bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual sonographic findings in a case of atypical medullary inflammatory carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Sobrino‐Mota Verónica , Lagarejos‐Bernardo Sandra , Varela‐Mezquita Beatriz , Castro Yolanda , Segura‐González Carmen , Pérez‐Milán Federico
Published: February 2008

We report the case of a 35‐year‐old woman who complained of a rapid enlargement of a pre‐existing breast mass and yellowish nipple discharge. Clinical examination revealed a firm mass measuring 15 × 10 cm and “peau d'orange” phenomenon. Sonography revealed a well‐defined mass with heterogeneous echotexture and hyperechoic trabecular structures that delineated hypoechoic areas, resulting in a honeycomb pattern. The patient underwent a surgical exploration and a biopsy of the mass and of the skin. The histopathologic examination revealed an atypical medullary carcinoma with high mitotic activity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Fasting is neuroprotective following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Davis Laurie M. , Pauly James R. , Readnower Ryan D. , Rho Jong M. , Sullivan Patrick G.
Published: February 2008

To determine the neuroprotective effect of fasting after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms, we used a controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury model to induce either a moderate or a severe injury to adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Tissue‐sparing assessments were used to determine the level of neuroprotection of fasting, hypoglycemia (insulin 10 U), or ketone (1.66 mmoles/kg/day or 0.83 mmoles/kg/day; D‐beta‐hydroxtbutyrate) administration. Mitochondrial isolation and respiratory studies were utilized to determine the functionality of mitochondria at the site of injury. We also investigated biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as lipid/protein oxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and intramitochondrial calcium load, as a secondary measure of mitochondrial homeostasis. We found that fasting animals for 24 hr, but not 48 hr, after a moderate (1.5 mm), but not severe (2.0 mm), CCI resulted in a significant increase in tissue sparing. This 24‐hr fast also decreased biomarkers of oxidative stress and calcium loading and increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria isolated from the site of injury. Insulin administration, designed to mimic the hypoglycemic effect seen during fasting did not result in significant tissue sparing after moderate CCI injury and in fact induced increased mortality at some injection time points. However, the administration of ketones resulted in increased tissue sparing after moderate injury. Fasting for 24 hr confers neuroprotection, maintains cognitive function, and improves mitochondrial function after moderate (1.5 mm) TBI. The underlying mechanism appears to involve ketosis rather than hypoglycemia. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accuracy of navigated surgery of the pelvis after surface matching with an a‐mode ultrasound probe
Authors: Oszwald M. , Citak M. , Kendoff D. , Kowal J. , Amstutz C. , Kirchhoff T. , Nolte L.P. , Krettek C. , Hüfner T.
Published: February 2008

Computer‐aided surgery (CAS) allows for real‐time intraoperative feedback resulting in increased accuracy, while reducing intraoperative radiation. CAS is especially useful for the treatment of certain pelvic ring fractures, which necessitate the precise placement of screws. Flouroscopy‐based CAS modules have been developed for many orthopedic applications. The integration of the isocentric flouroscope even enables navigation using intraoperatively acquired three‐dimensional (3D) data, though the scan volume and imaging quality are limited. Complicated and comprehensive pathologies in regions like the pelvis can necessitate a CT‐based navigation system because of its larger field of view. To be accurate, the patient's anatomy must be registered and matched with the virtual object (CT data). The actual precision within the region of interest depends on the area of the bone where surface matching is performed. Conventional surface matching with a solid pointer requires extensive soft tissue dissection. This contradicts the primary purpose of CAS as a minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgical techniques. We therefore integrated an a‐mode ultrasound pointer into the process of surface matching for pelvic surgery and compared it to the conventional method. Accuracy measurements were made in two pelvic models: a foam model submerged in water and one with attached porcine muscle tissue. Three different tissue depths were selected based on CT scans of 30 human pelves. The ultrasound pointer allowed for registration of virtually any point on the pelvis. This method of surface matching could be successfully integrated into CAS of the pelvis. © 2008 Orthopaedic Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:860–864, 2008
Osteogenic gene regulation and relative acceleration of healing by adenoviral‐mediated transfer of human BMP‐2 or ‐6 in equine osteotomy and ostectomy models
Authors: Ishihara Akikazu , Shields Kathleen M. , Litsky Alan S. , Mattoon John S. , Weisbrode Steven E. , Bartlett Jeffrey S. , Bertone Alicia L.
Published: February 2008

This study evaluated healing of equine metatarsal osteotomies and ostectomies in response to percutaneous injection of adenoviral (Ad) bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐2, Ad‐BMP‐6, or beta‐galactosidase protein vector control (Ad‐LacZ) administered 14 days after surgery. Radiographic and quantitative computed tomographic assessment of bone formation indicated greater and earlier mineralized callus in both the osteotomies and ostectomies of the metatarsi injected with Ad‐BMP‐2 or Ad‐BMP‐6. Peak torque to failure and torsional stiffness were greater in osteotomies treated with Ad‐BMP‐2 than Ad‐BMP‐6, and both Ad‐BMP‐2‐ and Ad‐BMP‐6‐treated osteotomies were greater than Ad‐LacZ or untreated osteotomies. Gene expression of ostectomy mineralized callus 8 weeks after surgery indicated upregulation of genes related to osteogenesis compared to intact metatarsal bone. Expression of transforming growth factor beta‐1, cathepsin H, and gelsolin‐like capping protein were greater in Ad‐BMP‐2‐ and Ad‐BMP‐6‐treated callus compared to Ad‐LacZ‐treated or untreated callus. Evidence of tissue biodistribution of adenovirus in distant organs was not identified by quantitative PCR, despite increased serum antiadenoviral vector antibody. This study demonstrated a greater relative potency of Ad‐BMP‐2 over Ad‐BMP‐6 in accelerating osteotomy healing when administered in this regimen, although both genes were effective at increasing bone at both osteotomy and ostectomy sites. © 2008 Orthopaedic Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:764–771, 2008
A comparison of 2‐D chromatography separations using UV and 18O quantification of proteins in similar proteomes
Authors: Smith Julia R. , Matus Isaac , Greene Andrew S.
Published: February 2008

