bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syringetin, a flavonoid derivative in grape and wine, induces human osteoblast differentiation through bone morphogenetic protein‐2/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 pathway
Authors: Hsu Ya‐Ling , Liang Hsin‐Lin , Hung Chih‐Hsing , Kuo Po‐Lin
Published: September 2009

Syringetin (3,5,7,4′‐tetrahydroxy‐3′,5′dimethoxyflavone), a flavonoid derivative, is present in grape and wine. By means of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin, and type I collagen ELISA, we have shown that syringetin exhibits a significant induction of differentiation in MC3T3‐E1 mouse calvaria osteoblasts and human fetal osteoblastic 1.19 cell line human osteoblasts. ALP and osteocalcin are phenotypic markers for early‐stage differentiated osteoblasts and terminally differentiated osteoblasts, respectively. Our results indicate that syringetin stimulates osteoblast differentiation at various stages, from maturation to terminally differentiated osteoblasts. Induction of differentiation by syringetin is associated with increased bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) production. The BMP‐2 antagonist noggin blocked syringetin‐mediated ALP activity and osteocalcin secretion enhancement, indicating that BMP‐2 production is required in syringetin‐mediated osteoblast maturation and differentiation. Induction of differentiation by syringetin is associated with increased activation of SMAD1/5/8 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Cotreatment of ERK1/2 inhibitor 2′‐amino‐3′‐methoxyflavone inhibited syringetin‐mediated ALP upregulation and osteocalcin production. In conclusion, syringetin increased BMP‐2 synthesis, and subsequently activated SMAD1/5/8 and ERK1/2, and this effect may contribute to its action on the induction of osteoblast maturation and differentiation, followed by an increase of bone mass.
Effect of low‐temperature long‐time pre‐treatment of wheat on acrylamide concentration in short dough biscuits
Authors: Anese Monica , Quarta Barbara , Foschia Martina , Bortolomeazzi Renzo
Published: September 2009

In April 2002, unexpected high levels of the neurotoxic and suspected carcinogen acrylamide (AA) were found in many heated foods, mainly represented by cereal and potato derivatives. Since then, due to the great consumption of dietary sources of AA among people of different ages and in different countries, worldwide efforts have been carried out to reduce the formation of the toxic molecule in foods. In this paper, the effect of a low‐temperature long‐time pre‐treatment of wheat grains on AA formation in biscuits was investigated. Wheat grains were subjected to heating at 100°C for 8 h and subsequently milled. The obtained flour was used to prepare biscuits that were compared for AA content, texture and color with control samples obtained by using flour from unheated wheat. The low‐temperature long‐time pre‐treatment was responsible for a great decrease (up to 42%) in AA levels in the biscuits, without causing significant changes in the color and texture parameters. As the pre‐treatment did not cause any change in sugar and asparagine concentrations, such a reduction in AA concentration can be attributed to a difference in the thermal effect generated in the biscuits obtained by using the unheated and pre‐heated flours. In fact, as the heating pre‐treatment caused a 2% moisture decrease in the flour, less time at the same temperature was required to obtain biscuits with comparable moisture contents.
Hybrid adiabatic‐rectangular pulse train for effective saturation of magnetization within the whole heart at 3 T
Authors: Kim Daniel , Oesingmann Niels , McGorty KellyAnne
Published: September 2009

Uniform T1‐weighting is a major challenge for first‐pass cardiac perfusion MRI at 3 T. Previously proposed adiabatic amplitude of radiofrequency field (B1)‐insensitive rotation (BIR‐4) pulse and standard and tailored pulse trains of three nonselective pulses have been important developments but each pulse has limitations at 3 T. As an extension of the tailored pulse train, we developed a hybrid pulse train by synergistically combining two nonselective rectangular radiofrequency pulses and an adiabatic half‐passage pulse, in order to achieve effective saturation of magnetization within the heart, while remaining within clinically acceptable specific absorption rate limits. The standard pulse train, tailored pulse train, hybrid pulse train, and BIR‐4 pulse train were evaluated through numerical, phantom, and in vivo experiments. Among the four saturation pulses, only the hybrid pulse train yielded residual magnetization <2% of equilibrium magnetization in the heart while remaining within clinically acceptable specific absorption rate limits for multislice first‐pass cardiac perfusion MRI at 3 T. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of lactate with a hadamard slice selected, selective multiple quantum coherence, chemical shift imaging sequence (HDMD‐SelMQC‐CSI) on a clinical MRI scanner: Application to tumors and muscle ischemia
Authors: Mellon Eric A. , Lee Seung‐Cheol , Pickup Stephen , Kim Sungheon , Goldstein Steven C. , Floyd Thomas F. , Poptani Harish , Delikatny E. James , Reddy Ravinder , Glickson Jerry D.
Published: September 2009

