bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Priapean Pursuits. Translation, World Literature, and Goethe’s Roman Elegies
Authors: Krobb Florian
Published: January 2010

Goethe’s Römische Elegien (Roman Elegies, 1788) is probably the best‐known cycle of poetry in the German language that celebrates the joy of physical love as spiritual fulfillment. Furthermore, the cycle espouses a vision of human wholeness where physical love is an expression of content and completion, emotions that are not often discussed because they are seen as not problematic. Goethe’s Roman Elegies form a testament to the author’s connection, not only with his sexual partner, but also with the location in which the union took place, the symbol of European civilization, and thus with humankind in general. The cycle practices what the author himself, decades later, conceptualized as Weltliteratur (world literature), literature that transcends narrowly defined notions of national literatures. Because of their erotic content, the Roman Elegies have experienced a very varied publication and translation history. The selections and decisions English translators have made win particular poignancy against the background of a reading of the cycle as celebrating connection, as reuniting what had been severed, as engaging in an activity that the translator also defines as his own. They illustrate how in earlier translations moral concerns informed translational decisions that denied English readers a comprehensive appreciation of the very essence of the cycle while later translations adopt their own, often subtly different strategies to capture the sense of wholeness and completion that Goethe tried to convey. An investigation of translational practice and of the interpretation implicit to any translational decision can help to appreciate the significance of the cycle as a contribution to the (itself fundamentally translational) project of overcoming division that lies at the heart of Goethe’s concept of Weltliteratur.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: PTPN22 C1858T Polymorphism in Women with Endometriosis
Authors: Gomes Fabiane M. C. S. , Bianco Bianca , Teles Juliana S. , Christofolini Denise M. , De Souza Angela M. B. , Guedes Alexis D. , Barbosa Caio P.
Published: January 2010

Citation Gomes FMCS, Bianco B, Teles JS, Christofolini DM, de Souza AMB, Guedes AD, Barbosa CP. PTPN22 C1858T polymorphismin women with endometriosis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 227–232

Problem  Endometriosis has been suggested to be an autoimmune disease and recently, an allelic variation of the PTPN22 (C1858T) gene was revealed to be associated with the development of autoimmunity. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of the PTPN22 (C1858T) polymorphism in Brazilian women with endometriosis as compared with controls.

Method of study  Case–control study included 140 women with endometriosis and a control group consisting of 180 healthy fertile women without a history of endometriosis and/or autoimmune diseases from the ABC School of Medicine. The PTPN22 (C1858T) polymorphism was studied by restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (RFLP‐PCR).

Results  Genotypes CC, CT and TT of PTPN22 polymorphism presented frequencies of 67.9, 30.0 and 2.1% in the women with endometriosis (P = 0.008); 76.2, 19.0 and 4.8% in women with minimal/mild endometriosis (P = 0.173); 61.0, 39.0 and 0.0% in women with moderate/severe endometriosis (P ≤ 0.001) and 82.8, 16.1 and 1.1% in control group. Allele C and T were present in 82.9 and 17.1%; 85.7 and 14.3%; 80.5 and 19.5%; and 90.8 and 9.2% respectively, in women with endometriosis (P = 0.004), women with minimal/mild endometriosis (P = 0.148), women with moderate/severe endometriosis (P = 0.002) and control group.

Conclusion  The data suggest that in Brazilian women polymorphism PTPN22 (C1858T) may be an important genetic predisposing factor for endometriosis, especially, in advanced disease.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Leptin Gene (TTTC)n Microsatellite Polymorphism as well as Leptin Receptor R223Q and PPARγ2 P12A Substitutions are not Associated with Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy
Authors: Wiedemann Annette , Vocke Franziska , Fitzgerald Justine S. , Markert Udo R. , Jeschke Udo , Lohse Peter , Toth Bettina
Published: January 2010

Citation Wiedemann A, Vocke F, Fitzgerald JS, Markert UR, Jeschke U, Lohse P, Toth B. Leptin gene (TTTC)n microsatellite polymorphism as well as Leptin receptor R223Q and PPARγ2 P12A substitutions are not associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 310–317

Problem  Pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) affects up to 15% of all pregnancies. Disturbed placentation is one factor associated with PIH. Leptin and peroxisome proliferator activator receptors (PPAR) seem to play an important role in placentation, fetal development, and blood pressure regulation. Therefore, we investigated polymorphisms in the genes encoding leptin, the leptin receptor, and PPARγ2 in patients with PIH.

Method of study  In this retrospective case–control study, 103 patients with PIH [gestational hypertension (GH) n = 39; preeclampsia n = 27; eclampsia n = 5; HELLP n = 32] and 100 controls were analyzed for the LEP tetranucleotide repeat (TTTC)n and the leptin receptor (LEPR) R223Q and PPARγ2 P12A substitutions. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi‐square, Mann–Whitney U‐, and Kruskal–Wallis tests (P < 0.05 significant).

Results  The frequency of the three possible genotypes did not differ significantly between patients and controls [LEP (TTTC)n: P = 0.43; LEPR R223Q: P = 0.94; PPARγ2 P12A: P = 0.94]. However, postpartal diastolic blood pressure of PIH patients was significantly higher in homozygous carriers of the LEPR Q223‐encoding allele as compared with patients carrying the wild‐type allele (P < 0.01).