Proteins present in two mitochondria preparations were separated by 2‐D chromatography using the ProteomeLabTM PF‐2D Protein Fractional System, protein fractionation in two dimensions (PF‐2D). The proteins in each first‐dimension fraction were determined by trypsinization and LC‐MS/MS. Chromatography peaks were quantified by UV detection using the “Mapping Tools” software (Beckman). The proteins present in UV detected peaks were trypsinized and identified by automated MS/MS sequencing. Relative amounts of the proteins present in the equivalent peak for each sample were assessed by comparison of the intensities of the constituent peptides and a predicted PF‐2D value was calculated from the total ion count (TIC) for each peptide. Relative quantification for 18O labeled peptides was performed using the ZoomQuant (v1.43b) software [1, 2]. We found that the chromatography peaks detected by UV generally contained several proteins. Using 18O labeling we determined that in each peak the ratios of the constituent proteins were different. When these ratios were normalized using the TIC to account for abundance, the resulting ratio corresponded to that determined by UV. The predicted value for the PF‐2D score corresponded to the observed value for each peak irrespective of the number or proteins detected.
Ultrasonication followed by single‐drop microextraction combined with GC/MS for rapid determination of organochlorine pesticides from fish
Authors: Shrivas Kamlesh , Wu Hui‐Fen
Published: February 2008

A novel, rapid and simple sample pretreatment technique termed ultrasonication followed by single‐drop micro‐extrcation (U‐SDME) has been developed and combined with GC/MS for the determination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in fish. In the present work, the lengthy procedures generally used in the conventional methods like, Soxhlet extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction and microwave assisted solvent extraction for extraction of OCPs from fish tissues are minimized by the use of two simple extraction procedures. Firstly, OCPs from fish were extracted in organic solvent with ultrasonication and then subsequently preconcentrated by single‐drop micro‐extraction (SDME). Extraction parameters of ultrasonication and SDME were optimized in spiked sample solution in order to obtain efficient extraction of OCPs from fish tissues. The calibration curves for OCPs were found to be linear between 10–1000 ng/g with correlation of estimations in the range 0.990–0.994. The recoveries obtained in blank fish tissues were ranged from 82.1 to 95.3%. The LOD and RSD for determination of OCPs in fish were 0.5 ng/g and 9.4–10.0%, respectively. The proposed method was applied for the determination of bioconcentration factor in fish after exposure to different concentrations of OCPs in cultured water. The present method avoids the co‐extraction of lipids, long extraction steps (>12 h) and large amount of organic solvent for the separation of OCPs. The main advantages of the present method are rapid, selective, sensitive and low cost for the determination of OCPs in fish.
Specialty fats – How food manufacturers can get more out of them
Authors: Loh Moong Ming Henry
Published: February 2008

Specialty fats add market value to prepared foods through the sensory attributes they produce. While specialty fats may have been known to food manufacturers for decades, many have yet to realize the full potential of what these functional fats can do for their products and businesses. To achieve this, an adequate level of working knowledge on specialty fats is vital. The application of specialty fats in chocolate, chocolate confectionery, bakery products and ice cream are surveyed, to illustrate a variety of interesting ways food manufacturers can use specialty fats.
Measurement of ischaemia–reperfusion in patients with intermittent claudication using NMR‐based metabonomics
Authors: Coolen Stefan A. , Daykin Clare A. , van Duynhoven John P. M. , van Dorsten Ferdi A. , Wulfert Florian , Mathot Jolanda , Scheltinga Marc R. , Stroosma Otto , Vader Huib , Wijnen Marc H.
Published: February 2008

Intermittent claudication has proved to be a good in vivo model for ischaemia–reperfusion. For assessment of ischaemia–reperfusion damage, the known biochemical markers all have disadvantages with respect to sensitivity and interference with other physiological events. In this work, we studied the metabolic effects of ischaemia–reperfusion in patients with intermittent claudication, and the effects of vitamin C and E intervention, using both traditional biochemical measurements and 1H‐NMR‐based metabonomics on urine and plasma. The 1H‐NMR spectra were subjected to multivariate modelling using principal components discriminant analysis, and the observed clusters were validated using joint deployment of univariate analysis of variance and Tukey–Kramer honestly significant difference (HSD) testing. The study involved 14 patients with intermittent claudication and three healthy volunteers, who were monitored during a walking test, before and after a vitamin C/E intervention, and after a washout period. The effect of exercise was only observable for a limited number of biochemical markers, whereas 1H NMR revealed an effect in line with anaerobic ATP production via glycolysis in exercising (ischaemic) muscle of the claudicants. Thus, the beneficial effect of vitamins C and E in claudicants was more pronounced when observed by metabonomics than by traditional biochemical markers. The main effect was more rapid recovery from exercise to resting state metabolism. Furthermore, after intervention, claudicants tended to have lower concentrations of lactate and glucose and several other citric acid cycle metabolites, whereas acetoacetate was increased. The observed metabolic changes in the plasma suggest that intake of vitamin C/E leads to increased muscle oxidative metabolism. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Particle simulation of spontaneous crack generation associated with the laccolithic type of magma intrusion processes
Authors: Zhao Chongbin , Hobbs B. E. , Ord A. , Peng Shenglin
Published: February 2008

