bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single Conducting Polymer Nanowire Based Sequence‐Specific, Base‐Pair‐Length Dependant Label‐free DNA Sensor
Authors: Bangar Mangesh A. , Shirale Dhammanand J. , Purohit Hemant J. , Chen Wilfred , Myung Nosang V. , Mulchandani Ashok
Published: December 2010

We have fabricated a highly sensitive, simple and label‐free single polypyrrole (Ppy) nanowire based conductometric/chemiresistive DNA sensor. The fabrication was optimized in terms of probe DNA sequence immobilization using a linker molecule and using gold‐thiol interaction. Two resultant sensor designs working on two different sensing mechanisms (gating effect and work function based sensors) were tested to establish reliable sensor architecture with higher sensitivity and device‐to‐device reproducibility. The utility of the work function based configuration was demonstrated by detecting 19 base pair (bp) long breast cancer gene sequence with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discrimination with high sensitivity, lower detection limit of ∼10−16 M and wide dynamic range (∼10−16 to 10−11 M) in a small sample volume (30 µL). To further demonstrate the utility of the DNA sensor for detection of target sequences with different number of bases, targets with 21 and 36 bases were detected. These sequences have implications in environmental sample analysis or metagenomics. Sensor response showed increase with the number of bases in the target sequence. For long sequence (with 36 bases), effect of DNA alignment on sensor performance was studied.
Development and Possibilities of Multichannel Voltammetric Detection in Liquid Chromatography
Authors: González‐García Olga , Ariño Cristina , Díaz‐Cruz José Manuel , Esteban Miquel
Published: December 2010

Voltammetric detection in HPLC by using linear potential sweeps applied to dual electrode cells is evaluated. The application of an offset between both potential sweeps, applied to either serial or parallel setup of both working electrodes, and the further subtraction of the corresponding datasets are discussed. The use of multivariate curve resolution for the treatment of overlapping signals is also investigated. Despite some noise problems, mostly derived from the differences between the working electrodes, the proposed multichannel method appears to be promising. The different approaches are tested by analyzing some thiols mixtures.
Microelectrochemical Systems on Silicon Chips for the Detection of Pollutants in Seawater
Authors: Moujahid Waleed , Eichelmann‐Daly Patrycja , Strutwolf Jörg , Ogurtsov Vladimir I. , Herzog Grégoire , Arrigan Damien W. M.
Published: December 2010

The ever‐growing demand for simple, fast and reliable techniques for the detection of pollutants and contaminants in the environment has sparked the development of remote detection and monitoring systems which include application specific sensors, instrumentation and signal processing. We report here the design, fabrication and characterisation of four designs of microelectrochemical systems on silicon chip for the detection of pollutants in artificial seawater. These systems were fabricated by photolithography and incorporate a Pt working microelectrode array (squares or bands), a Pt counter electrode and a Ag|AgCl reference electrode. They have been characterised by cyclic voltammetry of ferricyanide and behaved in good agreement with the theory. These systems were evaluated over 72 hours and showed good stability. Underpotential Deposition – Stripping Voltammetry experiments of Cu2+ in artificial seawater have been carried out at an array of 35 microsquares of 20 µm × 20 µm. The sensitivity achieved was (2.93±0.14) µA cm−2 µM−1, with 1 µM being the lowest Cu2+ concentration measured. These devices provide the basis for the development into sensor systems for remote analysis applications.
Combination of Headspace Single‐Drop Microextraction, Microchip Electrophoresis and Contactless Conductivity Detection for the Determination of Aliphatic Amines in the Biodegradation Process of Seafood Samples
Authors: Mark Jonas Josef Peter , Kumar Ashwini , Demattio Horst , Hoffmann Werner , Malik Ashok , Matysik Frank‐Michael
Published: December 2010

A new method for the efficient extraction and determination of volatile aliphatic amines by means of single‐drop microextraction (SDME) in combination with microchip electrophoresis and contactless conductivity detection has been developed. An experimental approach for interfacing real world samples with chip electrophoresis is presented. The method consists of an optimized protocol for extraction via ultrasound assisted headspace SDME and the separation and determination of the target analytes with a novel microfluidic device. Five volatile, short‐chained aliphatic amines, methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, diethylamine and triethylamine, were determined. The analytes were separated using a PMMA microchip with an 8.7 cm long separation channel and integrated thin‐film gold electrodes for capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D). The determinations were carried out in a His/MES buffer (His/MES ratio of 80 : 20 at pH 6.6). Various parameters for the extraction and determination of the target analytes were optimized and applied to complex sample matrices like shrimp. The five analytes could be separated in less than 40 s applying a separation voltage of 3.8 kV. A linear concentration dependence was found within the range from 0.1 to 10 ppm for the ethylamine species and from 0.5 to 10 ppm for the methylamines. The limits of detection were all well below 400 ng/mL. The proposed method is simple, quick, presents low levels of waste, works with small sample quantities and is suitable for quantification of aliphatic amines in seafood samples like shrimp or fish from where they are naturally developing upon biodegradation. In the present study the accelerated decay of shrimp tissue due to improper storage was monitored.
Electroanalytical Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles and Supramolecular Nanostructures
Authors: Willner Itamar , Willner Bilha , Tel‐Vered Ran
Published: December 2010

