bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Dielectric and NMR Study of the Ionic Liquid 1‐Alkyl‐3‐Methyl Imidazolium
Authors: Nakamura Kenji , Shikata Toshiyuki
Published: December 2009

The dynamic behaviors of ionic liquid samples consisting of a series of 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium cations and various counteranionic species are investigated systematically over a wide frequency range from 1 MHz to 20 GHz at room temperature using dielectric relaxation (DR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. DR spectra for the ionic liquids are reasonably deconvoluted into two or three relaxation modes. The slowest relaxation times are strongly dependent upon sample viscosity and cation size, whereas the relaxation times of other modes are almost independent of these factors. We attribute the two slower relaxation modes to the rotational relaxation modes of the dipolar cations because the correlation times of the cations evaluated using longitudinal relaxation time (T1 13C NMR) measurements corresponded to the dielectric relaxation times. On the other hand, the fastest relaxation mode is presumably related to the inter‐ion motions of ion‐pairs formed between cationic and anionic species. In the case of the ionic liquid bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, the system shows marked dielectric relaxation behavior due to rotational motion of dipolar anionic species in addition to the relaxation modes attributed to the dipolar cations.
Iridium CVD using di‐µ‐Chloro‐tetrakis(trifluorophosphine)‐ diiridium (I) Precursor, in‐situ generated from Chlorotetrakis(trifluorophosphine)iridium
Authors: Tran Phong Dinh , Barthes‐Labrousse Marie‐Geneviève , Doppelt Pascal
Published: December 2009

The CVD of iridium thin films using di‐µ‐chloro‐tetrakis(trifluorophosphine)diiridium(I) as the precursor is presented. This inorganic, volatile, and unstable precursor is supplied in‐situ into the CVD reactor by the decomposition reaction of chlorotetrakis(trifluorophosphine)iridium, a more air‐stable but more thermally sensitive compound. By using this carbon‐ and oxygen‐free precursor, condensed, conformal, and highly pure iridium metallic films are grown on SiO2/Si and Ta/TaN substrates at growth temperatures as low as 200 °C. The dependence of the deposition process, and characteristics of iridium‐deposited films such as morphology, microstructure, and chemical composition, on deposition temperature and the nature of the carrier gas (N2 or O2) are also investigated.
CVD in Weakly Rarefied Rotating Disk Flows
Authors: Zhang Taichang , Zhang Peng , Law Chung K. , Qi Fei
Published: December 2009

CVD in a weakly rarefied rotating disk flow is numerically investigated using the SPIN code modified by including slip boundary conditions for velocity, concentration, and temperature, and thereby extending the capability of the code to describe weakly rarefied flows. A model reaction mechanism for silicon deposition, including the gas‐phase decomposition of silane to silylene and the surface reactions of silane and silylene, is used in order to demonstrate rarefied gas effects. Results show that, by taking into account the temperature slip, the deposition rate decreases from its value based on the continuum model, mainly due to either the decrease of the concentration of silylene, which is the dominant deposition species at high temperatures, or the decrease of the sticking coefficient of silane, which is the dominant deposition species at low temperatures. Compared to that of the temperature slip, the influence on the deposition rate of the velocity and concentration slips is negligible.
A multiple relay‐based medium access control protocol in multirate wirelessad hocnetworks with multiple beam antennas
Authors: Chen Yuh‐Shyan , Hsu Chih‐Shun , Chen Po‐Ta
Published: December 2009

The advanced technique of multiple beam antennas is recently considered in wireless networks to improve the system throughput by increasing spatial reuse, reducing collisions, and avoiding co‐channel interference. The usage of multiple beam antennas is similar to the concept of Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA), while each beam can be treated as a data channel. Wireless networks can increase the total throughput and decrease the transmission latency if the physical layer of a mobile node can support multirate capability. Multirate wireless networks incurs theanomalyproblem, because low data rate hosts may influence the original performance of high data rate hosts. In this work, each node fits out multiple beam antennas with multirate capability, and a node can either simultaneously transmit or receive multiple data on multiple beams. Observe that the transmitting or receiving operation does not happen at the same time. In this paper, we propose a multiple relay‐based medium access control (MAC) protocol to improve the throughput for low data rate hosts. Our MAC protocol exploits multiple relay nodes and helps the source and the destination to create more than one data channel to significantly reduce the transmission latency. Observe that low data rate links with long‐distance transmission latencies are distributed by multiple relay nodes, hence the anomaly problem can be significantly alleviated. In addition, the ACK synchronization problem is solved to avoid the condition that source nodes do not receive ACKs from destination nodes. An adjustment operation is presented to reduce unnecessary relay nodes during the fragment burst period. Finally, simulation results illustrate that our multiple relay‐based MAC protocol can achieve high throughput and low transmission latency. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Group entitativity and similarity: Their differing patterns in perceptions of groups
Authors: Crump Sara A. , Hamilton David L. , Sherman Steven J. , Lickel Brian , Thakkar Vinita
Published: December 2009

