bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of m-plane InGaN/GaN quantum dots using strain engineering of AlGaN/AlN interlayers
Authors: Yang Xuelin , Arita Munetaka , Kako Satoshi , Arakawa Yasuhiko
Published: August 2011

We demonstrate the growth of m-plane InGaN/GaN quantum dots by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. Formation of the InGaN quantum dots on the GaN layer is achieved only when AlGaN/AlN interlayers are deposited prior to the GaN layer. Structural analysis shows that the AlGaN/AlN layers which introduce a compressive strain for the GaN layer play a crucial role in the formation of the quantum dots. The strong photoluminescence emission observed at room temperature as well as the reduction of quantum confinement Stark effect in the m-plane InGaN quantum dots opens the possibility of using such systems as efficient single photon sources.
Organic conjugated material-based broadband terahertz wave modulators
Authors: Keun Yoo Hyung , Kang Chul , Yoon Youngwoon , Lee Hanju , Wook Lee Joong , Lee Kiejin , Kee Chul-Sik
Published: August 2011

A simple and efficient broadband terahertz (THz) wave modulator based on an organic conjugated material thin film, 200-nm thick organic copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) film, deposited on a Si wafer was proposed. External laser beams significantly decrease the transmittance of THz pulses through the CuPc film over all frequency of the pulse. Modulation efficiency reaches as high as 55% under a cw-laser beam of 80 mW.
Observations on Seals at Montague Island, New South Wales
Authors: Shaughnessy PD , Briggs SV , Constable R
Published: August 2011

Australian fur-seals Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus and New Zealand fur-seals A. forsteri
haul-out (come ashore) at the north end of Montague Island. They were counted from study
boats on 82 occasions during nine trips to the island, each of about one week, between
November 1997 and November 1998, and in July 1999 and April 2000. Highest numbers were
recorded between August and October 1998, and more animals were ashore during 1997 and
1998 than Irvine et al. (1997) observed in 1993 and 1994. The maximum number of
A. p. doriferus recorded ashore in this study was 540 in October 1998, compared with a little
over 300 observed in September 1993. There are reports of a few fur-seal pups on Montague
Island. An A. forsteri pup born there in the 1999/2000 summer survived for at least 4 months.
Nevertheless, the island should be considered as supporting haul-out sites rather than breeding
sites. A Subantarctic fur-seal A. tropicalis and an Australian sea-lion Neophoca cinerea were
also recorded during the study. Seven juvenile A. p. doriferus were observed ashore with manmade
debris (straps or portions of a trawl net) around their necks. Fur-seals at Montague Island
generate interest because of tourism and interactions with local fisheries. Trends in their
abundance should be monitored annually in March, for which there is a long-term data set, and
in October, when they are most abundant.
Construction And Verification Of A Large Phylogeny Of Marsupials
Authors: Lapointe FJ , Kirsch JAW
Published: August 2011

Much of the controversy over marsupial phylogeny at higher-categorical levels stems from the
piecemeal nature of the contributing studies or the paucity of taxonomic representation in many
of them. Yet the problems of constructing large phylogenies are manyfold, involving the initial
generation of the data as well as their efficient analysis. Often unaddressed, also, is the need to
validate extremely large data sets and trees. Many of these problems can be ameliorated by
treating the data as distances (or generating distances directly). We show that, contrary to the
assertions of many protagonists in the total-evidence versus consensus debate, the validated
data and pathlength (tree) matrices usually give very similar results, although a few additional
unstable nodes may be found when the results of internal and external validations are themselves
combined in a global-congruence test. Here we illustrate our protocols with a 109-taxon data set,
representing combination of marsupial DNA-hybridisation data with similar information on a
series of outgroups. Phylogenetically, the results affirm the marsupial groupings we have
previously found, and suggest but do not unambiguously support a nearer relationship of
monotremes than placentals to marsupials. This paper represents the first attempt to validate
the tree of 101 marsupials presented earlier.
Translocation Of Mala (Lagorchestes Hirsutus) From The Tanami Desert, Northern Territory To Trimouille Island, Western Australia
Authors: Langford D , Burbidge AA
Published: August 2011

In June 1998, 30 mala (Lagorchestes hirsutus undescribed central Australian subspecies) were
translocated from a semi-captive colony in the Tanami Desert, Northern Territory to
Trimouille Island, part of the Montebello Islands Conservation Park, off the Pilbara coast of
Western Australia. Mala are ?Extinct in the Wild? according to IUCN (1994, 2000) Red List
Categories and Criteria. The translocation was made possible by the eradication of black rats
(Rattus rattus) and confirmation of the absence of feral cats (Felis catus), which were
recorded on the island in the 1970s. Post-release monitoring up to October 2001 showed that
mala were breeding and expanding the area occupied.
Diet Of Foxes And Cats, With Evidence Of Predation On Yellow-Footed Rock-Wallabies (Petrogale Xanthopus Celeris) By Foxes In Southwsetern Queensland.
Authors: Lapidge SJ , Henshall S
Published: August 2011

