bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspect influences on soil water retention and storage
Authors: Geroy I.J. , Gribb M.M. , Marshall H.P. , Chandler D.G. , Benner S.G. , McNamara J.P.
Published: September 2011

Many catchment hydrologic and ecologic processes are impacted by the storage capacity of soil water, which is dictated by the profile thickness and water retention properties of soil. Soil water retention properties are primarily controlled by soil texture, which in turn varies spatially in response to microclimate‐induced differences in insolation, wetness and temperature. All of these variables can be strongly differentiated by slope aspect. In this study, we compare quantitative measures of soil water retention capacity for two opposing slopes in a semi‐arid catchment in southwest Idaho, USA. Undisturbed soil cores from north and south aspects were subjected to a progressive drainage experiment to estimate the soil water retention curve for each sample location. The relatively large sample size (35) supported statistical analysis of slope scale differences in soil water retention between opposing aspects. Soils on the north aspect retain as much as 25% more water at any given soil water pressure than samples from the south aspect slope. Soil porosity, soil organic matter and silt content were all greater on the north aspect, and each contributed to greater soil water retention. These results, along with the observation that soils on north aspect slopes tend to be deeper, indicate that north aspect slopes can store more water from the wet winter months into the dry summer in this region, an observation with potential implications on ecological function and landscape evolution. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting the impact of linear landscape elements on surface runoff, soil erosion, and sedimentation in the Wahnbach catchment, Germany
Authors: Hölzel Herwig , Diekkrüger Bernd
Published: September 2011

Model predictions concerning the endangerment of on‐site and off‐site damages due to runoff, soil erosion and sedimentation under alternative design and operation policies are of particular importance in recent catchment planning and management. By using the raster‐based model approach, linear landscape elements, such as streets and roads, and their impacts on flow paths are often neglected. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the effects of linear landscape elements on patterns of soil erosion, sediment transport and sedimentation. To accomplish this, roads are considered while determining flow paths. Simulations in the well‐investigated catchment of the Wahnbach River (54 km²) in a low mountain range in Germany were carried out using a combination of different models for hydrology and soil erosion. Although the study focuses on the catchment scale of the Wahnbach River, detailed investigations concerning the sub‐catchment scale (21 ha) were also conducted. The simulation results show that these spatial structures mainly affect the pattern of soil erosion and sedimentation. On the sub‐catchment scale, improved identification of active zones for sediment dynamic becomes possible. On the catchment scale, the predicted runoff is about 20% higher, and sediment outputs were four times larger than predicted when roads were considered. Soil erosion increases by 37% whereas sedimentation is reduced by 29%. The model improvement could not be evaluated on the catchment scale because of the high variability and heterogeneity of land use and soils, but road impacts could be explained by simulations on the sub‐catchment scale. It can be concluded that runoff concentration due to rerouted flow paths leads to lower non‐concentrated and higher concentric‐linear surface runoff. Thus, infiltration losses decline and surface runoff and soil erosion increase because sedimentation is reduced. Further, runoff concentration can cause soil erosion hot spots. In the model concept used in this study, buffering of runoff and sediments on the upslope side of roads and in local depressions adjacent to roads cannot be simulated. Flow paths will only be rerouted because of road impacts, but the temporal ponding of water is not simulated. Therefore, the drastic increase of predicted sediment output due to road impact does not seem to be reliable. However, results indicate that the consideration of roads when determining flow paths enabled more detailed simulations of surface runoff, soil erosion and sedimentation. Thus, progress in model‐based decision‐making support for river catchment planning and management can be achieved. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A modified monthly degree‐day model for evaluating glacier runoff changes in China. Part I: model development
Authors: Zhang Shiqiang , Ye Baisheng , Liu Shiyin , Zhang Xiaowen , Hagemann Stefan
Published: September 2011

The retreat of mountain glaciers and ice caps has dominated the rise in global sea level and is likely to remain an import component of eustatic sea‐level rise in the 21st century. Mountain glaciers are critical in supplying freshwater to populations inhabiting the valleys downstream who heavily rely on glacier runoff, such as arid and semi‐arid regions of western China. Owing to recent climate warming and the consequent rapid retreat of many glaciers, it is essential to evaluate the long‐term change in glacier melt water production, especially when considering the glacier area change. This paper describes the structure, principles and parameters of a modified monthly degree‐day model considering glacier area variation. Water balances in different elevation bands are calculated with full consideration of the monthly precipitation gradient and air temperature lapse rate. The degree‐day factors for ice and snow are tuned by comparing simulated variables to observation data for the same period, such as mass balance, equilibrium line altitude and glacier runoff depth. The glacier area–volume scaling factor is calibrated with the observed glacier area change monitored by remote sensing data of seven sub‐basins of the Tarim interior basin. Based on meteorological data, the glacier area, mass balance and runoff are estimated. The model can be used to evaluate the long‐term changes of melt water in all glacierized basins of western China, especially for those with limited observation data. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How much water can a watershed store?
Authors: Sayama Takahiro , McDonnell Jeffrey J. , Dhakal Amod , Sullivan Kate
Published: September 2011

