bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slavery and emancipation in rural New York: Evidence from nineteenth-century accounting records
Authors: Hollister Joan , Schultz Sally M.
Published: August 2010

Contributing to a more inclusive history, this study explores slavery and emancipation in the northeastern USA, using accounting ledgers maintained in New York’s mid-Hudson River valley during the first half of the nineteenth century. The social and economic circumstances faced by rural blacks prior to emancipation are examined using the accounting records maintained by Ann DeWitt Bevier, a wealthy widow who managed an estate staffed by both slave and free labor. Aspects of rural life after emancipation are revealed by the personal account books maintained by John Hasbrouck. These first-hand records document Hasbrouck’s employment and compensation after emancipation, and show how one African-American family adapted to freedom. This study facilitates a comparison of the practice of slavery in the North and the South, and illustrates how these differences were reflected in the type of information included in the accounting records.
Post-mortem Changes in Farmed Spotted Babylon Snail (Babylonia areolata) During Iced Storage
Authors: Chotimarkorn C. , Silalai N. , Chaitanawisuit N.
Published: August 2010

Post-mortem changes in farmed spotted Babylon snail stored in ice for 7 days were evaluated using nucleotide degradation products, K-value, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N), organic acid, free amino acids and biogenic amines. During a 7-day ice storage, K-value, TVB-N, TMA-N and organic acids contents increased with increasing storage time (p < 0.05). Changes in free amino acid, such as aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, arginine and proline were observed throughout the ice storage (p < 0.05), while total free amino acids were found to decrease significantly (p < 0.05). Biogenic amines found in snail muscle during ice storage were tyramine, putrescine, cadaverine, agmatine and histamine. Bacteria counts of snail muscle exceeded 7 log CFU/g, which was considered as the limit for acceptability after 7 days of iced storage. This result initiates the use of ice storage as a preliminary treatment for snails transported from farms.
Shelf-life of Almond Pastry Cookies with Different Types of Packaging and Levels of Temperature
Authors: Romeo F.V. , De Luca S. , Piscopo A. , Santisi V. , Poiana M.
Published: August 2010

Almond pastries are typical cookies of the south of Italy. Introduction of new packaging for this kind of cookies requires shelf-life assessments. This study, related to different types of packaging under various storage conditions of time and temperature, identifies critical parameters, as color and texture, to track during storage studies and to extend the shelf-life. The cookies were packed in three different ways and stored at two different temperatures. The pastries were separately stored: (1) in polyvinylchloride film; (2) in aluminum foil (ALL); (3) with modified atmosphere (MAP) in plastic vessels sealed into a polyamide/ polyethylene film; and (4) in vessels without any polymeric film. The storage temperatures were 20 and 30 °C. Evolution of texture, water activity, dry matter and color was assessed. Texture was evaluated by a texture analyzer with a puncturing test. Indices for hardening were the area under the curve (N × mm) up to 10 mm of distance, and the maximum force (N) corresponding to the crust fracture. The best results were obtained with ALL packaging and MAP condition, and above all, in all the trials a temperature of 30 °C reduced the crust hardness.
Emotions, norms, and the genealogy of fairness
Authors: Nichols Shaun
Published: August 2010

In The Grammar of Society, Bicchieri maintains that behavior in the Ultimatum game (and related economic games) depends on people’s allegiance to ‘social norms’. In this article, I follow Bicchieri in maintaining that an adequate account of people’s behavior in such games must make appeal to norms, including a norm of equal division; I depart from Bicchieri in maintaining that at least part of the population desires to follow such norms even when they do not expect others to follow them. This generates a puzzle, however: why do norms of equal division have such cultural resilience? One possibility is that our natural emotional propensity for envy makes norms of equal division emotionally appealing. An alternative (but complementary) possibility is that deviations from a norm of equal division would naturally be interpreted as threats to status, which would facilitate the moralization of such norms.
Time Diary versus Instantaneous Sampling: A Comparison of Two Behavioral Research Methods
Authors: Paolisso Michael , Hames Raymond
Published: August 2010

The accurate collection of unbiased behavioral data is an important component of theory building and ethnographic research. In this article, the authors review two approaches for the collection of behavioral data: time diary and instantaneous sampling. Time diary requires individuals to recall their behavior at specific time intervals; instantaneous sampling relies on researchers observing and recording the behavior of individuals. Each approach has specific strengths and weaknesses. The authors review recent methodological literature on both approaches, identify particular problems with both approaches, and contrast their respective methodological strengths and weaknesses.
Examining Perceptions of School Safety Strategies, School Climate, and Violence
Authors: Booren Leslie M. , Handy Deborah J. , Power Thomas G.
Published: August 2010

The two main aims of the research were to (a) examine any differences in perceptions of school climate and safety practices between students and teachers and (b) investigate whether school climate and major safety variables predict the perceived importance of safety strategies. Using 184 student reports and 32 teacher reports, results revealed teachers’ perceptions of the connection/climate items were significantly higher than students’ perceptions. Students’ feelings of school climate and violence were associated with ratings on the importance of safety strategies, such that higher ratings on the connection/climate and incivility and disruption scales significantly predicted the perceived importance of rule enforcement strategies.
Juvenile Probation and Police Partnerships as Loosely Coupled Systems: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Alarid Leanne F. , Sims Barbara A. , Ruiz James
Published: August 2010