Lactate is an important metabolite in normal and malignant tissues detectable by NMR spectroscopy; however, it has been difficult to clinically detect the lactate methyl resonance because it is obscured by lipid resonances. The selective homonuclear multiple quantum coherence transfer technique offers a method for distinguishing lipid and lactate resonances. We implemented a three‐dimensional selective homonuclear multiple quantum coherence transfer version with Hadamard slice selection and two‐dimensional phase encoding (Hadamard encoded–selective homonuclear multiple quantum coherence transfer–chemical shift imaging) on a conventional clinical MR scanner. Hadamard slice selection is explained and demonstrated in vivo. This is followed by 1‐cm3 resolution lactate imaging with detection to 5‐mM concentration in 20 min on a 3‐T clinical scanner. An analysis of QSel gradient duration and amplitude effects on lactate and lipid signal is presented. To demonstrate clinical feasibility, a 5‐min lactate scan of a patient with a non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in the superficial thigh is reported. The elevated lactate signal coincides with the T2‐weighted image of this tumor. As a test of selective homonuclear multiple quantum coherence transfer sensitivity, a thigh tourniquet was applied to a normal volunteer and an increase in lactate was detected immediately after tourniquet flow constriction. In conclusion, the Hadamard encoded–selective homonuclear multiple quantum coherence transfer–chemical shift imaging sequence is demonstrated on a phantom and in two lipid‐rich, clinically relevant, in vivo conditions. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accelerating SENSE using compressed sensing
Authors: Liang Dong , Liu Bo , Wang JiunJie , Ying Leslie
Published: September 2009

Both parallel MRI and compressed sensing (CS) are emerging techniques to accelerate conventional MRI by reducing the number of acquired data. The combination of parallel MRI and CS for further acceleration is of great interest. In this paper, we propose a novel method to combine sensitivity encoding (SENSE), one of the standard methods for parallel MRI, and compressed sensing for rapid MR imaging (SparseMRI), a recently proposed method for applying CS in MR imaging with Cartesian trajectories. The proposed method, named CS‐SENSE, sequentially reconstructs a set of aliased reduced‐field‐of‐view images in each channel using SparseMRI and then reconstructs the final image from the aliased images using Cartesian SENSE. The results from simulations and phantom and in vivo experiments demonstrate that CS‐SENSE can achieve a reduction factor higher than those achieved by SparseMRI and SENSE individually and outperform the existing method that combines parallel MRI and CS. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The emerging role of the distal Fallopian tube and p53 in pelvic serous carcinogenesis
Authors: Herrington C Simon , McCluggage W Glenn
Published: September 2009

In their paper in this issue of the Journal, Xian et al have analysed in detail the Fallopian tubes from two patients with Li–Fraumeni syndrome (germline TP53 mutation) in order to investigate further the possible role of p53 signatures in the development of high‐grade pelvic serous carcinoma. They find an increased frequency of p53 signatures, with associated evidence of DNA damage and loss of heterozygosity at the wild‐type TP53 allele, but postulate, as Li–Fraumeni syndrome is not associated with an increased risk of pelvic serous carcinoma, that these events are not sufficient for the development of carcinoma. Rather, they put forward a model postulating that further events, particularly loss of BRCA1/2 function, are required for lesion progression. This paper exemplifies how the hypothesis‐driven study of a rare syndrome can be highly effective at answering specific questions about disease processes. It is of note that recent evidence from the same group provides convincing evidence that the distal Fallopian tube may, in fact, be the commonest site of origin for high‐grade pelvic serous carcinomas, most of which may originate at this site rather than from the ovary. In addition to its biological significance, this, if proven, has clear clinical implications. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compliance with dosing recommendations from common references in prescribing antibiotics for preterm neonates
Authors: Cheng Ching‐Lan , Yang Yea‐Huei Kao , Lin Swu‐Jane , Lin Chyi‐Her , Lin Yuh‐Jyh
Published: September 2009

Purpose

Incorrect dosage was the most common type of medication errors in neonate patients. Different dosing recommendations from common reference sources may have contributed to the errors. This study assesses the compliance rate with the common reference sources in antibiotic dosage prescribed for preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods

A retrospective study using chart review was conducted at a tertiary care medical center with university affiliation in Taiwan. Study subjects were preterm neonates admitted to the NICU of the medical center between 2000 and 2002 and prescribed at least one antibiotic during the stay. Recommendations from three commonly used reference sources (Pediatric Dosage Handbook, Neonatal Drug Formulary, and Neofax) were employed to evaluate the dosage compliance of the antibiotic prescriptions.

Results

A total of 433 preterm infants and 3459 prescriptions were included. Depending on the reference source used, the percentages of antibiotic prescriptions where both the dose and the interval were compliant with recommendations ranged from 36.88 to 87.54%.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of antibiotics prescribed for preterm neonates in this medical center did not comply with the recommended dosage from common reference sources. Future studies should investigate the clinical impacts of the dosing deviation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethical issues in irregular migration research in Europe
Authors: Düvell Franck , Triandafyllidou Anna , Vollmer Bastian
Published: September 2009