Three studies were conducted to investigate the relation between perceptions of group entitativity and group similarity. The first two studies tested whether entitativity and similarity would be perceived differently in participants' ingroups and outgroups. Across several different group types, we found that, in comparison to outgroups, ingroups were perceived to be relatively more entitative than outgroups, whereas outgroup members were perceived to be highly similar in comparison to ingroup members. The results of Study 3 showed that manipulation of group entitativity influenced perceptions of group entitativity but not of group similarity, whereas manipulation of similarity influenced perceptions of group similarity but not of group entitativity. The results of these studies provide support for the contention that entitativity and similarity are distinct (though related) concepts that function differently in group perception. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality, quantity, and impact in academic publication
Authors: Haslam Nick , Laham Simon M.
Published: December 2009

Publication records of 85 social‐personality psychologists were tracked from the time of their doctoral studies until 10 years post‐PhD. Associations between publication quantity (number of articles), quality (mean journal impact factor and article influence score), and impact (citations, h‐index, g‐index, webpage visits) were examined. Publication quantity and quality were only modestly related, and there was evidence of a quality‐quantity trade‐off. Impact was more strongly associated with quantity than quality. Authors whose records weighed quality over quantity tended to be associated with more prestigious institutions, but had lesser impact. Quantity‐ and quality‐favoring publication strategies may have important implications for the shape and success of scientific careers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graft copolymerization modification of silk fabric with an organophosphorus flame retardant
Authors: Jinping Guan , Guoqiang Chen
Published: December 2009

This paper mainly deals with flame retardance of a silk fabric treated with a vinyl phosphate dimethyl 2‐(methacryloyloxyethyl) phosphate (DMMEP) onto silk fabric by a graft copolymerization technique. This paper also explores the relationship between limiting oxygen index (LOI) and weight gain of DMMEP treated silk fabric. The paper also investigates the whiteness, handle, tensile strength and laundering durability of treated silk fabric. Microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) is applied to test the heat release rate of silk fabric. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) are carried out to investigate the thermal decomposition behavior of DMMEP treated silk fabric. The kinetic parameters, activation energy and pre‐exponential factor are determined using the Kissenger method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moving boundary simulations with dynamic mesh smoothing
Authors: Ahn Hyung Taek , Branets Larisa , Carey Graham F.
Published: December 2009

We develop a dynamic mesh adjustment scheme for moving boundary problems such as those encountered in fluid–structure interaction. The scheme is implemented in an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) flow solver for unstructured hybrid meshes and dual time‐stepping for Navier–Stokes problems. The mesh improvement strategy is an extension of our previous work on mesh optimization based on quality metrics. In the associated numerical experiments, we consider translation and rotation of a profile interior to the flow field. Numerical results for vortex shedding past the moving profile demonstrate the simulation capability and display the effects of dynamic mesh adjustment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactions between TLR7 and TLR9 agonists and receptors regulate innate immune responses by astrocytes and microglia
Authors: Butchi Niranjan B. , Du Min , Peterson Karin E.
Published: December 2009

Toll‐like receptors 7 (TLR7) and 9 (TLR9) are important mediators of innate immune responses. Both receptors are located in endosomal compartments, recognize nucleic acids, and signal via Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). In the current study, we analyzed TLR7 and TLR9 induced activation of astrocytes and microglia, two cell types that contribute to innate immune responses in the CNS. TLR7 and TLR9 agonists induced similar cytokine profiles within each cell type. However, there were notable differences in the cytokine profile between astrocytes and microglia, including the production of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 and antiapoptotic cytokines G‐CSF and IL‐9 by microglia but not astrocytes. Costimulation studies demonstrated that the TLR7 agonist, imiquimod, could inhibit TLR9 agonist‐induced innate immune responses, in both cell types, in a concentration‐dependent manner. Surprisingly, this inhibition was not mediated by TLR7, as deficiency in TLR7 did not alter suppression of the TLR9 agonist‐induced responses. The suppression of innate immune responses was also not due to an inhibition of TLR9 agonist uptake. This suggested that imiquimod suppression may be a direct effect, possibly by blocking CpG‐ODN binding and/or signaling with TLR9, thus limiting cell activation. An antagonistic relationship was also observed between the two receptors in microglia, with TLR7 deficiency resulting in enhanced cytokine responses to CpG‐ODN stimulation. Thus, both TLR7 and its agonist can have inhibitory effects on TLR9‐induced cytokine responses in glial cells. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D Mapping of brain differences in native signing congenitally and prelingually deaf subjects
Authors: Leporé Natasha , Vachon Patrick , Lepore Franco , Chou Yi‐Yu , Voss Patrice , Brun Caroline C. , Lee Agatha D. , Toga Arthur W. , Thompson Paul M.
Published: December 2009

