bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adenosine Can Mediate its Actions through Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Gebremedhin Debebe , Weinberger Brian , Lourim David , Harder David R
Published: June 2010

Adenosine is an important cerebral vasodilator, but mediating mechanisms are not understood. We investigated the expression of adenosine receptor subtypes in isolated cerebral arterial muscle cells (CAMCs), and their role in adenosine-induced superoxide (O2−) generation and reduction in cerebral arterial tone. Reverse transcriptase-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence studies have shown that CAMCs express transcript and protein for A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 adenosine receptors. Stimulation of CAMCs with adenosine or the A2A agonist CGS-21680 increased the generation of O2− that was attenuated by the inhibition of A2A and A2B adenosine receptor subtypes, or by the peptide inhibitor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase gp91ds-tat, or by the mitochondria uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol. Application of adenosine or CGS-21680 dilated pressure-constricted cerebral arterial segments that were prevented by the antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) conjugated to polyethylene glycol (PEG) and PEG-catalase or by the A2B adenosine receptor antagonist MRS-1754, or by the mixed A2A and A2B antagonist ZM-241385. Antagonism of the A2A and A2B adenosine receptors had no effect on cerebral vasodilatation induced by nifedipine. These findings indicate that adenosine reduces pressure-induced cerebral arterial tone through stimulation of A2A and A2B adenosine receptors and generation of O2− from NADPH oxidase and mitochondrial sources. This signaling pathway could be one of the mediators of the cerebral vasodilatory actions of adenosine.
Combined Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and rt-PA Treatment is Safe and Improves Impaired Microcirculation after Reperfusion of Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Nedelmann Max , Ritschel Nouha , Doenges Simone , Langheinrich Alexander C , Acker Till , Reuter Peter , Yeniguen Mesut , Pukropski Jan , Kaps Manfred , Mueller Clemens , Bachmann Georg , Gerriets Tibo
Published: June 2010

In monitoring of recanalization and in sonothrombolysis, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is applied in extended time protocols. As extended use may increase the probability of unwanted effects, careful safety evaluation is required. We investigated the safety profile and beneficial effects of CEUS in a reperfusion model. Wistar rats were subjected to filament occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA). Reperfusion was established after 90 minutes, followed by recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment and randomization to additional CEUS (contrast agent: SonoVue; 60 minutes). Blinded outcome evaluation consisted of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neurologic assessment, and histology and, in separate experiments, quantitative 3D nano-computed tomography (CT) angiography (900 nm3 voxel size). Nano-CT revealed severely compromised microcirculation in untreated animals after MCA reperfusion. The rt-PA partially improved hemispheric perfusion. Impairment was completely reversed in animals receiving rt-PA and CEUS. This combination was more effective than treatment with either CEUS without rt-PA or rt-PA and ultrasound or ultrasound alone. In MRI experiments, CEUS and rt-PA treatment resulted in a significantly reduced ischemic lesion volume and edema formation. No unwanted effects were detected on MRI, histology, and intracranial temperature assessment. This study shows that CEUS and rt-PA is safe in the situation of reperfusion and displays beneficial effects on the level of the microvasculature.
Duration of fusion pore opening and the amount of hormone released are regulated by myosin II during kiss-and-run exocytosis
Authors: Aoki Ryo , Kitaguchi Tetsuya , Oya Manami , Yanagihara Yu , Sato Mai , Miyawaki Atsushi , Tsuboi Takashi
Published: June 2010

Since the fusion pore of the secretory vesicle is resealed before complete dilation during ‘kiss-and-run’ exocytosis, their cargoes are not completely released. Although the transient fusion pore is kept open for several seconds, the precise mechanisms that control fusion pore maintenance, and their physiological significance, are not well understood. Using dual-colour TIRF (total internal reflection fluorescence) microscopy in neuroendocrine PC12 cells, we show that myosin II regulates the fusion pore dynamics during kiss-and-run exocytosis. The release kinetics of mRFP (monomeric red fluorescent protein)-tagged tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) and Venus-tagged BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which show slower release kinetics than NPY (neuropeptide Y)–mRFP and insulin–mRFP, were prolonged by the overexpression of a wild-type form of the RLC (myosin II regulatory light chain). In contrast, overexpression of a dominant-negative form of RLC shortened the release kinetics. Using spH (synapto-pHluorin), a green fluorescent protein-based pH sensor inside the vesicles, we confirmed that the modulation of the release kinetics by myosin II is due to changes in the duration of fusion pore opening. In addition, we revealed that the amount of hormone released into the extracellular space upon stimulation was increased by overexpression of wild-type RLC. We propose that the duration of fusion pore opening is regulated by myosin II to control the amount of hormone released from a single vesicle.
Effect of 8-oxoguanine and abasic site DNA lesions on in vitro elongation by human DNA polymerase ϵ in the presence of replication protein A and proliferating-cell nuclear antigen
Authors: Locatelli Giada A. , Pospiech Helmut , Tanguy Le Gac Nicolas , van Loon Barbara , Hubscher Ulrich , Parkkinen Sinikka , Syväoja Juhani E. , Villani Giuseppe
Published: June 2010