This paper is concerned with the ethical issues arising for researchers engaged in the study of irregular migration. Based on the authors' research experiences, the paper goes beyond analysis of ethical dilemmas and aims to provide some guidance to researchers in this field. Irregular migration is by definition an elusive phenomenon as it takes place in violation of the law and at the margins of society. The very nature of this phenomenon raises important issues, including the sensitivity and vulnerability of the research subjects and a whole series of other ethical issues to be addressed both when conducting fieldwork with irregular migrants and also at the later stage of data analysis, processing and dissemination. The paper first considers various methods in researching irregular migration and defines research ethics. It then discusses the differences between sensitivity and vulnerability and their particular implications for irregular migration research. Next, the paper looks at the ethical challenges arising from fieldwork and discusses the sensitive issues involved in the relationship between researcher, irregular migrant and society. Finally, it discusses the question of disseminating findings (both qualitative and quantitative) to wider audiences. In conclusion, we highlight the key points that we consider to be important when studying irregular migrant populations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical zero‐temperature isotherm and structural phase stability of thorium dioxide
Authors: Boettger Jonathan C.
Published: September 2009

The static‐lattice equation of state (EOS) and structural phase stability of Thorium Dioxide (ThO2) have been investigated for pressures up to 500 kbar using the relativistic linear combinations of Gaussian type orbitals‐fitting function (LCGTO‐FF) technique, within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) to density functional theory (DFT). Two observed room temperature crystal structures for ThO2 have been considered here, the ambient fluorite structure and the high‐pressure cotunnite structure. The EOS parameters calculated for the fluorite structure and the external cell parameters found for the cotunnite structure are consistent with experiment to within the known limitations of the GGA model. The internal lattice parameters obtained for the cotunnite phase differ greatly from the experimental values reported in the literature. There is strong theoretical evidence that the measured values of the internal parameters are in error. The predicted transition pressure (275 kbar) is in reasonable agreement with the measured value of 330 kbar, given the likelihood of strong metastability in this oxide. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
An effective exploration approach to simultaneous mapping and surface material–type identification of complex three‐dimensional environments
Authors: Paul Gavin , Liu Dikai , Kirchner Nathan , Dissanayake Gamini
Published: September 2009

This paper presents an integrated exploration approach for geometric mapping and surface material–type identification of complex three‐dimensional (3D) environments using a six‐degree‐of‐freedom industrial robot manipulator. Maps of the surface geometry with the surface material type identified are required for an autonomous robotic system to perform operations in steel bridge maintenance. The proposed approach utilizes information theory to enable multiobjective exploration while new 3D geometric and surface‐type data are fused via probabilistic updates. It is verified that the integrated approach enables the robotic system to perform exploration and surface inspection in real‐world environments. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel approach for measuring ultra‐thin, buried SiO2 film thickness
Authors: Jiang Z. X. , Sieloff D. D.
Published: September 2009

Accurate measurement of physical thickness of thin SiO2 films is of great interest to the semiconductor industry. Existing inspection techniques are subject to large error when the oxide thickness falls below 2 nm. This work explored a new approach with improved accuracy to the measurement of thickness of thin oxide films. The new method utilizes dynamic SIMS with a primary ion beam of one isotope of oxygen (16O or 18O) at normal incidence and detecting negative secondary ions of another isotope (18O or 16O, respectively) inside SiO2. The experiment was performed by using an 16O2+ primary beam and detecting 18O− as characteristic secondary ions for SiO2. We substantiated that the matrix effect was eliminated during profiling through the SiO2/Si interface in a poly Si/SiO2/Si stack with an O2+ beam at normal incidence, which is crucial for reliable quantification of oxygen amount inside SiO2. The high ion yield of 18O− and negligible contribution from the mass interference of16 OH2− ensured measurement of the total amount of oxygen inside an SiO2 film with good sensitivity. By assuming that the silicon oxide is in the form of stoichiometric SiO2, which is the case for those layers grown with dry oxidation, the measured amount of oxygen can be readily converted into the thickness of SiO2. This technique provides reproducible measurement of the thickness of SiO2 films and potentially a good accuracy if a reference material is well calibrated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adiponectinemia Controls Pro-Angiogenic Cell Therapy
Authors: Eren Philippe , Camus Stéphane , Matrone Gianfranco , Ebrahimian Téni G. , François Delphine , Tedgui Alain , Sébastien Silvestre Jean , Blanc-Brude Olivier P.
Published: September 2009

Angiogenic cell therapy with the transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) or bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) receives considerable attention as an approach to revascularize ischemic tissues. Adiponectin is a circulating hormone produced by the apM1 gene in adipocytes. Adiponectin modulates lipid metabolism and obesity, and it was recently found to promote physiological angiogenesis in response to ischemia. Patients with multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors or myocardial infarction may benefit from progenitor cell therapy, but they display depressed adiponectinemia. We hypothesized that adiponectin stimulation of transplanted cells is critical for their pro-angiogenic function. We aimed to establish whether adiponectinemia in the cell donor or in the cell recipient determines the success of pro-angiogenic cell therapy. In vitro, we found that conditioned media derived from wild-type adipocytes (adipo-CM) or purified adiponectin strongly enhanced BM-MNC survival and proliferation and stimulated EPC differentiation, whereas adipo-CM from apM1−/− adipocytes was one-half less effective. On the other hand, wild-type and apM1−/− BM-MNC displayed similar resistance to apoptosis and proliferation rates. In vivo, wild-type, and apM1−/− BM-MNC induced similar angiogenic reactions in wild-type ischemic hindlimbs. In contrast, wild-type BM-MNC had much diminished effects in apM1−/− ischemic hindlimbs. We concluded that adiponectin enhances BM-MNC survival and proliferation, and adiponectinemia in the cell therapy recipient is essential for the pro-angiogenic benefits of cell therapy. These observations imply that progenitor cell transplantation might only induce angiogenesis in patients with high adiponectinemia.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
CXCR2 Mediates the Recruitment of Endothelial Progenitor Cells During Allergic Airways Remodeling
Authors: Jones Carla P , Pitchford Simon C , Lloyd Clare M , Rankin Sara M
Published: September 2009

