bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction followed by gas chromatography–electron capture detection for determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in fish
Authors: Hu Jia , Li Yanyan , Zhang Wei , Wang Huili , Huang Changjiang , Zhang Minghua , Wang Xuedong
Published: June 2009

A new method of dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction (DLLME) combined with GC‐electron capture detection (GC‐ECD) was proposed for the extraction and determination of four polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) congeners in fish samples. Acetone was used as extraction solvent for the extraction of PCBs from fish samples. The target analytes in the acetone solvent were rapidly transferred to chlorobenzene, which was used as extraction solvent in DLLME procedures. Under the optimum conditions, linearity was obtained in the concentration range from 1.25 to 1250 μg/kg for PCB 52, and 0.25 to 250 μg/kg for PCB 101, 138 and 153. Coefficients of correlation (r2) ranged from 0.9993 to 0.9999. The repeatability was tested by spiking fish samples at 10 μg/kg PCBs, and RSD% (n = 8) varied between 2.2 and 8.4%. The LODs were between 0.12 and 0.35 μg/kg. The enrichment factors of PCBs were from 87 to 123. The relative recoveries of the four PCB congeners for the perch, pomfret and yellow‐fin tuna at spiking levels of 10, 20 and 50 μg/kg were in the range of 81.20–100.6%, 85.00–102.7% and 87.80–108.4%, respectively. The results demonstrated that DLLME combined with GC‐ECD was a simple, rapid, and efficient technique for the extraction and determination of PCBs in fish samples.
Experimental versus theoretical evidence for the rate‐limiting steps in uncatalyzed and H+‐ and HO−‐catalyzed hydrolysis of the amide bond
Authors: Khan M. Niyaz
Published: June 2009

Recent theoretical studies of the alkaline hydrolysis of the amide bond have indicated that the nucleophilic attack of the hydroxide ion at the carbonyl carbon of the amide group is rate limiting. This is shown to be inconsistent with a large amount of experimental observations where the expulsion of the leaving group has been shown to be rate limiting. A kinetic approach has been described, which allows us to diagnose whether the pH‐independent/uncatalyzed hydrolysis of amides involves (a) both the uncatalyzed water reaction (kw) and H+‐ (kH) and HO−‐catalyzed (kOH) water reaction, (b) only the kw reaction, or (c) only the k + kOH reaction. The analysis described in this critical review does not favor the recent theoretical claims of the absence of the water reaction in the pH‐independent/uncatalyzed hydrolysis of formamide and urea. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 599–611, 2009
Novel Polyesteramide‐Based Diblock Copolymers: Synthesis by Ring‐Opening Copolymerization and Characterization
Authors: Deshayes Gaëlle , Delcourt Cécile , Verbruggen Ingrid , Trouillet‐Fonti Lise , Touraud Franck , Fleury Etienne , Degée Philippe , Destarac Mathias , Willem Rudolph , Dubois Philippe
Published: June 2009

Block copolymers based on a polyesteramide sequence and a polyether block were synthesized in bulk at 250 °C by ring‐opening copolymerization (ROP) of ε‐caprolactone (CLo) and ε‐caprolactam (CLa) as initiated by Jeffamine® M1000, i.e., ω‐NH2 copoly[(ethylene oxide)‐co‐(propylene oxide)] copolymer [P(EO‐co‐PO)‐NH2]. For an initial molar ratio of [CLa]0/[CLo]0 = 1, the copolymerization allowed for the formation of a diblock copolymer with a statistical polyesteramide sequence, as evidenced by 13C NMR. Investigation of the ROP mechanism highlighted that CLo was first polymerized, leading to the formation of a diblock copolymer P(EO‐co‐PO)‐b‐PCLo‐OH, followed by CLa hydrolysis to aminocaproic acid that inserted into the ester bonds of PCLo via aminolysis and subsequent condensation reactions. The outcome is the selective formation of P(EO‐co‐PO)‐b‐P(CLa‐co‐CLo)‐OH diblock copolymers where the composition and length of the polyesteramide sequence can be fine‐tuned by the [CLa]0/[CLo]0 and ([CLa]0 + [CLo]0)/[P(EO‐co‐PO)‐NH2]0 initial molar ratios.
On approximation in the fictitious domain method for a bidimensional transport equation
Authors: Martin Olga
Published: June 2009

In this article a numerical method for solving a two‐dimensional transport equation in the stationary case is presented. Using the techniques of the variational calculus, we find the approximate solution for a homogeneous boundary‐value problem that corresponds to a square domain D2. Then, using the method of the fictitious domain, we extend our algorithm to a boundary value problem for a set D that has an arbitrary shape. In this approach, the initial computation domain D (called physical domain) is immersed in a square domain D2. We prove that the solution obtained by this method is a good approximation of the exact solution. The theoretical results are verified with the help of a numerical example. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2010
Multi‐objective optimization of heating channels for rapid heating cycle injection mold using Pareto‐based genetic algorithm
Authors: Li Xi‐Ping , Zhao Guo‐Qun , Guan Yan‐Jin , Ma Ming‐Xing
Published: June 2009