DNA pol (polymerase) ϵ is thought to be the leading strand replicase in eukaryotes. In the present paper, we show that human DNA pol ϵ can efficiently bypass an 8-oxo-G (7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine) lesion on the template strand by inserting either dCMP or dAMP opposite to it, but it cannot bypass an abasic site. During replication, DNA pols associate with accessory proteins that may alter their bypass ability. We investigated the role of the human DNA sliding clamp PCNA (proliferating-cell nuclear antigen) and of the human single-stranded DNA-binding protein RPA (replication protein A) in the modulation of the DNA synthesis and translesion capacity of DNA pol ϵ. RPA inhibited the elongation by human DNA pol ϵ on templates annealed to short primers. PCNA did not influence the elongation by DNA pol ϵ and had no effect on inhibition of elongation caused by RPA. RPA inhibition was considerably reduced when the length of the primers was increased. On templates bearing the 8-oxo-G lesion, this inhibitory effect was more pronounced on DNA replication beyond the lesion, suggesting that RPA may prevent extension by DNA pol ϵ after incorporation opposite an 8-oxo-G. Neither PCNA nor RPA had any effect on the inability of DNA pol ϵ to replicate past the AP site, independent of the primer length.
The mitochondrial respiratory chain
Authors: Rich Peter R. , Maréchal Amandine
Published: June 2010

In the present chapter, the structures and mechanisms of the major components of mammalian mitochondrial respiratory chains are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on the four protein complexes and their cofactors that catalyse the electron transfer pathway between oxidation of NADH and succinate and the reduction of oxygen to water. Current ideas are reviewed of how these electron transfer reactions are coupled to formation of the proton and charge gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane that is used to drive ATP synthesis. Additional respiratory components that are found in mammalian and plant, fungal and algal mitochondria are also reviewed.
In situ visualization of crystallization inside high temperature silicate melts
Authors: Srivastava Atul , Inatomi Yuko , Tsukamoto Katsuo , Maki T , Miura Hitoshi
Published: June 2010

The present work is concerned with the real time in situ visualization of crystallization processes inside strongly supercooled silicate melts using optical projection technique. The crystallization experiments are carried out for forsterite composition under container-less conditions. Starting material is heated above its liquidus temperature (2169 K) using a high power CO2 laser and crystallization is initiated following rapid cooling. Three different values of supercooling (ΔT≈320, 400, and 500 K, calculated with respect to the liquidus temperature of forsterite composition as reference) are independently employed to initiate the nucleation process by adjusting the output power of CO2 laser. Primary findings of the study show that a suitably designed optical system is capable of imaging melt convection at temperatures as high as near liquidus and presents a novel approach for the prediction of resultant crystallization textures in real time nondestructively. Using the developed optical arrangement, formation of porphyritic-like textures and parallel-barred structures could be successfully visualized during the crystallization process. The results also reveal that for very large values of supercooling, it is possible to initiate nucleation from inside the melt droplet. The in situ predictions of resultant crystalline textures are compared with the textures revealed by photomicrographs of the corresponding thin sections and a good agreement is seen between the two observations.
Hole transport in the organic small molecule material α-NPD: evidence for the presence of correlated disorder
Authors: van Mensfoort S. L. M. , Shabro V. , de Vries R. J. , Janssen R. A. J. , Coehoorn R.
Published: June 2010

In this paper the hole mobility in the amorphous small molecule material N,N′-bis(1-naphthyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine (α-NPD), which is frequently used in organic light-emitting diodes, is studied. From an analysis of the temperature and layer thickness dependence of the steady-state current density in sandwich-type α-NPD-based hole-only devices, it is found that a conventional mobility model assuming a Poole–Frenkel type field dependence and neglecting the carrier density dependence is not appropriate. Consistent descriptions with equal quality are obtained within the framework of two forms of the Gaussian disorder model (GDM and CDM), within which the presence of energetic disorder is described by a Gaussian density of states and within which spatial correlations between the site energies are absent or are included, respectively. Both models contain a carrier density dependence of the mobility. Based on a comparison of the site densities as obtained from both models with the molecular density, we argue that the analysis provides evidence for the presence of correlated disorder.
Direct determination of fluid-solid coexistence of square-well fluids confined in narrow cylindrical hard pores
Authors: Huang Huan Cong , Chen Wen Wen , Singh Jayant K. , Kwak Sang Kyu
Published: June 2010

Fluid-solid phase transition and coexistence of square-well fluids confined in narrow cylindrical hard pores are characterized using molecular simulation methods. The equation of state containing a fluid phase, a solid phase and a fluid-solid coexistence state was separately obtained for different attractive ranges of potential well and pore diameters; λ=1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5 for a pore of diameter D=2.2σ, λ=1.5 and 1.65 for a pore of diameter D=2.5σ. For λ=1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 at pore diameter D=2.2σ, λ=1.5 at D=2.5σ, the fluid-solid phase coexistence densities and pressure are close to the hard sphere fluids at the same temperature, while the pressure decreases significantly for λ=1.5 at D=2.2σ and λ=1.65 at D=2.5σ, respectively. We also report the structural properties of the systems undergoing a phase transition.
On the ionization equilibrium of hot hydrogen plasma and thermodynamic consistency of formulating finite internal partition functions
Authors: Zaghloul Mofreh R.
Published: June 2010