Airway remodeling is a central feature of asthma and includes the formation of new peribronchial blood vessels, which is termed angiogenesis. In a number of disease models, bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been shown to contribute to the angiogenic response. In this study we set out to determine whether EPCs were recruited into the lungs in a model of allergic airways disease and to identify the factors regulating EPC trafficking in this model. We observed a significant increase in the number of peribronchial blood vessels at day 24, during the acute inflammatory phase of the model. This angiogenic response was associated with an increase in the quantity of EPCs recoverable from the lung. These EPCs formed colonies after 21 days in culture and were shown to express CD31, von Willebrand factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2, but were negative for CD45 and CD14. The influx in EPCs was associated with a significant increase in the proangiogenic factors VEGF-A and the CXCR2 ligands, CXCL1 and CXCL2. However, we show directly that, while the CXCL1 and CXCL2 chemokines can recruit EPCs into the lungs of allergen-sensitized mice, VEGF-A was ineffective in this respect. Further, the blockade of CXCR2 significantly reduced EPC numbers in the lungs after allergen exposure and led to a decrease in the numbers of peribronchial blood vessels after allergen challenge with no effect on inflammation. The data presented here provide in vivo evidence that CXCR2 is critical for both EPC recruitment and the angiogenic response in this model of allergic inflammation of the airways.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Smarcc1/Baf155 Couples Self-Renewal Gene Repression with Changes in Chromatin Structure in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Schaniel Christoph , Ang Yen-Sin , Ratnakumar Kajan , Cormier Catherine , James Taneisha , Bernstein Emily , Lemischka Ihor R. , Paddison Patrick J.
Published: September 2009

Little is known about the molecular mechanism(s) governing differentiation decisions in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). To identify factors critical for ESC lineage formation, we carried out a functional genetic screen for factors affecting Nanog promoter activity during mESC differentiation. We report that members of the PBAF chromatin remodeling complex, including Smarca4/Brg1, Smarcb1/Baf47, Smarcc1/Baf155, and Smarce1/Baf57, are required for the repression of Nanog and other self-renewal gene expression upon mouse ESC (mESC) differentiation. Knockdown of Smarcc1 or Smarce1 suppressed loss of Nanog expression in multiple forms of differentiation. This effect occurred in the absence of self-renewal factors normally required for Nanog expression (e.g., Oct4), possibly indicating that changes in chromatin structure, rather than loss of self-renewal gene transcription per se, trigger differentiation. Consistent with this notion, mechanistic studies demonstrated that expression of Smarcc1 is necessary for heterochromatin formation and chromatin compaction during differentiation. Collectively, our data reveal that Smarcc1 plays important roles in facilitating mESCs differentiation by coupling gene repression with global and local changes in chromatin structure.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Efficient Transcriptional Targeting of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Blood Cell Lineages by Lentiviral Vectors Containing the Regulatory Element of the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Gene
Authors: Leuci Valeria , Gammaitoni Loretta , Capellero Sonia , Sangiolo Dario , Mesuraca Maria , Bond Heather M. , Migliardi Giorgia , Cammarata Cristina , Aglietta Massimo , Morrone Giovanni , Piacibello Wanda
Published: September 2009

The ability to effectively transduce human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and to ensure adequate but “physiological” levels of transgene expression in different hematopoietic lineages represents some primary features of a gene-transfer vector. The ability to carry, integrate, and efficiently sustain transgene expression in HSCs strongly depends on the vector. We have constructed lentiviral vectors (LV) containing fragments of different lengths of the hematopoietic-specific regulatory element of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) gene—spanning approximately 1,600 and 170 bp—that direct enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression. The performance of vectors carrying the 1,600 and 170 bp fragments of the WAS gene promoter was compared with that of a vector carrying the UbiquitinC promoter in human cord blood CD34+ cells and their differentiated progeny both in vitro and in vivo in non-obese diabetic mice with severe combined immunodeficiency. All vectors displayed a similar transduction efficiency in CD34+ cells and promoted long-term EGFP expression in different hematopoietic lineages, with an efficiency comparable to, and in some instances (for example, the 170-bp promoter) superior to, that of the UbiquitinC promoter. Our results clearly demonstrate that LV containing fragments of the WAS gene promoter/enhancer region can promote long-term transgene expression in different hematopoietic lineages in vitro and in vivo and represent suitable and highly efficient vectors for gene transfer in gene-therapy applications for different hematological diseases and for research purposes. In particular, the 170-bp carrying vector, for its reduced size, could significantly improve the transduction/expression of large-size genes.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
A Mesenchymal-Like ZEB1+ Niche Harbors Dorsal Radial Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein-Positive Stem Cells in the Spinal Cord
Authors: Sabourin Jean-Charles , Ackema Karin B. , Ohayon David , Guichet Pierre-Olivier , Perrin Florence E. , Garces Alain , Ripoll Chantal , Charité Jeroen , Simonneau Lionel , Kettenmann H. , Zine Azel , Privat Alain , Valmier Jean , Pattyn Alexandre , Hugnot Jean-Philippe
Published: September 2009

