bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytoplasmic Forkhead Box M1 (FoxM1) in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Significantly Correlates with Pathological Disease Stage
Authors: Hui Marco K. C. , Chan Kwok Wah , Luk John M. , Lee Nikki P. , Chung Yvonne , Cheung Leo C. M. , Srivastava Gopesh , Tsao Sai Wah , Tang Johnny C. , Law Simon
Published: October 2011

Esophageal cancer is a deadly cancer with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) as the major type. Until now there has been a lack of reliable prognostic markers for this malignancy. This study aims to investigate the clinical correlation between Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) and patients’ parameters in ESCC.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the expression and localization of FoxM1 in 64 ESCC tissues and 10 nontumor esophageal tissues randomly selected from 64 patients before these data were used for clinical correlations.

Results

Cytoplasmic and nuclear expressions of FoxM1 were found in 63 and 16 of the 64 ESCC tissues, respectively. Low cytoplasmic expression of FoxM1 was correlated with early pathological stage in ESCC (P = 0.018), while patients with nuclear FoxM1 were younger in age than those without nuclear expression (P < 0.001). Upregulation of FoxM1 mRNA was found in five ESCC cell lines (HKESC‐1, HKESC‐2, HKESC‐3, HKESC‐4, and SLMT‐1) when compared to non‐neoplastic esophageal squamous cell line NE‐1 using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Except for HKESC‐3, all studied ESCC cell lines demonstrated a high expression of FoxM1 protein using immunoblot. A high mRNA level of FoxM1 was observed in all of the ESCC tissues examined when compared to their adjacent nontumor tissues using qPCR.

Conclusion

Cytoplasmic FoxM1 was correlated with pathological stage and might be a biomarker for advanced ESCC.
Left hepatectomy
Authors: Kobayashi Akira , Miyagawa Shinichi
Published: October 2011

Left hepatectomy is one of the most common types of hepatectomy. In order to perform the procedure, surgeons need to possess all the basic skills for accomplishing any liver resection. The most important points to bear in mind in relation to left hepatectomy are: (1) a precise recognition of the surgical anatomy of the vascular structures of the liver, especially the bile duct, because of the wide anatomic variations; (2) recognition that the procedure consists of the following three parts: hilar dissection, mobilization of the left liver, and liver resection; (3) an understanding that these steps need to be accomplished with great care to control bleeding and to avoid injury to the vessels supplying the right hemiliver.
Heterotopic autotransplantation of vitrified mouse ovary
Authors: Eimani Hussein , Behbahanian Arash , Zeinali Bahman , Valoujerdi Mojtaba Rezazade , Eftekhari Poopak , Shahverdi Abdulhussein , Gourabi Hamid , Golkar‐Narenji Afsaneh
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the survival and development of premature follicles and oocytes from a vitrified‐transplanted ovary in a murine experimental model.

Methods

The 14‐day‐old mice were unilaterally ovariectomized and the separated ovaries were vitrified by cryotop. After 2 weeks the ovaries were warmed and autotransplanted into the gluteus superfiscialis muscle. After 3 weeks, these ovaries (vit‐trans), the ovaries from the opposite side (OPP), and 7‐week fresh mouse ovaries as sham and control group (7 week‐fresh), were recovered and examined histologically and by TUNEL test.

Results

All 4 vitrified‐autotransplanted ovaries had developing follicles. Primordial, primary, preantral and antral follicles were found in all three groups (7 week‐fresh, OPP and vit‐trans). The rate of apoptosis by TUNEL test was similar in all groups and no significant difference was found between vitrified‐transplanted ovarian tissue and controls.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate successful autotransplantation of vitrified whole mouse ovaries, manifested by the presence of all stages of folliculogenesis. According to the results of this experiment, heterotopic autotransplantation of whole cryopreserved ovary provides the opportunity for follicle development at all stages. However, further experiments are required to improve the efficiency of autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovaries to obtain better results.
Phylogeny of the genusBryoria
Authors: MYLLYS Leena , VELMALA Saara , HOLIEN Håkon , HALONEN Pekka , WANG Li-Song , GOWARD Trevor
Published: October 2011

The phylogenetic relationships of the genusBryoriawere examined using ITS, partial glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and mitochondrial SSU rDNA sequence data in addition to 20 chemical and morphological characters. This first comprehensive molecular study to assessBryoriaphylogeny includes representatives from all the traditionally recognized four sections. Combined cladistic analyses of 88Bryoriaspecimens representing at least 25 species resulted in highly resolved phylogenies. Based on the results, a new infrageneric classification for the genus is proposed. Five sections are recognized, largely corresponding to the existing classification, with the addition of sectionAmericanae. The study shows that while most species with an erect growth-form are clearly monophyletic, current species status of many pendent taxa can be questioned.
The Encyclopedia of Life (EOL) as a scientific resource and outreach medium applied to the lichen family Parmeliaceae (Ascomycota: Lecanorales)
Authors: LÜCKING Robert , SCHULZ Katja , CRESPO Ana , NASH Thomas H. , LUMBSCH H. Thorsten
Published: October 2011

