bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-expression of HER2 and HER3 receptor tyrosine kinases enhances invasion of breast cells via stimulation of interleukin-8 autocrine secretion
Authors: Aceto Nicola , Duss Stephan , MacDonald Gwen , Meyer Dominique S , Roloff Tim-C , Hynes Nancy E , Bentires-Alj Mohamed
Published: October 2012

Introduction

The tyrosine kinase receptors HER2 and HER3 play an important role in breast cancer. The HER2/HER3 heterodimer is a critical oncogenic unit associated with reduced relapse-free and decreased overall survival. While signaling cascades downstream of HER2 and HER3 have been studied extensively at the level of post-translational modification, little is known about the effects of HER2/HER3 overexpression and activation on gene expression in breast cancer. We have now defined the genetic landscape induced by activation of the HER2/HER3 unit in mammary cells, and have identified interleukin (IL)8 and CXCR1 as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of HER2/HER3-overexpressing breast cancers.

Methods

Three-dimensional (3D) cultures, invasion and migration assays were used to determine the effects of HER2 and HER3 co-expression and activation. Gene expression analysis was performed to identify the gene network induced by HER2/HER3 in 3D cultures. Bioinformatic analysis and neutralizing antibodies were used to identify key mediators of HER2/HER3-evoked invasion.

Results

Co-expression of the tyrosine kinase receptors HER2 and HER3 induced migration and invasion of MCF10A cells. Microarray analysis of these cells revealed a specific "HER2/HER3 signature" comprising 80 upregulated transcripts, with IL8 being the highest (11-fold upregulation). Notably, examination of public datasets revealed high levels of IL8 transcripts in HER2-enriched as well as basal-like primary breast tumors, two subtypes characterized by a particularly poor prognosis. Moreover, IL8 expression correlated with high tumor grade and ER-negative status. Importantly, treatment with IL8-neutralizing antibodies prevented invasion of MCF10A-HER2/HER3 and BT474 cells in 3D cultures, highlighting the importance of IL8 autocrine signaling upon HER2/HER3 activation.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that HER2 and HER3 co-expression induces IL8 autocrine signaling, leading to the invasion of mammary cells. Agents targeting IL8 or its receptor CXCR1 may be useful for the treatment of HER2/HER3/IL8-positive breast cancers with invasive traits.
Mild hypoglycemia is independently associated with increased risk of mortality in patients with sepsis: a 3-year retrospective observational study
Authors: Park Sunghoon , Kim Dong-Gyu , Suh Gee Young , Kang Jun Goo , Ju Young-Su , Lee Yong-Jae , Park Ji Young , Lee Seok Won , Jung Ki-Suck
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Mild hypoglycemia is associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients. However, data regarding the association between mild hypoglycemia and patient outcomes among patients with sepsis are limited.

Methods

Patients admitted to a medical ICU for sepsis, as defined by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, during a 3-year period were enrolled retrospectively. Data on blood glucose (BG) control parameters and patient outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was the relationship of mild hypoglycemia (defined as minimum BG of 40 to 69 mg/dl during ICU stay) to hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes were ICU-acquired complication rates, ICU and 1-year mortality rates. A relationship between glucose variability and hypoglycemic events was also investigated.

Results

Three-hundred and thirteen consecutive patients with sepsis were enrolled (mean age, 71.8 ± 11.3 years; male, n = 166; diabetics, n = 102). A total of 14,249 (5.6/day/patient) BG tests were performed, and 175 hypoglycemic events (spontaneous, n = 71; iatrogenic, n = 104) occurred in 80 (25.6%) patients during the ICU stay; severe hypoglycemia (minimum BG level < 40 mg/dl) occurred in 24 (7.7%) patients, and mild hypoglycemia (minimum BG level 40 to 69 mg/dl) was found in 56 (17.9%) patients. The frequency of hypoglycemic events increased with higher glucose variability, and patients with mild hypoglycemia had higher rates of ICU-acquired complications than did those with no hypoglycemia (renal, 36.2% vs. 15.6%, P = 0.003; cardiac, 31.9% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.008; hepatic, 34.0% vs. 18.2%, P = 0.024; bacteremia, 14.9% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.021). Multivariate analysis revealed that mild hypoglycemia was independently associated with increased hospital mortality (odds ratio, 3.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.51 to 7.82), and even a single event was an independent risk factor (odds ratio, 2.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 8.09). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that mild hypoglycemia was significantly associated with a lower 1-year cumulative survival rate among patients with sepsis (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Mild hypoglycemia was associated with increased risk of hospital and 1-year mortality, as well as the occurrence of ICU-acquired complications. Physicians thus need to recognize the importance of mild hypoglycemia in patients with sepsis.
Nongeometrically converted shear waves in marine streamer data
Authors: Drijkoningen Guy , el Allouche Nihed , Thorbecke Jan , Bada Gábor
Published: October 2012

