bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustained NF‐κB activation produces a short‐term cell proliferation block in conjunction with repressing effectors of cell cycle progression controlled by E2F or FoxM1
Authors: Penzo Marianna , Massa Paul E. , Olivotto Eleonora , Bianchi Francesca , Borzi Rosa Maria , Hanidu Adedayo , Li Xiang , Li Jun , Marcu Kenneth B.
Published: September 2008

NF‐κB transcription factors induce a host of genes involved in pro‐inflammatory/stress‐like responses; but the collateral effects and consequences of sustained NF‐κB activation on other cellular gene expression programming remain less well understood. Here enforced expression of a constitutively active IKKβ T‐loop mutant (IKKβca) drove murine fibroblasts into transient growth arrest that subsided within 2–3 weeks of continuous culture. Proliferation arrest was associated with a G1/S phase block in immortalized and primary early passage MEFs. Molecular analysis in immortalized MEFs revealed that inhibition of cell proliferation in the initial 1–2 weeks after their IKKβca retroviral infection was linked to the transient, concerted repression of essential cell cycle effectors that are known targets of either E2F or FoxM1. Co‐expression of a phosphorylation resistant IκBα super repressor and IKKβca abrogated growth arrest and cell cycle effector repression, thereby linking IKKβca's effects to canonical NF‐κB activation. Transient growth arrest of IKKβca cells was associated with enhanced p21 (cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1A) protein expression, due in part to transcriptional activation by NF‐κB and also likely due to strong repression of Skp2 and Csk1, both of which are FoxM1 direct targets mediating proteasomal dependent p21 turnover. Ablation of p21 in immortalized MEFs reduced their IKKβca mediated growth suppression. Moreover, trichostatin A inhibition of HDACs alleviated the repression of E2F and FoxM1 targets induced by IKKβca, suggesting chromatin mediated gene silencing in IKKβca's short term repressive effects on E2F and FoxM1 target gene expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 215–227, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microalgae‐promoted photodegradation of two endocrine disrupters in aqueous solutions
Authors: Ge Liyun , Deng Huanhuan , Wu Feng , Deng Nansheng
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: Photodegradation is one method to remove the organic pollutants in wastewater. The photodegradation of 17α‐ethynylestradiol (EE2) and 17β‐ estradiol (E2) was investigated using freshwater algae suspended in aqueous solutions under a high‐pressure mercury lamp (250 W). Three algal species were used: Chlorella vulgaris (CV), Anabaena cylindrica (AC) and Microcytis aeruginosa kutz (MA). Reactions were carried out under aerobic conditions.

RESULTS: The three algal species are capable of promoting the photodegradation of EE2 and E2. For example, in the A. cylindrica suspensions, with cell density ranging from 7.0 × 105 cells mL−1 to 8.4 × 106 cells mL−1, the photodegradation rate of EE2 was increased from 14% to 28%. Reactive oxygen species were thought to be the main reason for the degradation of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen photogenerated in the algal suspensions were detected. About 4 µmol L−1 hydroxyl radicals were generated in the 4 h reaction.

CONCLUSION: Oxidative photodegradation of a solution of endocrine disrupters promoted by algae leads to noticeable decrease in the toxicity of the solution. Oxygen plays an important role in the formation of reactive oxygen species in the algal suspensions. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Generation of spinal motor neurons from human fetal brain‐derived neural stem cells: Role of basic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Jordan Paivi M. , Ojeda Luis D. , Thonhoff Jason R. , Gao Junling , Boehning Darren , Yu Yongjia , Wu Ping
Published: September 2008

Neural stem cells (NSCs) have some specified properties but are generally uncommitted and so can change their fate after exposure to environmental cues. It is unclear to what extent this NSC plasticity can be modulated by extrinsic cues and what are the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal fate determination. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a well‐known mitogen for proliferating NSCs. However, its role in guiding stem cells for neuronal subtype specification is undefined. Here we report that in‐vitro‐expanded human fetal forebrain‐derived NSCs can generate cholinergic neurons with spinal motor neuron properties when treated with bFGF within a specific time window. bFGF induces NSCs to express the motor neuron marker Hb9, which is blocked by specific FGF receptor inhibitors and bFGF neutralizing antibodies. This development of spinal motor neuron properties is independent of selective proliferation or survival and does not require high levels of MAPK activation. Thus our study indicates that bFGF can play an important role in modulating plasticity and neuronal fate of human NSCs and presumably has implications for exploring the full potential of brain NSCs for clinical applications, particularly in spinal motor neuron regeneration. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduced anxiety in the mice expressing mutant (N141I) presenilin 2
Authors: Yuk Dong Yeon , Lee Yong Kyung , Nam Sang Yoon , Yun Young Won , Hwang Dae Youn , Choi Dong Young , Oh Ki Wan , Hong Jin Tae
Published: September 2008