A brief discussion of the Encyclopedia of Life and the LifeDesks websites as a means to assemble and publish species pages and taxonomic information on the internet, for both the scientific community and the public, is provided. The lichen family Parmeliaceae is the first large group of lichenized fungi for which a concerted effort is currently being undertaken to produce substantial content for the EOL.
Phylogenetic relationships of the neuropogonoid core group in the genus Usnea(Ascomycota: Parmeliaceae)
Authors: LUMBSCH H.Thorsten , WIRTZ Nora
Published: October 2011

Species of Usnea with black pigmentation in the cortex and dark apothecial discs are informally referred to as neuropogonoid lichens. Here we studied the phylogenetic relationships of the core group of neuropogonoid lichens using DNA sequence data of three loci: nuclear ITS and IGS rDNA and RPB1. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses revealed monophyly of 11 neuropogonoid species, with U. ciliata and U. subcapillaris forming a separate lineage. The backbone of the phylogeny of the core group was not resolved with statistical confidence, but relationships of groups of two to three species received strong support (U. acromelana +U. aurantiaco-atra; U. messutiae+U. pallidocarpa; U. sphacelata+U. subantarctica+U. trachycarpa; U. lambii+U. perpusilla+U. ushuaiensis). The new combination U. lambii (Imshaug) Wirtz & Lumbsch comb. nov. is made and U. messutiae Wirtz & Lumbsch sp. nov. is described.
Parmelia sulcata(Ascomycota:Parmeliaceae), a sympatric monophyletic species complex
Authors: MOLINA Maria del Carmen , DIVAKAR Pradeep K. , MILLANES Ana M. , SÁNCHEZ Edinson , DEL-PRADO Ruth , HAWKSWORTH David L. , CRESPO Ana
Published: October 2011

Recently, the number of cryptic species known has increased considerably, showing that species diversity has in many cases been underestimated in the past.Parmelia sulcatais a widely distributed species and one of the most common taxa in temperate Europe. The first intra-specific molecular studies onP. sulcatashowed an unexpectedly high genetic variability. In the present work, we study the biodiversity of this taxon including specimens from four continents and using three molecular markers (nuITS, nuIGS rDNA, and partial β-tubulin gene). Two monophyletic groups ofP. sulcatawere encountered; one of these is epitypified asP. sulcatas. str and the other one is segregated as the new cryptic speciesP. encryptatasp. nov. Issues surrounding the lectotypification ofParmelia sulcatahave also been elucidated.
Generic concepts in parmelioid lichens, and the phylogenetic value of characters used in their circumscription
Authors: CRESPO Ana , DIVAKAR Pradeep K. , HAWKSWORTH David L.
Published: October 2011

This article traces the changing systems in the classification of the parmelioid lichens from the early 19th century to the present day. Molecular phylogenetic approaches have enabled the relative importance of traditionally used characters to be objectively re-assessed, and led to the realization of the significance of others that had previously been passed over or dismissed; for example, differences in ascospore and conidium types or the cell-wall constituents. Information on the different characters employed is presented and assessed. It is concluded that characters related to thallus form or chemical products prove to be less informative at the generic level than has sometimes been assumed. Features requiring further study are identified, and in the light of experience in this group, lichenologists should be cautious in translating their results into formal taxonomies.
Pure ring extensions and self FP-injective rings
Authors: Menal P. , Vámos P.
Published: October 2011

In this paper we investigate the following problem: is a ring R right self FP-injective if it has the property that it is pure, as a right R-module, in every ring extension? The answer is ‘almost always’; for example it is ‘yes’ when R is an algebra over a field or its additive group has no torsion. A counter-example is provided to show that the answer is ‘no’ in general. Rings which are pure in all ring extensions were studied by Sabbagh in [4] where it is pointed out that existentially closed rings have this property. Therefore every ring embeds in such a ring. We will show that the weaker notion of being weakly linearly existentially closed is equivalent to self FP-injectivity. As a consequence we obtain that any ring embeds in a self FP-injective ring.
Subsidiary bifurcations near bifocal homoclinic orbits
Authors: Glendinning Paul
Published: October 2011

Suppose that an ordinary differential equation in ℝ4 has an orbit Γ bi-asymptotic to a stationary point O of the flow. If the characteristic equation of the linear flow near O has roots (λ0 ± ιω0, λ1±ιω1) with —λ0 > λ1 > 0 and ωi > 0 for i = 0,1, we show that there are sequences of more complicated orbits bi-asymptotic to O in generic one-parameter perturbations of the equations. When ω0 ≠ 2nω1 for all n ∈ ℕ, there are sequences of such orbits on both sides of the bifurcation value of the parameter, in contrast to a similar case for flows in ℝ3.
Spatial dynamics of meningococcal meningitis in Niger: observed patterns in comparison with measles
Authors: BHARTI N. , BROUTIN H. , GRAIS R. F. , FERRARI M. J. , DJIBO A. , TATEM A. J. , GRENFELL B. T.
Published: October 2011

Throughout the African meningitis belt, meningococcal meningitis outbreaks occur only during the dry season. Measles in Niger exhibits similar seasonality, where increased population density during the dry season probably escalates measles transmission. Because meningococcal meningitis and measles are both directly transmitted, we propose that host aggregation also impacts the transmission of meningococcal meningitis. Although climate affects broad meningococcal meningitis seasonality, we focus on the less examined role of human density at a finer spatial scale. By analysing spatial patterns of suspected cases of meningococcal meningitis, we show fewer absences of suspected cases in districts along primary roads, similar to measles fadeouts in the same Nigerien metapopulation. We further show that, following periods during no suspected cases, districts with high reappearance rates of meningococcal meningitis also have high measles reintroduction rates. Despite many biological and epidemiological differences, similar seasonal and spatial patterns emerge from the dynamics of both diseases. This analysis enhances our understanding of spatial patterns and disease transmission and suggests hotspots for infection and potential target areas for meningococcal meningitis surveillance and intervention.
Patient and carer participation in old age psychiatry in England. Part I: a systemic perspective of the historical and policy context
Authors: Benbow Susan Mary
Published: October 2011

Background: Patient and carer participation in old age psychiatry is less developed than in other areas of mental health. What can we learn from the historical context about increasing participation and how can it be conceptualized?