Under certain circumstances, marine streamer data contain nongeometrical shear body wave arrivals that can be used for imaging. These shear waves are generated via an evanescent compressional wave in the water and convert to propagating shear waves at the water bottom. They are called “nongeometrical” because the evanescent part in the water does not satisfy Snell’s law for real angles, but only for complex angles. The propagating shear waves then undergo reflection and refraction in the subsurface, and arrive at the receivers via an evanescent compressional wave. The required circumstances are that sources and receivers are near the water bottom, irrespective of the total water depth, and that the shear-wave velocity of the water bottom is smaller than the P-wave velocity in the water, most often the normal situation. This claim has been tested during a seismic experiment in the river Danube, south of Budapest, Hungary. To show that the shear-related arrivals are body rather than surface waves, a borehole was drilled and used for multicomponent recordings. The streamer data indeed show evidence of shear waves propagating as body waves, and the borehole data confirm that these arrivals are refracted shear waves. To illustrate the effect, finite-difference modeling has been performed and it confirmed the presence of such shear waves. The streamer data were subsequently processed to obtain a shear-wave refraction section; this was obtained by removing the Scholte wave arrival, separating the wavefield into different refracted arrivals, stacking and depth-converting each refracted arrival before adding the different depth sections together. The obtained section can be compared directly with the standard P-wave reflection section. The comparison shows that this approach can deliver refracted-shear-wave sections from streamer data in an efficient manner, because neither the source nor receivers need to be situated on the water bottom.
Reflector spectrum for relating seismic arrivals to reflectors
Authors: Liang Hong , Luo Yi , Kelamis Panos G. , Weglein Arthur B.
Published: October 2012

When interpreting seismic images or suppressing multiples in seismic data, it is important to identify the reflectors from which the multiples, especially the internal multiples, originated. We evaluated a method to relate all seismic arrivals, including primaries and multiples, to their originating reflectors. We used the reflectivity forward modeling method to isolate reflectors and determine the contribution of an individual reflector to arrivals in a seismic trace. Repeating this process for all reflectors produced a reflector spectrum, which shows quantitatively the relative contribution of each reflector to all arrivals in a trace. Then we modified the reflector spectrum to relate seismic arrivals only to their shallowest reflectors. We applied the reflector spectrum and the modified reflector spectrum to a velocity model constructed from a field sonic log. We provided an indication of the minimum number of reflectors responsible for multiples and demonstrated that internal multiples originate from many reflectors distributed throughout the model, rather than from a few major ones.
VPS35 regulates developing mouse hippocampal neuronal morphogenesis by promoting retrograde trafficking of BACE1
Authors: Wang Chun-Lei , Tang Fu-Lei , Peng Yun , Shen Cheng-Yong , Mei Lin , Xiong Wen-Cheng
Published: October 2012

VPS35, a major component of the retromer, plays an important role in the selective endosome-to-Golgi retrieval of membrane proteins. Dysfunction of retromer is a risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, but its function in developing mouse brain remains poorly understood. Here we provide evidence for VPS35 promoting dendritic growth and maturation, and axonal protein transport in developing mouse hippocampal neurons. Embryonic hippocampal CA1 neurons suppressing Vps35 expression by in utero electroporation of its micro RNAs displayed shortened apical dendrites, reduced dendritic spines, and swollen commissural axons in the neonatal stage, those deficits reflecting a defective protein transport/trafficking in developing mouse neurons. Further mechanistic studies showed that Vps35 depletion in neurons resulted in an impaired retrograde trafficking of BACE1 (β1-secretase) and altered BACE1 distribution. Suppression of BACE1 expression in CA1 neurons partially rescued both dendritic and axonal deficits induced by Vps35-deficiency. These results thus demonstrate that BACE1 acts as a critical cargo of retromer in vitro and in vivo, and suggest that VPS35 plays an essential role in regulating apical dendritic maturation and in preventing axonal spheroid formation in developing hippocampal neurons.
Creation of Shape-memory Gels with Inter-crosslinking Network Structure
Authors: Amano Yoshitaka , Hidema Ruri , Gong Jin , Furukawa Hidemitsu
Published: October 2012

Medical treatments in emergency should be simple and quick. Although bandages and plaster are commonly used to wrap and fix external injuries, these treatments are too simple to treat the injuries effectively. Smart materials could possibly add multiple beneficial functions to the bandages and plaster, such as cooling, shape memory, transparence, and recycling. Here, we propose novel high-strength shape-memory gels as smart medical materials. The gels are composed of several polymers of a unique structure, where the crosslinking forms covalent bonds solely between different polymers. We named this structure inter-crosslinking network (ICN), with gels becoming tough while having a high water content. The ICN gels achieve a high ductility, i.e., over 740% strain in tensile tests. The ICN gels retain their original shapes at the state of preparation, show plastic deformation at room temperature, and quickly recover to their original shape by heating only.
X-ray Reflectivity Study of the Effect of Ion Species on Nanostructure and Its Transition of Poly(styrenesulfonate) Brush at the Air/Water Interface
Authors: Matsuoka Hideki , Nakayama Shunichi , Yamada Tasuku
Published: October 2012

Ionic amphiphilic diblock copolymer poly(hydrogenated isoprene)-b-poly(styrenesulfonate) was synthesized by living anionic polymerization. The nanostructure of its monolayer on the water surface, especially that of the poly(styrenesulfonate) brush under the water surface, was investigated using X-ray reflectivity as a function of the added salt concentration with different kinds of salts (NaCl, KCl, LiCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2). The critical salt concentration (csc) at which the polyelectrolyte brush starts to shrink by salt effect was found for many kinds of salts. The csc values were found to be in the order of Li+ < Na+ < K+ for monovalent ions and Mg2+ < Ca2+ for divalent ions. This order is in agreement with the order proposed in the well-known Hofmeister series, and this means that the so-called structure-maker ions, such as Li+, can go into the inside of the brush layer more easily than structure-breaker ions like K+. Although no direct evidence has been found, it is reasonable to think that the water structure inside the brush is something special because the analytical ion concentration in the brush layer is very high (ca. 2 M).
Ternary Fluid Mixture Confined between Surfaces: Surface-induced Phase Transition and Long-range Oscillatory Forces
Authors: Banerjee Soumi , Mulder Pieter , Kleijn J Mieke , Stuart Martien A Cohen
Published: October 2012