The problem of formulating a thermodynamically consistent finite internal partition function in nonideal hydrogen plasma systems is investigated and analyzed within the chemical picture revealing inaccuracies and inconsistencies buried in widely used formulations in the literature. The analysis carried out here, though performed for the simplest case of pure nonideal hydrogen plasma, shows all specific features of the problem and is extendable to the general case of a complex multicomponent plasma mixture. A criterion for the separability of the configurational component of the free energy is presented and an accurate and consistent formulation of the problem is introduced. The presented criterion and the introduced consistent formulation of the problem clear ambiguities in other formulations in the literature and provide a better understanding of the problem. An illustrative example is worked out showing simplicity and effectiveness of the proposed consistent formulation and the importance of terms essential for thermodynamic consistency, which are commonly neglected by other authors in the literature.
Formation of (Xe2H)* centers in solid Xe via recombination: nonstationary luminescence and internal electron emission
Authors: Savchenko E. V. , Khyzhniy I. V. , Uyutnov S. A. , Gumenchuk G. B. , Ponomaryov A. N. , Beyer M. K. , Bondybey V. E.
Published: June 2010

The formation of excimers (Xe2H)* in solid Xe doped with molecular hydrogen under irradiation by an electron beam is studied using the original two-stage technique of nonstationary (NS) cathodoluminescence (CL) in combination with current activation spectroscopy—thermally stimulated exoelectron emission (TSEE). Charged species are generated using a high-density electron beam. The species produced are probed with a low-density beam with sample gradually heated. The near-UV emission of the (Xe2H)* is used to monitor the neutralization process. It is found that the temperature behavior of the NS CL band of (Xe2H)* clearly correlates with the yield of TSEE measured after identical pre-irradiation of the sample. The fingerprints of the thermally stimulated detrapping of electrons—«internal electron emission»—-in the spectrum of NS CL point to the essential role of the neutralization reaction in the stability of protons solvated by rare-gas atoms.
Single-molecule probing of incommensurate biphenyl
Authors: Pärs M. , Palm V. , Kikas J.
Published: June 2010

Our data on the distribution of purely electronic linewidths of single molecules of terrylene in incommensurate biphenyl crystals are compared with the data obtained by other groups for different low-temperature organic solid hosts and with results of numerical simulations. The first two moments of the distributions measured within a narrow temperature interval have been used to calculate a single dimensionless parameter characterizing each of the respective hosts—the variation coefficient. It appears that different amorphous hosts have similar values of this coefficient, but the value obtained for the incommensurate crystal of biphenyl is significantly different. One can conclude that the remarkable single-molecule line broadening in biphenyl at 1.8K cannot be solely explained by the interaction with two-level systems, which is considered to cause the broadening in amorphous hosts.
Origin of pyramidal hillocks on GaN thin films grown on free-standing m-plane GaN substrates
Authors: Farrell R. M. , Haeger D. A. , Chen X. , Gallinat C. S. , Davis R. W. , Cornish M. , Fujito K. , Keller S. , DenBaars S. P. , Nakamura S. , Speck J. S.
Published: June 2010

The relationship between pyramidal hillocks and dislocations was studied for GaN thin films grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on low-dislocation-density free-standing m-plane GaN substrates. Four-sided pyramidal hillocks were observed on GaN thin films grown on nominally on-axis m-plane GaN substrates. Cathodoluminescence measurements revealed the presence of a dislocation at the apex of each pyramidal hillock. High-resolution atomic force microscopy images showed a pinned step at the apex of each pyramidal hillock and a spiral ramp around the termination of the step, indicating that the pyramidal hillocks arise from spiral growth around screw-component dislocations intersecting the surface of the crystal.
Control of the charge transport properties in a solution-processible ambipolar quinoidal oligothiophene derivative by direct laser writing
Authors: Ribierre J. C. , Fujihara T. , Muto T. , Aoyama T.
Published: June 2010

We investigate the effects of laser irradiation on the performance of organic field-effect transistors based on the solution-processible quinoidal oligothiophene [QQT(CN)4]. Whereas electron field-effect mobilities are not modified, hole transport can be selectively controlled and even suppressed depending on the laser irradiation conditions. Vertical p-n bipolar structures in QQT(CN)4 realized by direct laser writing are also studied. The results provide essential information for the effective laser patterning of complementary organic logic circuits and suggests the possibility to fabricate by direct laser writing complex three-dimensional bipolar p-n structures in a single QQT(CN)4 thin film.
Accumulation capacitance of narrow band gap metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors
Authors: Lind Erik , Niquet Yann-Michel , Mera Hector , Wernersson Lars-Erik
Published: June 2010

We have investigated the accumulation capacitance-voltage characteristics for capacitors with narrow band gap materials using modeling and experiments. The capacitance for InAs and In0.53Ga0.47As capacitors with a HfO2 oxide layer has been calculated using atomistic tight-binding, effective mass, and semiclassical nonparabolic models. The simulations show that band structure effects have a strong influence on the accumulation capacitance, and are essential for the description of narrow band gap capacitors. The calculated tight binding data compare well with measurements on n-type InAs HfO2 capacitors on (100) and (111)B substrates, highlighting the nonparabolicity as the main origin for the large accumulation capacitance.
Increasing the hydrophobic property of poly (vinylidene fluoride) by KrF excimer laser irradiation
Authors: Liu Ying , Wei Qi , Jiang Yijian , Nie Zuoren
Published: June 2010