Methods: The historical and policy context of patient and carer participation in the National Health Service is reviewed and related to the development of old age psychiatry in England and the parallel development of the mental health user movement.

Results: Systemic theory is offered as a way of understanding how partnership between healthcare professionals, patients and carers might lead to service evolution by bringing a range of perspectives together in order to co-construct a mutually influenced outcome. It is further suggested that this might empower not only patients and carers but also healthcare staff at a time when they are under increasing pressures.

Conclusions: Old age psychiatry patients and carers struggle to be heard but have much to offer to services in partnership with healthcare professionals as partners and allies in service development.
First results of mapping sporadic E with a passive observing network
Authors: Rice D. D. , Sojka J. J. , Eccles J. V. , Raitt J. W. , Brady J. J. , Hunsucker R. D.
Published: October 2011

Sporadic E (Es) can have dramatic effects on communications in the HF and low VHF range, producing over‐the‐horizon propagation for signals normally restricted to line‐of‐sight, and sometimes blocking F region propagation of signals in the lower HF range. Measuring the E region winds believed to produce Es is difficult, and no practical means of predicting Es occurrence currently exists other than statistical models. We describe a low‐cost observing network based on software‐controlled receivers that continuously watches for Es in near‐real time using oblique HF propagation from existing transmitters. Results from an 11‐day pilot campaign in July 2008 demonstrated that even a limited number of receivers in the network can readily determine the presence and extent of Es patches. These observations indicate that Es often develops quickly over regions of several hundred kilometers rather than gradually drifting across an area. These widespread Es “blooms” have been observed near winter solstice and occasionally at other times of the year; their lifetime depends on the season but can be several hours during the summer. The current network allows the extent of Es in portions of North America to be evaluated: the geographical distribution of Es and bounds on the density of the layer are inferred from its effects on the ionospheric maximum usable frequency (MUF). This study demonstrates quantitatively that Es mapping can provide information about Es layer geographical growth and decay. The observed sudden widespread Es blooms are space weather events that can have significant impact on HF/lower VHF communications and propagation model predictions.
Elements of a flexible approach for conceptual hydrological modeling: 2. Application and experimental insights
Authors: Kavetski Dmitri , Fenicia Fabrizio
Published: October 2011

In this article's companion paper, flexible approaches for conceptual hydrological modeling at the catchment scale were motivated, and the SUPERFLEX framework, based on generic model components, was introduced. In this article, the SUPERFLEX framework and the “fixed structure” GR4H model (an hourly version of the popular GR4J model) are applied to four hydrologically distinct experimental catchments in Europe and New Zealand. The estimated models are scrutinized using several diagnostic measures, ranging from statistical metrics, such as the statistical reliability and precision of the predictive distribution of streamflow, to more process‐oriented diagnostics based on flow‐duration curves and the correspondence between model states and groundwater piezometers. Model performance was clearly catchment specific, with a single fixed structure unable to accommodate intercatchment differences in hydrological behavior, including seasonality and thresholds. This highlights an important limitation of any “fixed” model structure. In the experimental catchments, the ability of competing model hypotheses to reproduce hydrological signatures of interest could be interpreted on the basis of independent fieldwork insights. The potential of flexible frameworks such as SUPERFLEX is then examined with respect to systematic and stringent hypothesis‐testing in hydrological modeling, for characterizing catchment diversity, and, more generally, for aiding progress toward a more unified formulation of hydrological theory at the catchment scale. When interpreted in physical process‐oriented terms, the flexible approach can also serve as a language for dialogue between modeler and experimentalist, facilitating the understanding, representation, and interpretation of catchment behavior.
Neuroglial Metabolic Compartmentation Underlying Leptin Deficiency in the Obese ob/ob Mice as Detected by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Methods
Authors: Delgado Teresa C , Violante Inês R , Nieto-Charques Laura , Cerdán Sebastián
Published: October 2011