Conclusion  Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were not associated with the LEP, LEPR, and PPARγ2 polymorphisms studied. The role of other variations in the LEP and PPAR genes in the pathophysiology of PIH and in exacerbations are the objective of ongoing research.
The dipeptidyl peptidase IV family in cancer and cell biology
Authors: Yu Denise M. T. , Yao Tsun‐Wen , Chowdhury Sumaiya , Nadvi Naveed A. , Osborne Brenna , Church W. Bret , McCaughan Geoffrey W. , Gorrell Mark D.
Published: January 2010

Of the 600+ known proteases identified to date in mammals, a significant percentage is involved or implicated in pathogenic and cancer processes. The dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPIV) gene family, comprising four enzyme members [DPIV (EC 3.4.14.5), fibroblast activation protein, DP8 and DP9] and two nonenzyme members [DP6 (DPL1) and DP10 (DPL2)], are interesting in this regard because of their multiple diverse functions, varying patterns of distribution/localization and subtle, but significant, differences in structure/substrate recognition. In addition, their engagement in cell biological processes involves both enzymatic and nonenzymatic capabilities. This article examines, in detail, our current understanding of the biological involvement of this unique enzyme family and their overall potential as therapeutic targets.
Dynamics of flavin semiquinone protolysis in l‐α‐hydroxyacid‐oxidizing flavoenzymes – a study using nanosecond laser flash photolysis
Authors: Lindqvist Lars , Apostol Simona , El Hanine‐Lmoumene Chaibia , Lederer Florence
Published: January 2010

The reactions of the flavin semiquinone generated by laser‐induced stepwise two‐photon excitation of reduced flavin have been studied previously (El Hanine‐Lmoumene C & Lindqvist L. (1997) Photochem Photobiol 66, 591–595) using time‐resolved spectroscopy. In the present work, we have used the same experimental procedure to study the flavin semiquinone in rat kidney long‐chain hydroxy acid oxidase and in the flavodehydrogenase domain of flavocytochrome b2 FDH, two homologous flavoproteins belonging to the family of FMN‐dependent l‐2‐hydroxy acid‐oxidizing enzymes. For both proteins, pulsed laser irradiation at 355 nm of the reduced enzyme generated initially the neutral semiquinone, which has rarely been observed previously for these enzymes, and hydrated electron. The radical evolved with time to the anionic semiquinone that is known to be stabilized by these enzymes at physiological pH. The deprotonation kinetics were biphasic, with durations of 1–5 μs and tens of microseconds, respectively. The fast phase rate increased with pH and Tris buffer concentration. However, this increase was about 10‐fold less pronounced than that reported for the neutral semiquinone free in aqueous solution. pKa values close to that of the free flavin semiquinone were obtained from the transient protolytic equilibrium at the end of the fast phase. The second slow deprotonation phase may reflect a conformational relaxation in the flavoprotein, from the fully reduced to the semiquinone state. The anionic semiquinone is known to be an intermediate in the flavocytochrome b2 catalytic cycle. In light of published kinetic studies, our results indicate that deprotonation of the flavin radical is not rate‐limiting for the intramolecular electron transfer processes in this protein.
Changes with Age in the Activities of β‐Secretase and the Aβ‐Degrading Enzymes Neprilysin, Insulin‐Degrading Enzyme and Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme
Authors: Miners J. Scott , Van Helmond Zoë , Kehoe Patrick G. , Love Seth
Published: January 2010

