bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Effect of Immobilized Ammonia Oxidizers and Phenol‐degrading Bacteria on Nitrification in Ammonia– and Phenol‐containing Wastewater
Authors: Morita M. , Kudo N. , Uemoto H. , Watanabe A. , Shinozaki H.
Published: December 2007

Phenol present in wastewaters from various industries has an inhibitory effect on nitrification even at low concentrations. Hence, the biological treatment of wastewater containing both phenol and ammonia involves a series of treatment steps. It is difficult to achieve nitrification capability in an activated sludge system that contains phenol at concentrations above the inhibitory level. Batch treatment of wastewater containing various concentrations of phenol showed that the ammonia oxidation capability of suspended Nitrosomonas europaea cells, an ammonia oxidizer, was completely inhibited in the presence of more than 5.0 mg/L phenol. To protect the ammonia oxidizer from the inhibitory effect of phenol and to achieve ammonia oxidation capability in the wastewater containing phenol at concentrations above the inhibitory level, a simple bacterial consortium composed of an ammonia oxidizer (N. europaea) and a phenol‐degrading bacterial strain (Acinetobacter sp.) was used. Ammonia oxidation did not occur in the presence of phenol at concentrations above the inhibitory level when suspended or immobilized N. europaea and Acinetobacter sp. cells were used in batch treatment. Following the acclimatization of the immobilized cells, accumulation of nitrite was observed, even when the wastewater contained phenol at concentrations above the inhibitory level. These results showed that immobilization was effective in protecting N. europaea cells from the inhibitory effect of phenol present in the wastewater.
Coaxial Aerodynamically Assisted Bio‐jets: A Versatile Paradigm for Directly Engineering Living Primary Organisms
Authors: Irvine S. , Arumuganathar S. , McEwan J. R. , Jayasinghe S. N.
Published: December 2007

In this paper, a coaxial jetting methodology is demonstrated as a first example (non‐electric field driven) completely run by aerodynamic forces which are brought about by the application of a differential pressure for the safe handling of primary living organisms by means of jets as encapsulated droplets. Previously this jetting technique in this configuration has only been investigated for processing combinations of liquid‐liquid and liquid‐gas systems. These developmental studies into aerodynamically assisted jets (AAJ) have unearthed a versatile bio‐jetting approach referred to here as coaxial aerodynamically assisted bio‐jetting (CAABJ). In the current work, this flexible approach is demonstrated to handle two primary cell types for drop‐and‐placing onto several different substrates. Furthermore, the study assesses cellular viability of the post‐treated cells in comparison to controls by way of flow cytometry. These first steps demonstrate the promise this protocol has in exploring the creation of biologically viable structures to form encapsulations of cells which would be useful as a direct tissue engineering to the immuno‐hinding methodology in bio‐repair and therapeutics. Therefore, these investigations place CAABJ into the cell jetting pursuit together with bio‐electrosprays, which will undergo an explosive developmental research.
Catalytic Production of Liquid Fuels from Organic Residues of Rendering Plants
Authors: Bojanowski S. , Fiedler A. , Frank A. , Stadlbauer E. A. , Schilling G.
Published: December 2007

Anaerobic low temperature conversion (LTC) converts organic residues such as animal meal or meat and bone meal (MBM) to bio‐crude, a solid product, containing carbon and phosphorus, reaction water and non‐condensable gases. The yield of bio‐crude increases with the content of volatile solids. The efficiency of the conversion as well as the calorific value of the liquid fuel produced are favorably affected by the partial recycling of inorganic constituents, high amounts of volatile solids and a low percentage of heteroatoms present in the feeding material. Heating values are 32.3 MJ/kg for bio‐crude from animal meal and 19.5 MJ/kg for bio‐crude from MBM. Both bio‐crude and animal fat produced were effectively converted in a vertical reactor construction with a fixed bed of aluminosilicates of the zeolite family or acidic clays, respectively. Products are bio‐fuels of varying chemical qualities. Depending on the reaction temperature and the catalyst type, aliphatic hydrocarbons (T = 400 °C, ∼97 %) or alkylbenzenes (T = 550 °C) are the main products. The calorific values of these bio‐fuels are in a range from 40.1 to 41.9 MJ/kg and the kinematic viscosities are between 0.9 and 2.29 mm2/s. The solid products of LTC from different biomass (sludge, animal meal, MBM) contain a significant amount of phosphorus. In the case of the solid product from MBM it was as high as 242 mg P2O5/g. Solubility in citric acid showed that in the case of MBM, 98.8 % of total phosphorus is potentially available to plants. Pot experiments demonstrated a similar plant growth as with other organic fertilizers.
Hepatitis C virus receptor expression in normal and diseased liver tissue
Authors: Reynolds Gary M. , Harris Helen J. , Jennings Adam , Hu Ke , Grove Joe , Lalor Patricia F. , Adams David H. , Balfe Peter , Hübscher Stefan G. , McKeating Jane A.
Published: December 2007

The principal site of hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication is the liver. HCV pseudoparticles infect human liver derived cell lines and this suggests that liver-specific receptors contribute to defining HCV hepatotropism. At least three host cell molecules have been reported to be important for HCV entry: the tetraspanin CD81, scavenger receptor class B member I (SR-BI), and the tight junction (TJ) protein Claudin 1 (CLDN1). Hepatocytes in liver tissue coexpress CD81, SR-BI, and CLDN1, consistent with their ability to support HCV entry. CLDN1 localized at the apical-canalicular TJ region and at basolateral-sinusoidal hepatocyte surfaces in normal tissue and colocalized with CD81 at both sites. In contrast, CLDN1 appeared to colocalize with SR-BI at the basolateral-sinusoidal surface. CLDN1 expression was increased on basolateral hepatocyte membranes in HCV-infected and other chronically inflamed liver tissue compared with normal liver. In contrast, CLDN4 hepatocellular staining was comparable in normal and diseased liver tissue.