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) of unique electronic and catalytic properties, or supramolecular nucleic acid‐based nanostructures, provide new materials for electroanalytical applications. Metallic NPs are used for the electrical contacting of redox enzymes with electrodes and as electrocatalysts for the development of amperometric biosensors. DNA is used as a template for electroanalytical applications, such as the electrical contacting of enzymes with electrodes. Finally, an electrochemical method to synthesize molecularly imprinted Au NPs composites on surfaces is described, and the imprinted composites enable the selective and ultrasensitive detection of explosives, or their use as electrochemically triggered sponges for the uptake and release of substrates.
Porphyrin Functionalized Graphene for Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Ultratrace Explosives
Authors: Guo Chun Xian , Lei Yu , Li Chang Ming
Published: December 2010

Porphyrin functionalized graphene is used to electrochemically detect nitroaromatic explosives. It is found that synergistic effects from the specific good adsorptive properties of porphyrin and the large electroactive surface area and fast charge transfer of graphene contribute to the sensitive detection. The porphyrin/graphene sensor shows an ultratrace detection of as low as 1 ppb of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, 0.5 ppb of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene, 1 ppb of 1,3,5‐trinitrobenzene and 2 ppb of 1,3‐dinitrobenzene respectively and good reproducibility within 5.1 % standard deviation for a series of 9 repetitive measurements. The porphyrin/graphene sensor provides a unique platform in the analysis of nitroaromatic explosives for various security and environmental applications.
Methods to improve transient performance of CVTs: analysis and recommendations
Authors: Khanna Abhishek
Published: December 2010

Transients in capacitive voltage transformers (CVTs) are known to cause measurement problems in the relays. These switching transients can take several cycles to die out if the burden imposed by the secondary connected devices is a fraction of the CVT rated burden. In this paper, the transient response of the CVTs connected to low burden numerical relays is studied in detail and than the methods to improve the same are discussed. The methods discussed vary from simple modifications in existing CVT design to some major changes in the CVT construction. The paper gives a comprehensive coverage of design issues for CVTs intended to be used with numerical relays. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced open architecture of phasor data concentrator
Authors: Skok Srdjan , Matica Renata , Šturlić Ivan
Published: December 2010

The enhanced architecture of the wide area monitoring (WAM) system with parallel operation of two phasor data concentrators (PDCs) has been developed. It comprises real time acquisition of phasor measurements into different central units and a completely configurable as well as custom‐made interface for different user types. The presented architecture contains features of communicating and collecting synchronized measurements from different sources such as the PDC, virtual PMUs, and synchrophasor vector processor (SVP). It has been made possible for the developed architecture to exchange data with existing SCADA (such as topology of power transmission system). Collected data are filtered and processed with the originally developed algorithm for power system real time monitoring purpose. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experience and applications of phasor measurements to the Brazilian interconnected power system
Authors: Decker Ildemar C. , e Silva Aguinaldo S. , Agostini Marcelo N. , Prioste Fernando B. , Mayer Breno T. , Dotta Daniel
Published: December 2010

In this paper, applications of phasor measurements to the Brazilian interconnected power system (BIPS) are presented. Two prototypes, the low voltage phasor measurement system (LVPMS), with phasor measurement units (PMUs) installed in nine universities throughout Brazil and the high voltage phasor measurement system (HVPMS), with PMUs installed in four substations in a transmission utility in Southern Brazil, are the first installations in the country. These experimental prototypes have been a rich source of experience on the use of syncronized phasor measurements. Line parameter estimation, detection of oscillation modes, disturbance analysis, and system wide model validation have been the main applications. The LVPMS measurements are acquired at outlet voltage while the HVPMS measurements are acquired at 525 kV substations. The monitoring and analysis of several events in the BIPS have shown that both systems can provide relevant and comparable information on the BIPS dynamics. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of thermal protective performance of aluminized fabrics of basalt fiber and glass fiber
Authors: Hao Licai , Yu Weidong
Published: December 2010

Rapid progress has been made in the field of fire protection during the past few decades, nevertheless, the development of fire protective clothing with prolonged durability has always been a matter for public attention. In order to prevent or minimize skin burn damage resulting from flashover, a kind of thermal protective composite fabric, the surface of which is aluminized, has been upgraded and developed. Using the UV–Vis–NIR (ultraviolet–visible–near infrared) spectrophotometer, the thermal radiation protective performance of aluminized fabrics made of basalt fiber and glass fiber were evaluated and compared. The aluminized fabrics and the substrate fabrics used were exposed to a fire environment generated by burning liquified gas for a few minutes, aiming at evaluating the protective effect of the aluminum coating and characterizing the thermal insulating performance. The results showed that the spectral reflectance of aluminized fabrics present obvious differences over a wide range of wavelengths, perhaps due to the different yarn parameters and weave structure. The fire exposure experiment indicated that the aluminized fabric of basalt fiber had better thermal protective performance than the substrate fabrics. Although the thermal insulating performance of aluminized fabrics is insufficient to provide enough time for people to focus on his/her job, the aluminized fabrics exhibit great potential application in the fields of firefighting and military. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High resolution ArrayCGH and expression profiling identifies PTPRD and PCDH17/PCH68 as tumor suppressor gene candidates in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Giefing Maciej , Zemke Natalia , Brauze Damian , Kostrzewska‐Poczekaj Magdalena , Luczak Magdalena , Szaumkessel Marcin , Pelinska Kinga , Kiwerska Katarzyna , Tönnies Holger , Grenman Reidar , Figlerowicz Marek , Siebert Reiner , Szyfter Krzysztof , Jarmuz Malgorzata
Published: December 2010