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment. The effect of presenilin 1 (PS1) and PS2 mutation on cognition has been well characterized in a variety of transgenic mice. However, noncognitive behaviors have not been considered in these mice. In the present study, we found that transgenic mice expressing mutant PS2 (N141I) displayed decreased anxiety behavior determined by the elevated plus maze test and the light dark box test. However, these mice showed biphasic ambulatory activity (hyperactivity followed by hypoactivity) in an open field test. Correlated well with the reduced anxiety, expression of GABAAα1 receptor was higher whereas c‐Fos was lower in the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala of the mice expressing PS2 mutation than those of the wild‐type PS2 or nontransgenic control mice. These data indicate that PS2 mutation causes reduction of anxiety, and this effect may be related to the change of the expression of GABAAα1 receptor and c‐Fos. These findings could be useful in the understanding and the treatment of AD patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nicotinic receptor stimulation protects nigral dopaminergic neurons in rotenone‐induced Parkinson's disease models
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroki , Yanagida Takashi , Inden Masatoshi , Takata Kazuyuki , Kitamura Yoshihisa , Yamakawa Kentaro , Sawada Hideyuki , Izumi Yasuhiko , Yamamoto Noriyuki , Kihara Takeshi , Uemura Kengo , Inoue Haruhisa , Taniguchi Takashi , Akaike Akinori , Takahashi Ryosuke , Shimohama Shun
Published: September 2008

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by dopaminergic (DA) neuronal cell loss in the substantia nigra. Although the entire pathogenesis of PD is still unclear, both environmental and genetic factors contribute to neurodegeneration. Epidemiologic studies show that prevalence of PD is lower in smokers than in nonsmokers,. Nicotine, a releaser of dopamine from DA neurons, is one of the candidates of antiparkinson agents in tobacco. To assess the protective effect of nicotine against rotenone‐induced DA neuronal cell toxicity, we examined the neuroprotective effects of nicotine in rotenone‐induced PD models in vivo and in vitro. We observed that simultaneous subcutaneous administration of nicotine inhibited both motor deficits and DA neuronal cell loss in the substantia nigra of rotenone‐treated mice. Next, we analyzed the molecular mechanisms of DA neuroprotective effect of nicotine against rotenone‐induced toxicity with primary DA neuronal culture. We found that DA neuroprotective effects of nicotine were inhibited by dihydro‐β‐erythroidine (DHβE), α‐bungarotoxin (αBuTx), and/or PI3K‐Akt/PKB (protein serine/threonine kinase B) inhibitors, demonstrating that rotenone‐toxicity on DA neurons are inhibited via activation of α4β2 or α7 nAChRs‐PI3K‐Akt/PKB pathway or pathways. These results suggest that the rotenone mouse model may be useful for assessing candidate antiparkinson agents, and that nAChR (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor) stimulation can protect DA neurons against degeneration. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vitreous humor and albumin augment the proliferation of cultured retinal precursor cells
Authors: Yang Jing , Klassen Henry , Pries Mette , Wang Wei , Nissen Mogens H.
Published: September 2008

Intravitreal injection is an important delivery route for studies involving the transplantation of various types of precursor cells to the retina; however, the effect on these cells of exposure to the vitreous microenvironment has not been specifically investigated. Here vitreous humor was evaluated for the potential to influence the proliferation of rat retinal precursor cells in vitro. Cells were isolated at embryonic day 19 and plated in standard proliferation medium in the presence or absence of fluid expressed from porcine vitreous humor. Cellular proliferation at different concentrations of vitreous fluid supplementation was quantified by using a 3H‐thymidine incorporation assay. Active components of vitreous fluid were partially characterized by gel filtration chromatography (GFC) and UV spectral analysis. The effect of each vitreous fraction on proliferation was determined as well. Results showed that addition of 20% vitreous fluid to primary rat retinal cultures significantly increased 3H‐thymidine incorporation compared with growth medium without vitreous supplementation. A vitreous fraction showing growth‐promoting activity was localized to a molecular mass range <1000 Da, consistent with ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid was confirmed in vitreous fluid by UV spectral analysis. Growth‐augmenting activity was present in higher molecular mass vitreous fractions, consistent with protein components. Albumin, the major protein in vitreous fluid, was found to augment proliferation. Because vitreous‐associated augmentation of retinal precursor proliferation remains an epidermal growth factor‐dependent phenomenon, the proliferative status of transplanted cells in the vitreous cavity is likely determined by a combination of factors. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
COG1410, a novel apolipoprotein‐E mimetic, improves functional and morphological recovery in a rat model of focal brain ischemia
Authors: Tukhovskaya Elena A. , Yukin Alexey Yu. , Khokhlova Oksana N. , Murashev Arkady N. , Vitek Michael P.
Published: September 2008

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is the primary apolipoprotein synthesized in the brain in response to injury with known neuroprotective effects exerted through antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiexcitotoxic, and neurotrophic mechanisms. We have previously demonstrated that COG1410, an apoE mimetic peptide, exerts neuroprotective and antiinflammatory effects in a murine model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). As in TBI, ischemia‐reperfusion injury is a component of acute stroke, which displays a pharmacogenetic association with the APOE4 gene. Using an intraluminal middle cerebral occlusion (MCAO) model in rats, we found that a single intravenous injection of COG1410 at 120 min post‐MCAO significantly improved vestibulomotor function, decreased poststroke locomotor asymmetry, and decreased infarct volume of the ipsilateral hemisphere. These results support further exploration of a novel apoE‐mimetic peptide, COG1410, as a therapeutic treatment for stroke. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antibiotics, arsenate and H2O2 induce the promoter of Staphylococcus aureus cspC gene more strongly than cold
Authors: Chanda Palas Kumar , Mondal Rajkrishna , Sau Keya , Sau Subrata
Published: September 2008