Rapid heating cycle molding (RHCM) technology is a novel polymer injection molding method developed in recent years. In this paper, the principle of RHCM technology was introduced and a RHCM mold for producing a large‐size LCD TV panel was presented. Aiming at achieving a uniform temperature distribution on the cavity surface as well as making sure of the heating efficiency, the factors that influence temperature distribution and heating efficiency were analyzed. The center coordinates of the heating channels were considered as the main design variables. Multi‐objective functions for optimizing the temperature distribution uniformity and heating efficiency were proposed. The layout of the heating channels for a 46‐inch LCD TV panel RHCM mold was optimized by using the finite element method and Pareto‐based genetic algorithm (GA). The temperature distribution uniformity on the stationary mold insert cavity surface was largely improved by using optimal design results and the heating efficiency was also guaranteed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abnormal Shh and FOXC2 expression correlates with aberrant lymphatic development in human fetuses with increased nuchal translucency
Authors: de Mooij Yolanda M. , van den Akker Nynke M. S. , Bekker Mireille N. , Bartelings Margot M. , Wisse Lambertus J. , van Vugt John M. G. , Gittenberger‐de Groot Adriana C.
Published: June 2009

Objective

Previous research in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT) showed abnormal lymphatic endothelial differentiation characteristics, including increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A expression, and aberrant smooth muscle cells (SMCs) surrounding enlarged jugular lymphatic sacs (JLS). We hypothesized that abnormal Sonic hedgehog (Shh) expression would result in altered VEGF‐A signaling in the lymphatic endothelial cells of the JLS and that aberrant acquisition of SMCs could be caused by downregulation of forkhead transcription factor FOXC2 and upregulation of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐B in the lymphatic endothelial cells of the JLS.

Methods

Five trisomy 21 fetuses and four controls were investigated using immunohistochemistry for Shh, VEGF‐A, FOXC2 and PDGF‐B expression in the lymphatic endothelial cells of the JLS.

Results

An increased Shh, VEGF‐A and PDGF‐B expression, and decreased FOXC2 expression were shown in the lymphatic endothelial cells of the JLS of the trisomic fetuses.

Conclusions

Increased Shh and VEGF‐A expression is correlated with an aberrant lymphatic endothelial differentiation in trisomy 21 fetuses. The SMCs surrounding the JLS can possibly be explained by an increase of PDGF‐B‐induced SMC recruitment and/or differentiation. This underscores earlier findings that indicate the loss of lymphatic identity in trisomy 21 fetuses and a shift towards a blood vessel wall phenotype. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and proton transport studies on nanocrystalline [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] (HAp), HAp–Nafion® composite, and natural human bone
Authors: Jena H. , Rao Ch. Venkateswara , Eddy Fannie Posey , Dooley Jonathan , Rambabu B.
Published: June 2009

Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 (HAp) is synthesized from hydroxide gels at room temperature using sonochemical technique. The as‐synthesized material is characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), and solid‐ state (1H and 31P) NMR techniques. Hexagonal structure with space group P63/m is evident from powder XRD. Microscopic analysis with SAED indicates the nanocrystalline nature of the compound. Average particle size of 30 nm with excellent phase purity in good stoichiometric ratios of HAp is observed. The prevalence of protons as hydroxyls in apatitic structure of HAp is evident from FT‐IR and solid‐state NMR. The microstructure and proton conducting properties of the synthesized material are compared with the natural human bone powder having similar constituents. The sonochemically prepared HAp, and HAp‐Nafion® composite exhibited excellent AC conductivities ∼10−5 S cm−1 at 650 °C and ∼10−5 S cm−1 at 160 °C, respectively, may find application as an electrolyte for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT‐SOFCs) and high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (HT‐PEFCs) applications.
Influence of relaxation of the atomic order in f.c.c.‐Ni–Al alloys on X‐ray diffuse scattering
Authors: Bokoch S. M. , Leonov D. S. , Kulish M. P. , Tatarenko V. A. , Kunitsky Yu. A.
Published: June 2009

The atomic short‐range order (SRO) for the substitutional f.c.c.‐Ni–9 at.% Al single‐crystal solution is investigated using the X‐ray diffuse‐scattering method (supplemented by Monte Carlo simulation studies) and analyzing the salient features of the second‐order phonon diffuse scattering of X‐rays. As shown, in quenched state, the SRO corresponds to the presence in alloy of the static concentration waves with kX(0 0 1) and k(0 0 0.2) wave vectors. Initial SRO‐kinetics stage is attended by the noticeable increasing of the diffuse‐scattering intensities for wave vectors close to structural (Bragg) reflexes. Parameters of the time dependence of X‐ray diffuse‐scattering intensity for f.c.c.‐Ni–9 at.% Al alloy (after quenching) at low annealing temperature (373 K) are significantly different for different wave vectors generating the ordering and/or clustering processes.
Development of visualization method of grain boundaries in stainless steel by using white X‐ray micro‐beam and image detector
Authors: Kajiwara Kentaro , Sato Masugu , Hashimoto Tamotsu , Hirosawa Ichiro , Yamada Takuyo , Terachi Takumi , Fukumura Takuya , Arioka Koji
Published: June 2009

A visualization method of grain boundaries in a polycrystal was developed at BL28B2 in SPring‐8. By combining a scanning type white X‐ray micro‐diffraction system with high‐energy synchrotron X‐rays we non‐destructively obtained images to visualize grain boundaries and grains in stainless steel by simple data processing. The images were comparable to those obtained by electron back scattering pattern technique. It was shown that the new method can be applied to bulky plate sample as thick as 300 µm containing grains with size of 100 µm.
Recent developments in tomographic small‐angle X‐ray scattering
Authors: Feldkamp J. M. , Kuhlmann M. , Roth S. V. , Timmann A. , Gehrke R. , Shakhverdova I. , Paufler P. , Filatov S. K. , Bubnova R. S. , Schroer C. G.
Published: June 2009

Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) has become a standard tool for the investigation of nano‐structured materials with applications in many fields of science. Scanning tomography adds three‐dimensional information to the method. We investigate the validity of the tomographic model in SAXS tomography. We identify the requirement of local rotational invariance of the SAXS cross section and discuss the role of coherence in the framework of SAXS tomography. A tomography experiment performed on nanoporous glass is described as a practical example of the method.

magnified image

SAXS tomography reveals the density and nanostructure on a virtual section through a piece of nanoporous sodium borosilicate glass.
Preparation and dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12–polyethersulfone composites
Authors: Wang Fajun , Zhou Dongxiang , Hu Yunxiang
Published: June 2009

CaCu3Ti4O12–polyethersulfone (CCTO–PES) composites with various CCTO volume fractions up to 0.5 were prepared. Relatively high dielectric constant (ε = 32.7) and low loss (tan δ = 0.063) of the composites with CCTO volume fraction at 0.5 were observed. Various theoretical models were employed to predict the dielectric constant of these composites, the dielectric constant obtained via EMT model were in close agreement with the experimental data. The dielectric constant of CCTO–PES composites showed weak frequency dependence at the measuring frequency range, and the loss tangent apparently decrease with increase in frequency. Both the dielectric constant and loss tangent showed weak temperature dependence at low temperature range from 20 to 60 °C, however, they increased dramatically with a further increase in temperature above 60 °C.
Microwave‐based treatments for multi‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Hojati‐Talemi Pejman , Simon George
Published: June 2009

Three novel methods for using microwave (MW) energy and water as a mild chemical agent for functionalization of carbon nanotubes were developed. In the first method we report the effect of MW irradiation on a dispersion of MWCNTs in water, in the second method we studied the exposing of MWCNT to MW irradiation in the presence of steam, and in the third method we used MW oven generated plasma for functionalization of MWCNTs, and finally we compared our results with thermal oxidation and acid treatment (as two conventional methods for oxidative functionalization of carbon nanotubes). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to analyses effect of these treatments on MWCNTs. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Light emitting diodes on silicon substrates: preliminary results
Authors: Bondi Alexandre , Guo Weiming , Pedesseau Laurent , Boyer‐Richard Soline , Folliot Hervé , Chevalier Nicolas , Cornet Charles , Letoublon Antoine , Durand Olivier , Labbé Chistophe , Gicquel Maud , Lecorre Alain , Even Jacky , Loualiche Slimane , Moreac Alain
Published: June 2009

III‐V quantum wells (QW) superlattices have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaP substrates for photonics applications on silicon. We first present room temperature photoluminescence (PL) results for GaAsP/GaP QWs. A detailed analysis of low temperature PL experiments is then performed. QW contribution is pointed out, and the structuration of the QW emission is attributed to LA phonon replica. A comparison with electronic bandstructure is performed, and a discussion is proposed on the nature of the observed transition (direct or indirect). Finally, it is shown that these QWs can be used as active zone in light emitters on silicon. Growth of good quality GaP epilayers on silicon is also presented. The crystalline quality of the deposited GaP near the GaP/Si interface is studied by Raman spectroscopy. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spin polarized current from localized Rashba interaction in a quantum wire
Authors: Gelabert M. M. , Sánchez David , López Rosa , Serra Llorenç
Published: June 2009

We consider a quantum wire with a finite region of localized spin‐orbit interaction of the Rashba type. For energies above the onset of the second conductance plateau, we find a spin polarization of the transmitted current when a beam of unpolarized electrons is injected into the Rashba region. Our numerical simulations show that the amount of polarization can be tuned with the Rashba coupling strength, thus offering an all‐electrical method to generate spin polarized currents. With the aid of a simplified model, we discuss that the polarization effect originates from the interference between subband states with different energy and opposite spin directions (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Northward bursts of the West African monsoon leading to rainfall over the Hoggar Massif, Algeria
Authors: Cuesta Juan , Lavaysse Christophe , Flamant Cyrille , Mimouni Mohamed , Knippertz Peter
Published: June 2009

The Hoggar Massif is a comparatively populated region in the Sahara, where water supply is a critical problem due to the lack of nearby sources and unaffordable water pumping. In the present paper, we analyse the influence of the West African monsoon (WAM) on precipitation over the Hoggar during summer. We investigate (1) two rainfall events during 23–27 July 2006, accounting for almost half of the precipitation of this year, and (2) the representativity of this period with regard to ERA‐40 ECMWF re‐analyses (1979 to 2001).