Many classical tumor suppressor genes (TSG) were identified by delineation of bi‐allelic losses called homozygous deletions. To identify systematically homozygous deletions in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and to unravel novel putative tumor suppressor genes, we screened 10 LSCC cell lines using high resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (arrayCGH) and array based expression analysis. ArrayCGH identified altogether 113 regions harboring protein coding genes that showed strong reduction in copy number indicating a potential homozygous deletion. Out of the 113 candidate regions, 22 novel homozygous deletions that affected the coding sequences of 15 genes were confirmed by multiplexPCR. Three genes were homozygously lost in two cell lines: PCDH17/PCH68, PRR20, and PTPRD. For the 15 homozygously deleted genes, four showed statistically significant downregulation of expression in LSCC cell lines as compared with normal human laryngeal controls. These were ATG7 (1/10 cell line), ZMYND11 (BS69) (1/10 cell line), PCDH17/PCH68 (9/10 cell lines), and PTPRD (7/10 cell lines). Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to confirm the downregulation of the candidate genes in 10 expression array‐studied cell lines and an additional cohort of cell lines; statistical significant downregulation of PCDH17/PCH68 and PTPRD was observed. In line with this also Western blot analyses demonstrated a complete absence of the PCDH17 and PTPRD proteins. Thus, expression profiling confirmed recurrent alterations of two genes identified primarily by delineation of homozygous deletions. These were PCDH17/PCH68, the protocadherin gene, and the STAT3 inhibiting receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase gene PTPRD. These genes are good candidates for novel TSG in LSCC. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Germline copy number variations in BRCA1‐associated ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Yoshihara Kosuke , Tajima Atsushi , Adachi Sosuke , Quan Jinhua , Sekine Masayuki , Kase Hiroaki , Yahata Tetsuro , Inoue Ituro , Tanaka Kenichi
Published: December 2010

We investigated characteristics of germline copy number variations (CNV) in BRCA1‐associated ovarian cancer patients by comparing them to CNVs present in sporadic ovarian cancer patients. Germline CNVs in 51 BRCA1‐associated, 33 sporadic ovarian cancer patients, and 47 healthy women were analyzed by both signal intensity and genotyping data using the Affymetrix Genome‐Wide Human SNP Array 6.0. The total number of CNVs per genome was greater in the sporadic group (median 26, range 12–34) than in the BRCA1 group (median 21, range 11–35; post hoc P < 0.05) or normal group (median 20, range 7–32; post hoc P < 0.05). While the number of amplifications per genome was higher in the sporadic group (median 13, range 7–26) than in the BRCA1 group (median 8, range 3–23; post hoc P < 0.001), the number of deletions per genome was higher in the BRCA1 group (median 12, range 6–24) than in the sporadic group (median 9, range 3–17; post hoc P < 0.01). In addition, 31 previously unknown CNV regions were present specifically in the BRCA1 group. When we performed pathway analysis on the 241 overlapping genes mapped to these novel CNV regions, the ‘purine metabolism’ and ‘14‐3‐3‐mediated signaling’ pathways were over‐represented (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.01). Our study shows that there are qualitative differences in genomic CNV profiles between BRCA1‐associated and sporadic ovarian cancer patients. Further studies are necessary to clarify the significance of the genomic CNV profile unique to BRCA1‐associated ovarian cancer patients. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anxiety disorders, depressive episodes and cognitive impairment no dementia in community‐dwelling older men and women
Authors: Potvin Olivier , Hudon Carol , Dion Mélissa , Grenier Sébastien , Préville Michel
Published: December 2010

Background

Anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent in elders with mild cognitive disorders, but little is known about the associations of specific anxiety disorders to mild cognitive disorders.

Objective

To identify the clinical and subclinical anxiety disorders associated with cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND) and to determine whether these associations differ depending on sex and concomitant depressive episodes.

Method

Participants constituted a random sample (n = 2414) of community‐dwelling adults aged 65–96 years. The following clinical and subclinical DSM‐IV anxiety disorders were identified with a semi‐structured interview: specific phobia, social phobia, agoraphobia, panic disorder, obsessive–compulsive, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Major depressive episodes or minor depression (MDE/MD) were also determined based on the DSM‐IV criteria. CIND cases were defined based on Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) cut‐offs (15th percentile) stratified for age, education, and sex. Potentially confounding variables (age, education, MDE/MD, chronic diseases, and psychotropic drug use) were statistically controlled.