In the prelingual and congenital deaf, functional reorganization is known to occur throughout brain regions normally associated with hearing. However, the anatomical correlates of these changes are not yet well understood. Here, we perform the first tensor‐based morphometric analysis of voxel‐wise volumetric differences in native signing prelingual and congenitally deaf subjects when compared with hearing controls. We obtained T1‐weighted scans for 14 native signing prelingual and congenitally deaf subjects and 16 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. We used linear and fluid registration to align each image to a common template. Using the voxel‐wise determinant of the Jacobian of the fluid deformation, significant volume increases, of up to 20%, were found in frontal lobe white matter regions including Broca's area, and adjacent regions involved in motor control and language production. A similar analysis was performed on hand‐traced corpora callosa. A strong trend for group differences was found in the area of the splenium considered to carry fibers connecting the temporal (and occipital) lobes. These anatomical differences may reflect experience‐mediated developmental differences in myelination and cortical maturation associated with prolonged monomodal sensory deprivation. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feasibility and surgical approach of transaxillary robotic thyroidectomy without CO2 insufflation
Authors: Lewis Carol M. , Chung Woong Y. , Holsinger F. Christopher
Published: December 2009

Background.

Our objective was to evaluate the anatomic basis for robotic‐assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy and to determine its feasibility in a prospective clinical trial.

Methods and Results.

Using the da Vinci Surgical Robotic System, we performed 5 cadaveric dissections, via transaxillary approach without gas insufflation. Once the safety and feasibility of this approach had been demonstrated in cadavers, it was utilized to perform a thyroid lobectomy in a patient. The da Vinci system provided excellent visualization of the recurrent and superior laryngeal nerves, parathyroid glands, and paratracheal lymphatics. After the 5 cadaver dissections, the procedure time diminished from >90 minutes to <30 minutes.

Conclusion.

Robotic‐assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy is feasible with proper instrumentation and an understanding of the surgical anatomy. Based on this preclinical laboratory study and our experience in 1 patient, further evaluation of this approach in the setting of a prospective clinical trial is warranted to determine standardized criteria identifying patients who would benefit from this approach. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Breath carbon monoxide and semiquantitative saliva cotinine as biomarkers for smoking
Authors: Marrone Gina F. , Paulpillai Mane , Evans Rebecca J. , Singleton Edward G. , Heishman Stephen J.
Published: December 2009

Objective

As a biomarker of smoking, semiquantitative analysis of cotinine (NicAlert®) offers several advantages over breath carbon monoxide (CO) and quantitative analysis of cotinine. Recent studies have used urine NicAlert® and breath CO in combination to verify abstinence. However, no studies have evaluated the performance of saliva NicAlert® against or in combination with breath CO.

Method

Breath CO, saliva NicAlert®, and smoking history were compared in an urban population of daily smokers (n = 24) and nonsmokers (n = 25).

Results

Saliva NicAlert® predicted self‐reported smoking with 100% sensitivity and 96% specificity. At a cutoff of > 5 ppm, breath CO had 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in predicting self‐reported smoking. Breath CO was positively correlated with saliva NicAlert® and negatively correlated with minutes since last cigarette.

Conclusion

Saliva NicAlert® had high sensitivity and specificity in identifying daily smokers. Compared to saliva NicAlert®, breath CO level was more indicative of recent smoking. Future treatment studies should evaluate the performance of saliva NicAlert® as an alternative to the urine test. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the use of multi‐algorithm, genetically adaptive multi‐objective method for multi‐site calibration of the SWAT model
Authors: Zhang Xuesong , Srinivasan Raghavan , Liew Michael Van
Published: December 2009

With the availability of spatially distributed data, distributed hydrologic models are increasingly used for simulation of spatially varied hydrologic processes to understand and manage natural and human activities that affect watershed systems. Multi‐objective optimization methods have been applied to calibrate distributed hydrologic models using observed data from multiple sites. As the time consumed by running these complex models is increasing substantially, selecting efficient and effective multi‐objective optimization algorithms is becoming a nontrivial issue. In this study, we evaluated a multi‐algorithm, genetically adaptive multi‐objective method (AMALGAM) for multi‐site calibration of a distributed hydrologic model—Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and compared its performance with two widely used evolutionary multi‐objective optimization (EMO) algorithms (i.e. Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2 (SPEA2) and Non‐dominated Sorted Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA‐II)). In order to provide insights into each method's overall performance, these three methods were tested in four watersheds with various characteristics. The test results indicate that the AMALGAM can consistently provide competitive or superior results compared with the other two methods. The multi‐method search framework of AMALGAM, which can flexibly and adaptively utilize multiple optimization algorithms, makes it a promising tool for multi‐site calibration of the distributed SWAT. For practical use of AMALGAM, it is suggested to implement this method in multiple trials with relatively small number of model runs rather than run it once with long iterations. In addition, incorporating different multi‐objective optimization algorithms and multi‐mode search operators into AMALGAM deserves further research. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Under‐ice salinity and stable isotope distribution of Saroma‐ko Lagoon, Hokkaido, northern Japan
Authors: Morimoto Maki , Kawanobe Kyoko , Abe Osamu , Kawai Takayoshi , Kawamura Toshiyuki , Shirasawa Kunio
Published: December 2009

