bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DiffTools: Electron diffraction software tools for DigitalMicrograph™
Authors: Mitchell D.R.G.
Published: July 2008

A suite of software tools (DiffTools) has been developed for DigitalMicrograph—a software platform widely used in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) laboratories world‐wide. These tools include capabilities for calibration, center determination, rotational averaging with automatic peak location, pattern spot spacing and interspot angle determination, rotation and inset of a pattern into an image, pattern intensity inversion and enhancement, and calculation of basic crystallographic data. The implementation and application of these tools to experimental diffraction patterns is illustrated and measurement of d‐spacings with an accuracy of 0.63% or better is demonstrated. These tools, which are freely available via the Internet, enable users to rapidly and efficiently process selected area electron diffraction patterns. This can be performed entirely within the DigitalMicrograph environment using familiar menu‐based commands and user‐friendly dialog‐based scripts. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trust amply recompensed: Psychological research at Weyburn, Saskatchewan, 1957–1961
Authors: Mills John A. , Dyck Erika
Published: July 2008

During the 1950s and 1960s professionals intensely debated the prospect of changes in the mental health system, largely as a result of the introduction of new therapies, revised theories of mental disorder, and shifting policies governing mental health accommodation. As well as giving rise to new subspecialties within medicine, psychiatrists in some jurisdictions at this time worked closely with psychologists in an attempt to offer a more comprehensive set of options that merged theory with practice. In Saskatchewan, mental health professionals worked closely with government officials and bureaucrats and produced a variety of innovative strategies that addressed changing priorities in this system. This article examines the role played by psychologists in Saskatchewan during this period as they worked cooperatively with psychiatrists and bureaucrats to merge medical, psychological, and political perspectives in a system aimed at accommodating mental illness in the wake of new theories and treatments that questioned the efficacy of care in institutionalized settings in the wake of growing suggestions for care in the community. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The development of early psychology of religion: A Dutch falsification of the received view
Authors: Belzen Jacob A.
Published: July 2008

This article takes issue with the received view of the history of the psychology of religion. Contrary to the presentation of “the” psychology of religion by Beit‐Hallahmi in JHBS (1974) as declining after 1913, this article (1) states that the psychology of religion has never been a homogeneous enterprise, but rather a multiform one, with very different developments in different countries, and (2) presents the history of the Dutch Godsdienstpsychologische Studievereeniging [Study Association for the Psychology of Religion; GPSV] as one of the falsifications of the received view. The GPSV existed in the 1920s and as one of its most notable activities, it organized in 1926 the first international conference for the psychology of religion, an event described in some detail. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative morphology of stingray lateral line canal and electrosensory systems
Authors: Jordan Laura K.
Published: July 2008

Elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) possess a variety of sensory systems including the mechanosensory lateral line and electrosensory systems, which are particularly complex with high levels of interspecific variation in batoids (skates and rays). Rays have dorsoventrally compressed, laterally expanded bodies that prevent them from seeing their mouths and more often than not, their prey. This study uses quantitative image analysis techniques to identify, quantify, and compare structural differences that may have functional consequences in the detection capabilities of three Eastern Pacific stingray species. The benthic round stingray, Urobatis halleri, pelagic stingray, Pteroplatytrygon (Dasyatis) violacea, and benthopelagic bat ray, Myliobatis californica, show significant differences in sensory morphology. Ventral lateral line canals correlate with feeding ecology and differ primarily in the proportion of pored and nonpored canals and the degree of branching complexity. Urobatis halleri shows a high proportion of nonpored canals, while P. violacea has an intermediate proportion of pored and nonpored canals with almost no secondary branching of pored canals. In contrast, M. californica has extensive and highly branched pored ventral lateral line canals that extended laterally toward the wing tips on the anterior edge of the pectoral fins. Electrosensory morphology correlates with feeding habitat and prey mobility; benthic feeders U. halleri and M. californica, have greater electrosensory pore numbers and densities than P. violacea. The percentage of the wing surface covered by these sensory systems appears to be inversely related to swimming style. These methods can be applied to a broader range of species to enable further discussion of the relationship of phylogeny, ecology, and morphology, while the results provide testable predictions of detection capabilities. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SPICE modelling of power Schottky diodes
Authors: Zarębski Janusz , Dąbrowski Jacek
Published: July 2008

The paper concerns the problem of modelling of silicon and silicon carbide power Schottky diodes. The SPICE built‐in isothermal model of silicon diodes and the electrothermal model of silicon carbide Schottky diodes proposed by Infineon Technologies are investigated and modified. The quality of Schottky diodes modelling is estimated by measurements. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NFAT2 Is an essential mediator of orthopedic particle‐induced osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Yamanaka Yasuhiro , Abu‐Amer Wahid , Foglia Dominica , Otero Jesse , Clohisy John C. , Abu‐Amer Yousef
Published: July 2008

