bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an ion mobility spectrometer for use in an atmospheric pressure ionization ion mobility spectrometer/mass spectrometer instrument for fast screening analysis
Authors: Sysoev Alexey , Adamov Alexey , Viidanoja Jyrki , Ketola Raimo A. , Kostiainen Risto , Kotiaho Tapio
Published: November 2004

An ion mobility spectrometer that can easily be installed as an intermediate component between a commercial triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometer and its original atmospheric pressure ionization (API) sources was developed. The curtain gas from the mass spectrometer is also used as the ion mobility spectrometer drift gas. The design of the ion mobility spectrometer allows reasonably fast installation (about 1 h), and thus the ion mobility spectrometer can be considered as an accessory of the mass spectrometer. The ion mobility spectrometer module can also be used as an independently operated device when equipped with a Faraday cup detector. The drift tube of the ion mobility spectrometer module consists of inlet, desolvation, drift, and extraction regions. The desolvation, drift and extraction regions are separated by ion gates. The inlet region has the shape of a stainless steel cup equipped with a small orifice. Ion mobility spectrometer drift gas is introduced through a curtain gas line from an original flange of the mass spectrometer. After passing through the drift tube, the drift gas serves as a curtain gas for the ion‐sampling orifice of the ion mobility spectrometer before entering the ion source. Counterflow of the drift gas improves evaporation of the solvent from the electrosprayed sample. Drift gas is pumped away from the ion source through the original exhaust orifice of the ion source. Initial characterization of the ion mobility spectrometer device includes determination of resolving power values for a selected set of test compounds, separation of a simple mixture, and comparison of the sensitivity of the electrospray ionization ion mobility spectrometry/mass spectrometry (ESI‐IMS/MS) mode with that of the ESI‐MS mode. A resolving power of 80 was measured for 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridine in a 333 V/cm drift field at room temperature and with a 0.2 ms ion gate opening time. The resolving power was shown to be dependent on drift gas flow rate for all studied ion gate opening times. Resolving power improved as the drift gas flow increased, e.g. at a 0.5 ms gate opening time, a resolving power of 31 was obtained with a 0.65 L/min flow rate and 47 with a 1.3 L/min flow rate for tetrabutylammonium iodide. The measured limits of detection with ESI‐MS and with ESI‐IMS/MS modes were similar, demonstrating that signal losses in the IMS device are minimal when it is operated in a continuous flow mode. Based on these preliminary results, the IMS/MS instrument is anticipated to have potential for fast screening analysis that can be applied, for example, in environmental and drug analysis. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐drop microextraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometric determination of anisaldehyde isomers in human urine and blood serum
Authors: Liu BoMin , Malik Pridap , Wu Hui‐Fen
Published: November 2004

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 2004; 18: 2059–2064
Ermüdungsverhalten von Mobilkranbauteilen aus hochfesten Baustählen
Authors: Bleck Wolfgang , Hummel Hubert , Kern Andreas , Schriever Udo
Published: November 2004

Hochfeste Baustähle mit 960 bzw. 1100 MPa Mindeststreckgrenze ermöglichen durch Leichtbauweise eine Verringerung der Investitions‐ und Betriebskosten von Mobilkranen. Bei der Bemessung von Kranen mit diesen Stählen besteht für die zyklische Belastung jedoch große Unsicherheit hinsichtlich ertragbarer Spannungen und der Lebensdauer bei wichtigen Kranbauteilen.

In dieser Arbeit wurde erstmalig das Betriebsfestigkeitsverhaltens von Kranbauteilen unter realistischen Belastungs‐Zeit‐Zyklen aus dem Kranbetrieb untersucht. Die Ergebnisse liefern hierzu wichtige Informationen, wonach die Lebensdauer auch bei hohen angewendeten Spannungen wenigstens 20 Jahre für beide untersuchten Stähle beträgt. Es wird gezeigt, daß weitere Verbesserungen der Betriebsfestigkeit um bis zu 50% durch Nachbehandlung der Schweißnähte, Zähigkeitsverbesserung des Grundwerkstoffes und konstruktive Umgestaltung der Bauteile möglich sind.

Mittels auf der Bruchmechanik basierenden Rechenmodellen wird in der vorliegenden Arbeit ein neues Werkzeug bereitgestellt, mit dem das Betriebsfestigkeitsverhalten von Kranbauteilen unter verschiedenen Aspekten und Einflußgrößenkombinationen in Übereinstimmung zu gemessenen Werten abgeschätzt werden kann.

Für die Praxis können wichtige Handlungsempfehlungen und Hinweise für den verstärkten Einsatz und die Ausnutzung hochfester Baustähle im Mobilkranbau gegeben werden. Inspektionsintervalle und ‐inhalte können neu festgelegt werden.
Brandsicherheit durch Stahlsortenwahl
Authors: Sedlacek Gerhard , Heinemeyer Christoph
Published: November 2004

Dem Bauen unverkleideter Stahlkonstruktionen sind durch Brandschutzanforderungen Grenzen gesetzt. Dieser Beitrag stellt eine Untersuchung vor, in der überprüft wird, ob alleine durch eine geeignete Werkstoffwahl das Anwendungsfeld unverkleideter Stahlkonstruktionen erweitert werden kann. Diese Werkstoffauswahl umfaßt sowohl neuentwickelte Stähle als auch handelsübliche Stähle, wie sie im Maschinenbau häufig Verwendung finden.

Dazu werden in einem ersten Schritt verschiedene Stähle und ihre Eigenschaften unter hohen Temperaturen vorgestellt.