By the end of July 2006, two consecutive northward bursts of the WAM flow reached the Hoggar and caused an increase in low‐level humidity. In the afternoon of these days, clouds formed at the top of the convective boundary layer and rapidly grew to more than ∼9 km above mean sea level. Due to the comparatively moist sub‐cloud layer (>45% mean relative humidity), considerable amounts of precipitation could reach the ground. The strong southerly WAM flow one day before and during the arrival of the moist air over the Hoggar is associated with both a south sector of an African easterly wave (AEW) and the cyclonic circulation around the south‐eastern flank of the Saharan heat low (SHL). In addition, the northward excursions of the monsoon were supported by convective cold‐pool outflows originating over Niger. The climatological analysis confirms the relation between precipitation over the Hoggar and AEW south sectors and also shows a conspicuous weakening of the SHL following rainfall. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Predicting velocity in bendway weir eddy fields
Authors: Kinzli Kristoph‐Dietrich , Thornton Christopher I.
Published: June 2009

Rehabilitation of the Middle Rio Grande (MRG) in central New Mexico has become necessary because of changes in morphology resulting from the installation of dams, and because of habitat restoration considerations for the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus). Bendway weirs are erosion control and channel‐stabilization structures placed transverse to the channel flow that have been increasingly used to prevent river migration while simultaneously enhancing aquatic habitat. Plans for rehabilitation along the MRG include the use of bendway weirs; however, past projects using these structures have relied on field experience and engineering judgment rather than specific design guidelines. A physical model of a reach of the MRG was constructed to develop empirical design equations for eddy velocities in bendway weir fields. Data from physical model simulations were used to develop two empirical expressions for predicting eddy velocities behind bendway weirs, along with two expressions for predicting velocities at the toe of installed weirs. These equations relate the velocity found after bendway weir installation to weir design characteristics and pre‐weir channel conditions. A designer can use the described approach to predict velocities in eddies and velocities at the toe of bendway weirs using only weir design variables and pre‐weir channel conditions, and thus avoid some of the uncertainty with weir design that previously existed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nearly Monodispersion CoSm Alloy Nanoparticles Formed by an In-situ Rapid Cooling and Passivating Microfluidic Process
Authors: Song Yujun , Henry Laurence L.
Published: June 2009

An in siturapid cooling and passivating microfluidic process has been developed for the synthesis of nearly monodispersed cobalt samarium nanoparticles (NPs) with tunable crystal structures and surface properties. This process involves promoting the nucleation and growth of NPs at an elevated temperature and rapidly quenching the NP colloids in a solution containing a passivating reagent at a reduced temperature. We have shown that Cobalt samarium NPs having amorphous crystal structures and a thin passivating layer can be synthesized with uniform nonspherical shapes and size of about 4.8 nm. The amorphous CoSm NPs in our study have blocking temperature near 40 K and average coercivity of 225 Oe at 10 K. The NPs also exhibit high anisotropic magnetic properties with a wasp-waist hysteresis loop and a bias shift of coercivity due to the shape anisotropy and the exchange coupling between the core and the thin oxidized surface layer.
Shell-Controlled Photoluminescence in CdSe/CNT Nanohybrids
Authors: Si Hua-Yan , Liu Cai-Hong , Xu Hua , Wang Tian-Ming , Zhang Hao-Li
Published: June 2009

A new type of nanohybrids containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and CdSe quantum dots (QDs) was prepared using an electrostatic self-assembly method. The CdSe QDs were capped by various mercaptocarboxylic acids, including thioglycolic acid (TGA), dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) and mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA), which provide shell thicknesses of ~5.2, 10.6 and 15.2 Å, respectively. The surface-modified CdSe QDs are then self-assembled onto aridine orange-modified CNTs via electrostatic interaction to give CdSe/CNT nanohybrids. The photoluminescence (PL) efficiencies of the obtained nanohybrids increase significantly with the increase of the shell thickness, which is attributed to a distance-dependent photo-induced charge-transfer mechanism. This work demonstrates a simple mean for fine tuning the PL properties of the CdSe/CNT nanohybrids and gains new insights to the photo-induced charge transfer in such nanostructures.
Navier–Stokes equations with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions in a convex bi-dimensional domain
Authors: Girinon Vincent
Published: June 2009

We prove the existence of a weak solution to Navier–Stokes equations describing the isentropic flow of a gas in a convex and bounded region,

\Omega \subset \mathbf{R}^{2}

, with nonhomogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions on

∂Ω

. These results are also extended to flow domain surrounding an obstacle.
Existence of minimizers for Kohn–Sham models in quantum chemistry
Authors: Anantharaman Arnaud , Cancès Eric
Published: June 2009

This article is concerned with the mathematical analysis of the Kohn–Sham and extended Kohn–Sham models, in the local density approximation (LDA) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) frameworks. After recalling the mathematical derivation of the Kohn–Sham and extended Kohn–Sham LDA and GGA models from the Schrödinger equation, we prove that the extended Kohn–Sham LDA model has a solution for neutral and positively charged systems. We then prove a similar result for the spin-unpolarized Kohn–Sham GGA model for two-electron systems, by means of a concentration-compactness argument.
The Decline of TURP—An Irish Experience
Authors: Quinlan Mark R. , Connolly Stephen S. , McDermott T.E.D.
Published: June 2009

Objective:

Transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) was once the commonest therapeutic urological surgery performed and the unequivocal gold standard treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, efficacious pharmacological therapy and improved understanding of the history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have impacted upon this. The aim of our study was to assess the transformation in TURP practice in Ireland over the past decade by comparing numbers of the operation being performed over two different time periods (1996–1998 vs. 2001–2003).

Methods:

Numbers of discharges of patients with procedure code TURP (ICD-9-CM 60.2) between 1996–1998 and 2001–2003 were obtained from the National Hospital Inpatient Enquiry database. Population data were obtained from National Censuses. Calculations were expressed per 100,000 of male population ≥50 years of age.