In winter, lakes and lagoons at high altitudes or high latitudes have interesting hydrological cycles that differ from those in other seasons or in other regions, because water surfaces are covered with ice. Hydrological balances of lakes and lagoons are complex dynamic systems, and to elucidate them, isotopic tracers of water have been used as effective tools along with observations of precipitation, evaporation, inflows, and outflows. Here, to understand hydrological processes during freezing periods in the brackish Saroma‐ko Lagoon, Hokkaido, northern Japan, we examined horizontal and vertical distributions of salinity and isotope compositions of lagoon water and ice in 2005 and 2006. Horizontal and vertical gradients of salinity and isotope compositions were observed from the river mouth to the sea channel, and factors determining these distributions were considered. The mixing of freshwater and seawater and a freezing effect were presumed to be factors in relationships between salinity and isotopes and in relationships between surface waters and ice just above the water. A simple box model for water balance was constructed based on these putative factors to reproduce the distributions of salinity and isotope compositions of surface waters and ice. An evaluation of the model revealed that this hydrological system is controlled primarily by horizontal advection of the epilimnion, freshwater influx, and the ice growth rate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hysteretic freezing characteristics of riparian peatlands in the Western Boreal Forest of Canada
Authors: Smerdon Brian D. , Mendoza C. A.
Published: December 2009

Freezing characteristics were investigated for a sedge covered floating fen and spruce covered swamp located beside a shallow lake in the Western Boreal Forest of Canada. Thermal properties were measured in situ for one freeze‐thaw cycle, and for two freeze‐thaw cycles in laboratory columns. Thermal conductivity and liquid water content were related to a range of subsurface temperatures above and below the freezing thresholds, and clearly illustrate hysteresis between the freezing and thawing process. Thermal hysteresis occurs because of the large change in thermal conductivity between water and ice, high water content of the peat, and wide variation in pore sizes that govern ice formation. Field and laboratory results were combined to develop linear freezing functions, which were tested in a heat transfer model. For surface temperature boundary conditions, subsurface temperatures were simulated for the over‐winter period and compared with field measurements. Replication of the transient subsurface thermal regime required that freezing functions transition gradually from thawed to frozen state (spanning the −0·25 to −2 °C range) as opposed to a more abrupt step function. Subsurface temperatures indicate that the floating fen underwent complete phase change (from water to ice) and froze to approximately the same depth as lake ice thickness. Therefore, the floating fen peatland froze as a ‘shelf’ adjacent to the lake, whereas the spruce covered swamp had a higher capacity for thermal buffering, and subsurface freezing was both more gradual and limited in depth. These thermal properties, and the timing and duration of frozen state, are expected to control the interaction of water and nutrients between surface water and groundwater, which will be affected by changes in air temperature associated with global climate change. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ras inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress in human cancer cells with amplified Myc
Authors: Yaari‐Stark Shira , Shaked Maayan , Nevo‐Caspi Yael , Jacob‐Hircsh Jasmine , Shamir Ron , Rechavi Gideon , Kloog Yoel
Published: December 2009

In neuroblastoma LAN‐1 cells harboring an amplified MycN gene, disruption of cooperation between Ras and MycN proteins by the Ras inhibitor farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS, Salirasib) reportedly arrests cell growth. Our aim was to establish whether this is a general phenomenon. We examined the effects of FTS on gene‐expression profiles, growth and death of NCIH929 myeloma cells and K562 leukemia cells, which—like LAN‐1 cells—exhibit Myc gene amplification and harbor active Ras. Under specified conditions, FTS reduced Ras and Myc and induced cell growth arrest and death in all Myc‐amplified cell lines but not in SHEP, a neuroblastoma cell line without Myc gene amplification. Gene‐expression analysis revealed a common pattern of FTS‐induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), in Myc‐amplified cells, but not in SHEP. Thus, Ras negatively regulates ER stress in cells with amplified Myc. ER stress was also inducible by dominant‐negative (DN)‐Ras or shRNA to Ras isoforms, all of which induced an increase in BIP (the master regulator of ER stress) and its downstream targets Nrf2 and eIF2α, both regulated by active p‐PERK. FTS also induced an increase in p‐PERK, while small interfering RNA to PERK reduced Nrf2 and ATF4 and rescued cells from FTS‐induced death. BIP and its downstream targets were also increased by inhibitors of MAPK p38 and MEK. Ras, acting through MAPK p38 and MEK, negatively regulates the ER stress cascades BIP/PERK/Nrf2 and eIF2α/ATF4/ATF3. These findings can explain the Ras‐dependent protection of Myc‐amplified cells from ER stress‐associated death.
Dietary fatty acids, luminal modifiers, and risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Kato Ikuko , Majumdar Adhip P. , Land Susan J. , Barnholtz‐Sloan Jill S. , Severson Richard K.
Published: December 2009