Subsurface runoff dominates the hydrology of many steep humid regions, and yet the basic elements of water collection, storage, and discharge are still poorly understood at the watershed scale. Here, we use exceptionally dense rainfall and runoff records from two Northern California watersheds (~100 km2) with distinct wet and dry seasons to ask the simple question: how much water can a watershed store? Stream hydrographs from 17 sub‐watersheds through the wet season are used to answer this question where we use a simple water balance analysis to estimate watershed storage changes during a rainy season (dV). Our findings suggest a pronounced storage limit and then ‘storage excess’ pattern; i.e. the watersheds store significant amounts of rainfall with little corresponding runoff in the beginning of the wet season and then release considerably more water to the streams after they reach and exceed their storage capacities. The amount of rainfall required to fill the storages at our study watersheds is the order of a few hundred millimeters (200–500 mm). For each sub‐watershed, we calculated a variety of topographic indices and regressed these against maximum dV. Among various indices, median gradient showed the strongest control on dV where watershed median slope angle was positively related to the maximum volume of storage change. We explain this using a hydrologically active bedrock hypothesis whereby the amount of water a watershed can store is influenced by filling of unrequited storage in bedrock. The amount of water required to activate rapid rainfall–runoff response is larger for steeper watersheds where the more restricted expansion of seepage from bedrock to the soil limits the connectivity between stored water and stream runoff. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening the current soil drainage class map of Flanders (Belgium) for its predictive quality
Authors: de Wauw J. Van , Finke P.A.
Published: September 2011

The predictive quality of the current drainage class map of Flanders was evaluated using data from two monitoring networks: one with good spatial coverage but poor temporal coverage and another with better temporal but poor spatial coverage. We combine both networks to obtain 1678 point predictions for mean highest water (MHW) and mean lowest water (MLW) tables by applying time series modelling and total least squares regression. The resulting MHW and MLW point data set was used to evaluate the currency of the existing map and to identify regional differences. The quality of the current map is moderate, and large differences occur between regions. Especially the Campine region shows large and systematic differences, whereas the southeastern hills and chalk–loam region is relatively accurate. If more weight is given to errors in the wetter drainage classes, about 50% of the area of Flanders would benefit from remapping. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of pit removal methods on river network position
Authors: Poggio Laura , Soille Pierre
Published: September 2011

Digital elevation models often contain depressions that result in areas described as having no drainage, referred to as sinks or pits. These depressions disrupt the drainage surface, which disrupt routing of flow over the surface. Most of the attributes that can be extracted from a digital elevation model rely on flow‐routing algorithms to calculate the upslope contributing area. There is little information on the influence of the various algorithms on the position and on the connectivity of the extracted networks. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of pit removal methods, data sources and flow‐routing algorithms on the position of river networks. The results show that all factors and methods have an impact on the position of the extracted networks. The pit removal method combining filling and carving extracted river networks closer to the reference, as well the elevation models with higher resolution. Single‐flow direction methods provided more accurate positioning of river network, in this test area where the drainage is generally well defined. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scanning electron microscopy of antennal sensible of Anoplistes halodendri halodendri and Anoplistes halodendri ephippium (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Liu Xin‐Hai , Luo You‐Qing , Cao Chuan‐Jian , Zong Shi‐Xiang
Published: September 2011

Anoplistes halodendri halodendri (Pallas, 1776) and Anoplistes halodendri ephippium (Stevens and Dalman, 1817) are two subspecies of the longicorn beetle A. halodendri (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). In the recent years, these subspecies have been spreading rapidly in Hippophae rhamnoides and Hedysarum scoparium shrubberies in the Chinese provinces of Shanxi and Kingie, causing mass mortality of these shrubberies species and consequently leading to great damage to local ecological environment construction as well as high economic, ecological, and societal losses. To control their hazards effectively, here, we study and compare the types, densities, and distribution of antennal sensilla of A. h. halodendri and A. h. ephippium using scanning electron microscopy. Eight sensilla types were observed on the antennae of these two subspecies, including placoid sensilla (Ps), chaetica sensilla (ch) (types I–III), sensilla basiconica (b) (types I and II), sensilla gemmiformium (G), and auricillica sensilla (au). Ps predominated on the antennae of both A. h. halodendri and A. h. ephippium, followed by b and ch, and G and au. There were differences between the subspecies in the distribution and density of the different sensilla types, with ch I being found exclusively on the antennae of A. h. ephippium and b I and au on the antennae of A. h. halodendri only. With the exception of Ps, the densities of ch II, ch III, b II, and G on the antennae of A. h. halodendri were much higher than on the antennae of A. h. ephippium. These results provide sufficient evidence to clarify the receptive mechanisms used by these two subspecies of longicorn beetles and their responses to volatile semiochemicals released by their host plants as well as discuss their differences with respect to host and habitat selection. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An automated approach for cerebral microvascularity labeling in microscopy images
Authors: Huang Yue , Sun Xuezhi , Hu Guangshu , Huang Yunying
Published: September 2011