A simple method for the fabrication of increasing the hydrophobic property on poly (vinylidene fluoride) using KrF excimer laser irradiation is demonstrated. The results showed that the water contact angle on modified area was increased from 53° to approximately 170°. It was found that the change in wetting behavior correlated with the formation of a regular wall-like structure and the appearance of C–CF2 and C–F. The combined effect of surface morphology and surface chemical construction induced by the laser irradiation had considerably contributed to increase the hydrophobic property of poly (vinylidene fluoride).
Thermodynamic properties of normal and deuterated methanols
Authors: Chen S. S. , Wilhoit R. C. , Zwolinski B. J.
Published: June 2010

Structural and spectroscopic data on CH3OH, CH3OD, CDOD were reviewed. The selected values were utilized to calculate the ideal gas thermodynamic properties in the temperature range of 0 to 1500 K, using the rigid-rotor and harmonic-oscillator model. Experimental data for the standard enthalpy of formation at 298.15 K, the heat capacities, and the third-law entropies at elevated temperatures are available only for CH3OH vapor phase where intermolecular association occurs. The agreement between the observed thermal data and our calculated values is satisfactory within the experimental uncertainties. Finally, the standard chemical thermodynamic values for ΔHf°, ΔGf°, and log Kf were generated in the temperature range of 0 to 1500 K.
Energy levels of chromium, Cr I through Cr XXIV
Authors: Sugar Jack , Corliss Charles
Published: June 2010

The energy levels of the chromium atom in all of its stages of ionization, as derived from the analyses of atomic spectra, have been completed. In cases where only line classifications are given in the literature, level values have been derived. The percentages for the two leading components of the calculated eigenvectors of the levels are given where available. Ionization energies and g-factors are also given.
Microwave spectra of molecules of astrophysical interest XII. Hydroxyl radical
Authors: Beaudet Robert A. , Poynter Robert L.
Published: June 2010

The available data on the microwave spectrum of the hydroxyl radical are critically reviewed for information applicable to radio astronomy. Molecular properties such as the rotational constants, spin-orbit, spin-spin and hyperfine coupling constants and centrifugal distortion parameters employed in or derived from the analysis are tabulated. All the observed and predicted transitions of 16OH, 16OD, and 18OH below 300 GHz and lower state energy levels less than 4000 cm−1 are presented for the ground vibrational state. The laboratory data on 17OH is included, but no predicted transitions are presented due to the limited data available. In addition to the transition frequencies the table contains the calculated line strengths and energies of the levels involved in the transition. An extensive bibliography of laboratory and astronomical studies of the hydroxyl radical is presented as an aid to workers in both fields.
Tables of molecular vibrational frequencies
Authors: Shimanouchi Takehiko , Matsuura Hiroatsu , Ogawa Yoshiki , Harada Issei
Published: June 2010

Fundamental vibrational frequencies of 109 molecular forms of 38 polyatomic chain molecules consisting of the CH3, CD3, CH2 CD2, CHD, O, and S groups are given as an extension of tables of molecular vibrational frequencies published in the NSRDS-NBS publication series and in this journal. On preparing the tables in this part, an approach, different from that in the previous parts, based on the calculations of normal vibration frequencies was adopted. A set of force constants which explains all the frequencies of small molecules for which the assignments had been established was obtained and then the frequencies of larger molecules was calculated and compared with the frequencies observed in the infrared and Raman spectra. The tables provide a convenient source of information for those who require vibrational energy levels and related properties in molecular spectroscopy, thermodynamics, analytical chemistry, and other fields of physics and chemistry.
Influence of flexible substrate thickness on static and dynamic magnetic properties of FeCoB thin films
Authors: Phuoc Nguyen Nguyen , Hung Le Thanh , Ong C K
Published: June 2010

The influence of substrate thickness on the static and dynamic properties of FeCoB thin films grown onto flexible substrates by the sputtering technique was extensively investigated and the result was analysed based on the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation. The existence of rotatable magnetic anisotropy was observed and discussed within the framework of ripple theory. It was found that the variation of the rotatable anisotropy field with substrate thickness is roughly coincident with that of coercivity. This suggests that the arising of rotatable anisotropy and the enhancement of coercivity when the substrate thickness is reduced has the same mechanism, i.e. the existence of local random anisotropy. The ferromagnetic resonance frequency is enhanced and the frequency linewidth is broader as the substrate thickness is reduced, which is possibly related to the decrease in the stress in the films. The observed small variation of static permeability with substrate thickness suggests that reducing the substrate thickness is a good way to obtain high effective permeability.
Charge transport and magnetic ordering in laser ablated Co2FeSi thin films epitaxially grown on (1 0 0) SrTiO3
Authors: Anupam  , Joshi P C , Rout P K , Hossain Z , Budhani R C
Published: June 2010