We recently found that insoluble Aβ increases, but soluble Aβ decreases with age in normal brains. We now report the changes in activities of β‐secretase (BACE‐1) and Aβ‐degrading enzymes with age, and their relationships to concentrations of soluble and insoluble Aβ. We measured BACE‐1 activity and the levels and activities of neprilysin (NEP), insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE) and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) in normal control brains (16 years–95 years). We also compared the measurements to those in AD. BACE‐1 activity correlated closely with age in controls and was significantly higher in AD. In controls, NEP and IDE activities (but not protein levels) increased with age but ACE activity and level did not. BACE‐1 activity correlated directly with insoluble but inversely with soluble Aβ. IDE activity correlated directly with insoluble Aβ and NEP activity was inversely related to soluble Aβ. ACE level correlated directly with insoluble and inversely with soluble Aβ in controls but not AD. Both Aβ‐synthesizing and ‐degrading enzyme activities increase with age, coinciding with declining soluble Aβ and increasing insoluble Aβ. Further research is needed to establish whether these changes in enzyme activity and Aβ levels are causally related and if so how.
Chitosan Acetate as an Active Coating Material and Its Effects on the Storing of Prunus avium L.
Authors: Dang Qi Feng , Yan Jing Quan , Li Yan , Cheng Xiao Jie , Liu Cheng Sheng , Chen Xi Guang
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT:  In this article, chitosan acetate (CA) was prepared by the method of solid–liquid reaction. CA was a stable faint yellow powder with water solubility. CA kept the same backbone in the chemical structure as the raw material of chitosan, and it also had the similar antibacterial properties with chitosan. CA could form a coating film on the outside surface of the sweet cherries, could effectively retard the loss of the water, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid of sweet cherries, and could induce a significant increase in the peroxidase and catalase activities in the fruit. The CA coating could also increase the ratio of the total soluble solids and titratable acidity in the fruit. The application of CA effectively maintained quality attributes and extended postharvest life of the sweet cherries. The results revealed that the CA salts had potential application in active edible coating materials in the storage of fresh fruit.
Stochastic and Deterministic Model of Microbial Heat Inactivation
Authors: Corradini Maria G. , Normand Mark D. , Peleg Micha
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT:  Microbial inactivation is described by a model based on the changing survival probabilities of individual cells or spores. It is presented in a stochastic and discrete form for small groups, and as a continuous deterministic model for larger populations. If the underlying mortality probability function remains constant throughout the treatment, the model generates first‐order (“log‐linear”) inactivation kinetics. Otherwise, it produces survival patterns that include Weibullian (“power‐law”) with upward or downward concavity, tailing with a residual survival level, complete elimination, flat “shoulder” with linear or curvilinear continuation, and sigmoid curves. In both forms, the same algorithm or model equation applies to isothermal and dynamic heat treatments alike. Constructing the model does not require assuming a kinetic order or knowledge of the inactivation mechanism. The general features of its underlying mortality probability function can be deduced from the experimental survival curve's shape. Once identified, the function's coefficients, the survival parameters, can be estimated directly from the experimental survival ratios by regression. The model is testable in principle but matching the estimated mortality or inactivation probabilities with those of the actual cells or spores can be a technical challenge. The model is not intended to replace current models to calculate sterility. Its main value, apart from connecting the various inactivation patterns to underlying probabilities at the cellular level, might be in simulating the irregular survival patterns of small groups of cells and spores. In principle, it can also be used for nonthermal methods of microbial inactivation and their combination with heat.
Chemical Characterization of Orange Juice from Trees Infected with Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing)
Authors: Dagulo Lilibeth , Danyluk Michelle D. , Spann Timothy M. , Valim M. Filomena , Goodrich‐Schneider Renée , Sims Charles , Rouseff Russell
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT:  The effects due to Candidatus Liberibacter infection, commonly called citrus greening or Huanglongbing (HLB), on volatile and nonvolatile components of orange juices, OJ, were examined using GC‐MS and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HLB symptomatic, asymptomatic, and control “Hamlin” and “Valencia” oranges were harvested from December to May during the 2007 to 2008 harvest season. Brix/acid levels in control and asymptomatic juices were similar but symptomatic juices were as much as 62% lower than control juices. No bitter flavanone neohesperidosides were detected and polymethoxyflavone concentrations were well below bitter taste thresholds. Limonin concentrations were significantly higher (91% to 425%) in symptomatic juice compared to control but still below juice bitterness taste thresholds. Juice terpenes, such as γ‐terpinene and α‐terpinolene, were as much as 1320% and 62% higher in symptomatic juice than control. Average ethyl butanoate concentrations were 45% lower and average linalool was 356% higher in symptomatic Valencia OJ compared to control. Symptomatic Valencia OJ had on average only 40% the total esters, 48% the total aldehydes, and 33% as much total sesquiterpenes as control juice. Total volatiles between control and symptomatic juices were similar due to elevated levels of alcohols and terpenes in symptomatic juice. There were no consistent differences between asymptomatic and control juices. The chemical composition of juice from HLB/greening symptomatic fruit appears to mimic that of juice from less mature fruit. The reported off‐flavor associated with symptomatic juices probably stem from lower concentrations of sugars, higher concentrations of acid as all known citrus bitter compounds were either below taste thresholds or absent.
Ultraviolet B Light‐induced Nitric Oxide/Peroxynitrite Imbalance in Keratinocytes—Implications for Apoptosis and Necrosis
Authors: Wu Shiyong , Wang Lei , Jacoby Adam M. , Jasinski Krystian , Kubant Ruslan , Malinski Tadeusz
Published: January 2010

Elevation of nitric oxide (NO˙) can either promote or inhibit ultraviolet B light (UVB)‐induced apoptosis. In this study, we determined real‐time concentration of NO˙ and peroxynitrite (ONOO−) and their role in regulation of membrane integrity and apoptosis. Nanosensors (diameter 300–500 nm) were used for direct in situ simultaneous measurements of NO˙ and ONOO− generated by UVB in cultured keratinocytes and mice epidermis. An exposure of keratinocytes to UVB immediately generated ONOO− at maximal concentration of 190 nm followed by NO˙ release with a maximal concentration of 91 nm. The kinetics of UVB‐induced NO˙/ONOO− was in contrast to cNOS agonist stimulated NO˙/ONOO− from keratinocytes. After stimulating cNOS by calcium ionophore (CaI), NO˙ release from keratinocytes was followed by ONOO− production. The [NO˙] to [ONOO−] ratio generated by UVB decreased below 0.5 indicating a serious imbalance between cytoprotective NO˙ and cytotoxic ONOO−—a main component of nitroxidative stress. The NO˙/ONOO− imbalance increased membrane damage and cell apoptosis was partially reversed in the presence of free radical scavenger. The results suggest that UVB‐induced and cNOS‐produced NO˙ is rapidly scavenged by photolytically and enzymatically generated superoxide (O2˙−) to produce high levels of ONOO−, which enhances oxidative injury and apoptosis of the irradiated cells.
The Neovessel Occlusion Efficacy of 151‐Hydroxypurpurin‐7‐Lactone Dimethyl Ester Induced with Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Lim Siang Hui , Nowak‐Sliwinska Patrycja , Kamarulzaman Fadzly Adzhar , Van Den Bergh Hubert , Wagnières Georges , Lee Hong Boon
Published: January 2010