Im zweiten Schritt wird an einer Auswahl von Stählen gezeigt, daß ungeschützte Bauteile aus diesen Werkstoffen höhere Feuerwiderstandsklassen erreichen als Bauteile aus konventionellem Baustahl.
Zur Entwicklung der technisch‐wissenschaftlichen Gemeinschaftsarbeit des Deutschen Stahlbau‐Verbandes – Teil II (Fortsetzung aus Heft 10/2004 und Schluß)
Authors: Kurrer Karl‐Eugen
Published: November 2004

Der Anteil des Stahlbaus am Wiederaufbau Deutschlands wird am Beispiel des Brückenbaus aufgezeigt. Nach Formierung der technisch‐wissenschaftlichen Intelligenz des Stahlbaus, die maßgeblich durch den DSTV vorangetrieben wurde, wird die Etablierung der Stahlbauwissenschaft im Spiegel der Stahlbau‐Tagungen von 1947 bis 1966 dargestellt. Seit Ende der 1960er Jahre verlor der Stahlbau mit der Stahlbauwissenschaft sein Gravitationszentrum und bewegte sich auf exzentrischen Bahnen. Zwölf Thesen skizzieren diese historische Entwicklung summarisch.
Feuerresistenz durch Überdimensionierung
Authors: Blum Marc , Girkes Andreas
Published: November 2004

Stahl inspiriert Bauherren, Architekten und Ingenieure zu kreativen Leistungen. Moderne Architektur ist ohne den Baustoff Stahl undenkbar, besonders, wenn es um Transparenz, große Spannweiten und/oder schlanke Tragkonstruktionen geht. Als architektonisches Medium eingesetzt, soll die Stahlkonstruktion in der Regel sichtbar und ungeschützt bleiben. Bei Brandschutz von Stahlbau denken viele Tragwerksplaner zunächst daran, den Stahl durch das Verkleiden mit speziellen Brandschutzplatten oder Aufbringen von Spritzputz oder teuren aufschäumenden Anstrichen zu “verstecken”.

Eine Alternative, die es sogar erlaubt, Stahlbaukonstruktionen sichtbar und ungeschützt zu zeigen, ist das gezielte Bemessen einer Stahlkonstruktion durch Überbemessung “Overmaching”.

Zu bemerken ist, daß durch die kontinuierliche Weiterentwicklung insbesondere der höherfesten Feinkornbaustähle bei Langprodukten eine wirtschaftliche Bemessung brandgefährdeter Stahlkonstruktionen, die sichtbar und ungeschützt bleiben sollen, möglich ist. Der klassische Brandschutz bedingt normalerweise einen feuerhemmenden Anstrich, Spritzputz oder wird integriert bei den Verbundkonstruktionen.

Eine andere sehr interessante Alternative, um ungeschützte Stahlkonstruktionen herzustellen, ist der Einsatz von FR‐Stahl [1] oder bei praktisch gleichem Ergebnis der Einsatz einer höheren Stahlgüte in der Warmbemessung. Das Prinzip, welches hier vorgestellt wird, ist anwendbar für die Brandschutzklasse F30, darüber hinaus bietet das Naturbrandkonzept Möglichkeiten, eine tragende Stahlkonstruktion sichtbar und ungeschützt zu gestalten.
A laboratory yeast strain suitable for spirit production
Authors: Schehl Beatus , Müller Christine , Senn Thomas , Heinisch Jürgen J.
Published: November 2004

Yeast strains of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae currently in use for the production of consumable alcohols such as beer, wine and spirits are genetically largely undefined. This prevents the use of standard genetic manipulations, such as crossings and tetrad analysis, for strain improvement. Furthermore, it complicates the application of the majority of modern methods developed in yeast molecular biology. Here we used two haploid laboratory strains with suitable auxotrophic markers for the construction of a genetically well defined, prototrophic diploid production strain. This strain was tested for its fermentative and sensory performances in comparison to commercially available yeasts. Three different fruit mashes (cherries, plums and pears) were fermented in a 90 kg scale. These were then subjected to distillation and used for the production of spirits with a final ethanol content of 40% (v/v). Fermentation parameters assayed included growth, sugar utilization, ethanol production and generation of volatile compounds, higher alcohols and glycerol. The spirits were also tested for their sensory performances and the data obtained statistically consolidated. Our results clearly demonstrate that this laboratory strain does not display any disadvantage compared with commercial yeasts in spirit production for any of the parameters tested, yet it offers the potential to apply both classical breeding and modern molecular genetic techniques for adjusting yeast physiology to special production schemes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethical issues pertaining to research in the aftermath of disaster
Authors: Collogan Lauren K. , Tuma Farris , Dolan‐Sewell Regina , Borja Susan , Fleischman Alan R.
Published: November 2004

In January 2003, The New York Academy of Medicine and the National Institute of Mental Health sponsored a meeting entitled “Ethical Issues Pertaining to Research in the Aftermath of Disaster.” The purpose of the meeting was to bring together various experts to examine evidence concerning the impact of research on trauma‐exposed participants, review the applicable ethical principles and policies concerning protection of human subjects, and offer guidance to investigators, IRBs, public health and local officials, and others interested in assuring that research in the aftermath of a disaster is conducted in a safe and ethical manner. This article summarizes the group's key findings and outlines potential considerations for those working in this field.
New constraints on the active tectonic deformation of the Aegean
Authors: Nyst Marleen , Thatcher Wayne
Published: November 2004