Proteins expressed by the bacterial cold shock genes are highly conserved at sequence level and perform various biological functions in both the cold‐stressed and normal cells. To study the effects of various agents on the cold shock genes of Staphylococcus aureus, we have cloned the upstream region of cspC from S. aureus Newman and found that the above region possesses appreciable promoter (Pc) activity even at 37 °C. A reporter S. aureus strain CHANDA2, constructed by inserting the Pc ‐lacZ transcriptional fusion into S. aureus RN4220 genome, was found to express very low level of β ‐galactosidase after cold shock, indicating that low temperature induces Pc very weakly. Interestingly, transcription from Pc was induced very strongly by several antibiotics, hydrogen peroxide and arsenate salt. Cold shock proteins expressed by S. aureus are highly identical at sequence level and bear single‐strand nucleic acid binding motifs. A 16 nt downstream box and a 13 nt upstream box were identified at the downstream of initiation codon and at the upstream of ribosome binding site of csp transcripts. Their roles in S. aureus cold shock gene expression have been discussed elaborately. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vibrational spectral studies on charge transfer and ionic hydrogen‐bonding interactions of nonlinear optical material L‐arginine nitrate hemihydrate
Authors: Vijayakumar T. , Hubert Joe I. , Reghunadhan Nair C. P. , Jayakumar V. S.
Published: September 2008

The near infrared Fourier‐transform (NIR FT)‐Raman and Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopies supported by HF/6‐31G(d) computations have been employed to derive equilibrium geometry, vibrational wavenumbers and the first hyperpolarizability of the nonlinear optical (NLO) material, L‐arginine nitrate (LAN) hemihydrate. The reasonable NLO efficiency, predicted for the first time in this novel compound, has been confirmed by Kurtz–Perry powder second harmonic generation (SHG) experiments. The changes in the atomic charge distribution among different groups due to the presence of strong electronegative atoms and the shrinking of NO bonds of nitrate anion and CN bonds of guanidyl group have been analyzed. The splitting of the carboxylate stretching modes, blue shifting of methine vibrations and the electronic effects such as backdonation and induction on the methylene hydrogen atoms have also been examined in detail. The intense low wavenumber H‐bond Raman vibrations due to electron–phonon coupling and nonbonded interactions in making the LAN molecule NLO active have been discussed based on the vibrational spectral features. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis and HF computations confirm the occurrence of strong intra‐ and intermolecular NH·O and OH·O ionic hydrogen bonding between charged species providing the noncentrosymmetric structure in the LAN crystal. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant phenolic esters with potential anticancer activity: solution equilibria studied by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Machado N. F. L. , Calheiros R. , Gaspar A. , Garrido J. , Borges F. , Marques M. P. M.
Published: September 2008

The solution Raman pattern of a series of structurally related hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoicesters (caffeates and gallates) with potential antioxidant/anticancer activity was studied, for different biologically significant concentrations. The spectra were assigned with the help of theoretical calculations in the light of previously reported experimental data for these compounds in the solid state. Evidence of the formation of dimeric entities in solution, via (C)···O···H(O) and/or (C)O···H(C) intermolecular hydrogen bonds, was obtained. The dimer‐to‐monomer equilibrium, which influences the antioxidant activity of this kind of systems, was monitored through Raman titration experiments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Origin of the forbidden phonons in Raman scattering spectra of uranium‐doped Ca2CuO3, a spin 1/2 chain system
Authors: Hoang Nam Nhat , Nguyen Thuy Trang , Van Bui Hong , Nguyen Duc Tho
Published: September 2008

The Raman scattering spectra of uranium‐doped Ca2CuO3 were investigated. The small doping of uranium (≤5%) in this one‐dimensional spin 1/2 chain system induced three new first‐order scattering bands and two new multiphonon bands in the structure of forbidden phonons. The first‐order bands were found to agree well with the existing theoretical results from the ab initio and tight‐binding calculation. Among them, the 470 and 665 cm−1 bands appeared as the basic wavenumbers of which the multiphonon overtones were composed. The grain size effect in this strongly anisotropic system was proposed not to originate from the classical phonon confinement but rather as a result of the segmentation of one‐dimensional spin chains due to doping, which in turn allowed the new vibrational modes and implied the appearance of higher overtones in the scattering spectra. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the relative intensities of the Raman active fundamentals, r0 structural parameters, and pathway of chair–boat interconversion of cyclohexane and cyclohexane‐d12
Authors: Durig James R. , Zheng Chao , El Defrawy Ahmed M. , Ward Rachel M. , Gounev Todor K. , Ravindranath K. , Rajeswara Rao N.
Published: September 2008