Inconsistent observations in epidemiologic studies on the association between total fat intake and colorectal cancer may be ascribed to opposing effects of individual fatty acids and the presence of other dietary constituents that modify luminal or systemic lipid exposure. We analyzed the data from a population‐based case‐control study that included 1,163 cases and 1,501 controls to examine the effects of individual fatty acid groups on colorectal cancer risk as well as their interactions with calcium and fiber intake. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by unconditional logistic regression model according to quartile levels of energy‐adjusted fatty acid intake. In the bivariable analyses, the risk of colorectal cancer increased with trans fatty acid (TFA) intake (OR for top vs. bottom quartile =1.46, 95% CI 1.17–1.59, p‐value for a trend <0.001), but the associations was substantially attenuated in multivariable analyses (p value for a trend = 0.176). However, a significant linear trend in the multivariable OR (p = 0.029) for TFA was present for subjects with lower calcium intake. Furthermore, multivariable ORs progressively decreased with increasing both omega‐3 and omega‐6 poly‐ unsaturated fatty acid intake (p‐values for linear trend: 0.033 and 0.011, respectively) for subjects with lower dietary fiber intake. These interactions were also significant or marginally significant (p = 0.085 for TFA, 0.029 for omega‐3 and 0.068 for omega‐6). Our results suggest that populations with lower intake of luminal modifiers, i.e., calcium and fiber, may have differential risks of colorectal cancer associated with dietary fatty acid intake.
Assessment of water quality of a river using an indexing approach during the low‐flow season
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Tousif , Latif Muhammad
Published: December 2009

The River Chenab is one of the largest rivers in Pakistan with an average annual flow of 5.29 billion cubic metres (BCM). The river traverses a total length of 576 km through a number of densely populated and industrial cities in the Punjab province of Pakistan. In the present study, a segment of 292 km was monitored for a variety of cardinal water quality constituents during the low‐flow months of 2006–07 and 2007–08. Water quality indices (WQIs) were calculated for three uses of the river water, i.e. irrigation, drinking and aquatic life, using the CWQI 1.0 model developed by the task group of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). The results revealed that the lower river reach (185–233 km) was more polluted than the upper 185 km segment. In this river reach, overall WQI ranking was poor for drinking and marginal for both irrigation and aquatic life. The WQIs for all three uses were ranked poor at the sampling station located at 233 km along the river. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of a Trout Farm on Water Quality and Macrozoobenthos Communities of the Receiving Stream (Trešnjica River, Serbia)
Authors: Živić Ivana , Marković Zoran , Filipović‐Rojka Zdenka , Živić Miroslav
Published: December 2009

Trout farming is constantly increasing and poses a serious threat to water quality of clean highland streams. In the present work, we investigated the influence of the farm with the highest trout production in Serbia on water quality and macrozoobenthos communities of the receiving stream, the Trešnjica River. Our study revealed that changes of water chemistry parameters downstream from the trout farm were moderate and mainly confined to the part of the watercourse closest to the wastewater outlet. Moreover, use of food with 0.8% phosphorus content was sufficient to completely eliminate soluble phosphates from water samples of the Trešnjica River. However, the changes in water chemistry were sufficient to cause significant changes in the macrozoobenthos community. These changes remained statistically significant even 500 m downstream and were lost about 3.5 km from the trout farm wastewater effluent. The trout biomass on the farm is a parameter that adequately defines the magnitude of its impact, above all the intensity of its influence on the zoobenthos community structure. The most informative parameters for estimating that influence were the Baetidae/Ephemeroptera ratio, Margelef's index and the Modified biotic index. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of Food Quantity and Quality on Population Growth Rate and Digestive Activity in the Euryhaline Rotifer Brachionus plicatilis Müller
Authors: Štrojsová Martina , Suga Koushirou , Hagiwara Atsushi , Vrba Jaroslav
Published: December 2009

We investigated the nutritional effects of both food quantity and quality on Brachionus plicatilis. Decomposition of particulate and dissolved organic matter by rotifer digestive enzymes play a crucial role in rotifer nutrition. Among other enzymes, rotifers produce phosphatases, non‐specific enzymes that allow for the release of orthophosphate from a variety of organic phosphorus compounds. Phosphatase saturation was measured in B. plicatilis homogenates using the spectrofluorimetric method. We examined population growth rate, reproduction and phosphatase activity in the homogenate of rotifers (PARH) fed by nutrient‐replete algal food supplied at different quantities. Population growth rate, number of eggs per individual and PARH were affected by food quantity. Growth rate and number of eggs per individual significantly increased in rotifers fed by food supplied at the highest quantity. The highest population growth rate was reached by rotifers fed by nutrient‐replete food, while it did not significantly differ between rotifers fed on nitrogen (N)‐depleted and phosphorus (P)‐depleted food. The number of eggs per individual was more affected by N than P supply. PARH and rotifer RNA content were not influenced by different food quality. The results indicate that B. plicatilis is not able to regulate its digestive apparatus in terms of efficiently getting access to essential nutrients when scarce, but do this when nutrient‐replete food is available in different quantity. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microbial Degradation and Preliminary Chemical Characterization of Microcystis Exopolysaccharides from a Cyanobacterial Water Bloom of Lake Taihu
Authors: Li Pengfu , Cai Yuanfeng , Shi Limei , Geng Lanfang , Xing Peng , Yu Yang , Kong Fanxiang , Wang Yujiong
Published: December 2009