Surface forces between a soft cellulose surface and a hard silica particle were measured in wet hexane with or without the addition of a surfactant. In the absence of a surfactant, the adhesion force was enhanced as a result of capillary condensation of water. The effect of the surfactant in reducing the adhesion force with increasing water content in a ternary fluid mixture of a surfactant, hexane, and water was systematically studied. Long-range oscillations of the force–distance curves are discussed in the light of various mesophase compositions in the bulk.
Dissipative Hydrodynamics of Rigid Spherical Particles
Authors: Kim Albert S
Published: October 2012

A unified version of particle dynamics simulation, dissipative hydrodynamics (DHD), is proposed by selecting advantageous features of Brownian dynamics, Stokesian dynamics, and dissipative particle dynamics. A stochastic differential equation is adopted as a governing equation, and the Ito–Wiener process is incorporated to fundamentally deal with the fluctuation theorem. As a result, DHD developed in this study is free from the typical restriction that the time interval should be considerably longer than the particle relaxation time.
Nanostructural and Morphological Control of Biological Molecules Arranged by Using Langmuir–Blodgett Films of Organo-modified Aluminosilicate as Templates
Authors: Arai Shuntaro , Kusaka Jun-Ichi , Kubota Munehiro , Kurosaka Kei-ichi , Fujimori Atsuhiro
Published: October 2012

Clay Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films play the role of a template in the formation of lysozyme thin layers. Chemisorption of biological molecules onto the anionic montmorillonite surface is confirmed by comparing the IR spectra of organoclay multilayers and the chemisorbed lysozyme. The difference between the height of the monolayers for the organo-modified aluminosilicates and that for their adsorbed lysozyme is about 9 nm. This value is almost twice the length of the lysozyme along the long axis.
Monolayer Property of “Core–Coronae” Type Hybrid Amphiphile with Four Hydrogen-bonding Groups at Air–Water Interface
Authors: Matsui Jun , Kucuk Asuman C , Miyashita Tokuji
Published: October 2012

A “core–coronae” type hybrid amphiphile, which contains urethane unit in the coronae was synthesized, and the monolayer property was studied. The hybrid amphiphile formed a liquid-like monolayer at the air–water interface. The urethane groups formed intramolecular hydrogen bonds.
Thermal Stability of Synthetic Lipid Bicelles Encompassed by Siloxane Surfaces as Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Nanodiscs
Authors: Yasuhara Kazuma , Hayashi Hiroki , Kikuchi Jun-ichi
Published: October 2012

We examined the thermal stability of organic–inorganic hybrid bicelles, which are lipid bilayer nanodiscs encompassed by siloxane surfaces. The hybrid bicelles were formed with a binary lipid mixture consisting of a long-chain alkoxysilane lipid and a short-chain phospholipid. It was clarified that the hybrid bicelles maintained a discoid assembly in water beyond the temperature of the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition of the face-forming long-chain lipid, at which conventional phospholipid bicelles are transformed spontaneously to vesicles.
Comparative Study of Aqueous Solutions of Cationic Surfactants: Structure/Activity Relation in Their Aggregation and Solubilization Behavior and Complexation with an Oligonucleotide
Authors: Zakharova Lucia Ya , Kashapov Ruslan R , Vagapova Guzalia I , Gabdrakhmanov Dinar R , Vasilieva Elmira A
Published: October 2012

For mono- and dicationic surfactants with trimethylammonium (TMA), triphenylphosphonium (TPP), and 4-aza-1-alkyl-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) polar groups, and also for pyrimidinic amphiphiles, a correlation is revealed between their aggregation and solubilization properties and their complexation capacity toward an oligonucleotide. Mixed cationic surfactant–calixarene systems demonstrate controllable binding/release properties.
Operando Observation of Ni2P Structural Changes during Catalytic Reaction: Effect of H2S Pretreatment
Authors: Wada Takahiro , Bando Kyoko K , Oyama S Ted , Miyamoto Takeshi , Takakusagi Satoru , Asakura Kiyotaka
Published: October 2012

In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy was used to study the effect of H2S pretreatment on the activation of Ni2P catalysts for the thiophene hydrodesulfurization (HDS) reaction. It was found that H2S treatment produced Ni–S bonds that were slightly longer and that had higher coordination numbers than those formed during reaction. The longer Ni–S bonds formed by H2S treatment were changed to the shorter Ni–S bonds by the catalytic reaction, and these shorter bonds were associated with high activity. The work provides evidence that a NiPS phase is active in the HDS reaction.
Effect of Electrolyte and Alcohol in Solution on the Hydrophobic Attraction between Alkoxylated Silica Surfaces
Authors: Ishida Naoyuki , Kusaka Yasuyuki , Ushijima Hirobumi
Published: October 2012

The interaction forces between silica surfaces when nanobubbles were removed from the surfaces were measured using an atomic force microscope. In the approaching force curves between the hydrophobic surfaces, an attractive force was observed from a distance of 10–20 nm. The electrolyte concentration had little effect on the range and strength of the interaction, whereas the addition of even a small amount of ethanol dramatically reduced the range of the interaction.
Biomimetic Hydrophilic–Hydrophobic Hybrid Polymer-structured Surfaces with Superhydrophobicity and Strong Water Microdroplet Adhesion
Authors: Ishii Daisuke , Takahashi Akihito , Shimomura Masatsugu
Published: October 2012