Most organizational theories assume that agency partnerships within a system are seamless and tightly fit. Through qualitative interviews with program personnel, this study measured the extent to which juvenile probation and police partnerships were characterized as a ‘‘loosely coupled system.’’ Loosely coupled systems were measured by each agency’s willingness to share information, willingness to share power, flexibility in decision making, open communication without fear of reprisal, valuing diverse backgrounds of outside agencies, and degree of mutual commitment toward a common goal. Evidence to support the existence of a loosely coupled system was the willingness of officers to expand and broaden their traditional roles and appropriately share power, such that there was no mission distortion and role confusion observed. Information sharing efforts had a significant impact on dissolving old ways of thinking about traditional roles and instead built a new sense of trust, improved morale, and greater access to information.
Adolescent Victimization and Violent Self-Help
Authors: Apel Robert , Burrow John D.
Published: August 2010

A generation of criminological research demonstrates considerable overlap between victim and offender populations. Although there is compelling theoretical and empirical evidence that criminal offenders live a high-risk lifestyle that exposes them to a higher likelihood of becoming victims of crime themselves, we take as a point of departure the possibility that an individual’s experiences as a crime victim might also motivate them to engage in certain forms of violent behavior as a form of ‘‘self-help.’’ In this study, violent self-help is conceptualized to encompass gang membership, handgun carrying, and aggravated assault. An analysis of data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents (12 years of age at the initial interview) provides support for the proposition that experienced and vicarious victimization are precursors to later violent behavior, even among youth with no history of violent behavior.
Tactical Self-Enhancement in China
Authors: Cai Huajian , Sedikides Constantine , Gaertner Lowell , Wang Chenjun , Carvallo Mauricio , Xu Yiyuan , O’Mara Erin M. , Jackson Lydia Eckstein
Published: August 2010

Is self-enhancement culturally universal or relativistic? This article highlights a nuanced dynamic in East Asian culture. Modesty is a prevailing norm in China. The authors hypothesized that because of socialization practices and prohibitive cultural pressures, modesty would be associated with and lead to low explicit self-enhancement but high implicit self-enhancement, that Chinese participants would deemphasize explicitly the positivity of the self when high on modesty or situationally prompted to behave modestly but would capitalize on their modest disposition or situationally induced behavior to emphasize implicitly the positivity of the self. In support of the hypotheses, dispositionally or situationally modest Chinese participants manifested low explicit self-esteem while manifesting high implicit self-esteem. Modesty among American participants constrained explicit self-esteem but yielded no associations with implicit self-esteem. The results showcase the tactical nature of self-enhancement in Chinese culture and call for research on when and how self-enhancement is pursued tactically in different cultures.
The transcription factor Srf regulates hematopoietic stem cell adhesion
Authors: Ragu Christine , Elain Gaelle , Mylonas Elena , Ottolenghi Chris , Cagnard Nicolas , Daegelen Dominique , Passegué Emmanuelle , Vainchenker William , Bernard Olivier A. , Penard-Lacronique Virginie
Published: August 2010

Adhesion properties of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow (BM) niches control their migration and affect their cell-cycle dynamics. The serum response factor (Srf) regulates growth factor–inducible genes and genes controlling cytoskeleton structures involved in cell spreading, adhesion, and migration. We identified a role for Srf in HSC adhesion and steady-state hematopoiesis. Conditional deletion of Srf in BM cells resulted in a 3-fold expansion of the long- and short-term HSCs and multipotent progenitors (MPPs), which occurs without long-term modification of cell-cycle dynamics. Early differentiation steps to myeloid and lymphoid lineages were normal, but Srf loss results in alterations in mature-cell production and severe thrombocytopenia. Srf-null BM cells also displayed compromised engraftment properties in transplantation assays. Gene expression analysis identified Srf target genes expressed in HSCs, including a network of genes associated with cell migration and adhesion. Srf-null stem cells and MPPs displayed impair expression of the integrin network and decreased adherence in vitro. In addition, Srf-null mice showed increase numbers of circulating stem and progenitor cells, which likely reflect their reduced retention in the BM. Altogether, our results demonstrate that Srf is an essential regulator of stem cells and MPP adhesion, and suggest that Srf acts mainly through cell-matrix interactions and integrin signaling.
APRIL promotes cell-cycle progression in primary multiple myeloma cells: influence of D-type cyclin group and translocation status
Authors: Quinn John , Glassford Janet , Percy Laura , Munson Philippa , Marafioti Teresa , Rodriguez-Justo Manuel , Yong Kwee
Published: August 2010