Raman spectra of liquid cyclohexane, C6H12, and deuterated cyclohexane, C6D12, were recorded with both parallel and perpendicular polarizations. The observed vibrational wavenumbers, depolarization ratios, and their intensities were measured and compared with the corresponding predicted values as well as the experimental values previously reported. The conformational energetics were obtained with the Møller–Plesset perturbation method to the second order [MP2(full)] as well as with density functional theory by the B3LYP method utilizing a variety of basis sets. The average ab initio predicted difference in energy between the more stable chair form (D3d) and the less stable twisted‐boat form (D2) is 2213 cm−1 (26.47 kJ/mol), with a similar value of 2223 cm−1 (26.59 kJ/mol) from the density function theory calculations. By using two dihedral angles as variables, we calculated the chair–boat interconversion pathway for cyclohexane at the MP2(full)/6‐31G(d) level. The harmonic force constants, Raman intensities, depolarization values, and the potential energy distribution were predicted from both MP2(full) and B3LYP calculations with the 6‐31G(d) basis set and compared with the experimental values for the chair form when available. The ‘adjusted’ r0 structural parameters were obtained from MP2/6‐311 + G(d,p) calculations and previously reported microwave rotational constants of five isotopomers of cyclohexane: i.e. 1,1‐d2, 13C‐1,1‐d2, 1,1,2,2,3,3‐d6, and d1 (equatorial and axial). The determined distances in Å are: r(CC) = 1.536(3), r(CH)ax = 1.098(1); r(CH)eq = 1.095(1); and the angles in degrees: ∠CCHax = 108.8(3); ∠CCHeq = 110.2(3); ∠CCC = 111.1(3); and ∠HCH = 107.6(3) with dihedral angle ∠CCCC = 55.7(3). These values are compared with those previously reported and it is found that the difference in the r0 distances (0.003 Å) between the two CH values is much smaller than the difference (0.008 Å) previously reported for the rs values. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser‐induced phase changes in olivine FePO4: a warning on characterizing LiFePO4‐based cathodes with Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Burba Christopher M. , Palmer Jasin M. , Holinsworth Brian S.
Published: September 2008

Raman spectroscopy is an excellent technique for probing lithium intercalation reactions of many diverse lithium ion battery electrode materials. The technique is especially useful for probing LiFePO4‐based cathodes because the intramolecular vibrational modes of the PO43− anions yield intense bands in the Raman spectrum, which are sensitive to the presence of Li+ ions. However, the high power lasers typically used in Raman spectroscopy can induce phase transitions in solid‐state materials. These phase transitions may appear as changes in the spectroscopic data and could lead to erroneous conclusions concerning the delithiation mechanism of LiFePO4. Therefore, we examine the effect of exposing olivine FePO4 to a range of power settings of a 532‐nm laser. Laser power settings higher than 1.3 W/mm2 are sufficient to destroy the FePO4 crystal structure and result in the formation of disordered FePO4. After the laser is turned off, the amorphous FePO4 compound crystallizes in the electrochemically inactive α‐FePO4 phase. The present experimental results strongly suggest that the power setting of the excitation laser should be carefully controlled when using Raman spectroscopy to characterize fundamental lithium ion intercalation processes of olivine materials. In addition, Raman spectra of the amorphous intermediate might provide insight into the α‐FePO4 to olivine FePO4 phase transition that is known to occur at temperatures higher than 450 °C. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binary mixture of p‐methylbenzaldehyde with polar and nonpolar solvents
Authors: Anis Fathima A. , Ramakrishnan V.
Published: September 2008

In this work, a combined theoretical and experimental study of binary mixture of liquid p‐methylbenzaldehyde (PMBz) is reported using ab initio calculations as well as Raman and IR spectroscopies. The purpose of this study was twofold: firstly, to describe the interaction of PMBz in terms of bonding energies and preferred geometries; and secondly, to characterize the spectroscopic effects on the vibrational modes of PMBz in the binary mixture of different polar and nonpolar solvents. The three vibrational modes, namely, carbonyl stretching, ν(CCH3) and aldehydic (CH) vibrations have been analyzed in all the three solvents in different concentrations. The dependence of Raman linewidth on the concentration of PMBz of these modes was also taken into account. By analyzing the peak position and linewidth of these modes, it is seen that the solute–solvent interaction is stronger in BuOH and 1,2 dichloroethane (DCE) because of the hydrogen‐bonding interaction between these molecules. The formation of CH···O hydrogen bonds in liquid p‐methylbenzaldehyde is also investigated by Gaussian fitting. The ab initio calculations suggest several possible dimer configurations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation on microstructures of MnSix thin films by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wang J. L. , Su W. F. , Xu R. , Fan Y. L. , Jiang Z. M.
Published: September 2008

In this paper, Raman spectroscopy is used to study the microstructures of MnSix thin films annealed at different temperatures. Two phases of Mn silicides, MnSi1.73 and MnSi, are identified, and their Raman spectra are reported. Each phase of Mn silicides shows a set of three well‐defined peaks at about 300 cm−1 in the spectrum, which could be used as fingerprints in identifying the formation of the Mn silicides. Compared with conventional X‐ray diffraction method, Raman spectroscopy is found to be more sensitive to investigate the microstructures of Mn silicides, especially at the initial stage of formation of the Mn silicides. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of radix ginseng volatile oils at different ages by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Qiu Yaqiong , Lu Xin , Pang Tao , Ma Chenfei , Li Xiang , Xu Guowang
Published: September 2008

