bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MRI tracking of transplanted iron‐labeled mesenchymal stromal cells in an immune‐compromised mouse model of critical limb ischemia
Authors: Noad Jennifer , Gonzalez‐Lara Laura E. , Broughton Heather C. , McFadden Catherine , Chen Yuhua , Hess David A. , Foster Paula J.
Published: November 2012

Peripheral arterial disease is a clinical problem in which mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transplantation may offer substantial benefit by promoting the generation of new blood vessels and improving limb ischemia and wound healing via their potent paracrine activities. MRI allows for the noninvasive tracking of cells over time using iron oxide contrast agents to label cells before they are injected or transplanted. However, a major limitation of the tracking of iron oxide‐labeled cells with MRI is the possibility that dead or dying cells will transfer the iron oxide label to local bystander macrophages, making it very difficult to distinguish between viable transplanted cells and endogenous macrophages in the images. In this study, a severely immune‐compromised mouse, with limited macrophage activity, was investigated to examine cell tracking in a system in which bystander cell uptake of dead, iron‐labeled cells or free iron particles was minimized. MRI was used to track the fate of MSCs over 21 days after their intramuscular transplantation in mice with a femoral artery ligation. In all mice, a region of signal loss was observed at the injection site and the volume of signal hypointensity diminished over time. Fluorescence and light microscopy showed that iron‐positive MSCs persisted at the transplant site and often appeared to be integrated in perivascular niches. This was compared with MSC transplantation in immune‐competent mice with femoral artery ligation. In these mice, the regions of signal loss caused by iron‐labeled MSC cleared more slowly, and histology revealed iron particles trapped at the site of cell transplantation and associated with areas of inflammation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Classification of breast lesions pre‐contrast injection using water resonance lineshape analysis
Authors: Wood Abbie M. , Medved Milica , Bacchus Ian D. , Al‐Hallaq Hania A. , Shimauchi Akiko , Newstead Gillian M. , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Venkataraman Srirama S. , Ivancevic Marko K. , Karczmar Greg S.
Published: November 2012

Inhomogeneously broadened, non‐Lorentzian water resonances have been observed in small image voxels of breast tissue. The non‐Lorentzian components of the water resonance are probably produced by bulk magnetic susceptibility shifts caused by dense, deoxygenated tumor blood vessels (the ‘blood oxygenation level‐dependent’ effect), but can also be produced by other characteristics of local anatomy and physiology, including calcifications and interfaces between different types of tissue. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the detection of non‐Lorentzian components of the water resonance with high spectral and spatial resolution (HiSS) MRI allows the classification of breast lesions without the need to inject contrast agent. Eighteen malignant lesions and nine benign lesions were imaged with HiSS MRI at 1.5 T. A new algorithm was developed to detect non‐Lorentzian (or off‐peak) components of the water resonance. After a Lorentzian fit had been subtracted from the data, the largest peak in the residual spectrum in each voxel was identified as the major off‐peak component of the water resonance. The difference in frequency between these off‐peak components and the main water peaks, and their amplitudes, were measured in malignant lesions, benign lesions and breast fibroglandular tissue. Off‐peak component frequencies were significantly different between malignant and benign lesions (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the diagnostic performance of HiSS off‐peak component analysis compared with dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI parameters. The areas under the ROC curves for the ‘DCE rapid uptake fraction’, ‘DCE washout fraction’, ‘off‐peak component amplitude’ and ‘off‐peak component frequency’ were 0.75, 0.83, 0.50 and 0.86, respectively. These results suggest that water resonance lineshape analysis performs well in the classification of breast lesions without contrast injection and could improve the diagnostic accuracy of clinical breast MR examinations. In addition, this approach may provide an alternative to DCE MRI in women who are at risk for adverse reactions to contrast media. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Choice of the denominator in case population studies: event rates for registration for liver transplantation after exposure to NSAIDs in the SALT study in France
Authors: Moore Nicholas , Gulmez Sinem Ezgi , Larrey Dominique , Pageaux Georges‐Philippe , Lignot Séverine , Lassalle Régis , Jové Jérémy , Pariente Antoine , Blin Patrick , Bénichou Jacques , Bégaud Bernard
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The effect of denominator options on event rates was tested on the French part of the Study of Acute Liver Transplant (SALT).

Methods

SALT is a case population study of acute liver failure registered for transplantation (ALFT), exposed to non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or non‐overdose paracetamol, from 2005 to 2007. Population exposure was computed from the Intercontinental Medical Services' (IMS) and the French national healthcare insurance system's data as the number of defined daily doses (DDDs) sold or dispensed and the number of exposed patients.

Results

Nine ALFT cases were exposed to 10 NSAIDs and 49 to non‐overdose paracetamol. NSAID sales ranged from 0.04 billion (niflumic acid) to 0.5 billion (ibuprofen) DDDs, amounting to 2.5 billion DDDs for all NSAIDs. The mean per‐person exposure ranged from 13.1 (niflumic acid) to 43.2 (ketoprofen) DDDs, reaching 60.5 DDDs for any NSAID. The number of users ranged from 2 million (niflumic acid) to 13 million (ibuprofen), which was 26.6 million for all NSAIDs. The ALFT rates per billion DDDs ranged from 0 to 26 for individual NSAIDs and amounted to 4.6 for all NSAIDs. The ALFT rates per billion DDDs were inversely correlated with the average per‐patient exposure (R2 = 0.935, p = 0.0016). The ALFT rates per million users ranged from 0.31 to 0.49, which was 0.41 for all NSAIDs, with no difference between drugs and no effect of mean per‐patient exposure (R2 = 0.01, p = 0.9). Whether measured per DDD or per user, the event rate with paracetamol was three to five times higher than with NSAIDs.