A bloom biomass composed mainly of Microcystis spp. was harvested from Lake Taihu, China. Exopolysaccharides (FEPS, exopolysaccharides from field‐grown Microcystis spp.) were extracted from the bloom mass with 3% glutaraldehyde. FEPS contained 5.4% protein and 6.9% uronic acid (glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid). The neutral sugar composition of FEPS consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, glucose and galactose in a relative molar ratio of 4.8: 4.2: 2.1: 3.7: 1.0, respectively. The dialyzed FEPS exhibited strong interaction with metal ions. Besides macromineral elements Ca, Mg, Na and K, micromineral elements Zn, Mn, Sr, Fe, Cu and Al were also detected in FEPS. The composition of FEPS is discussed with respect to its possible effects on colony formation, and bioavailability and cycling of metals in the lake. FEPS was able to be degraded rapidly at a rate of 50% in 18 d in the beginning at 25 °C after inoculation of the natural bacterial community from the bloom zone, indicating that FEPS could be recycled in nature. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A bipartite butyrate‐responsive element in the human calretinin (CALB2) promoter acts as a repressor in colon carcinoma cells but not in mesothelioma cells
Authors: Häner Katrin , Henzi Thomas , Pfefferli Martine , Künzli Esther , Salicio Valerie , Schwaller Beat
Published: December 2009

The short‐chain fatty acid butyrate plays an essential role in colonic mucosa homeostasis through the capacity to block the cell cycle, regulate differentiation and to induce apoptosis. The beneficial effect of dietary fibers on preventing colon cancer is essentially mediated through butyrate, derived from luminal fermentation of fibers by intestinal bacteria. In epithelial cells of the colon, both in normal and colon cancer cells, the expression of several genes is positively or negatively regulated by butyrate likely through modulation of histone acetylation and thereby affecting the transcriptional activity of genes. Calretinin (CALB2) is a member of the EF‐hand family of Ca2+‐binding proteins and is expressed in a majority of poorly differentiated colon carcinoma and additionally in mesothelioma of the epithelioid and mixed type. Since CALB2 is one of the genes negatively regulated by butyrate in colon cancer cells and butyrate decreases calretinin protein expression levels in those cells, we investigated whether expression is regulated via putative butyrate‐responsive elements (BRE) in the human CALB2 promoter. We identified two elements that act as butyrate‐sensitive repressors in all colon cancer cell lines tested (CaCo‐2, HT‐29, Co‐115/3). In contrast, in cells of mesothelial origin, MeT‐5A and ZL34, the same two elements do not operate as butyrate‐sensitive repressors and calretinin expression levels are insensitive to butyrate indicative of cell type‐specific regulation of the CALB2 promoter. Calretinin expression in colon cancer cells is negatively regulated by butyrate via a bipartite BRE flanking the TATA box and this may be linked to butyrate's chemopreventive activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 519–531, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The recovery and recycling of mercury from fluorescent lamps using photocatalytic techniques
Authors: Bussi Juan , Cabrera María Noel , Chiazzaro José , Canel Carolina , Veiga Santiago , Florencio Carlos , Dalchiele Enrique A. , Belluzzi Marcelo
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Release of mercury from fluorescent lamps must be minimized to avoid its hazardous effects on human beings and other living organisms. Because of this, increasing attention is given to the improvement of existing techniques for its recovery as well as the development of new ones. This paper describes the application of heterogeneous photocatalysis for the selective reduction of mercury from fluorescent lamps. The whole process involves mercury chemical extraction using aqueous solutions of sodium hypochlorite. After pH adjustment of the resulting aqueous solution, the photocatalytic reduction of mercury is performed in the presence of titanium dioxide and citric acid as an auxiliary organic agent.

RESULTS: Mercury removal from the aqueous solution is higher than 99% and the final residual concentration is 4 ppb. A mixture of different mercury compounds is obtained in solid form deposited on the titanium oxide photocatalyst which can easily be redissolved into a small volume of sodium hypochlorite. Metallic mercury could be obtained from the residual Hg(II) solution by conventional cementation techniques with iron as reducing agent.