Results

In men, after adjusting for confounding variables, CIND was associated with subclinical GAD (odds ratio (OR): 4.93, 95% confidence interval: 1.84–13.23). Further analyses showed that in men, CIND was related to clinical/subclinical GAD whether MDE/MD was present (7.05, 1.88–26.43) or absent (9.33, 3.24–26.83). In women, CIND was not linked to any clinical or subclinical anxiety disorder.

Conclusions

These results suggest that in community‐dwelling elders, GAD is the main anxiety disorder associated with poor global cognitive functioning. Moreover, this association is modified by sex, but not by the presence of depressive episodes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The implementation of verbal instructions: An fMRI study
Authors: Hartstra Egbert , Kühn Simone , Verguts Tom , Brass Marcel
Published: December 2010

In everyday life, our actions are often guided by verbal instructions. Usually, we can implement such instructions immediately without trial and error learning. This raises the fundamental question how verbal instructions are transformed into efficient motor behavior. The aim of this study was to gain deeper insights into the implementation of verbal instructions both on a neural and a cognitive level. To this end, we devised an fMRI experiment in which participants were required to permanently implement new stimulus–response (S–R) mappings and object–color (O–C) mappings. This enabled us to test whether there are brain areas that are specific to the implementation of newly instructed S–R mappings or whether newly instructed rules are represented independently from the specific content. Furthermore, we could test which brain areas are involved in the processing of S–R mappings when compared with O–C mappings. Our results suggest that only one brain area, the left inferior frontal junction (IFJ), was sensitive to the novelty of instructions regardless of whether these instructions conveyed S–R or O–C mappings. Furthermore, our results show that instructions conveying S–R mapping involve a network of brain areas, including pre‐PMd, M1, and IPS that was not sensitive to the novelty of the instructions. Therefore, we conclude that the implementation of verbal instructions results from an interplay of a brain areas that represent novel rulelike information in domain general terms and brain areas that are specific to S–R rules. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance of the Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet Ratio Index for the Staging of Hepatitis C-Related Fibrosis: An Updated Meta-Analysis §Δ
Authors: Lin Zhong-Hua , Xin Yong-Ning , Dong Quan-Jiang , Wang Qing , Jiang Xiang-Jun , Zhan Shu-Hui , Sun Ying , Xuan Shi-Ying
Published: December 2010

The aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), a tool with limited expense and widespread availability, is a promising noninvasive alternative to liver biopsy for detecting hepatic fibrosis. The objective of this study was to update the 2007 meta-analysis to systematically assess the accuracy of APRI in predicting significant fibrosis, severe fibrosis, and cirrhosis stage in hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfected and HCV / human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfected individuals. Studies comparing APRI versus biopsy in HCV patients were identified via a thorough literature search. Areas under summary receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were used to examine the APRI accuracy for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis, severe fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression. Twenty-one additional studies were eligible for the update and, in total, 40 studies were included in this review (n = 8,739). The summary AUROC of the APRI for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis, severe fibrosis, and cirrhosis were 0.77, 0.80, and 0.83, respectively. For significant fibrosis, an APRI threshold of 0.7 was 77% sensitive and 72% specific. For severe fibrosis, a threshold of 1.0 was 61% sensitive and 64% specific. For cirrhosis, a threshold of 1.0 was 76% sensitive and 72% specific. Moreover, we found that the APRI was less accurate for the identification of significant fibrosis, severe fibrosis, and cirrhosis in HIV/HCV coinfected patients.

Conclusion:

Our large meta-analysis suggests that APRI can identify hepatitis C-related fibrosis with a moderate degree of accuracy. Application of this index may decrease the need for staging liver biopsy specimens among chronic hepatitis C patients. (Hepatology 2011)
DNA Hypomethylation Causes Bile Duct Defects in Zebrafish and Is a Distinguishing Feature of Infantile Biliary Atresia §Δ
Authors: Matthews Randolph P. , EauClaire Steven F. , Mugnier Monica , Lorent Kristin , Cui Shuang , Ross Megan M. , Zhang Zhe , Russo Pierre , Pack Michael
Published: December 2010

Infantile cholestatic disorders arise in the context of progressively developing intrahepatic bile ducts. Biliary atresia (BA), a progressive fibroinflammatory disorder of extra- and intrahepatic bile ducts, is the most common identifiable cause of infantile cholestasis and the leading indication for liver transplantation in children. The etiology of BA is unclear, and although there is some evidence for viral, toxic, and complex genetic causes, the exclusive occurrence of BA during a period of biliary growth and remodeling suggests an importance of developmental factors. Interestingly, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) signaling is activated in patients and in the frequently utilized rhesus rotavirus mouse model of BA, and is thought to play a key mechanistic role. Here we demonstrate intrahepatic biliary defects and up-regulated hepatic expression of IFN-γ pathway genes caused by genetic or pharmacological inhibition of DNA methylation in zebrafish larvae. Biliary defects elicited by inhibition of DNA methylation were reversed by treatment with glucocorticoid, suggesting that the activation of inflammatory pathways was critical. DNA methylation was significantly reduced in bile duct cells from BA patients compared to patients with other infantile cholestatic disorders, thereby establishing a possible etiologic link between decreased DNA methylation, activation of IFN-γ signaling, and biliary defects in patients.