The main purpose of this paper is to extend the particle simulation method for simulating the spontaneous crack generation problem associated with the laccolithic type of magma intrusion and emplacement within the crust of the Earth. As the mechanical behavior of the intruded magma is different from that of its surrounding rocks, the intruded magma is simulated using fluid particles of relatively less compressibility, whereas the surrounding rock of the intruded magma is simulated using conventional solid particles. Using the proposed particle simulation method, it is possible to simulate some magma‐intrusion‐induced important phenomena, such as hydraulic fracturing associated with the creation of a magma chamber, complicated moving boundaries associated with the growing magma chamber and spontaneous crack initiation in the surrounding rocks when magma pressure is propagating from the magma chamber into the surrounding rocks. The related particle simulation results have demonstrated that (1) the proposed particle simulation method is useful and applicable for simulating spontaneous crack generation problems associated with the laccolithic type of magma intrusion process within the crust of the Earth; (2) the generated cracks are highly concentrated on the narrow region that is just above the intruded magma chamber; and (3) the layer‐stiffness ratio has a significant effect on the spontaneously generated crack patterns within the upper crust of the Earth. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Viscoelastic properties of polyacrylonitrile terpolymers during thermo‐oxidative stabilization (cyclization)
Authors: Suresh K. I. , Thomas K. Saji , Rao. B. S. , Nair C. P. Reghunadhan
Published: February 2008

A study on the thermo‐oxidative stabilization (cyclization) of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) terpolymers using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) is reported in this article. When the changes in viscoelastic properties were monitored in a rectangular tension mode, besides the tan δ peak characteristic of the glass transition observed below 200°C, the copolymer and the terpolymer displayed a second peak above 200°C due to the cyclization leading to the formation of ladder structures. The initiation temperature of the cyclization process as well as the peak temperature is found to depend on the acid value and the composition of the precursor polymer. The results presented show that monitoring the changes in viscoelastic properties during cyclization provides insight into the material properties as a result of the chemical changes that are taking place. These observations were confirmed by structural characterization using IR spectroscopy, and the observed chemical changes agree with the literature studies, as due to the thermal cyclization process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of the venom of Heterometrus longimanus (Asian black scorpion)
Authors: Bringans Scott , Eriksen Soren , Kendrick Tulene , Gopalakrishnakone P. , Livk Andreja , Lock Robert , Lipscombe Richard
Published: February 2008

Venoms have evolved over millions of years into potent cocktails of bioactive peptides and proteins. These compounds can be of great value to the pharmaceutical industry for numerous clinical applications. In this study, a novel proteomic – bioinformatic approach was utilised, where chromatography followed by gel electrophoresis was utilised to separate the venom peptides/proteins of Heterometrus longimanus (Asian black scorpion). Purified peptides were analysed by tandem mass spectrometry, de novo sequenced and then homology matched against known peptides in the Swiss‐Prot protein database. Numerous potentially biologically active peptide matches were discovered, and a simple scoring system applied to putatively assign functions to the peptides. As a validation of this approach, the functional composition of the experimentally derived proteome is similar to that of other scorpions, and contains a potent mix of toxins, antimicrobials and ionic channel inhibitors.
Discovery of diagnostic serum biomarkers of gastric cancer using proteomics
Authors: Lam Katie Wing‐kei , Lo Samuel Chun‐lap
Published: February 2008

Gastric cancer has significant morbidity and mortality worldwide and locally. Good prognosis relies on an early diagnosis. However, this remains a challenge due to the lack of specific and sensitive serum biomarkers for early detection. Hence, there is a constant search for these biomarkers for screening purposes. Proteomic profiling enables a new approach to the discovery of biomarkers in disease. This review presents recent attempts in search of gastric cancer serum biomarker using proteomics. Different methodologies and different types of samples were employed by different groups of researchers. Major difficulties were encountered in the discovery processes, including interference from abundant proteins and continuous changing serum proteomes from different individuals.
Contribution of proteomics to the study of the role of cytokeratins in disease and physiopathology
Authors: Brouillard Franck , Fritsch Janine , Edelman Aleksander , Ollero Mario
Published: February 2008