To mimic the function of rose petals, we demonstrate a facile method to fabricate superhydrophobic surfaces that strongly absorb water droplets, even when the surfaces are inverted. The hydrophilic–hydrophobic hybrid surfaces were made from self-organized honeycomb-patterned porous films (i.e., honeycombs) by a simple casting and peeling process, and they were composed of microscale hydrophilic parasols and hydrophobic nanoscale pillars. The hybrid polymer surfaces gave rise to characteristic wettabilities that combined water repellency with strong adhesion of water droplets of less than 9 µL.
Electric-field-assisted Control of Lipid Bilayer Stacking Structure
Authors: Nabika Hideki , Murakoshi Kei
Published: October 2012

Control of the bilayer structure is an important issue for both scientific and technological uses of lipid bilayers. The present experiments have succeeded in the control of lipid bilayer stacking dynamics via two mechanisms that can work in concert: electrophoretic and electro-osmotic mechanisms. This can be achieved simply by applying an appropriate electric field on preformed lipid bilayer stackings. The present experimental approach offers a simple and general way of controlling lipid bilayer stacking structures.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Adsorption Properties of Werner-type Cu(II) Complex [Cu(CF3SO3)2(4-methylpyridine)4]
Authors: Noro Shin-ichiro , Fukuhara Katsuo , Kubo Kazuya , Nakamura Takayoshi
Published: October 2012

A Werner-type Cu(II) complex, α-[Cu(CF3SO3)2(4-mepy)4] (α-PAC-1-CF3SO3, PAC: porous assembly of coordination complex and 4-mepy: 4-methylpyridine), was synthesized, crystallographically characterized, and its adsorption properties were compared with those of the derivative α-[Cu(PF6)2(4-mepy)4] (α-PAC-1-PF6).
Investigation of Influences of Surfactants and Chelating Agent on Formation and Crystallinity of Manganese Oxide Particles Prepared by Precipitation Method
Authors: Park Jun-Hwan , Kwon Boseong , Oh Seong-Geun
Published: October 2012

Mn2O3 particles with enhanced crystallinity were synthesized via a precipitation process in aqueous solution. To study the effects of organic additives on the formation and crystallinity of Mn2O3, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and tert-butanol (t-butanol) were used as a surfactant and cosurfactant, respectively. In addition, ammonium oxalate monohydrate (AOM) was employed as a chelating agent to control the activity of Mn2+ and the precipitation of particles. The magnetization of the products prepared by using more additives was improved owing to the increased crystallinity.
Addition-versus-Oxygenative Cleavage: Two Contradictory Reactivities in the Reaction of N-Benzyl-4-pentenylamine Catalyzed by Colloidal Nanogold under Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Kitahara Hiroaki , Sakurai Hidehiro
Published: October 2012

Gold nanoclusters stabilized by a hydrophilic polymer, poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone), (Au:PVP) catalyze two contradictory types of the reaction from N-benzyl secondary amines with unactivated alkenes in EtOH under basic conditions. One is an intramolecular addition reaction that also starts from N-sulfonylamine or primary amine as previously reported. The other involves the oxygenative cleavage of alkene, giving the corresponding γ-lactam compound.
Synthesis of Magnetic Core–Mesoporous Silica Shell Nanoparticles Using Anionic Surfactant and Their Application for Ketoprofen Control Release
Authors: El-Toni Ahmed Mohamed , Khan Aslam , Labis Joselito Puzon , Ibrahim Mohamed Abbas , Al-hoshan Mansour
Published: October 2012

Mesoporous silica shell was formed onto supermagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles to produce magnetic core–mesoporous shell silica spheres (MCMSS) by using anionic surfactant for the first time in two-pot synthesis route. Costructure directing agent (CSDA) has assisted the electrostatic interaction between the partially negatively charged silica particles and the negatively charged surfactant through S−N+I− pathway. Impact of synthesis parameters on shell thickness, BET surface area, pore volume, and pore ordering was studied. The particles synthesized in this work have a uniformly coated thin mesoporous shell and showed a slow drug release rate that extend over 12 h which represent promising performance in drug controlled release application.
Twist-joints and double twist-joints in RNA structure
Authors: Boutorine Yury I. , Steinberg Sergey V.
Published: October 2012

Analysis of available RNA crystal structures has allowed us to identify a new family of RNA arrangements that we call double twist-joints, or DTJs. Each DTJ is composed of a double helix that contains two bulges incorporated into different strands and separated from each other by 2 or 3 bp. At each bulge, the double helix is over-twisted, while the unpaired nucleotides of both bulges form a complex network of stacking and hydrogen-bonding with nucleotides of helical regions. In total, we identified 14 DTJ cases, which can be combined in three groups based on common structural characteristics. One DTJ is found in a functional center of the ribosome, another DTJ mediates binding of the pre-tRNA to the RNase P, and two more DTJs form the sensing domains in the glycine riboswitch.
Bidding Behavior in Descending and Ascending Auctions
Authors: Cheema Amar , Chakravarti Dipankar , Sinha Atanu R.
Published: October 2012