Results:

The number of TURPs performed has fallen from a national average of 587.16/annum/100,000 male population ≥50 years of age between 1996 and 1998 to 371.54/annum/100,000 male population ≥50 years of age between 2001 and 2003, a drop of ∼40%. Furthermore, each health board region has witnessed sizeable declines.

Conclusions:

The Irish experience of LUTS treatment mirrors that across developed nations globally. We believe potentially serious implications exist for standards of care, clinical practice and training.
Regulation of paracellular Na+ and Cl− conductances by hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Tokuda Shinsaku , Niisato Naomi , Nagai Toshiki , Taruno Akiyuki , Nakajima Ken‐ichi , Miyazaki Hiroaki , Yamada Toshiki , Hosogi Shigekuni , Ohta Mariko , Nishio Kyosuke , Iwasaki Yoshinobu , Marunaka Yoshinori
Published: June 2009

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on the paracellular ion conductance (Gp) composed of the Na+ conductance (GNa) and the Cl− conductance (GCl) has been Investigated. Gp, GNa and GCl were time‐dependently increased after applying an osmotic gradient generated by NaCl with basolateral hypotonicity. Hydrostatic pressure (1–4 cm H2O) applied from the basolateral side enhanced the osmotic gradient‐induced increase in Gp, GNa and GCl in a magnitude‐dependent manner, while the hydrostatic pressure applied from the apical side diminished the osmotic gradient‐induced increase in Gp, GNa and GCl. How the hydrostatic pressure influences Gp, GNa and GCl under an isosmotic condition was also investigated. Gp, GNa and GCl were stably constant under a condition with basolateral application of sucrose canceling the NaCl‐generated osmotic gradient (an isotonic condition). Even under this stable condition, the basolaterally applied hydrostatic pressure drastically elevated Gp, GNa and GCl, while apically applied hydrostatic pressure had little effect on Gp, GNa or GCl. Taken together, these observations suggest that certain factors controlled by the basolateral osmolality and the basolaterally applied hydrostatic pressure mainly regulate the Gp, GNa and GCl.
Estrogen receptor‐α expression in nociceptive‐responsive neurons in the medullary dorsal horn of the female rat
Authors: Amandusson Åsa , Blomqvist Anders
Published: June 2009

Estrogens exert a substantial influence on the transmission of nociceptive stimuli and the susceptibility to pain disorders as made evident by studies in both animals and human subjects. The estrogen receptor (ER) seems to be of crucial importance to the cellular mechanisms underlying such an influence. However, it has not been clarified whether nociceptive neurons activated by pain express ERs. In this study, a noxious injection of formalin was given into the lower lip of female rats, thereby activating nociceptive neurons in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis as demonstrated by immunohistochemical labeling of Fos. Using a dual‐label immunohistochemistry protocol ERα‐containing cells were visualized in the same sections. In the superficial layers of the medullary dorsal horn, 12% of ERα‐labeled cells, mainly located in lamina II, also expressed noxious‐induced Fos. These findings show that nociceptive‐responsive neurons in the medullary dorsal horn express ERα, thus providing a possible morphological basis for the hypothesis that estrogens directly regulate pain transmission at this level.
Interaction specificity of Arabidopsis 14‐3‐3 proteins with phototropin receptor kinases
Authors: Sullivan Stuart , Thomson Catriona E. , Kaiserli Eirini , Christie John M.
Published: June 2009

MINT‐7147234: PHOT1 (uniprotkb:O48963) physically interacts (MI:0914) with 14‐3‐3 kappa (uniprotkb:P48348) by far Western blotting (MI:0047)
NAD(P)H‐ and superoxide‐dependent nitric oxide degradation by rat liver mitochondria
Authors: Oliveira Halley Caixeta , Saviani Elzira Elisabeth , Salgado Ione
Published: June 2009

Mitochondria consume nitric oxide (NO) mainly through reaction with superoxide anion (). Here, we analyzed thesources for NO degradation by isolated rat liver mitochondria. Electron leakage from complex III and reverse electron transport to complex I accounted for‐dependent NO degradation by mitochondria in the presence of a protonmotive force. Mitochondria incubated with NAD(P)H also presented intensegeneration and NO degradation rates that were insensitive to respiratory inhibitors and abolished after proteinase treatment. These results suggest that an outer membrane‐localized NAD(P)H oxidase activity, in addition to the electron leakage from the respiratory chain, promotes‐dependent NO degradation in rat liver mitochondria.
Physiological responses to protein aggregates: Fibrinolysis, coagulation and inflammation (new roles for old factors)
Authors: Gebbink Martijn F.B.G. , Bouma Barend , Maas Coen , Bouma Bonno N.
Published: June 2009

Misfolding is an inherent and potentially problematic propensity of proteins. Misfolded proteins tend to aggregate and the deposition of aggregated proteins is associated with a variety of highly debilitating diseases known as amyloidoses. Protein misfolding and aggregation is also increasingly recognized as the underlying cause of other health problems, including atherosclerosis and immunogenicity of biopharmaceuticals. This raises the question how nature deals with the removal of obsolete proteins in order to avoid their accumulation and disease. In recent years two proteases, tPA and factor XII, have been identified that specifically recognize aggregates of misfolded proteins. We here review these discoveries that have uncovered new roles for the fibrinolytic system and the contact activation system beyond haemostasis.
Cells and prions: A license to replicate
Authors: Nuvolone Mario , Aguzzi Adriano , Heikenwalder Mathias
Published: June 2009