A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) promotes survival and drug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines. We studied the effect of APRIL on cell-cycle behavior in primary MM cells and correlated our findings with D-type cyclin expression by immunohistochemistry and/or Western blotting. In MM cases, expressing cyclin D2 APRIL significantly increased the percentage of CD138+ cells in S + G2/M phase (from 8.4% ± 1.9% to 14.3% ± 2.6%, n = 15, P < .01), whereas a lesser effect was seen in cases expressing cyclin D1 (n = 18). Cell-cycle response to APRIL was most marked for cyclin D2-expressing cases with IgH translocations (P < .01) and was accompanied by increased expression of cyclin D2, CDK4, CDK6, and phospho-retinoblastoma protein. Cell-cycle proteins in cyclin D1+ cells were not modulated by APRIL. Surface expression of B-cell maturation antigen and transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor was not significantly different between cyclin D1+ and D2+ MM cells. We observed activation of nuclear factor-κB and PI3-kinase pathways in response to APRIL in both cyclin D1+ and D2+ MM cells. In conclusion, APRIL stimulates G1/S progression in cyclin D2+ MM cells bearing IgH translocations but has minimal effect on cyclin D1+ cells, suggesting MM cells from different cyclin D/translocation classes rely on different mechanisms for cell-cycle re-entry.
Design and characterization of a cleavage-resistant Annexin A1 mutant to control inflammation in the microvasculature
Authors: Pederzoli-Ribeil Magali , Maione Francesco , Cooper Dianne , Al-Kashi Adam , Dalli Jesmond , Perretti Mauro , D'Acquisto Fulvio
Published: August 2010

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes adhesion to endothelial cells during the early stage of inflammation leads to cell surface externalization of Annexin A1 (AnxA1), an effector of endogenous anti-inflammation. The antiadhesive properties of AnxA1 become operative to finely tune polymorphonuclear leukocytes transmigration to the site of inflammation. Membrane bound proteinase 3 (PR3) plays a key role in this microenvironment by cleaving the N terminus bioactive domain of AnxA1. In the present study, we generated a PR3-resistant human recombinant AnxA1—named superAnxA1 (SAnxA1)—and tested its in vitro and in vivo properties in comparison to the parental protein. SAnxA1 bound and activated formyl peptide receptor 2 in a similar way as the parental protein, while showing a resistance to cleavage by recombinant PR3. SAnxA1 retained anti-inflammatory activities in the murine inflamed microcirculation (leukocyte adhesion being the readout) and in skin trafficking model. When longer-lasting models of inflammation were applied, SAnxA1 displayed stronger anti-inflammatory effect over time compared with the parental protein. Together these results indicate that AnxA1 cleavage is an important process during neutrophilic inflammation and that controlling the balance between AnxA1/PR3 activities might represent a promising avenue for the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches.
Effect of FCGR2A and FCGR3A variants on CLL outcome
Authors: Dornan David , Spleiss Olivia , Yeh Ru-Fang , Duchateau-Nguyen Guillemette , Dufour Annika , Zhi Jianguo , Robak Tadeusz , Moiseev Sergey I. , Dmoszynska Anna , Solal-Celigny Philippe , Warzocha Krzysztof , Loscertales Javier , Catalano John , Afanasiev Boris V. , Larratt Loree , Rossiev Viktor A. , Bence-Bruckler Isabelle , Geisler Christian H. , Montillo Marco , Wenger Michael K. , Weisser Martin
Published: August 2010

Polymorphisms of activating Fc-γ receptors (FCGRs) on natural killer cells and macrophages result in variable affinity for immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibodies and subsequently modulate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity. Whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms of FCGRs correlate with survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients treated with a monoclonal antibody containing regimen is unclear. We assessed the FCGR3A and FCGR2A genotype of patients enrolled in the REACH trial, where patients received fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC) or rituximab plus FC (R-FC). FCGR3A and FCGR2A polymorphisms did not demonstrate prognostic significance in the FC arm (P = .42 and P = .64, respectively) or R-FC arm (P = .41 and P = .88, respectively) with respect to progression free survival. Patients with intermediate affinity genotypes (FV and HR) benefited significantly from addition of rituximab (hazard ratio = 0.55 [0.37-0.8 CI]; P = .0017 and hazard ratio = 0.63 [0.44-0.9 CI]; P = .011, respectively). Similar benefit was suggested for patients with high- affinity VV and HH (hazard ratio = 0.86 [0.4-1.84 CI]; P = .7 and hazard ratio = 0.7 [0.41-1.18 CI]; P = .18, respectively) and low-affinity FF and RR (hazard ratio = 0.85 [0.56-1.29 CI]; P = .44 and hazard ratio = 0.82 [0.47-1.42 CI]; P = .48, respectively). Overall, our results suggest that FCGR2A and FCGR3A polymorphisms do not significantly influence the outcomes of relapsed or refractory CLL patients treated with FC or the monoclonal antibody regimen R-FC.
TF-finder: A software package for identifying transcription factors involved in biological processes using microarray data and existing knowledge base
Authors: Cui Xiaoqi , Wang Tong , Chen Huann-Sheng , Busov Victor , Wei Hairong
Published: August 2010

Background

Identification of transcription factors (TFs) involved in a biological process is the first step towards a better understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms. However, due to the involvement of a large number of genes and complicated interactions in a gene regulatory network (GRN), identification of the TFs involved in a biology process remains to be very challenging. In reality, the recognition of TFs for a given a biological process can be further complicated by the fact that most eukaryotic genomes encode thousands of TFs, which are organized in gene families of various sizes and in many cases with poor sequence conservation except for small conserved domains. This poses a significant challenge for identification of the exact TFs involved or ranking the importance of a set of TFs to a process of interest. Therefore, new methods for recognizing novel TFs are desperately needed. Although a plethora of methods have been developed to infer regulatory genes using microarray data, it is still rare to find the methods that use existing knowledge base in particular the validated genes known to be involved in a process to bait/guide discovery of novel TFs. Such methods can replace the sometimes-arbitrary process of selection of candidate genes for experimental validation and significantly advance our knowledge and understanding of the regulation of a process.