This research examines how individual differences and institutional practices influence consumer bidding in auctions. Bidders may be motivated by different goals, e.g., thrill (of winning the item, with minimal attention to what they pay for it) versus prudence (winning the item at a price at or below its perceived value). Also, innate or auctioneer-induced differences may exist in the precision and salience of bidder cognitions about the item's value. We report two studies on how these motivational and cognitive factors influence bids in descending and ascending auctions, respectively. Each study also manipulated a situational variable (wait time at each price step). The two auctions realized different average prices for the same item set. Average bids were higher in the descending (versus ascending) auction in several study conditions. In both auction formats, bidders primed with thrill (versus prudence) bid higher, but more precise and/or salient values attenuated this goal effect. Among other results, in the descending auction, longer wait times elicited higher bids from bidders primed with thrill (but not prudence). In the ascending auction, longer wait times produced lower bids for bidders primed with prudence (but not thrill). These findings on consumer bidding behavior have practical implications for auction design.
Photostability and optical properties of modified titanium dioxide
Authors: Gleń Marta , Grzmil Barbara
Published: October 2012

The influence of different modifiers, P2O5, K2O, Al2O3, SiO2, CeO2, and ZrO2, on the optical properties and photostability of rutile titanium dioxide was studied. The research was aimed at obtaining pigmentary rutile titanium dioxide with the enhanced photostability. The optical properties such as brightness, white tone, and gray tone were improved when titanium dioxide samples were modified with zirconium instead of cerium. Titanium dioxide products modified additionally with Al2O3 displayed improved optical properties by comparison with appropriate titanium dioxide products lacking introduced aluminum. In comparison with unmodified material (∆E
* = 21.8), a considerable increase of the photostability of modified titanium dioxide was observed. The lowest photoactivity, in the range of ∆E
* = 0.96–2.45, was measured for the TiO2-PKAlSiCe series. A selective leaching method and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were used to determine the distribution of modifiers in titanium dioxide materials. It was concluded that the differences in both photoactivity and optical properties of modified titanium dioxide depend on its phase composition.
COLD-PCR and Innovative Microarray Substrates for Detecting and Genotyping MPL Exon 10 W515 Substitutions
Authors: Brisci Angela , Damin Francesco , Pietra Daniela , Galbiati Silvia , Boggi Sabrina , Casetti Ilaria , Rumi Elisa , Chiari Marcella , Cazzola Mario , Ferrari Maurizio , Cremonesi Laura
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Somatic mutations in exon 10 of the MPL (myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene) gene, mainly substitutions encoding W515 variants, have recently been described in a minority of patients with ET or PMF. We optimized analytically sensitive methods for detecting and genotyping MPL variants.

METHODS

We used DNA previously isolated from circulating granulocytes of 60 patients with MPN that had previously been analyzed by high-resolution melting (HRM), direct sequencing, and the TaqMan allelic-discrimination assay. We developed conditions for enriching tumor mutant alleles with COLD-PCR (coamplification at lower denaturation temperature PCR) and coupled it with direct sequencing. Assays were designed for identifying MPL W515 substitutions with full COLD-PCR protocols. In parallel, we used innovative microarray substrates to develop assays for evaluating the mutant burden in granulocyte cells.

RESULTS

Mutations that were present at very low levels in patients who had previously been scored as having an MPL variant by HRM and as wild type by direct sequencing were successfully identified in granulocyte DNA. Notably, the microarray approach displayed analytical sensitivities of 0.1% to 5% mutant allele, depending on the particular mutation. This analytical sensitivity is similar to that obtained with COLD-PCR. The assay requires no enrichment strategy and allows both the characterization of each variant allele and the evaluation of its proportion in every patient.

CONCLUSIONS

These procedures, which are transferable to clinical diagnostic laboratories, can be used for detecting very low proportions of minority mutant alleles that cannot be identified by other, conventional methods.
Enhancement of STT-RAM Characteristics by Wet Clean Treatment after MTJ Etch Process
Authors: Kim Jung Nam , Ryu Choon Kun , Suh Hong Ju , Jung Bo Kyung , Lee Soon Ju , Shin Chang Hyup , Choi Won Joon , Roh Jae Sung , Park Sung Ki
Published: October 2012

The effect of wet chemical treatment on the magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) was examined. The tunneling magneto-resistance (TMR) increased and the resistance of anti-parallel state and parallel state decreased when a wet cleaning treatment was carried out after a reactive ion etching process. Furthermore, the exfoliation between the capping layer and Inter layer Dielectric (ILD) was prevented. Presumably, these were due to the elimination of the damaged layer and the residues. This investigation showed that the wet treatment after the MTJ patterning using RIE process could improve the MTJ properties without degradation of Hc, such as TMR and Rlow.
Non-Local Hall Resistance in FePt / Au Multi-Terminal Devices
Authors: Takanashi Koki , Shibata Shun , Sugai Isamu , Seki Takeshi
Published: October 2012

In order to understand the electric current distribution in a non-local geometry, the geometrical dependence of non-local Hall resistance was investigated for lateral devices consisting of an FePt perpendicular spin polarizer and a Au Hall cross. The finite element simulation was also carried out to calculate the electric potential in the devices. The experiment and the simulation indicated that non-local Hall resistance included the contribution of anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in the FePt perpendicular spin polarizer. The resistance change due to AHE in FePt became remarkable for devices with a wide electrode. Taking into account the contribution of AHE, the spin Hall angle was estimated to be 0.05 for the device with a narrow Au electrode.
Nanoindentation probing of high-aspect ratio pillar structures on optical multilayer dielectric diffraction gratings
Authors: Mehrotra K. , Howard H.P. , Jacobs S.D. , Lambropoulos J.C.
Published: October 2012