Conclusion

: HCV infection of Huh-7.5 hepatoma cells

in vitro

significantly increased CLDN1 expression levels, consistent with a direct modulation of CLDN1 by virus infection. In HCV infected livers, immunohistochemical studies revealed focal patterns of CLDN1 staining, suggesting localized areas of increased CLDN1 expression

in vivo

which may potentiate local viral spread within the liver. (Hepatology 2007.)
There is no Drake‐Larson finite linear space with three 7‐lines and twenty‐four 5‐lines
Authors: Berg Melissa , Mullin Ronald
Published: December 2007

Let L denote the set of positive integers that do not divide 6. In 1983, Drake and Larson determined all positive integers v such that there is a proper PBD(v,L) with one exception, namely, the integer v = 30. (Recall that a PBD is proper if there is no block that contains all of the points and every block contains at least two points of the design.) In 1984, they showed that in any proper PBD(30, L), there could only be blocks of sizes in {4, 5, 7, 8}, and if bi denotes the number of blocks of size i in such a design, then there are only 6 possible block distributions (b8,b7,b5,b4), namely, (1,1,14,41), (0,3,24,22 ), (0,3,15,37), (0,1,27,24), (0,1,24,29), and (0,1,15,44). In 2004, Grüttmüller and Streso eliminated the first of these. In the current article we use the geometry of a putative proper PBD with block distribution (0,3,24,22) to eliminate this case. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 16: 191–201, 2008
Cystic parathyroid adenoma within a multinodular goiter: A rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Halenka Milan , Frysak Zdenek , Koranda Pavel , Kucerova Ladislava
Published: December 2007

Parathyroid cysts are uncommon lesions that do not have a specific sonographic appearance. We report a rare case of a functionally active cystic parathyroid adenoma as a cause of primary hyperparathyroidism and discuss the difficulties associated with the diagnosis. In this case, the association with a multinodular goiter made preoperative differentiation from thyroid cysts difficult. Demonstration of a high intact parathyroid hormone level in the aspirated cyst fluid was critical for the correct diagnosis. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Yin yang 1 directly regulates the transcription of RE‐1 silencing transcription factor
Authors: Jiang Lichun , Yao Minghui , Shi Jun , Shen Ping , Niu Gang , Fei Jian
Published: December 2007

The RE‐1 silencing transcription factor (REST) is a master transcription factor that plays a critical role in embryo development, especially during the process of neurogenesis and neural plasticity. However, the mechanism of REST gene transcription regulation is still an open question. Here, by combining bioinformatics analysis and experimental studies, we report that the transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) bound to a conserved YY1 binding site in the promoter of the mouse REST gene and positively regulated activity of this promoter in SH‐SY5Y cells. Furthermore, analysis of microarray data revealed a significant correlation between the expression of YY1 and REST genes. Overall, this study suggests that YY1 directly regulates expression of the REST gene. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Water‐deprivation‐induced expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of rat
Authors: Ryu Vitaly , Lee Jong‐Ho , Um Ji Won , Yoo Sang Bae , Lee Jisun , Chung Kwang Chul , Jahng Jeong Won
Published: December 2007

This study was conducted to define the molecular mechanism by which dehydration induces expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Rats were deprived from water for 48 hr and then sacrificed immediately or 1 hr after ad libitum access to water. Another group of rats had free access to food and water and was included as euhydrate control group. The PVN sections fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde were processed for nNOS immunohistochemistry and NADPH‐diaphorase (NADPH‐d)/pCREB or NADPH‐d/c‐Fos double staining. nNOS‐ir neurons significantly increased with water deprivation and decreased with rehydration, both in the posterior magnocellular (pM)‐ and the medial parvocellular (mP)‐PVN. Most NADPH‐d histostained neurons in the PVN appeared to exhibit pCREB‐ir as well. Water deprivation markedly increased, and rehydration decreased, NADPH‐d/pCREB neurons both in the pM‐ and in the mP‐PVN. Gel shift assay demonstrated that dehydration may promote CREB binding to nNOS promoter in the PVN neurons. Significant amounts of NADPH‐d‐stained neurons in the PVN of water‐deprived rats (67–68% in both the mP and the pM) exhibited c‐Fos‐ir. NADPH‐d/c‐Fos neurons in the pM‐PVN were increased by water deprivation but not changed by rehydration. NADPH‐d/c‐Fos double‐stained neurons in the mP‐PVN did not significantly change depending on different water conditions. These results suggest that pCREB may play a role in dehydration‐induced nNOS gene expression in the PVN neurons, and c‐Fos might not be implicated in the regulatory pathway. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomic basis of perforator flaps of medial vastus muscle
Authors: Zheng Heping , Wang Huaqiao , Zhang Fahui , Yue Suqin
Published: December 2007