INTRODUCED red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and feral
cats (Felis catus) were shot on Lambert, Acton and
Caranna Pastoral Stations in southwestern
Queensland (25�20'S; 145�24'E) (Fig. 1) as part of a
feral animal control program undertaken before and
during the experimental reintroduction of yellowfooted
rock-wallabies (Petrogale xanthopus celeris)
to Lambert Station. Animals were encountered
during regular fieldtrip spotlight surveys or as part of
a macropod harvesting program. Sixty-eight V.
vulpes (20?, 10?, 38 sex unknown) and 32 F. catus
(10?, 12?, 10 sex unknown) were shot between
February 1998 and October 2000; stomach content
analysis was carried out on 27 V. vulpes (18?, 9?)
and 23 F. catus (11?, 12?). Animals not sexed or
examined were shot in the absence of the first author.
Daily Torpor In A Pregnant Common Blossom-Bat (Syconycteris Australis: Megachiroptera)
Authors: Geiser F , Körtner G , Law BS
Published: August 2011

TORPOR and reproduction in mammals are widely
viewed as mutually exclusive processes. For most
mammals, different energetic and hormonal demands
appear to require a temporal sequence of torpor and
reproduction within the yearly schedule. Torpor is
characterised by a pronounced fall in body
temperature and metabolic rate, which results in an
overall reduction of energy expenditure (Geiser and
Ruf 1995) and in most mammals occurs during the
non-reproductive season (Goldman et al. 1986;
Barnes 1996). Reproduction, on the other hand,
requires an increase of energy expenditure for
acquiring, processing and transfer of nutrients to the
growing offspring (Hoffman 1964; Goldman et al.
1986; Thompson and Nicoll 1986; Kenagy et al.
1989; Barnes 1996).
Some Observations On Foraging Behaviour In The Southern Ningaui, Ningaui Yvonneae
Authors: Darren G Bos
Published: August 2011

THE southern ningaui (Ningaui yvonneae) is a small
dasyurid inhabiting semi-arid regions of southern
Australia. It is a nocturnal predator, feeding mainly
on small invertebrates (Woolnough and Carthew
1996; Fisher and Dickman 1993). During a larger
research project examining population dynamics.
habitat selection and diet, I observed and documented
aspects of the foraging behaviour of N. yvonneae.
These observations, which are difficult to quantify,
provide insight into the ecology of this poorly studied
species.
Extended Maternal Dependence By Juvenile Australian Fur Seals (Arctocephalus Pusillus Doriferus)
Authors: Hume F , Arnould JPY , Kirkwood R , Davis P
Published: August 2011

AUSTRALIAN fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus
doriferus) cows mature at 3 - 6 years of age and,
thereafter, are able to give birth to a single pup each
year (Warneke and Shaughnessy 1985; Warneke
1995). Pups are born from late October to December
and are usually nursed for 8 - 11 months (Warneke
and Shaughnessy 1985), however, extended
dependency into a second or third year has been
recorded (Stirling and Warneke 1971). At Seal
Rocks, Victoria, one of nine breeding sites for A. p.
doriferus (Warneke 1988; Pemberton and Kirkwood
1994), 11% of young that were observed in
association with cows were older than one year
(Shaughnessy and Warneke 1987).
Macromolecular organization of ATP synthase and complex I in whole mitochondria
Authors: Davies Karen M. , Strauss Mike , Daum Bertram , Kief Jan H. , Osiewacz Heinz D. , Rycovska Adriana , Zickermann Volker , Kühlbrandt Werner
Published: August 2011

We used electron cryotomography to study the molecular arrangement of large respiratory chain complexes in mitochondria from bovine heart, potato, and three types of fungi. Long rows of ATP synthase dimers were observed in intact mitochondria and cristae membrane fragments of all species that were examined. The dimer rows were found exclusively on tightly curved cristae edges. The distance between dimers along the rows varied, but within the dimer the distance betweenF1heads was constant. The angle between monomers in the dimer was 70° or above. Complex I appeared as L-shaped densities in tomograms of reconstituted proteoliposomes. Similar densities were observed in flat membrane regions of mitochondrial membranes from all species exceptSaccharomyces cerevisiaeand identified as complex I by quantum-dot labeling. The arrangement of respiratory chain proton pumps on flat cristae membranes and ATP synthase dimer rows along cristae edges was conserved in all species investigated. We propose that the supramolecular organization of respiratory chain complexes as proton sources and ATP synthase rows as proton sinks in the mitochondrial cristae ensures optimal conditions for efficient ATP synthesis.
Carbonaceous meteorites contain a wide range of extraterrestrial nucleobases
Authors: Callahan Michael P. , Smith Karen E. , Cleaves H. James , Ruzicka Josef , Stern Jennifer C. , Glavin Daniel P. , House Christopher H. , Dworkin Jason P.
Published: August 2011