Prion diseases are neurodegenerative, infectious disorders characterized by the aggregation of a misfolded isoform of the cellular prion protein (PrPC). The infectious agent – termed prion – is mainly composed of misfolded PrPSc. In addition to the central nervous system prions can colonize secondary lymphoid organs and inflammatory foci. Follicular dendritic cells are important extraneural sites of prion replication. However, recent data point to a broader range of cell types that can replicate prions. Here, we review the state of the art in regards to peripheral prion replication, neuroinvasion and the determinants of prion replication competence.
Excitatory amino acid transporter 2 associates with phosphorylated tau and is localized in neurofibrillary tangles of tauopathic brains
Authors: Sasaki Kumi , Shimura Hideki , Itaya Masako , Tanaka Ryota , Mori Hideo , Mizuno Yoshikuni , Kosik Kenneth S. , Tanaka Shigeki , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: June 2009

MINT‐7148372, MINT‐7148384:TAU(uniprotkb:P10636)physically interacts(MI:0914) withEAAT2(uniprotkb:P43004) byanti bait coimmunoprecipitation(MI:0006)
Proteomic characterization of sperm radial spokes identifies a novel spoke protein with an ubiquitin domain
Authors: Satouh Yuhkoh , Inaba Kazuo
Published: June 2009

MINT‐7148272: Ci‐RSP3 (uniprotkb:Q8T898) and MORN40 (genbank_protein_gi:BAH59284) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation (MI:0027)
A selective small‐molecule inhibitor of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1
Authors: Yao Ke , Cho Yong-Yeon , Bode Ann M. , Vummenthala Anuradha , Park Jewn Giew , Liu Kangdong , Pang Yuan-Ping , Dong Zigang
Published: June 2009

MINT‐7148314: JNK1 (uniprotkb:P45983) phosphorylates (MI:0217) c‐JUN (uniprotkb:P05412) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)
Dexamethasone regulates expression of BRUCE/Apollon and the proliferation of neural progenitor cells
Authors: Sippel Maria , Rajala Raili , Korhonen Laura , Bornhauser Beat , Sokka Anna-Leena , Naito Mikihiko , Lindholm Dan
Published: June 2009

MINT‐7148555: Nrdp1 (uniprotkb:Q8BH75) physically interacts (MI:0914) with Usp8 (uniprotkb:Q80U87) by anti bait co‐immunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Low in vivo brain glucose consumption and high oxidative stress in accelerated aging
Authors: Borrás Consuelo , Stvolinsky Sergey , López-Grueso Raúl , Fedorova Tatiana , Gambini Juan , Boldyrev Alexander , Viña Jose
Published: June 2009

The validity of the free radical theory of aging has been recently questioned. Our aim was to test whether there is oxidative stress in tissues critically involved in accelerated aging (senescence‐accelerated mice, SAM) and whether this correlates with lower glucose consumption in vivo and behavioural tests. Positron emission tomography shows that brains of old SAM‐prone animals consume less glucose than young ones. Behavioural characteristics, mitochondrial peroxide production, and damage in both the central nervous system and bone marrow stem cells also indicate that SAM‐prone animals age faster than SAM‐resistant ones. Our results support the role of the free radical theory of aging in critical tissues involved in aging and that this correlates with glucose consumption.
Additive effects of insulin and muscle contraction on fatty acid transport and fatty acid transporters, FAT/CD36, FABPpm, FATP1, 4 and 6
Authors: Jain Swati S. , Chabowski A. , Snook Laelie A. , Schwenk Robert W. , Glatz Jan F.C. , Luiken Joost J.F.P. , Bonen Arend
Published: June 2009

Insulin and muscle contraction increase fatty acid transport into muscle by inducing the translocation of FAT/CD36. We examined (a) whether these effects are additive, and (b) whether other fatty acid transporters (FABPpm, FATP1, FATP4, and FATP6) are also induced to translocate. Insulin and muscle contraction increased glucose transport and plasmalemmal GLUT4 independently and additively (positive control). Palmitate transport was also stimulated independently and additively by insulin and by muscle contraction. Insulin and muscle contraction increased plasmalemmal FAT/CD36, FABPpm, FATP1, and FATP4, but not FATP6. Only FAT/CD36 and FATP1 were stimulated in an additive manner by insulin and by muscle contraction.
Enzymatic characterization of class I DAD1‐like acylhydrolase members targeted to chloroplast in Arabidopsis
Authors: Seo Young Sam , Kim Eun Yu , Kim Jeong Hoe , Kim Woo Taek
Published: June 2009

In Arabidopsis, there are at least seven class I acylhydrolase members, which have a putative N‐terminal chloroplast‐targeting signal. Here, we show that all seven class I proteins are localized to the chloroplasts and hydrolyze phosphatidylcholine at the sn‐1 position. However, based on their activities toward various lipids, Arabidopsis class I enzymes could be further divided into three sub‐groups by substrate specificity, one with phospholipase‐specific activity, another with phospholipase and galactolipase activities, and the other with broad lipolytic activity toward phosphatidylcholine, galactolipids, and triacylglycerol. These results suggest that the three sub‐groups of class I acylhydrolases have specific roles in chloroplasts.
Effects of the BH3‐only protein human Noxa on mitochondrial dynamics
Authors: Woo Ha-Na , Seo Young-Woo , Moon Ae Ran , Jeong Seon-Yong , Jeong Seong-Yun , Choi Eun Kyung , Kim Tae-Hyoung
Published: June 2009