Conclusion

ALFT risk with NSAID seems to be user dependent rather than person‐time (exposure) dependent. Choosing the wrong denominator in case population studies might give erroneous results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐throughput profiling of N‐myristoylation substrate specificity across species including pathogens
Authors: Traverso José A. , Giglione Carmela , Meinnel Thierry
Published: November 2012

One of the most critical modifications affecting the N‐terminus of proteins is N‐myristoylation. This irreversible modification affects the membrane‐binding properties of crucial proteins involved in signal transduction cascades. This cotranslational modification, catalyzed by N‐myristoyl transferase, occurs both in lower and higher eukaryotes and is a validated therapeutic target for several pathologies. However, this lipidation proves very difficult to be evidenced in vivo even with state‐of‐the‐art proteomics approaches or bioinformatics tools. A large part of N‐myristoylated proteins remains to be discovered and the rules of substrate specificity need to be established in each organism. Because the peptide substrate recognition occurs around the first eight residues, short peptides are used for modeling the reaction in vitro. Here, we provide a novel approach including a dedicated peptide array for high‐throughput profiling protein N‐myristoylation specificity. We show that myristoylation predictive tools need to be fine‐tuned to organisms and that their poor accuracy should be significantly enhanced. This should lead to strongly improved knowledge of the number and function of myristoylated proteins occurring in any proteome.
Computational approaches to predicting essential proteins: A survey
Authors: Wang Jianxin , Peng Wei , Wu Fang‐Xiang
Published: November 2012

Essential proteins are indispensable to support cellular life. Identifying essential proteins can help us understand the minimal requirements for cell survival, which plays a significant role in the emerging field of synthetic biology. Moreover, essential proteins also serve as candidates of drug targets for developing novel therapy of diseases, such as cancer or infectious disease caused by emerging pathogens. However, it is expensive and time consuming to experimentally identify essential proteins. With accumulation of sequenced genomes, the gap between genome‐wide essential protein data and sequence data become increasingly wide. Thus, computational approaches for detecting essential proteins are useful complements to limited experimental methods. There are many features related to protein essentiality. By taking advantage of these features, many computational approaches have been proposed to identify essential proteins. In this paper, we review the state‐of‐the‐art techniques for computational detection of essential proteins, and discuss some challenges for future research in this field.
Preparation and Characterization of Energetic Crystals with Nanoparticle Inclusions
Authors: Reese David A. , Son Steven F. , Groven Lori J.
Published: November 2012

Energetic crystals with nanoparticle inclusions were preparated and characterized, focusing on the nanosized iron(III) oxide‐ammonium perchlorate system, generated using an ethyl acetate/acetone antisolvent:solvent system. It is shown that capture is dependent on antisolvent‐to‐solvent ratio; increased quantities of antisolvent lead to faster nucleation rates, smaller crystals, and improved capture. Additionally, the crystal habit formation is modified by the addition of nanoparticles, resulting in highly uniform rod‐like crystal structures. Results with nanoaluminum‐ammonium perchlorate and nanoaluminum‐cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) systems have shown similar capture behavior.
Do Eu dopants prefer the precipitated LaF3 nanocrystals in glass ceramics?
Authors: Jiang Nan , Zhou Shifeng , Su Dong , Qiu Jianrong
Published: November 2012

Previous experimental results, using techniques associated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), suggested that rare‐earth dopants prefer the precipitated fluoride nanocrystals to the glass matrix. By contrast, this work shows that contradicting results can be obtained under different experimental conditions. In the silicate glass containing LaF3 nanocrystals, the Eu dopants distribute indistinguishably in the precipitated LaF3 and the silicate glass matrix. However, electron beam exposure during the measurement can relocate Eu, leading to the false conclusion that apparently Eu prefers the precipitated LaF3 nanoparticles to the glass matrix. Fortunately, the artefact can be avoided by shortening the exposure time. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An evolutionary multi‐issue negotiation model
Authors: Hossain Md. Tofazzal , Mabu Shingo , Hirasawa Kotaro
Published: November 2012

Intelligent agents are a promising development in improving the effectiveness of automated negotiations in the present complex business environments. Much research has been done that deal with a single issue, usually price, in a bilateral negotiation environment. On the other hand, in some studies on multiple issues, agents usually propose a combined offer on all the issues, or settle the negotiation issue by issue. We find that the combined offer on multiple issues is like a single‐issue negotiation. Issue‐by‐issue settlement can be considered as a series of single‐issue negotiations. Therefore a multi‐issue negotiation model is proposed in this paper in which multiple issues are a part of the negotiation process, not like a single‐issue settlement or combined offer on multiple issues. In the simulations, three issues, i.e. price, delivery time, and warranty, are considered, although it is possible to include more issues through the proposed system. In the simulations, a newly developed evolutionary computing technique called genetic network programming (GNP) is used and the characteristics and behaviors of agents are analyzed. To prove the effectiveness of the proposed system, the results of the proposed system are compared with those of conventional negotiation systems. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Combined XRF‐SEM analysis of varnished pottery: the case of Syracuse and Adrano (Sicily) archaelogical finds
Authors: Aquilia Erica , Barbera Giovanni , Barone Germana , Crupi Vincenza , Longo Francesca , Majolino Domenico , Mazzoleni Paolo , Venuti Valentina
Published: November 2012