Particle‐induced periprosthetic osteolysis is the major cause for orthopedic implant failure. This failure is mediated mainly by the action of osteoclasts, the principal cells responsible for bone resorption and osteolysis. Therapeutic interventions to alleviate osteolysis have been focused on understanding and targeting mechanisms of osteoclastogenesis. The nuclear transcription factor NFAT is an essential terminal differentiation factor of osteoclastogenesis. This transcription factor is known to cooperate with c‐jun/AP‐1 in mediating RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis. We have previously determined that RANKL is an essential cytokine mediator of particle‐induced osteoclastogenesis, and that PMMA particles activate JNK and c‐jun/AP‐1 in bone marrow macrophages (osteoclast precursors). In the current study, we investigated the effect of PMMA particles on the NFAT signaling pathway in osteoclast precursor cells. Our findings point out that PMMA particles stimulate nuclear translocation of NFAT2 in wild‐type osteoclast precursors, which is associated with increased osteoclastogenesis. More importantly, induction of osteoclastogenesis was selectively blocked in a dose‐dependent fashion by the calcineurin inhibitors, Cyclosporine‐A and FK506. Further, this activation was also blocked in a time‐dependent fashion by the NFAT inhibitor VIVIT. Finally, we provide novel evidence that PMMA particles induce binding of NFAT2 and AP‐1 proteins. Thus, our findings demonstrate that activation of the NFAT pathway in conjunction with MAP kinases is essential for basal and PMMA‐stimulated osteoclastogenesis. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Assessment of the efficacy of joint lavage in rabbits with osteoarthritis of the Knee
Authors: Fu Xin , Lin Lin , Zhang Jiying , Yu Changlong
Published: July 2008

We investigated the efficacy of joint lavage to alter the progression of the disease process in a rabbit model of knee OA in varying stages of the disease. Thirty‐three white rabbits were operated to induce OA, and then the rabbits were divided into three groups (10 in each) randomly. In group 1, on week 1 after the operation, joint lavage was performed on both knees in five rabbits as treatment group, and the other five rabbits were used as control group received no intervention. By the end of week 2 after operation, the rabbits were sacrificed. In group 2, five received joint lavage on week 2, and all were sacrificed on week 3. In group3, five received joint lavage on week 3, and all were sacrificed on week 4. In each group, histological evaluation showed that both the breakdown of articular cartilage and the inflammation of synovium were less in the knees treated with joint lavage than that in the control knees. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay revealed that the expression of IL‐1β and TNF‐α in synovial fluid decreased significantly in the treatment group. Our findings suggested that joint lavage was beneficial for OA at different phases of OA in rabbit models. Joint lavage may be a beneficial method for the treatment of OA clinically. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:91–96, 2009
Electrodeposited polyaniline as a fiber coating for solid‐phase microextraction of organochlorine pesticides from water
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhong Ming , Chen Jianmin
Published: July 2008

The study on the performance of polyaniline as a fiber coating for solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) purposes has been reported. Polyaniline coatings were directly electrodeposited on the surface of a stainless steel wire and applied for the extraction of some organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from water samples. Analyses were performed using GC‐electron capture detection (GC‐ECD). The results obtained show that polyaniline fiber coating is suitable for the successful extraction of organochlorine compounds. This behavior is most probably due to the porous surface structure of polyaniline film, which provides large surface areas and allowed for high extraction efficiency. Experimental parameters such as adsorption and desorption conditions were studied and optimized. The optimized method has an acceptable linearity, with a concentration range of 1–5000 ng/L. Single fiber repeatability and fiber‐to‐fiber reproducibility were less than 12 and 17%, respectively. High environmental resistance and lower cost are among the advantages of polyaniline fibers over commercially available SPME fibers. The developed method was applied to the analysis of real water samples from Yangtse River and Tianmu Lake.
Effects of gastrointestinal digestion and heating on the allergenicity of the kiwi allergens Act d 1, actinidin, and Act d 2, a thaumatin‐like protein
Authors: Bublin Merima , Radauer Christian , Knulst André , Wagner Stefan , Scheiner Otto , Mackie Alan R. , Mills E. N. Clare , Breiteneder Heimo
Published: July 2008

Kiwifruit is a significant elicitor of allergy both in children and adults. Digestibility of two kiwifruit allergens, actinidin (Act d 1) and thaumatin‐like protein (Act d 2), was assessed using an in vitro digestion system that approximates physiological conditions with respect to the passage of food through the stomach into the duodenum. Act d 1 precipitated in simulated gastric fluid at pH 2 and digestion of the aggregated protein proceeded slowly. The residual precipitate redissolved completely in simulated duodenal fluid at pH 6.5 and was partially digested. Forty percent of Act d 2 remained intact during gastric digestion and were cleaved by duodenal proteases into large fragments covalently linked by disulfide bonds. Both digested allergen samples displayed nearly unchanged IgE binding abilities. Circular dichroism spectra were used to analyze heat and acid‐induced unfolding. Thermal stability of both allergens was strongly pH dependent. While Act d 1 was irreversibly destabilized in acidic solutions, heat‐induced denaturation of Act d 2 at pH 2 was fully reversible. IgE binding to Act d 2 but not Act d 1 was detected in processed food products. The stability of Act d 1 and Act d 2 provides one explanation for the allergenic potency of kiwifruit.
Ketogenic diet‐fed rats have increased fat mass and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity
Authors: Ribeiro Letícia C. , Chittó Ana L. , Müller Alexandre P. , Rocha Juliana K. , Castro da Silva Mariane , Quincozes‐Santos André , Nardin Patrícia , Rotta Liane N. , Ziegler Denize R. , Gonçalves Carlos‐Alberto , Da Silva Roselis S. M. , Perry Marcos L. S. , Gottfried Carmem
Published: July 2008