Site velocities from six separate Global Positioning System (GPS) networks comprising 374 stations have been referred to a single common Eurasia‐fixed reference frame to map the velocity distribution over the entire Aegean. We use the GPS velocity field to identify deforming regions, rigid elements, and potential microplate boundaries, and build upon previous work by others to initially specify rigid elements in central Greece, the South Aegean, Anatolia, and the Sea of Marmara. We apply an iterative approach, tentatively defining microplate boundaries, determining best fit rigid rotations, examining misfit patterns, and revising the boundaries to achieve a better match between model and data. Short‐term seismic cycle effects are minor contaminants of the data that we remove when necessary to isolate the long‐term kinematics. We find that present day Aegean deformation is due to the relative motions of four microplates and straining in several isolated zones internal to them. The RMS misfit of model to data is about 2‐sigma, very good when compared to the typical match between coseismic fault models and GPS data. The simplicity of the microplate description of the deformation and its good fit to the GPS data are surprising and were not anticipated by previous work, which had suggested either many rigid elements or broad deforming zones that comprise much of the Aegean region. The isolated deforming zones are also unexpected and cannot be explained by the kinematics of the microplate motions. Strain rates within internally deforming zones are extensional and range from 30 to 50 nanostrain/year (nstrain/year, 10−9/year), 1 to 2 orders of magnitude lower than rates observed across the major microplate boundaries. Lower strain rates may exist elsewhere within the microplates but are only resolved in Anatolia, where extension of 13 ± 4 nstrain/year is required by the data. Our results suggest that despite the detailed complexity of active continental deformation revealed by seismicity, active faulting, fault geomorphology, and earthquake fault plane solutions, continental tectonics, at least in the Aegean, is to first order very similar to global plate tectonics and obeys the same simple kinematic rules. Although the widespread distribution of Aegean seismicity and active faulting might suggest a rather spatially homogeneous seismic hazard, the focusing of deformation near microplate boundaries implies the highest hazard is comparably localized.
Validation of Aqua satellite data in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere with in situ aircraft instruments
Authors: Gettelman A. , Weinstock E. M. , Fetzer E. J. , Irion F. W. , Eldering A. , Richard E. C. , Rosenlof K. H. , Thompson T. L. , Pittman J. V. , Webster C. R. , Herman R. L.
Published: November 2004

Aircraft observations from a recent campaign spanning 0–40N latitude are compared to coincident observations from satellite sensors on board the Aqua satellite of temperature, ozone, water vapor and cloud properties in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Satellite observations compare well to aircraft data; temperature is generally within ±1.5 K and water vapor is within ±25% of aircraft observations for pressures above 150 hPa and mixing ratios above ∼10 ppmv. Satellite ozone has a positive bias in the upper troposphere, and clouds observed by the aircraft are qualitatively well represented in the satellite data. These data and analyses provide critical validation of satellite observations, which promise new global insights into this region of the atmosphere.
Forest thinning experiment confirms ozone deposition to forest canopy is dominated by reaction with biogenic VOCs
Authors: Goldstein A. H. , McKay M. , Kurpius M. R. , Schade G. W. , Lee A. , Holzinger R. , Rasmussen R. A.
Published: November 2004

Ecosystem ozone uptake can occur through stomatal and surface deposition and through gas phase chemical reactions. In a California pine forest, thinning dramatically enhanced both monoterpene emission and ozone uptake. These simultaneous enhancements provide strong evidence that ozone reactions with unmeasured biogenically emitted volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) dominate ozone uptake, and these unmeasured BVOC emissions are approximately 10 times the measured monoterpene flux. Branch enclosure measurements confirm more than 100 BVOCs are emitted but not typically observed above the forest. These BVOCs likely impact tropospheric composition as a previously unquantified source of secondary oxygenated VOCs, organic aerosols, and OH radicals.
Low degree gravitational changes from GRACE: Validation and interpretation
Authors: Chen J. L. , Wilson C. R. , Tapley B. D. , Ries J. C.
Published: November 2004

We examine low degree gravitational variations ΔC21, ΔS21, and ΔC20 observed by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites during the first 2 years of this gravity mission. The GRACE observations are compared with independent estimates from accurately measured Earth rotational changes and predictions from atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrological models. The 18 GRACE monthly gravity solutions, covering the period April 2002 to March 2004, show strong seasonal variability in the ΔC21, ΔS21, and ΔC20 time series, and generally agree with Earth rotation‐derived changes and geophysical model estimates, in particular for ΔS21 and ΔC20. The reason for the poorer agreement between the GRACE results and the Earth rotation‐derived estimates for ΔC21 is unclear. We demonstrate that the omission of the ocean pole tide in the GRACE data processing does have significant effects on the estimated ΔC21 and ΔS21.
UV index climatology over the United States and Canada from ground‐based and satellite estimates
Authors: Fioletov V. E. , Kimlin M. G. , Krotkov N. , McArthur L. J. B. , Kerr J. B. , Wardle D. I. , Herman J. R. , Meltzer R. , Mathews T. W. , Kaurola J.
Published: November 2004