All terrestrial organisms depend on nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), which use pyrimidine and purine nucleobases to encode genetic information. Carbon-rich meteorites may have been important sources of organic compounds required for the emergence of life on the early Earth; however, the origin and formation of nucleobases in meteorites has been debated for over 50 y. So far, the few nucleobases reported in meteorites are biologically common and lacked the structural diversity typical of other indigenous meteoritic organics. Here, we investigated the abundance and distribution of nucleobases and nucleobase analogs in formic acid extracts of 12 different meteorites by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The Murchison and Lonewolf Nunataks 94102 meteorites contained a diverse suite of nucleobases, which included three unusual and terrestrially rare nucleobase analogs: purine, 2,6-diaminopurine, and 6,8-diaminopurine. In a parallel experiment, we found an identical suite of nucleobases and nucleobase analogs generated in reactions of ammonium cyanide. Additionally, these nucleobase analogs were not detected above our parts-per-billion detection limits in any of the procedural blanks, control samples, a terrestrial soil sample, and an Antarctic ice sample. Our results demonstrate that the purines detected in meteorites are consistent with products of ammonium cyanide chemistry, which provides a plausible mechanism for their synthesis in the asteroid parent bodies, and strongly supports an extraterrestrial origin. The discovery of new nucleobase analogs in meteorites also expands the prebiotic molecular inventory available for constructing the first genetic molecules.
Reconstruction of human elastic cartilage by a CD44
+
CD90
+
stem cell in the ear perichondrium
Authors: Kobayashi Shinji , Takebe Takanori , Inui Midori , Iwai Sayaka , Kan Hiroomi , Zheng Yun-Wen , Maegawa Jiro , Taniguchi Hideki
Published: August 2011

Despite the great demands for treating craniofacial injuries or abnormalities, effective treatments are currently lacking. One promising approach involves human elastic cartilage reconstruction using autologous stem/progenitor populations. Nevertheless, definitive evidence of the presence of stem cells in human auricular cartilage remains to be established. Here, we demonstrate that human auricular perichondrium, which can be obtained via a minimally invasive approach, harbors a unique cell population, termed as cartilage stem/progenitor cells (CSPCs). The clonogenic progeny of a single CD44
+
CD90
+
CSPC displays a number of features characteristic of stem cells. Highly chondrogenic CSPCs were shown to reconstruct large (>2 cm) elastic cartilage after extended expansion and differentiation. CSPC-derived cartilage was encapsulated by a perichondrium layer, which contains a CD44
+
CD90
+
self-renewing stem/progenitor population and was maintained without calcification or tumor formation even after 10 mo. This is a unique report demonstrating the presence of stem cells in auricular cartilage. Utilization of CSPCs will provide a promising reconstructive material for treating craniofacial defects with successful long-term tissue restoration.
Research leadership in writing for publication: A theoretical framework
Authors: Murray Rowena , Steckley Laura , MacLeod Iain
Published: August 2011

Academics experience difficulty in managing competing tasks, particularly in relation to writing for publication. In a study conducted on a writing retreat, analysis of data obtained from academic writers revealed that facilitative leadership provided at a writing retreat was central to managing task complexity and writing‐related anxiety. The question remains, however, about how this leadership can be modelled in campus settings in order to continue to support academics in managing the complexity of their multiple roles as teachers, researchers and writers, beyond purely technical‐rational approaches. This article outlines one approach to answering this question: it explains how containment theory was used to shed light on the leadership role at the writing retreat, and it proposes a model—strategic engagement—for the leadership role in writing for publication in campus settings.
Are athletes burning out with passion?
Authors: Gustafsson Henrik , Hassmén Peter , Hassmén Nathalie
Published: August 2011

Passion is a strong motivational force towards an activity considered very important, possibly to the extent that the activity forms a part of an individual's identity. Two forms of passion, harmonious and obsessive, are thought to lead to different cognitive and affective responses. Although being passionate about sport appears to be important from a motivational perspective, it possibly also increases the risk for burnout, which is a negative consequence blamed partly on too much training and inadequate recovery. The question voiced in this study is whether harmonious passion and obsessive passion pose equal risks for burnout. Participants were 94 female and 164 male competitive athletes from 21 sports. The results, analysed using partial correlation and multivariate analyses of variance, showed that athletes with an obsessive passion scored higher on a burnout inventory than did harmoniously passionate athletes. Obsessively passionate athletes also scored higher on perceived stress and negative affect, and lower on positive affect. These findings support the assumption that even though the two forms of passion may be an integral part of elite sports, athletes scoring high on obsessive passion may be at greater risk of developing burnout than more harmoniously passionate athletes. Burning bright and burning out can thus be seen as two potential consequences for athletes driven by passion. Athletes and coaches who are aware of this may be better equipped to avoid the potential negative consequences associated with too much stress and too little recovery.
Limiting field strength and electron swarm coefficients of the CF3I–SF6 gas mixture
Authors: de Urquijo J , Mitrani A , Ruíz-Vargas G , Basurto E
Published: August 2011

We have measured the electron drift velocity, longitudinal diffusion, and the effective ionization coefficients in the gaseous mixture of CF3I–SF6 over the density-normalized electric field intensity E/N, from 375 to 500 Td (1 Td = 10−17 V cm2). A pulsed Townsend technique was used. Overall, the gas mixture compositions were varied from 50 to 90% CF3I. We have found that the limiting field strength E/N
lim of the CF3I–SF6 mixture is superior to that of CF3I–N2, and always higher than that of SF6. Moreover, over the whole mixture range, the range of the limiting field strength for the CF3I–SF6 mixture is 360–437 Td, these limits corresponding for pure SF6 and CF3I, respectively.
Sub-60 °C atmospheric helium–water plasma jets: modes, electron heating and downstream reaction chemistry
Authors: Liu J J , Kong M G
Published: August 2011