Micro‐destructive and non‐destructive X‐Ray fluorescence techniques and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive spectrometry have been applied for the analysis of ten samples of Hellenistic black‐varnished pottery, coming from archaeological excavations in Syracuse and Adrano (South Italy, Sicily). Micro‐morphological and compositional investigations, together with statistical data processing, have shown several differences among the varnishes of the specimen found in the two sites. In particular, Syracuse varnishes are characterised by a more homogeneous composition and well‐defined raw materials, whereas Adrano samples show a higher variability, probably linked to the use of different raw materials and the poorer quality of the varnish as well. The obtained results attest that, as Syracuse black pottery is concerned, the production technique is at an advanced level, whereas Adrano manufacture seems to be less specialised. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new application of X‐ray scattering using principal component analysis – classification and identification of liquid precursor chemicals
Authors: Zhong Yu , Zhang Fang , Li Wei , Li Minqiang , Sun Bai , Zhang Yu , Yu Daoyang , Liu Jinhuai
Published: November 2012

X‐ray scattering (XRS) combined with principal component analysis has been utilized for classifying and identifying liquid precursor chemicals for the first time. The XRS spectra of some liquid precursor chemicals and normal materials were obtained by using an XRS system, and the profiles of scattering media distinctly reveal that the XRS spectra are unique corresponding to the specific liquid material. Furthermore, the obtained spectra were processed through principal component analysis by using the selected energy region in the spectra. The score plots of each substance were clustered together and almost coincident for the same liquid, implying good repeatability and reliability. As far as the different liquid materials are concerned, they could be classified into distinct groups according to their positions in the score plot. The score plots showed a clear classification and recognition of liquid precursor chemicals. This study demonstrates a possibility for analyzing different liquid materials, and it presents a new application for X‐ray spectroscopy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Conchae bullosis’: a rare case with bilateral triple turbinate pneumatisations
Authors: Ozturan O , Yenigun A , Degirmenci N , Yilmaz F
Published: November 2012

Background:

Concha bullosa is the pneumatisation of intranasal conchae (usually the middle turbinate, and rarely the inferior or superior turbinate); however, the term is generally used to describe aeration of the middle concha. Superior concha bullosa is a rare finding, and only a few cases of inferior concha bullosa have been reported in the medical literature. When symptomatic, concha bullosa may cause various problems including nasal congestion, headache, postnasal drip, anosmia and, sometimes, epiphora.

Methodology:

Computed tomography, following history-taking and physical examination, is a valuable tool in diagnosing turbinate pneumatisation. This article presents a very rare case with bilateral triple conchae pneumatisations.

Results:

The symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment options for cases of multiple concha bullosa are discussed. The surgical interventions performed in the presented case are briefly described.

Conclusion:

The presented patient had pneumatisation of all six turbinates. In such cases, we propose that this condition be termed ‘conchae bullosis’ rather than ‘conchae bullosa’, in a similar fashion to the use of nasal polyposis as the plural form of nasal polyp.
What's so insidious about “Peace, Love, and Understanding”? A system justification perspective
Authors: Jost John T. , Stern Chadly , Kalkstein David A.
Published: November 2012

We agree that promoting intergroup harmony “carries insidious, often unacknowledged, ‘system-justifying’ consequences” (sect. 4.1.3, para. 2) and identify several ways in which “benevolent” and “complementary” stereotypes, superordinate identification, intergroup contact, and prejudice reduction techniques can undermine social change motivation by reinforcing system-justifying beliefs. This may “keep the peace,” but it also prevents individuals and groups from tackling serious social problems, including inequality and oppression.
The dangers of prejudice reduction interventions: Empirical evidence from encounters between Jews and Arabs in Israel
Authors: Maoz Ifat
Published: November 2012

This commentary focuses on Dixon et al.'s discussion on the dangers of employing prejudice-reduction interventions that seek to promote intergroup harmony in historically unequal societies. Specifically, it illustrates these dangers by discussing my work in Israel (now mentioned in Dixon et al.'s note 6) on the processes and practices through which reconciliation-aimed encounters between Jews and Arabs mitigate sociopolitical change.
Beyond prejudice to prejudices
Authors: Schaller Mark , Neuberg Steven L.
Published: November 2012

Different groups, because they are perceived to pose different threats, elicit different prejudices. Collective action by disadvantaged groups can amplify the perception of specific threats, with predictable and potentially counterproductive consequences. It is important to carefully consider the threat-based psychology of prejudice(s) before implementing any strategy intended to promote positive social change.
A survey of frequent subgraph mining algorithms
Authors: Jiang Chuntao , Coenen Frans , Zito Michele
Published: November 2012