Conclusion:

Inhibition of DNA methylation leads to biliary defects and activation of IFN-γ-responsive genes, thus sharing features with BA, which we determine to be associated with DNA hypomethylation. We propose epigenetic activation of IFN-γ signaling as a common etiologic mechanism of intrahepatic bile duct defects in BA. (Hepatology 2011;)
A smoking‐based carcinogenesis model for lung cancer risk prediction
Authors: Foy Millennia , Spitz Margaret R. , Kimmel Marek , Gorlova Olga Y.
Published: December 2010

Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer for both men and women worldwide. Over 80% of lung cancers are attributed to smoking. In this analysis, the authors propose to use a two‐stage clonal expansion (TSCE) model to predict an individual's lung cancer risk based on gender and smoking history. The TSCE model is traditionally fitted to prospective cohort data. Here, the authors describe a new method that allows for the reconstruction of cohort data from the combination of risk factor data obtained from a case‐control study, and tabled incidence/mortality rate data, and discuss alternative approaches. The method is applied to fit a TSCE model based on smoking. The fitted model is validated against independent data from the control arm of a lung cancer chemoprevention trial, CARET, where it accurately predicted the number of lung cancer deaths observed.
Frequency of mismatch repair deficiency in ovarian cancer: a systematic review This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain of the United States of America.
Authors: Murphy Megan A. , Wentzensen Nicolas
Published: December 2010

Loss of mismatch repair (MMR) capacity may represent an important tumor initiating mechanism in ovarian cancer. We conducted a systematic review to analyze the frequency of microsatellite instability (MSI), immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for MMR proteins, and hypermethylation of the MLH1 promoter region in ovarian cancers. Studies examining MSI, loss of MMR gene expression by IHC staining and MLH1 promoter hypermethylation in ovarian cancer were identified by a systematic literature search of the PubMed electronic database through August 31, 2009. Pertinent data was extracted from eligible studies and estimates for pooled proportions were computed using random effects models. The pooled proportion of MSI detection was 0.10 (95% CI, 0.06−0.14) among 1,234 cases in 22 studies. Dinonucleotide markers had a higher frequency of instability than mononucleotide markers. The pooled proportion of MLH1 or MSH2 staining loss was 0.06 (95% CI, 0.01−0.17) among 474 cases in three studies, with a higher frequency of loss in MLH1. The pooled proportion of MLH1 methylation was 0.10 (95% CI, 0.06−0.15) among 672 cases in seven studies. Data reporting MSI and loss of MMR staining in the same cases was limited. Although MMR deficiency was found in all histologic subtypes, endometrioid cancers had the highest proportion. Approximately 10% of unselected ovarian cancers are related to MMR deficiency. While MMR deficiency is associated with improved survival in other MMR‐deficiency related cancer sites, epidemiological and clinical factors related to the MMR‐deficient phenotype have not been adequately studied in ovarian cancer to date.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Arylation Reactions: A Mechanistic Perspective
Authors: Livendahl Madeleine , Echavarren Antonio M.
Published: December 2010

After being restricted for the intramolecular formation of C–C bonds, the palladium catalyzed arylation reaction has been extended for the intermolecular synthesis of biaryls systems. Many of these reactions have been demonstrated to proceed by mechanisms that involve a concerted metalation–deprotonation, in which the base plays an important role in the proton abstraction. Other mechanisms based on electrophilic aromatic substitution and on PdII/PdIVor PdII/PdIIIcatalytic cycles have also been proposed. This review summarizes the most important recent advancements on the mechanistic understanding of the different types of palladium‐catalyzed arylations reactions.
Laminopathies and lamin‐associated signaling pathways
Authors: Maraldi Nadir M. , Capanni Cristina , Cenni Vittoria , Fini Milena , Lattanzi Giovanna
Published: December 2010

Laminopathies are genetic diseases due to mutations or altered post‐translational processing of nuclear envelope/lamina proteins. The majority of laminopathies are caused by mutations in the LMNA gene, encoding lamin A/C, but manifest as diverse pathologies including muscular dystrophy, lipodystrophy, neuropathy, and progeroid syndromes. Lamin‐binding proteins implicated in laminopathies include lamin B2, nuclear envelope proteins such as emerin, MAN1, LBR, and nesprins, the nuclear matrix protein matrin 3, the lamina‐associated polypeptide, LAP2alpha and the transcriptional regulator FHL1. Thus, the altered functionality of a nuclear proteins network appears to be involved in the onset of laminopathic diseases. The functional interplay among different proteins involved in this network implies signaling partners. The signaling effectors may either modify nuclear envelope proteins and their binding properties, or use nuclear envelope/lamina proteins as platforms to regulate signal transduction. In this review, both aspects of lamin‐linked signaling are presented and the major pathways so far implicated in laminopathies are summarized. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 979–992, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Essential roles of sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor types 1 and 3 in human hepatic stellate cells motility and activation
Authors: Liu Xihong , Yue Shi , Li Changyong , Yang Lin , You Hong , Li Liying
Published: December 2010