Long‐term monthly mean UV index values for Canada and the United States were calculated using information from two sources: from noon erythemal UV estimated from Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) total ozone and reflectivity data and from UV index values derived from observations of global solar radiation, total ozone, dew point, and snow cover. The results are presented as monthly maps of mean noon UV index values. Mean UV index values in summer range from 1.5 in the Arctic to 11.5 over southern Texas. Both climatologies were validated against spectral UV irradiance measurements made by Brewer spectrophotometers. With snow on the ground the TOMS‐based data underestimate UV by up to 60% with respect to Brewer measurements and UV derived from global solar radiation and other parameters. In summer, TOMS UV index climatology values are from 10 to 30% higher than those derived from global solar radiation and other parameters. The difference is probably related to aerosol absorption and pollution effects in the lower troposphere that are not currently detected from space. For 21 of 28 midlatitude Brewer sites, long‐term mean summer UV measured values and UV derived from global solar radiation and other parameters agree to within +5 to −7%. The remaining seven sites are located in “clean” environments where TOMS estimates agree with Brewer measurements while UV derived from global solar radiation and other parameters is 10–13% lower. Brewer data also demonstrate that clean and “typical” sites can be as little as 70–120 km apart.
Tracing the origin and ages of interlaced atmospheric pollution events over the tropical Atlantic Ocean with in situ measurements, satellites, trajectories, emission inventories, and global models
Authors: Gros V. , Williams J. , Lawrence M. G. , von Kuhlmann R. , van Aardenne J. , Atlas E. , Chuck A. , Edwards D. P. , Stroud V. , Krol M.
Published: November 2004

During a west to east crossing of the tropical Atlantic Ocean in October–November 2002 on R/V Meteor (M55), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone were continuously monitored, and pressurized air samples were collected and later analyzed in the laboratory for various volatile organic compounds. A sequence of alternating CO and propane rich events were observed over the east Atlantic, the events of enhanced carbon monoxide being out of phase with those observed for propane. A combined study of air mass origin (back trajectories and backward emission sensitivity calculations) and source region distribution comparison (CO satellite data from MOPITT and propane emission data from the EDGAR database) showed that the CO events were due to African biomass burning emissions, whereas the propane events were due to industrial emissions from areas of northern Africa. Both events were associated with elevated ozone. A comparison of the measured concentrations of CO and propane with those simulated by the global Model of Atmospheric Transport and Chemistry‐Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MATCH‐MPIC) shows that the model reproduces the general longitudinal gradient observed for both compounds and simulates elevated CO concentrations during the pollution events. However, it systematically overestimates the CO mixing ratios. It is suggested that the northern African biomass burning emissions used in the model are not distributed correctly (incorrect timing) and, in particular, that too high emissions from the region “northern Sudan‐Sahel” are used for this period. The model does not capture the influence from industrial emissions from northern Africa, which may be caused by too strong diffusion of the plume.
Polarimetry of auroral kilometric radiation with a triaxial nonorthogonal antenna system
Authors: Panchenko M.
Published: November 2004

The response of a triaxial nonorthogonal radio‐polarimeter on board a spinning spacecraft has been analyzed in order to determine effective length vectors of its short electric antennas. In the ideal case all three antennas of a radio‐polarimeter would be orthogonal to each other. In practice, their electric axes do not coincide with the physical ones. It is shown that effective length vectors of the antennas can be found by fitting theoretical temporal variations of the Stokes parameters to those determined from a spinning spacecraft. This idea has been applied with the Polrad radio‐polarimeter on board the Interball‐2 spacecraft, which frequently observed circularly polarized auroral kilometric radiation. Polrad was equipped with one monopole (Y) and one dipole (Z) in the plane perpendicular to the spacecraft spin axis, and one monopole (X) extended along the spacecraft spin axis. For the Y antenna the resulting components of the antenna effective length vector are hy/hz from 0.88 to 0.94 (depending on the source colatitude), colatitude 7.9° ± 0.1°, azimuth 5.5° ± 0.2° measured from its physical axis, and for the X antenna hx/hz from 1.1 to 0.85 and the tilt a negligible. The Z antenna is taken as a reference. These results have been applied to determine the transformation matrix (describing the instrumental polarization), used for rectification of the measured Stokes parameters to the orthogonal antenna system. The method can also be applied to determine complete polarization state and direction of arrival of any radio emission received by a triaxial polarimeter.
Effects of grapefruit juice and orange juice components on P‐glycoprotein‐ and MRP2‐mediated drug efflux
Authors: Honda Yoko , Ushigome Fumihiko , Koyabu Noriko , Morimoto Satoshi , Shoyama Yukihiro , Uchiumi Takeshi , Kuwano Michihiko , Ohtani Hisakazu , Sawada Yasufumi
Published: November 2004

We investigated the effects of grapefruit juice (GFJ) and orange juice (OJ) on drug transport by MDR1 P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2), which are efflux transporters expressed in human small intestine.

We examined the transcellular transport and uptake of [3H]vinblastine (VBL) and [14C]saquinavir in a human colon carcinoma cell line (Caco‐2) and in porcine kidney epithelial cell lines transfected with human MDR1 cDNA and human MRP2 cDNA, LLC‐GA5‐COL150, and LLC‐MRP2, respectively.

In Caco‐2 cells, the basal‐to‐apical transports of [3H]VBL and [14C]saquinavir were greater than those in the opposite direction. The ratio of basal‐to‐apical transport to apical‐to‐basal transport of [3H]VBL and [14C]saquinavir by Caco‐2 cells was reduced in the presence of MK571 (MRPs inhibitor), verapamil (P‐gp inhibitor), cyclosporin A (inhibitor of both), 50% ethyl acetate extracts of GFJ and OJ, or their components (6′,7′‐dihydroxybergamottin, bergamottin, tangeretin, hepatomethoxyflavone, and nobiletin).

Studies of transport and uptake of [3H]VBL and [14C]saquinavir with MDR1 and MRP2 transfectants showed that VBL and saquinavir are transported by both P‐gp and MRP2. GFJ and OJ components inhibited the transport by MRP2 as well as P‐gp. However, their inhibitory potencies for P‐gp or MRP2 were substrate‐dependent.