Results

We developed an automated software package called TF-finder for recognizing TFs involved in a biological process using microarray data and existing knowledge base. TF-finder contains two components, adaptive sparse canonical correlation analysis (ASCCA) and enrichment test, for TF recognition. ASCCA uses positive target genes to bait TFS from gene expression data while enrichment test examines the presence of positive TFs in the outcomes from ASCCA. Using microarray data from salt and water stress experiments, we showed TF-finder is very efficient in recognizing many important TFs involved in salt and drought tolerance as evidenced by the rediscovery of those TFs that have been experimentally validated. The efficiency of TF-finder in recognizing novel TFs was further confirmed by a thorough comparison with a method called Intersection of Coexpression (ICE).

Conclusions

TF-finder can be successfully used to infer novel TFs involved a biological process of interest using publicly available gene expression data and known positive genes from existing knowledge bases. The package for TF-finder includes an R script for ASCCA, a Perl controller, and several Perl scripts for parsing intermediate outputs. The package is available upon request (hairong@mtu.edu). The R code for standalone ASCCA is also available.
Ultraviolet stress delays chromosome replication in light/dark synchronized cells of the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus marinus PCC9511
Authors: Kolowrat Christian , Partensky Frédéric , Mella-Flores Daniella , Le Corguillé Gildas , Boutte Christophe , Blot Nicolas , Ratin Morgane , Ferréol Martial , Lecomte Xavier , Gourvil Priscillia , Lennon Jean-François , Kehoe David M , Garczarek Laurence
Published: August 2010

Background

The marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus is very abundant in warm, nutrient-poor oceanic areas. The upper mixed layer of oceans is populated by high light-adapted Prochlorococcus ecotypes, which despite their tiny genome (~1.7 Mb) seem to have developed efficient strategies to cope with stressful levels of photosynthetically active and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. At a molecular level, little is known yet about how such minimalist microorganisms manage to sustain high growth rates and avoid potentially detrimental, UV-induced mutations to their DNA. To address this question, we studied the cell cycle dynamics of P. marinus PCC9511 cells grown under high fluxes of visible light in the presence or absence of UV radiation. Near natural light-dark cycles of both light sources were obtained using a custom-designed illumination system (cyclostat). Expression patterns of key DNA synthesis and repair, cell division, and clock genes were analyzed in order to decipher molecular mechanisms of adaptation to UV radiation.

Results

The cell cycle of P. marinus PCC9511 was strongly synchronized by the day-night cycle. The most conspicuous response of cells to UV radiation was a delay in chromosome replication, with a peak of DNA synthesis shifted about 2 h into the dark period. This delay was seemingly linked to a strong downregulation of genes governing DNA replication (dnaA) and cell division (ftsZ, sepF), whereas most genes involved in DNA repair (such as recA, phrA, uvrA, ruvC, umuC) were already activated under high visible light and their expression levels were only slightly affected by additional UV exposure.

Conclusions

Prochlorococcus cells modified the timing of the S phase in response to UV exposure, therefore reducing the risk that mutations would occur during this particularly sensitive stage of the cell cycle. We identified several possible explanations for the observed timeshift. Among these, the sharp decrease in transcript levels of the dnaA gene, encoding the DNA replication initiator protein, is sufficient by itself to explain this response, since DNA synthesis starts only when the cellular concentration of DnaA reaches a critical threshold. However, the observed response likely results from a more complex combination of UV-altered biological processes.
Elasticity and stress relaxation of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) vocal folds
Authors: Riede Tobias
Published: August 2010

Fundamental frequency is an important perceptual parameter for acoustic communication in mammals. It is determined by vocal fold oscillation, which depends on the morphology and viscoelastic properties of the oscillating tissue. In this study, I tested if stress–strain and stress–relaxation behavior of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) vocal folds allows the prediction of a species' natural fundamental frequency range across its entire vocal repertoire as well as of frequency contours within a single call type. In tensile tests, the load–strain and stress–relaxation behavior of rhesus monkey vocal folds and ventricular folds has been examined. Using the string model, predictions about the species' fundamental frequency range, individual variability, as well as the frequency contour of ‘coo’ calls were made. The low- and mid-frequency range (up to 2 kHz) of rhesus monkeys can be predicted relatively well with the string model. The discrepancy between predicted maximum fundamental frequency and what has been recorded in rhesus monkeys is currently ascribed to the difficulty in predicting the behavior of the lamina propria at very high strain. Histological sections of the vocal fold and different staining techniques identified collagen, elastin, hyaluronan and, surprisingly, fat cells as components of the lamina propria. The distribution of all four components is not uniform, suggesting that different aspects of the lamina propria are drawn into oscillation depending on vocal fold tension. A differentiated recruitment of tissue into oscillation could extend the frequency range specifically at the upper end of the frequency scale.
Expression and role of the cell surface protease seprase/fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α) in astroglial tumors
Authors: Mentlein Rolf , Hattermann Kirsten , Hemion Charles , Jungbluth Achim A. , Held-Feindt Janka
Published: August 2010