The purpose of this study was to elucidate anatomical features of perforating branch flaps based on the muscular branches of the medial vastus muscle and to seek a new, applicable technique that could be used in repairing soft tissue defects around human knees. In this study, the origin, the course, the branches, the distribution, and the distal anastomosis of the muscular branch of the medial vastus muscle were observed in 30 sides of adult cadaveric lower limb specimens with the adductor tubercle, the patella midpoint, and the inguinal ligament midpoint as the observation markers. The specimens had been perfused arterially with red gelatin before they were supplied. It was observed that the femoral artery gave constant muscular branches into the medial vastus muscle at the tip of the femoral triangle. The artery entered the muscle via the hilum and ran laterally downwards along the muscular bundle until it reached the lateral patella to anastomose with the arterial circle around the bone. Along its course, it also gave 1–3 (1/77%) musculocutaneous perforating branches (0.5–0.9 mm in diameter). It then extended vertically through the medial vastus muscle into the deep fascia and ran superficially to the overlying skin of the muscle. A flap based on the perforating branch of the medial vastus muscle could be harvested at a size of about 8.5 cm × 15.0 cm and might be transferred retrograde to repair the soft tissue defect around the knee. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Modified poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) membranes for direct methanol fuel cell
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Zhou Zhentao
Published: December 2007

Sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone)s (SPPEK)s were synthesized by the modification of poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) (PPEK) with 98% concentrated sulfuric acid or 98% concentrated sulfuric acid and chlorosulfonic acid mixture at 80–100°C. The presence of sulfonic acid groups in SPPEKs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and the DSs were determined by Energy Dispersive X‐Ray (EDX). A blend membrane of No. 21 SPPEK and phosphotungstic acid (PWA) was prepared. The methanol permeabilities of SPPEK and blend membranes were about 20 times lower than that of Nafion117 at room temperature. The direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) test of 2 M methanol solution and air breathing showed that the blend membrane had a better performance than that of the Nafion117. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das Schmelzen zweidimensionaler Kristalle. Phasenübergänge durch topologische Defekte
Authors: Gasser Urs , Maret Georg , Keim Peter
Published: December 2007

Die sogenannte KTHNY‐Theorie sagt für zweidimensionale Kristalle einen zweistufigen Schmelzprozess über eine Phase mit hexatischer Symmetrie voraus. Sie ist bei dreidimensionalen Kristallen unbekannt. Diese hexatische Phase konnte erstmals experimentell in einem zweidimensionalen System kolloidaler Partikel nachgewiesen werden. Die mikroskopischen Mechanismen des Schmelzens wurden direkt beobachtet. Dazu gehört das Auftreten von topologischen Defekten bei den Übergängen kristallin‐hexatisch und hexatisch‐flüssig. Die kritischen Temperaturen der Übergänge des Systems stimmen quantitativ mit der Theorie überein. Das gilt auch für die mit diesen Phasenübergängen verknüpften Änderungen der elastischen Moduln des Kristalls.
Folie á deux: time to rethink ‘shared psychosis’?
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: December 2007

Folie á deux is a condition in which the same psychiatric symptoms, often delusions, occur in two closely associated people. A recent systematic review questions the aetiology of the condition and suggests that it may not be as rare as previously believed. Mark Greener reports. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Primhe: Primary Care Mental Health & Education
Authors: Knight Michael , Frost Richard
Published: December 2007

Help for the suicidal: addressing the gap in services

In this article, Michael Knight of Maytree Respite Centre in London discusses the how the needs of people in suicidal crisis are currently often not being met by mental health services and how Maytree is helping to address this gap in services.

Working for health: the MINDFUL EMPLOYER initiative

While many would say they cannot support someone experiencing mental ill health without involving carers or family, it can be forgotten that employers may need contacting as well. In this article, Richard Frost provides an overview of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER initiative, which offers support to employers in recruiting and retaining staff with stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health problems. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
A multiplex PCR‐based reverse line blot hybridization (mPCR/RLB) assay for detection of bacterial respiratory pathogens in children with pneumonia
Authors: Wang Yajuan , Kong Fanrong , Yang Yonghong , Gilbert Gwendolyn L.
Published: December 2007

Objectives

To develop and evaluate a novel method for simultaneous identification of 12 potential bacterial pathogens in children with community‐acquired pneumonia.

Methods

A multiplex PCR‐based reverse line blot (mPCR/RLB) assay was developed, to identify 12 respiratory bacterial pathogens, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Bordetella pertussis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and single (uniplex) PCRs were used for S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae only. In a preliminary evaluation, we compared the results of mPCR/RLB with those of single (uniplex) PCRs and culture of nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) from 100 children under 5 years, admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital between October 2004 and May 2005, with pneumonia.