Graph mining is an important research area within the domain of data mining. The field of study concentrates on the identification of frequent subgraphs within graph data sets. The research goals are directed at: (i) effective mechanisms for generating candidate subgraphs (without generating duplicates) and (ii) how best to process the generated candidate subgraphs so as to identify the desired frequent subgraphs in a way that is computationally efficient and procedurally effective. This paper presents a survey of current research in the field of frequent subgraph mining and proposes solutions to address the main research issues.
Misogyny Revisited: The Eve Traditions in Avot de Rabbi Natan, Versions A and B
Authors: Polzer Natalie C.
Published: November 2012

This interdisciplinary study of gender in Avot de Rabbi Natan, using a theoretical frame from cultural anthropology, is an enterprise of feminist historiography. Focusing on ARNB's singular formulation of aggadic accounts of Eve's sin, it proposes a possible historical trajectory of Jewish women's experience and how that experience was perceived, manipulated and/or negotiated by the Jewish men who were the formulators and transmitters of rabbinic tradition. Generally speaking, traditions about women and gender in ARN demonstrate a stance on the natural, religious and social subordination of women to men, which I will designate “patriarchal stewardship.” Yet the Eve traditions, especially those in ARNB, go beyond articulating this androcentric stance on gender differentiation and social hierarchy; they negotiate a cognitive, religious problem: why do women, and women alone, suffer and die in the process of biological reproduction if “be fruitful and multiply” is a divine imperative in Genesis 1:28?
Theoretical Upper Bound and Lower Bound for Integer Aperture Estimation Fail-Rate and Practical Implications
Authors: Li Tao , Wang Jinling
Published: November 2012

Integer ambiguity validation is pivotal in precise positioning with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Recent research has shown traditionally used ambiguity validation methods can be classified as members of the Integer Aperture (IA) estimators, and by the virtue of the IA estimation, a user controllable IA fail-rate is preferred. However, an appropriately chosen fail-rate is essential for ambiguity validation. In this paper, the upper bound and the lower bound for the IA fail-rate, which are extremely useful even at the designing stage of a GNSS positioning system, have been analysed, and numerical results imply that a meaningful IA fail-rate should be within this range.
Cardiac hydatid cyst
Authors: Koneti Nageswara R. , Jagannath Byalaa R. , Sreeram Narayanswami
Published: November 2012

We describe the clinical presentation and management of a cardiac hydatid cyst in a young girl.
The timing and magnitude of Stroop interference and facilitation in monolinguals and bilinguals
Authors: CODERRE EMILY L. , VAN HEUVEN WALTER J. B. , CONKLIN KATHY
Published: November 2012

Executive control abilities and lexical access speed in Stroop performance were investigated in English monolinguals and two groups of bilinguals (English–Chinese and Chinese–English) in their first (L1) and second (L2) languages. Predictions were based on a bilingual cognitive advantage hypothesis, implicating cognitive control ability as the critical factor determining Stroop interference; and two bilingual lexical disadvantage hypotheses, focusing on lexical access speed. Importantly, each hypothesis predicts different response patterns in a Stroop task manipulating stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA). There was evidence for a bilingual cognitive advantage, although this effect was sensitive to a number of variables including proficiency, language immersion, and script. In lexical access speed, no differences occurred between monolinguals and bilinguals in their native languages, but there was evidence for a delay in L2 processing speed relative to the L1. Overall, the data highlight the multitude of factors affecting executive control and lexical access speed in bilinguals.
Nanomorphology of P3HT:PCBM-Based Absorber Layers of Organic Solar Cells after Different Processing Conditions Analyzed by Low-Energy Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Pfaff Marina , Klein Michael F.G. , Müller Erich , Müller Philipp , Colsmann Alexander , Lemmer Uli , Gerthsen Dagmar
Published: November 2012

In this study the nanomorphology of P3HT:PC61BM absorber layers of organic solar cells was studied as a function of the processing parameters and for P3HT with different molecular weight. For this purpose we apply scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) at low electron energies in a scanning electron microscope. This method exhibits sensitive material contrast in the high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) mode, which is well suited to distinguish materials with similar densities and mean atomic numbers. The images taken with low-energy HAADF STEM are compared with conventional transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images to illustrate the capabilities of the different techniques. For the interpretation of the low-energy HAADF STEM images, a semiempirical equation is used to calculate the image intensities. The experiments show that the nanomorphology of the P3HT:PC61BM blends depends strongly on the molecular weight of the P3HT. Low-molecular-weight P3HT forms rod-like domains during annealing. In contrast, only small globular features are visible in samples containing high-molecular-weight P3HT, which do not change significantly after annealing at 150°C up to 30 min.
Thermodynamic model for partial melting of peridotite by system energy minimization
Authors: Ueki K. , Iwamori H.
Published: November 2012