Cytokeratins (CKs), the most abundant group of cytoskeletal intermediate filaments, and proteomics are strongly connected. On the one hand, proteomics has been extremely useful to uncover new features and functions of CKs, on the other, the highly abundant CKs serve as an exceptional tool to test new technological developments in proteomics. As a result, proteomics has contributed to finding valuable associations of CKs with diseases as diverse as cancer, cystic fibrosis, steatohepatitis, viral and bacterial infection, keratoconus, vitreoretinopathy, preeclampsia or the chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as to characterizing their participation in a number of physiopathological processes, including drug resistance, response to toxicants, inflammation, stem cell differentiation, embryo development, and tissue repair. In some cases, like in cystic fibrosis, CKs have been described as potential therapeutic targets. The development of a specific field of proteomics where CKs become the main subject of research aims and hypotheses is suggested.
Structure and energetics for an additional H absorbed into superionic phase of CsHSO4 by a first‐principles study
Authors: Ma Yongjun , Ke Xuezhi
Published: February 2008

Using first‐principles methods, we have studied the crystal structure of the CsHSO4 superionic phase, and the stability for an additional H absorbed in CsHSO4 in various charged states. The charged states were calculated by using neutral, negatively charged (–), and positively charged (+) supercells. For a perfect crystal, the structure in which all protons occupy the 16f‐sites is found to be more stable than that in which protons occupy the 8e‐sites. Concerning the stability of an additional H in CsHSO4, we found the SO4 tetrahedron is broken when the supercell is optimized in either the neutral or the negatively charged state. The calculated formation energy for an additional neutral H in CsHSO4 indicates that this H can not be absorbed into CsHSO4. In the positively charged state, the calculated formation energy indicates that many additional protons may be absorbed into CsHSO4 to form a high chemical potential on one side. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of quenched disorder on Griffiths phase and EPR line width in La0.67–2xNd2xCa0.33–xSrx MnO3 manganites
Authors: Yassin O. A. , Mohamed Mohamed Ibrahim , Bhatia S. N.
Published: February 2008

It is widely accepted that there is Griffiths phase (GP) present in the paramagnetic phase in doped manganites. We studied the effect of quenched disorder on the region of GP in connection with the temperature dependence of the line width (ΔH) of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in La0.67–2x Nd2x Ca0.33–x Srx MnO3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2 and 0.25). With this approach it is found that ΔH (T), the minimum in the line width (ΔHmin) and Tmin are reproduced. With increasing values of the quenched disorder the values of ΔHmin are found to increase. A numerical relation that correlates the temperature range in which GP exists and the cation size disorder is obtained and found to be in agreement with some reported data. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dynamical screening and memory effect of non‐equilibrium carrier–carrier scattering in GaAs
Authors: Lee Han‐Chieh
Published: February 2008

Given the absence of a Coulomb singularity in the quantum regime, the dependence of dynamical screening in non‐equilibrium carrier–carrier scattering on the dimension of GaAs was examined using the generalized Kadanoff–Baym equation. The screening in a quantum well is stronger than that in the bulk but this has not been previously understood. This dependence also applies to the Fröhlich interaction because, in momentum space, the electric flux density of small‐angle scattering is stronger in a lower dimension. Calculations also revealed the memory effect; based on these, the quantum kinetic oscillation was conceptualized. As time evolves, the scattering rate increases at the early stage and causes hole burning in the carrier's distribution. This effect enables the dependence of the average relaxation time on the carrier density to become independent of the sample's dimension, unlike in the Boltzmann regime. This work can eliminate the apparent contradiction between Shank's and Haug's experimental results. Finally, an experimental problem regarding the anomalously fast thermalization of non‐equilibrium carriers immersed in cold electrons in a quantum well was investigated and a reasonable explanation is presented. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Exploring the reactivity of mixed ω‐functionalized undecanethiol self‐assembled monolayers—A DFT study
Authors: Tielens Frederik , Humblot Vincent , Pradier Claire‐Marie
Published: February 2008

The reactive sites of self‐assembled monolayers (SAM) formed by substituted thiolalkyl chains have been predicted in the case of the pure mercaptoundecane acid, for the pure mercaptoundecane alcohol, and the mixed 1:1 SAMs. The differences in reactivity between the different SAM domains (pure and mixed) would enable selective substitution of the head groups leading to a better understanding of the dispersion of the adsorbed molecules on the SAM surface. Selective reactivity was predicted in order to investigate the homogeneity of the mixed SAMs, and in view of designing new SAM surfaces. The results are discussed in terms of the electrostatic potential and the Fukui function. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Dynamic NMR study of the oxaphosphetane complexation with lithium during the Wittig reaction
Authors: Pascariu Aurelia , Mracec Mircea , Berger Stefan
Published: February 2008

Dynamic NMR spectroscopy at very low temperatures (148–182 K) reveal the dynamic behavior of the (2‐tri(3‐furyl)‐3‐methyl‐4‐cyclopropenyl‐oxaphosphetane) generated during a Wittig reaction between tri(3‐furyl)ethylphosphonium iodine and cyclopropylaldehyde. The possibility of formation of different adducts between Li+ ions and oxaphosphetane or betainic intermediates was checked calculating the formation enthalpies using the MNDO, AM1, and PM3 semiempirical MO methods. The observed species are interpreted as oxaphosphetane complexes with lithium ions present in solution. Quantum mechanical calculations confirm the spectroscopic results. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Equivalent orbitals for multiconfigurational spin‐tensor electron propagator method (MCSTEP): The vertical ionization potentials of B, NO, CF, and OF
Authors: Ma Dongxia , Yeager Danny L.
Published: February 2008