The biological roles of sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) and S1P receptors (S1PRs) have been broadly investigated. However, at present pathophysiological roles of S1P/S1PRs axis in liver fibrosis are not well defined. Here, we investigated the functions of S1P/S1PRs axis in human hepatic stellate cells (HSC) line, LX‐2 cells. We found that S1PR types 1, 2 and 3 (S1PR1–3) are clearly detected in LX‐2 cells, as determined by RT‐PCR, Western blot and immunocytochemistry analysis. S1P exerted a powerful migratory action on LX‐2 cells, as determined in Boyden chambers, and stimulated fibrogenic activity of LX‐2 cells, as demonstrated by increase of expression of smooth muscle α‐actin, procollagen α1(I) and α1(III) and total hydroxyproline content. Moreover, the effects of S1P were mimicked by S1PR1 agonist SEW2871, and abrogated by W146 (S1PR1 antagonist) and/or silencing S1PR1, three expression with small interfering RNA, suggesting the main roles of S1PR1 and 3. However, studies with S1PR2 antagonist JTE‐013 and silencing S1PR2 expression indicated that S1PR2 negatively regulated S1P‐induced cell migration. Interestingly, exogenously added S1P induced significant up‐regulation of sphingosine kinase‐1 and the synthesis of additional S1P, and expression of S1PR1,3, but not S1PR2. In conclusion, our data have identified an additional function regulated by S1P/S1PR1,3 axis involving migration and fibrogenic activation of HSCs. These results suggest that selective modulation of S1PR activity may represent a new antifibrotic strategy. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2370–2377, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sonication cultures of explanted components as an add‐on test to routinely conducted microbiological diagnostics improve pathogen detection
Authors: Holinka Johannes , Bauer Leonhard , Hirschl Alexander M. , Graninger Wolfgang , Windhager Reinhard , Presterl Elisabeth
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this study was to improve the pathogen detection in prosthetic joint infections, particularly to evaluate the feasibility of the sonication culture method in the clinical routine. Explanted components of all patients with presumptive prosthetic or implant infection were sonicated separately in sterile containers to dislodge the adherent bacteria from the surfaces and cultured. The results of sonication culture were compared to the conventional tissue culture. We investigated 60 consecutive patients with loosening of the prostheses or implants Forty patients had septic and 20 aseptic loosening (24 knee prostheses, 21 hip prostheses, 6 mega‐prostheses, 2 shoulder prostheses, 6 osteosynthesis, 1 spinal instrumentation). The sensitivity of sonication fluid culture was 83.3%, of single positive tissue culture was 72.2% and 61.1% when two or more cultures yielded the same microorganism. In patients receiving antibiotic therapy the sensitivity was 65.9%, 57.5%, and 42.5%, respectively. Pathogens detected in a single tissue culture as well as in sonication culture yielded a significantly higher rate of prosthetic infection than conventional tissue culture alone (p = 0.008), even in patients receiving continuous antibiotic therapy before explantation (p = 0.016). The sonication method represents an essential add‐on in pathogen detection compared to conventional tissue culture. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:617–622, 2011
Effects of lime and sewage sludge on soil, pasture production, and tree growth in a six‐year‐old Populus canadensis Moench silvopastoral system
Authors: Mosquera‐Losada M. Rosa , Morán‐Zuloaga Daniel , Rigueiro‐Rodriguez Antonio
Published: December 2010

In many regions worldwide, silvopastoral systems are implemented to enable sustainable land use allowing short, medium, and long‐term economic returns. However, the short‐term production in silvopastoral systems is often limited due to nonappropriate soil‐fertility management. This study evaluated the effects of two doses of lime (0 and 2.5 t CaCO3 ha–1) and three sewage‐sludge treatments (0, 200, and 400 kg total N ha–1 y–1 applied in 2 consecutive years) on soil characteristics (soil pH, soil organic matter [SOM], soil nitrogen, cation‐exchange capacity [CEC]), pasture production, and tree growth in a silvopastoral system of Populus × canadensis Moench in Galicia, northern Spain during 6 years after establishment. Soil pH increased during the experimental period for all treatments, although this effect was more pronounced after lime application. Changes in SOM and soil nitrogen content were not consistent over time, but sewage‐sludge application seemed to result in higher values. Higher CEC was found for treatments with lime and sewage‐sludge application. Following incorporation of lime and sewage sludge, pasture production was significantly enhanced (cumulative pasture production 51.9 t DM ha–1 for Lime/N400 compared to 39.0 t DM ha–1 for No lime/N0). This higher pasture production also affected tree growth due to more severe competition between pasture and tree resulting in slower tree growth. Liming and application of sewage sludge are relevant measures to improve soil fertility and thereby optimizing the overall production of silvopastoral systems. However, it is important not to overintensify pasture production to ensure adequate tree growth.
Measuring the CO2 production from maize‐straw‐amended soil columns— a comparison of four methods
Authors: Rottmann Nils , Georg Joergensen Rainer
Published: December 2010