The ketogenic diet (KD), characterized by high fat and low carbohydrate and protein contents, has been proposed to be beneficial in children with epilepsy disorders not helped by conventional anti‐epileptic drug treatment. Weight loss and inadequate growth is an important drawback of this diet and metabolic causes are not well characterized. The aim of this study was to examine body weight variation during KD feeding for 6 wk of Wistar rats; fat mass and adipocyte cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activity were also observed. PEPCK activity was determined based on the [H14CO3–]‐oxaloacetate exchange reaction. KD‐fed rats gained weight at a less rapid rate than normal‐fed rats, but with a significant increment in fat mass. The fat mass/body weight ratio already differed between ketogenic and control rats after the first week of treatment, and was 2.4×higher in ketogenic rats. The visceral lipogenesis was supported by an increment in adipocyte PEPCK, aiming to provide glycerol 3‐phosphate to triacylglycerol synthesis and this fat accumulation was accompanied by glucose intolerance. These data contribute to our understanding of the metabolic effects of the KD in adipose tissue and liver and suggest some potential risks of this diet, particularly visceral fat accumulation.
Uptake of grape anthocyanins into the rat kidney and the involvement of bilitranslocase
Authors: Vanzo Andreja , Terdoslavich Michela , Brandoni Anabel , Torres Adriana M. , Vrhovsek Urska , Passamonti Sabina
Published: July 2008

Anthocyanins are among the most common flavonoids in the human diet. In spite of their very low bioavailability, anthocyanins are indicated as active in preventing the progress of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, inflammation, and cancer. Any piece of knowledge concerning absorption, tissue distribution, metabolism, and excretion of dietary anthocyanins is expected to help understanding the apparent paradox between their low concentrations in cells and their bioactivity. The aim of this work was to investigate the renal uptake of dietary anthocyanins and the underlying molecular mechanism. A solution containing anthocyanins extracted from grape (Vitis vinifera) was introduced into the isolated stomach of anesthetized rats; after both 10 and 30 min, plasma, liver, and kidney were analyzed for their anthocyanin contents. While anthocyanins in the liver were at apparent equilibrium with plasma both after 10 and 30 min, kidney anthocyanins were 3‐ and 2.3‐fold higher than in plasma, after 10 and 30 min, respectively. Since the transport activity of the bilitranslocase in kidney basolateral membrane vesicles was competitively inhibited by malvidin 3‐glucoside (Ki = 4.8 ± 0.2 μM), the anthocyanin uptake from blood into kidney tubular cells is likely to be mediated by the kidney isoform of this organic anion membrane transporter.
A power sparse approximate inverse preconditioning procedure for large sparse linear systems
Authors: Jia Zhongxiao , Zhu Baochen
Published: July 2008

Motivated by the Cayley–Hamilton theorem, a novel adaptive procedure, called a Power Sparse Approximate Inverse (PSAI) procedure, is proposed that uses a different adaptive sparsity pattern selection approach to constructing a right preconditioner M for the large sparse linear system Ax=b. It determines the sparsity pattern of M dynamically and computes the n independent columns of M that is optimal in the Frobenius norm minimization, subject to the sparsity pattern of M. The PSAI procedure needs a matrix–vector product at each step and updates the solution of a small least squares problem cheaply. To control the sparsity of M and develop a practical PSAI algorithm, two dropping strategies are proposed. The PSAI algorithm can capture an effective approximate sparsity pattern of A−1 and compute a good sparse approximate inverse M efficiently. Numerical experiments are reported to verify the effectiveness of the PSAI algorithm. Numerical comparisons are made for the PSAI algorithm and the adaptive SPAI algorithm proposed by Grote and Huckle as well as for the PSAI algorithm and three static Sparse Approximate Inverse (SAI) algorithms. The results indicate that the PSAI algorithm is at least comparable to and can be much more effective than the adaptive SPAI algorithm and it often outperforms the static SAI algorithms very considerably and is more robust and practical than the static ones for general problems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct visualization of fluorescent signals in protein gels using a backlit blue light plate
Authors: Wu Szu‐Yu , Chin Li‐Te , Chen Li‐Ming , Chen Han‐Min
Published: July 2008