Mitochondria form reticular networks comprised of filamentous tubules and continuously move and change shape. Bcl‐2 family proteins actively participate in the regulation of mitochondria fragmentation. Here, we show that human Noxa, which belongs to the BH3‐only pro‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family, causes mitochondrial fragmentation. We found that while the Bcl‐2 homology 3 (BH3) domain of Noxa is not associated with mitochondrial fragmentation, the mitochondrial targeting domain (MTD) of Noxa is the region responsible for inducing fragmentation. Two leucine residues in MTD play a key role in the process. Furthermore, the lack of Noxa causes a significant reduction of Velcade‐induced mitochondrial fragmentation. Together, these results provide novel insight into the role of Noxa in mitochondrial dynamics and cell death.
AtCYP20‐2 is an auxiliary protein of the chloroplast NAD(P)H dehydrogenase complex
Authors: Sirpiö Sari , Holmström Maija , Battchikova Natalia , Aro Eva-Mari
Published: June 2009

AtCYP20‐2 is one of 16 immunophilins in thylakoid lumen. The presence of the isomerase domain in AtCYP20‐2, an enrichment of AtCYP20‐2 in the stroma membranes and it's co‐migration with NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH) in native gels provide evidence that AtCYP20‐2 is an auxiliary protein of NDH. When different NDH mutants were studied, AtCYP20‐2 was found to be strongly reduced especially in mutants deficient in the membrane domain of NDH, thus suggesting a role in the assembly of NDH hydrophobic domain. Lack of AtCYP20‐2, however, did not lead to severe malfunction of NDH, indicating redundancy in the function of lumenal immunophilins.
Fetal asphyxia leads to the loss of striatal presynaptic boutons in adult rats
Authors: Strackx E. , Van den Hove D.L.A. , Steinbusch H.P. , Steinbusch H.W.M. , Vles J.S.H. , Blanco C.E. , Gavilanes A.W.D.
Published: June 2009

Fetal asphyxic insults in the brain are known to be associated with developmental and neurological problems like neuromotor disorders and cognitive deficits. Little is known, however, about the long‐term consequences of fetal asphyxia contributing to the development of different neurological diseases common in the adult or the aging brain. For that reason the present study aimed to investigate the long‐term effects of fetal asphyxia on synaptic organization within the adult rat brain. Fetal asphyxia was induced at embryonic day 17 by 75‐min clamping of the uterine and ovarian arteries. Presynaptic bouton densities and numbers were analyzed in the striatum and prefrontal cortex at the age of 19 months. A substantial decrease in presynaptic bouton density and number was observed in the striatum of fetal asphyxia rats compared to control rats, while an increase was found in the fifth layer of the prefrontal cortex. These results suggest that fetal asphyxia can have long‐lasting effects on synaptic organization that might contribute to a developmental etiology of different neurological disorders and aging.
Developmental omega‐3 supplementation improves motor skills in juvenile‐adult rats
Authors: Coluccia Addolorata , Borracci Pietro , Renna Giuseppe , Giustino Arcangela , Latronico Tiziana , Riccio Paolo , Carratù Maria Rosaria
Published: June 2009

Long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are critical for brain growth spurt during both foetal and postnatal period. They play important roles in the expression of genes regulating cell differentiation and neuronal growth, as well as in the development of synaptic processing of neural cell interaction. Foetus and placenta are dependent on maternal supply for their growth and development, and supplemented infants show significantly greater mental and psychomotor scores. In particular, it has been shown that if mothers take omega‐3 supplements, their babies are smarter and better physically coordinated. On these grounds, the aim of the present study was to investigate, in the Sprague–Dawley rat, the effects of perinatal treatment with omega‐3 on motor activity, motor coordination, motor learning and memory. From gestational day 8 throughout the lactation period, dams received either an emulsion of 0.05 g/kg body weight omega‐3 in fruit juice, or an emulsion of 1 g/kg body weight omega‐3 in fruit juice or just the fruit juice (control). Omega‐3 formula was made of 27% docosahexaenoic acid and 53% eicosapentaenoic acid. On the day of birth (postnatal day 1), all pups were weighed, and then randomly culled to eight pups per litter. Pups were weaned at 21 days of age. One male pup per litter from each litter (control, n = 6; omega‐3 0.05 g/kg, n = 5; omega‐3 1 g/kg, n = 6) was used. Both control and treated rats were tested for (i) locomotor activity using the open field paradigm, (ii) motor coordination and motor learning using the rotarod/accelerod task and (iii) memory using the passive avoidance paradigm. Rats were tested on postnatal day 21 and re‐tested on postnatal day 90. As a result, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation significantly improved motor coordination. In particular, the latency to fall at the first speed was significantly increased in the treated rats as compared to the control animals. This benefit was observed with both doses at each tested age. The rat performance in accelerating rotation speed mode, which provides an indication of motor learning ability, was not modified by the omega‐3 supply. Finally, the omega‐3 treatment did not influence motor activity in the open field‐tested rats, nor the memory ability in the passive avoidance task. In conclusion, perinatal omega‐3 supplementation exerts a long lasting beneficial effect on the rotarod performance indicating improvement in balance and motor coordination and, possibly, in the functioning of pathways governing this task.
A pilot randomized controlled trial of controlled cord traction to reduce postpartum blood loss
Authors: Althabe Fernando , Alemán Alicia , Tomasso Giselle , Gibbons Luz , Vitureira Gerardo , Belizán José M. , Buekens Pierre
Published: June 2009

Objective

To evaluate whether controlled cord traction (CCT) for management of the third stage of labor reduced postpartum blood loss compared with a “hands‐off” management protocol.