Manganese-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MEMRI), 1H and 13C High-Resolution-Magic Angle Spinning (HR-MAS) Spectroscopy, and genomic approaches were used to compare cerebral activation and neuronal and glial oxidative metabolism in ad libitum fed C57BL6/J leptin-deficient, genetically obese ob/ob mice. T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance Images across the hypothalamic Arcuate and the Ventromedial nuclei were acquired kinetically after manganese infusion. Neuroglial compartmentation was investigated in hypothalamic biopsies after intraperitoneal injections of [1-13C]glucose or [2-13C]acetate. Total RNA was extracted to determine the effects of leptin deficiency in the expression of representative genes coding for regulatory enzymes of hypothalamic energy pathways and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Manganese-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed enhanced cerebral activation in the hypothalamic Arcuate and Ventromedial nuclei of the ob/ob mice. 13C HR-MAS analysis showed increased 13C accumulation in the hypothalamic glutamate and glutamine carbons of ob/ob mice after the administration of [1-13C]glucose, a primarily neuronal substrate. Hypothalamic expression of the genes coding for glucokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, and glutamine synthase was not significantly altered while pyruvate kinase expression was slightly upregulated. In conclusion, leptin deficiency associated with obesity led to increased cerebral activation in the hypothalamic Arcuate and Ventromedial nuclei, concomitant with significant increases in neuronal oxidative metabolism and glutamatergic neurotransmission.
Therapeutic High-Frequency Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus in Parkinson's Disease Produces Global Increases in Cerebral Blood Flow
Authors: Sidtis John J , Tagliati Michele , Alterman Ron , Sidtis Diana , Dhawan Vijay , Eidelberg David
Published: October 2011

Chronic, high-frequency electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nuclei (STNs) has become an effective and widely used therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD), but the therapeutic mechanism is not understood. Stimulation of the STN is believed to reorganize neurophysiological activity patterns within the basal ganglia, whereas local field effects extending to tracts adjacent to the STN are viewed as sources of nontherapeutic side effects. This study is part of a larger project investigating the effects of STN stimulation on speech and regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) in human subjects with PD. While generating measures of global CBF (gCBF) to normalize regional CBF values for a subsequent combined analysis of regional CBF and speech data, we observed a third effect of this therapy: a gCBF increase. This effect was present across three estimates of gCBF ranging from values based on the highest activity voxels to those based on all voxels. The magnitude of the gCBF increase was related to the subject's duration of PD. It is not clear whether this CBF effect has a therapeutic role, but the impact of deep brain stimulation on cerebrovascular control warrants study from neuroscience, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives.
Cerebral Microvascular Inflammation in DOCA Salt-Induced Hypertension: Role of Angiotensin II and Mitochondrial Superoxide
Authors: Rodrigues Stephen F , Granger Daniel Neil
Published: October 2011

Angiotensin II-mediated hypertension (HTN) is accompanied by a pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic state in the cerebral microvasculature. Whether comparable phenotypic changes are elicited in other models of HTN remains unclear. Using wild-type mice with deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt-induced HTN and intravital microscopy, we observed significant increases in the adhesion of both leukocytes and platelets in cerebral venules, compared with uninephrectomized control mice, without an accompanying increase in blood—brain barrier permeability. The cell—cell interactions in hypertensive mice were more pronounced after ischemic stroke, but no difference in infarct size was detected. The blood cell recruitment was largely prevented in the following groups of DOCA salt mice: losartan (angiotensin II AT1 receptor blocker) treated, AT1 receptor knockout mice, tempol (a membrane-permeable oxygen radical scavenger) treated, and mito-TEMPO (a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant) treated. A similar pattern of protection was noted in mice subjected to ischemic stroke. The blunted cell recruitment responses were not accompanied by reductions in blood pressure (BP). These findings implicate mitochondria-derived oxygen radicals and angiotensin II in the cerebral inflammation associated with DOCA salt HTN and suggests that BP per se is not a critical determinant of the phenotypic changes that accompany HTN, even after ischemic stroke.
Omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid and procyanidins inhibit cyclo-oxygenase activity and attenuate NF-κB activation through a p105/p50 regulatory mechanism in macrophage inflammation
Authors: Martinez-Micaelo Neus , González-Abuín Noemi , Terra Ximena , Richart Cristobal , Ardèvol Anna , Pinent Monserrat , Blay Mayte
Published: October 2011

The inflammatory response has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Along these lines, the modulation of inflammation by consuming bioactive food compounds, such as ω−3 fatty acids or procyanidins, is a powerful tool to promote good health. In the present study, the administration of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and B1, B2 and C1 procyanidins, alone or in combination, prevented the inflammatory response induced by the LPS (lipopolysaccharide) endotoxin in human macrophages and brought them to the homoeostatic state. DHA and B1 were strong and selective negative regulators of cyclo-oxygenase 1 activity, with IC50 values of 13.5 μM and 8.0 μM respectively. Additionally, B2 and C1 were selective inhibitors of pro-inflammatory cyclo-oxygenase 2 activity, with IC50 values of 9.7 μM and 3.3 μM respectively. Moreover, DHA and procyanidins prevented the activation of the NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) cascade at both early and late stages with shared mechanisms. These included inhibiting IκBα (inhibitor of NF-κB α) phosphorylation, inducing the cytoplasmic retention of pro-inflammatory NF-κB proteins through p105 (NF-κB1) overexpression, favouring the nuclear translocation of the p50–p50 transcriptional repressor homodimer instead of the p50–p65 pro-inflammatory heterodimer, inhibiting binding of NF-κB DNA to κB sites and, finally, decreasing the release of NF-κB-regulated cytokines and prostaglandins. In conclusion, DHA and procyanidins are strong and selective inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase activity and NF-κB activation through a p105/p50-dependent regulatory mechanism.
Structure of the mRNA splicing complex component Cwc2: insights into RNA recognition
Authors: Lu Peilong , Lu Guifeng , Yan Chuangye , Wang Li , Li Wenqi , Yin Ping
Published: October 2011