The visualization of fluorescently labeled protein gels is required for the analysis of electrophoretic results or manually picking protein bands or spots from gels. To accomplish this task, an UV light table is generally utilized, but may be hazardous to operators. The blue light transilluminator is another apparatus that may be used for this purpose, but is sometimes insufficient for revealing weak fluorescent signals. In this study, we invented a new setup utilizing a backlit blue light plate for illuminating fluorescently stained protein gels. This method employs Snell's law and allows for the direct visualization of fluorescent signals in protein gels without the use of a filter or filter glasses. This safe, convenient, economic, and effective setup was found to be an ideal alternative for illuminating fluorescent protein gels in proteomic experiments.
Glycoproteomics and glycomics investigation of membrane N‐glycosylproteins from human colon carcinoma cells
Authors: Vercoutter‐Edouart Anne‐Sophie , Slomianny Marie‐Christine , Dekeyzer‐Beseme Olivia , Haeuw Jean‐François , Michalski Jean‐Claude
Published: July 2008

Aberrant glycosylation of proteins is known to profoundly affect cellular adhesion or motility of tumoral cells. In this study, we used HT‐29 human colon epithelial cancer cells as a cellular model of cancer progression, as they can either proliferate or differentiate into enterocyte phenotype. A glycoproteomic approach based on Con A lectin‐affinity chromatography, SDS‐PAGE and MS analysis, allowed the identification of membrane N‐glycoproteins from Triton X‐100‐solubilized proteins from membrane preparation. Among them, 65% were membrane proteins, and 45% were known to be N‐glycosylated, such as α chains integrin and dipeptidyl isomerase IV. By lectin‐blot analysis, significant changes of α‐2,3‐ and α‐2,6‐sialylation of membrane glycoproteins were observed between proliferating and differentiated HT‐29 cells. From these results, nano‐LC‐MS/MS analysis of the tryptic digests of the corresponding bands was performed and led to the identification of several transmembrane glycoproteins, like members of the solute carrier family and adhesion proteins. Finally, we compared N‐glycans profiles and monosaccharide composition of proliferating and enterocyte‐like HT‐29 cells using MALDI‐MS and GC‐MS analyses of permethylated derivatives. This glycomic approach allowed to underscore significant changes in N‐glycans structure, in particular the expression of atypical N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)‐ended N‐glycans in enterocyte‐like HT‐29 cells.
Support needs and acceptability of psychological and peer consultation: attitudes of 108 women who had undergone or were considering prophylactic mastectomy
Authors: Patenaude Andrea F. , Orozco Sara , Li Xiaochun , Kaelin Carolyn M. , Gadd Michelle , Matory Yvedt , Mayzel Kathleen , Roche Constance A. , Smith Barbara L. , Farkas Walden , Garber Judy E.
Published: July 2008

Objective: Prophylactic mastectomy (PM) offers 90% or greater reduction in risk of breast cancer to women at increased hereditary risk. Nonetheless, acceptance in North America is low (0–27%) and 25–50% of women electing surgery report psychological distress and/or difficulty adapting following PM. Most women also report reduced cancer worry postoperatively. Psychological consultation to aid decision‐making and post‐surgical coping is not routinely offered. This retrospective, cross‐sectional study explored interest in and acceptability of psychological consultation for issues related to PM among 108 women who had undergone or were considering surgery.

Method: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 26 healthy women who had undergone prophylactic mastectomy of both (bilateral) breasts (BPM), 45 women who had undergone prophylactic mastectomy of one breast (unilateral contralateral) (UPM) after diagnosis of invasive breast cancer in the other breast or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and 37 women who were considering having PM surgery.

Results: Of the women who had undergone PM, more than half felt pre‐surgical psychological consultation was advisable; nearly 2/3 thought post‐surgical psychological consultation would be helpful. All women currently considering PM believed psychological consultation would aid decision‐making and preparation for surgery. Strong support was reported in all groups for the emotional and informational value of speaking with a woman who had previously undergone PM.

Conclusions: Narratives illustrate the nature and intensity of the need for psychological support and describe preferences for the role of the psychologist. Suggestions are offered for integration of psychological services for women deciding about or adapting to PM. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A randomized trial of a breast/ovarian cancer genetic testing decision aid used as a communication aid during genetic counseling
Authors: Wakefield Claire E. , Meiser Bettina , Homewood Judi , Taylor Alan , Gleeson Margaret , Williams Rachel ,   the AGenDA Collaborative Group, Tucker Kathy
Published: July 2008

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a decision aid for women considering genetic testing for breast/ovarian cancer risk given during genetic counseling.

Methods: One hundred and forty‐eight women were randomized to receive the decision aid or a control pamphlet at the beginning of their first consultation with a genetic counselor. When the patient received the decision aid, it was used to complement consultation discussions about genetic testing. One hundred and ten (74.3%) women completed the first questionnaire designed to elicit information about women's levels of decisional conflict and knowledge about genetic testing. Of these, 105 (70.9%) completed a second questionnaire to assess longer‐term outcomes, 6 months postconsultation.

Results: Results showed that women who received the decision aid felt more informed about genetic testing (χ2(1)=8.69; P=0.003), had clearer values (χ2(1)=6.90; P=0.009) and had higher knowledge levels (χ2(2)=6.49; P=0.039) than women who received the control pamphlet.