We measure the mechanical response of optical multilayer dielectric (MLD) diffraction gratings, geometries which are constrained in only one transverse direction but free in the other, using nanoindentation. The results are explained using a stress-strain model, which reveals a uniaxial yield stress of 4.1- 4.6 GPa and predicts a similar dependence of yield stress on loads for both fully-elastic and fully-plastic solutions. Following R. Hill’s model of an expanding cavity under internal pressure, we show that the indentation response of the high-aspect ratio “pillar” geometry can be expressed in terms of uniaxial yield stress rather than material hardness.
Cerium Doped Bismuth Antimony
Authors: Lukas Kevin C. , Zhao Huaizhou , Stillwell Ryan L. , Ren Zhifeng , Opeil Cyril P.
Published: October 2012

Bismuth-Antimony alloys have been shown to have high ZT values below room temperature, especially for single crystals. For polycrystalline samples, impurity doping and magnetic field have proven to be powerful tools in the search for understanding and improving thermoelectric performance. Nanopolycrystalline Bi0.88Sb0.12 doped with 0.05, 0.5 and 3 % Ce were prepared by ball milling and dc hot pressing techniques. Electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, carrier concentration, mobility, and magnetization are measured in a temperature range of 5-350 K and in magnetic fields up to 9 Tesla. The effects of Ce doping on the thermoelectric properties of Bi0.88Sb0.12 in zero magnetic field are discussed.
Ultrafast-laser Modification of Thermoelectric Sb2Te3 Thin Films
Authors: Li Yuwei , Stoica Vladimir A. , Endicott Lynn , Wang Guoyu , Sun Huarui , Pipe Kevin P. , Uher Ctirad , Clarke Roy
Published: October 2012

We have modified Sb2Te3 thin film thermoelectric materials by scanning a femtosecond laser across the film surface to create track-like nanostructures. These nanotracks have widths of 50-80 nm and a periodicity of ∼ 130 nm. We show that the nanotrack morphology is highly dependent on laser fluence and scan speed. Moreover, we performed transient thermoreflectance measurements on a laser-irradiated film and found a thermal conductivity reduction of 4.5% in the nanostructured regions compared to that of the unmodified regions. These results suggest the potential use of femtosecond pulsed lasers to create nanostructured thermoelectric materials with improved performance.
Accurate Current Integration for Heavy Ion Rutherford Backscattering at University of North Texas
Authors: Deoli Naresh T. , Weathers Duncan L.
Published: October 2012

An experimental set up has been designed to suppress electron currents generated during energetic ion irradiation to obtain accurate current integration for Heavy Ion Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (HIRBS) measurements of heavy element concentrations and target depth profiles. A combination of an electron trap to suppress any electrons ejected from beam collimators and slits, and a biased aluminum mesh to suppress any secondary electrons ejected from the target was used. Two samples that produce cleanly interpreted spectra have been used as targets to check the accuracy of the system for 3.0 and 4.5 MeV O+2 projectile ions. Details of the experimental set up and data are presented.
Magnetotransport properties of Co-C granular thin films depending on the carbon sputtering power
Authors: Kang J.G , Mizuguchi M. , Takanashi K.
Published: October 2012

CoxC1-x granular films were deposited on Si substrates by a co-sputtering method. A large negative MR of 30.3% was obtained at 2 K for the sample prepared with the sputtering power of 50 W (C) and 4 W (Co). We have studied structural properties of Co-C granular films by Raman spectroscopy. Two peaks (D and G modes) from carbon bonds were clearly observed, and the intensity ratio of two peaks changed with the sputtering power, suggesting that the graphitization was promoted with the sputtering power. It was also revealed that the transport mechanism changed from tunneling to Mott’s variable range hopping and MR decreased with the sputtering power.
Capture techniques' use of Caranguejo-uçá crabs (Ucides cordatus) in Paraíba state (northeastern Brazil) and its socio-environmental implications
Authors: Nascimento Douglas M. , Ferreira Emmanoela N. , Bezerra Dandara M.M.S.Q. , Rocha Pollyana D. , Alves Rômulo R.N. , Mourão José S.
Published: October 2012

The present study was undertaken in two traditional communities that are located on the margins of the estuary and mangrove complex of the Mamanguape River, Paraíba state (PB), Brazil. This work describes the crabs capture techniques tapamento and redinha, and identifies the negative socio-environmental impacts of redinha, using qualitative methods (open and semi-structured interviews, guided tours, direct observation and the administration of questionnaires). Results indicate that currently only two principle techniques are used to capture Ucides cordatus: redinha and tapamento. Tapamento has a low impact in relation to redinha. Redinha was pointed out by interviewees as a system that has social impact (social conflicts, breaking of traditions, substitution and extinction of techniques) and environmental impact (less selective captures and high productivity, mangrove pollution, death of crabs caught in traps, cutting of the roots of Rhizophora mangle, micro-habitat loss resulting from galleries destroyed and polluted). Knowledge of crab harvesting carried out using these two techniques and the possible social and environmental impacts caused by redinha, can lead to more effective planning and actions towards the conservation of the species.
Positive effects of a cognitive-behavioral intervention program for family caregivers of demented elderly
Authors: Fialho Patrícia Paes Araujo , Köenig Anne Marise , Santos Maria Dolores Lemos dos , Barbosa Maira Tonidandel , Caramelli Paulo
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE: It was to examine the effects of a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program administered to family caregivers of dementia patients. METHODS: Forty family caregivers were enrolled in a CBT intervention across eight weekly sessions. Cognitive, functional and behavioral status of patients were evaluated, as well as their own and their family caregivers' perceptions of quality of life. Specific instruments were also applied to evaluate caregiver stress level, coping, anxiety and depression. RESULTS: At the end of the program, family caregivers reported fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms among patients and an improvement in patients' quality of life. In addition, caregivers changed their coping strategies, whereas a significant decrease was observed in their anxiety levels. CONCLUSION: The CBT program employed appears to be a promising and useful tool for clinical practice, displaying positive effects on quality of life and neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, as well as proving beneficial for alleviating anxiety and stress in family caregivers.
Análises biplot na avaliação de cultivares de trigo em diferentes níveis de manejo
Authors: Benin Giovani , Pinnow Cilas , Silva Cristiano Lemes da , Pagliosa Eduardo Stefani , Beche Eduardo , Bornhofen Elesandro , Munaro Lucas Berger , Silva Raphael Rossi
Published: October 2012