The multiconfigurational spin tensor electron propagator method (MCSTEP) was developed as an implementation of electron propagator/single particle Green's function methods for ionization potentials (IPs) and electron affinities (EAs). MCSTEP was specifically designed for open shell and highly correlated (nondynamically correlated) initial states. For computational efficiency the initial state used in MCSTEP is typically a small complete active space (CAS) multiconfigurational self‐consistent field (MCSCF) state. If in a molecule there are some degenerate orbitals which are not fully or half occupied, usual MCSCF calculations will make these orbitals inequivalent, i.e., the occupied ones will be different from the nonoccupied ones, so that the degeneracy is broken. In this article, we use a state averaged MCSCF method to get equivalent orbitals for the initial state and import the integrals into the subsequent MCSTEP calculations. This gives, in general, more reliable MCSTEP vertical IPs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., 2008
The Structure and Dynamics of Microparticles at Pickering Emulsion Interfaces
Authors: Dai Lenore L. , Tarimala Sowmitri , Wu Chih‐yuan , Guttula Shashidhar , Wu Jian
Published: February 2008

We have employed a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) to study the structure and dynamics of microparticles at Pickering emulsion interfaces. The microparticles can have rich morphology at the emulsion interfaces, ranging from an aggregated structure to colloidal lattices, with a possibility of involving heterogeneous particles. With a specific interest in colloidal lattices, we find that although the enhanced electrostatic repulsion explains the formation of colloidal lattices by sulfate‐treated polystyrene (S‐PS) particles, it fails to interpret the unsuccessfulness of assembling lattices containing single‐species carboxylate‐treated polystyrene (C‐PS) particles. A small percentage of C‐PS particles in the colloidal mixture does not disturb the formation of lattices made of S‐PS particles. The LSCM also provides a meaningful way to probe dynamic information. The diffusion of single particles at the emulsion interfaces depends strongly on the oil phase viscosity, particle size, and particle wettability. A highly curved emulsion interface slows the motion of microparticles at oil‐water interfaces but the interface curvature effect decreases with increasing oil phase viscosity. Although the confocal microscope was originally used as an imaging tool, we find that the thermodynamic equilibrium of colloidal lattices can be disturbed and even destroyed when increasing the output laser intensity. SCANNING 30: 000–000, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Situ Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes on Heated Scanning Probes Using Dip Pen Techniques
Authors: Gargate Rohit V. , Banerjee Debjyoti
Published: February 2008

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) were synthesized on heated scanning probes and under ambient conditions without requiring Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus or process gases. In this study, dip pen nanolithography (DPN) techniques were utilized for deposition of catalyst precursors on the scanning probe tips in the form of aqueous solution of metal salts—prior to the synthesis of the CNT. A layer of fullerene (C60) of ∼200 nm thickness was vapor deposited on the scanning probe tip prior to the deposition of the metal catalyst. During the in situ synthesis of the CNT on the scanning probes, the temperature of the heated scanning probes reached 350–400 °C. Hence the scanning probes were heated in an inert atmosphere to prevent potential oxidation of the deposited fullerene layer. The synthesized CNTs were subsequently characterized using SEM and Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectroscopy showed peaks in the Radial breathing mode (RBM), as well as the defect (D) and graphitic (G) bands. The RBM peaks indicate that the single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) ranged in diameter from 0.9–1.5 nm. The peaks in the Raman spectra are indicative of SWCNT mixtures (metallic and semconducting) and possibly multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). Hence this process can be optimized to synthesize SWCNT of a specific chirality (metallic or semiconducting). This study differs from an earlier study reported in the literature involving synthesis of CNT on scanning probes where the process temperatures typically exceeded 700 °C, and resulted in synthesis of highly graphitic MWCNT (Sunden, et al., 2006). SCANNING 30: 000–000, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study in the effect of annealing on hydrogen retention properties of C‐90%SiC films
Authors: Ren D. , Du J. F. , Zhang R. Q. , Yang S. Q. , Huang N. K.
Published: February 2008

Carbon‐rich silicon carbide (C‐90%SiC) films as hydrogen barriers were deposited on the surface of stainless steel substrates with magnetron sputtering, and then bombarded by argon ion beam. In order to remove the argon atoms reserved during films preparation, some samples with the prepared C‐90%SiC films were thermally annealed for 30 min at 473, 673 and 873 K in vacuum, respectively. These samples together with the un‐annealed ones were then irradiated by a 5 keV hydrogen ion beam. SEM was used to investigate the surface micrograph of those films and SIMS was used to measure the mass spectra of positive species and the depth distribution of argon and hydrogen in the samples. A remarkable decrease in hydrogen intensity in the substrates with annealing indicates that annealing for removing argon can effectively improve hydrogen retention properties of the C‐90%SiC films. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast‐swelling Superabsorbent Hydrogels from Poly(2‐hydroxy ethyl acrylate‐co‐sodium acrylate) Grafted on Starch
Authors: Pourjavadi Ali , Samadi Morasae , Ghasemzadeh Hossein
Published: February 2008