Morphological observation and analysis of cerebral microvascular network is an essential way to study cerebral function. Automated labeling of cerebral microvascular in microscopy images is one of the key steps for quantitative analysis of microvascular network in the specimens of brain mantle. It is presented in this work that an automated image processing approach based on curvilinear structure detector is applied to label and analyze the microvascular in the image. Steerable filter is also introduced to address the detecting confusion in branching regions. And then the vascular morphology analysis, such as average microvascular density, is also performed after image processing. Validation has demonstrated that the results from proposed approach are satisfied. The proposed method is finally applied in the study of cerebral microvascular dysfunction induced by γ‐ray irradiation. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The response of the rabbit subsynovial connective tissue to a stress‐relaxation test
Authors: Morizaki Yutaka , Vanhees Matthias , Thoreson Andrew R. , Larson Dirk , Zhao Chunfeng , An Kai‐Nan , Amadio Peter C.
Published: September 2011

The subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) in the carpal tunnel may play a role in the etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), yet the material properties of the SSCT remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the mechanical response of the SSCT in a rabbit model. Twenty‐four rabbit cadaver paws were used for mechanical testing; two paws were used for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. After testing normal tendon excursion, the divided third digit flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon was pulled to displacements of 2, 3.5, 5, or 8 mm, maintained at that position until force decay, and then the process was repeated. Normal excursion of the FDS averaged 4.8 mm. The ratio of the second peak force to the first peak force in the 2 mm group was 0.98 (SD = 0.16), which was significantly higher than the other groups (3.5 mm: 0.74, 5 mm, 0.63, and 8 mm: 0.59; p < 0.05). SEM showed ruptured fibrils in the displaced specimen. The declining force ratio with displacements >2 mm suggests damage to the SSCT within the physiological tendon excursion. These data may be useful in understanding SSCT mechanics in CTS, which is associated with SSCT fibrosis. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:443–447, 2012
A resilience‐oriented treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: Results of a preliminary randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kent Martha , Davis Mary C. , Stark Shannon L. , Stewart Laura A.
Published: September 2011

This preliminary randomized trial examined the effect of a resilience‐oriented intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) versus a waitlist control on anxiety and depressive symptoms, positive emotional health, and cognitive performance in 39 veterans with a variety of traumatic exposures. From pre‐ to posttreatment, the intervention but not the control group showed improvements that were large in magnitude for affective symptoms and positive emotional health (ds = 0.73–1.18), moderate in magnitude for memory (ds = 0.50–0.54), and small‐to‐moderate in magnitude for executive function (ds = 0.30–0.35). Findings suggest that treatment explicitly targeting resilience resources (e.g., positive emotional engagement, social connectedness) may provide broad benefits, including alleviation of anxiety and depressive symptoms and improved positive emotional and cognitive function.
Oxidation of L‐amino acids by metal ion (Mn3+) in sulfuric acid medium: Effect of nucleophilicity and hydrophobicity on reaction rate
Authors: Kumara M. N. , Mantelingu K. , Bhadregowda D. G. , Rangappa K. S.
Published: September 2011

The kinetics of oxidation of L‐amino acids (AAs) glycine(1a), alanine(1b), valine(1c), isoleucine(1d), leucine(1e), proline(1f), and phenylalanine(1g) by a transition metal ion (Mn3+) was studied in the presence of sulfuric acid medium at 26°C by a spectrophotometrical (λmax = 500 nm) method. In all cases, the kinetics of reactions was of first‐order with respect to each [AA] and [Mn3+]. Increased [H+], [Mn2+] (the reduction product of Mn3+), sulfate, and chloride had no effect on the reaction rate. However, the reaction rate increased with increased dielectric constant of the medium. Oxidation rate increased for 1a–gand an apparent correlation was observed between the rate of oxidation and nucleophilicty of AAs except for 1a and 1g. The reaction rate also linearly depended on the hydrophobicity of AAs except for 1f and 1g. The thermodynamic parameters for AA‐metal ion complex formation and activation parameters for the rate‐limiting steps have been evaluated. Analysis of the oxidation products indicated that the AAs underwent oxidative deamination and decarboxylation to form corresponding aldehydes. Based on these data, plausible mechanisms involved in the oxidation of AAs are proposed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 599–607, 2011
Reactions of aryl acetates with secondary alicyclic amines in ethanol/water mixtures: Effect of the solvent composition on the kinetics and mechanism
Authors: Castro Enrique A. , Millan Daniela , Aguayo Raul , Campodónico Paola R. , Santos José G.
Published: September 2011

We report a kinetic study on the reactions of secondary alicyclic amines toward 4‐nitrophenyl, 2,4‐dinitrophenyl, and 2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl acetates (1, 2, and 3) in ethanol/water mixtures of different compositions. It is found that (i) the intermediate in the reaction of 1 is stabilized in a mixture of 90 vol% ethanol; (ii) for the reaction of 2, the mechanism is stepwise in water but concerted in the mixtures; (iii) For the reaction of 3, the mechanism is concerted along the whole range of composition; (iv) the effect of NO2 outweighs the solvent effect; (v) preferential solvation in the core of reaction can be ruled out. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 687–693, 2011
4‐Heptanone cyclic diperoxide: Improved preparation method and solvent effect on its thermolysis in solution
Authors: Nesprias Karina , Iglesias Mariángeles , Rivas Sonia , Alvarez Elida , Barreto Gastón , Eyler Nora , Cañizo Adriana
Published: September 2011