We have successfully deposited epitaxial thin films of the Heusler alloy Co2FeSi on (1 0 0) cut SrTiO3 single crystal substrates by pulsed laser deposition. X-ray diffraction reveals the L21 cubic crystal structure for the films grown at 400 and 600 °C, with a better crystallographic quality at the higher growth temperature. The magnetic moment in saturation of the 600 °C grown film is 5.0 µB/fu at 5 K with the easy axis of magnetization in the (1 0 0) plane. Inplane hysteresis measurements suggest a soft magnetic state with a coercive field H
C ≈ 250 Oe at 5 K for the 600 °C film which decreases on lowering the growth temperature. The normalized magnetization of thin films follows the well-known Bloch T
3/2 law due to spin wave excitation. Electrical resistivity measurements on the films with the L21 crystal structure show a pronounced metallic behaviour down to the lowest temperature of measurement (≈5 K), and enhanced metallicity in the 600 °C film as indicated by its lower residual resistivity (≈0.16 µΩ cm) and higher residual resistivity ratio (RRR ≈ 1280). These results suggest that films grown at the higher temperature may be better suited for the fabrication of magnetic tunnel junctions.
Mechanism of ultra-fast heating in a non-equilibrium weakly ionized air discharge plasma in high electric fields
Authors: Aleksandrov N L , Kindysheva S V , Nudnova M M , Starikovskiy A Yu
Published: June 2010

Observations of a shock wave propagating through a decaying plasma in the afterglow of an impulse high-voltage nanosecond discharge and of a surface dielectric barrier discharge in the nanosecond range were analysed to determine the electron power transferred into heat in air plasmas in high electric fields. It was shown that approximately half of the discharge power can go to heat for a short (∼1 µs at atmospheric pressure) period of time when reduced electric fields are present at approximately 103 Td. A kinetic model was developed to describe the processes that contribute towards the fast transfer of electron energy into thermal energy under the conditions considered. This model takes into account previously suggested mechanisms to describe observations of fast heating in moderate (∼102 Td) reduced electric fields and also considers the processes that become important in the presence of high electric fields. Calculations based on the developed model agree qualitatively with analyses of high-voltage nanosecond discharge observations.
LH power deposition and CD efficiency studies by application of modulated power at JET
Authors: Kirov K.K. , Baranov Yu. , Mailloux J. , Mayoral M.-L. , Nave M.F.F. , Ongena J.
Published: June 2010

The lower hybrid (LH) power deposition and the current drive (CD) efficiency were assessed by the application of modulated LH power. Density and magnetic field scans were performed and the response of the electron temperature provided by the available electron cyclotron emission diagnostic was investigated by means of fast Fourier transform analysis. An innovative technique based on a comparison between modelled and experimental data was developed and used in the study. The LH waves are absorbed by fast electrons with energies of a few times the thermal one, causing a modification in the electron distribution function (EDF) by creating a plateau in the parallel direction. The phase of the temperature perturbations, ϕ, as well as the ratio between the amplitudes of the third and the main harmonics, δT
e3/δT
e1, are found to be strongly affected by the plateau of the EDF as the broader the plateau the larger |ϕ|, (ϕ < 0), and the smaller δT
e3/δT
e1 are. Transport and Fokker–Planck modelling was used to support this conclusion as well as to interpret the experimental data and hence to assess the LHCD efficiency and deposition profile. The results from the analysis are consistent with broad off-axis LH power deposition profile. For densities between 1 × 1019 and 4 × 1019 m−3, which is the accessibility limit at the highest magnetic field discharges, a gradual shift of the maximum of the power deposition to the periphery and a degradation of the CD efficiency was observed.
Selected Factors Affecting Crude Oil Analysis of Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) as Compared with Milled Corn
Authors: Liu KeShun
Published: June 2010

With increasing production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), both fuel ethanol and animal feed industries are demanding standardized protocols for characterizing quality. AOCS Approved Procedure (Am 5‐04) was used for measuring crude oil content in milled corn and resulting DDGS. Selected factors, including sample type (milled corn, DDGS), sample origin (ethanol plant 1, 2, 3), sample particle size (original matrix, <0.71 mm, <0.50 mm mesh opening; the last two materials were obtained by grinding and sieving), solvent type (petroleum ether, hexane), extraction time (30, 60 min), and postextraction drying time (30, 60 min) were investigated by a complete factorial design. For milled corn, only sample origin and extraction time had significant effects (P < 0.05) on crude oil values measured, but for DDGS, besides those two factors, sample particle size, solvent type, and drying time also had significant effects. Among them, the particle size of DDGS had the most effect. On average, measured oil content in DDGS ranged from 11.11% (original matrix) to 12.12% (<0.71 mm) and to 12.55% (<0.50 mm). For measuring the crude oil content of DDGS, particle size reduction, 60 min of extraction, and 60 min of drying are recommended. Regardless of the underlining factors, the method was very repeatable (standard errors <0.05). The observed particle size effect on crude oil analysis of DDGS suggests the need for similar confirmations using other analytical methods.
Tobacco smoking and regression of low‐grade cervical abnormalities
Authors: Matsumoto Koji , Oki Akinori , Furuta Reiko , Maeda Hiroo , Yasugi Toshiharu , Takatsuka Naoyoshi , Hirai Yasuo , Mitsuhashi Akira , Fujii Takuma , Iwasaka Tsuyoshi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Watanabe Yoh , Nagai Yutaka , Kitagawa Tomoyuki , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki ,   for the Japan HPV And Cervical Cancer (JHACC) Study Group
Published: June 2010