The Prp19-associated complex [NTC (nineteen complex)] plays a crucial role in intron removal during premature mRNA splicing in eukaryotes. Only one component of the NTC, Cwc2, is capable of binding RNA. In the present study we report the 1.9 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) X-ray structure of the Cwc2 core domain, which is both necessary and sufficient for RNA binding. The Cwc2 core domain contains two sub-domains, a CCCH-type ZnF (zinc finger) and a RRM (RNA recognition motif). Unexpectedly, the ZnF domain and the RRM form a single folding unit, glued together by extensive hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. Structure-guided mutational analysis revealed that the intervening loop [known as the RB loop (RNA-binding loop)] between ZnF and RRM plays an essential role in RNA binding. In addition, a number of highly conserved positively charged residues on the β-strands of RRM make an important contribution to RNA binding. Intriguingly, these residues and a portion of the RB loop constitute an extended basic surface strip that encircles Cwc2 halfway. The present study serves as a framework for understanding the regulatory function of the NTC in RNA splicing.
Caspase pathway of elaidic acid (9t‐C18:1)‐induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Qiu Bin , Hu Jiang‐Ning , Liu Rong , Fan Ya‐Wei , Li Jing , Li Yu , Deng Ze‐Yuan
Published: October 2011

Although TFAs (trans fatty acids) do have effects on many endothelial functions, systemic inflammation and immune disorders, only limited experimental evidence is available that TFAs participate in the pathogenesis of endothelial cell apoptosis. HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) were grown in medium with elaidic acid (9t‐C18:1) at 50, 100, 200 and 400 μmol/l for 24 h. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry, and caspase 3, 8 and 9 activities by colorimetric assay and their mRNA expression by qRT‐PCR (quantitative real‐time PCR). Results showed that 9t‐C18:1 induced apoptosis of HUVEC in a dose‐dependent manner. The activities and mRNA expression of caspases 8, 9 and 3 were significantly increased compared with that of the control. Z‐IETD‐FMK and Z‐LEHD‐FMK inhibited the activation of caspase 3 and apoptosis induced by 9t‐C18:1. Also Z‐IETD‐FMK inhibited the activation of caspase 9. mRNA expressions of Bid and Smac (second mitochondria‐derived activator of caspase)/DIABLO [direct IAP (inhibitor of apoptosis)‐binding protein with low pI] were also significantly elevated. We conclude that 9t‐C18:1 induces apoptosis of HUVEC through activating caspases 8, 9 and 3. The death receptor pathway and the mitochondrial pathway both participated in the apoptosis course induced by 9t‐C18:1.
Haem oxygenase-1 counteracts the effects of interleukin-1β on inflammatory and senescence markers in cartilage–subchondral bone explants from osteoarthritic patients
Authors: Clérigues Victoria , Guillén Maria Isabel , Gomar Francisco , Alcaraz Maria José
Published: October 2011

IL (interleukin)-1β plays an important role in cartilage extracellular matrix degradation and bone resorption in OA (osteoarthritis) through the induction of degradative enzymes and pro-inflammatory mediators. In the present study, we have determined the consequences of HO-1 (haem oxygenase-1) induction on markers of inflammation and senescence in the functional unit cartilage–subchondral bone stimulated with IL-1β. Cartilage–subchondral bone specimens were obtained from the knees of osteoarthritic patients. Treatment with the HO-1 inducer CoPP (cobalt protoporphyrin IX) counteracted the stimulatory effects of IL-1β on IL-6, nitrite, PGE2 (prostaglandin E2), TGF (transforming growth factor) β2, TGFβ3 and osteocalcin. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated that CoPP treatment of explants down-regulated iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase), COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and mPGES-1 (microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1) induced by IL-1β. In contrast, the expression of HMGB1 (high-mobility group box 1) was not significantly modified. In addition, CoPP decreased the expression of iNOS and mPGES-1 in cells isolated from the explants and stimulated with IL-1β, which was counteracted by an siRNA (small interfering RNA) specific for human HO-1. In isolated primary chondrocytes, we determined senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and the expression of senescence markers by real-time PCR. We have found that HO-1 induction could regulate senescence markers in the presence of IL-1β and significantly affected telomerase expression, as well as β-galactosidase activity and hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase) and p21 expression in chondrocytes. The findings of the present study support the view that HO-1 induction results in the down-regulation of inflammatory and senescence responses in OA articular tissues.
Deep Medial Collateral Ligament Tear during Knee Arthroscopy
Authors: Nandi Sumon , Parker Richard
Published: October 2011

We report herein deep medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear of the knee with application of valgus stress during arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy. With symptomatic treatment only, the patient went on to heal this injury without incident and recovered in an expected fashion from arthroscopic surgery. There is no earlier report in the literature of deep MCL tear during knee arthroscopy. Awareness of this entity, its consequences, and optimal management are essential as arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is the most common surgery performed by orthopedic surgeons.
Electron density measurement of inductively coupled plasmas by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS)
Authors: Ando Ayumi , Kurose Tomoko , Reymond Vivien , Kitano Katsuhisa , Kitahara Hideaki , Takano Keisuke , Tani Masahiko , Hangyo Masanori , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: October 2011