The present study has revealed that GFJ and OJ interact with not only P‐gp but also MRP2, both of which are expressed at apical membranes and limit the apical‐to‐basal transport of VBL and saquinavir in Caco‐2 cells.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 856–864. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706008
Kinin B1 receptors: key G‐protein‐coupled receptors and their role in inflammatory and painful processes
Authors: Calixto João B , Medeiros Rodrigo , Fernandes Elizabeth S , Ferreira Juliano , Cabrini Daniela A , Campos Maria M
Published: November 2004

Kinins are a family of peptides implicated in several pathophysiological events. Most of their effects are likely mediated by the activation of two G‐protein‐coupled receptors: B1 and B2. Whereas B2 receptors are constitutive entities, B1 receptors behave as key inducible molecules that may be upregulated under some special circumstances. In this context, several recent reports have investigated the importance of B1 receptor activation in certain disease models. Furthermore, research on B1 receptors in the last years has been mainly focused in determining the mechanisms and pathways involved in the process of induction. This was essentially favoured by the advances obtained in molecular biology studies, as well as in the design of selective and stable peptide and nonpeptide kinin B1 receptor antagonists. Likewise, development of kinin B1 receptor knockout mice greatly helped to extend the evidence about the relevance of B1 receptors during pathological states. In the present review, we attempted to remark the main advances achieved in the last 5 years about the participation of kinin B1 receptors in painful and inflammatory disorders. We have also aimed to point out some groups of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer or neuropathic pain, in which the strategic development of nonpeptidic oral‐available and selective B1 receptor antagonists could have a potential relevant therapeutic interest.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 803–818. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706012
Interleukin‐10 mediates the protective effect of Linomide by reducing CXC chemokine production in endotoxin‐induced liver injury
Authors: Li Xiang , Klintman Daniel , Sato Tohru , Hedlund Gunnar , Schramm René , Jeppsson Bengt , Thorlacius Henrik
Published: November 2004

The immunomodulator Linomide has been shown to protect against septic liver injury by reducing hepatic accumulation of leukocytes although the detailed anti‐inflammatory mechanisms remain elusive. This study examined the effect of Linomide on the production of CXC chemokines, including macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2) and cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant (KC) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D‐galactosamine (Gal)‐induced liver injury in mice.

It was found that pretreatment with 300 mg kg−1 of Linomide markedly suppressed leukocyte recruitment, perfusion failure, and hepatocellular damage and apoptosis in the liver of endotoxemic mice.

Administration of Linomide inhibited endotoxin‐induced gene expression of MIP‐2 and KC and significantly reduced the hepatic production of MIP‐2 and KC by 63 and 80%, respectively. Moreover, it was found that Linomide increased the liver content of IL‐10 by more than three‐fold in endotoxemic mice.

The protective effect of Linomide against endotoxin‐induced inflammation and liver injury was abolished in IL‐10‐deficient mice, suggesting that the beneficial effect of Linomide is dependent on the function of IL‐10.

Taken together, these novel findings suggest that the protective effect of Linomide is mediated via local upregulation of IL‐10, which in turn decreases the generation of CXC chemokines and pathological recruitment of leukocytes in the liver of endotoxemic mice.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 865–871. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706015
A novel synthetic peptide derivative from lactoferrin exhibiting antimicrobial activity
Authors: Ramesh Chintala Venkataramana , Kamini Numbi Ramudu , Puvanakrishnan Rengarajulu
Published: November 2004

A tetrapeptide derivative Boc‐l‐Lys(Boc)‐l‐Arg‐l‐Asp‐l‐Ser(But)‐OBut (PEP 1261; Boc is butoxycarbonyl, But is t‐butyl and OBut is t‐butyl ester), synthesized by a solution‐phase strategy, exhibited antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of micro‐organisms at an optimal concentration of 500 μg/ml. Whereas the tetrapeptide salt (l‐Lys‐l‐Arg‐l‐Asp‐l‐Ser·HCl) was found to be fairly effective against bacterial cultures, it was not effective against fungal cultures. Comparative growth studies showed that PEP 1261 was equally as potent as the conventional antibiotics kanamycin, streptomycin and actidione for the Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas alcaligenes and the non‐filamentous fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast), whereas 62 and 88.9% inhibition were observed for Gram‐positive organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus thuringiensis respectively. PEP 1261 might exert its antimicrobial activity by permeabilizing the bacterial membrane, and this was confirmed by an increase in β‐galactosidase activity.
Elicitor effects on Penicillium chrysogenum morphology in submerged cultures
Authors: Radman Romeo , Bucke Christopher , Keshavarz Tajalli
Published: November 2004

Changes in morphology and sporulation were investigated in liquid cultures of Penicillium chrysogenum P2 supplemented with carbohydrate oligosaccharides. Sodium alginate and locust‐bean (Ceratonia siliqua) gum‐derived oligosaccharides were used as elicitors. Spore germination was inhibited by the addition of OG (oligoguluronate) elicitor (30% inhibition when compared with control). Addition of any of the elicitors to stirred‐tank cultures increased hyphal‐tip numbers, clump area and spore counts. MO (mannan oligosaccharide) had the greatest effect on the parameters studied, followed by OM (oligomannuronate) and OG. Hyphal‐tip numbers increased by 19, 29 and 47% with OG, OM and MO respectively. Average clump area in the presence of OG, OM and MO increased by 23, 32 and 59% respectively. A notable increase in spore numbers was observed in all the supplemented stirred‐tank reactor cultures, with MO showing the highest enhancement.
Biochemical analysis of respiratory function in cybrid cell lines harbouring mitochondrial DNA mutations
Authors: PALLOTTI Francesco , BARACCA Alessandra , HERNANDEZ-ROSA Evelyn , WALKER Winsome F. , SOLAINI Giancarlo , LENAZ Giorgio , MELZI d'ERIL Gian Vico , DiMAURO Salvatore , SCHON Eric A. , DAVIDSON Mercy M.
Published: November 2004