The role of tobacco smoking in the multistage carcinogenesis at the cervix is not fully understood because of a paucity of prospective data. To assess the relationship between smoking and spontaneous regression of cervical precursor lesions, a total of 516 women with low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) were monitored by cytology and colposcopy every 4 months. Probability of LSIL regression within 2 years was analyzed in relation to smoking behaviors, with regression defined as at least two consecutive negative Pap smears and normal colposcopy. Women’s age, initial biopsy results, and human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes were included in the multivariate models for adjustments. Our study subjects included 258 never‐smokers and 258 smokers (179 current and 79 former smokers). During a mean follow‐up time of 39.8 months, 320 lesions regressed to normal cytology. Probability of regression within 2 years was significantly lower in smokers than in never‐smokers (55.0%vs 68.8%, P = 0.004). The risk of LSIL persistence increased with smoking intensity and duration and with younger age at starting smoking (P = 0.003, P < 0.001, and P = 0.03, respectively). Smokers had twice as high a risk of persistent HPV infection compared to never‐smokers (odds ratio, 2.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–4.81; P = 0.006). In young women, passive smoking since childhood reduced probability of regression within 2 years (56.7%vs 85.9%, P < 0.001). Further adjustments for a wide range of cervical cancer risk factors did not change the findings. In conclusion, tobacco smoking may interfere with regression of cervical precursor lesions. Childhood exposure to second‐hand smoke may increase a risk of persistent cervical abnormalities among young women. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Induction of glucocorticoid receptor‐β expression in epithelial cells of asthmatic airways by T‐helper type 17 cytokines
Authors: Vazquez‐Tello A. , Semlali A. , Chakir J. , Martin J. G. , Leung D. Y. , Eidelman D. H. , Hamid Q.
Published: June 2010

Background
Corticosteroid insensitivity in asthmatics is associated with an increased expression of glucocorticoid receptor‐β (GR‐β) in many cell types. T‐helper type 17 (Th17) cytokine (IL‐17A and F) expressions increase in mild and in difficult‐to‐treat asthma. We hypothesize that IL‐17A and F cytokines alone or in combination, induce the expression of GR‐β in bronchial epithelial cells.

Objectives
To confirm the expression of the GR‐β and IL‐17 cytokines in the airways of normal subjects and mild asthmatics and to examine the effect of cytokines IL‐17A and F on the expression of GR‐β in bronchial epithelial cells obtained from normal subjects and asthmatic patients.

Methods
The expression of IL‐17A and F, GR‐α and GR‐β was analysed in bronchial biopsies from mild asthmatics and normal subjects by Q‐RT‐PCR. Immunohistochemistry for IL‐17 and GR‐β was performed in bronchial biopsies from normal and asthmatic subjects. The expression of IL‐6 in response to IL‐17A and F and dexamethasone was determined by Q‐RT‐PCR using primary airway epithelial cells from normal and asthmatic subjects.

Results
We detected significantly higher levels of IL‐17A mRNA expression in the bronchial biopsies from mild asthmatics, compared with normal. GR‐α expression was significantly lower in the biopsies from asthmatics compared with controls. The expression of IL‐17F and GR‐β in biopsies from asthmatics was not significantly different from that of controls. Using primary epithelial cells isolated from normal subjects and asthmatics, we found an increased expression of GR‐β in response to IL‐17A and F in the cells from asthmatics (P0.05). This effect was only partially significant in the normal cells. Dexamethasone significantly decreased the IL‐17‐induced IL‐6 expression in cells from normal individuals but not in those from asthmatics (P0.05).

Conclusion
Evidence of an increased GR‐β expression in epithelial cells following IL‐17 stimulation suggests a possible role for Th17‐associated cytokines in the mechanism of steroid hypo‐responsiveness in asthmatic subjects.

Cite this as: A. Vazquez‐Tello, A. Semlali, J. Chakir, J. G. Martin, D. Y. Leung, D. H. Eidelman and Q. Hamid, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1312–1322.
A multi-centre study of efficacy and safety of Intratect®, a novel intravenous immunoglobulin preparation
Authors: Kreuz W , Erdös M , Rossi P , Bernatowska E , Espanol T , Maródi L
Published: June 2010

We studied the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic profiles of Intratect®, a recently developed polyvalent intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparation. Fifty-one patients (aged 6–48 years) with primary immunodeficiencies (PID) and established replacement therapy using a licensed IVIG were enrolled and treated for 12 months with Intratect®. Retrospective patient data served as prestudy controls. The primary efficacy variable was the annual rate of acute serious bacterial infection (ASBI) per patient. Secondary parameters were annual rate of acute relevant infection (ARI), days with antibiotic use, fever, absence from school/work and hospitalization. The average IVIG dose was 0·49 g/kg, with an average infusion rate of 2·4 ml/kg/h. The annual ASBI rate/patient was 0·02 and ARIs were detected 128 times during the 630 adverse events in 40 patients, specified mainly as bronchitis, sinusitis, respiratory tract infection, rhinitis and pharyngitis. The annual rate of respiratory ARIs/patient was 2·0 and the rates/patient for days with fever >38°C, school/work absence and hospitalization were 1·81, 3·99 and 0·36, respectively. A total of 630 adverse events (AEs) were observed in 50 of 51 (98·0%) of patients. In 46 of 51 patients the AEs were not related to infusion. Pharmacokinetic studies after the first infusion revealed a mean elimination half-life of 50·8 ± 30·3 days. During this study, 19 of 649 (2·9%) IgG trough levels were below 6 g/l, better than that of reference IVIGs during the 6 months before study start (10 of 201). These data suggest that Intratect® is a well tolerated, safe and effective IgG concentrate for the treatment of patients with PID.
MRI assessment of lean and adipose tissue distribution in female patients with Cushing’s disease
Authors: Geer Eliza B. , Shen Wei , Gallagher Dympna , Punyanitya Mark , Looker Helen C. , Post Kalmon D. , Freda Pamela U.
Published: June 2010