Results

Reference strains and clinical isolates of all 12 target species were correctly identified by mPCR/RLB. Potential pathogens were isolated from one blood culture and 26% of respiratory cultures. One or more pathogens were identified in 70% of respiratory specimens—by mPCR/RLB in 63%, uPCR only in another 3%, culture only in 2%, and culture plus uPCR in 2%. The species most commonly identified were S. pneumoniae (54%) and H. influenzae (38%, including type b, 4%). Cultures were not performed for B. pertussis, M. tuberculosis, C. pneumoniae or M. pneumoniae but each was identified by mPCR/RLB in between one and four specimens. Two or more potential pathogens were identified in 35% of specimens. Ten of 14 S. pneumoniae isolates belonged to serotypes represented in the 11‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Conclusions

The mPCR/RLB assay is a sensitive tool for identification of respiratory pathogens, including mixed infections and bacteria requiring special culture methods. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:150–159. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DNA demethylation and histone deacetylation inhibition co‐operate to re‐express estrogen receptor beta and induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cell‐lines
Authors: Walton T.J. , Li G. , Seth R. , McArdle S.E. , Bishop M.C. , Rees R.C.
Published: December 2007

INTRODUCTION

Epigenetic silencing mechanisms are increasingly thought to play a major role in the development of human cancers, including prostate cancer. Promoter CpG island hypermethylation and histone hypoacetylation, catalyzed by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC), respectively, are associated with transcriptional repression in a number of cancers. Evidence is accumulating the two mechanisms are dynamically linked, yet few studies have examined a potential interaction in prostate cancer.

METHODS

LNCaP, DU‐145, and PC‐3 prostate cancer cells were co‐treated with a DNMT inhibitor, 5′‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐AZAC), and an HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA). Following treatment cells were processed for cell proliferation/apoptosis assays, or harvested for real‐time RT‐PCR. Assessed target genes were estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), androgen receptor (AR), progesterone receptor (PGR), and prostate specific antigen (PSA).

RESULTS

In all cell‐lines, co‐treatment was associated with reduced cell proliferation compared with control groups (P < 0.05). A reciprocal rise in caspase activation was identified, indicating apoptosis was the major mechanism of cell death. Most marked effects were seen in the androgen‐dependent, AR‐positive LNCaP cell‐line. In all cell‐lines, an additive re‐expression of ERβ was identified in the co‐treatment group, a finding not seen for either AR or PSA.

CONCLUSION

At concentrations associated with gene re‐expression, the DNA demethylating agent 5‐AZAC and the HDAC inhibitor TSA co‐operate to induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cell‐lines. Increased apoptosis in the co‐treatment group was associated with marked re‐expression of ERβ, raising the possibility of further targeting of prostate cancer cells with ERβ‐selective agents. Prostate 68: 210–222, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The toll‐like receptor pathway: A novel mechanism of infection‐induced carcinogenesis of prostate epithelial cells
Authors: Kundu Shilajit D. , Lee Chung , Billips Benjamin K. , Habermacher Geoffrey M. , Zhang Qiang , Liu Victoria , Wong Larry Y. , Klumpp David J. , Thumbikat Praveen
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND

Inflammation and infection have been linked to the pathogenesis of many cancers including prostate cancer. Components of bacteria and viruses have been identified within pathological specimens of men with prostate cancer.

METHODS

We characterized the in vitro response of benign prostate epithelial cells to components of infectious agents as they relate to toll‐like receptors.

RESULTS

Primary and immortalized prostate epithelial cells (RWPE) exhibited increased proliferation in response to exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and CpG DNA. These molecules are well‐characterized surrogates for gram negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli) and DNA viruses (e.g., HPV and HSV), which are common in the genitourinary system. Our experiments show that RWPE cells express both TLR 4 (LPS‐specific) and TLR 9 (CpG‐specific). Targeted knock down of individual TLR expression using siRNA abrogated the proliferative response of RWPE cells to LPS and CpG, respectively. In addition, compared to non‐stimulated cells, LPS and CpG up‐regulate active NF‐kB expression. Increased NF‐kB activation was confirmed using RWPE cells that were stably transfected with a NF‐kB reporter construct. Interestingly, NF‐kB activation was both concentration‐ and time‐dependent when stimulated with LPS. RWPE cells were less susceptible to TNF‐alpha induced apoptosis as measured by TUNEL staining when stimulated with CpG or LPS. High concentrations of LPS also prevented cell death as measured by LDH release.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has identified a unique mechanism that describes how components of pathogens common in the urinary system may contribute to the malignant transformation of benign prostate epithelia. Prostate 68: 223–229, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular Modeling of Vasopressin V2 Receptor Tetramer in Hydrated Lipid Membrane
Authors: Witt Magdalena , Ślusarz Magdalena J. , Ciarkowski Jerzy
Published: December 2007

Based on accessible experimental data we have constructed a model of Vasopressin V2 Receptor (V2R) tetramer in fully hydrated lipid membrane. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation of the tetramer model of a GPCR other than rhodopsin. The model consists of three inactive and one active V2R monomers. The activated unit is stabilized by Gsα (Ile382‐Leu394) fragment and includes its natural ligand – vasopressin (AVP) docked. The pairs of neighboring protomers form contact dimers with the interface created by transmembrane helices TM3, TM4 of one partner and TM7, TM6 of the other. The between‐dimers interface is composed by TM5 and TM4 of all monomers. Since experimental studies of GPCR oligomerization are not generally possible, there is a strong interest in using theoretical methods to predict their structure. Herein the NAnoscale Molecular Dynamics (NAMD) 2.6 package and CHARMm force field were used to conduct unconstrained MD calculations in periodic conditions. The optimal adjusting of monomers in lipid membrane surrounding was the purpose of simulation. Residues responsible for the oligomer stabilization were suggested and a compatibility of the whole model with available experimental data was discussed.
Signaling through the high affinity IgE receptor and conditions able to modify IgE‐antigen responsiveness of mast cells
Authors: Gonzalez‐Espinosa Claudia , Medina‐Tamayo Jaciel , Sanchez‐Miranda Elizabeth , Benitez‐Garrido Juan Pablo , Avila‐Hernandez Alejandro Martin , Padilla Alejandro , Garcia‐Roman Jonathan
Published: December 2007