In humans and rodents the adult spinal cord harbors neural stem cells located around the central canal. Their identity, precise location, and specific signaling are still ill-defined and controversial. We report here on a detailed analysis of this niche. Using microdissection and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice, we demonstrate that neural stem cells are mostly dorsally located GFAP+ cells lying ependymally and subependymally that extend radial processes toward the pial surface. The niche also harbors doublecortin protein (Dcx)+ Nkx6.1+ neurons sending processes into the lumen. Cervical and lumbar spinal cord neural stem cells maintain expression of specific rostro-caudal Hox gene combinations and the niche shows high levels of signaling proteins (CD15, Jagged1, Hes1, differential screening-selected gene aberrative in neuroblastoma [DAN]). More surprisingly, the niche displays mesenchymal traits such as expression of epithelial-mesenchymal-transition zinc finger E-box-binding protein 1 (ZEB1) transcription factor and smooth muscle actin. We found ZEB1 to be essential for neural stem cell survival in vitro. Proliferation within the niche progressively ceases around 13 weeks when the spinal cord reaches its final size, suggesting an active role in postnatal development. In addition to hippocampus and subventricular zone niches, adult spinal cord constitutes a third central nervous system stem cell niche with specific signaling, cellular, and structural characteristics that could possibly be manipulated to alleviate spinal cord traumatic and degenerative diseases.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Realistische Modellierung der NIR/VIS/UV‐optischen Konstanten dünner optischer Schichten im Rahmen des Oszillatormodells
Authors: Stenzel Olaf , Wilbrandt Steffen , Friedrich Karen Friedrich , Kaiser Norbert
Published: September 2009

Es wird gezeigt, dass mithilfe des Mehrätze für die optischen Konstanten verschiedenartiger Schichtmaterialien generiert werden können. Die vorgestellte LCalc‐Software erlaubt dabei die Bestimmung der dielektrischen Funktion beziehungsweise der Brechzahl und des Extinktionskoeffizienten über einen Fit von Transmissions‐ und Reflexionsvermögen der entsprechenden Schichten bei einem oder mehreren Einfallswinkeln. Hinreichend genaue spektralphotometrische Messwerte können dabei mithilfe von selbstentwickelten VN‐Messeinsätzen gewonnen werden.

Die so erhaltenen optischen Konstanten sind automatisch Kramers‐Kronig‐konsistent und korrelieren in sinnvoller Weise mit anderweitig gewonnenen Informationen über die Schichteigenschaften. Das wird konkret am Beispiel dielektrischer oxidischer Schichten sowie jeweils für eine transparente leitfähige Oxidschicht (ITO) und eine Metallschicht (Aluminium) gezeigt. Die Methodik ist auch geeignet, bei Anwendung auf Reproduzierbarkeitsversuche Informationen über prozessbedingte Schwankungen in den optischen Konstanten zu liefern, die dann ihrerseits als Input für virtuelle Prozessläufe zur Designoptimierung dienen können.
Study of the Interaction Between Methyl Orange and Mono and Bis‐Quaternary Ammonium Surfactants
Authors: Alehyen Saliha , Bensejjay Fatima , El Achouri Mohammed , Pérez Lourdez , Infante Maria Rosa
Published: September 2009

The solubilization and interaction of an azo‐dye (methyl orange) with dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide and cationic gemini surfactants in the series of alkanediyl α,ω‐bis[(dimethyl alkyl ammonium)bromide)] referred to as (m‐s‐m), m = 10, 12, 14 and s = 2, 3, 4 were investigated by means of UV–Vis spectroscopy. Aggregation with the anionic dye was reflected by a hypsochromic shift with a decrease in the intensity of the absorption band. The results also show a bathochromic shift followed by a sharp increase in the intensity of the maximum absorption band λmax after the critical micellar concentration (CMC). This indicates that the dye solubility increased with increasing surfactant concentration. It was also observed that the aggregation of surfactant and dye takes place at a surfactant concentration far below the CMC of the individual surfactant. The effects of the chain length as well as the spacer length of gemini surfactants on the critical aggregation concentration and CMC were also examined. Moreover, the partition coefficients between the bulk water and surfactant micelles KS and KX as well as the Gibbs energies of distribution of dye between the bulk water and surfactant micelles were determined using the pseudo‐phase model. The effect of the hydrophobic chain length and spacer of gemini surfactants on the distribution parameters is also reported.
Long‐chain Ceramide Produced in Response to N‐Hexanoylsphingosine does not Induce Apoptosis in CHP‐100 Cells
Authors: Mancinetti Adriano , Di Bartolomeo Sabrina , Spinedi Angelo
Published: September 2009