For plasma treatment of many heat-labile materials (e.g. living tissues) that either are moist or contain a surface layer of liquid, it is desirable that the gas plasma is generated at atmospheric pressure for process convenience and with a gas temperature ideally no more than 60 °C for mitigating permanent damage to the integrity of the test material. This implies that the liquid-containing plasma needs to be of low dissipated electrical energy and that plasma treatment should be based largely on non-equilibrium reaction chemistry. In this paper, a class of sub-60 °C atmospheric helium–water plasma jets is studied in terms of their main physiochemical properties. It is shown that there are five distinct modes appearing in the sequence of, with increasing voltage, the first chaotic mode, the plasma bullet mode, the second chaotic mode, the abnormal glow mode and the non-thermal arc mode. Its chaotic modes may be sustained over a wide range of water vapour concentrations (0–2500 ppm). Compared with other liquid-containing plasmas, the He–H2O plasma jet operated below its non-thermal arc mode has several distinct advantages, namely very low energy consumption (2–10 µJ per pulse), sub-60 °C gas temperature, electron-modulated production of He, N2,
, O*, H and OH(A–X), and low ozone production (0.1–0.4 ppm). These results provide a first attempt at the landscape of the physiochemical characteristics in atmospheric He–H2O plasma jets.
Spectroscopic characterization of an atmospheric pressure μ-jet plasma source
Authors: Bibinov N , Knake N , Bahre H , Awakowicz P , Schulz-von der Gathen V
Published: August 2011

A new method for determination of plasma parameters under atmospheric pressure conditions is formulated and applied for characterization of a radio-frequency μ-jet plasma source using He/O2 mixture. By applying absolutely calibrated optical emission spectroscopy and numerical simulation, the gas temperature in the active plasma region and plasma parameters (electron density and electron distribution function) are determined. The steady-state concentrations of different species such as oxygen atom and ozone in the plasma channel and in the effluent of the plasma source are calculated using measured plasma parameters and gas temperature. On the other hand, spatial distribution of steady-state densities of these species are measured using emission and absorption spectroscopy. A comparison of the results thus obtained and the validation of the new method against two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy measurements are discussed. In addition, the influence of the surface processes and gas flow regime on the loss of the active species in the plasma source are discussed.
Relationship between the evolutions of the microstructure and semiconductor properties of yttrium-doped barium titanate ceramics
Authors: Huang C M , Lin C Y , Shieh J
Published: August 2011

Intricate connections among the microstructural effect, semiconducting tendency and charge compensation behaviour of yttrium (Y3+) dopants in near-stoichiometric barium titanate (BaTiO3; Ba/Ti atomic ratio = 0.999) ceramics sintered at 1460 °C in air are examined. It is found that with increasing Y3+ doping up to 2.0 mol%, the microstructure of BaTiO3 evolves from a liquid-phase-assisted dense-sintered microstructure to a highly porous microstructure characterized by connected pores and loose lattices of fused submicrometre grains. During such evolution, a transitional microstructure characterized by large distinctive pores and grains with abnormal morphology is also identified. When Y3+ doping is increased progressively from 0.02 to 0.2 mol%, the (negative) majority carrier concentration and conductivity are increased substantially by 8 orders of magnitude. This increase in n-type semiconductor characteristics is contributed not only by the increasing substitution of Y3+ for Ba2+ in host BaTiO3, but also by the formation of yttrium-rich and/or oxygen-deficient precipitates at the grain boundaries. The grain boundary phases would therefore stabilize the mechanism of free electron compensation and enable the transportation of electrons through the grain boundaries. The measured Hall effect data indicate the shift from the n-type to p-type semiconductor properties with increasing Y3+ doping. The carrier mobilities of 1.0 and 2.0 mol% Y-doped BaTiO3 are high; this is attributed to their highly porous microstructures which provide easy diffusion paths for the charge carriers. Through a combined interpretation of the diffractometry, microscopy, mass spectrometry and Hall effect data, Y3+ doping at 1.0 mol% is found to be the critical doping amount separating different site-occupying behaviours of Y3+ in the BaTiO3 cation sites, which eventually lead to different charge compensation mechanisms and semiconductor properties.
Process characteristics of fibre-laser-assisted plasma arc welding
Authors: Mahrle A , Schnick M , Rose S , Demuth C , Beyer E , Füssel U
Published: August 2011

Experimental and theoretical investigations on fibre-laser-assisted plasma arc welding (LAPW) were performed. Welding experiments were carried out on aluminium and steel sheets. In the case of a highly focused laser beam and a separate arrangement of plasma torch and laser beam, high-speed video recordings of the plasma arc and corresponding measurements of the time-dependent arc voltage revealed differences in the process behaviour for both materials. In the case of aluminium welding, a sharp decline in arc voltage and stabilization and guiding of the anodic arc root was observed whereas in steel welding the arc voltage was slightly increased after the laser beam was switched on. However, significant improvement of the melting efficiency with the combined action of plasma arc and laser beam was achieved for both types of material. Theoretical results of additional numerical simulations of the arc behaviour suggest that the properties of the arc plasma are mainly influenced not by a direct interaction with the laser radiation but by the laser-induced evaporation of metal. Arc stabilization with increased current densities is predicted for moderate rates of evaporated metal only whereas metal vapour rates above a certain threshold causes a destabilization of the arc and reduced current densities along the arc axis.
Do Consumer Responses to Media Food Safety Information Last?
Authors: Dillaway Robin , Messer Kent D. , Bernard John C. , Kaiser Harry M.
Published: August 2011