Signaling through the high affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) on mast cells comprises an intricate network of protein‐protein modifications and interactions leading to mast cell degranulation, lipid‐derived mediator production and cytokine release. Depending on the tissue where mast cells are activated, mediator release can induce distinct allergy symptoms. FcεRI receptor mainly couples to at least two Src family kinases (Lyn and Fyn), which are responsible for the initiation of the signaling cascade. Distinct membrane bound adapters couple the initial signal to the formation of particular multi‐molecular complexes that, in turn, will mediate a specific final response. In this review we summarize the molecular mechanisms initiated by the FcεRI receptor on mast cells that have been involved in cytokine expression. At the same time, some conditions where the main signal transduction mechanism is modified will be analyzed in order to understand how locally produced mediators could alter IgE‐antigen‐induced allergic responses.
Microfluidic Pump Powered by Self‐Organizing Bacteria
Authors: Kim Min Jun , Breuer Kenneth S.
Published: December 2007

Results are presented that demonstrate the successful use of live bacteria as mechanical actuators in microfabricated fluid systems. The flow deposition of bacteria is used to create a motile bacterial carpet that can generate local fluid motion inside a microfabricated system. By tracking the motion of tracer particles, we demonstrate that the bacterial cells that comprise the carpet self‐organize, generating a collective fluid motion that can pump fluid autonomously through a microfabricated channel at speeds as high as 25 µm s−1. The pumping performance of the system can also be augmented by changing the chemical environment. The addition of glucose to the working buffer raises the metabolic activity of the bacterial carpet, resulting in increased pumping performance. The performance of the bacterial pump is also shown to be strongly influenced by the global geometry of the pump, with narrower channels achieving a higher pumping velocity with a faster rise time.
Stress‐induced synaptic changes in the rat anterior cingulate cortex are dependent on endocrine developmental time windows
Authors: Gos Tomasz , Bock Jörg , Poeggel Gerd , Braun Katharina
Published: December 2007

Fetal and neonatal brain development is characterized by developmental time windows during which brain regions or neuron types are specifically sensitive to environmental influences. Previous studies on cortical development have revealed evidence for the hypothesis that the extent and the direction of experience‐induced neuronal and synaptic changes correlate with time windows of endocrine development. To further test this hypothesis we exposed rats to neonatal separation stress during different phases of endocrine maturation, i.e. prior, during and after the stress hyporesponsive period (SHRP) of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. We show here that only stress during the SHRP resulted in significantly decreased (−29%) spines densities on the basal dendrites of pyramidal cells in layer V of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACd), whereas stress during the other two tested time windows had no effect on these parameters. Dendritic length remained unaffected by stress exposure at any of the tested time windows. These results reveal specific developmental time window for synaptic wiring within the deeper layers of the anterior cingulate cortex, which seem not to be mediated by hormonally induced mechanisms. Synapse 62:229–232, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structured Estolides: Control of Length and Sequence
Authors: Zerkowski Jonathan A. , Nuñez Alberto , Solaiman Daniel K. Y.
Published: December 2007

Using ester‐forming reactions such as carbodiimide coupling and a modified Yamaguchi symmetrical anhydride method, a variety of estolides based on 17‐hydroxy oleic and 17‐hydroxy stearic acid have been prepared. These hydroxy fatty acids are produced in good yields from hydrolysis of sophorolipids, which are in turn derived from fermentation of fats and oils. Since the estolides are formed one unit, or ester bond, at a time, their length and sequence can be precisely controlled. The key to this control is the use of protecting groups at either the carboxylic or hydroxy end of the starting hydroxy fatty acids. Two mono‐protected dimers, for example, when combined in a fragment‐condensation approach, give a tetramer with no “contamination” from estolides of other lengths. This methodology opens the way to functionalized estolides, and several variants were prepared: hybrid estolides, containing non‐fatty acid moieties such as amino acids; polymerizable estolides, containing a norbornene unit; and non‐linear estolides that extend from a branched core such as glycerol or pentaerythritol. With the benzoyl chloride‐mediated symmetrical anhydride method, yields for individual coupling steps ranged from 75 to 93%.
ON CLIMBING TRIES
Authors: Christophi Costas , Mahmoud Hosam
Published: December 2007