Comprehensive 2‐D GC (GC×GC) coupled with TOF MS or flame ionization detector (FID) was employed to characterize and quantify the chemical composition of volatile oil in the radixes of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (ginseng) at different ages. Thirty‐six terpenoids were tentatively identified based on the MS library search and retention index in a ginseng sample at the age of 3 years. An obvious group‐type separation was obtained in the GC×GC‐TOF MS chromatogram. The data collected by GC×GC‐FID were processed using a principal component analysis (PCA) method to classify the samples at different ages. The compounds responsible for the significant differentiation among samples were defined. It was found that the relative abundances of α‐cadinol, α‐bisabolol, thujopsene, and n‐hexadecanoic acid significantly rise with the increase in age.
Comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography analysis of high‐ethanol containing motor fuels
Authors: Seeley John V. , Libby Elise M. , Seeley Stacy K. , McCurry James D.
Published: September 2008

A comprehensive 2‐D GC (GC×GC) instrument equipped with a flow‐switching modulator was used to determine the concentration of ethanol and eight other alcohols in a retail pump sample of E85 fuel. E85 is a mixture of ethanol and gasoline where the ethanol concentration can range from 70 to 85 vol%. The increased peak capacity and selectivity generated by GC×GC analysis allowed the alcohols to be fully resolved from the gasoline hydrocarbons. GC×GC analysis was compared to the performance obtained with the standard analytical method for determining ethanol in fuel ethanol (ASTM D5501) and the standard method for determining oxygenate concentrations in gasoline (ASTM D4815). The GC×GC analysis required 14 min while the combined ASTM D5501 and ASTM D4815 analyses required more than 60 min. The ethanol concentration obtained by GC×GC was in excellent agreement with the value obtained by the D5501 method. Poorer agreement was observed between the GC×GC and D4815 concentrations for the other alcohols present in E85. In all cases, the differences could be attributed to deficiencies in the D4815 method that led to coelutions between the alcohols and gasoline hydrocarbons.
Building micro‐foundations for the routines, capabilities, and performance links
Authors: Abell Peter , Felin Teppo , Foss Nicolai
Published: September 2008

Micro‐foundations have become an important emerging theme in strategic management. This paper addresses micro‐foundations in two related ways. First, we argue that the kind of macro (or ‘collectivist') explanation that is presently utilized in the capabilities view in strategic management—which implies a neglect of micro‐foundations—is incomplete. There are no mechanisms that work solely on the macro‐level, directly connecting routines and capabilities to firm‐level outcomes. While routines and capabilities are useful shorthand for complicated patterns of individual action and interaction, ultimately they are best understood at the micro‐level. Second, we provide a formal model that shows precisely why macro‐explanation is incomplete and which exemplifies how explicit micro‐foundations may be built for notions of routines and capabilities and how these impact firm performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
No carry over of unmetabolised deoxynivalenol in milk of dairy cows fed high concentrate proportions
Authors: Keese Christina , Meyer Ulrich , Valenta Hana , Schollenberger Margit , Starke Alexander , Weber Ina‐Alexandra , Rehage Jürgen , Breves Gerhard , Dänicke Sven
Published: September 2008

To examine the carry over of deoxynivalenol (DON) and its metabolite de‐epoxy DON (DOM‐1) in milk, lactating German Holstein cows (n= 13) were fed an isoenergetic total mixed ration in Period 1 with 50% concentrates and 5.3 mg DON/kg dry matter (DM) over 11 wk and were compared with control cows (n= 14). In Period 2 (18 wk), an elevated concentrate proportion was compared to a low concentrate ration by dividing the cows into four Groups (n= 8): Control‐30 (30% concentrates), Myco‐30 (30% concentrates, 4.4 mg DON/kg DM), Control‐60 (60% concentrates) and Myco‐60 (60% concentrates, 4.6 mg DON/kg DM). Taken both periods together, no unmetabolised DON was detected in milk samples using the HPLC‐UV method. DOM‐1 concentrations ranged between below the LOD and 3.2 μg/kg milk in mycotoxin fed cows, while control cows did not excrete any measurable amounts of DOM‐1. Regarding the concentrate effects, the carry over of DON as DOM‐1 in milk was negligible (between 0.0001 and 0.0011) but significantly higher in Group Myco‐30 than in Group Myco‐60. This effect may result from an altered bioavailability of DON from maize silage which made up a higher proportion of the daily ration.
Characterisation of uniformly 13C, 15N labelled bacteriochlorophyll a and bacteriopheophytin a in solution and in solid state: complete assignment of the 13C, 1H and 15N chemical shifts
Authors: Egorova‐Zachernyuk Tatiana , van Rossum Barth , Erkelens Cees , de Groot Huub
Published: September 2008

In this investigation we report a complete assignment of 13C, 1H and 15N solution and solid state chemical shifts of two bacterial photosynthetic pigments, bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a and bacteriopheophytin (BPheo) a. Uniform stable‐isotope labelling strategies were developed and applied to biosynthetic preparation of photosynthetic pigments, namely uniformly 13C, 15N labelled BChl a and BPheo a. Uniform stable‐isotope labelling with 13C, 15N allowed performing the assignment of the 13C, 15N and 1H resonances. The photosynthetic pigments were isolated from the biomass of photosynthetic bacteria Rhodopseudomonas palustris 17001 grown in uniformly 13C (99%) and 15N (98%) enriched medium. Both pigments were characterised by NMR in solution (acetone‐d6) and by MAS NMR in solid state and their NMR resonances were recorded and assigned through standard liquid 2D 13C13C COSY, 1H13C HMQC, 1H15N HMBC and solid 2D 13C13C RFDR, 1H13C FSLG HETCOR and 1H15N HETCOR correlation techniques at 600 MHz and 750 MHz. The characterisation of pigments is of interest from biochemical to pharmaceutical industries, photosynthesis and food research. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water‐proton relaxivities of DNA oligomers carrying TEMPO radicals
Authors: Sato Yuichiro , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Okazaki Manami , Aso Mariko , Karasawa Satoru , Ueki Shoji , Suemune Hiroshi , Koga Noboru
Published: September 2008