Methods

Women with imminent vaginal delivery were randomly assigned to either a CCT group or a hands‐off group. The women received prophylactic oxytocin. The primary outcome was blood loss during the third stage of labor.

Results

In total, 103 women were allocated to the CCT group and 101 were allocated to the hands‐off group. Median blood loss in the CCT group and the hands‐off group was 282.0 mL and 310.2 mL, respectively. The difference in blood loss (– 28.2 mL) was not significant (95% confidence interval, – 92.3 to 35.9; P = 0.126). Blood collection in the hands‐off group took 1.2 minutes longer than in the CCT group, which may have contributed to this difference.

Conclusion

CCT may reduce postpartum blood loss. The present findings support conducting a large trial to determine whether CCT can prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
Memory markers: How consumers recall the duration of experiences
Authors: Ahn Hee‐Kyung , Liu Maggie Wenjing , Soman Dilip
Published: June 2009

In the present article, we propose a three‐stage memory marker model of memory for experience. The human mind generates and encodes “memory markers” of specific episodes, stores them in memory, and after a temporal delay retrieves these markers to reconstruct the experience and make relevant judgments. Rich experiences characterized by vivid stimuli seem to pass by quickly, yet feel longer when recalled after a period of time because the number of retrieved memory markers is large. We also examine situations in which key predictions of the memory marker model can be moderated. A field study and five laboratory experiments were conducted to test various aspects of the memory marker model and provide process support.
Media engagement and advertising: Transportation, matching, transference and intrusion
Authors: Wang Jing , Calder Bobby J.
Published: June 2009

Three studies show that consumer response to advertising depends on engagement with the media content, in this case a television program, in which the advertising appears. The specific form of engagement studied is the experience of narrative transportation, of being absorbed into the narrative world of the program. If an ad is not intrusive, by virtue of where it occurs in a narrative, high transportation is shown to positively impact an ad. This impact is obtained if the ad matches the narrative (thematically compatible), supporting the hypothesis that transportation can act as a message frame that increases processing. If a compatible ad is intrusive, however, it is shown that high transportation is disrupted and this negatively impacts an ad. A third study proposes and finds an additional mechanism, called transportation transference, in which high narrative transportation increases the transportation with an ad that is not intrusive and this increase in ad transportation in turn increases advertising effectiveness.
Monitoring Playa Lake Inundation in the Western United States: Modern Analogues to Late-Holocene Lake Level Change
Authors: Scuderi Louis A. , Laudadio Christine K. , Fawcett Peter J.
Published: June 2009

Closed basin playas are among the most sensitive hydrologic systems globally and are excellent indicators of current and past climatic variability. This variability can significantly impact hydrologic regimes and biotic communities, and is often expressed in lake-bed deposits and shoreline features. We analyzed two playa basins in western North America that lie to either side of the current divide between monsoon and westerly precipitation regimes. Using a 23-year sequence of Landsat images at a 16-day time step, we determined the playa inundation response to varying precipitation inputs. Our results show that a strongly contrasting lake-inundation response occurs in lake basins separated by only 200 km. The Animas/Lordsburg Basin shows a marked lake-area increase in response to winter precipitation events, while the more southerly Palomas Basin shows a stronger response to monsoonal and El Niño-type events. This sensitivity to different input sources over short distances may explain some of the apparent asynchronous behavior of playa response found in lake records. Comprehensive regional-scale inundation records could be used to understand the dynamics of playa inundation events and how these events are linked to atmospheric circulation, and possibly to understand the observed asynchronous behavior of lake basins during the late Pleistocene and Holocene.
A late Quaternary paleotemperature record from Hanging Lake, northern Yukon Territory, eastern Beringia
Authors: Kurek Joshua , Cwynar Les C. , Vermaire Jesse C.
Published: June 2009

The late Quaternary paleoclimate of eastern Beringia has primarily been studied by drawing qualitative inferences from vegetation shifts. To quantitatively reconstruct summer temperatures, we analyzed lake sediments for fossil chironomids, and additionally we analyzed the sediments for fossil pollen and organic carbon content. A comparison with the δ18O record from Greenland indicates that the general climatic development of the region throughout the last glaciation–Holocene transition differed from that of the North Atlantic region. Between ∼ 17 and 15 ka, mean July air temperature was on average 5°C colder than modern, albeit a period of near-modern temperature at ∼ 16.5 ka. Total pollen accumulation rates ranged between ∼ 180 and 1200 grains cm− 2 yr− 1. At ∼ 15 ka, approximately coeval with the Bølling interstadial, temperatures again reached modern values. At ∼ 14 ka, nearly 1000 yr after warming began, Betula pollen percentages increased substantially and mark the transition to shrub-dominated pollen contributors. Chironomid-based inferences suggest no evidence of the Younger Dryas stade and only subtle evidence of an early Holocene thermal maximum, as temperatures from ∼ 15 ka to the late Holocene were relatively stable. The most recognizable climatic oscillation of the Holocene occurred from ∼ 4.5 to 2 ka.