Cyclic organic peroxides have interesting pharmacological properties and are used at industrial level as polyfunctional initiators of polymerization, and so their preparation through novel methods has attracted the attention of numerous researchers. White crystals of 4‐heptanone cyclic diperoxide (HDP) can be obtained in acidic media at −1°C by a reaction between 4‐heptanone and hydrogen peroxide. Its thermal decomposition was studied in acetone, cyclohexane, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, ethanol, 2‐propanol, 2‐butanol, and 1,4‐dioxane at temperatures higher than 120°C, showing a behavior accordingly with a pseudo‐first‐order kinetic law up to at least 80% HDP conversion. It was demonstrated that an increase in solvent polarity is accompanied by an increase in reaction rates. The effect of solvent polarity on the thermal decomposition rate constant values can be associated with a reaction mechanism involving a more dipolar‐activated complex than the diperoxide initial molecule. The activation parameters varied widely from 31.2 to 46.6 kcal mol−1 and −1.33 to 31.7 cal mol−1 K−1 when going from ethanol to cyclohexane as reaction solvents, respectively. An enthalpy–entropy compensation effect was observed in all solvents. Specific interactions between the oxygen atoms from the peroxidic bond and the hydrogen atom bonded to C2 and/or from the OH group can be taken into account to explain that the existence of the compensation effect does not mean that an isokinetic relationship consequently can be established. The kinetic results showed that an isokinetic relationship is observed only for a group of solvents. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 657–666, 2011
Characterization of proteins by ambient mass spectrometry
Authors: Yao Zhong‐Ping
Published: September 2011

Proteins play important roles in living systems and are topics of many fundamental and applied research projects. With the introduction of electrospray ionization and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization for analysis of biomacromolecules in the late 1980s, mass spectrometry has become an important tool for characterization of proteins. Characterization of proteins in raw samples by these mass spectrometric techniques, however, usually requires extensive sample pretreatment. Ambient ionization techniques are new mass spectrometric techniques that allow direct analysis of samples with no or little sample preparation. Can these techniques facilitate or even eliminate sample preparation for mass spectrometric analysis of proteins? Apart from sample preparation, do these techniques offer any new features for characterization of proteins as compared with conventional ESI or MALDI? Recent advances in characterization of proteins by ambient mass spectrometry are summarized and commented in this article. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 31:437–447, 2012
Self‐Organizing Maps for In Silico Screening and Data Visualization
Authors: Digles Daniela , Ecker Gerhard F.
Published: September 2011

Self‐organizing maps, which are unsupervised artificial neural networks, have become a very useful tool in a wide area of disciplines, including medicinal chemistry. Here, we will focus on two applications of self‐organizing maps: the use of self‐organizing maps for in silico screening and for clustering and visualisation of large datasets. Additionally, the importance of parameter selection is discussed and some modifications to the original algorithm are summarised.
Tetrahydrocurcumin is more effective than curcumin in preventing azoxymethane‐induced colon carcinogenesis
Authors: Lai Ching‐Shu , Wu Jia‐Ching , Yu Shih‐Feng , Badmaev Vladimir , Nagabhushanam Kalyanam , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: September 2011

Scope: Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a major metabolite of curcumin (CUR), has been demonstrated to be anti‐cancerogenic and anti‐angiogenic and prevents type II diabetes. In this present study, we investigated the chemopreventive effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of dietary administration of CUR and THC in azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced colon carcinogenesis in mice.

Methods and results: All mice were sacrificed at 6 and 23 wk, and colonic tissue was collected and examined. We found that dietary administration of both CUR and THC could reduce aberrant crypt foci and polyps formation, while THC showed a better inhibitory effect than CUR. At the molecular level, results from Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry staining showed that dietary CUR and THC exhibited anti‐inflammatory activity by decreasing the levels of inducible NOS and COX‐2 through downregulation of ERK1/2 activation. In addition, both dietary CUR and THC significantly decreased AOM‐induced Wnt‐1 and β‐catenin protein expression, as well as the phosphorylation of GSK‐3β in colonic tissue. Moreover, dietary feeding with CUR and THC markedly reduced the protein level of connexin‐43, an important molecule of gap junctions, indicating that both CUR and THC might interfer with the intercellular communication of crypt cells.