It has been previously reported that treatment of CHP‐100 human neuroepithelioma cells with N‐hexanoylsphingosine (C6‐Cer) induces intracellular accumulation of long‐chain ceramide (LC‐Cer) and apoptosis. Herein, we investigated the existence of any causal relationship between the two phenomena. We report that C6‐Cer‐evoked LC‐Cer accumulation is potently attenuated by the ceramide synthase inhibitor fumonisin B1; however, fumonisin B1 neither affects the apoptotic response evoked by C6‐Cer administration, nor is toxic by itself to CHP‐100 cells. Different to fumonisin B1, the serine‐palmitoyltransferase inhibitor l‐cycloserine does not attenuate C6‐Cer‐evoked LC‐Cer accumulation, thus suggesting that LC‐Cer is produced via the sphingosine salvage pathway. Consistently, CHP‐100 cells accumulate LC‐Cer in response to sphingosine administration; however, their viability is not affected. The above‐reported results indicate that, in the cell system investigated, C6‐Cer, but not LC‐Cer, is involved in apoptosis induction. As this finding is discussed in the light of the evidence that C6‐Cer‐induced apoptosis associates with cytochrome c release into the cytosol and caspase‐9 activation, thus calling for an involvement of the mitochondrial pathway, it also lends support to the notion that caution must be exercised when investigating the biological effects of endogenous ceramide by use of exogenously administered short‐chain analogues.
Chemical Characteristics and Fatty Acid Profile of Foxtail Millet Bran Oil
Authors: Liang Shaohua , Yang Guolong , Ma Yuxiang
Published: September 2009

Chemical characteristics of a sample of foxtail millet bran and its oil, focusing on the approximate composition of foxtail millet bran and the fatty acid profile, physicochemical properties and tocopherol composition of foxtail millet bran oil, are presented in this work. The results indicate that the millet bran constituted 9.39 ± 0.17% crude oil, 12.48 ± 0.41% crude protein, and 51.69 ± 2.14% crude fiber. The specific gravity, refractive index, saponification value, and unsaponifiable matter content of millet bran oil were 0.9185 ± 0.0003 g/cm3, 1.4676 ± 0.0002 , 186.29 ± 0.51 mg KOH/g, and 3.62 ± 0.19 g/100 g, respectively. The tocopherol content was 64.83 ± 0.83 mg/100 g oil, which consisted mainly of γ‐tocopherol (48.79 ± 0.46 mg/100 g oil) and α‐tocopherol (15.53 ± 0.31 mg/100 g oil). The millet bran oil was rich in linoleic acid (66.5%) and oleic acid (13.0%). The saturated fatty acids included palmitic acid (6.4%) and stearic acid (6.3%). The major fatty acid in the sn‐2 position of the millet oil was linoleic acid (71.2%). The dominant triacylglycerols, calculated according to the 1,3‐random‐2‐random hypothesis, were trilinoleate (LLL, 29.3%) and dilinoleoyl‐monoolein (LLO, 17.2%). This work might be useful for developing applications for millet bran and its oil.
Screening, epidemiology, molecular biology, and treatment strategies for endometriosis‐associated ovarian cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroshi
Published: September 2009

Objectives

This article reviews recent data on the biology, pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the different entity of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Study design

The present article reviews the English language literature for screening, epidemiology, clinical diagnosis, natural history, preclinical and clinical trials, and promising molecular targets on EOC, particularly for clear cell EOC (cEOC) based on the gene expression profiling studies.

Results

Prospective ovarian cancer screening trials in Japan showed that (1) serous‐type EOC (sEOC) may exhibit a rapid progression possibly through de novo carcinogenesis, (2) the EOC risk was elevated significantly among patients with ovarian endometrioma (SIR = 8.95), (3) advancing age (>40 years) and the diameter of endometriomas (>9 cm) were independent predictors of development of EOC, (4) the benign‐appearing ovarian masses are present several years before the EOC diagnosis in patients with endometriosis‐associated EOC, and (5) the slightly elevated CA125 level is also typically present many years (>3 years) before the diagnosis in these patients. Upregulation of HNF‐1beta and PLK‐Emi1 genes were specifically detected in cEOC. In addition, the therapy currently used in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) should be considered as an attractive therapeutic option for cEOC.

Conclusions

Ovarian endometrioma could be viewed as a neoplastic process, particularly in perimenopausal women. Understanding the mechanisms of endometriosis development and elucidating its pathogenesis and pathophysiology are intrinsic to prevention and the search for effective therapies of endometriosis‐associated EOC.
Bedside diagnosis of extensive aortic dissection
Authors: Duggal Sandeep , Lyon Matt , Blaivas Michael
Published: September 2009

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a disease of relatively low incidence but very high mortality. Its presenting symptoms and signs are highly variable and frequently overlap with other less critical etiologies. The majority of patients expire prior to presentation to the Emergency Department. However, an even further complication is that nearly one-third of patients with AAD are misdiagnosed on initial evaluation. Standard imaging modalities for diagnosis of dissection include trans-esophageal echocardiography, CM and magnetic resonance imaging. All of these are expensive, time consuming and may not be readily available in a point of care setting. We present a case of an extensive AAD identified in a young patient with abdominal pain and neurological deficits. Point of care ultrasound allowed the identification of an intimal flap in multiple locations and resulted in rapid diagnosis and treatment.
60th residues of ubiquitin and Nedd8 are located out of E2‐binding surfaces, but are important for K48 ubiquitin‐linkage
Authors: Choi Yun-Seok , Jeon Young Ho , Ryu Kyoung-Seok , Cheong Chaejoon
Published: September 2009