In this study, the photodynamic therapy (PDT) induced efficacy of a semi‐synthesized analogue 151‐hydroxypurpurin‐7‐lactone dimethyl ester or G2, in terms of chick chorioallantoic membrane blood vessel occlusion was evaluated in reference to verteporfin. Early formulation studies showed that G2 prepared in a system of cremophor EL 2.5% and ethanol 2.5% in saline was biocompatible up to 20 μL volume of injection. Following injection, G2 accumulation peaked within the first minute and its extravasation from intra‐ to extra‐vascular occurred somewhat slower as compared with verteporfin. In the PDT study, closure of capillaries and small neovessels was observed with 4 μg per embryo of G2 and a light dose of 20 J cm−2 at a fluence rate of 40 mW cm−2 filtered at 400–440 nm—a result that may be considered optimum for the treatment of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Also, partial occlusion of the large vessels was observed using the same dose of G2 and light—an effect which is desirable for cancer treatment. From this study, we conclude that G2 has the potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent for photodynamic treatment for AMD and cancer.
Controlling a Robot with Intention Derived from Motion
Authors: Crick Christopher , Scassellati Brian
Published: January 2010

We present a novel, sophisticated intention‐based control system for a mobile robot built from an extremely inexpensive webcam and radio‐controlled toy vehicle. The system visually observes humans participating in various playground games and infers their goals and intentions through analyzing their spatiotemporal activity in relation to itself and each other, and then builds a coherent narrative out of the succession of these intentional states. Starting from zero information about the room, the rules of the games, or even which vehicle it controls, it learns rich relationships between players, their goals and intentions, probing uncertain situations with its own behavior. The robot is able to watch people playing various playground games, learn the roles and rules that apply to specific games, and participate in the play. The narratives it constructs capture essential information about the observed social roles and types of activity. After watching play for a short while, the system is able to participate appropriately in the games. We demonstrate how the system acts appropriately in scenarios such as chasing, follow‐the‐leader, and variants of tag.
Polyploidy and new chromosome counts in Anaphalis (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae) from the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau of China
Authors: MENG Ying , SUN Hang , YANG Yong‐Ping , NIE Ze‐Long
Published: January 2010

Abstract  Anaphalis is one of the largest genera of the Asian Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae) and is most diversified on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. The chromosome numbers and karyomorphology of six species from seven populations were investigated for the first time for this region. Chromosome numbers have been newly documented for four species: Anaphalis deserti (2n = 56 = 24 median [m]+ 24 submedian [sm]+ 8 acrocentric [st]); Anaphalis plicata (2n = 56 = 26m + 30sm); Anaphalis xylorhiza (2n = 28 = 2 median point [M]+ 14m + 12sm); and Anaphalis rhododactyla (2n = 56 = 32m + 24sm). Two further counts are in agreement with the previously reported numbers, that is, Anaphalis royleana (2n = 28 = 4M + 6m + 18sm) and Anaphalis margaritacea (2n = 28 = 12m + 16sm). A new polyploid cytotype (2n = 56 = 26m + 30sm) was found in the Zougong population of A. margaritacea. Polyploidy is for the first time reported for Anaphalis, with four out of seven counts being tetraploid. Our cytological results suggest that polyploids might have played an important role in the evolution of Anaphalis on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau.
Infinite etch selectivity and line edge roughness variation during etching of silicon oxynitride with an extreme ultraviolet resist pattern in dual-frequency CH2F2∕H2∕Ar capacitively coupled plasmas
Authors: Kwon B. S. , Kim J. S. , Lee N.-E. , Lee S. K.
Published: January 2010

The process window for infinitely high etch selectivity of silicon oxynitride (SiON) layers to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) resist and the variation in line edge roughness (LER) of etched EUV resist were investigated in a CH2F2∕H2∕Ar dual-frequency superimposed capacitively coupled plasma under various process parameters including the gas flow ratio and low-frequency source power (PLF). The CH2F2∕H2 gas flow ratio was found to play a critical role in determining the process window for infinite selectivity of the SiON/EUV resist due to the change in the degree of polymerization. The preferential chemical reaction of hydrogen and carbon species in the hydrofluorocarbon (CHxFy) layer with nitrogen on the SiON surface led to the formation of HCN etch by-products, resulting in a thinner steady-state CHxFy layer. During continuous SiON etching, the thinner steady-state CHxFy layer was due to enhanced SiF4 formation, while the CHxFy layer was deposited on the EUV resist surface. In addition, the critical dimension and LER tended to increase with increasing Q(CH2F2) flow ratio.
Uncovering Residual Effects of Chronic Sleep Loss on Human Performance
Authors: Cohen Daniel A. , Wang Wei , Wyatt James K. , Kronauer Richard E. , Dijk Derk-Jan , Czeisler Charles A. , Klerman Elizabeth B.
Published: January 2010

The cumulative effects of chronic sleep loss may be overcome at certain times of day, but the residual effects of sleep deprivation profoundly degrade performance and may thereby compromise safety.
Longer-Lived Proteins
Authors: Ng Kenneth W.
Published: January 2010

A new method for extending the half-life of therapeutic proteins may open the door for reduced drug dosing as well as new peptide pharmaceuticals.
INSTANTON INDUCED CHARGED FERMION AND NEUTRINO MASSES IN A MINIMAL STANDARD MODEL SCENARIO FROM INTERSECTING D-BRANES
Authors: LEONTARIS G. K.
Published: January 2010