CONCLUSION: Results show high efficiencies of the photocatalytic technique for recovery and recycling of mercury from fluorescent lamps. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate preconditioning improves short‐term motor deficits outcome after mild traumatic brain injury in mice
Authors: Costa Tayana , Constantino Leandra C. , Mendonça Bruna P. , Pereira Josimar G. , Herculano Bruno , Tasca Carla I. , Boeck Carina R.
Published: December 2009

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes impairment of fine motor functions in humans and nonhuman mammals that often persists for months after the injury occurs. Neuroprotective strategies for prevention of the sequelae of TBI and understanding the molecular mechanisms and cellular pathways are related to the glutamatergic system. It has been suggested that cellular damage subsequent to TBI is mediated by the excitatory neurotransmitters, glutamate and aspartate, through the excessive activation of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Thus, preconditioning with a low dose of NMDA was used as a strategy for protection against locomotor deficits observed after TBI in mice. Male adult mice CF‐1 were preconditioned with NMDA (75 mg/kg) 24 hr before the TBI induction. Under anesthesia with O2/N2O (33%: 66%) inhalation, the animals were subjected to the experimental model of trauma that occurs by the impact of a 25 g weight on the skull. Sensorimotor gating was evaluated at 1.5, 6, or 24 hr after TBI induction by using footprint and rotarod tests. Cellular damage also was assessed 24 hr after occurrence of cortical trauma. Mice preconditioned with NMDA were protected against all motor deficits revealed by footprint tests, but not those observed in rotarod tasks. Although mice showed motor deficits after TBI, no cellular damage was observed. These data corroborate the hypothesis that glutamatergic excitotoxicity, especially via NMDA receptors, contributes to severity of trauma. They also point to a putative neuroprotective mechanism induced by a sublethal dose of NMDA to improve motor behavioral deficits after TBI. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative structural and functional analysis of the GLT‐1/EAAT‐2 promoter from man and rat
Authors: Allritz Claudia , Bette Stefanie , Figiel Maciej , Engele Jürgen
Published: December 2009

In the vertebrate CNS, glutamate transport predominantly occurs through the glutamate transporter subtype, GLT‐1/EAAT‐2, which prevails in astrocytes. GLT‐1/EAAT‐2 expression is impaired in many acute and chronic brain diseases, leading to increases in extracellular glutamate and subsequent excitotoxic neuronal cell death. An obvious therapeutical approach to prevent glutamate‐induced brain damage would be targeting GLT‐1/EAAT‐2 expression. Since so far, insights into the mechanisms modulating GLT‐1/EAAT‐2 expression mostly originated from work with rat astrocytes, we now sought to determine whether this modulatory network would also apply to humans. To this end, we have cloned the previously unknown rat GLT‐1/EAAT‐2 promoter and compared it to the human promoter sequence. In reporter assays, the cloned 2.7‐kb region immediately flanking the 5′‐end of the rat GLT‐1/EAAT‐2 gene allowed for similar increases in constitutive gene expression as the human promoter sequence. Sequence analysis demonstrated the presence of highly conserved regions on the rat and human GLT‐1/EAAT‐2 promoters, which turned out to be likewise essential for constitutive GLT‐1/EAAT‐2 expression, stimulation of gene transcription by EGF, TGFα, and PACAP as well as inhibition of gene transcription by TNFα. Intriguingly, endothelin‐1 which inhibits endogenous GLT‐1/EAAT‐2 expression, promoted activity of both rat and human reporter constructs, indicating the existence of (an) inhibitory mechanism(s) not operational in the reporter gene assay. Our findings establish close similarities in the regulation of GLT‐1/EAAT‐2 expression in rat and man and, hence, validate rat astrocytes as an assay system for studying the molecular mechanisms affecting glutamate homeostasis in the healthy and diseased human brain. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human umbilical cord blood cell therapy blocks the morphological change and recruitment of CD11b‐expressing, isolectin‐binding proinflammatory cells after middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Leonardo Christopher C. , Hall Aaron A. , Collier Lisa A. , Ajmo Craig T. , Willing Alison E. , Pennypacker Keith R.
Published: December 2009

Secondary neurodegeneration resulting from stroke is mediated by delayed proinflammatory signaling and immune cell activation. Although it remains unknown which cell surface markers signify a proinflammatory phenotype, increased isolectin binding occurs on CD11b‐expressing immune cells within injured brain tissue. Several reports have confirmed the efficacy of human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) cell therapy in reducing ischemic injury in rat after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and these effects were attributed in part to dampened neuroinflammation. The present study examined the time course of lectin binding to cells of microglia/macrophage lineage within 96 hr after MCAO and whether delayed HUCB cell treatment alters the migration and/or morphological characteristics of these cells throughout the period of infarct expansion. Isolectin binding was up‐regulated in response to injury, was maximal at 96 hr, and colocalized with cells that expressed the putative proinflammatory markers MMP‐9 and nitric oxide. Isolectin‐tagged fluorescence was also significantly increased at 72 hr and localized to greater numbers of amoeboid, CD11b‐expressing cells relative to 51 hr. Treatment with 1 × 106 HUCB cells significantly reduced total lectin binding at 72 hr, as well as the total area occupied by lectin‐tagged fluorescence at both 51 and 72 hr, relative to vehicle‐treated controls. This effect was accompanied by a shift in the morphology of CD11b‐positive cells from amoeboid to ramified shape. These data indicate that HUCB cell therapy suppressed the recruitment of proinflammatory, isolectin‐binding cells during the period of infarct expansion, thus offering a potential mechanism for the protective effects of HUCB cell therapy. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chronic hyperammonemia alters the circadian rhythms of corticosteroid hormone levels and of motor activity in rats
Authors: Ahabrach Hanan , Piedrafita Blanca , Ayad Abdelmalik , El Mlili Nisrin , Errami Mohammed , Felipo Vicente , Llansola Marta
Published: December 2009