Using experimental methods with adult subjects from the mid‐Atlantic region of the United States, this research examines both the short‐ and longer‐term impacts of media information on consumer purchasing behavior. Subjects in the treatment group were given food safety information about poultry from a popular consumer magazine. Willingness to pay (WTP) estimates were then elicited for two types of chicken breasts: (1) a leading‐brand that was identified in the information treatment as having a high incidence of Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria; and (2) a lesser known brand, which was reported as being relatively free of harmful bacteria. Results indicated that both negative and positive food safety information significantly impacted consumers' WTP for safer chicken compared to the reportedly less‐safe leading‐brand chicken. These changes in behavior persisted throughout the seven‐week study period.
The Economics of Food Insecurity in the United States
Authors: Gundersen Craig , Kreider Brent , Pepper John
Published: August 2011

Food insecurity is experienced by millions of Americans and has increased dramatically in recent years. Due to its prevalence and many demonstrated negative health consequences, food insecurity is one of the most important nutrition‐related public health issues in the U.S. In this article, we address three questions where economic insights and models have made important contributions: What are the determinants of food insecurity?; What are the causal effects of food insecurity on health outcomes?; and What is the impact of food assistance programs on food insecurity? We conclude with a discussion of the policy implications of the answers to these questions and future research opportunities in this research venue.
Development of New Method for Extraction of α‐Zein from Corn Gluten Meal Using Different Solvents
Authors: Anderson Timothy J. , Lamsal Buddhi P.
Published: August 2011

A modified procedure for the extraction of α‐zein from corn gluten meal was developed and compared against a commercial extraction method. The modification involved raising the concentration of alcohol in solvent and removing the precipitate by centrifugation. Five organic solvent mixtures were compared using the modified extraction procedure developed along with the reductant sodium bisulfite and NaOH. The modified procedure precipitated most of the non‐α‐zein protein solids by increasing the concentration of alcohol. The supernatant had α‐zein‐rich fraction, resulting in higher yield of α‐zein than the commercial method when cold precipitated. The commercial extraction procedure had a zein yield of 23% and protein purity of 28% using 88% 2‐propanol solvent. The three best solvents, 70% 2‐propanol, 55% 2‐propanol, and 70% ethanol, yielded ≈35% of zein at protein purity of 44% using the modified extraction procedure. Zeins extracted using the novel method were lighter in color than the commercial method. Densitometry scans of SDS‐PAGE of α‐zein‐rich solids showed relatively large quantities of α‐zein with apparent molecular weights of 19,000 and 22,000 Da. The α‐zein‐rich solids also had small amounts of δ‐zein (10,000 Da) because it shares similar solubility properties to α‐zein. A solvent mixture with 70% 2‐propanol, 22.5% glycerol, and 7.5% water extracted significantly less zein (≈33%) compared to all other solvents and had α‐zein bands that differed in appearance and contained little to no δ‐zein.
Twin‐Screw Extrusion Processing of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Feeds Using Various Levels of Corn‐Based Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS)
Authors: Ayadi Ferouz Y. , Muthukumarappan K. , Rosentrater Kurt A. , Brown Michael L.
Published: August 2011

Increasing demand for seafood products and rising demand for fish meal for commercial fish feeds is driving the search for effective alternative protein sources. Twin‐screw extrusion trials were conducted to study the production of nutritionally balanced feeds for rainbow trout fingerlings (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Six isocaloric (≈4.61 kcal/g) ingredient blends with a target protein content of >45% db were formulated with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and other feed ingredients. The moisture contents of the diets were initially adjusted to 5–7% db, and then extruded at 250 rpm using dual 1.9 mm dies with varying amounts of steam (7.2–7.7 kg/hr) injected into the conditioner and water (4.3–6.5 kg/hr) into the extruder. Mass flow rates, moisture contents, and temperatures were measured during processing and moisture content, water activity, unit density, bulk density, expansion ratio, compressive strength, compressive modulus, pellet durability index, water stability, and color were analyzed to quantify the effects of varying DDGS content on the extrudate physical properties. Significant differences (P < 0.05) among the blends were observed for color and bulk density for both the raw and extruded materials, respectively, and for the unit density and pellet durability index of the extruded products. There were also significant changes in redness and yellowness, but only minor changes in brightness, among the final products with increasing DDGS content. The compressive strength of the extrudates increased significantly with increasing DDGS. Expansion ratio of all pellets was low. All extruded diets achieved very good water stability.
A gigantic bird from the Upper Cretaceous of Central Asia
Authors: Naish Darren , Dyke Gareth , Cau Andrea , Escuillié François , Godefroit Pascal
Published: August 2011

