectively stimulating action in response to this dramatically pervasive phenomenon. Responses to climate change, however, are embedded in institutional procedures, technological pathways and cultural practices that are characterized by deep inertia. By paying express attention to linkages among disciplines, this paper takes steps towards contributing a richer definition of the development path concept, identifying realms of inquiry that may together be called a ‘development path’ literature and discussing ways in which this sheds light on effective responses to global climate change. This paper reveals the value of fundamentally inter‐disciplinary approaches to climate change responses, the necessity of a deeper understanding of the context of action on climate change and the ubiquity of path dependence. Rooted in the underlying socio‐technical, institutional and socio‐cultural development paths, barriers to action may best be addressed through contextually specific, inter‐disciplinary analyses of collective human behaviour. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
A European scheme for software process improvement manager training and certification
Authors: Nevalainen Risto , Schweigert Tomas
Published: October 2009

Software process improvement (SPI) can be seen as a profession, having its own competence needs and its own community of interest. European projects EQN and EU Cert have defined skills sets and a common certification scheme for about 20 professions, mainly in IT domain. A common way to describe IT domain from process perspective is concept ‘3S’ (software, systems, services). Software process can be seen as the first spearhead among these. First software process models, such as Capability Maturity Model (CMM) and SPICE, have existed already about 20 years. That is also the main reason to start process improvement profession from software processes, because we have much experience in that. Software Process Improvement Manager (SPI Manager) is one of new topics in EU Cert project. Development of SPI Manager training and certification scheme has been done in many small steps so far. This paper explains the current structure and main components of SPI Manager competences, training needs and certification scheme. Several other schemes will be developed in future for PI‐related competences. Current version of SPI Manager skills set is based mainly on software, systems and service processes and their related reference models. It could be used in future also in other domains than IT. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling of the Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Vázquez Manuel , Delgado Raúl , Castro Agustín Jaime
Published: October 2009

Starch hydrolysates containing glucose can be obtained from potato (Solanum tuberosum). Acid hydrolysis generates a solution that must be neutralized to be used for fermentative purposes while an enzymatic hydrolysis generates a glucose solution which can be used without further treatments. This work deals with the modelling of the enzymatic hydrolysis of dried potatoes with α‐amylase and glucoamylase with temperature, time, activity units/substrate ratio and α‐amylase activity fraction as operational variables and released glucose concentration as dependent variable. The model obtained showed that the optimal conditions were 70ºC, 60 min; 74 activity units/g substrate and 0.13 α‐amylase activity U/total U fraction. Using these conditions, a glucose concentration of 38.9 g/L was predicted which corresponded well with an experimental value of 38.0 ± 0.5 g/L. The model obtained can be used in the development of processes for the hydrolysis‐fermentation of potato for the production of food additives or ethanol.
Starch‐Soybean Oil Composites With High Oil: Starch Ratios Prepared By Steam Jet Cooking
Authors: Fanta George F. , Felker Frederick C. , Byars Jeffrey A. , Kenar James A. , Shogren Randal L.
Published: October 2009

Aqueous mixtures of soybean oil and starch were jet cooked at oil: starch ratios ranging from 0.5:1 to 4:1 to yield dispersions of micron‐sized oil droplets that were coated with a thin layer of starch at the oil‐water interface. The jet cooked dispersions were then centrifuged at 2060 and 10,800×g, the buoyant, high‐oil fractions that rose to the surface were isolated, and the size distributions of the oil droplets were determined. Experiments were conducted with normal dent, waxy, and high‐amylose corn starches; and oleic acid was added during jet cooking to form helical inclusion complexes with amylose. With normal dent and waxy corn starches, nearly all of the oil was recovered in the buoyant layers, and only small amounts of oil were found in the aqueous mid layers and settled solids. Oil droplet diameters in the buoyant layers obtained with normal dent and waxy corn starch ranged from under 5 µm to over 50 µm. Centrifugation at high versus low relative centrifugal force produced only minor differences in the droplet size distributions. With high‐amylose starch, microscopy showed that most of the oil droplets were entrapped within aggregates of sub‐micron particles that were apparently formed from amylose‐oleic acid inclusion complexes when the dispersions were cooled. Droplet sizes increased with an increase in the oil: starch ratio, and decreased when oleic acid was added during jet cooking.
Estimation of the Intrinsic Birefringence of the A, B and V Crystalline Forms of Amylose
Authors: Shogren Randal L.
Published: October 2009

Optical birefringence (Δn) for A, B, Va, Vh amylose crystals were calculated by vector summation of bond polarizabilities. Orientation of the O‐H bond vectors in these amylose crystals is not well understood so results were given for a range of O‐H conformers. For B amylose, Δn was calculated to be 0.043‐0.058 for the Wu and Sarko crystal structure, while Δn = 0.0‐0.01 for the now widely accepted crystal structure of Imberty and Perez. This latter estimate is somewhat lower than experimental values of 0.031‐0.037 determined previously for highly oriented amylose films. Reasons for the discrepancy may include uncertainty in empirical polarizability parameters or neglect of contributions from amorphous components and water. Predicted values of Δn for A amylose were similar to B amylose while Δn for V amyloses were smaller (‐0.04‐0.0). These estimates of the intrinsic birefringence of amylose crystals should be helpful in estimating the degree of orientation for starch films/fibers and in better understanding the molecular origins of birefringence of oriented starch.