The electron densities of argon inductively coupled plasmas were measured by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). At a low pressure, the electron densities were also measured with a Langmuir-type double probe and the validity of THz-TDS electron-density measurement in a plasma has been corroborated. As the input radio-frequency (RF) power increases, the plasma density and gas temperature increase, which makes the probe measurement less reliable or even impossible, due to the large heat load to the probe surface. On the contrary, the THz-TDS measurement is unaffected by the gas temperature and becomes more reliable due to the higher electron density at higher input power for plasma generation.
Structural and magnetic properties of Ge1−xMnx thin films grown on Ge (001) substrates
Authors: Yada Shinsuke , Nam Hai Pham , Sugahara Satoshi , Tanaka Masaaki
Published: October 2011

We investigate the structural and magneto-optical properties of Mn-doped Ge (Ge1−xMnx) films with self-organized nanocolumns, grown on Ge (001) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), in which the substrate temperature (TS) and growth rate (RG) are varied. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) measurements reveal that Mn-rich nanocolumnar precipitation is formed in the Ge1−xMnx films grown at TS ≤ 100  °C, with keeping the size and spacing. At higher TS (≥150  °C), ferromagnetic Mn5Ge3 clusters are formed. It is also found that the Mn distribution in the Ge1−xMnx films can be controlled: By lowering TS or increasing RG, the Mn content xnc in the nanocolumns decreases and Mn atoms are more distributed into the Ge matrix, and eventually the magnetic properties are changed. The formation of the nanocolumns is explained by the spinodal decomposition in the layer-by-layer growth mode. We analyzed the periodicity and Mn content xnc of nanocolumns by using the Cahn-Hilliard equation.
Effects of ultraviolet photon irradiation on the transition metal impurities in LaAlO3
Authors: Yamasaka Daiki , Tamagawa Kenta , Ohki Yoshimichi
Published: October 2011

By measuring electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra at the X-band frequency and absorption spectra from the visible to ultraviolet region at room temperature, it was confirmed that perovskite single crystal LaAlO3 contains Cr and Fe as impurities. When LaAlO3 is exposed to photons with energies higher than 4.5 eV, the intensities of ESR signals due to Cr3+ and Fe3+ decrease, which indicates that electrons released by the photon irradiation are captured by Cr3+ and Fe3+. Concurrently with this, a broad optical absorption band at about 3.0 eV and two new broad and weak ESR signals appear. The former is attributable to a combination of a hole and a La3+ (or Al3+) vacancy, and the two weak ESR signals are assigned to the O− center and F+ center.
Luminescence of black silicon fabricated by high-repetition rate femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Chen Tao , Si Jinhai , Hou Xun , Kanehira Shingo , Miura Kiyotaka , Hirao Kazuyuki
Published: October 2011

We studied the photoluminescence (PL) from black silicon that was fabricated using an 800 nm, 250 kHz femtosecond laser in air. By changing the scan velocity and the fluence of the femtosecond laser, the formation of the PL band between the orange (600 nm) and red bands (near 680 nm) could be controlled. The red band PL from the photoinduced microstructures on the black silicon was observed even without annealing due to the thermal accumulation of high-repetition rate femtosecond laser pulses. The orange band PL was easily quenched under 532 nm cw laser irradiation, whereas the red band PL was more stable; this can be attributed to “defect luminescence” and “quantum confinement”, respectively.
Resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy of jet-cooled PdSi
Authors: Martinez Alonzo , Lindholm Ned , Morse Michael D.
Published: October 2011

The spectra of diatomic PdSi have been investigated for the first time, using the technique of resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy. A number of vibronic transitions have been observed in the 20 400–22 000 cm−1 range. It is difficult to group the bands into band systems, although one likely band system has been identified. Three bands have been rotationally resolved and analyzed, two of which are perturbed by interactions with other states. The data show that the ground state of PdSi has Ω = 0, and a bond length of ${\rm r}_{0}^{\prime\prime}$r0′′ = 2.0824(3) Å. Comparisons to previously published density functional theory calculations provide strong support for the assignment of the ground state to the 1σ2 2σ2 1π4 1δ4 3σ2, 1Σ+ term, which is predicted to be the ground state in the calculations. The much shorter bond length and greater bond energy of PdSi, as compared to its isoelectronic counterpart, AlAg, demonstrate that there is strong π bonding in PdSi, as has been previously found for the other nickel group silicides, NiSi and PtSi.
Growth dynamics of nanoparticles in laser produced plasma in liquid ambient
Authors: Kumar Bhupesh , Yadav Dheerendra , Thareja Raj K.
Published: October 2011

Synthesis of titanium nanoparticles using pulsed laser ablation of titanium in de-ionized water and isopropanol is reported. In situ growth of nanoparticles was confirmed using Rayleigh scattering in liquid and air ambient. Nucleation and growth of nanoparticles in liquid ambient occurs much faster than in air. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using the x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence measurements. Nanoparticles thus produced are spherical in shape, have crystalline phase with size distribution 5–35 nm and the average size increases with the increase in laser fluence. The colloidal solutions of nanoparticles show broad photoluminescence emission in the range 300–500 nm on optical pumping with 266 nm. A comparative study of titanium plasma in liquid and air is reported to understand the formation of titanium nanoparticles from laser plasma confined in different ambient.
Biophysical attributes of an in vitro spinal cord surrogate for use in developing an intradural neuromodulation system
Authors: Howard M. A. , Utz M. , Brennan T. J. , Dalm B. D. , Viljoen S. , Kanwal J. K. , Gillies G. T.
Published: October 2011