Conclusions: The developed decision aid improved patient outcomes better than a control pamphlet when implemented during genetic counseling and given to the patient to take home. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A universal pathway for amyloid nucleus and precursor formation for insulin
Authors: Nayak Arpan , Sorci Mirco , Krueger Susan , Belfort Georges
Published: July 2008

To help identify the etiological agents for amyloid‐related diseases, attention is focused here on the fibrillar precursors, also called oligomers and protofibrils, and on modeling the reaction kinetics of the formation of the amyloid nucleus. Insulin is a favored model for amyloid formation, not only because amyloidosis can be a problem in diabetes, but also because aggregation and fibrillation causes problems during production, storage, and delivery. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) is used to measure the temporal formation of insulin oligomers in H2O‐ and D2O‐based solvents and obtain consistent evidence of the composition of the insulin nucleus that comprised three dimers or six monomers similar to that recently proposed in the literature. A simple molecular structural model that describes the growth of oligomers under a wide range of environmental conditions is proposed. The model first involves lengthening or end‐on‐end association of dimers to form three‐dimer nuclei, and then exhibits broadening or side‐on‐side association of nuclei. Using different additives to demonstrate their influence on the kinetics of oligomer formation, we showed that, although the time required to form the nucleus was dependent on a specific system, they all followed a universal pathway for nucleus and precursor formation. The methods and analyses presented here provide the first experimental molecular size description of the details of amyloid nucleus formation and subsequent propagation to fibril precursors independent of kinetics. Proteins 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Principles of flexible protein–protein docking
Authors: Andrusier Nelly , Mashiach Efrat , Nussinov Ruth , Wolfson Haim J.
Published: July 2008

Treating flexibility in molecular docking is a major challenge in cell biology research. Here we describe the background and the principles of existing flexible protein–protein docking methods, focusing on the algorithms and their rational. We describe how protein flexibility is treated in different stages of the docking process: in the preprocessing stage, rigid and flexible parts are identified and their possible conformations are modeled. This preprocessing provides information for the subsequent docking and refinement stages. In the docking stage, an ensemble of pre‐generated conformations or the identified rigid domains may be docked separately. In the refinement stage, small‐scale movements of the backbone and side‐chains are modeled and the binding orientation is improved by rigid‐body adjustments. For clarity of presentation, we divide the different methods into categories. This should allow the reader to focus on the most suitable method for a particular docking problem. Proteins 2008. Published Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular simulations enlighten the binding mode of quercetin to lipoxygenase‐3
Authors: Fiorucci Sébastien , Golebiowski Jérôme , Cabrol‐Bass Daniel , Antonczak Serge
Published: July 2008

Inhibition of lipoxygenases (LOXs) by flavonoid compounds is now well documented, but the description of the associated mechanism remains controversial due to a lack of information at the molecular level. For instance, X‐ray determination of quercetin/LOX‐3 system has led to a structure where the enzyme was cocrystallized with a degradation product of the substrate, which rendered the interpretation of the reported interactions between this flavonoid compound and the enzyme difficult. Molecular modeling simulations can in principle allow obtaining precious insights that could fill this lack of structural information. Thus, in this study, we have investigated various binding modes of quercetin to LOX‐3 enzyme in order to understand the first step of the inhibition process, that is the association of the two entities. Molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations suggest that quercetin binds the metal center via its 3‐hydroxychromone function. Moreover, enzyme/substrate interactions within the cavity impose steric hindrances to quercetin that may activate a direct dioxygen addition on the substrate. Proteins 2008;73:290–298. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of preferred orientated vanadium dioxide film on muscovite (001) substrate
Authors: Yan Jiazhen , Huang Wanxia , Zhang Yue , Liu Xiaojie , Tu Mingjin
Published: July 2008

In this paper, a natural muscovite slice is used as the substrate for deposition of the vanadium dioxide films. Vanadium oxide gel films are fabricated on the muscovite (001) cleavage plane by an aqueous sol–gel method, then the films are crystallized and reduced to vanadium dioxide by annealing in static N2 atmosphere at a temperature of 480 °C. The X‐ray patterns of the reduced films exhibit the unique diffraction peak of the monoclinic VO2(011) plane. The result indicates that the films are perfectly (011) orientated on muscovite (001) plane. The optic and electrical properties of the films are investigated below and above the metal‐to‐isolator phase‐transition temperature. The thermochromic VO2 films on muscovite exhibit changes in electrical resistivity more than three orders of magnitude, while infrared transmittance switches more than 60% in the wave number range of 4000–2000 cm–1. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An EQCM study of ultrasonically assisted electrodeposition of Co/CeO2 and Ni/CeO2 composites for fuel cell applications
Authors: Argirusis Chr. , Matić S. , Schneider O.
Published: July 2008