We describe an enormous Late Cretaceous fossil bird from Kazakhstan, known from a pair of edentulous mandibular rami (greater than 275 mm long), which adds significantly to our knowledge of Mesozoic avian morphological and ecological diversity. A suite of autapomorphies lead us to recognize the specimen as a new taxon. Phylogenetic analysis resolves this giant bird deep within Aves as a basal member of Ornithuromorpha. This Kazakh fossil demonstrates that large body size evolved at least once outside modern birds (Neornithes) and reveals hitherto unexpected trophic diversity within Cretaceous Aves.
MAFIP is a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer that inhibits activation of the nuclear factor‐kappa B pathway
Authors: Li Yang , Yu Yao , Zhang Yan , Zhou Yufei , Li Chao , Zhu Jianbing , Yuan Hanying , Lu Hong
Published: August 2011

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Inactivation of tumor suppressor genes underlies the transformation and progression of cervical cancer. Previously, we reported MAFIP can inhibit the growth of human cervical cancer HeLa cells. In this study, MAFIP was found to be downregulated in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia tissues. Induced expression of MAFIP in HeLa cells strongly inhibited tumor formation in nude mice, confirming its tumor suppressor activity in vivo. Overexpression of MAFIP inhibited activation of the NF‐κB pathway, a commonly active pathway in cancer cells, by preventing the phosphorylation of IKK and IκBα, degradation of IκBα and the nuclear localization of p65. Induction of c‐myc, an oncogene controlled by NF‐κB, was severely impaired in the cells overexpressing MAFIP. In contrast, knockdown of MAFIP by siRNA activated the NF‐κB pathway and promoted cell proliferation. These data suggest MAFIP functions as a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer in part by inhibiting activation of the NF‐κB pathway. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 2043–2050)
Semi‐quantitative evaluation of CD44+/CD24− tumor cell distribution in breast cancer tissue using a newly developed fluorescence immunohistochemical staining method
Authors: Kai Masaya , Onishi Hideya , Souzaki Masae , Tanaka Haruo , Kubo Makoto , Tanaka Masao , Katano Mitsuo
Published: August 2011

CD44+/CD24− tumor cells are reported to contain cancer stem cells in breast cancer. The main purpose of the present study is to develop an immunohistofluorescence method that can quantitatively analyze CD44+/CD24− tumor cell distribution in breast cancer tissue and help better define the role of CD44+/CD24− tumor cells in breast cancer. The samples used were from 21 primary breast cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 17 cases with sentinel lymph nodes that had lymph node micrometastasis. CD44+/CD24− tumor cells were distinguished at a single cell level using improved triple‐staining immunohistofluorescence and a simulated laser capture microdissection method. The percentage of CD44+/CD24− cells significantly increased following neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment (0.93% and 2.78%, before and after, respectively, P = 0.0043). The percentage of CD44+/CD24− cells was also significantly high in micrometastatic sentinel lymph nodes (0.49% and 1.91%, primary tumors and lymph nodes, respectively, P = 0.0246). The CD44+/CD24− tumor cell distribution was heterogeneous in both breast cancer tissue and lymph node metastasis. In a xenograft model using immunodeficient mice, the hedgehog signaling inhibitor cyclopamine repressed the tumorigenicity of CD44+/CD24− cells. Our results suggest that this semi‐quantitative immunohistochemical analysis is valuable for detecting a small population of cells in cancer tissues and that the hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor cyclopamine is useful for regulating the CD44+/CD24− tumor cells in breast cancer. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 2132–2138)
Dosing algorithm to target a predefined AUC in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma receiving high dose methotrexate
Authors: Joerger Markus , Ferreri Andrés J. M. , Krähenbühl Stephan , Schellens Jan H. M. , Cerny Thomas , Zucca Emanuele , Huitema Alwin D. R.
Published: August 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• High dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is the most effective drug in treating primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).

• While interoccasion variability of MTX elimination is moderate, interindividual variability is considerable and unpredictable.

• MTX dose intensity is important in patients with PCNSL to allow for an optimal clinical outcome.

• No dosing algorithm has yet been defined to individualize HDMTX dose and allow for targeting a prespecified dose intensity of the drug in patients with PCNSL.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• The present simulation study shows that a simple and practical dosing algorithm is able to improve the proportion of patients within a prespecified target AUCMTX.

• Using this dosing algorithm, 71% of the patients received a MTX dose that was higher than the standard (500 mg m−2 over 15 min followed by 3000 mg m−2 over 3 h), while 11% of the patients received a dose that was lower than standard.

AIM There is no consensus regarding optimal dosing of high dose methotrexate (HDMTX) in patients with primary CNS lymphoma. Our aim was to develop a convenient dosing algorithm to target AUCMTX in the range between 1000 and 1100 µmol l−1 h.

METHODS A population covariate model from a pooled dataset of 131 patients receiving HDMTX was used to simulate concentration–time curves of 10 000 patients and test the efficacy of a dosing algorithm based on 24 h MTX plasma concentrations to target the prespecified AUCMTX. These data simulations included interindividual, interoccasion and residual unidentified variability. Patients received a total of four simulated cycles of HDMTX and adjusted MTX dosages were given for cycles two to four.