We present a new straightforward algorithm that calculates the energy minimization of a melt‐present system and incorporates newly calibrated silicate melt thermodynamic parameters. This algorithm searches for equilibrium phase assemblages, fractions, and compositions that lead to the system having a global minimum of total Gibbs free energy (G). It calculates changes in G with respect to minimal amounts of dissolution or solidification of melt and solid end‐member components using a constant bulk composition constraint. In addition, we have formulated a set of solid‐melt end‐member components and dissolution‐precipitation stoichiometry that enables the modeling of a melt‐present system. Melt thermodynamic properties are calibrated based on an ideal mixing model using ΔCp and ΔV (the differences in molar specific heat and volume between the corresponding melt and solid end‐member components, respectively), based on solid properties established during previous studies. We also describe the application of the energy minimization algorithm and thermodynamic melt parameters to melting of spinel lherzolite at 1 GPa, in a SiO2–Al2O3–FeO–Fe3O4–MgO–CaO system, including olivine, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, and spinel. Our calculations agree well with experimentally determined melting phase relations, and temperature and phase fraction relationships, including solidus temperatures, indicating that direct calibration of thermodynamic melt parameters at pressures and temperatures corresponding to melting conditions is a useful approach. The energy minimization algorithm and thermodynamic configuration presented here will allow the modeling of mantle melting in a variety of geodynamic settings.
Coarse root distribution of a semi‐arid oak savanna estimated with ground penetrating radar
Authors: Raz‐Yaseef Naama , Koteen Laura , Baldocchi Dennis D.
Published: November 2012

The binary nature of Northern California's ecohydrology, in which water is either abundantly available or scarce, should be reflected in the root architecture of the native blue oak. Our objective was to quantify carbon storage and understand how the form of the root system facilitates ecosystem functioning despite the asynchrony between winter water availability, spring leaf growth, and dry‐summer canopy maintenance. To do this, we surveyed coarse root distribution with a ground penetrating radar (GPR), due to its advantages in covering large areas rapidly and non‐destructively. We calibrated root biomass detected by GPR against roots excavated from a number of small pits. Based on a survey of six tree configurations (varying in age, size, and clumping), we found that coarse roots occupy the full soil profile and that coarse root biomass of old large trees reached a peak directly above the bedrock. As opposed to other semi‐arid regions, where trees often develop extensive shallow lateral coarse roots to exploit the entire wet‐soil medium, we found that root density decreased with distance from the bole, and dropped sharply beyond a distance of 2 m. We upscaled tree root biomass to stand scale (2.8 ± 0.4 kg m−2) based on lidar analysis of the relative abundance of each tree configuration. We argue that this deep and narrow root structure reflects the ecohydrology of oaks in this ecosystem. An extensive lateral root system would not be beneficial during the growing season, when water is sufficiently abundant, nor during summer, when soil water is highly limited.
Do high doses of AT1-receptor blockers attenuate central sympathetic outflow in humans with chronic heart failure?
Authors: Ruzicka Marcel , Floras John S. , McReynolds Andrew J. G. , Coletta Elizabeth , Haddad Haissam , Davies Ross , Leenen Frans H. H.
Published: November 2012

In patients with CHF (chronic heart failure) sympathetic activity increases as cardiac performance decreases and filling pressures increase. We hypothesized that in patients with mild-to-moderate CHF, higher than conventional doses of an AT1-receptor [AngII (angiotensin II) type 1 receptor] antagonist would achieve greater central AT1-receptor blockade, resulting in diminished MSNA (muscle sympathetic nerve activity) and augmented MSNA variability, two indices of central effects on sympathetic outflow. In total, 13 patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy [NYHA (New York Heart Association) class II–III] were weaned off all pharmacological RAS (renin–angiotensin system) modifiers, and then randomized to receive a low (50 mg/day) or high (200 mg/day) dose of losartan. Central haemodynamics, MSNA and its variability, plasma catecholamines, AngI (angiotensin I) and AngII and aldosterone were assessed both before and 3 months after randomization. Neither dose altered BP (blood pressure), PCWP (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure) or CI (cardiac index) significantly. Compared with 50 mg daily, losartan 200 mg/day decreased MSNA significantly (P<0.05), by approximately 15 bursts/min, and increased MSNA variability within the 0.27–0.33 Hz high-frequency range by 0.11 units2/Hz (P=0.06). PNE [plasma noradrenaline (norepinephrine)] fell in parallel with changes in MSNA (r=0.62; P<0.05). These findings support the hypothesis that higher than conventional doses of lipophilic ARBs (AT1-receptor blockers) can modulate the intensity and variability of central sympathetic outflow in patients with CHF. The efficacy and safety of this conceptual change in the therapeutic approach to heart failure merits prospective testing in clinical trials.
Role of Si in high Bs and low core-loss Fe85.2B10−XP4Cu0.8SiX nano-crystalline alloys
Authors: Zhang Zeqiang , Sharma Parmanand , Makino Akihiro
Published: November 2012