MINT‐7263328: NEDD8 (uniprotkb:Q15843) and Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P62988) physically interact (MI:0914) by enzymatic studies (MI:0415)
Symmetric Holmboe instabilities in a laboratory exchange flow
Authors: TEDFORD EDMUND W. , PIETERS R. , LAWRENCE G. A.
Published: September 2009

Laboratory experiments have been conducted that test the predictions of Holmboe (Geofys. Publ., vol. 24, 1962, pp. 67–112). Symmetric Holmboe instabilities are observed during steady, maximal two-layer exchange flow in a long laboratory channel of rectangular cross-section. Internal hydraulic controls at each end of the channel isolate the subcritical region within the channel from disturbances in the reservoirs. Inside the channel, the instabilities form cusp-like waves that propagate in both directions. The phase speed of the instabilities is consistent with Holmboe's theory and increases along the length of the channel as a result of the gradual acceleration of each layer. This acceleration causes the wavelength of any given instability to increase in the flow direction until it is approximately twice the most amplified wavelength. At this point new waves develop with the result that the average wavelength is almost constant along the length of the channel.
On the (de)stabilization of draw resonance due to cooling
Authors: SCHEID BENOIT , QUILIGOTTI SARA , TRAN BINH , GY RENÉ , STONE HOWARD A.
Published: September 2009

We study the drawing of a Newtonian viscous sheet under the influence of cooling with temperature dependence of the viscosity. Classically this problem has an instability called draw resonance, when the draw ratio Dr, which is the ratio of the outlet velocity relative to the inlet velocity, is beyond a critical value Drc. The heat transfer from the surface compared to the bulk energy advection is conveniently measured by the Stanton number St. Usual descriptions of the problem are one-dimensional and rigorously apply for St ≤ 1. The model presented here accounts for variations of the temperature across the sheet and has therefore no restriction on St. Stability analysis of the model shows two different cooling regimes: the ‘advection-dominated’ cooling for St ≪ 1 and the ‘transfer-dominated’ cooling for St ≫ 1. The transition between those two regimes occurs at St = O(1) where the stabilizing effect due to cooling is most efficient, and for which we propose a mechanism for stabilization, based on phase shifts between the tension and axial-averaged flow quantities. Away from this transition, the sheet is always shown to be unstable at smaller draw ratios. Additionally, in the limit of St → ∞, the heat exchange is such that the temperature of the fluid obtains the far-field temperature, which hence corresponds to a ‘prescribed temperature’ regime. This dynamical situation is comparable to the isothermal regime in the sense that the temperature perturbation has no effect on the stability properties. Nevertheless, in this regime, the critical draw ratio for draw resonance can be below the classical value of Drc = 20.218 obtained in isothermal conditions.
Sediment dynamics. Part 1. Bed-load transport by laminar shearing flows
Authors: OURIEMI MALIKA , AUSSILLOUS PASCALE , GUAZZELLI ÉLISABETH
Published: September 2009

We propose a two-phase model having a Newtonian rheology for the fluid phase and friction for the particle phase to describe bed-load transport in the laminar viscous regime. We have applied this continuum model to sediment transport by viscous shearing flows. The equations are shown to reduce to the momentum equation for the mixture and the Brinkman equation for the fluid velocity. This modelling is able to provide a description of the flow of the mobile granular layer. At some distance from threshold of particle motion, where the continuum approach is more realistic as the mobile layer is larger than one particle diameter, there is very little slip between the two phases and the velocities inside the mobile bed have approximately a parabolic profile. When the Poiseuille (or Couette) flow is not significantly perturbed, simple analytical results of the particle flux varying cubically with the Shields number and of the bed-load thickness varying linearly with it can then be obtained. These predictions compare favourably with experimental observations of bed-load transport in pipe flows.
The separating flow in a plane asymmetric diffuser with 8.5° opening angle: mean flow and turbulence statistics, temporal behaviour and flow structures
Authors: TÖRNBLOM OLLE , LINDGREN BJÖRN , JOHANSSON ARNE V.
Published: September 2009

The flow in a plane asymmetric diffuser with an opening angle of 8.5° has been studied experimentally using time-resolving stereoscopic particle image velocimetry. The inlet condition is fully developed turbulent channel flow at a Reynolds number based on the inlet channel height and bulk velocity of Re = 38000. All mean velocity and Reynolds stress components have been measured. A separated region is found on the inclined wall with a mean separation point at 7.4 and a mean reattachment point at 30.5 inlet channel heights downstream the diffuser inlet (the inclined wall ends 24.8 channel heights downstream the inlet). Instantaneous flow reversal never occurs upstream of five inlet channel heights but may occur far downstream the point of reattachment. A strong shear layer in which high rates of turbulence production are found is located in a region outside the separation. The static wall pressure through the diffuser is presented and used in an analysis of the balance between pressure forces and momentum change. It is demonstrated that production of turbulence causes a major part of the losses of mean flow kinetic energy. The character of the large turbulence structures is investigated by means of time-resolved sequences of velocity fields and spatial auto-correlation functions. Pronounced inclined structures are observed in the spanwise velocity and it is suggested that these are due to the legs of hairpin-like vortices.
Wavelet tools to study intermittency: application to vortex bursting
Authors: RUPPERT-FELSOT JORI , FARGE MARIE , PETITJEANS PHILIPPE
Published: September 2009