We analysed key biochemical features that reflect the balance between glycolysis and glucose oxidation in cybrids (cytoplasmic hybrids) harbouring a representative sample of mitochondrial DNA point mutations and deletions. The cybrids analysed had the same 143B cell nuclear background and were isogenic for the mitochondrial background. The 143B cell line and its ρ0 counterpart were used as controls. All cells analysed were in a dynamic state, and cell number, time of plating, culture medium, extracellular volume and time of harvest and assay were strictly controlled. Intra- and extra-cellular lactate and pyruvate levels were measured in homoplasmic wild-type and mutant cells, and correlated with rates of ATP synthesis and O2 consumption. In all mutant cell lines, except those with the T8993C mutation in the ATPase 6 gene, glycolysis was increased even under conditions of low glucose, as demonstrated by increased levels of extracellular lactate and pyruvate. Extracellular lactate levels were strictly and inversely correlated with rates of ATP synthesis and O2 consumption. These results show increased glycolysis and defective oxidative phosphorylation, irrespective of the type or site of the point mutation or deletion in the mitochondrial genome. The different biochemical consequences of the T8993C mutation suggest a uniquely different pathogenic mechanism for this mutation. However, the distinct clinical features associated with some of these mutations still remain to be elucidated.
Dysfunctional proofreading in the Escherichia coli DNA polymerase III core
Authors: LEHTINEN Duane A. , PERRINO Fred W.
Published: November 2004

The ε-subunit contains the catalytic site for the 3′→5′ proofreading exonuclease that functions in the DNA pol III (DNA polymerase III) core to edit nucleotides misinserted by the α-subunit DNA pol. A novel mutagenesis strategy was used to identify 23 dnaQ alleles that exhibit a mutator phenotype in vivo. Fourteen of the ε mutants were purified, and these proteins exhibited 3′→5′ exonuclease activities that ranged from 32% to 155% of the activity exhibited by the wild-type ε protein, in contrast with the 2% activity exhibited by purified MutD5 protein. DNA pol III core enzymes constituted with 11 of the 14 ε mutants exhibited an increased error rate during in vitro DNA synthesis using a forward mutation assay. Interactions of the purified ε mutants with the α- and θ-subunits were examined by gel filtration chromatography and exonuclease stimulation assays, and by measuring polymerase/exonuclease ratios to identify the catalytically active ε511 (I170T/V215A) mutant with dysfunctional proofreading in the DNA pol III core. The ε511 mutant associated tightly with the α-subunit, but the exonuclease activity of ε511 was not stimulated in the α–ε511 complex. Addition of the θ-subunit to generate the α–ε511–θ DNA pol III core partially restored stimulation of the ε511 exonuclease, indicating a role for the θ-subunit in co-ordinating the α–ε polymerase–exonuclease interaction. The α–ε511–θ DNA pol III core exhibited a 3.5-fold higher polymerase/exonuclease ratio relative to the wild-type DNA pol III core, further indicating dysfunctional proofreading in the α–ε511–θ complex. Thus the ε511 mutant has wild-type 3′→5′ exonuclease activity and associates physically with the α- and θ-subunits to generate a proofreading-defective DNA pol III enzyme.
Regulation of GLUT1-mediated glucose uptake by PKCλ–PKCβII interactions in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Authors: BOSCH Remko R. , BAZUINE Merlijn , SPAN Paul N. , WILLEMS Peter H. G. M. , OLTHAAR André J. , van RENNES Helga , MAASSEN J. Antonie , TACK Cees J. , HERMUS Ad R. M. M. , SWEEP C. G. J. (Fred)
Published: November 2004

Members of the PKC (protein kinase C) superfamily play key regulatory roles in glucose transport. How the different PKC isotypes are involved in the regulation of glucose transport is still poorly defined. PMA is a potent activator of conventional and novel PKCs and PMA increases the rate of glucose uptake in many different cell systems. In the present study, we show that PMA treatment increases glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by two mechanisms: a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-dependent increase in GLUT1 (glucose transporter 1) expression levels and a PKCλ-dependent translocation of GLUT1 towards the plasma membrane. Intriguingly, PKCλ co-immunoprecipitated with PKCβII and did not with PKCβI. Previously, we have described that down-regulation of PKCβII protein levels or inhibiting PKCβII by means of the myristoylated PKCβC2–4 peptide inhibitor induced GLUT1 translocation towards the plasma membrane in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Combined with the present findings, these results suggest that the liberation of PKCλ from PKCβII is an important factor in the regulation of GLUT1 distribution in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Hepatitis C virus non-structural protein NS3 interacts with LMP7, a component of the immunoproteasome, and affects its proteasome activity
Authors: KHU Yee-Ling , TAN Yee-Joo , LIM Seng Gee , HONG Wanjin , GOH Phuay-Yee
Published: November 2004