Conclusion: Taken together, these results demonstrated for the first time the in vivo chemopreventive efficacy and molecular mechanisms of dietary THC against AOM‐induced colonic tumorigenesis.
Blueberries reduce pro‐inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α and IL‐6 production in mouse macrophages by inhibiting NF‐κB activation and the MAPK pathway
Authors: Xie Chenghui , Kang Jie , Ferguson Matthew E. , Nagarajan Shanmugam , Badger Thomas M. , Wu Xianli
Published: September 2011

Blueberries (BB) have been reported to attenuate atherosclerosis in apoE‐deficient (ApoE−/−) mice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of BB in reducing pro‐inflammatory cytokine production in mouse macrophages. ApoE−/− mice were fed AIN‐93G diet (CD) or CD formulated to contain 1% freeze‐dried BB for 5 wk. TNF‐α and IL‐6 were lower in serum of BB‐fed mice and TNF‐α expression in aorta was down‐regulated with BB feeding. Protein level and mRNA expression of TNF‐α and IL‐6 were significantly lower in the peritoneal macrophages from mice fed BB without or with LPS or oxLDL stimulation. RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with polyphenol‐enriched extracts made from the sera of rats fed CD (SEC) or CD containing 10% BB (SEB). SEB significantly inhibited LPS‐induced mRNA expression and protein levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6. Furthermore, SEB inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB, NF‐κB p65, MAPK p38 and JNK. All of these are important signaling pathways involved in the production of TNF‐α and IL‐6.
In vivo measurement of hindlimb neuromuscular function in mice
Authors: Stodieck Louis S. , Greybeck Brooke J. , Cannon Cara M.A. , Hanson Andrea M. , Young Mary H. , Simske Steve J. , Ferguson Virginia L.
Published: September 2011

Introduction: In vitro or in situ methods to assess neuromuscular performance in rodents are invasive and inadequate to fully assess large hindlimb muscles. Methods: An in vivo hindlimb exertion force test (HEFT) was developed to quantify muscle function peak force (PF), peak rate of force development (PRFD), and short‐ and long‐latency reaction times (SLRT and LLRT, respectively) in C57BL/6J mice. Results: PF did not change with one‐ and three‐times‐per‐week repeated HEFT trials, demonstrating assessment reproducibility. However, PRFD decreased with trial, indicating that mice modified response behavior while achieving the same PF. Separately, mice were subjected to 14 days of hindlimb suspension (HS) to induce muscle atrophy. Concomitant with decreased lean carcass and individual muscle masses, HS mice showed reduced PF and LLRT. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that HEFT is an effective tool for evaluating in vivo hindlimb neuromuscular performance due to disuse muscle atrophy and potentially for other disease and injury models. Muscle Nerve, 2012
HIV/Aids marketing communication and the role of fear, efficacy, and cultural characteristics in promoting social change
Authors: Terblanche‐Smit Marlize , Terblanche Nic S.
Published: September 2011

The HIV/Aids pandemic is a major concern in Africa, and South Africa's major marketing communication campaigns do not seem to be producing the expected results. This study investigates whether the use of fear appeal marketing communication increases the likelihood of adopting appropriate social behaviour, and if different cultural or racial groups vary in their perception of different fear appeals, namely high, medium, and low fear, pertaining to HIV/Aids marketing communication. The role of fear and efficacy beliefs is analysed by using experimental research techniques to ascertain the influence of different levels of fear appeals. The findings indicate differences amongst cultural or racial groups pertaining to levels of fear and efficacy experienced after exposure to high fear appeals compared with lower fear appeals. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jagd auf das Higgs‐Teilchen am LHC eröffnet
Authors: Quast Günter
Published: September 2011

Mit den ersten Daten haben die Detektoren des Large Hadron Colliders (LHC) am CERN, ATLAS, Alice, CMS und LHCb, die Erwartungen des Standardmodells der Teilchenphysik bei der Energieskala von 7 TeV vollauf bestätigt. Mit den jetzt vorliegenden Daten ist aber auch die Tür zur Entdeckung neuer Physik geöffnet worden. Die ersten Ergebnisse stellten Physiker Ende Juli auf einer internationalen Konferenz in Grenoble vor. Insbesondere der für das hypothetische Higgs‐Teilchen zulässige Massenbereich wird durch die neuen Daten erheblich eingeschränkt.
Quantensprünge des Proton‐Spins
Authors: Ulmer Stefan , Blaum Klaus , Walz Jochen
Published: September 2011

Die genaue Messung des Kernmagnetons von Protonen und Antiprotonen stellt einen hochempfindlichen Test der Materie‐Antimaterie‐Symmetrie dar. Einer Kollaboration aus Max‐Planck‐Institut für Kernphysik in Heidelberg, Universität Mainz und GSI Darmstadt ist zum ersten Mal der Nachweis von Spin‐Quantensprüngen mit einem einzelnen gespeicherten Proton gelungen. Dies ermöglicht eine direkte Präzisionsmessung des magnetischen Moments des Protons und zukünftig auch des Antiprotons.
Gammastrahlenblitze und die Mikrostruktur der Raumzeit
Authors: Sahlmann Hanno
Published: September 2011