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho agronômico de cultivares de trigo em diferentes sistemas de manejo. Os experimentos foram realizados em Pato Branco (PR), nas safras agrícolas 2008 e 2009. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial, com três repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro níveis de manejo: controle (E1), tradicional (E2) e otimizados (E3 e E4), sendo diferenciados quanto ao nível de adubação química e ao controle de plantas daninhas, pragas e doenças. As metodologias em gráfico biplot AMMI e GGE foram utilizadas para a análise dos dados. Os níveis de manejo otimizados maximizaram o rendimento, principalmente quando os fatores meteorológicos não foram limitantes. Há diferença de adaptação entre cultivares e sistemas de manejo cultural. A cultivar BRS Guamirim adaptou-se aos níveis E3 e E4 em 2008, enquanto em 2009 associou-se a E1 e E2. Apenas as cultivares BRS Tangará (E1 e E2) e Pampeano (E3 e E4) mantiveram consistência de associação aos níveis de manejo, em ambos os anos. As técnicas biplot são eficientes em indicar cultivares mais adaptadas aos níveis de manejo cultural em trigo.
Armazenamento de mirtilo 'Bluegem' em atmosfera controlada e refrigerada com absorção e inibição do etileno
Authors: Brackmann Auri , Weber Anderson , Giehl Ricardo Fabiano Hettwer , Eisermann Ana Cristina , Sautter Cláudia Kaehler , Gonçalves Emerson Dias , Antunes Luis Eduardo Corrêa
Published: October 2012

O mirtilo é uma fruta rica em polifenóis e antocianinas que apresenta alta atividade antioxidante. No entanto, essa atividade pode ser alterada por condições de armazenamento e processamento dos frutos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a manutenção das qualidades físicas e químicas de frutos de mirtilo (Vaccinium ashei Reade) do cultivar Bluegem em diferentes condições de armazenamento. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições e unidade experimental composta por 400g de frutos. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: [1] armazenamento refrigerado (AR); [2] AR com absorção de etileno por sachês de permanganato de potássio; [3] atmosfera controlada (AC) com 2,0kPa O2 + 1 0,0kPa CO2; [4] AC com 2,0kPa O2 + 15,0kPa CO2; e [5] AC com 10,0kPa O2 + 15,0kPa CO2; [6] AC com 2,0kPa O2 + 10,0kPa CO2 e aplicação de 900ìg kg-1 de 1-metilciclopropeno. Os frutos submetidos a todos os tratamentos foram armazenados na temperatura de 0,5°C (± 0,1 °C). A avaliação da qualidade dos frutos foi realizada após sete semanas de armazenamento mais 84 horas (três dias e meio) de exposição a 20°C (± 0,2°C). A melhor conservação de mirtilo 'Bluegem' ocorreu em armazenamento refrigerado, em que se obteve maior acidez titulável, teor de sólidos solúveis totais e porcentagem de frutos firmes, conteúdo de antocianinas e polifenóis totais. Além de menor produção de etileno e CO2. A remoção do etileno da câmara de armazenamento favorece a conservação dos frutos.
Genetic divergence in cocoa progenies for backcrossing program to witches' broom disease resistance
Authors: Yamada Milton Macoto , Faleiro Fábio Gelape , Lopes Uilson Vanderlei , Flores Acassi Batista , Pires José Luis , Melo Gilson Roberto Pires
Published: October 2012

Backcrossing has been little used in cacao breeding, particularly due to the long time required to transfer genes and recover the genetic background of the recurrent parent. The objective of this study was to select individuals, resulting from the backcross CEPEC-42 x SIC-19, genetically related to the recurrent parent SIC-19 by using RAPD molecular markers, among those with resistance to witches' broom. Of the 31 plants that clustered with SIC-19, 18 from the replanted material remained free of the disease in the field, with good vegetative aspect and, therefore can be used for backcross to reach the desired objective.
Micropropagação do maracujazeiro-do-sono
Authors: Santos Flávia Carvalho , Ramos José Darlan , Pasqual Moacir , Rezende Juliana Costa de , Santos Fabíola Carvalho , Villa Fabíola
Published: October 2012