NS3, a non-structural protein of the HCV (hepatitis C virus), contains a protease and a helicase domain and plays essential roles in the processing of the viral polyprotein, viral RNA replication and translation. LMP7 (low-molecular-mass protein 7), a component of the immunoproteasome, was identified as an NS3-binding protein from yeast two-hybrid screens, and this interaction was confirmed by in vitro binding and co-immunoprecipitation analysis. The minimal domain of interaction was defined to be between the pro-sequence region of LMP7 (amino acids 1–40) and the protease domain of NS3. To elucidate the biological importance of this interaction, we studied the effect of this interaction on NS3 protease activity and on LMP7 immunoproteasome activity. Recombinant LMP7 did not have any effect on NS3 protease activity in vitro. The peptidase activities of LMP7 immunoproteasomes, however, were markedly reduced when tested in a stable cell line containing a HCV subgenomic replicon. The down-regulation of proteasome peptidase activities could interfere with the processing of viral antigens for presentation by MHC class I molecules, and may thus protect HCV from host immune surveillance mechanisms to allow persistent infection by the virus.
Thermodynamics of ligand binding by the yeast mRNA-capping enzyme reveals different modes of binding
Authors: BOUGIE Isabelle , PARENT Amélie , BISAILLON Martin
Published: November 2004

RNA-capping enzymes are involved in the synthesis of the cap structure found at the 5′-end of eukaryotic mRNAs. The present study reports a detailed study on the thermodynamic parameters involved in the interaction of an RNA-capping enzyme with its ligands. Analysis of the interaction of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA-capping enzyme (Ceg1) with GTP, RNA and manganese ions revealed significant differences between the binding forces that drive the interaction of the enzyme with its RNA and GTP substrates. Our thermodynamic analyses indicate that the initial association of GTP with the Ceg1 protein is driven by a favourable enthalpy change (ΔH=−80.9 kJ/mol), but is also clearly associated with an unfavourable entropy change (TΔS=−62.9 kJ/mol). However, the interaction between Ceg1 and RNA revealed a completely different mode of binding, where binding to RNA is clearly dominated by a favourable entropic effect (TΔS=20.5 kJ/mol), with a minor contribution from a favourable enthalpy change (ΔH=−5.3 kJ/mol). Fluorescence spectroscopy also allowed us to evaluate the initial binding of GTP to such an enzyme, thereby separating the GTP binding step from the concomitant metal-dependent hydrolysis of GTP that results in the formation of a covalent GMP–protein intermediate. In addition to the determination of the energetics of ligand binding, our study leads to a better understanding of the molecular basis of substrate recognition by RNA-capping enzymes.
Impact of surgical trauma on human skeletal muscle protein synthesis
Authors: TJÄDER Inga , ESSEN Pia , GARLICK Peter J. , McMNURLAN Margaret A. , ROOYACKERS Olav , WERNERMAN Jan
Published: November 2004

Muscle protein catabolism is a considerable clinical problem following surgery. However, the impact of surgical trauma on muscle protein synthesis is not well characterized. In this pilot study, we therefore investigated whether the severity of surgical trauma is related to a decrease in muscle protein synthesis rate in humans. Metabolically healthy patients (n=28) were included in the study. Eight of the patients were day-care patients undergoing minor breast surgery (defined as minor surgery). The other 20 patients were subjected to major abdominal surgery and were therefore scheduled to stay overnight in the recovery room during the first postoperative night (defined as major surgery). Protein FSRs (fractional synthesis rates) in skeletal muscle were determined during a measurement period of 90 min before surgery and immediately after termination of surgery. FSR in skeletal muscle of the minor surgery patients was 1.72±0.25%/24 h before surgery and 1.67±0.29%/24 h after surgery (P=0.68). In the major surgery group, FSR was 1.62±0.30%/24 h before surgery and 1.57±0.40%/24 h (P=0.59) immediately following surgery. The observations made in this pilot study could not confirm a size-related decrease in muscle protein synthesis immediately following minor and major surgery. This finding is discussed in relation to confounders, postoperative course and to muscle protein degradation. The shortage of knowledge in this field is emphasized.
Exchange bias and vertical loop shifts in a Co(32Å)∕NiO(10Å)∕[Co(4Å)∕Pt(6Å)]4 multilayer
Authors: Liu Z. Y.
Published: November 2004

Investigation has been performed on exchange bias in a Co(32Å)∕NiO(10Å)∕[Co(4Å)∕Pt(6Å)]4 multilayer after cooling at remanence. The easy axes of the Co∕Pt multilayer and the 32Å Co layer are different. Both exchange bias and vertical loop shifts have been observed in the out-of-plane loop, and they disappear at the same temperature of 170K. No obvious vertical shift is observed in the in-plane loops, but the exchange bias transitions from negative at T<50K to positive at T>50K. These phenomena have been ascribed to the interfacial induced net moment in the NiO spacer.
Zero dispersion at small group velocities in photonic crystal waveguides
Authors: Petrov A. Yu. , Eich M.
Published: November 2004

Modes of photonic crystal (PC) line-defect waveguides can have small group velocity away from the Brillouin zone edge. This property can be explained by the strong interaction of the modes with the bulk PC. An anticrossing of “index guided” and “gap guided” modes should be taken into account. To control dispersion, the anticrossing point can be shifted by the change of the PC waveguide parameters. An example of a waveguide is presented with vanishing second- and third-order dispersion.
Arrays of nanoscale magnetic dots: Fabrication by x-ray interference lithography and characterization
Authors: Heyderman L. J. , Solak H. H. , David C. , Atkinson D. , Cowburn R. P. , Nolting F.
Published: November 2004