The effects of Si element on structural and magnetic properties of Fe-rich Fe85.2B10−XP4Cu0.8SiX (x = 0–2.5 at. %) alloys were investigated. Our results show that addition of Si significantly reduces the activation energy for nucleation of α-Fe and increases the activation energy for grain growth. As a result, it is much easier to obtain a finer and uniform nanogranular structure (grain size ∼18 nm) made from densely packed α-Fe grains after annealing in the case of Si-containing alloys (Fe-B-P-Si-Cu) in comparison to Si-free alloys (Fe-B-P-Cu). However, addition of Si on the expense of B reduces the amorphous forming ability of the alloy, which results in lower reproducibility. The reproducibility improves significantly in Si-free alloy, but the structure of the alloy is relatively unstable on annealing, which means more strict annealing treatment is required. After optimum annealing treatment, Si-free alloys (Hc ∼ 6 A/m, Js ∼ 1.83 T) show superior soft magnetic properties than the Si-containing alloys (Hc ∼ 10 A/m, Js ∼ 1.78 T). Results show that the excellent soft magnetic cores can be obtained only if the extra heat generated on nano-crystallization of as-quenched amorphous phase can be released efficiently. The toroidal core of Si-free alloy (core-loss, W ∼ 0.58 W/kg at ∼1.7 T, 50 Hz) exhibits lower magnetic core loss than the Si containing alloys (core-loss, W ∼ 1.51 W/kg at ∼1.7 T, 50 Hz).
Giant resonant magnetoelectric effect in bi-layered Metglas/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 composites
Authors: Gao Junqi , Hasanyan Davresh , Shen Ying , Wang Yaojin , Li Jiefang , Viehland D.
Published: November 2012

In this paper, giant resonant magnetoelectric (ME) effect in an unsymmetrical bi-layered Metglas/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ME composites with multi-push pull configuration that can be significantly tuned was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The actual measured and predicted results present the similar resonant frequency shifting behaviors for such ME composites: The resonant frequency can be varied from 70 Hz to 220 Hz by tip mass loading, where the ME voltage coefficients were over 250 V/cm-Oe. Moreover, the giant frequency-tunable resonant effect allowed us to design a 60 Hz magnetic field energy harvester to be capable of harvesting energy generated by electronic instruments working on a 60 Hz ac power supply.
Mechanically robust Si nanorod arrays on Cu/Ti bilayer film coated Si substrate for high performance lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Yang Yingchao , He Yuping , Zhao Yiping , Li Xiaodong
Published: November 2012

The deformation behavior and mechanical properties of a tilted Si nanorod array structure on Cu/Ti bilayer film coated Si substrate were studied for the first time by coupled atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation techniques. The individual Si nanorods fabricated by an oblique angle deposition technique are composed of many fine Si nanofibers with the diameter ranging from 10 to 50 nm. They are not brittle, but ductile. The ductile metallic Cu/Ti bilayer film roots contribute remarkably to the mechanical robustness of the Si nanorods. The toughening mechanism of such Si-based nanoanodes has been elucidated by experimental mechanics studies.
Ferroic states and phase coexistence in BiFeO3-BaTiO3 solid solutions
Authors: Gotardo R. A. M. , Viana D. S. F. , Olzon-Dionysio M. , Souza S. D. , Garcia D. , Eiras J. A. , Alves M. F. S. , Cótica L. F. , Santos I. A. , Coelho A. A.
Published: November 2012

In this paper structural, electric, magnetic, and Mössbauer spectroscopy studies were conducted in (x)BiFeO3–(1-x)BaTiO3, 0.9 ≥ x ≥ 0.3, solid solutions. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement studies indicated the formation of single-phased materials crystallized in a distorted perovskite structure with the coexistence of rhombohedral and monoclinic symmetries. Room temperature ferroelectric hysteresis loops showed that the electric polarization increases with the increase of the BaTiO3 content due to the singular structural evolution of the studied solid solutions. All samples presented weak ferromagnetic ordering, which indicates that the BaTiO3 substitution in the BiFeO3 matrix released the latent magnetization. Mössbauer studies revealed a magnetic spectral signature corresponding to ordered Fe3+ ions, and a decrease of the magnetic hyperfine magnetic fields with the increase of the BaTiO3 content. The composition 0.3BiFeO3–0.7BaTiO3 presented a spectral signature corresponding to a paramagnetic behavior, which strongly suggests that the observed magnetization in this sample is due to the Ti3+ ions.
Transport properties in MoS2 selective morphology system
Authors: Viršek Marko , Novak Nikola , Filipič Cene , Kump Peter , Remškar Maja , Kutnjak Zdravko
Published: November 2012

Transport properties are studied in the MoS2 selective morphology system. Fluctuation-induced tunneling dominates in pressed pellets at temperatures up to about 90 K. At higher temperatures, variable range hopping (VRH) transport mechanism prevails, with diverse dimensionality and temperature range. In Mo6S2I8 nanowires, 1D VRH is shown, in MoS2 plate-like crystals 2D VRH and in MoS2 coaxial nanotubes and MoS2 size-controlled nanotubes 3D VRH is found. Decreasing of dimensionality is accompanied by an increase of the conductivity in MoS2 nanotubes, compared to the plate-like crystals. Transport properties are discussed in relation to the nature and density of defects, giving rise to changes in the electronic structure and influencing the scattering mechanism governing the charge transport.
Electrically driven single photon source based on a site-controlled quantum dot with self-aligned current injection
Authors: Unrau W. , Quandt D. , Schulze J.-H. , Heindel T. , Germann T. D. , Hitzemann O. , Strittmatter A. , Reitzenstein S. , Pohl U. W. , Bimberg D.
Published: November 2012