RESULTS The dosing algorithm proposes MTX dose adaptations ranging from +75% in patients with MTX C24 < 0.5 µmol l−1 up to −35% in patients with MTX C24 > 12 µmol l−1. The proposed dosing algorithm resulted in a marked improvement of the proportion of patients within the AUCMTX target between 1000 and 1100 µmol l−1 h (11% with standard MTX dose, 35% with the adjusted dose) and a marked reduction of the interindividual variability of MTX exposure.

CONCLUSIONS A simple and practical dosing algorithm for HDMTX has been developed based on MTX 24 h plasma concentrations, and its potential efficacy in improving the proportion of patients within a prespecified target AUCMTX and reducing the interindividual variability of MTX exposure has been shown by data simulations. The clinical benefit of this dosing algorithm should be assessed in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).
Positron emission tomography molecular imaging for drug development
Authors: Matthews Paul M. , Rabiner Eugenii A. , Passchier Jan , Gunn Roger N.
Published: August 2011

Human in vivo molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) enables a new kind of ‘precision pharmacology’, able to address questions central to drug development. Biodistribution studies with drug molecules carrying positron‐emitting radioisotopes can test whether a new chemical entity reaches a target tissue compartment (such as the brain) in sufficient amounts to be pharmacologically active. Competition studies, using a radioligand that binds to the target of therapeutic interest with adequate specificity, enable direct assessment of the relationship between drug plasma concentration and target occupancy. Tailored radiotracers can be used to measure relative rates of biological processes, while radioligands specific for tissue markers expected to change with treatment can provide specific pharmacodynamic information. Integrated application of PET and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods allows molecular interactions to be related directly to anatomical or physiological changes in a tissue. Applications of imaging in early drug development can suggest approaches to patient stratification for a personalized medicine able to deliver higher value from a drug after approval. Although imaging experimental medicine adds complexity to early drug development and costs per patient are high, appropriate use can increase returns on R and D investment by improving early decision making to reduce new drug attrition in later stages. We urge that the potential value of a translational molecular imaging strategy be considered routinely and at the earliest stages of new drug development.
CYP2C8 but not CYP3A4 is important in the pharmacokinetics of montelukast
Authors: Karonen Tiina , Neuvonen Pertti J. , Backman Janne T.
Published: August 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• The elimination of montelukast occurs mainly via metabolism and, according to its product information, CYP3A4 and 2C9 are the main metabolizing enzymes in vitro.

• Recent studies, however, suggest that CYP2C8 may have a role in the metabolism of montelukast.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• The CYP3A4 inhibitor itraconazole markedly reduces the formation of a minor metabolite of montelukast, but has no significant effect on the total elimination of montelukast.

• Montelukast is predominantly metabolized by CYP2C8, and can thus be used as a sensitive CYP2C8 probe drug.

AIM According to product information, montelukast is extensively metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. However, CYP2C8 was also recently found to be involved. Our aim was to study the effects of selective CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 inhibitors on the pharmacokinetics of montelukast.

METHODS In a randomized crossover study, 11 healthy subjects ingested gemfibrozil 600 mg, itraconazole 100 mg (first dose 200 mg) or both, or placebo twice daily for 5 days, and on day 3, 10 mg montelukast. Plasma concentrations of montelukast, gemfibrozil, itraconazole and their metabolites were measured up to 72 h.

RESULTS The CYP2C8 inhibitor gemfibrozil increased the AUC(0,∞) of montelukast 4.3‐fold and its t1/2 2.1‐fold (P < 0.001). Gemfibrozil impaired the formation of the montelukast primary metabolite M6, reduced the AUC and Cmax of the secondary (major) metabolite M4 by more than 90% (P < 0.05) and increased those of M5a and M5b (P < 0.05). The CYP3A4 inhibitor itraconazole had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetic variables of montelukast or its M6 and M4 metabolites, but markedly reduced the AUC and Cmax of M5a and M5b (P < 0.05). The effects of the gemfibrozil‐itraconazole combination on the pharmacokinetics of montelukast did not differ from those of gemfibrozil alone.

CONCLUSIONS CYP2C8 is the dominant enzyme in the biotransformation of montelukast in humans, accounting for about 80% of its metabolism. CYP3A4 only mediates the formation of the minor metabolite M5a/b, and is not important in the elimination of montelukast. Montelukast may serve as a safe and useful CYP2C8 probe drug.
Erythrocyte‐associated apolipoprotein B and its relationship with clinical and subclinical atherosclerosis
Authors: Bovenberg Sarah A. , Klop Boudewijn , Alipour Arash , Martinez‐Hervas Sergio , Westzaan Andrew , van de Geijn Gert‐Jan M. , Janssen Hans W. J. , Njo Tjin , Birnie Erwin , van Mechelen Rob , Rietveld Arie P. , Elte Jan Willem F. , Castro Cabezas Manuel
Published: August 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (4): 365–370

Background  Apolipoprotein (apo) B‐containing lipoproteins are closely linked to atherogenesis. These lipoproteins are transported in plasma and are also associated with blood leucocytes. Our aim was to investigate whether apoB‐containing lipoproteins are also present on the surface of erythrocytes and investigate the relationship with the presence of atherosclerosis in a cross‐sectional study.