Fast‐swelling highly porous superabsorbent hydrogels were synthesized through a rapid radical polymerization under normal atmospheric conditions. To synthesize a biopolymer‐based superabsorbent hydrogel, 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and sodium acrylate (AANa) were grafted on the starch backbone in an aqueous solution. The graft copolymerization reaction was carried out in the presence of ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator and $\displaystyle N,N'$‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker in a homogeneous medium. The chemical structure of the hydrogels was confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology of the samples was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that with increasing the amount of sodium acrylate both swelling capacity and swelling under load (AUL) were increased. Preliminary swelling and deswelling behaviors of the hydrogels were also studied. The effects of pH and inorganic salt on the swelling behavior of the hydrogels were investigated as well.
Determination of acute and early life stage toxicity of fat‐plant effluent using zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Şişman Turgay , İncekara Ümit , Yıldız Yalçın Şevki
Published: February 2008

The present study examines the effects of an effluent from a fat plant (FP) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and larvae using the whole effluent toxicity testing methods (WET). The method is based on acute toxicity using 96‐h larval mortality and chronic toxicity using endpoints such as the time to hatch, hatching success, deformity, growth rate, swim‐up failure, accumulative mortality, and sex ratio. On the basis of larval mortality the 96‐h LC50 (the concentration was lethal to 50% of newly hatching zebrafish larvae) was 68.9%. In chronic toxicity test, newly fertilized embryos (<5‐h old) were exposed to 1, 6, 12, 25, 50% effluent concentrations in a 24‐h static renewal system at (27 ± 0.5)°C until 15‐day posthatch. The results showed that all chronic endpoints were significantly different from the control at 50% dilution. Embryos began to show lesions on third day at higher concentrations (12, 25, 50% FP effluent concentrations). Treatment group of 25% dilution showed delayed time to hatch. Morphological abnormalities were observed in newly hatched larvae at 25 and 50% FP effluent concentrations. At 25% dilution, sex ratio of larvae was alternated and there was feminization phenomenon. On the basis of the study, the FP effluent tested here may cause increasing embryotoxicity in the zebrafish embryos. We conclude that the test using zebrafish is feasible to evaluate both acute and chronic toxicities of industrial effluents. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Java medaka: A proposed new marine test fish for ecotoxicology
Authors: Koyama Jiro , Kawamata Miki , Imai Shoko , Fukunaga Miho , Uno Seiichi , Kakuno Akira
Published: February 2008

Java medaka (Oryzias javanicus), which is distributed in estuarine waters of East to Southeast Asia, is proposed here for consideration as a new marine test fish. Semi‐static acute toxicity tests were conducted at 26°C for 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month old Java‐medaka exposed to 4‐chlorophenol and zinc, and 2 weeks olds exposed to potassium dichromate (hexavalent chromium) and sodium hypochlorite (residue chlorine). Ninety‐six hours LC50s of 4‐chlorophenol, zinc, hexavalent chromium, and residue chlorine were from 3.0 to 4.1, from 12.4 to 14.7, 7.4, and 0.05 mg/L, respectively. There were no large differences in sensitivity for 4‐chlorophenol and zinc among the three growth stages. Compared with other fish species, these LC50s were relatively low suggesting that Java medaka has relatively high sensitivity to chemicals. This fish is quite easy to keep in the laboratory, with low mortalities at early stages and it takes about 3 months to mature from hatching, suggesting that this fish can be used not only for short‐term toxicity tests but also for early life stage toxicity tests. From these results, Java‐medaka is highly recommended as a marine test fish for ecotoxicity tests. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Tribologisches Verhalten von harten und superharten Kohlenstoffschichten
Authors: Schultrich Bernd , Weihnacht Volker
Published: February 2008

Das Reibungsverhalten amorpher Kohlenstoffschichten wird durch die feste Anbindung monomolekularer Bedeckungen bestimmt. Sie bedingen die sehr geringe Reibung in normaler (feuchter) Luft, ihr Fehlen führt in trockener Luft bzw. im Vakuum zu hohen Reibungszahlen. Mit wässrigen oder öligen Schmierstoffen ergeben sich gewöhnlich keine wesentlichen Verbesserungen des tribologischen Verhaltens. Bei wasserstofffreien ta‐C‐Schichten gelingt jedoch durch Ankopplung speziell angepasster Schmierstoffgruppen eine weitere deutliche Reduzierung der Reibkräfte.
A comparative study of the X‐ray diffraction patterns and thermal transitions of metal soaps
Authors: Vold Marjorie J. , Vold Robert D.
Published: February 2008

X‐ray diffraction patterns at room temperature for soaps of barium, calcium, and lithium were found to be characteristic for different soaps of the same cation. This is true not only for palmitates and stearates but also (with minor variations) for mixed soaps containing up to at least 50% oleate, for pure calcium oleate, and even for lithium 12‐hydroxystearate.

Soaps of the same cation in mixtures approximating the composition of natural tallow fatty acids appear to form mixed crystals. The succession of phases formed on heating shows strongly the influence of the oleate in the mixture.