Patients with liver cirrhosis may present hepatic encephalopathy with a wide range of neurological disturbances and alterations in sleep quality and in the sleep‐wake circadian rhythm. Hyperammonemia is a main contributor to the neurological alterations in hepatic encephalopathy. We have assessed, in an animal model of chronic hyperammonemia without liver failure, the effects of hyperammonemia per se on the circadian rhythms of motor activity, temperature, and plasma levels of adrenal corticosteroid hormones. Chronic hyperammonemia alters the circadian rhythms of locomotor activity and of cortisol and corticosterone levels in blood. Different types of motor activity are affected differentially. Hyperammonemia significantly alters the rhythm of spontaneous ambulatory activity, reducing strongly ambulatory counts and slightly average velocity during the night (the active phase) but not during the day, resulting in altered circadian rhythms. In contrast, hyperammonemia did not affect wheel running at all, indicating that it affects spontaneous but not voluntary activity. Vertical activity was affected only very slightly, indicating that hyperammonemia does not induce anxiety. Hyperammonemia abolished completely the circadian rhythm of corticosteroid hormones in plasma, completely eliminating the peaks of cortisol and corticosterone present in control rats at the start of the dark period. The data reported show that chronic hyperammonemia, similar to that present in patients with liver cirrhosis, alters the circadian rhythms of corticosteroid hormones and of motor activity. This suggests that hyperammonemia would be a relevant contributor to the alterations in corticosteroid hormones and in circadian rhythms in patients with liver cirrhosis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Screening of closantel and rafoxanide in animal muscles by HPLC with fluorescence detection and confirmation using MS
Authors: Yeung Hoi‐sze , Lee Wai‐on , Wong Yiu‐tung
Published: December 2009

A sensitive and selective LC‐FLD method was described for determination of closantel and rafoxanide in bovine and ovine muscles. Bovine and ovine muscles were extracted with ACN and acetone mixture (80:20, v/v). After cleanup with Oasis® MAX SPE cartridges, the sample was analyzed by LC‐FLD using the control point approach. No false‐negative result was observed at or below maximum residue limits and the false‐positive rate was below 5%. Suspected positive sample was confirmed by LC‐MS/MS. This method was suitable for screening of large batch of samples and hence considerably reduced the time and cost required for quantitation and confirmatory analyses.
Innovative techniques in tourism research: an exploration of visual methods and academic filmmaking
Authors: Rakić Tijana , Chambers Donna
Published: December 2009

While visual methods have long been utilised as legitimate research techniques in the social sciences, within mainstream tourism research these techniques are rarely employed. This paper thus seeks to question current research practices in tourism by focusing on academic filmmaking as an innovative visual method which can be used to approach tourism research in a new way and to create tourism knowledge which is widely accessible. Two case studies explicate these points: an ethnographic documentary about tourism impacts in Crete, and a doctoral project which explored the construction and consumption of images of Greekness by visitors to the Athenian Acropolis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contact endoscopy for the evaluation of the pharyngeal and laryngeal mucosa
Authors: Warnecke Athanasia , Averbeck Thomas , Leinung Martin , Soudah Bisharah , Wenzel Gentiana I. , Kreipe Hans‐Heinrich , Lenarz Thomas , Stöver Timo
Published: December 2009

Objectives:

Contact endoscopy is a noninvasive tool that allows in vivo and in situ examination of superficial mucosa. Its use for early diagnosis of cancerous lesions of the oropharynx and larynx has not been evaluated. The aim of the study was to validate contact endoscopy for the examination of pharyngeal and laryngeal mucosa.

Study Design:

Prospective clinical study.

Methods:

Superficial cells of the mucosa were stained with methylene blue and examined with contact endoscopes. The documented images were assessed by a cytopathologist and by an otolaryngologist independently for each patient. Biopsies for histopathological examination of the area were performed and correlated with contact endoscopic findings of both examiners.

Results:

Of the 42 examined specimen, 32 (76.2%) showed benign changes in the histological analysis. Squamous cell carcinoma was revealed in 10 specimen (23.8%). Using contact endoscopy, the cytopathologist accurately identified 90.6% of the benign findings (29 of 32); however, only seven of 10 (70%) carcinomas were correctly categorized. In comparison, the otolaryngologist made a correct diagnosis in 93.75% (30 of 32) of the benign and in 90% (nine of 10) of the malignant cases. Thus, a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 93.75% can be achieved by contact endoscopy.

Conclusions:

Contact endoscopy offers valuable support for the evaluation of oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal mucosa. Contact endoscopy can be a useful contribution to rapid intraoperative evaluation of mucosal alterations for early diagnosis of tumors and might reduce diagnostic biopsy sampling. Even so, it does not replace biopsy sampling. Laryngoscope, 2010