String instanton Yukawa corrections from Euclidean D-branes are investigated in an effective Standard Model theory obtained from the minimal U (3)× U (2)× U (1) D-brane configuration. In the case of the minimal chiral and Higgs spectrum, it is found that superpotential contributions are induced by string instantons for the perturbatively forbidden entries of the up- and down-quark mass matrices. Analogous nonperturbative effects generate heavy Majorana neutrino masses and a Dirac neutrino texture with factorizable Yukawa couplings. For this latter case, a specific example is worked out where it is shown how this texture can reconcile the neutrino data.
GRAVITY DUAL FOR REGGEON FIELD THEORY AND NONLINEAR QUANTUM FINANCE
Authors: NAKAYAMA YU
Published: January 2010

We study scale invariant but not necessarily conformal invariant deformations of nonrelativistic conformal field theories from the dual gravity viewpoint. We present the corresponding metric that solves the Einstein equation coupled with a massive vector field. We find that, within the class of metric we study, when we assume the Galilean invariance, the scale invariant deformation always preserves the nonrelativistic conformal invariance. We discuss applications to scaling regime of Reggeon field theory and nonlinear quantum finance. These theories possess scale invariance but may or may not break the conformal invariance, depending on the underlying symmetry assumptions.
MODIFIED PERTURBATION THEORY FOR PAIR PRODUCTION AND DECAY OF FUNDAMENTAL UNSTABLE PARTICLES
Authors: NEKRASOV M. L.
Published: January 2010

We construct an asymptotic expansion in powers of the coupling constant directly of the cross-section for pair production and decay of fundamental unstable particles. The resonant and kinematic singularities arising in the expansion we treat in the sense of distributions. This mode allows us to transform formally divergent integrals into absolutely convergent ones with keeping the asymptotic property of the expansion. The appropriate procedure is elaborated up to an arbitrary order of the expansion. The peculiarity of application of the procedure in the threshold region is analyzed. The scheme of the calculations within the NNLO approximation is explicitly discussed.
NEUTRALINO–NUCLEON INTERACTION IN THE SPLIT SUSY SCENARIO OF THE DARK MATTER
Authors: PASECHNIK R. S. , BEYLIN V. A. , KUKSA V. I. , VERESHKOV G. M.
Published: January 2010

The split SUSY scenario with light Higgsino states is treated as an application to the dark matter problem. We have considered the structure of the neutralino–nucleon interaction and calculated cross-section of the neutralino–nucleon scattering. The decay properties of the lightest chargino and next lightest neutralino are analyzed in details.
TAMED 3D NAVIER–STOKES EQUATION: EXISTENCE, UNIQUENESS AND REGULARITY
Authors: RÖCKNER MICHAEL , ZHANG XICHENG
Published: January 2010

In this paper, we prove the existence and uniqueness of a smooth solution to a tamed 3D Navier–Stokes equation in the whole space. In particular, if there exists a bounded smooth solution to the classical 3D Navier–Stokes equation, then this solution satisfies our tamed equation. Moreover, using this tamed equation we can give a new construction for a suitable weak solution of the classical 3D Navier–Stokes equation introduced in Refs. 16 and 2.
ON STRONG ERGODIC PROPERTIES OF QUANTUM DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS
Authors: FIDALEO FRANCESCO
Published: January 2010

We show that the shift on the reduced C*-algebras of RD-groups, including the free group on infinitely many generators, and the amalgamated free product C*-algebras, enjoys the very strong ergodic property of the convergence to the equilibrium. Namely, the free shift converges, pointwise in the weak topology, to the conditional expectation onto the fixed-point subalgebra. Provided the invariant state is unique, we also show that such an ergodic property cannot be fulfilled by any classical dynamical system, unless it is conjugate to the trivial one-point dynamical system.
THE MONOTONICITY INEQUALITY FOR LINEAR STOCHASTIC PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: GAWARECKI L. , MANDREKAR V. , RAJEEV B.
Published: January 2010

We prove the monotonicity inequality for differential operators A and L that occur as coefficients in linear stochastic partial differential equations associated with finite-dimensional Itô processes. We characterize the solutions of such equations. A probabilistic representation is obtained for solutions to a class of evolution equations associated with time dependent, possibly degenerate, second-order elliptic differential operators.
GLASS FORMATION IN MECHANICALLY ALLOYED Fe-BASED SYSTEMS
Authors: SURYANARAYANA C. , SHARMA SATYAJEET
Published: January 2010

Rapid solidification processing of metallic melts has been traditionally employed to synthesize metallic glasses in several alloy systems. However, in recent years, solid-state processing methods, and more specifically, mechanical alloying, have become popular methods to synthesize glassy phases in metallic alloy systems. Although a large number of criteria have been developed to identify alloy compositions that can be solidified into the glassy state, very few attempts have been made to predict the glass-forming ability by solid-state processing methods. To evaluate if some clear criteria could be developed to predict glass formation by solid-state processing methods and to understand the mechanism of glass formation, mechanical alloying of powder blends was conducted on several Fe -based alloy systems. Three different aspects of glass formation are specifically discussed in this paper. One is the development of a criterion for identifying glass-forming systems from phase diagram features, the second is the process of mechanical crystallization (formation of a crystalline phase on continued milling of the amorphous powders obtained by mechanical alloying), and the third is the novel phenomenon of lattice contraction during amorphization. It was shown that the conditions under which a glassy phase is formed by mechanical alloying are different from the solidification methods.
INVESTIGATION ON ETHANOL AND PROPYLENE GLYCOL AS ENHANCERS FOR SKIN-ELECTRODE CONDUCTIVITY IN BIOELECTRICAL POTENTIAL MEASUREMENT
Authors: NG W. C. , NG M. H. , LEE K. S. , LI X. P.
Published: January 2010