Seprase or fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α) is a cell-surface serine protease that was previously described nearly exclusively on reactive and tumor stromal fibroblasts and thought to be involved in tissue remodeling. We investigated the expression and significance of FAP-α in astrocytomas/glioblastomas. As shown by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohisto-chemistry, FAP-α was elevated in whole glioblastoma tissues and in particular in most glioma cells in situ and in vitro. In glioma stem-like cells (gliospheres), FAP-α was detected at low levels; however, FAP-α was considerably induced upon differentiation with 10% fetal calf serum. To explore its functional role, FAP-α was silenced by siRNA transfection. In Boyden chamber assays, FAP-α silenced cells migrated similar as control cells through non-coated or Matrigel (basal lamina)-coated porous membranes, but significantly slower through membranes coated with gelatin or brevican, a major component of brain extracellular matrix. Furthermore, FAP-α-silenced glioma cells migrated through murine brain slices much slower under the conditions tested than differentially fluorescent-labeled control cells. Thus, FAP-α is highly expressed on the surface of glioma cells and contributes to diffuse glioma invasion through extracellular matrix components.
Automated assay for non-transferrin-bound iron in serum samples
Authors: Prezelj Marija , Knap Bojan
Published: August 2010

Background: Non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) is a powerful promoter of free radical damage and highly toxic to biological systems, resulting in oxidative damage to proteins, lipids and DNA.

Methods: This assay is based on the binding of serum NTBI by the chelator nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and measurement of the ultrafiltrated Fe-NTA complex with the ferrozine reagent kit by a biochemical analyzer. To determine NTBI at extremely low concentrations, the program parameters for serum iron measurement were modified.

Results: Linearity was up to 15 μmol/L with analytical recovery of 93%–103%. The limit of detection was 0.076 μmol/L. The within-run coefficient of variation was 2.37%, 1.23%, and 0.812% at concentrations of 0.338, 1.717, and 5.916 μmol/L, respectively. NTBI concentrations measured after exercise in samples obtained from 14 rowers, divided into two groups, were substantially higher in all samples. The median NTBI concentrations (range) before and after exercise were 0.197 (–0.11 to 0.58), and 3.353 (2.39–8.97) μmol/L, respectively, in older rowers and 0.197 (–0.18 to 1.17), and 1.360 (0.47–2.49) μmol/L, respectively, in younger rowers.

Conclusions: With the described modification for serum iron determination, NTBI can be measured with high sensitivity and specificity. The data presented are illustrative examples of the applicability of this assay.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1427–32.
Evaluation of D-dimer in the diagnosis of suspected aortic dissection
Authors: Fan Qing-kun , Wang Wen-wu , Zhang Zhen-lu , Liu Ze-jin , Yang Jun , Zhao Geng-sheng , Cao Shu-zheng
Published: August 2010

Background: The goal of this study was to evaluate plasma D-dimer as a diagnostic marker for exclusion of suspected aortic dissection (AD).

Methods: Two-hundred and sixty suspected AD patients were enrolled, including acute AD, n=107; chronic AD, n=17; acute myocardial infarction (AMI), n=70; pulmonary embolism (PE), n=18; non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), n=28; and unstable angina (UA), n=20. All patients had D-dimer testing performed (Roche Diagnostics GmbH) immediately following admission.

Results: The D-dimer concentrations in both the acute AD group [median: 3.47; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.43–4.50 μg/mL] and chronic AD group (median: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.36–3.81 μg/mL) were significantly higher than those in patients in the AMI, NSTEMI and UA groups (p=0.000), but not when compared to the PE group. One (0.8%) patient was identified in the acute AD group who presented with a low D-dimer value (0.04 μg/mL), indicating the existence of intramural hematoma as demonstrated by CT.

Conclusions: D-dimer may be used as a potential marker for suspected AD, with high sensitivity of up to 99.2% (1/124). Regardless of the cut-off threshold selected, the sensitivity of D-dimer was unable to reach 100%. Further examinations, including imaging technology, were necessary to diagnose the suspected AD patients who had negative D-dimer result.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1733–7.
Conway's group and octonions
Authors: Wilson Robert A.
Published: August 2010

We give a description of the double cover of Conway's group in terms of right multiplications by 3 × 3 matrices over the octonions. This leads to simple sets of generators for many of the maximal subgroups, including a uniform construction of the Suzuki chain of subgroups.
Solomon's induction in quasi-elementary groups
Authors: Dokchitser Tim
Published: August 2010

Given a finite group
Carrier Transport in Homo- and Heteroepitaxial Zinc Oxide Layers
Authors: Ellmer Klaus
Published: August 2010