Em função da dificuldade de propagação de Passiflora setacea DC., técnicas de cultura de tecidos tornam-se alternativas viáveis. Objetivou-se estudar a germinação in vitro e determinar o melhor meio de cultivo na sua micropropagação. O presente trabalho constou de duas etapas, na primeira as sementes (sem escarificação, escarificadas na extremidade ou na parte mediana) na foram colocadas em % MS e 30 g L-1 de sacarose, distribuído em tubos de ensaio e suplementado com zero, 20 ou 40 mg L-1 de GA3. O pH do meio foi ajustado para 5,8 antes da adição de 6,0 mg L-1 de ágar. Após a inoculação das sementes nos meios de cultura, elas foram mantidas em sala de crescimento com luminosidade de 35 µmol.m-2.s-1, temperatura de 26 ± 1ºC e fotoperíodo de 16 horas. Assim que germinaram, as plântulas foram transferidas para tubos contendo meio MS, onde constituíram um segundo experimento, a fim de se testarem meios combinados com concentrações de sacarose. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3, quatro repetições e 15 sementes por parcela no primeiro experimento e 4 x 4, com quatro repetições e 3 plantas por parcela no segundo experimento. Melhores resultados na micropropagação foram obtidos em meio de cultivo MSM, associado a 28,51 e 28,74 g L-1 de sacarose. Maior índice de velocidade de germinação foi verificado com uso de 20 mg L-1 de GA3, associado à escarificação na ponta da semente.
Parâmetros químicos e biológicos indicadores de qualidade de solo sob cultivo de braquiárias e soja no oeste paulista
Authors: Pavanelli Leila Elvira , Araújo Fabio Fernando de
Published: October 2012

Na avaliação da qualidade de solo têm-se buscado diferentes parâmetros químicos e biológicos que possam ser utilizados como indicadores. Nesse sentido, este trabalho avaliou e correlacionou parâmetros biológicos e de fertilidade em solos provenientes de dois sistemas de cultivo empregados na região Oeste de São Paulo, buscando selecionar indicadores químicos e biológicos de qualidade. Amostras de solos (latossolos e argissolos) de áreas sob cultivo de pastagens (braquiárias) e de cultivo de soja foram coletadas em sete municípios da região, em 2006, sendo avaliadas quanto à fertilidade, nodulação de soja, atividade das enzimas desidrogenase e fosfatase e densidade populacional de bactérias termorresistentes. A maioria dos solos avaliados apresentou baixa fertilidade. Os resultados encontrados demonstraram que a nodulação ocorreu em todos os solos avaliados, porém foi maior nos locais com predominância de Argissolos. O crescimento de soja foi satisfatório em todos os locais. O manejo do solo sob soja não teve efeito significativo sobre os indicadores biológicos avaliados, mas em alguns locais houve melhoria do padrão de fertilidade. A atividade da enzima desidrogenase apresentou correlação positiva com a maioria dos indicadores de fertilidade avaliados, demonstrando que essa enzima é um bom indicador de qualidade para a avaliação desses solos.
Crescimento e produtividade da bananeira cv. Grande Naine sob diferentes combinações de nitrato de cálcio e ureia
Authors: Alves Márcio da Silva , Coelho Eugênio Ferreira , Paz Vital Pedro da Silva , Andrade Neto Torquato Martins de
Published: October 2012

A utilização de fontes nitrogenadas via fertirrigação requer que as técnicas de manejo da aplicação sejam aperfeiçoadas, de modo que os produtores possam obter o máximo benefício econômico, combinado com um menor impacto no solo ao se utilizarem esses fertilizantes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar diferentes combinações de duas fontes nitrogenadas aplicadas por fertirrigação sobre o crescimento e a produtividade da bananeira Grande Naine no primeiro, segundo e terceiro ciclos de produção. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com cinco repetições em que se utilizaram seis percentagens complementares de ureia e nitrato de cálcio, aplicados via água de irrigação em sistema de gotejamento. As variáveis avaliadas foram: altura da planta, diâmetro do pseudocaule e área foliar total, além de produtividade, comprimento e diâmetro do fruto da segunda penca. Os resultados indicaram que as diferentes combinações das fontes nitrogenadas aplicadas por fertirrigação não tiveram efeito sobre a produtividade e o crescimento da bananeira Grande Naine.
A construção de si pela atividade de trabalho: a socialização profissional
Authors: Dubar Claude
Published: October 2012

A sociologia funcionalista das profissões distingue dois tipos muito diferentes de atividades de trabalho: as profissões e as ocupações (ambas no sentido que os ingleses lhes dão). Como apenas as primeiras (a dos médicos, advogados, engenheiros, professores...) são consideradas escolhas e áreas autônomas que permitem a construção de uma carreira, as segundas (que constituem a maioria) acabam sendo desvalorizadas. Os sociólogos interacionistas (como os de Chicago: Hughes, Becker, Strauss etc.) e críticos (marxianos, weberianos etc.) contestam essa posição e consideram que todas as atividades de trabalho poderiam se tornar "profissionais" (no sentido francês), desde que resultassem de uma socialização que permitisse a aquisição de competências e o reconhecimento (inclusive monetário) de todos os que exercem e compartilham uma mesma atividade. A comparação da socialização de clínicos gerais e de auxiliares de enfermagem na França ilustra esta tese, ao tomar o trabalho como um processo de construção e de reconhecimento de si.
Professores e dificuldades do ofício: preservação e reconstrução da dignidade profissional
Authors: Lantheaume Françoise
Published: October 2012

Os professores enfrentam dificuldades geralmente agrupadas sob a denominação vaga de "mal-estar docente". O artigo descreve e analisa, à luz de uma sociologia pragmática, como eles procedem diante da introdução de novas normas de trabalho. Utilizando a resistência, ajustes, astúcias e diversas estratégias, tentam construir o sentido do ofício e sua própria dignidade e, ao mesmo tempo, "salvar a pele". A pesquisa etnográfica, suporte do artigo, mostra que a gestão das dificuldades está na essência do ofício.