X-ray interference lithography (XIL) was employed in combination with electrodeposition to fabricate arrays of nanoscale nickel dots which are uniform over 40μm and have periods down to 71nm. Using extreme-ultraviolet light, XIL has the potential to produce magnetic dot arrays over large areas with periods well below 50nm, and down to a theoretical limit of 6.5nm for a 13nm x-ray wavelength. In the nickel dot arrays, we observed the effect of interdot magnetic stray field interactions. Measuring the hysteresis loops using the magneto-optical Kerr effect, a double switching via the vortex state was observed in the nickel dots with diameters down to 44nm and large dot separations. As the dot separations are reduced to below around 50nm a single switching, occurring by collective rotation of the magnetic spins, is favored due to interdot magnetic stray field interactions. This results in magnetic flux closure through several dots which could be visualized with micromagnetic simulations. Further evidence of the stray field interactions was seen in photoemission electron microscopy images, where bands of contrast corresponding to chains of coupled dots were observed.
Determination of the carrier concentration in InGaAsN∕GaAs single quantum wells using Raman scattering
Authors: Grandt Patrick A. , Griffith Aureus E. , Manasreh M. O. , Friedman D. J. , Doğan S. , Johnstone D.
Published: November 2004

Raman scattering from longitudinal optical phonon-plasmon coupled mode was observed in a series of InGaAsN∕GaAs single quantum well samples grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. The phonon-plasmon mode spectra were fitted with the dielectric constant function based on Drude model that contains contributions from both lattice vibrations and conduction electrons. The carrier concentration is calculated directly from the plasmon frequency, which is obtained from the fitting procedure. An empirical expression for the electron concentration, [n], in InGaAsN∕GaAs samples is determined as [n]≈{2.35×1016(ωm−502)}cm−3, where ωm is the peak of the upper frequency branch, L+, of the phonon-plasmon mode measured in unit of cm−1. The phonon-plasmon coupled mode was also investigated in rapid thermally annealed samples.
Mechanically tunable photonic crystal structure
Authors: Park Wounjhang , Lee Jeong-Bong
Published: November 2004

We report a tunable nanophotonic device concept based on flexible photonic crystal, which is comprised of a periodic array of high-index dielectric material and a low-index flexible polymer. Tunability is achieved by applying mechanical force with nano-/microelectromechanical system actuators. The mechanical stress induces changes in the periodicity of the photonic crystal and consequently modifies the photonic band structure. To demonstrate the concept, we theoretically investigated the effect of mechanical stress on the anomalous refraction behavior and observed a very wide tunability in the beam propagation direction. This concept provides a means to achieve real-time, dynamic control of photonic band structure and will thus expand the utility of photonic crystal structures in advanced nanophotonic systems.
Plasma hydrogenation of strain-relaxed SiGe∕Si heterostructure for layer transfer
Authors: Chen Peng , Chu Paul K. , Höchbauer T. , Nastasi M. , Buca D. , Mantl S. , Theodore N. David , Alford T. L. , Mayer J. W. , Loo R. , Caymax M. , Cai M. , Lau S. S.
Published: November 2004

The use of plasma hydrogenation for relaxed SiGe layer transfer is demonstrated. It is found that the interface of a strain-relaxed SiGe∕Si heterostructure is effective in trapping H during plasma hydrogenation. Long microcracks observed at the interface due to the trapping of indiffused H indicate the distinct possibility of transferring the overlayer using the ion-cutting technique. Our results suggest that interfacial defects induced by the He implantation relaxation process trap the indiffusing H atoms and lead to interfacial cracks during hydrogenation or upon postannealing at higher temperatures. It is further noted that trapping of H at the interface is possible only in strain-relaxed structures. Without strain relaxation, H atoms introduced by plasma hydrogenation get trapped just below the sample surface and form a band of shallow platelets. Without the need for high-dose high-energy ion implantation, our results suggest an effective way for high-quality strain-relaxed SiGe layer transfer. The technique has potential for application in the fabrication of SiGe-on-insulator strained Si epitaxial layer and related structures.
Synthesis and magnetic properties of Fe–Pt–B nanocomposite permanent magnets with low Pt concentrations
Authors: Zhang Wei , Louzguine Dmitri V. , Inoue Akihisa
Published: November 2004

Microstructure and magnetic properties of melt-spun Fe80−xPtxB20 (x=20,22,24) alloy ribbons have been investigated. A homogeneous nanoscale mixed structure with amorphous and fcc γ-FePt phases was formed in the melt-spun ribbons. The average sizes of the amorphous and fcc γ-FePt phases are about 5nm, and the enrichment phenomenon of B is recognized in the coexistent amorphous phase. The melt-spun ribbons exhibit soft magnetic properties. The nanocomposite structure consisting of fct γ1-FePt, fcc γ-FePt, and Fe2B phases was obtained in the melt-spun ribbons annealed at 798K for 900s, and their average grain sizes are about 20nm. The remanence (Br), reduced remanence (Mr∕Ms), coercivity (Hci), and maximum energy product (BH)max of the nanocomposite alloys are in the range of 0.93–1.05T, 0.79–0.82, 375–487kA∕m, and 118–127kJ∕m3, respectively. The good hard magnetic properties are interpreted as resulting from exchange magnetic coupling between nanoscale hard fct γ1-FePt and soft magnetic fcc γ-FePt or Fe2B phases.
Highly resistive annealed low-temperature-grown InGaAs with sub-500fs carrier lifetimes
Authors: Baker C. , Gregory I. S. , Tribe W. R. , Bradley I. V. , Evans M. J. , Linfield E. H. , Missous M.
Published: November 2004

We have optimized low-temperature-grown In0.3Ga0.7As for use in ultrafast photoconductive devices. Using low temperature ex situ annealing techniques, we have produced a photoconductive material that is highly resistive (∼104Ωcm), has sub-500fs carrier trapping lifetimes, and is matched to 1.06μm laser excitation.