This paper proposes statistical tools adapted to study highly unsteady and inhomogeneous flows, such as vortex bursting. For this, we use the wavelet representation in which each coefficient keeps track of both location and scale, in contrast to Fourier representation which requires keeping the phase of all coefficients to preserve the spatial structure of the flow. Based on the continuous wavelet transform, we propose several diagnostics, such as the local spectrum and the local intermittency measure. We also use the orthogonal wavelet transform to split each flow realization into coherent and incoherent contributions, which are then analysed independently and from which we define the coherency measure. We apply these wavelet tools to analyse the bursting of a three-dimensional stretched vortex immersed in a steady laminar channel flow. The time evolution of the velocity field is measured by particle image velocimetry during several successive bursts.
Long bed waves in tidal seas: an idealized model
Authors: BLONDEAUX PAOLO , DE SWART HUIB E. , VITTORI GIOVANNA
Published: September 2009

An idealized model is proposed to explain the appearance of the long bed waves that have been recently observed in shallow tidal seas. The model assumes that these bedforms grow due to tide–topography interaction. The water motion is described by means of the depth-averaged shallow water equations and the bottom evolution is governed by conservation of sediment mass. The sediment transport formulation includes a critical bottom stress below which no sediment moves. Also, anisotropic sediment transport, due to local bottom slopes in the longitudinal and transverse directions, is taken into account. A linear stability analysis of the flat bottom configuration reveals that different bottom patterns can emerge. In accordance with previous analyses, for strong tidal currents, the fastest growing modes are sand banks. However, if the tidal currents are elliptical and the maximum bottom stress is just above its threshold value for the initiation of sediment motion, the model shows the presence of further growing modes which resemble the long bed waves observed in the field.
The optimum position for a tidal power barrage in the Severn estuary
Authors: RAINEY R. C. T.
Published: September 2009

G. I. Taylor's approximate analytical solution for the tidal flow in the Severn estuary is extended to find the optimum location for a tidal power barrage, from the power point of view. It appears to be at the lowest point in the estuary, between Ilfracombe and Gower – contrary to earlier computations. The analytical solution shows that barrages radiate tidal waves out to sea, which highlights the important role of the far-field boundary condition in absorbing them. This appears to have been neglected in numerical models, which may explain the difference from the earlier results.
Before the Countermajoritarian Difficulty: Regime Unity, Loyal Opposition, and Hostilities toward Judicial Authority in Early America
Authors: Engel Stephen M.
Published: September 2009

Traditional accounts of presidential hostility toward judicial authority rely on the federal judiciary's structure for explanatory leverage, focusing particularly on the court's potential to reach countermajoritarian rulings. By evaluating executive-judicial relations during the early republic, that is, the years prior to the Civil War, I suggest that anti-court sentiment stemmed not only from antipathy toward unelected judges or the seemingly undemocratic possibilities of judicial review, but also from a civic republican apprehension toward opposition. I show, first, that Jefferson, Jackson, and Van Buren considered open and stable opposition to be a harbinger of civil unrest and strove to preserve unity among the federal branches, and second, that this fear and corresponding aspiration toward unity underlay these presidents' concerns about judicial authority. As such, I argue that the presumption of the judiciary's countermajoritarian difficulty could be understood as a political development rather than a structural anomaly of the Constitution. In making this claim, I highlight the power of entrepreneurial presidents to drive conceptual change. Furthermore, focusing on the politics of opposition as a key element in the development of presidential-judicial relations broadens how we think of civic republicanism as an organizing political principle, defining not only early American political culture and electoral politics, but also influencing matters of governance.
Inequality and Redistribution: Some Continuing Puzzles
Authors: Kaufman Robert R.
Published: September 2009

An unequal distribution of income and wealth is an inherent feature of all complex societies, and up to a point, a desirable one. A highly skewed distribution, however, raises questions of serious moral and practical concern: To what extent does socioeconomic inequality undermine the principle of political equality on which democratic societies are based? Under what conditions does it lead to lead to political polarization that retards economic growth or threatens the stability of democratic institutions? And under what circumstances do distributive struggles become the basis for violent social protest or rebellion?
Determinants of Political Science Faculty Salaries at the University of California
Authors: Grofman Bernard
Published: September 2009

Combining salary data for permanent non-emeritus faculty at seven departments of political science within the University of California system with lifetime citation counts and other individual-level data from the Masuoka, Grofman, and Feld (2007a) study of faculty at Ph.D.-granting political science departments in the United States, I analyze determinants of faculty salaries. For the full data set the main finding are that (1) base salaries of UC political science faculty are slightly more strongly correlated to citation rates (annualized or total lifetime citations) as a measure of research visibility than they are to seniority measured by years since receipt of the Ph.D.; and (2) that gender differences and subfield differences in salary essentially vanish once I take into account both year of Ph.D. and research visibility (as measured by annualized citation counts), while gender inequities would appear to exist if I did not control for both variables.