Objective  Chronic hypercortisolemia due to Cushing’s disease (CD) results in abnormal adipose tissue (AT) distribution. Whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to examine lean and AT distribution in female patients with CD to further understand the role of glucocorticoid excess in the development of abnormal AT distribution and obesity.

Design  Cross‐sectional and case–control study.

Patients  Fifteen women with CD and 12 healthy controls.

Measurements  Mass of skeletal muscle (SM) and AT in the visceral (VAT), subcutaneous (SAT), and intermuscular (IMAT) compartments from whole‐body MRI and serum levels of insulin, glucose, and leptin were measured.

Results  CD patients had leptin values that correlated to total AT (TAT) and SAT (P < 0·05) but not to VAT. CD patients had higher VAT/TAT ratios (P < 0·01) and lower SAT/TAT ratios (P < 0·05) compared to controls. TAT, VAT, and trunk SAT (TrSAT) were greater in CD patients (P < 0·01). SM was less in CD (P < 0·001) but IMAT was not different.

Conclusions  TAT, VAT, trSAT, and the proportion of AT in the visceral depot were greater in CD although the proportion in the subcutaneous depot was less. SM was less but IMAT was not different. These findings have implications for understanding the role of cortisol in the abnormal AT distribution and metabolic risk seen in patients exposed to chronic excess glucocorticoids.
Impact of wind stress anomalies on the seasonal pattern of southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) settlement in South Australia
Authors: LINNANE ADRIAN , JAMES CHARLES , MIDDLETON JOHN , HAWTHORNE PETER , HOARE MATTHEW
Published: June 2010

Quantified estimates of southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardii) puerulus settlement have been undertaken in the Southern Zone fishery of South Australia since the early 1990s. An analysis of mean monthly puerulus settlement indices from 1995 to 2007 in three monitoring sites revealed a strong seasonal correlation (r > 0.94 between sites) in settlement patterns. Settlement was highest during the winter months of June, July and August with peak settlement in all sites occurring in July. A reduced secondary settlement occurred during February and March. Seasonal trends were correlated with monthly wind stress and direction data in order to investigate possible environmental drivers of settlement. Using monthly averages of wind stress, it was hypothesized that strong along‐shore wind‐stress anomalies (ASWSA) prior to peak settlement would influence puerulus indices. Maximum ASWSA over the December–May period prior to maximum settlement was therefore examined. The results showed significant correlations (P < 0.1, r = 0.51–0.90) between wind stress and puerulus settlement in all but one site. We suggest that storm events, in combination with onshore surface drift during the period of settlement, are the principal physical oceanographic mechanisms influencing settlement patterns within the Southern Zone rock lobster fishery of South Australia.
Reproductive traits of riverine shrimps may explain the impact of altered flow conditions
Authors: RICHARDSON ADAM , HUMPHRIES PAUL
Published: June 2010

1. The response of a species to environmental disturbance is largely mediated by its life history traits that have evolved within a particular habitat template. Altered flow seasonality, as a direct consequence of river regulation, is a major environmental disturbance and has been implicated in the redistribution of a range of riverine organisms. An understanding of the reasons for species‐specific responses, however, has proved elusive.

2. Here, we investigated the reproduction of three riverine shrimp species (Paratya australiensis, Caridina mccullochi and Macrobrachium australiense) that show contrasting patterns in distribution and abundance in regulated Australian rivers.

3. In all three species, breeding females were largest, and fecundity was greatest early in the breeding season (November–December). Fecundity and egg size subsequently declined, with lower investment (overall and per offspring) perhaps indicating that conditions for larvae were more favourable later in the breeding season (a time normally characterised by low flow, warm water and high productivity).

4. Interspecific differences in absolute values of reproductive traits were, however, striking. Paratya australiensis has typically ‘opportunistic’ traits (small body size, small eggs and high fecundity), whereas M. australiense has more ‘equilibrium’ traits (larger body size, larger eggs and moderate fecundity). Caridina mccullochi is intermediate, having neither high fecundity nor large size, and has limited swimming ability when young. This species is now absent from at least one heavily regulated river in south‐eastern Australia, and we hypothesise that its life history may explain this absence.