The electrodeposition of Co/CeO2 and Ni/CeO2 composites from electrolytes containing suspended nanoparticles of gadolinia doped ceria under the influence of power ultrasound was studied using the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance technique (EQCM). The amount of oxide incorporation into the layers was determined by electron probe microanalysis. From 0.1 M cobalt electrolytes rough Co layers with ceria contents of up to 8% were deposited, and a strong increase in the damping of the quartz was observed. In the case of Ni deposition an increase of the deposition rate enhanced the current efficiency and lead to larger ceria contents. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Introduction of metal dopants and/or Ag nanoparticles into direct‐patternable ZnO thin films formed by photochemical solution deposition
Authors: Kim Hyuncheol , Park Hyeong‐Ho , Sivasankar Reddy A. , Park Hyung‐Ho , Choi Se‐Young
Published: July 2008

The introduction of metal dopants and nanoparticles into ZnO films influences film conductivity and transparency but the effects of dopants and nanoparticles are not always predictable. The incorporation of Ag nanoparticles into a ZnO film enhanced film conductivity. Less than 1% donor‐doping into the ZnO film induced a decrease in film resistance when using both interstitial and substitutional metal‐dopants. When a metal‐dopant and Ag nanoparticles were introduced into ZnO film simultaneously, the Ag nanoparticles acted as an electron scattering center in the case of Ag or Cd doped ZnO films (interstitially doped). A decrease in the sheet resistance was observed in the case of In or Sn doped ZnO films (substitutionally doped). The transmittance tended to decrease with the incorporation of Ag nanoparticles. This was caused by light absorption from the surface plasmon resonance of the Ag nanoparticles in the film. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Identification and structural characterization of steroidal glycosides in Hoodia gordonii by ion‐trap tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Avula Bharathi , Wang Yan‐Hong , Pawar Rahul S. , Shukla Yatin J. , Smillie Troy J. , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: July 2008

Electrospray ion‐trap tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) and high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐TOFMS) were used to identify and characterize eight C‐21 steroidal glycosides in Hoodia gordonii. A generalized fragmentation pathway was proposed by comparing the spectra acquired for eight C‐21 steroidal glycosides. The steroidal glycosides in Hoodia gordonii have been classified into two major core groups: hoodigenin A and calogenin. Using the ESI‐TOF method, the major core peak ions generated by hoodigenin A glycosides are m/z 313 and 295 and by calogenin glycosides are m/z 479, 461, 299 and 281, respectively. In the MS/MS spectra, fragmentation reactions of the [M+Na]+ ion were recorded to provide structural information about the glycosyl and aglycone moieties. The data illustrates the ability of positive mode ESI for the identification of hoodigenin A and calogenin glycosides, including the nature of the hoodigenin A and calogenin core, the number of sugar residues and the type of saccharide moiety. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A combinatorial approach to jumping particles: The parallel TASEP
Authors: Duchi Enrica , Schaeffer Gilles
Published: July 2008

In this article, we continue the combinatorial study of models of particles jumping on a row of cells which we initiated with the standard totally asymmetric simple exclusion process or TASEP (Duchi and Schaeffer, Journal of Combinatorial Theory, Series A, 110(2005), 1–29). We consider here the parallel TASEP, in which particles can jump simultaneously. On the one hand, the interest in this process comes from highway traffic modeling: it is the only solvable special case of the Nagel‐Schreckenberg automaton, the most popular model in that context. On the other hand, the parallel TASEP is of some theoretical interest because the derivation of its stationary distribution, as appearing in the physics literature, is harder than that of the standard TASEP.

We offer here an elementary derivation that extends the combinatorial approach we developed for the standard TASEP. In particular, we show that this stationary distribution can be expressed in terms of refinements of Catalan numbers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2008
Visual Cocaine Detection with Gold Nanoparticles and Rationally Engineered Aptamer Structures
Authors: Zhang Juan , Wang Lihua , Pan Dun , Song Shiping , Boey Freddy Y. C. , Zhang Hua , Fan Chunhai
Published: July 2008

A novel bioassay strategy is designed to detect small‐molecule targets such as cocaine, potassium, and adenosine, based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and engineered DNA aptamers. In this design, an aptamer is engineered to be two pieces of random, coil‐like single‐stranded DNA, which reassembles into the intact aptamer tertiary structure in the presence of the specific target. AuNPs can effectively differentiate between these two states via their characteristic surface‐plasmon resonance‐based color change. Using this method, cocaine in the low‐micromolar range is selectively detected within minutes. This strategy is also shown to be generic and applicable to the detection of several other small‐molecule targets.
Effects of dietary protein and calcium on thymus apoptosis induced by fluoride in female rats (Wistar rats)
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Zhou Bianhua , Cao Jinling , Gu Xinli , Cao Chunfang , Wang Jundong
Published: July 2008

Our previous studies showed that excessive fluoride (F) ingestion seriously damaged the nonspecific immune function in rabbits. However, the underlying mechanisms of the F‐induced damage to the immune system are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether F induces thymus apoptosis in female rats and its underlying mechanisms by monitoring ultrastructural changes and DNA fragmentation. The results showed that excessive F induced ultrastructural changes and significantly increased the tail length and tailing ratio in thymus lymphocytes. Protein (Pr) supplementation markedly decreased the tailing ratio in thymus lymphocytes in the case of malnutrition. Furthermore, molecular analysis showed that excessive F ingestion significantly up‐regulated the expression levels of caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 mRNA, whereas Pr and calcium (Ca) supplementation down‐regulated the expression levels induced by excessive F in the case of malnutrition. In conclusion, these results indicate that excessive F up‐regulates the expression levels of caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 mRNA and induces thymus apoptosis in female rats. Pr and Ca play key roles in process of F‐induced thymus apoptosis in malnourished female rats. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Molecular cloning of CYP1A gene and its expression by benzo(a)pyrene from goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Oh Seung‐Min , Ryu Byung Taek , Kim Ha Ryong , Choi Kyunghee , Chung Kyu‐Hyuck
Published: July 2008