Electrical operation of single photon emitting devices employing site-controlled quantum dot (QD) growth is demonstrated. An oxide aperture acting as a buried stressor structure is forcing site-controlled QD growth, leading to both QD self-alignment with respect to the current path in vertical injection pin-diodes and narrow, jitter-free emission lines. Emissions from a neutral exciton, a neutral bi-exciton, and a charged exciton are unambiguously identified. Polarization-dependent measurements yield an exciton fine-structure splitting of (84 ± 2) μeV at photon energies of 1.28–1.29 eV. Single-photon emission is proven by Hanbury Brown and Twiss experiments yielding an anti-bunching value of g(2)(0) = 0.05 under direct current injection.
Expression of plasma cell alloantigen 1 defines layered development of B-1a B-cell subsets with distinct innate-like functions
Authors: Wang Hongsheng , Shin Dong-Mi , Abbasi Sadia , Jain Shweta , Kovalchuk Alexander L. , Beaty Natalie , Chen Sophia , Gonzalez-Garcia Ines , Morse Herbert C.
Published: November 2012

Innate-like B-1a cells contribute significantly to circulating natural antibodies and mucosal immunity as well as to immunoregulation. Here we show that these classic functions of B-1a cells segregate between two unique subsets defined by expression of plasma cell alloantigen 1 (PC1), also known as ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1). These subsets, designated B-1a.PC1loand B-1a.PC1hi, differ significantly in IgH chain utilization. Adoptively transferred PC1locells secreted significantly more circulating natural IgM and intestinal IgA than PC1hicells. In contrast, PC1hicells produced more IL-10 than PC1locells when stimulated with LPS and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). PC1hicells were also more efficient than PC1locells in regulating Th1 cell differentiation, even though both B-1a subsets were comparably active in stimulating T-cell proliferation. Furthermore, PC1locells generated antigen-specific IgM responses to pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens, whereas PC1hicells do not. We found that PC1locells develop from an early wave of B-1a progenitors in fetal life, whereas PC1hicells are generated from a later wave after birth. We conclude that identification of B-1a.PC1loand B-1a.PC1hicells extends the concept of a layered immune system with important implications for developing effective vaccines and promoting the generation of immunoregulatory B cells.
KIF4 helps mitotic chromosomes get in shape
Authors: Short Ben
Published: November 2012

A kinesin motor protein works with condensin and topoisomerase IIα to organize mitotic chromatin.
The crystal structures of Rubisco and opportunities for manipulating photosynthesis
Authors: Gutteridge Steven , Newman Janet , Herrmann Chuck , Rhoades Dan
Published: November 2012

The crystal structures of four species of Rubisco in a number of complexes have been solved to high resolution. The data have been used with some success to rationalize mutagenesis strategies, identify residues involved in the reaction cycle and, of particular concern, understand the basis for the ability of these enzymes to discriminate differentially between CO2 and O2. However, a detailed comparison of these structures indicates that there are significant differences in the positions of critical regions of the protein that may influence the outcome of catalysis and have certainly influenced the conclusions of investigators. For example, the C-terminus of the L-subunit of the inactive dimeric enzyme from Rhodospirillum rubrum has a quite distinct motif compared to the same segment of the activated hexadecameric Rubisco from cyanobacteria or plants. It is plausible that this is yet one more region of the protein that adopts different conformations depending on whether the active site is vacant or occupied by co-factors, bisphosphate substrate or analogues.
Rubisco: the consequences of altering its expression and activation in transgenic plants
Authors: Andrews T. John , Hudson Graham S. , Mate Colleen J. , von Caemmerer Susanne , Evans John R. , Arvidsson Yvonne B.C.
Published: November 2012

Transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum W38) hemizygous for a single antisense gene directed against Rubisco's small subunit had 35% of the Rubisco content of control leaves (15% when homozygous). CO2 assimilation (at 1000 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 and 350 μbar CO2) by the hemizygous leaves was reduced to 40% of that of the controls without material effect on stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content or other photosynthetic components. Leaf soluble protein was reduced commensurately with the reduction in Rubisco. CO2 assimilation rate in the hemizygous leaves remained limited by Rubisco activity at all, even very high, CO2 concentrations. This led to a simple, hyperbolic response of photosynthesis to intraplastid CO2 concentration from which the in vivo catalytic properties of Rubisco were inferred and compared with those of isolated Rubisco in vitro.

Using a similar approach, the content of Rubisco activase was suppressed by incorporating a partial cDNA for activase into the tobacco genome in the antisense orientation with respect to a cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. The progeny of a primary transformant with two anti-activase inserts had from < 1% to 20% of the activase content of control plants. Quite severe suppression of activase, to less than 5% of the amount present in control leaves, was required before effects on photosynthesis and growth became apparent, indicating that one activase tetramer must be able to service, continuously, as many as 200 Rubisco octamers. Plants with lower activase contents could not grow unless the atmosphere was enriched with CO2. Their Rubisco was less carbamylated and they had lower CO2 assimilation rates than the controls. The rate of release of 2′-carboxyarabinitol-1-phosphate from Rubisco after illumination of the antiactivase leaves was also impaired. Older anti-activase plants accumulated increasing amounts of Rubisco in their younger leaves, but were unable to carbamylate it. The photosynthetic rate per carbamylated Rubisco active site in the strongly suppressed anti-activase leaves was only approximately 25% of that seen in control leaves, suggesting that activase may not only promote carbamytation of uncarbamylated Rubisco sites, but also accelerate turnover at carbamylated sites.
Manipulation of phosphoribulokinase and phosphate translocator activities in transgenic tobacco plants
Authors: Gray John C. , Paul Matthew J. , Barnes Simon A. , Knight Jacqueline S. , Loynes Andrew , Habash Dimah , Parry Martin A.J. , Lawlor David W.
Published: November 2012