5. Studies involving aspects of life history, such as reproductive traits, are likely to improve our understanding of a range of organisms and assist in the management of disturbed or altered environments.
Well‐controlled proinflammatory cytokine responses of Peyer’s patch cells to probiotic Lactobacillus casei
Authors: Chiba Yukihide , Shida Kan , Nagata Satoru , Wada Mariko , Bian Lei , Wang Chongxin , Shimizu Toshiaki , Yamashiro Yuichiro , Kiyoshima‐Shibata Junko , Nanno Msanobu , Nomoto Koji
Published: June 2010

In order to clarify the probiotic features of immunomodulation, cytokine production by murine spleen and Peyer’s patch (PP) cells was examined in response to probiotic and pathogenic bacteria. In spleen cells, probiotic Lactobacillus casei induced interleukin (IL)‐12 production by CD11b+ cells more strongly than pathogenic Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and effectively promoted the development of T helper (Th) type 1 cells followed by high levels of secretion of interferon (IFN)‐γ. Although the levels of IL‐12 secreted by PP cells in response to L. casei were lower in comparison with spleen cells, Th1 cells developed as a result of this low‐level induction of IL‐12. However, IFN‐γ secretion by the L. casei‐induced Th1 cells stimulated with a specific antigen was down‐regulated in PP cells. Development of IL‐17‐producing Th17 cells was efficiently induced in PP cells by antigen stimulation. Lactobacillus casei slightly, but significantly, inhibited the antigen‐induced secretion of IL‐17 without a decrease in the proportion of Th17 cells. No bacteria tested induced the development of IL‐10‐producing, transforming growth factor‐β‐producing or Foxp3‐expressing regulatory T cells, thus suggesting that certain probiotics might regulate proinflammatory responses through as yet unidentified mechanisms in PP cells. These data show probiotic L. casei to have considerable potential to induce IL‐12 production and promote Th1 cell development, but the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL‐12 and IL‐17 may be well controlled in PP cells.
Compound Deficiencies in Multiple Fibroblast Growth Factor Signalling Components Differentially Impact the Murine Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone System
Authors: Chung W. C. J. , Matthews T. A. , Tata B. K. , Tsai P.‐S.
Published: June 2010

Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones control the onset and maintenance of fertility. Aberrant development of the GnRH system underlies infertility in Kallmann syndrome [KS; idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and anosmia]. Some KS patients harbour mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (Fgfr1) and Fgf8 genes. The biological significance of these two genes in GnRH neuronal development was corroborated by the observation that GnRH neurones were severely reduced in newborn transgenic mice deficient in either gene. In the present study, we hypothesised that the compound deficiency of Fgf8 and its cognate receptors, Fgfr1 and Fgfr3, may lead to more deleterious effects on the GnRH system, thereby resulting in a more severe reproductive phenotype in patients harbouring these mutations. This hypothesis was tested by counting the number of GnRH neurones in adult transgenic mice with digenic heterozygous mutations in Fgfr1/Fgf8, Fgfr3/Fgf8 or Fgfr1/Fgfr3. Monogenic heterozygous mutations in Fgfr1, Fgf8 or Fgfr3 caused a 30–50% decrease in the total number of GnRH neurones. Interestingly, mice with digenic mutations in Fgfr1/Fgf8 showed a greater decrease in GnRH neurones compared to mice with a heterozygous defect in the Fgfr1 or Fgf8 alone. This compounding effect was not detected in mice with digenic heterozygous mutations in Fgfr3/Fgf8 or Fgfr1/Fgfr3. These results support the hypothesis that IHH/KS patients with digenic mutations in Fgfr1/Fgf8 may have a further reduction in the GnRH neuronal population compared to patients harbouring monogenic haploid mutations in Fgfr1 or Fgf8. Because only Fgfr1/Fgf8 compound deficiency leads to greater GnRH system defect, this also suggests that these fibroblast growth factor signalling components interact in a highly specific fashion to support GnRH neuronal development.
Altered Thyroid Hormones and Behavioural Change in a Sub‐Population of Rats Following Chronic Constriction Injury
Authors: Kilburn‐Watt E. , Banati R. B. , Keay K. A.
Published: June 2010

Hypothyroidism is associated with a disturbance of behaviour and mood. There are also individuals, not classified as hypothyroid, with low to ‘low normal’ thyroid hormone levels and normal thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels who have mood and behavioural changes. As the peripheral thyroid hormones decrease, TSH is expected to increase. However, there are a number of physiological mechanisms known to suppress TSH. In the present study, we report on thyroid hormone regulation in a rat model of neuropathic pain and altered social behaviour that is usually transient, but is persistent in a sub‐group of the population. Following ligation of the sciatic nerve, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were assessed for social dominance towards an intruder: 20% showed persistently decreased social dominance. Plasma levels of thyroid hormones, TSH and corticosterone were measured before and on days 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 after injury in 21 rats. The mean plasma thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (fT4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels decreased significantly post‐injury in rats with persistently changed behaviour compared to rats with unchanged behaviour (P ≤ 0.002). There was no significant difference between groups for mean change in free triiodothyronine (fT3) or TSH. There was a correlation between decreased dominance behaviour and decrease in both T4 (r = 0.62, P = 0.009) and fT4 (r = 0.71, P = 0.001), but no correlation with TSH. In a sub‐population of rats, decreased thyroid hormones did not result in the expected increased levels of TSH to restore pre‐injury levels, nor did they show increased hypothalamic thyrotrophin‐releasing hormone mRNA expression, indicating altered hypothalamic‐pituitary‐thyroid axis regulation. Because T3 availability to the brain is dependent on both circulating T3 and T4, decreased peripheral thyroid hormones may result in changed neural function, as expressed in altered complex behaviours in this sub‐population of rats.