In bioelectrical potential measurement with restricted skin-electrode contact area, such as in dense array EEG measurement where the electrolyte bridging effect1 is a major concern for signal reliability, an enhanced electrolyte solution is required for the skin-electrode impedance to reach the sufficiently low level within the minimum time interval. In this study, an electrolyte gel with its skin permeation ability enhanced by ethanol or propylene glycol has been investigated. The standard skin-electrode impedance measurement was carried out on the forehead in an area of 6 mm in diameter using standard Ag / AgCl EEG electrodes. The gel solutions with 0%, 7%, 18% and 28% of enhancers by volume are compared. The results show that both ethanol and propylene glycol reduce the permeation barrier of the stratum corneum so that ions in the electrolyte gel can penetrate more readily into the skin, enhancing the skin-electrode conductivity in reaching the steady value at a faster rate. It was further found that for the gel with higher percentage of ethanol, lower minimum skin-electrode impedance value was obtained. However, as the percentage of propylene glycol increased, it fails to attain low steady impedance values in the skin-electrode impedance measurements.
MORPHOLOGY OF NANOSTRUCTURED TiO2 THIN FILM: SYNTHESIS BY ELECTROSTATIC SPRAY DEPOSITION TECHNIQUE AND ITS PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY
Authors: KSAPABUTR BUSSARIN , THONG-OUN WORRASIT , PANAPOY MANOP
Published: January 2010

Titanium dioxide ( TiO2 ) thin films with different morphologies were synthesized on glass substrate using an electrostatic spray deposition method. Rod, flake and spherical-like nanostructures of TiO2 porous films with anatase phase could easily be obtained by tailoring the precursor solution concentration for atomization. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution was used as a probe to evaluate their photocatalytic activities. The rod-like nanostructured film produced higher photocatalytic activity than other films. The deposition of thin film photocatalyst on the substrate could not only solve the problem of separation and recovery of catalyst particles from the reaction medium, but also provide high photocatalytic activity even at a low catalyst loading of 0.057 g/l.
EFFECT OF SINTERING TEMPERATURE ON THE CRYSTAL STRUCTURE, MICROSTRUCTURE AND PHASE TRANSITION OF (Pb1-xSrx)TiO3 CERAMICS
Authors: SUMANG RATTIPHORN , BONGKARN THEERACHAI
Published: January 2010

Polycrystalline ( Pb 1-x Sr x) TiO 3 (PST) (x = 0.25, 0.50) ceramics were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. PST sintering temperatures ranged between 1050–1250°C. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sintered pellets showed pure perovskite in all samples. The lattice parameter c increased, while the lattice parameter a decreased with increasing sintering temperatures. The tetragonality and average grain sizes increased when sintering temperatures were increased. The dielectric constants vs temperature curves of PST ceramics with x = 0.25 and x = 0.50 associated with the ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition, showed a maximum peak at around 311 and 139°C, respectively. The dielectric constants of both compositions were related with their densities.
Retention Interval Affects Visual Short-Term Memory Encoding
Authors: Bankó Éva M. , Vidnyánszky Zoltán
Published: January 2010

Humans can efficiently store fine-detailed facial emotional information in visual short-term memory for several seconds. However, an unresolved question is whether the same neural mechanisms underlie high-fidelity short-term memory for emotional expressions at different retention intervals. Here we show that retention interval affects the neural processes of short-term memory encoding using a delayed facial emotion discrimination task. The early sensory P100 component of the event-related potentials (ERP) was larger in the 1-s interstimulus interval (ISI) condition than in the 6-s ISI condition, whereas the face-specific N170 component was larger in the longer ISI condition. Furthermore, the memory-related late P3b component of the ERP responses was also modulated by retention interval: it was reduced in the 1-s ISI as compared with the 6-s condition. The present findings cannot be explained based on differences in sensory processing demands or overall task difficulty because there was no difference in the stimulus information and subjects' performance between the two different ISI conditions. These results reveal that encoding processes underlying high-precision short-term memory for facial emotional expressions are modulated depending on whether information has to be stored for one or for several seconds.
Equivalence testing in microarray analysis: similarities in the transcriptome of human atherosclerotic and nonatherosclerotic macrophages
Authors: Eijgelaar Wouter J. , Horrevoets Anton J. G. , Bijnens Ann-Pascale J. J. , Daemen Mat J. A. P. , Verhaegh Wim F. J.
Published: January 2010