A soil‐column experiment with maize‐straw application at different depths was carried out to investigate the accuracy of CO2‐measurement systems in a greenhouse experiment with sandy and loamy soils. The classical approach of CO2 absorption in NaOH solution was compared with three other methods using dynamic chambers. These methods were gas chromatography (GC), a portable infrared analyzer (IR), and a portable photo‐acoustic system (PAS). The cumulative CO2 production over the 57‐day incubation period was significantly affected by the method and soil‐specifically by the treatments. The NaOH and GC method always formed a pair of lowest cumulative CO2 production in all treatments with maize‐straw addition. In the treatments with bottom application of the maize straw, IR and PAS methods gave values at identical levels in both soils. In the treatments with top application of the maize straw, the IR method gave significantly highest values in the sandy soil and the PAS method in the loamy soil. The correlation coefficients between the cumulative CO2 production of the three dynamic‐chamber methods (GC, IR, and PAS) and the static NaOH method were all significant, with r values between 0.90 and 0.93. The C balance can be used for testing the plausibility of CO2‐production data. Roughly 102% (NaOH and GC) and 114% (IR and PAS) were recovered, including the CO2‐production data in the C balance of the sandy soil. The respective data were 97% (NaOH and GC) and 104% (IR and PAS) for the loamy soil.
Application of the DNDC model to predict N2O emissions from sandy arable soils with differing fertilization in a long‐term experiment
Authors: Ludwig Bernard , Jäger Nadine , Priesack Eckart , Flessa Heinz
Published: December 2010

Modeling crop growth and soil N dynamics is difficult due to the complex nature of soil–plant systems. In several studies, the DNDC model has been claimed to be well‐suited for this purpose whereas in other studies applications of the model were less successful. Objectives of this study were to test a calibration and validation scheme for DNDC‐model applications to describe a field experiment with spring wheat on a sandy soil near Darmstadt (SW Germany) using different fertilizer types (either application of mineral fertilizer and straw—MSI; or application of farmyard manure—FYM) and rates (low—MSIL, FYML; and medium—MSIM, FYMM). The model test is based on a model parameterization to best describe the case MSIL and applies this parameterization for a retrospective simulation of the other cases (MSIM, FYML, FYMM) including crop growth and N2O emissions. Soil water contents were not accurately simulated using either the DNDC default values for a loamy sand or for the next finer texture class or using results from the pedotransfer function provided by ROSETTA. After successful calibration of the soil water flow model using a soil texture class that led to the best fit of the measured water content data, grain yield of spring wheat and cumulative N2O emission were slightly underestimated by DNDC and were between 91% and 86% of the measured data. A subsequent calibration of the yields and cumulative N2O emissions from soils of the MSIL treatment gave a good prediction of crop growth and N2O emissions in the MSIM treatment, but a marked underestimation of yields of the FYM treatments. Cumulative N2O emissions were predicted well for all MSI and FYM treatments, but seasonal dynamics were not. Overall, our results indicated that for the sandy soil in Germany, site‐specific calibration was essentially required for the soil hydrology and that a calibration was useful for a subsequent prediction where greater amounts of the same fertilizer were used, but not useful for a prediction with a different fertilizer type.
Raman spectroscopy of gallium‐ and zinc‐based hydrotalcites
Authors: Palmer Sara J. , Frost Ray L. , Grand Laure‐Marie
Published: December 2010

Insight into the unique structure of hydrotalcites (HTs) has been obtained using Raman spectroscopy. Gallium‐containing HTs of formula Zn4 Ga2(CO3)(OH)12 · xH2O (2:1 ZnGa‐HT), Zn6 Ga2(CO3)(OH)16 · xH2O (3:1 ZnGa‐HT) and Zn8 Ga2(CO3)(OH)18 · xH2O (4:1 ZnGa‐HT) have been successfully synthesised and characterised by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The d(003) spacing varies from 7.62 Å for the 2:1 ZnGa‐HT to 7.64 Å for the 3:1 ZnGa‐HT. The 4:1 ZnGa‐HT showed a decrease in the d(003) spacing, compared to the 2:1 and 3:1 compounds. Raman spectroscopy complemented with selected infrared data has been used to characterise the synthesised gallium‐containing HTs. Raman bands observed at around 1050, 1060 and 1067 cm−1 are attributed to the symmetric stretching modes of the (CO32−) units. Multiple ν3 (CO32−) antisymmetric stretching modes are found between 1350 and 1520 cm−1, confirming multiple carbonate species in the HT structure. The splitting of this mode indicates that the carbonate anion is in a perturbed state. Raman bands observed at 710 and 717 cm−1 and assigned to the ν4 (CO32−) modes support the concept of multiple carbonate species in the interlayer. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The growth of the passive film on iron in 0.05 M NaOH studied in situ by Raman microspectroscopy and electrochemical polarization. Part II: In situ Raman spectra of the passive film surface during growth by electrochemical polarization
Authors: Nieuwoudt M. K. , Comins J. D. , Cukrowski I.
Published: December 2010