Bei den Versuchen, Gravitation und Quantenphysik zu vereinen, gehen Physiker unterschiedliche Wege. Im Rahmen der Schleifen‐Quantengravitation (Loop Quantum Gravity, LQG) wird die Raumzeitgeometrie quantisiert und erhält dadurch eine nichttriviale Mikrostruktur. Diese kann beispielsweise die Ausbreitung von Photonen beeinflussen und ist damit der Beobachtung zugänglich. Eine Gruppe europäischer Astrophysiker konnte kürzlich anhand der Polarisationsmessung von kosmischen Gammastrahlenblitzen eine Händigkeit der Mikrostruktur mit bisher unerreichter Genauigkeit ausschließen. Diese Beobachtung liefert unschätzbare Hinweise auf die Physik der Planck‐Skala.
Characterization of the Asia Oceania Human Proteome Organisation Membrane Proteomics Initiative Standard using SDS‐PAGE shotgun proteomics
Authors: Peng Lifeng , Kapp Eugene A. , McLauchlan Danyl , Jordan T. William
Published: September 2011

Although there are now multiple methods for the analysis of membrane proteomes, there is relatively little systematic characterization of proteomic workflows for membrane proteins. The Asia Oceania Human Proteome Organisation (AOHUPO) has therefore embarked on a Membrane Proteomics Initiative (MPI) using a large range of workflows. Here, we describe the characterization of the MPI mouse liver microsomal membrane Standard using SDS‐PAGE prior to in‐gel tryptic digestion and LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. The Na2CO3 wash followed by SDS‐PAGE prior to in‐gel tryptic digestion and LC‐MS/MS strategy was effective for the detection of membrane proteins with 47.1% of the identified proteins being transmembrane proteins. Gene Ontology term enrichment analysis showed that biological processes involving transport, lipid metabolism, cell communication, cell adhesion, and cellular component organization were significantly enriched. Comparison of the present data with the previously published reports on mouse liver proteomes confirmed that the MPI Standard provides an excellent resource for the analysis of membrane proteins in the AOHUPO MPI.
Proteomic identification of Hsp70 as a new Plk1 substrate in arsenic trioxide‐induced mitotically arrested cells
Authors: Chen Yu J. , Lin Ya‐Ping , Chow Lu‐Ping , Lee Te‐Chang
Published: September 2011

We previously demonstrated that when arsenic trioxide (ATO)‐induced mitotically arrested HeLa S3 cells (AIMACs) were treated with staurosporine (SSP) the cells rapidly exited mitosis. To better define the cellular targets and the underlying mechanisms of AIMACs, we applied 2‐D DIGE followed by LC‐MS/MS analysis and showed that SSP induced a significant change in the phosphoproteome of AIMACs. Among the proteins whose phosphorylation was modulated by SSP, we identified Hsp70, Rad 23B, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4B as potentially new substrates of polo‐like kinase 1 (Plk1), an essential serine/threonine kinase with versatile mitotic functions. Since Hsp70 is a stress protein responsible for ATO treatment, we further identified Thr13, Ser362, Ser631, and Ser633 on Hsp70 intracellularly phosphorylated in AIMACs by combining TiO2 phospho‐peptides enrichment and MS/MS analysis. Using antibody specifically against phosph‐Ser631 Hsp70 and further aided by expression of kinase‐dead Plk1 and pharmacological inhibition of Plk1, we concluded that Ser631 on Hsp70 is phosphorylated by Plk1 in AIMACs. By immnuofluorescent staining, we found the colocalization of Hsp70 and Plk1 in AIMACs but not in interphase cells. In addition, Plk1‐mediated phosphorylation of Hsp70 prevented AIMACs from mitotic death. Our results reveal that Hsp70 is a novel substrate of Plk1 and that its phosphorylation contributes to attenuation of ATO‐induced mitotic abnormalities.
The effect of precursor boron nanopowder on the microstructure and emission properties of LaB6cathode materials
Authors: Bao Li‐Hong , Zhang Jiu‐Xing , Zhou Shen‐Lin , Wei Yong‐Feng , Dou Zhi‐He
Published: September 2011

Two different structured boron sources have been used for the fabrication of LaB6 ceramics and their effects on the sintering temperature, microstructure and emission properties were investigated. The results show that the reaction temperature of amorphous boron and La to form LaB6 is 1200 °C, which is 150 °C lower than the reaction using crystalline boron. The grain size of LaB6 prepared by amorphous boron and La is 150 nm, which is much smaller than that of crystalline boron ∼2 μm at the same sintering condition. With the grain size decreasing from 5 μm to 150 nm, the LaB6 thermionic emission current density increases significantly and the field emission turn‐on field decreases from 1500 V to 1300 V. Using amorphous boron nanopowder can not only enhance the microstructure but also improve the emission properties. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the theory of the electron beam ablation phenomenon
Authors: Ptitsin V. E.
Published: September 2011

The electron beam ablation phenomenon is investigated on the basis of the general thermodynamic representations about power balance of absorption and dissipation energy processes in conditions of interaction of the concentrated energy flux with a condensed substance. It is shown that at high levels of absorbed power density, exceeding energy dissipation speed by the heat conductivity mechanism, the fast phase transition of a condensed substance in dense plasma can take place (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Enhanced absorption of CdS quantum dots deposited onto ZnO nanorod by using bifunctional linker
Authors: Chen Jing , Yang Xiaxi , Wu Jun , Lei Wei , Zhang Xiaobing
Published: September 2011