We focus on similarities in the transcriptome of human Kupffer cells and alveolar, splenic, and atherosclerotic plaque-residing macrophages. We hypothesized that these macrophages share a common expression signature. We performed microarray analysis on mRNA from these subsets (4 patients) and developed a novel statistical method to identify genes with significantly similar expression levels. Phenotypic and functional diversity between macrophage subpopulations reflects their plasticity to respond to microenvironmental signals. Apart from detecting differences in expression profiles, the comparison of the transcriptomes of different macrophage populations may also allow the definition of molecular similarities between these subsets. This new method calculates the maximum difference in gene expression level, based on the estimated confidence interval on that gene's expression variance. We listed the genes by equivalence ranking relative to expression level. FDR estimation was used to determine significance. We identified 500 genes with significantly equivalent expression levels in the macrophage subsets at 5.5% FDR using a confidence level of α = 0.05 for equivalence. Among these are the established macrophage marker CD68, IL1 receptor antagonist, and MHC-related CD1C. These 500 genes were submitted to IPA and GO clustering using DAVID. Additionally, hierarchical clustering of these genes in the Novartis human gene expression atlas revealed a subset of 200 genes specifically expressed in macrophages. Equivalently expressed genes, identified by this new method, may not only help to dissect common molecular mechanisms, but also to identify cell- or condition-specific sets of marker genes that can be used for drug targeting and molecular imaging.
On the Relation between Composite Right-/Left-Handed Transmission Lines and Chebyshev Filters
Authors: Liu Changjun , Menzel Wolfgang
Published: January 2010

Composite right-/left-handed (CRLH) transmission lines have gained great interest in the microwave community. In practical applications, such CRLH sections realized by series and shunt resonators have a finite length. Starting from the observation that a high-order Chebyshev filter also exhibits a periodic central section of very similar structure, the relations between finite length CRHL transmission lines and Chebyshev filters are discussed in this paper. It is shown that a finite length CRLH transmission line in the balanced case is equivalent to the central part of a low-ripple high-order Chebyshev band-pass filter, and a dual-CRLH transmission line in the balanced case is equivalent to a low-ripple high-order Chebyshev band-stop filter. The nonperiodic end sections of a Chebyshev filter can be regarded as matching sections, thus leading to an even better amplitude and phase response. It is also shown that, equally to a CRHL transmission line, a Chebyshev filter exhibits negative phase velocity in part of its passband. As a consequence, an improved behavior of finite length CRLH transmission lines may be achieved adding matching sections based on filter theory; this is demonstrated by a simulation example.
Visual Field Loss Progression after Macular Hole Surgery
Authors: Tosi Gian Marco , Martone Gianluca , Balestrazzi Angelo , Malandrini Alex , Alegente Marco , Pichierri Patrizia
Published: January 2010

Purpose. To report a patient who experienced visual field loss progression after vitrectomy for an idiopathic stage II macular hole.Methods. Case report. A 68-year-old woman, with no history of glaucoma or any neuroophthalmological diseases, underwent a vitrectomy for a macular hole.Results. The patient showed macular hole closure and a resulting central visual acuity of 20/20. However, two months after surgery, she developed an inferotemporal visual field defect. Moreover, seven months after surgery, the patient noticed an enlargement of the temporal blind area: a nearly complete temporal defect was confirmed on visual field testing.Conclusions. Although the beneficial results of successfully treated macular holes are unquestionable, this report raises the possibility that visual field defects following macular hole surgery may be progressive.
Identification of the Aerosol Types over Athens, Greece: The Influence of Air‐Mass Transport
Authors: Kaskaoutis D. G. , Kosmopoulos P. G. , Kambezidis H. D. , Nastos P. T.
Published: January 2010

Aerosol optical depth at 550 nm (AOD550) and fine‐mode (FM) fraction data from Terra‐MODIS were obtained over the Greater Athens Area covering the period February 2000–December 2005. Based on both AOD550 and FM values three main aerosol types have been discriminated corresponding to urban/industrial aerosols, clean maritime conditions, and coarse‐mode, probably desert dust, particles. Five main sectors were identified for the classification of the air‐mass trajectories, which were further used in the analysis of the (AOD550 and FM data for the three aerosol types). The HYSPLIT model was used to compute back trajectories at three altitudes to investigate the relation between AOD550‐FM and wind sector depending on the altitude. The accumulation of local pollution is favored in spring and corresponds to air masses at lower altitudes originating from Eastern Europe and the Balkan. Clean maritime conditions are rare over Athens, limited in the winter season and associated with air masses from the Western or Northwestern sector. The coarse‐mode particles origin seems to be more complicated proportionally to the season. Thus, in summer the Northern sector dominates, while in the other seasons, and especially in spring, the air masses belong to the Southern sector enriched with Saharan dust aerosols.
On Fixed Points of Maximalizing Mappings in Posets
Authors: Heikkilä S
Published: January 2010

We use chain methods to prove fixed point results for maximalizing mappings in posets. Concrete examples are also presented.
Myocardin Functions as an Effective Inducer of Growth Arrest and Differentiation in Human Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Cells
Authors: Kimura Yasunori , Morita Tsuyoshi , Hayashi Ken'ichiro , Miki Tsuneharu , Sobue Kenji
Published: January 2010