We cloned and sequenced the cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) gene from goldfish (Carassius auratus). It has a 1581 bp open reading frame that encodes a 526 amino acid protein with a theoretical molecular weight of 59.02 kDa. The CYP1A amino acid sequence clusters in a monophyletic group with other fish CYP1As, and more closely related to zebrafish CYP1A (91% identity) than to other fish CYP1As. Exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) by intraperitoneal injection increased biliary BaP metabolites and liver CYP1A gene expression. BaP exposure also increased CYP1A gene expression in extrahepatic organs, including intestine, and gill, which are sensitive to aqueous and dietary exposure to Arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists. Therefore, goldfish CYP1A identified in this study offers basic information for further research related to biomarker use of CYP1A of goldfish. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Cadmium toxicity and phytochelatin production in a rooted‐submerged macrophyte Vallisneria spiralis exposed to low concentrations of cadmium
Authors: Wang Chao , Sun Qin , Wang Liya
Published: July 2008

Phytochelatins (PCs) have been involved in metal detoxification, and used as potential biomarkers for an evaluation of metal toxicity. However, most studies have generally been limited to high concentrations of metals. In this study, low concentrations of cadmium (Cd) (0.01–0.64 μM) usually present in moderately polluted environments were adopted to investigate Cd toxicity, PC production, and their relationship in a rooted‐submerged macrophyte Vallisneria spiralis. It was observed that 0.01–0.04 μM Cd had no significant effects on the growth of this plant when compared with the control plant without Cd, whereas 0.08–0.64 μM Cd showed toxicity, as indicated by the gradual decreases of leaf and root fresh weights. Cadmium accumulation was significantly higher in leaves than in the roots. Correspondingly, PCs were induced in leaves and roots at every Cd concentrations studied, in particular 0.16–0.64 μM, which were higher in leaves than in roots. There existed a positively linear relationship between PC concentrations and Cd toxicity in leaf and root. Furthermore, the levels of glutathione (GSH) in leaves and roots increased with increasing Cd concentrations in solutions and exposure time, but the extent of such increase was lower than that of PCs. Cadmium uptake antagonized Zn uptake. Combined effects of Cd and Fe or Cd and Mn were antagonistic in leaves and synergistic in roots. On the basis of the present results, it was further suggested that PCs can be used as potential biomarkers for monitoring the metal toxicity in moderately polluted environments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
The use of a portable energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence spectrometer for the characterization of patinas from the architectural heritage of the Iberian peninsula
Authors: Vazquez‐Calvo Carmen , Gómez Tubío Blanca , Alvarez de Buergo Monica , Ortega Feliu Inés , Fort Rafael , Respaldiza Miguel Angel
Published: July 2008

This article focuses on the study of patinas by means of a non‐destructive and fast energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique using portable equipment. The term patina is referred here to thin films or coverings (5–500 µm thick) on the surface of stone building materials, characterized by a common yellowish colour and a common presence of calcium carbonate, calcium sulphate, calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, silicate and iron oxide and/or hydroxide. Some of these patinas are the result of applied past treatments with protective and/or aesthetical purposes. The main aim of this article is to assess the potential of the technique, together with the determination of the elemental composition of the samples and the provision of analytical information leading to the discrimination between different types of patinas. This work proved that the EDXRF spectrometry is a useful technique for qualitative and even semi‐quantitative analyses of patinas in situ. It is a reliable method for a first approach to the study of a patina of any building. The results obtained showed that the patina is characterized by the presence and enrichment of elements like Si, P, K, Fe, Ti and Mn. For this reason, they could be considered as characteristics of this kind of material. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Satellites, hypersatellites and RAE from Ti, V, Cr, Mn and Fe in photoionisation
Authors: Mitra D. , Sarkar M. , Bhattacharya D. , Natarajan L.
Published: July 2008

K x‐ray satellites, hypersatellites and lines due to radiative Auger effect (RAE) of Ti, V, Cr, Mn and Fe were measured after exciting the samples with Ag bremsstrahlung at 35 kV. All the lines were measured with the ‘Spectroscan VY’ spectrometer of Spectron—OPTEL, Russia, in which a curved LiF(200) crystal was used. The spectra were deconvoluted using Voigt functions, and the peak positions of the satellites and hypersatellites were determined with errors of ± (1–5) eV. The energy shifts of the satellite lines with respect to their parent lines were also obtained. Multi‐configuration Dirac–Fock (MCDF) calculations with the inclusion of higher‐order corrections were carried out to predict the peak positions of the satellite and hypersatellite lines. Our data were then compared with our own calculated values and also with the data of others. Our measured energy shifts for KαL1, KαL2, Kαh and KβL1, when compared with our MCDF calculations, show a maximum deviation of 8, 12, 2 and 20% respectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New methodology for sulfur analysis in geological samples by WD‐XRF spectrometry
Authors: Gazulla M. F. , Gómez M. P. , Orduña M. , Rodrigo M.
Published: July 2008