5‐Uridine derivative carrying a TEMPO radical (UST) was prepared and its single strand (ssUST) and a double strand (dsUST) with its complementary strand were obtained. Similarly, single strands carrying two and five radicals (ssUST2 and ssUST5, respectively) and the corresponding double strands (dsUST2 and dsUST5) were prepared. Their electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra showed typical anisotropic broadening in the high field line. The rotational correlation times, τR, estimated by analyzing the EPR spectra are 1.1 × 10−10, 5.9 × 10−10, and 14 × 10−10 s for UST, ssUSTm, and dsUSTm, respectively. The water‐proton relaxivities, r1 and r2, at 25 MHz, 0.59 T, and 25 °C, also increased in the same order and the r1 values were 0.26, 0.41, and 0.56 mM−1 s−1 for UST, ssUSTm, and dsUSTm, respectively. The r1 values of 1.00 and 2.06 mM−1 s−1 for dsUST2 and dsUST5, respectively, were obtained. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Homogenization‐based analysis of anisotropic damage in brittle materials with unilateral effect and interactions between microcracks
Authors: Zhu Q. Z. , Kondo D. , Shao J. F.
Published: September 2008

This paper is devoted to micromechanical modeling of induced anisotropic damage in brittle geomaterials. The formulation of the model is based on a proper homogenization procedure by taking into account unilateral effects and interactions between microcracks. The homogenization procedure is developed in the framework of Eshelby's inclusion solution and Ponte‐Castaneda and Willis (J. Mech. Phys. Solids 1995; 43:1919–1951) estimate. The homogenization technique is combined with the thermodynamics framework at microscopic level for the determination of damage evolution law. A rigorous crack opening–closure transition condition is established and an energy‐release‐rate‐based damage criterion is proposed. Computational aspects on the implementation of micromechanical model are also discussed. The proposed model is evaluated by comparing numerical predictions with experimental data for various laboratory tests on concrete. Parametric studies on unilateral effects and influences of microcracks interactions are finally performed and analyzed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Osteobiography of a high‐status burial from the lower Río Verde Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Mayes A. T. , Barber S. B.
Published: September 2008

This paper presents the osteobiography of an individual from an early complex society who was clearly of “special” social status but was not classified a ruling elite. Our case derives from a unique burial found at the small site of Yugüe, located in the lower Río Verde valley on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. Burial 14‐Individual 16 (B14‐I16) dates to the late Terminal Formative Period (CE 100–250), an era of regional political centralization and concomitant social inequality. B14‐I16 was interred with several valuable grave offerings. A plaster‐backed pyrite mirror was found below his mandible, and his left hand held an elaborately incised flute made from a deer femur. The flute is the only object of its kind known for all of Terminal Formative Mesoamerica. Drawing on the physicality of inequality, we employ osteobiography to assess the social hierarchy. Although B14‐I16 was clearly an individual of unusual status in the context of Yugüe, he was not immune from the biological assaults that affected people of less distinguished social position at this time. Like his contemporaries of all social statuses, he suffered ill health in the years during which he was weaned. However, a longer weaning period and access to additional resources may have positioned him to endure later illness better than others in this population. Passing the critical transition period at age 6 ½, a time when many children died in this burial site, his adolescent health was better than that of others in this population. Although B14‐I16 did have adult responsibilities, he didn't engage in the kinds of physical labour that marked the skeletons of others. The placement of Burial B14‐I16 in the middle tiers of the lower Río Verde valley's ancient social hierarchy provides insight into issues of inequality and status on an individual scale. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytotoxicity of GF‐120® NF Naturalyte® fruit fly bait carrier on sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) foliage
Authors: DeLury Naomi C , Thistlewood Howard , Routledge Richard
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: Six sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars were tested with GF‐120® with spinosad (0.2 g L−1 spinosad bait) or without it (blank bait) to understand leaf phytotoxicity observed in the field.

RESULTS: Spinosad bait and blank bait did not differ significantly with respect to damage observed. Leaf damage was found almost exclusively at the abaxial (lower) surfaces with the doses (0, 17, 20, 25 or 40%) and cultivars tested. The effects of the blank bait on abaxial surfaces increased from 24 to 168 h, and with dose, in terms of the proportion of droplets (0.00, 0.42, 0.52, 0.75 or 0.94) and area (0.0, 18.7, 23.5, 40.5 or 91.6 mm) burned. In addition, chlorophyll was reduced with increasing dose on abaxial surfaces (SPAD = 44.6, 36.1, 34.1, 31.0, 21.5), but not on adaxial (upper) surfaces (SPAD = 44.6, 44.2, 44.0, 44.8, 44.4). The chlorophyll level in undamaged leaves (adaxial surfaces) differed by cultivar. Cherry leaves were less damaged by a 20% bait application in June (0.26) than in July (0.46) and August (0.50). Incidental insect leaf feeding at bait locations occurred at a low rate and was highest on abaxial bait surfaces.