The composition of the passive film formed on iron in 0.05 M NaOH was analyzed in situ with Raman microspectroscopy with preresonance enhancement during its growth by cyclic potentiodynamic polarization. The surface comprised more than one iron oxide and oxyhydroxide compound whose composition changed during the anodic and cathodic sweeps within successive cycles leading to film growth. The relative amounts of the different iron compounds in the film at selected potentials were determined from the spectra using multivariate curve resolution (MCR) with alternating least squares analysis. Individual spectra of six different such compounds, comprising Fe3O4 (magnetite), γ‐Fe2O3 (maghemite), α‐Fe2O3 (hematite), α‐FeOOH (goethite), δ‐FeOOH (feroxyhyte) and γ‐FeOOH (lepidocrocite), were used as pure component spectra for the MCR optimization. The results obtained over the first 15 cycles indicate that α‐FeOOH, γ‐FeOOH, δ‐FeOOH and γ‐Fe2O3 were present in the film at the beginning of the passive region of the anodic polarization. The amount of water in the film was also observed to increase at this potential range. Further into the passive region (at more positive potentials), a decrease in the amount of water, which was accompanied by a decrease in α‐FeOOH and γ‐FeOOH in favor of an increase in the amount of γ‐Fe2O3, was observed. Fe3O4 and α‐Fe2O3 were not detected on the surface. With increasing number of cycles, the surface became increasingly amorphous or hydrated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman characterization of localized CdS nanostructures synthesized by UV irradiation in sol–gel silica matrices
Authors: Raulin Katarzyna , Turrell Sylvia , Capoen Bruno , Kinowski Christophe , Thanh Tran Van Thi , Bouazaoui Mohamed , Cristini Odile
Published: December 2010

A new technique of UV irradiation has been used for the first time to create microstructures of CdS nanoparticles in bulk xerogels. Porous silica matrices, which were first soaked in a solution containing CdS precursors, were subjected to irradiation using a nanopulsed ArF laser with a wavelength of 193 nm and a repetition rate of 10 Hz.

Resonant micro‐Raman spectra, recorded using the 325‐nm line of a He‐Cd laser (with a continuous power less than 0.5 mW so as to avoid the thermal formation of nanoparticles) made it possible to identify CdS nanoparticles within the inscribed yellow zones and also to estimate the average particle size (3.6 to 8.0 nm, depending on the number of UV pulses used). The emission of CdS particles embedded in the silica matrix under excitation at 351.1 nm was studied by photoluminescence spectroscopy. It was then possible to show the effect of the number of pulses on the electronic structure of the nanocrystals.

Finally, Raman spectra were used to monitor the structural changes in the silica matrix caused by the irradiation. It was found that the pulsed UVirradiation resulted in a local densification of the matrix, which was compensated for by a depolymerization process of the SiOSi network. In spite of this pulsed irradiation and the resulting structural depolymerization, no apparent ablation or cracking of the samples was observed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Religious tourism and its management: the hajj in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Henderson Joan Catherine
Published: December 2010

Religion and tourism share a close relationship in which the former motivates travel and is a source of assorted visitor attractions. Pilgrimage is one expression of the ties between the two and the paper identifies key pilgrimage tourism issues pertaining to demand and provision that are discussed within the context of the contemporary hajj. The hajj by Muslims to the cities they deem holy in Saudi Arabia is a distinctive illustration that involves the mass movement of pilgrims every year. Numbers are strictly controlled, but set to rise as the government pursues a policy of expanding space at certain holy sites and encouraging an increase in the supply of accommodation and other amenities as well as enhancing supporting infrastructure. Some projects are very ambitious, leading to questions about whether the pace of development is sustainable. The purpose of the study is to improve understanding of the uniqueness and significance of the hajj phenomenon and illuminate the challenges of managing large‐scale religious tourism events in the changing world of the twenty‐first century. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inactivation of the Gastrokine 1 gene in gastric adenomas and carcinomas
Authors: Yoon Jung Hwan , Song Jae Hwi , Zhang Cao , Jin Meishan , Kang Young Hwi , Nam Suk Woo , Lee Jung Young , Park Won Sang
Published: December 2010

Gastrokine 1 (GKN1) plays a role in the gastric mucosal defence mechanism and may be a gastric tumour suppressor. We have investigated whether inactivation of the GKN1 gene is involved in the development and/or progression of gastric cancers. GKN1 protein expression was examined in gastric adenomas and cancer and we also analysed GKN1 mutation and epigenetic alteration, DNA copy number change and mRNA transcript expression. The effect of GKN1 on cell proliferation and death was examined in wild‐type GKN1‐transfected AGS gastric cancer cells. Reduced or loss of GKN1 expression was detected in 36 (90%) and 170 (89.5%) of 40 adenomas and 190 gastric cancers, respectively. Statistically, there was no significant relationship between altered expression of GKN1 protein and clinicopathological parameters, including depth of invasion, location and lymph node metastasis (χ2 test, p > 0.05). In western blot analysis, absence or reduced expression was found in 21 (84.0%) of 25 gastric carcinomas. No mutation was detected in gastric tumours, and hypermethylation of GKN1 gene was found in two tumours. DNA copy number and mRNA transcript of GKN1 were significantly decreased in gastric cancers. In functional analysis, AGS gastric cancer cells transfected with GKN1 wild‐type showed marked inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of cell death. These data suggest that inactivation of the GKN1 gene may play an important role in the development of sporadic gastric cancers, as an early event. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.