Calcium resinates appear to crystallize imperfectly but definitely with a “head to head” arrangment of the abietate radicals in contrast to the acids which give evidence of a head to tail arrangement.
Studies on candelilla wax. I. its n‐acids and n‐alcohols
Authors: Schuette H. A. , Baldinus J. G.
Published: February 2008

A method has been described for separating the constituents of candelilla wax into three fractions, viz., paraffins, acids, and alcohols. To the list of acids and alcohols reported by others as constituents of this wax may now be added the C28 individuals. The presence of the C30, C32, and C34 homologues of both compounds has been confirmed. All are of then‐type. Not confirmed however was the alleged presence of a lactone.
Solvent extraction of rice brain. Production of B‐vitamin concentrate and oil by isopropanol extraction
Authors: Meinke W. W. , Holland Bryant R. , Harris W. D.
Published: February 2008

Freshly milled rice brain was extracted with hot 91 and 95% isopropanol to obtain the oil, sugars, and a considerable pootion of the B‐complex vitamins. After concentration of the micella a sugar‐syrup phase reparated from the oil. This syrup phase contained most of the extracted vitamins. Yields of oil and syrup were observed and vitamin assays made on the syrup and on the brain before and after extraction. The vitamins measured were biotin, folic acid, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, thiamin, niacin, and inositol.
Reaction of tertiary butyl hypochlorite with vegetable oils and their derivatives. II. Methyl oleate
Authors: Teeter Howard M. , Jackson John E.
Published: February 2008

The chlorination of methyl oleate witht‐butyl hypochlorite under varied conditions of reaction has been investigated.

Chlorinated methyl oleate obtained by this reaction appears to consist of mixture of an allylic mono chloroderivative, a non‐allylic monochloroderivative, and a saturated dichloroderivative.

Methyl 9,10‐dichlorostearate, chlorinated ethyl stearate, and chlorides from methyl ricinoleate and methyl 12‐hydroxystearate were prepared, and their behavior towards thermal dehydrochlorination and towards hot and cold alcoholic silver nitrate was studied.

A saturated dichloro derivative, possibly methyl 9,10‐dichlorostearate, has been isolated from chlorinated methyl oleate.
Practice-oriented courses in formal methods using VDM
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Authors: Larsen Peter Gorm , Fitzgerald John S. , Riddle Steve
Published: February 2008

We describe the design and delivery of two courses that aim to develop skills of use to students in their subsequent professional practice, whether or not they apply formal methods directly. Both courses emphasise skills in model construction and analysis by testing rather than formal verification. The accessibility of the formalism is enhanced by the use of established notations (VDM-SL and VDM
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). Motivation is improved by using credible examples drawn from industrial projects, and by using an industrial-strength tool set. We present examples from the courses and discuss student evaluation and examination performance. We stress the need for exercises and tests to support the development of abstraction skills.
Adenosine and kidney function: Potential implications in patients with heart failure
Authors: Vallon Volker , Miracle Cindy , Thomson Scott
Published: February 2008

Therapy of heart failure is more difficult when renal function is impaired. Here, we outline the effects on kidney function of the autacoid, adenosine, which forms the basis for adenosine A1receptor (A1R) antagonists as treatment for decompensated heart failure. A1R antagonists induce a eukaliuretic natriuresis and diuresis by blocking A1R‐mediated NaCl reabsorption in the proximal tubule and the collecting duct. Normally, suppressing proximal reabsorption will lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) through the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism (TGF). But the TGF response, itself, is mediated by A1R in the preglomerular arteriole, so blocking A1R allows natriuresis to proceed while GFR remains constant or increases. The influence of A1R over vascular resistance in the kidney is augmented by angiotensin II while A1R activation directly suppresses renin secretion. These interactions could modulate the overall impact of A1R blockade on kidney function in patients taking angiotensin II blockers. A1R blockers may increase the energy utilized for transport in the semi‐hypoxic medullary thick ascending limb, an effect that could be prevented with loop diuretics. Finally, while the vasodilatory effect of A1R blockade could protect against renal ischaemia, A1R blockade may act on non‐resident cells to exacerbate reperfusion injury, where ischaemia to occur. Despite these uncertainties, the available data on A1R antagonist therapy in patients with decompensated heart failure are promising and warrant confirmation in further studies.
Serum amyloid A‐induced IL‐6 production by rheumatoid synoviocytes
Authors: Koga Tomohiro , Torigoshi Takafumi , Motokawa Satoru , Miyashita Taichiro , Maeda Yumi , Nakamura Minoru , Komori Atsumasa , Aiba Yoshihiro , Uemura Takashi , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Ishibashi Hiromi , Eguchi Katsumi , Migita Kiyoshi
Published: February 2008

In this study, we investigated the role of serum amyloid A protein (SAA) in the production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) using rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (RA‐FLS). Recombinant SAA stimulation induced the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokine, IL‐6, from RA‐FLS. The signaling events induced by SAA included the activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kineases, p38 and JNK1/2 and the activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB). Inhibitor studies have shown SAA‐induced IL‐6 production to be down‐regulated by NF‐κB inhibition and partially inhibited by p38 or JNK inhibitors. Our findings demonstrate that SAA is a significant inducer of IL‐6, which is critically involved in RA pathogenesis.
A possible link between resveratrol and TGF‐β: Resveratrol induction of TGF‐β expression and signaling
Authors: Suenaga Fumiko , Hatsushika Kyosuke , Takano Shinichi , Ando Takashi , Ohnuma Yuko , Ogawa Hideoki , Nakao Atsuhito
Published: February 2008

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in the skin of red fruits, exhibits anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative, and anti‐proliferative characteristics. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is a pleiotropic cytokine that also displays such properties. We therefore hypothesized that there might be a functional link between resveratrol and TGF‐β. This study reports that resveratrol increased transcription of the TGF‐β2 gene, enhanced the production of TGF‐β2 protein, and activated Smad signaling in an autocrine manner in A549 human lung epithelial cell line. Thus, some of the beneficial effects of resveratrol on human health might be mediated, in part, through its effects on TGF‐β expression and signaling.
Uteroglobin interacts with the heparin‐binding site of fibronectin and prevents fibronectin–IgA complex formation found in IgA‐nephropathy
Authors: Chowdhury Bhabadeb , Zhang Zhongjian , Mukherjee Anil B.
Published: February 2008