We report an improved quantum dot sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) with CdS QDs deposited on the mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)‐modified ZnO film by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. Thiol group in MPA molecule can be attached to CdS, which is benefit for CdS QDs deposition on ZnO to form a well‐covered film. As revealed by UV‐vis absorption spectra, the increased amount of CdS QDs were deposited on MPA modified ZnO. A power conversion efficiency of 0.70% was obtained for QDSSC based on MPA modified ZnO, which has 42% improvement than that based on bare ZnO. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron‐phonon and electron‐defect scattering rates in semiconducting zigzag carbon nanotubes
Authors: Thiagarajan Kannan , Lindefelt Ulf
Published: September 2011

Electron‐phonon and electron‐defect scattering rates have been calculated within a tight‐binding approach for semiconducting zigzag carbon nanotubes. The scattering rates for (5,0), (7,0), (10,0), (13,0) and (25,0) nanotubes have been investigated. The electron‐phonon scattering rate shows both diameter and temperature dependence, and the dependence of the electron‐defect scattering rate on nanotube diameter is similar to that of the electron‐phonon scattering rate. Backscattering and forward scattering for electrons interacting with defects occur with equal probability at all energies. The importance of electron‐defect scattering relative to electron‐phonon scattering depends very much on the energy of the electron (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of carburized La2O3 doped Mo filament cathode
Authors: Wang Jinshu , Li Changcai , Liu Wei , Ren Zhiyuan , Ge Chunqiao , Wang Yiman , Zhou Meiling
Published: September 2011

Carburized La2O3 doped Mo filament cathodes were prepared by two carburization methods. One was prepared with carbon powder in which the filaments were embedded. Another was produced from plain La‐Mo cathodes by subjecting the formed and mounted filaments to a heat treatment in a hydrogen atmosphere consisting of benzene vapor which was carried to the treating chambers by a stream of hydrogen under controlled flow conditions. The carburized filament prepared with carbon powder is composed of MoC which has a dense structure whereas that prepared with mixed gas of hydrogen and benzene possesses loose structure due to the formation of Mo2C. The carburization process of La2O3 doped Mo cathode materials has been studied by thermal analysis method. The carburization rate is controlled by a three stage model, i.e., initially controlled by chemical reaction, then controlled by chemical reaction mixed with diffusion, finally controlled by diffusion. Based on this model derived from the experimental results, the weight increase per unit area of the carburized La2O3 doped Mo cathode versus temperature and time has been obtained. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The growth process and field emission characteristics of spherical aggregates of polycrystalline diamond flakes
Authors: Lu Zhanling , Zhang Lan , Ma Xiaotian , Yao Ning , Zhang Binglin
Published: September 2011

The spherical aggregates films of polycrystalline diamond flakes were deposited on titanium coated Si substrates by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD). The microstructure and surface morphology of deposited films were characterized by Raman spectroscope and scanning electron microscope. The field electron emission current‐voltage curve was measured by diode structure in a vacuum of below 5×10‐5Pa. It was found that the field emission property of the samples depended on the microstructure of the aggregates films obviously. A stable turn‐on field of 2.17 V/μm and the current density of 2.04 mA/cm2 at the electric field of 3.42 V/μm were obtained for the spherical aggregates film of polycrystalline diamond flakes, which grew under the process with the ratio of CH4 and H2 source gas of 12/100 sccm. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Improvement of the performance of a field‐emission device with a metal mask
Authors: Lei Wei , Wang Baoping , Zhang Xiaobing , Zhao Zhiwei , Cui Yiping
Published: September 2011

In a field‐emission device, the background noise of the anode current is a little large due to the high anode voltage. Apart from this, the electron beam spreads because of the large gap between the cathode and the anode. To improve the performance of a field‐emission device, a metal mask is introduced between the gate and the anode. Because the metal mask shields the electric field caused by the anode, the background noise of the anode current has been decreased about 90%. With a proper voltage applied on the metal mask, a convergence electric field is generated around the holes of the metal mask, so the focus performance of the electron beam is also improved. The width of the scanning line decreases from 3.1 mm to 0.9 mm after the metal mask is mounted. Because the metal mask can be fabricated in a large volume with low cost, the structure proposed in this paper has a promising application in the field‐emission display devices. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and field emission properties of SnO2 nanowires
Authors: Wang Lingjie , Lin Jinyang , Ye Yun , Guo Tailiang
Published: September 2011

In this work, SnO2 nanowires have been synthesized and the field emission characteristics of SnO2 nanowires are investigated in detail. The results show that when current density reaches to 1 μA/cm2, electric field is 1.3 V/μm. The current density dramatically jumps to 1.3 mA/cm2 at the applied field of 2.1 V/μm, and its luminous intensity is 1850 cd/m2. This shows that SnO2 nanowires hold promise for field emission display application. And its emission stability will be further improved in the near future. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tunnel injection emitter structures with barriers comprising nanobridges
Authors: Senichev Alexander V. , Talalaev Vadim G. , Tomm Jens W. , Zakharov Nikolai D. , Novikov Boris V. , Werner Peter , Cirlin George E.
Published: September 2011