We have developed a spinal cord surrogate for use in testing a pial-surface spinal cord stimulator. Our surrogate is of a commercially available silicone mix, has an oval cross-sectional area that matches that of actual human spinal cord at the lower thoracic level, and has measured values of durometer A = (10.96 ± 1.68), durometer O = (14.76 ± 1.48), and durometer OO = (50.24 ± 2.65). These correspond to model-inferred elastic moduli of 0.41 to 0.44 MPa, which match well with the existing low-strain rate measurements of ex vivo human spinal cord. Upcoming applications for this surrogate in developmental studies of the new stimulator system are discussed.
The formation mechanism of 360° domain walls in exchange-biased polycrystalline ferromagnetic films
Authors: Dean J. , Kohn A. , Kovács A. , Zeltser A. , Carey M. J. , Hrkac G. , Allwood D. A. , Schrefl T.
Published: October 2011

The formation mechanism of 360° domain walls (360DW) created in an exchange-biased bilayer of Co65.5Fe14.5B20/Ir22Mn78 is described. The structural and magnetic properties are experimentally characterized and incorporated into a micromagnetic model of exchange-bias for granular anti-ferromagnetic films. This model is used to study and explain the formation mechanism of 360DWs in the ferromagnetic layer, which occur due to interface coupling to the antiferromagnetic layer. The validity of the resulting calculated magnetization maps are examined by comparing simulated and experimental Fresnel-contrast images of the bilayer. Energy barrier simulations are used to explain the dependence of the areal size and spatial frequency of the 360DW on the anisotropy energy of the anti-ferromagnetic layer. These calculations also show how such structures can form at room temperature at relatively low applied magnetic fields. Calculations based on this model are in agreement with imaging using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy and the measured macro-magnetic properties.
Broadband near ultra violet sensitization of 1 μm luminescence in Yb3+-doped CeO2 crystal
Authors: Ueda Jumpei , Tanabe Setsuhisa
Published: October 2011

Broadband spectral modification of near ultra violet (UV) light to infra-red (IR) light is investigated in Yb3+-doped CeO2 polycrystalline ceramics sintered in different atmospheres (air, oxygen, and 95%N2-5%H2). The intense Yb3+ photoluminescence (PL) peaked at 970 nm was observed by the UV excitation at around 390 nm in the samples except those sintered under N2-H2. A broad photoluminescence excitation (PLE) band of Yb3+ luminescence peaked at 390 nm corresponds to the absorption band and the photocurrent excitation band in the non-doped CeO2 crystal, which are also in accordance with the PLE band of Eu3+ luminescence in the Eu3+-doped CeO2. Judging from these results, the PLE band is attributed to the charge transfer (CT) band from O2− to Ce4+, but not to the CT from O2− to Yb3+. From the sintering atmosphere dependence of the PL and PLE, we found that the oxygen vacancies and Ce3+ impurities are not responsible for the 390 nm-absorption band but they work as a quenching center for the Yb3+ luminescence.
Triple ionization of CO2 by valence and inner shell photoionization
Authors: Eland J. H. D. , Andric L. , Linusson P. , Hedin L. , Plogmaker S. , Palaudoux J. , Penent F. , Lablanquie P. , Feifel R.
Published: October 2011

Spectra of triply ionized CO2 have been obtained from photoionization of the molecule using soft x-ray synchrotron light and an efficient multi-electron coincidence technique. Although all states of the \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\rm CO}_2^{+++}$\end{document} CO 2+++ trication are unstable, the ionization energy for formation of molecular ions at a geometry similar to that of the neutral molecule is determined as 74 ± 0.5 eV.
Spin coating of an evaporating polymer solution
Authors: Münch Andreas , Please Colin P. , Wagner Barbara
Published: October 2011

We consider a mathematical model of spin coating of a single polymer blended in a solvent. The model describes the one-dimensional development of a thin layer of the mixture as the layer thins due to flow created by a balance of viscous forces and centrifugal forces and evaporation of the solvent. In the model both the diffusivity of the solvent in the polymer and the viscosity of the mixture are very rapidly varying functions of the solvent mass fraction. Guided by numerical solutions an asymptotic analysis reveals a number of different possible behaviours of the thinning layer dependent on the nondimensional parameters describing the system. The main practical interest is in controlling the appearance and development of a “skin” on the polymer where the solvent concentration reduces rapidly on the outer surface leaving the bulk of the layer still with high concentrations of solvent. In practice, a fast and uniform drying of the film is required. The critical parameters controlling this behaviour are found to be the ratio of the diffusion to advection time scales ε, the ratio of the evaporation to advection time scales δ and the ratio of the diffusivity of the pure polymer and the initial mixture exp(−1/γ). In particular, our analysis shows that for very small evaporation with δ≪exp(-3/(4γ))ε3/4 skin formation can be prevented.
Edge and core Thomson scattering systems and their calibration on the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak
Authors: Kurzan B. , Murmann H. D.
Published: October 2011

A new 10 channel Thomson scattering (TS) system was installed on the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak to measure radial profiles of electron density and temperature at the plasma edge with high radial resolution. Together with the already existing TS system, which is now used for the core plasma, electron density and temperature profiles extending from the edge to the core are now obtained in a single discharge. The TS systems are relatively calibrated by an optical parametric oscillator
A sample holder for soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy of liquids in transmission mode
Authors: Schreck Simon , Gavrila Gianina , Weniger Christian , Wernet Philippe
Published: October 2011