Homo- and heteroepitaxial ZnMgO:Al, ZnCaO:Al and ZnO:Ga films have been grown on sapphire and ZnO substrates by RF (13.56 MHz) reactive magnetron sputtering from oxidic targets. The films grow epitaxially, i.e. with a preferred in-plane and out-of plane orientation. However, the heteroepitaxial films on sapphire exhibit a much higher crystallographic defect density, compared to the homepitaxial films. The ZnMeO films (Me – metal)on a-plane sapphire exhibit a lower defect density leading to higher Hall mobilities. Both, homo- and heteroepitaxial ZnO:Ga films with carrier concentrations N>1020 cm−3 exhibit the same mobility values, which increase with increasing carrier concentration. This behaviour is typical for electrical grain barrier limited transport, as decribed recently for polycrystalline ZnO:Al(Ga) films on glass. For the ZnCaO:Al films, deposited at similar conditions as the ZnO:Ga films, much lower carrier concentrations were measured, both for sapphire as well as for ZnO substrates. The mobilities of the ZnCaO:Al films on ZnO are much higher than that on the sapphire single crystals. The measured Hall mobilities are compared to single crystalline ZnO transport data.

Additionally, the work functions of the ZnMeO layers have been measured by X-ray and ultra-violet photoelectron spectroscopy. As expected, the work functions are lower compared to unalloyed ZnO, which can be used for ZnO band gap and band alignment engineering.
Experimental Design for Free Space Nonlinear Magnetic Material Characterization Using Photonic Structures
Authors: Kuster Eric , Moore Ricky L.
Published: August 2010

Measuring nonlinear AC dielectric or magnetic properties of ferro and ferri magnetic materials has often required large, extremely high power and bulky equipment configurations for production of the required intense electric and/or magnetic fields. Multiple RF cavities, striplines or waveguide test fixtures may be required. The techniques often require 10s of cubic millimeter too centimeter material volumes. This paper presents results from an initial experimental design of a free space based measurement configuration for small material volumes such as nano and micro particulates or particulate composites. The technique uses wideband radiators and modest variable power radio frequency pumping sources. A second design uses, in concert with a higher power pump, a variable frequency low power probe source at frequencies other than that of the pump. A two dimensional photonic bandgap (PBG) structure is common to both configurations. The photonic structure acts to enhance power density at frequencies associated with localized electromagnetic fields constrained to small volumes of the photonic structures. Field localization is recognized and has been applied in biological diagnostics and treatment [Phys. Rev. v109, 1492; Phys. Rev. B, v55 and 62, n. 19 and 16, pp 13234 and 11230 and Chem.Soc.News, 1998, v27, p241].

Modeling of various measurement configurations is based upon expansion of incident and propagating fields in characteristic modes external and within the structure. A proper choice of photonic structure, material and pump frequency is found to localize fields in air, between the structural dielectric members of the photonic structure. This will allow small magnetic or electric samples to be inserted for exposure in these regions. The electromagnetic reflection, transmission, absorption and field/power density multiplier of the photonic structure can be measured at multiple frequencies and reflect the dielectric or magnetic nonlinearity and changed dispersion induced at the pump frequency. One PBG-free space combination will be presented that finds power density multipliers of 10 6. Thus a 10 watt pump source will produce RF magnetic field strengths near 10 Oe. This magnetic field should be sufficient to exceed critical fields for many ferri and ferromagnetic samples inserted in the volume of field localization.
Mechanosynthesis, Radiation-Thermal Modification and Characterization of Nanostructured Scandia Stabilized Zirconia Ceramics
Authors: Zyryanov Vladimir V. , Uvarov Nikolay F. , Ulihin Artem S. , Sadykov Vladislav A.
Published: August 2010

SSZ-based ceramics were obtained by sintering of nanopowders derived at room temperature by mechanochemical synthesis from refined technical grade ZrO2 nano-precursors. RT-treatment by 2.5 MeV electrons up to 1563 K was used for the modification of ceramics. Powders and ceramics were characterized by XRD, Raman, SEM and EDS, TEM, SIMS techniques. The phase composition of Zr0.89Sc0.1Ce0.01O1.95 ceramics was very close to cubic structure but better fitting of XRD patterns was obtained for rhombohedral lattice. Conductivity of solid electrolytes for IT SOFC was studied by complex impedance method. To stabilize cubic structure and increase conductivity at operation temperature of To ∼ 1000 K, the composition of SSZ solid electrolyte was optimized by addition of yttria and sintering aids. The interaction of admixtures with minor dopants leading to intergrain phase was revealed. During fast sintering, ceramics keep a memory about inhomogeneous disordered solid solutions in a form of nanostructuring. Conductivity data indicate nanostructuring of ceramics too: activation energies of bulk and grain boundary conductivities are close (Eb ∼ 0.9 eV, Egb ∼ 1.05 eV). Annealing of ceramics at high temperatures increases conductivity at To and promotes grain growth.
On the Characterisatiopn of Order-Disorder in Ion-Irradiated Pyrochlore Compounds by Electron Scattering Methods
Authors: Lumpkin Gregory R. , Whittle Karl R. , Blackford Mark G. , Smith Katherine L. , Zaluzec Nestor J.
Published: August 2010