Immunoglobulin A (IgA)‐nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary renal glomerular disease in the world that has no effective treatment. High levels of circulating IgA–fibronectin (Fn) complexes, characteristically found in IgAN patients, are suggested to cause abnormal deposition of IgA and Fn in the renal glomeruli of these patients causing renal failure. We previously reported that binding of Fn to uteroglobin (UG), a multifunctional anti‐inflammatory protein, inhibits Fn–IgA heteromerization. However, the specific site of Fn–UG interaction until now remained unidentified. We report here that UG interacts with the heparin‐binding site of Fn and propose that small molecules competing for interaction with this site may reduce the level of circulating Fn–IgA complexes in IgAN.
Differential effect of NF‐κB activity on β‐catenin/Tcf pathway in various cancer cells
Authors: Cho Hyun Hwa , Song Ji Sun , Yu Ji Min , Yu Sung Sook , Choi Sung Jong , Kim Dong Heon , Jung Jin Sup
Published: February 2008

β‐Catenin/Tcf and NF‐κB pathways play an important role in biological functions. We determined the underlying mechanisms of differential interaction between two pathways in various human cancer cell lines. NF‐κB positively regulated β‐catenin/Tcf pathways in human glioblastoma, whereas it has an opposite effect on β‐catenin/Tcf pathways in colon, liver, and breast cancer cells. Expression of lucine zipper tumor suppressor 2 (lzts2) was positively regulated by NF‐κB activity in colon, liver, and breast cancer cells, whereas negatively regulated in glioma cells. Downregulation of lzts2 increased the β‐catenin/Tcf promoter activity and inhibited NF‐κB‐induced modulation of the nuclear translocation of β‐catenin. These data indicate that the differential crosstalk between β‐catenin/Tcf and NF‐κB pathway in various cancer cells is resulted from the differences in the regulation of NF‐κB‐induced lzts2 expression.
The activation of p53 mediated by Epstein‐Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 in SV40 large T‐antigen transformed cells
Authors: Li Lili , Zhou Shanghui , Chen Xue , Guo Lili , Li Zijian , Hu Duosha , Luo Xiangjian , Ma Xiaoqian , Tang Min , Yi Wei , Tsao Sai Wah , Cao Ya
Published: February 2008

The Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The tumor suppressor p53 is an important transcription factor. The mutation of the p53 gene is the frequent alteration in most of tumors, but nearly 100% wild‐type p53 gene is found in NPC biopsy. Here, our study testified that SV40 T‐antigen transformed nasopharyngeal epithelial cells contained free, wild‐type p53. Moreover, LMP1 regulated p53 both at transcriptional and translational level. Furthermore, the mechanism of p53 accumulation mediated by LMP1 from post‐translational level‐phosphorylation and ubiquitination were determined. Therefore, the effects of EBV LMP1 on p53 may potentially contribute to EBV‐associated pathogenesis.
14‐3‐3 Proteins directly regulate Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase kinase α through phosphorylation‐dependent multisite binding
Authors: Ichimura Tohru , Taoka Masato , Hozumi Yasukazu , Goto Kaoru , Tokumitsu Hiroshi
Published: February 2008

Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase kinase α (CaMKKα) plays critical roles in the modulation of neuronal cell survival as well as many other cellular activities. Here we show that 14‐3‐3 proteins directly regulate CaMKKα when the enzyme is phosphorylated by protein kinase A on either Ser74 or Ser475. Mutational analysis revealed that these two serines are both functional: the CaMKKα mutant with a mutation at either of these residues, but not the double mutant, was inhibited significantly by 14‐3‐3. The mode of regulation described herein differs the recently described mode of 14‐3‐3 regulation of CaMKKα.
Late Quaternary vegetation reconstruction from the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania
Authors: Mumbi C.T. , Marchant R. , Hooghiemstra H. , Wooller M.J.
Published: February 2008

Pollen, spore, macrofossil and stable isotope (C and N) analyses from a 266-cm sediment core collected from a swamp on the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania, are used to reconstruct vegetation and environmental history. An estimated time scale based on five14C ages records approximately 38,000 yr. This palaeorecord is the first from this biodiversity hotspot and importantly extends through the last glacial maximum (LGM). The altitudinal transition from montane to upper montane forest shifted from 1700–1800 m (38,00014C yr BP) to 1800–1900 m (35,000–29,00014C yr BP). From 29,000 to 10,00014C yr BP, it shifted from 1850–1950 m across the LGM to 1750–1800 m (during 10,000–350014C yr BP), and to present-day elevations at 2000 m during the last 350014C yr BP. The relative ecosystem stability across the LGM may be explained by the Indian Ocean's influence in maintaining continuous moist forest cover during a period of East African regional climate aridity. During the late Holocene, presence of abundant coprophilous fungi and algal blooms demonstrates increasing human impact.Neurospora spores indicate frequent fires, coinciding with clear signals of decline inPodocarpus and Psychotria trees that possibly represent selective logging.