Myocardin is an important transcriptional regulator in smooth and cardiac muscle development. We noticed that the expression of myocardin was markedly downregulated in human uterine leiomyosarcoma cells. Restoration of myocardin expression induced the reexpression of smooth muscle marker proteins and the formation of well-developed actin fibers. A concomitant increase in the expression of a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21, led to significantly reduced cell proliferation, via p21's inhibition of the G1-S transition. A p21 promoter-reporter assay showed that myocardin markedly increased p21's promoter activity. Furthermore, a serum response factor (SRF)–binding cis-element CArG box in the p21 promoter region was required for this myocardin effect. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and DNA-protein binding assays showed that myocardin indirectly bound to the CArG box in the p21 promoter through the interaction with SRF. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry revealed that the levels of myocardin and p21 were both lower in leiomyosarcoma samples than in normal smooth muscle tissue. Taken together, our results indicate that the downregulation of myocardin expression facilitates cell cycle progression via the reduction of p21 expression in human leimyosarcomas and suggest that myocardin could be a useful therapeutic target for this disease. Cancer Res; 70(2); 501–11
Modulation of T-Cell Activation by Malignant Melanoma Initiating Cells
Authors: Schatton Tobias , Schütte Ute , Frank Natasha Y. , Zhan Qian , Hoerning André , Robles Susanne C. , Zhou Jun , Hodi F. Stephen , Spagnoli Giulio C. , Murphy George F. , Frank Markus H.
Published: January 2010

Highly immunogenic cancers such as malignant melanoma are capable of inexorable tumor growth despite the presence of antitumor immunity. Thus, only a restricted minority of tumorigenic malignant cells may possess the phenotypic and functional characteristics needed to modulate tumor-directed immune activation. Here we provide evidence supporting this hypothesis. Tumorigenic ABCB5+ malignant melanoma initiating cells (MMICs) possessed the capacity to preferentially inhibit IL-2–dependent T-cell activation and to support, in a B7.2-dependent manner, induction of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Compared with melanoma bulk cell populations, ABCB5+ MMICs displayed lower levels of MHC class I, aberrant positivity for MHC class II, and lower expression levels of the melanoma-associated antigens MART-1, ML-IAP, NY-ESO-1, and MAGE-A. Additionally, these tumorigenic ABCB5+ subpopulations preferentially expressed the costimulatory molecules B7.2 and PD-1, both in established melanoma xenografts and in clinical tumor specimens. In immune activation assays, MMICs inhibited mitogen-dependent human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation and IL-2 production more efficiently than ABCB5− melanoma cell populations. Moreover, coculture with ABCB5+ MMICs increased the abundance of Tregs, in a B7.2 signaling-dependent manner, along with IL-10 production by mitogen-activated PBMCs. Consistent with these findings, MMICs also preferentially inhibited IL-2 production and induced IL-10 secretion by cocultured patient-derived, syngeneic PBMCs. Our findings identify novel T-cell modulatory functions of ABCB5+ melanoma subpopulations and suggest specific roles for these MMICs in the evasion of antitumor immunity and in cancer immunotherapeutic resistance. Cancer Res; 70(2); 697–708
Regulation of Breast Cancer Stem Cell Activity by Signaling through the Notch4 Receptor
Authors: Harrison Hannah , Farnie Gillian , Howell Sacha J. , Rock Rebecca E. , Stylianou Spyros , Brennan Keith R. , Bundred Nigel J. , Clarke Robert B.
Published: January 2010

Notch receptor signaling pathways play an important role not only in normal breast development but also in breast cancer development and progression. We assessed the role of Notch receptors in stem cell activity in breast cancer cell lines and nine primary human tumor samples. Stem cells were enriched by selection of anoikis-resistant cells or cells expressing the membrane phenotype ESA+/CD44+/CD24low. Using these breast cancer stem cell populations, we compared the activation status of Notch receptors with the status in luminally differentiated cells, and we evaluated the consequences of pathway inhibition in vitro and in vivo. We found that Notch4 signaling activity was 8-fold higher in stem cell–enriched cell populations compared with differentiated cells, whereas Notch1 signaling activity was 4-fold lower in the stem cell–enriched cell populations. Pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of Notch1 or Notch4 reduced stem cell activity in vitro and reduced tumor formation in vivo, but Notch4 inhibition produced a more robust effect with a complete inhibition of tumor initiation observed. Our findings suggest that Notch4-targeted therapies will be more effective than targeting Notch1 in suppressing breast cancer recurrence, as it is initiated by breast cancer stem cells. Cancer Res; 70(2); 709–18
Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity Is Suppressed by Exposure to the Human NKG2D Ligand MICA*008 That Is Shed by Tumor Cells in Exosomes
Authors: Ashiru Omodele , Boutet Philippe , Fernández-Messina Lola , Agüera-González Sonia , Skepper Jeremy N. , Valés-Gómez Mar , Reyburn Hugh T.
Published: January 2010

The MHC class I–related chain (MIC) A and MICB ligands for the activating receptor NKG2D can be shed from tumor cells, and the presence of these soluble molecules in sera is related with compromised immune response and progression of disease. Recently, thiol disulphide isomerases and members of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) gene family were identified as key enzymes in mediating MICA/B shedding from cells. Here, we report shedding of the most frequently expressed MICA allele in human populations (MICA*008) into exosomes, small membrane vesicles that are secreted upon fusion with the plasma membrane. Although similar to other MICA/B molecules in the extracellular domain, the predicted transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of MICA*008 are quite different, and this difference seemed to be critical for the mode of release from tumor cells. Treatment of natural killer (NK) cells with exosomes containing MICA*008 molecules not only triggered downregulation of NKG2D from the cell surface but also provoked a marked reduction in NK cytotoxicity that is independent of NKG2D ligand expression by the target cell. Our findings reveal a mechanism of NK suppression in cancer that may facilitate immune escape and progression. Cancer Res; 70(2); 481–9