CONCLUSIONS: Applying GF‐120 to the adaxial leaf surface, or at doses of ⩽20%, will minimize leaf phytotoxicity. © 2008 Crown in the Right of Canada and Society of Chemical Industry. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Electrical characterization of SiO2(Si) films as a medium for charge storage
Authors: Evtukh A. , Bratus' O. , Gorbanyuk T. , Ievtukh V.
Published: September 2008

At present, the nonvolatile memory devices based on different kinds of nanocrystals are intensively developed. The important problem for further progress is connected with the optimization of gate multilayer structure. The aim of this work is the investigation of the electrical properties of thin nanocomposite SiO2(Si) films as a medium for the charge storage. The silicon enriched SiOx films were deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PE CVD) method. The film composition was controlled changing the ratio of the flows of reactive gases SiH4 and N2O in a vacuum chamber. Subsequent thermal annealing led to the phase separation in SiOx films with a formation of nanocomposite SiO2(Si) structure of Si nanocrystals in dielectric matrix. Capacity‐voltage and current‐voltage measurements of MIS structures with gate nanocomposite SiO2(Si) films allowed to optimize the technological conditions of the formation of MIS structures with good charge storage properties. The value and the sign of stored charge were determined from the shift of C‐V characteristics. Analysis of the C‐V characteristics of MIS structures with nanocomposite SiO2(Si) films used equivalent circuit with the capacity of nanocrystals connected in parallel to the capacity of dielectric. The decrease of capacity in the accumulation region caused by nanocrystals was observed. The mechanism of current transport through the SiO2(Si) films was analyzed. It is determined to occur by tunneling through the SiO2 layers between the Si nanocrystals. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of the early stages of Cr/4H‐SiC(11‐20) interface formation and its behavior at high temperatures
Authors: Dontas I. , Karakalos S. , Ladas S. , Kennou S.
Published: September 2008

The early stages of the Cr/4H‐SiC(11‐20) interface formation at room temperature and the influence of annealing up to 1170 K in ultra‐high‐vacuum were investigated using XPS and Work Function (WF) measurements. The ultrathin polycrystalline Cr film growth onto the SiC surface was via 3D‐cluster formation after the first 1‐2 monolayers. The height of the Schottky barrier (SBH) at the Cr/4H‐SiC (11‐20) interface was found by XPS to be 1.2±0.1 eV at room temperature. Annealing up to 920 K did not cause any significant changes in the film, except for some enrichment in oxygen, whereas the SBH exhibited a gradual increase by 0.3±0.1 eV. Farther annealing up to 1170 K led to drastic Cr coalescence and/or partial removal from the surface region, leaving on the exposed SiC substrate surface excess oxygen in the form of SiOx species and traces of interfacial silicide formation. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Studying compatibilities between quantum cellular automata and Kane's semiconductor based quantum computer
Authors: Ntalaperas D. , Konofaos N.
Published: September 2008

The aim of our work is to demonstrate a way of combining two different methods of achieving Quantum Computation: a) Kane's semiconductor based quantum computer and b) Quantum Cellular Automata (QCA). In our work, we demonstrate the physics, we propose the model and the circuit and we estimate the error in computation. The amount of error due to decoherence is estimated as a function of the input size and a lower bound for that size is given for which the proposed circuit can calculate in an error free mode, provided that in our simulated system the decoherence times for a single qubit (tϕ) predicted by Kane are applied. The numerical values are tϕ= 103sec, and for the error fidelity e = 10‐5, which are within the limits of the values proposed by the Kane computer. Hence, in our case, compatibility between QCAs and Kane implementation is shown to be feasible. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
TEM characterization of VLS‐grown ZnTe nanowires
Authors: Kirmse H. , Neumann W. , Kret S. , Dłużewski P. , Janik E. , Karczewski G. , Wojtowicz T.
Published: September 2008

ZnTe nanowires were grown via a vapour‐liquid‐solid pro‐ cess. Nano‐sized droplets of a gold‐based eutectic act as catalysts. The comprehensive transmission electron microscopy studies reveal that the nanowires are single crystals with numerous stacking faults and twins. The dimension of the wires is several micrometers in length and a few tens of nanometers in diameter. At the sidewall of the nanowires additional nanocrystals of ZnO embedded in an amorphous layer are identified. The formation process of the nanowires can be understood as a two‐step process. The first step is the one‐dimensional growth along the wire axis by consuming all the material deposited near the droplet. In a second step, facets are formed due to lateral growth of the nanowire. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of Red Ginseng extract on ultraviolet B‐irradiated skin change in C57BL mice
Authors: Kim Young Gon , Sumiyoshi Maho , Kawahira Kazuhiro , Sakanaka Masahiro , Kimura Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2008