To sample a typical key in a “trie,” an appropriate climbing might consider generating random edges in the same manner as the data are generated. In the absence of the probability generating the keys, an uninformed random choice among the children still provides an alternative. We are also interested in extremal sampling, achieved by following a leftmost (or a rightmost) path. Each of these climbing strategies always generates a key, but one that might not necessarily be in the database. We investigate the altitude of the position at which climbing is terminated. Analytical techniques, including poissonization and the Mellin transform, are used for the accurate calculation of moments. In all strategies, the mean is always logarithmic. For typical and uninformed climbing, the variance is bounded in unbiased tries but grows logarithmically in biased tries. Consequently, in the biased case, one can find appropriate centering and scaling to produce a limit distribution for these two climbing strategies; the limit is normal. For extremal climbing, the variance is always bounded for both biased and unbiased cases, and no nontrivial limit exists under any scaling.
Teaching Research Skills Outside the Curriculum: Lessons Learnt at Oxford University
Authors: Carritt Angela
Published: December 2007

Angela Carritt of the Bodleian Law Library gave a paper at the 38th Annual BIALL Study Conference in Sheffield in June 2007. She discusses Oxford University's Legal Research Skills Programme (LRSP), looking at its content, methodology and effectiveness. She also looks at the programme as an example of a stand-alone skills course and asks whether such courses can be effective. Additionally, she discusses students' use of online resources and suggests that they have developed computer based study strategies which make the use of print resources inconvenient. The paper draws on research by Sandra Meredith into students' expectations and experiences of the LRSP and how they use their learning after the classes.
A New Partnership in Law at Sheffield: Collaboration in the Design of a New Module
Authors: Mawson Maria , Semmens Natasha , Taylor Mark
Published: December 2007

This article by Maria Mawson, Natasha Semmens and Mark Taylor, is based on a paper given at the 38th BIALL Annual Study Conference held in Sheffield in June 2007 and describes a new partnership between colleagues from the Library and the School of Law at the University of Sheffield, which has led to the development of an innovative new undergraduate foundation module in law. It begins by describing the situation which existed before the project. Next, two key changes which provided the impetus for the new collaboration are described. Finally, key elements of the new foundation module are discussed.
Collection Development for Knowledge Management
Authors: Bailey Penny
Published: December 2007

This paper was presented by Penny Bailey at the 38th BIALL Annual Study Conference held in Sheffield in June 2007 and covers the challenges involved in introducing a knowledge management strategy to a law firm. It suggests methods to be adopted in trying to implement such a service including identification with the firm's business objectives; persuasive communication; identification of the benefits accruing and strategies for collecting knowledge.
Democracy and the Union: Dressing up Cinderella
Authors: WTE  , MC
Published: December 2007

‘The functioning of the Union shall be founded on representative democracy.’ This the new Union Treaty echoes from the Constitutional Treaty. ‘Citizens are directly represented at Union level in the European Parliament.’ It means that the Union pretends to be a democracy and challenges the thesis, held by some, that democracy cannot be applied to an international organization. The mere ambition does not, however, answer the Union's shortcomings in terms of democracy.
Res Judicata in the Court of Justice Case-Law
Authors: Groussot Xavier , Minssen Timo
Published: December 2007

Forms of res judicata – Unwritten principle of EU law – National procedural autonomy v. EC supremacy – Revision of decisions v. state liability – Finality of administrative decisions v. judicial decisions – Higher respect for judicial decisions than for administrative decisions – Res judicata not absolute – ECJ itself under demands of legal certainty – Analogy between res judicata rules and rules of direct and indirect effect.
Response of the magnetosheath‐cusp region to a coronal mass ejection
Authors: Balan N. , Alleyne H. , Walker S. , Reme H. , Lucek E. , Cornilleau‐Wehrlin N. , Fazakerley A. N. , Zhang S.‐R. , van Eyken A. P.
Published: December 2007

Cluster made an unusual magnetosheath‐exterior cusp crossing during the first 2.5 hours of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that flowed past Earth for about 7 hours on 24 October 2003. During the first 2.5 hours (1525–1802 UT) the solar wind dynamic pressure remained high and stable though the CME had a discontinuity after 40 min (1605 UT), when the azimuthal flow turned dawnward up to −100 km s−1 and IMF By and Bz changed from highly negative to positive up to 25 nT. The responses of the magnetosheath‐cusp region during the unusual event are presented using Cluster and ground‐based (EISCAT VHF radar; 69.6°N, 19.2°E) observations. The unusual Cluster crossing (compared to the usual midaltitude cusp crossing at this time of the year) occurred owing to a large compression of the magnetosphere. Cluster, which was in the southern magnetospheric lobe, suddenly found itself in the magnetosheath at the arrival of the CME at 1524:45 UT. Cluster then crossed through the compressed magnetosheath (highly compressed after the discontinuity in the CME) for about 1.5 hours (1525–1655 UT), magnetopause with strong signatures of lobe reconnection (≈1655 UT), stagnant but compressed exterior cusp for about an hour (1700–1802 UT), and then entered the dayside magnetosphere. The observations also show strong signatures of magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling through a late afternoon (≈17 MLT) cusp during the first 40 min (1525–1605 UT) of the event when IMF Bz remained negative. Strong magnetic waves are also generated in the magnetosheath‐cusp region.
Response of the magnetic field in the geosynchronous orbit to solar wind dynamic pressure pulses
Authors: Wang C. , Liu J. B. , Huang Z. H. , Richardson J. D.
Published: December 2007