Transgenic tobacco plants containing altered amounts of phosphoribulokinase (PRK) and the chloroplast phosphate translocator (PT) have been produced by transformation with tobacco cDNAs in the sense or antisense orientation expressed from a tobacco rbcS promoter. Plants expressing antisense PRK RNA contained a range of PRK activities from wild type to less than 5% of wild type. CO2 assimilation rate was not inhibited until more than 85% of PRK activity had been removed. With reduction in PRK activity between 85% and 95%, assimilation rates were reduced by up to half compared to wild type. It is estimated that changes in amounts of Ru5P, RuBP, ATP, ADP, and 3-PGA would have altered the fine control of PRK in vivo, to realize the assimilation rates observed. Amounts of hexoses and starch, in particular, were reduced in plants expressing the lowest PRK activities; amounts of sucrose were little affected. Transgenic plants expressing sense or antisense PT cDNAs showed a 15-fold range of PT activity, from 20% to 300% of wild-type activity, but there were no consistent differences in photo-synthetic rates between transformants. Starch content was increased by 20% and total soluble sugars decreased by 20% in leaves of antisense transformants compared to sense transformants. The 40% change in the ratio of starch to soluble sugars in these plants indicates that partitioning of assimilate between starch and sugars had been altered.
Isolation of a gene expressed during sucrose accumulation in leaves of Lolium temulentum L.
Authors: Winters A.L. , Gallagher J. , Pollock C.J. , Parrar J.F.
Published: November 2012

A 1620 base pair cDNA clone showing increased expression during sucrose accumulation in leaves of Lolium temulentum has been isolated by differential screening. Comparison of the DNA sequence of the open reading frame with published sequences has revealed extensive homology with sequences coding for ATP: L-methionme S-adenosylmethionine synthe-tase, EC 2.5.1.6 (SAM synthetase) (79.6% with Arabidopsis thaliana and 81.6% with Dianthus cary-ophyllus). Increased expression was observed in both intact seedling leaves and detached mature leaves during sucrose accumulation. Expression decreased during sucrose mobilization in leaves of intact seedlings. The significance of increased expression of a gene coding for SAM synthetase during sucrose accumulation is discussed in relation to the involvement of sucrose in the regulation of plant metabolism.
Improving plant production by selection for survival at low CO2 concentrations
Authors: Medrano Hipolito , Keys Alfred J. , Lawlor David W. , Parry Martin A.J. , Azcon-Bieto Joaquim , Delgado Esteban
Published: November 2012

Attempts to select C3 plants with slow rates of photo-respiration and increased rates of net photosynthesis have met with little success. This review analyses the properties of mutant genotypes of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Wisconsin), derived from selection of haploid plants (produced by in vitro mutagenesis of anthers) which survived in CO2 concentrations close to the compensation point. Survivors were diploidized and doubled-haploid plants were self-pollinated to obtain seeds (the selected genotypes). Several glasshouse and field experiments showed that the method of selection at low CO2 concentrations gave genotypes with increased capacity for total dry matter accumulation; increases were similar (mean 24%; range 14–36%) in different conditions for two selected genotypes (SP422 and SP451) when compared to the parental genotype Wisconsin-38. This increase was related to a greater leaf area per plant (mean increase 19%; range 9–43%), to faster photosynthetic rates in mature and old leaves and to similar rates of dark respiration per unit leaf area, but smaller rates per unit dry matter. These changes were related to a greater number of mesophyll cells of smaller size in the selected genotypes. However, the increased productivity could not be related to reduced photorespiration rate or CO2 compensation point nor to improved Rubisco properties (e.g. increased specificity factor) which the selection method was designed to achieve. Selection by survival at low CO2 produced genotypes able to invest more assimilate in growing larger leaves and to maintain a better leaf carbon balance than the parent genotype. These features improved light capture and carbon accumulation and thus increased dry matter production.
Evaluation of Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions with Amino Acids and Glycerol in a Rat Model
Authors: Faict D. , Lameire N. , Kesteloot D. , Peluso F.
Published: November 2012

In this study a simple rat model for evaluating the ultrafiltration by peritoneal dialysis solutions is described. Anaesthetised male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with dialysis solutions. Zero, 1, 3, or 6 h later, the dialysate volume was determined directly: the abdomen was carefully opened, the intraperitoneal liquid was withdrawn with a syringe and its volume was measured. Good recovery of dialysate, highly reproducible results, and the similarity between the ultrafiltration profiles in rats and published profiles in CAPD patients for control solutions, indicate that the model is valid.

The model was then used to evaluate peritoneal dialysis solutions containing a mixture of glycerol and amino acids. Both osmotic agents are chemically compatible and these mixtures provide amino acids and carbohydrates in a single solution. For three mixtures, intraperitoneal dialysate volumes were determined as a function of dwell time and the formulation with the desired ultrafiltration could be selected.