Selected area electron diffraction patterns are routinely used to determine the effects of irradiation damage in nuclear materials. Using zone axis orientations, the intensities of Bragg beams change from a dynamical to kinematic-like state due to the presence of amorphous domains in the material. Such changes in beam intensities, together with the increased diffuse scattering from the increasing amorphous fraction, present a major obstacle to the determination of cation or anion disorder in the crystalline fraction.
Interaction between Dislocation Sliding and Damage Structure in Ion-irradiated Stainless Steels
Authors: Miura Terumitsu , Fujii Katsuhiko , Fukuya Koji
Published: August 2010

The interaction between dislocation sliding and damage structure in ion-irradiated austenitic stainless steels was investigated. Solution annealed type 316 and 304 stainless steels (316SS and 304SS) were irradiated with 2.8 MeV Fe2+ ions at 300 °C up to 10 dpa and tensiled to 2% plastic strain at 300 °C. Dislocations moving from unirradiated matrix were prevented due to the interactions with the damage structures consisted of dislocation loops and voids in the damage region. The prevention of dislocation movements by the damage structures became strong in 304SS compared in 316SS; probably due to lower stacking fault energy in 304SS. The prevention of dislocation movements was weak for Fe ion-irradiated specimens in which the increase in shear strength calculated from the size and number density of the defects was small compared to He ion-irradiated specimens.
Preparation of Asymmetric Thermosensitive Double-layer Gel
Authors: Iizawa Takashi , Terao Akihiro
Published: August 2010

Heterogeneous amidation of poly(acrylic acid) gel-1,8-diazabicyclo-[5,4,0]-7-undecene salt (DAA) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone containing an excess of alkylamine and triphenylphosphite occurred from the surface to give the corresponding DAA-poly(N-alkylacrylamide) (PNAA) core-shell type gel, consisting of an unreacted DAA core and a quantitatively amidated shell layer. Further amidation of the DAA-PNAA core-shell type gel with a second alkylamine afforded a novel core-shell type gel consisting of two PNAA layers: PNAA(2) and PNAA(1). The resulting cylindrical PNAA(2)-PNAA(1) core-shell type gels were resistant to marked deformation caused by swelling/de-swelling because of their axial symmetry. This paper proposes a new approach to the preparation of asymmetric thermosensitive PNAA(2)-PNAA(1) double-layer gels by several procedures using the synthetic method of the core-shell type gels containing of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and poly(N-n-propylacrylamide) layers. Among the obtained asymmetric double-layer gels the model I type gel (cylindrical grooved PNNPA-PNIPA core-shell type gel) was markedly bent in water at temperatures between the lower critical solution temperatures of both layers.
Optical Fiber Loop Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring of Composites
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen Q , Gupta Nikhil
Published: August 2010

In the present work a fiber-optic loop-sensor is designed and tested for possible applications in structural health monitoring of composite materials. It is known that bending an optical fiber beyond a critical curvature leads to loss of optical power through the curved region. The optical power loss depends on the radius of curvature of the loop. The optical power can be measured by a photodetector and a change in the power due a change to the curvature can be measured. In the present research optical fiber-optic loop-sensors are developed that can exploit this concept. Single-mode optical fiber sensors having different loop radii, from 6-10 mm, are fabricated and calibrated for applied strain on the loop. The calibration is carried out using a 0.098 N load cell and a computer controlled translation stage having 50 nm step resolution. Results show that the sensors provide highly repeatable curves for loading and unloading cycles. Smaller loop radii lead to higher optical power losses, resulting in higher sensitivity. Calibration results show that such sensors can be used in structural health monitoring applications. In this approach the coating and cladding of optical fibers are maintained intact; therefore, the sensors are robust and can withstand several composites fabrication processes.
6 Watt Segmented Power Generator Modules using Bi2Te3 and (InGaAs)1-x(InAlAs)x Elements Embedded with ErAs Nanoparticles
Authors: Zeng Gehong , Bahk Je-Hyeong , Ramu Ashok T , Bowers John E , Lu Hong , Gossard Arthur C , Bian Zhixi , Zebarjadi Mona , Shakouri Ali
Published: August 2010

We report the fabrication and characterization of segmented element power generator modules of 16 x 16 thermoelectric elements consisting of 0.8 mm thick Bi2Te3 and 50 μm thick ErAs:(InGaAs)1-x(InAlAs)x with 0.6% ErAs by volume. Erbium Arsenide metallic nanoparticles are incorporated to create scattering centers for middle and long wavelength phonons, and to form local potential barriers for electron filtering. The thermoelectric properties of ErAs:(InGaAs)1-x(InAlAs)x were characterized in terms of electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient from 300 K up to 830 K. Generator modules of Bi2Te3 and ErAs:(InGaAs)1-x(InAlAs)x segmented elements were fabricated and an output power of 6.3 W was measured. 3D finite modeling shows that the performance of thermoelectric generator modules can further be enhanced by the improvement of the thermoelectric properties of the element materials, and reducing the electrical and thermal parasitic losses.
Density Functional Theory Calculations and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Interaction of Bio-molecules with Hydroxyapatite Surfaces in an Aqueous Environment
Authors: Almora-Barrios Neyvis , de Leeuw Nora H
Published: August 2010