A novel sample holder for soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy of liquids in transmission mode based on sample cells with x-ray transparent silicon nitride membranes is introduced. The sample holder allows for a reliable preparation of ultrathin liquid films with an adjustable thickness in the nm–μm range. This enables measurements of high quality x-ray absorption spectra of liquids in transmission mode, as will be shown for the example of liquid \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\textrm {H}_2\textrm {O}$\end{document}H2O, aqueous solutions of 3d-transition metal ions and alcohol-water mixtures. The fine structure of the x-ray absorption spectra is not affected by the sample thickness. No effects of the silicon nitride membranes were observed in the spectra. It is shown how an inhomogeneous thickness of the sample affects the spectra and how this can be avoided.
Intrinsic reduction of ballistic hole current due to quantum mechanical coupling of heavy and light holes in p-type Si nanowire field effect transistors
Authors: Shin Mincheol
Published: October 2011

Rigorous quantum mechanical transport calculations based on the multi-band k · p Hamiltonian are performed in this work to show that the coupling of heavy and light holes (LHs) greatly reduces on-state hole current in ultra-scaled p-type Si nanowire FETs. If the coupling between the heavy and light holes is artificially suppressed, on-current of the p-type devices almost doubles and becomes comparable to that of n-type counterparts. It is found that the effect of the coupling on the hole transport is maximized at the channel width of around 5 nm.
On the phase identity and its thermal evolution of lead free (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3-6 mol% BaTiO3
Authors: Jo Wook , Schaab Silke , Sapper Eva , Schmitt Ljubomira A. , Kleebe Hans-Joachim , Bell Andrew J. , Rödel Jürgen
Published: October 2011

Temperature-dependent dielectric permittivity of 0.94(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3-0.06BaTiO3 (BNT-6BT) lead-free piezoceramics was studied to disentangle the existing unclear issues over the crystallographic aspects and phase stability of the system. Application of existing phenomenological relaxor models enabled the relaxor contribution to the entire dielectric permittivity spectra to be deconvoluted. The deconvoluted data in comparison with the temperature-dependent dielectric permittivity of a classical perovskite relaxor, La-modified lead zirconate titanate, clearly suggest that BNT-6BT belongs to the same relaxor category, which was also confirmed by a comparative study on the temperature- dependent polarization hysteresis loops of both materials. Based on these results, we propose that the low-temperature dielectric anomaly does not involve any phase transition such as ferroelectric- to-antiferroelectric. Supported by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction experiments at ambient temperature, we propose that the commonly observed two dielectric anomalies are attributed to thermal evolution of ferroelectric polar nanoregions of R3c and P4bm symmetry, which coexist nearly throughout the entire temperature range and reversibly transform into each other with temperature.
Effect of deep trapping states on space charge suppression in polyethylene/ZnO nanocomposite
Authors: Tian Fuqiang , Lei Qingquan , Wang Xuan , Wang Yi
Published: October 2011

This letter intends to reveal the mechanism of space charge suppression in low density polyethylene (LDPE)/ZnO nanocomposites. Trap level and space charge distributions were obtained from modified isothermal discharge current method and pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) method, respectively. The results showed that ZnO nanoparticle doping introduced large amounts of deep trapping states, significantly reduced space charge accumulation and conduction current. The results can be explained in terms of deep trapping states resulted from the interface regions and morphology structure changes by nanoparticles doping, which greatly reduced the charge mobility, raised the charge injection potential at the contact and weakened impurity ionization.
All-optical switching via tunable coupling of nanocomposite photonic crystal microcavities
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Hu Xiaoyong , Zhang Yingbo , Fu Yulan , Yang Hong , Gong Qihuang
Published: October 2011

We report a low-power all-optical switching in a two-dimensional nanocomposite photonic crystal microcavity made of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] doped with gold nanoparticles, realized based on surface plasmon resonance enhancing nonlinearity and dynamically tunable coupling of two asymmetric defect modes. Under excitation around the surface plasmon resonance peak, the value of the nonlinear susceptibility of the nanocomposite material reaches the order of 10−6 esu. A threshold photon energy as low as 700 fJ and an ultrahigh switching efficiency of 90% are realized simultaneously.
Highly strained-SiGe-on-insulator p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effective transistors fabricated by applying Ge condensation technique to strained-Si-on-insulator substrates
Authors: Suh Junkyo , Nakane Ryosho , Taoka Noriyuki , Takenaka Mitsuru , Takagi Shinichi
Published: October 2011

High hole mobility enhancement of strained SiGe-on-insulator (sSGOI) p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (pMOSFETs) has been achieved by utilizing strained-SOI (sSOI) substrates in Ge condensation. The initial tensile strain in the sSOI substrates alleviates strain relaxation during Ge condensation process, because of smaller lattice mismatch to Ge than conventional unstrained SOI substrates. In addition, generation of hole carrier concentration and degradation of bottom interface are suppressed. Mitigation in strain relaxation is shown to effectively increase strain in SGOI layers and resulting hole mobility in the SGOI pMOSFETs in high Ge content region. The observed high mobility enhancement can be quantitatively explained by the combination of high Ge content and a large amount of compressive strain, through comparison of experimental data with theoretical calculations.