Materials and methods  Erythrocyte‐bound apoB (ery‐apoB) was measured by flowcytometry in subjects with (CAD+) and without coronary artery disease (CAD−), based on coronary angiography or on a history of cardiovascular disease. Intima media thickness (IMT) measurements were carried out using B‐mode ultrasound. The relationship between ery‐apoB and clinical and subclinical atherosclerosis was evaluated with binary logistic regression.

Results  A total of 166 subjects were included (40 CAD+ and 126 CAD−). ApoB was detected on freshly isolated erythrocytes (range: 0·1–5·5 au; mean ± SEM 0·86 ± 0·09 au) in all but nine subjects (four CAD+ and five CAD−). Ery‐apoB was lower in CAD+ (0·62 ± 0·09 au) compared to CAD− (1·18 ± 0·10 au; P < 0·001). Higher ery‐apoB was associated with a lower risk of CAD (adjusted OR: 0·003 (95% CI: 0·001–0·08; P < 0·001), but the protective effect was diminished with increasing age (adjusted OR: 1·10 (95% CI: 1·04–1·16; P < 0·001). IMT was increased in CAD+ subjects (0·77 ± 0·13 mm) compared to CAD− (0·57 ± 0·14 mm; P < 0·001). A significant negative association was found between ery‐apoB and IMT (β = −0·214: 95% CI −0·284 to −0·145; P < 0·001). There was no association between ery‐apoB and plasma apoB (Pearson’s r = −0·45; P = 0·57).

Conclusions  Human erythrocytes carry apoB‐containing lipoproteins. Subjects with atherosclerosis have lower ery‐apoB. High ery‐apoB may be protective against atherosclerosis and may reflect an alternative blood cell–mediated lipoprotein transport system in the circulation, in which these lipoproteins less likely interact with the endothelium.
Nutrients exert a stronger control than climate on recent diatom communities in Esthwaite Water: evidence from monitoring and palaeolimnological records
Authors: DONG XUHUI , BENNION HELEN , MABERLY STEPHEN C. , SAYER CARL D. , SIMPSON GAVIN L. , BATTARBEE RICHARD W.
Published: August 2011

1. A long‐term monitoring programme on phytoplankton and physicochemical characteristics of Esthwaite Water (England) that started in 1945 provides a rare opportunity to understand the effects of climate and nutrients on a lake ecosystem.

2. Monitoring records show that the lake experienced nutrient enrichment from the early 1970s, particularly after 1975, associated with inputs from a local sewage treatment plant, resulting in marked increases in concentration of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP). Climatic variables, such as air temperature (AirT) and rainfall, exhibit high variability with increasing trends after 1975.

3. Diatom analyses of an integrated 210Pb‐dated lake sediment core from Esthwaite Water, covering the period from 1945 to 2004, showed that fossil diatoms exhibited distinct compositional change in response to nutrient enrichment.

4. Redundancy analysis (RDA) based on diatom and environmental data sets over the past 60 years showed that the most important variables explaining diatom species composition were winter concentrations of SRP, followed by AirT, independently explaining 22% and 8% of the diatom variance, respectively.

5. Additive models showed that winter SRP was the most important factor controlling the diatom assemblages for the whole monitoring period. AirT had little effect on the diatom assemblages when nutrient levels were low prior to 1975. With the increase in nutrient availability during the eutrophication phase after 1975, climate became more important in regulating the diatom community, although SRP was still the major controlling factor.

6. The relative effects of climate and nutrients on diatom communities vary depending on the timescale. RDA and additive model revealed that climate contributed little to diatom dynamics at an annual or decadal scale.

7. The combination of monitoring and palaeolimnological records employed here offers the opportunity to explore how nutrients and climate have affected a lake ecosystem over a range of timescales. This dual approach can potentially be extended to much longer timescales (e.g. centuries), where long‐term, reliable observational records exist.
Living in a paradox – women’s experiences of body and life‐world after meningioma surgery
Authors: Wenström Ingrid , Eriksson Lars E. , Ebbeskog Britt
Published: August 2011

wenström i., eriksson l.e. & ebbeskog b. (2012) Living in a paradox – women’s experiences of body and life‐world after meningioma surgery. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(3), 559–568.

Aims.  The aims of the study were to describe how persons who have undergone benign meningioma surgery experience their body and life‐world and to illuminate the meaning of the illness, operation and recovery.

Background.  Meningioma, which is often benign, is the most commonly diagnosed brain tumour. Studies have shown that persons with meningioma tend to be more psychologically affected than persons with other brain tumours. To our knowledge, no previous studies have focused on the life‐world or body experience of these persons.

Method.  Narrative interviews with seven women conducted over a 6‐month period (2008–2009) were analyzed using a phenomenological hermeneutical method.

Findings.  Four themes were identified: In between double threats: the tumour and operation: the participants seemed to perceive a paradox in the sense that the tumour was both benign and threatening and the surgery both curing and risky; the wound as an open gate: the wound is visibly healed, but perceived as unhealed; the suffering body overflows life: the participants were prevented from regaining their body, feeling fragile and oversensitive to impressions; and the need to be embraced by attention: taking the participants’ needs seriously facilitated understanding of the diagnosis.

Conclusion.  The participants in this study described emotional distress when recovering from meningioma surgery. It is essential for nurses to be aware of the various meanings people ascribe to events that disrupt their lives and the transition process in connection with meningioma treatment.