This article describes a methodology for analysing sulfur in geological samples by wavelength‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (WD‐XRF) spectrometry. Calibration curves were constructed with different sulfur compounds in samples prepared in the form of both beads and pellets, and the results compared. A new way of preparing the beads has been established, adding the quantity of barium required for the sulfur contained in the sample to form a stable BaSO4 compound, which suppresses the problem of sulfur loss during the fusion process.

The methodology developed for the determination of sulfur by WD‐XRF analysis has been validated by comparing the findings with the results obtained using an independent method of combustion with infrared (IR) detection and analysing reference materials. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement approaches for the determination of Cr(VI), Cd(II), Pd(II) and Pt(IV) contained in aqueous samples by conventional XRF instrumentation
Authors: Fontàs Clàudia , Marguí Eva , Hidalgo Manuela , Queralt Ignasi
Published: July 2008

This work was aimed to achieve improved instrumental sensitivity and detection limits for the determination of several elements (Cr (VI), Cd, Pd and Pt) in liquid samples by using conventional energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and wavelength dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (WDXRF) instrumentation. In all cases, the preconcentration of metals from liquid solutions was performed by using membranes activated with the commercial anionic exchanger Aliquat 336 (a quaternary ammonium salt), which also permits the isolation of Cr (VI) species for further x‐ray fluorescence analysis. Likewise, for the improvement of the instrumental sensitivity, a special sample holder device was used in the case of Cd determination by EDXRF (tungsten x‐ray source) instrumentation. For WDXRF analysis, the spectral evaluation was carried out by the integration of the peak area (using WinQXAS software) instead of the common net peak line intensity traditionally used in conventional WDXRF systems. With the proposed methodologies, a linear response between the metal present in the aqueous solutions and the metal extracted in the membranes was obtained, highlighting the feasibility of using these membranes as standards for x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) analysis for future determination of these elements when contained in liquid samples. Concerning the calculated detection limits, in all cases, they were in the µg l−1 range, indicating the possibilities of the proposed methodology for trace determination content of Cd, Cr(VI), Pd and Pt in liquid solutions using conventional EDXRF and WDXRF instrumentation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and Properties of ε-Fe3N-Based Magnetic Fluid
Authors: Huang Wei , Wang Xiaolei
Published: July 2008

In this work, ε-Fe3N nanoparticles and ε-Fe3N-based magnetic fluid were synthesized by chemical reaction of iron carbonyl and ammonia gas. The size of ε-Fe3N nanoparticles was tested by TEM and XRD. Stable ε-Fe3N-based magnetic fluid was prepared by controlling the proper ratio of carrier liquid and surfactant. The saturation magnetization of stable ε-Fe3N-based magnetic fluid was calculated according to the volume fraction of the particles in the fluid. The result shows that both the calculated and measured magnetizations increase by increasing the particle concentration. With the increasing concentration of the ε-Fe3N particles, the measured value of the magnetic fluid magnetization gradually departs from the calculated magnetization, which was caused by agglomeration affects due to large volume fraction and large particle size.
Spinal cord injury‐related pain in rehabilitation: A cross‐sectional study of relationships with cognitions, mood and physical function
Authors: Perry Kathryn Nicholson , Nicholas Michael K. , Middleton James
Published: July 2008

Although psychological aspects of SCI‐related pain have been investigated in those with chronic pain, little data is available regarding these factors in those early in the course of the injury. Using a sample admitted for SCI rehabilitation, this paper describes the relationships between usual pain intensity, mood, disability and both pain and SCI‐related psychological factors. The sample were largely similar to other samples of individuals with SCI‐related chronic pain in terms of mood, but were noted to be less catastrophic in their thinking about pain than a comparative pain clinic sample. They also reported SCI self‐efficacy and acceptance scores consistent with other SCI samples. Compared with other SCI populations there were mixed findings in relation to physical disability. Consistent with previous findings in chronic pain SCI samples, usual pain intensity was found to have a strong relationship with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and pain‐related life interference. SCI acceptance was significantly negatively associated with depression scores, pain catastrophizing was significantly positively associated with both anxiety and depression scores, and SCI self‐efficacy was significantly negatively associated with both anxiety and depression scores. SCI self‐efficacy was also significantly positively associated with physical function scores. These findings suggest that pain‐related psychological factors may have importance even early in the clinical course following SCI, but that it is important, however, to consider more general SCI‐related psychological factors alongside them. In addition, these findings suggest the possibility that early interventions based upon the cognitive behavioural treatment of pain may be integrated into SCI rehabilitation programmes.