Red Ginseng (the roots of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is used clinically in China, Korea and Japan for various diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension and stress etc. Although Red Ginseng roots have traditionally been thought to have antiageing effects, the basis for this hearsay is unclear. This study examined the effects of Red Ginseng extract on ultraviolet B (UVB)‐irradiated skin ageing in mice. Oral administration of Red Ginseng extract (20 or 60 mg/kg, twice daily) prevented UVB‐irradiated skin damage (increases of skin thickness and pigmentation, and reduction of skin elasticity). Furthermore, Red Ginseng extract inhibited the increases of epidermis and corium thickness induced by UVB irradiation. Red Ginseng extract inhibited the increase of skin TGF‐β1 content induced by UVB irradiation. These findings suggest that the protective action of Red Ginseng extract against UVB‐irradiated skin ageing may be due partly to an inhibition of the increase of skin TGF‐β1 induced by UVB irradiation. In conclusion, the oral administration of Red Ginseng extract may be useful as a health supplement for protection against photoageing. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extracts of Liriopsis tuber protect AMPA induced brain damage and improve memory with the activation of insulin receptor and ERK I/II
Authors: Kim Sung‐Jin , Lee Keun
Published: September 2008

The brain insulin receptor and ERK I/II are known to play an important role in memory formation and neuroprotection. A series of experiments was designed to explore if Liriopsis tuber (LT) extracts could exhibit neuroprotection and memory enhancing actions. LT was extracted with 70% methanol and subsequently fractionated into chloroform (fraction C), chloroform/methanol‐(3:1) (fraction CM), methanol‐soluble (fraction M) and methanol‐insoluble, water‐soluble fractions (fraction A). The LT fractions (T, C, M, A) significantly inhibited the cortical depolarization induced by AMPA in cortical slices of rats. In addition, these fractions were also effective in promoting memory in the passive avoidance test in mice. To gain insight into the mechanism of memory enhancing effects by Liriopsis tuber extracts, the activities of hippocampal insulin receptors and ERK I/II were tested in rats. Extract of LT (T) dramatically stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, while fraction C of LT also significantly stimulated the same. In addition, ERK I/II were stimulated and cholinesterase activities were inhibited by fractions T, C, M and A in the rat hippocampus. These results suggest that Liriopsis tuber extracts may exert neuroprotection and memory enhancing effects via activation of the insulin receptor and ERK I/II as well as inhibiting cholinesterase. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preliminary investigation of the radiosensitizing activity of guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia) in tumor‐bearing mice
Authors: Rao Shaival Kamalaksha , Rao Priya Shaival , Rao B. Nageshwara
Published: September 2008

The radiosensitizing activity of dichloromethane extract of guduchi [Tinospora cordifolia (WILLD.) MIERS ex HOOK. F. & THOMS. Family: Menispermaceae (TCE)] in the mice transplanted with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) was investigated. The EAC mice received 0, 25, 30, 40, 50 or 100 mg/kg b.wt. TCE 1 h before exposure to 6 Gy hemi‐body γ‐radiation and then once daily for another eight consecutive days after irradiation.

The EAC mice receiving TCE for the above regimen showed a dose‐dependent elevation in tumor‐free survival; the highest radiosensitizing activity was observed at 30 mg/kg b. wt. TCE. Treatment of animals with 30 mg/kg b. wt. TCE, 1 h before exposure to 6 Gy of hemi‐body gamma irradiation and subsequently once daily for another six consecutive days post‐irradiation increased the life span of EAC mice. This is evident by more number of long‐term survivors (LTS) as well as survivors beyond 120 days when compared to the group of animals that received TCE after irradiation for six consecutive days. Treatment modality was also altered to assess the radiosensitizing effect of TCE before and after irradiation. Evaluation of glutathione (GSH), glutathione S‐transferase (GST) and lipid peroxidation (LPx) in mice treated with TCE 1 h before irradiation and subsequently once daily for another six days showed a significant decline in GSH up to 14 h and GST up to 24 h accompanied by a significant elevation in LPx at 12 h post‐irradiation. The radiosensitization of TCE may be due to depletion of glutathione and glutathione‐S‐transferase, accompanied by elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage of tumor cells. Since Tinospora cordifolia is being used in India for treatment of various ailments, it may offer an alternative treatment strategy for cancer in combination with gamma radiation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of North American Ginseng on 137Cs‐induced Micronuclei in Human Lymphocytes: A Comparison with WR‐1065
Authors: Lee Tung‐Kwang , Wang Weidong , O'Brien Kevin F. , Johnke Roberta M. , Wang Tao , Allison Ron R. , Diaz Angelica L.
Published: September 2008

To explore the radioprotective effect of a standardized North American ginseng extract (NAGE) on human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), a micronuclei (MN) assay was conducted in PBL obtained from 12 volunteers. NAGE (50–1000 µg/mL) and WR‐1065 (1 mm and 3 mm) were applied to PBL cultures at 0 h and 90 min post‐irradiation. It was found that (1) the baseline MN yield of PBL ranged from 14.4 ± 1.5 to 15.9 ± 1.5 per 1000 binucleated cells (p > 0.05); after irradiation (1 Gy and 2 Gy), the MN yield increased sharply; (2) MN yields declined with increasing concentrations of NAGE and WR‐1065. Even at 90 min post‐irradiation of 1 Gy, the maximum level of MN reduction rate caused by NAGE and WR‐1065 was 53.8% and 59.2%, respectively; after 2 Gy irradiation, it was 37.3% and 42%, respectively; (3) the MN distribution in PBL followed a non‐Poisson distribution in all cases; and (4) both NAGE and WR‐1065 showed no significant effect on the proliferation index of lymphocytes. The results indicate that NAGE is a relatively non‐toxic natural product, which can be administered as a dietary supplement and has the potential to be a radiation countermeasure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.