Nanobridges which bypass the tunnel barrier in tunnel injection structures are investigated. The conditions leading to the formation of confined states within them are determined. It is shown that for tunnel barrier thicknesses in the 4–5 nm range confined hole states are likely to exist within the nanobridges. A new absorption feature, which has been observed only in structures comprising nanobridges, is assigned to transitions involving these hole states. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Randomized, Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Tolerability of Fufang Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) as Add‐on Antihypertensive Therapy in Taiwanese Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension
Authors: Yang Tsung‐Yuan , Wei James Cheng‐Chung , Lee Ming‐Yung , Chen C. M. Balance , Ueng Kwo‐Chang
Published: September 2011

Hypertension generally requires the use of a combination therapy to achieve the satisfactory control of blood pressure. A traditional Chinese herb, Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), has been shown to have cardioprotective effects in animals and humans. The study investigated the add‐on effect of Fufang Danshen extract capsule in Taiwanese hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure. This was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, single‐center study clinical trial. Fifty‐five patients with uncontrolled mild to moderate hypertension were enrolled under current conventional antihypertensive treatment, randomized equally to receive a Fufang Danshen capsule (formula mixture) 1000 mg twice‐daily or a placebo capsule for 12 weeks. Primary endpoints were the control rate and the response rate. By ITT analysis at week 12, the control rates were 25.5% in the Fufang Danshen group and 7.3% in the control group (p = 0.016). The response rates were 45.6% in the Fufang Danshen group and 38.2% in the placebo group (p = 0.946). A significant reduction of systolic blood pressure at week 12 was noted in the Fufang Danshen group compared with the placebo group (13.8 vs 4.2 mmHg, p = 0.005). A decrease of pulse rate was also noted in the Fufang Danshen group (− 3.2 vs +2.7/min, p = 0.027). Adverse events were not statistically different between the two groups. It was concluded that Fufang Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) extract reduced systolic blood pressure and pulse rate, and was well tolerated in patients with hypertension. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Herbal Extract (EstroG‐100) on Pre‐, Peri‐ and Post‐Menopausal Women: A Randomized Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled Study
Authors: Chang Albert , Kwak Bo‐Yeon , Yi Kwontaek , Kim Jae Soo
Published: September 2011

This clinical research study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a new herbal product, EstroG‐100, containing a mixture of standardized extracts of Cynanchum wilfordii, Phlomis umbrosa and Angelica gigas, on menopausal symptoms. This randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was performed for 12 weeks with 64 pre‐, peri‐ and postmenopausal White Hispanic, White non‐Hispanic and African American women who were randomly allocated to either the EstroG‐100 group (n = 31) or the placebo group (n = 33). Primary end‐points were the mean change in scores of the Kupperman menopause index (KMI) that evaluates 11 symptoms, and the mean change in scores of vaginal dryness. The mean KMI score was significantly reduced in the EstroG‐100 group from 29.5 ± 7.4 at baseline to 11.3 ± 5.8 (p < 0.01) compared with change of the placebo group (29.2 ± 6.6 at baseline vs 23.7 ± 7.7 at week 12). The constituting symptoms of vasomotor, paresthesia, insomnia, nervousness, melancholia, vertigo, fatigue and rheumatic pain were significantly improved in the EstroG‐100 group in comparison with the placebo group (p < 0.05). Statistically significant improvement in vaginal dryness in the EstroG‐100 group was also observed compared with that of the placebo group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, EstroG‐100 significantly improved the menopausal symptoms of pre‐, peri‐ and post‐menopausal women without weight gain or any serious side effects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity and Antiproliferative Effect of Fruit Juices Enriched with Pycnogenol® in Colon Carcinoma Cells. The Effect of In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion
Authors: Frontela‐Saseta Carmen , López‐Nicolás Rubén , González‐Bermúdez Carlos A. , Peso‐Echarri Patricia , Ros‐Berruezo Gaspar , Martínez‐Graciá Carmen , Canali Raffaella , Virgili Fabio
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the antioxidant and antiproliferative effect of fruit juices enriched with Pycnogenol® (0.5 g/L) on a colon carcinoma cell line (Caco‐2). The total phenolic concentration (TPC), antioxidant activity and inhibition cell growth were studied in fresh and digested pineapple juice and red fruits juice (both enriched with pine bark extract and not). After in vitro digestion the level of detectable phenolic compounds (expressed as gallic acid equivalent) was higher in both pineapple and red fruits juices enriched with Pycnogenol® than in non‐enriched commercial juices (155.6 mg/100 mL vs 94.6 mg/100 mL and 478.5 mg/100 mL vs 406.9 mg/100 mL, respectively). Increased antioxidant activity (measured by 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay (ORAC) methods) was observed in digested enriched juices with respect to the same samples before digestion. Pycnogenol® enrichment led to a high antiproliferative effect between 24 and 72 h of incubation with undigested pineapple juice compared with the non‐enriched juice. It can be concluded that enrichment of fruit juices with Pycnogenol® provides a source of phenolic compounds with high stability to in vitro gastrointestinal conditions; however, the antioxidant properties of fruit juices were affected to a different extent. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.