We do a statistical survey of solar wind dynamic pressure (Pd) pulses and geosynchronous magnetic fields observed between 1998 and 2005. In geomagnetic quiet times with Dst > −50 nT, we find 111 solar wind dynamic pressure pulses which produce geosynchronous magnetic field responses. These responses are often observed by two or three GOES spacecraft at different local times in geosynchronous orbit. The magnitudes of the geosynchronous magnetic field changes (dBz) have a peak near the noon meridian, similar to the results obtained in the study of the response of the geosynchronous field to the large and sharp solar wind dynamic pressure variations. However, the relative change of the geosynchronous magnetic field dBz/AV‐Bz (where AV‐Bz is the average of the geosynchronous magnetic field Bz observed during the response to the pressure pulse) depends weakly on the local time; thus the change of Bz(dBz) is proportional to the average field (AV‐Bz). As the magnitude of the relative change of solar wind dynamic pressure (dPd/Pd) increases, the rate of geosynchronous magnetic field variation increases correspondingly. These results imply that the magnitude of the geosynchronous magnetic field response could be determined by AV‐Bz. In addition, the interplanetary field orientation does not affect the response significantly. Using an MHD code which models the global behavior of the solar wind‐magnetosphere‐ionosphere system, we reproduce the main characteristics of the observations.
Production of plasmid DNA encoding human hepatocyte growth factor for gene therapy
Authors: Zhang Qinglin , Bi Jianjing , Xiao Fengjun , Duan Haifeng , Wu Bing , Wu Zuze
Published: December 2007

pUDK‐HGF, recombinant plasmid DNA encoding human HGF (hepatocyte growth factor), is a potential agent for gene therapy of ischaemic disease. Production of pUDK‐HGF is essential for its clinical application. In the present paper, a large‐scale manufacturing process was developed, including fermentation, cell harvest, alkaline lysis, capturing plasmid DNA with Q‐Sepharose XL chromatography, size‐exclusion chromatography on a Sephacryl S1000 column and refining with Source 15Q anion‐exchange chromatography. The quality criteria of pUDK‐HGF such as purity, concentration, homogeneity, residual RNA, chromosomal DNA, contaminated protein, endotoxin and HGF expression efficacy all were analysed and met the requirements for pharmaceutical‐grade plasmid DNA.
Translocation and neuroprotective properties of transactivator‐of‐transcription protein‐transduction domain–neuroglobin fusion protein in primary cultured cortical neurons
Authors: Zhou Guo‐Yu , Zhou Sheng‐Nian , Lou Zhi‐Yin , Zhu Can‐Sheng , Zheng Xue‐Ping , Hu Xue‐Qiang
Published: December 2007

Ngb (neuroglobin) is a newly discovered hexaco‐ordinate globin that is expressed in vertebrate brain and peripheral nervous systems. Expression of Ngb increases in response to oxygen deprivation and protects neurons from hypoxia in vitro and in vivo. However, the lack of its transduction ability into cells resulted in limited neuroprotection. To educe its neuroprotection under hypoxia, a cell‐permeable Ngb fusion protein was generated. A rat brain Ngb gene was cloned and fused with a gene fragment encoding the nine‐amino‐acid TAT PTD (transactivator‐of‐transcription protein‐transduction domain; RKKRRQRRR) of HIV‐1 in a prokaryotic expression vector to generate a genetic in‐frame N‐terminal hexahistidine‐tagged) TAT PTD–Ngb fusion protein. It was expressed in soluble form in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)plysS and purified with Ni2+‐affinity chromatography. The results showed that the purified fusion protein TAT PTD–Ngb can enter into the primary cultured cortical neurons in a dose‐dependent manner when added exogenously to the culture media and can be detected in cells within 48 h. The cell viability under hypoxia was increased and apoptosis induced by hypoxia was decreased after TAT PTD–Ngb was transduced into cortical neurons. The results provide a clue for the research of Ngb and suggest that transduction of TAT PTD–Ngb may be one of the ways for the therapy of CNS (central nervous system) diseases, especially cerebrovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.
Growth of hairy‐root cultures in various bioreactors for the production of secondary metabolites
Authors: Mishra Bhartendu Nath , Ranjan Ritu
Published: December 2007

Agrobacterium rhizogenes‐mediated hairy‐root cultures are a very promising alternative to the biotechnological exploitation of plant cell cultures. Their characteristic capacity for secondary‐metabolite production, inherent genetic stability reflected in stable productivity and the possibility of genetic manipulation to increase biosynthetic capacity have initiated a considerable interest, both as a fundamental research tool and as a source of valuable products. One of the most important limitations for the commercial exploitation of hairy roots is the development of technologies for large‐scale culture. Though these roots have been grown in various bioreactors – stirred‐tank, bubble‐column, airlift or submerged, trickle‐bed and nutrient mist – the question as to which of these alternatives can be successfully and economically scaled‐up has yet to be definitively answered. This present minireview highlights various perspectives of hairy‐root cultures, describes a comparative scale‐up study and discusses various aspects of these cultures when grown in various bioreactors for the production of secondary metabolites.
The Market Exclusivity Period for New Drugs in Japan: Overview of Intellectual Property Protection and Related Regulations
Authors: Masuda Sachiko
Published: December 2007