In view of the importance of the hydroxyapatite/collagen composite of both natural bone tissue and synthetic biomaterials for hard tissue replacement, we have employed a combination of electronic structure calculations based on the Density Functional Theory and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the adsorption of three major collagen I amino acids, as well as a complete peptide strand, at two hydroxyapatite surfaces, bothin vacuoand in a liquid water environment. The free amino acids as well as the peptide form multiple interactions with the surfaces and bind more strongly to the (01.0) surface than the (0001) surface, in agreement with experiment, which has found that in natural bone the (01.0) surface grows preferentially from a collagen matrix.
Fabrication of Novel Magnetic Janus Microparticles
Authors: Dyab Amro K. F. , Paunov Vesselin N.
Published: August 2010

We have designed a novel technique for fabrication of magnetic Janus microparticles based on “trapping” the alignment of magnetite nanoparticles dispersed within the oil drops of polymerizable oil-in-water emulsion. We polymerized the oil drops after gelling the continuous aqueous phase in the presence of an external magnetic filed. This allowed us to produce magnetic Janus particles with optical and magnetic anisotropy which form unusual zigzag chains and structures when an external magnetic field is applied to a suspension of such particles. These novel microparticles retain high remanence magnetization and coercivity values indicative of ferromagnetic behavior, which indicates that the composite polymeric Janus microparticles posses a net magnetic dipole and behave like micro-magnets due to the “trapped” orientation of the magnetite nanoparticles in their polymeric matrix.
Crystallization-induced Stress in Phase Change Random Access Memory
Authors: Li Minghua , Li Jianming , Shi Luping , Yang Hongxin , Chong Tow Chong , Li Yi
Published: August 2010

Switched phase change material in Phase Change Random Access Memory (PCRAM) is confined within a solid surrounding. As a result of mechanical properties and microstructure differences between the crystalline and the amorphous phases, strains and stresses are generated and may degrade the performance of PCRAM devices. This paper investigated the crystallization-induced stress in phase change Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) nano film. The electric-thermal and thermo-mechanical simulation results show that the increases of both of the Young's modulus and Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) are responsible for the stress generation upon crystallization. The XRD studies correlate the strains and stresses with the lattice deformation in crystalline GST films.
Bioconjugated Nanoparticle Disease Therapy Concept
Authors: Bianchi Maurice Peter
Published: August 2010

The concept uses nanoparticles or quantum dots that possess a bandgap that when an electron hole pair is generated by irradiating with photons above their bandgap would emit photons with a wavelength in the far ultraviolet (UV) region from about 300 down to 180 nanometers.

This is the so-called germicidal ultraviolet light regime whose peak is centered at about 270 nm where all organisms (viruses, bacteria, parasites and molds) or cells that contain DNA or RNA are susceptible to mitigation.

It has been shown by Shreier, et al (Thymine Dimerization in DNA is an Ultrafast Photoreaction, Science, Vol 315, 2 Feb. 2007, pgs 625-629) that when DNA, for example, is irradiated with UV light of 272 nm in wavelength the chemical bonds of the thymine base pairs of the DNA helix are broken and the ends dimerize to open up the helix thereby preventing it being a template for the production of another cell or organism resulting in apoptosis. By using femto-second time resolved infrared spectroscopy they found that the dimers are fully formed in about 1 picosecond. In this therapy concept the nanoparticle or quantum dot would first be made biocompatible with a coating such as dextrin to make it compatible with the body. Then an appropriate ligand, conjugate or monoclonal antibody would be attached to the particle that would be specific for attaching to the target organism or cell. In the case of cancer cells most have surface specific antigens that are unique to the cancer cell and not to normal cells. Monoclonal antibodies have and can be made to bind to these sites and not to normal cells. The treatment then would entail injecting these bioconjugated nanoparticles that possess the appropriate bandgap into the patient. The particles that did not attach would be excreted through the patient's renal system. After an appropriate interval the patient would be irradiated with x-rays in the KeV to MeV range. The particles would then emit large quantities of UV photons for every KeV or MeV absorbed x-ray photon that would disrupt the cell or organism's DNA that it was attached to leading to apoptosis of the cell or organism.

U.S. and international patents have been applied for on the concept and, currently, two cancer researchers are in the process of being licensed to carry out research and development on the concept for the treatment of cancer.
A Lab-on-a-Chip for Clinical Analysis with Acoustic Microagitation based on Piezoelectric Poly(Vinilidene Fluoride)
Authors: Martins P. , Cardoso V. , Serrado Nunes J. , Rebouta L. , Rocha G. , Minas G. , Lanceros-Mendez Senentxu
Published: August 2010

This paper reports on the incorporation and validation of a microagitation system based on a piezoelectric polymer, Poly(vinylidene fluoride) in its beta phase, β-PVDF, in a fully-integrated disposable lab-on-a-chip for point-of-care testing and monitoring of biochemical parameters in biological fluids. The lab-on-a-chip concept offers a novel approach for clinical analyses, especially in biological fluids analyses, due to its portability, ensuring that the analysis can be performed at any location with quick results. Its microagitation system performance was successfully demonstrated by quantitative measurements of uric acid in human urine, though other molecules or biological fluids can be also measured. The optimization tests prove that it is possible to use lower frequencies than resonance with no major changes in the mixing process. The effect of area and location within the lab-on-a-chip of the microagitation system was also considered.