This paper reviews the institutional factors in Japan that affect the market exclusivity period for new drugs. The factors which directly affect the period are (1) statutory subject matter of patent protection, (2) patent term extension, and (3) restriction of the entry of generic drugs (market exclusivity right or data protection system). Other factors include (4) the experimental use exception (the so-called Bolar provision) and (5) compulsory license. In addition, the impacts of these factors on both brand-named manufacturers and generic drug manufacturers under the specific circumstances of the Japanese pharmaceutical market, such as the influence of the healthcare insurance system or the drug price control system, are discussed.
The Effect of Floorplate Shape upon Office Layout Integration
Authors: Shpuza Ermal , Peponis John
Published: December 2007

Two measures of floorplate shape, a measure of universal metric distance and a measure of convex fragmentation, are developed to study the effect of building shells upon the spatial structure of office layouts. Layouts are represented according to the fewest-lines map typically used in syntactic studies, with particular emphasis upon integration, a measure of the minimum directional distance from each line to all others. Integration is of special interest because previous case studies indicate that it has important effects upon space use, behaviors, and organizational functions. The study is not limited to examining how actual layouts relate to actual shells, because of the variety of programmatic and contextual factors that most likely influence such a relationship. To control for other variables, the effect of floorplate shape is assessed by inserting consistently generated theoretical layouts into theoretical, as well as actual, floorplates. The study concludes by showing that the integration of unbiased grids and fishbone layouts is affected by floorplate shape in opposite ways. Thus, the interaction between the spatial structure of layouts and the characteristics of shape is mediated by the principles used to generate the layouts. These findings can be used to evaluate building portfolios. They can also help designers to implement particular organizational programs by working around the constraints imposed by the floorplate shapes.
Systematic status of the caridean families Gnathophyllidae Dana and Hymenoceridae Ortmann (Crustacea : Decapoda): a preliminary examination based on nuclear rDNA sequences
Authors: Mitsuhashi M. , Sin Y. W. , Lei H. C. , Chan T.-Y. , Chu K. H.
Published: December 2007

The systematic positions of the caridean families Gnathophyllidae and Hymenoceridae are inferred based on analyses of nuclear 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA genes. The phylogenetic trees based on 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA from selected species of one genus of the family Gnathophyllidae, two genera of the family Hymenoceridae, one genus of the family Anchistioididae, eight genera of the subfamily Pontoniinae and five genera of the subfamily Palaemoninae show a close relationship between Hymenoceridae, Gnathophyllidae and Pontoniinae, with the last group constituting a paraphyletic assemblage. This result concurs with the morphology of maxilla in the first zoea, but not the shape of the third maxilliped in adults, based on which Gnathophyllidae and Hymenoceridae are treated as families. Molecular analysis supports the similarities in larval morphology between Hymenoceridae, Gnathophyllidae and Pontoniinae and therefore draws into question the familial status of the former two groups.
Embryonic stromal clones reveal developmental regulators of definitive hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Durand Charles , Robin Catherine , Bollerot Karine , Baron Margaret H. , Ottersbach Katrin , Dzierzak Elaine
Published: December 2007

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal and differentiation is regulated by cellular and molecular interactions with the surrounding microenvironment. During ontogeny, the aorta–gonad–mesonephros (AGM) region autonomously generates the first HSCs and serves as the first HSC-supportive microenvironment. Because the molecular identity of the AGM microenvironment is as yet unclear, we examined two closely related AGM stromal clones that differentially support HSCs. Expression analyses identified three putative HSC regulatory factors, β-NGF (a neurotrophic factor), MIP-1γ (a C–C chemokine family member) and Bmp4 (a TGF-β family member). We show here that these three factors, when added to AGM explant cultures, enhance the
in vivo
repopulating ability of AGM HSCs. The effects of Bmp4 on AGM HSCs were further studied because this factor acts at the mesodermal and primitive erythropoietic stages in the mouse embryo. In this report, we show that enriched E11 AGM HSCs express Bmp receptors and can be inhibited in their activity by gremlin, a Bmp antagonist. Moreover, our results reveal a focal point of Bmp4 expression in the mesenchyme underlying HSC containing aortic clusters at E11. We suggest that Bmp4 plays a relatively late role in the regulation of HSCs as they emerge in the midgestation AGM.
SUMOylation of pontin chromatin-remodeling complex reveals a signal integration code in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Kim Jung Hwa , Lee Ji Min , Nam Hye Jin , Choi Hee June , Yang Jung Woo , Lee Jason S. , Kim Mi Hyang , Kim Su-Il , Chung Chin Ha , Kim Keun Il , Baek Sung Hee
Published: December 2007

Posttranslational modification by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) controls diverse cellular functions of transcription factors and coregulators and participates in various cellular processes including signal transduction and transcriptional regulation. Here, we report that pontin, a component of chromatin-remodeling complexes, is SUMO-modified, and that SUMOylation of pontin is an active control mechanism for the transcriptional regulation of pontin on androgen-receptor target genes in prostate cancer cells. Biochemical purification of pontin-containing complexes revealed the presence of the Ubc9 SUMO-conjugating enzyme that underlies its function as an activator. Intriguingly, 5α-dihydroxytestosterone treatments significantly increased the SUMOylation of pontin, and SUMOylated pontin showed further activation of a subset of nuclear receptor-dependent transcription and led to an increase in proliferation and growth of prostate cancer cells. These data clearly define a functional model and provide a link between SUMO modification and prostate cancer progression.