bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF TOTAL LIPID AND FATTY ACID CONTENTS IN THE MUSCLE OF TWO AUSTRALIAN FARMED ABALONE SPECIES
Authors: SU XIAO‐QUN , ANTONAS KIRIAKOS , LI DUO , NICHOLS PETER
Published: November 2006

The total lipid content and individual fatty acid (FA) concentrations of two farmed abalone species, greenlip abalone (Haliotis laevigata) and blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra), were analyzed through four seasons using gas liquid chromatography. Similar variations were recorded for the two species. Significantly higher concentrations of total lipid and total saturated fatty acids were found in summer, while the contents of total n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and total monounsaturated fatty acids were markedly higher in winter and spring. The two predominant n‐3 PUFAs were eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n‐3; 34–43%) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n‐3; 40–53%). The seasonal variation of EPA was similar to that of total n‐3 PUFA, while the contents of DPA were significantly higher in winter, spring and summer than in autumn. A higher n‐3/n‐6 PUFA ratio was found in winter and autumn in greenlip abalone. Other main FAs, including 16:0, 18:0, 17:1, 18:1n‐9, 18:1n‐7, 18:2n‐6, 20:4n‐6 and 22:2 NMI, also showed seasonal variations. Farmed abalone represents a source of the health‐benefiting long‐chain n‐3 PUFA (n‐3 LC‐PUFA) for human consumption, with n‐3 LC‐PUFA content of 65–106 mg/100 g.
POTENTIAL ANTIOXIDATIVE EFFECTS OF CACTUS PEAR FRUIT (OPUNTIA FICUS‐INDICA) EXTRACT ON RADICAL SCAVENGING AND DNA DAMAGE REDUCTION IN HUMAN PERIPHERAL LYMPHOCYTES
Authors: SIRIWARDHANA NALIN , SHAHIDI FEREIDOON , JEON YOU‐JIN
Published: November 2006

Cactus pear fruit (Opuntia ficus‐indica) extract (CPFE) was investigated for its antioxidative and DNA damage reduction using electron spin resonance spectroscopy and comet assays on human peripheral lymphocytes, respectively. Scavenging of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl adducts by CPFE at 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL was 32.5, 56.7 and 71.6%, respectively. CPFE at 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL scavenged 19.2 and 63.6% of 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline N‐oxide‐OH adducts. Alkyl radical scavenging effect of CPFE at 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL was 38.0, 42.4, 67.5 and 78.8%, respectively. CPFE reduced the H2O2‐induced DNA damage in lymphocytes (CPFE at 0.1 mg/mL totally inhibited the damage). The data demonstrate that both antioxidative and DNA damage‐reduction activities are increased with increasing CPFE dosage. These results demonstrate the antioxidative and DNA damage‐reducing efficacy of CPFE constituents as potential sources of raw material for pharmaceutical and functional food industries.
SOURNESS–SWEETNESS INTERACTIONS IN DIFFERENT MEDIA: WHITE WINE, ETHANOL AND WATER*
Authors: ZAMORA MARÍA CLARA , GOLDNER MARÍA CRISTINA , GALMARINI MARA VIRGINIA
Published: November 2006

The aim of this work was to study the sourness–sweetness interactions in water, white wine and alcoholic environment to interpret sweet/sour perception in low concentrations within the range normally encountered in white wine. Nine trained assessors rated sweetness and sourness intensity in mixtures of fructose (11.1, 25.0 and 38.9 mM) and tartaric acid (pH 3.0, 3.4 and 3.8) in water and wine (experiment 1) or ethanol solutions at 2.0, 4.0 and 12.0% v/v (experiment 2). The range of quantitative responses was larger for sourness than for sweetness in the three media. The global sourness intensity perception in wine mixtures was significantly lower than in water and ethanol mixtures, indicating the effect of other wine components. The suppressive effect of tartaric acid on fructose sweetness was stronger than the suppressive effect of fructose on tartaric acid sourness.
What is the value of fieldwork? Answers from New Zealand using two contrasting undergraduate physical geography field trips
Authors: Fuller Ian C.
Published: November 2006

Abstract: This paper addresses the value of fieldwork compared with desk‐based teaching using student questionnaire and focus group approaches applied to two contrasting field trips in the Geography programme at Massey University. Student views on the relative value of an 8‐day residential alpine physical geography field trip to Fox Glacier and a day's ‘tour’ of Manawatu fluvial and coastal landforms indicated in both instances that the fieldwork was highly valued. The value of fieldwork lies particularly in providing students with a better sense of real‐world environments and processes, an enhanced understanding of their subject and affords opportunities for social interaction that cannot be duplicated in class.
Understanding Israelite Religion: New Challenges for Chinese Bible Translations
Authors: Chen Yiyi
Published: November 2006

With improvements in archaeological methodology, new discoveries in Syria‐Palestine, as well as tremendous progress of knowledge about the Ancient Near East in the past several decades, we have never understood Israelite religion as reflected in the geographical and chronological scope of the Hebrew Bible better than now. However, today the most widely distributed and utilized Chinese translation of the Bible is the Union version, which was produced more than 100 years ago. At the dawn of the twenty‐first century, the preparation of an improved translation of the Bible based on our better understanding of Israelite religion is brought to the agenda. However, in order not to produce yet another paraphrased Chinese version of one or a combination of several existing English versions that most probably would not outlast the one‐hundred‐year‐old Union version, a group effort of seminary‐trained theologians, scholars in the Ancient Near East fields, as well as different sectarians among Christians, is called for. Never before in the history of China is this country more ready than today to execute such a plan, and the general public to embrace a translation reflecting Israelite religion as recorded in the Bible.
Electrostatics with Computer-Interfaced Charge Sensors
Authors: Morse Robert A.
Published: November 2006

Computer interfaced electrostatic charge sensors1,2 allow both qualitative and quantitative measurements of electrostatic charge but are quite sensitive to charges accumulating on modern synthetic materials. They need to be used with care so that students can correctly interpret their measurements. This paper describes the operation of the sensors, precautions for using them, and suggestions for experiments with sample readings.3
Experimenting with Guitar Strings
Authors: LoPresto Michael C.
Published: November 2006

What follows is a description of a simple experiment developed in a nonmathematical general education science course on sound and light for fine arts students in which a guitar is used with data collection hardware and software to verify the properties of standing waves on a string.
Laser Measurement of Optical Errors of the Eye
Authors: Colicchia Giuseppe , Wiesner Hartmut
Published: November 2006

One way to motivate students' interest in physics is to teach it in the context of medicine.1 Optics, for example, can be taught with examples from the eye. For many years simple optics of lenses has been taught using a model of the eye.2 However, recent advances in using lasers for ophthalmological (ocular) examinations3 can be used to increase motivation and provide a look at sophisticated use of lasers in ophthalmology. This paper describes a set of experiments that help students learn about contemporary methods of ophthalmological examinations that do not require the traditional approach of placing many lenses in front of the patient's eyes.
A Study of Physics First Curricula in Pennsylvania
Authors: Dreon Oliver
Published: November 2006

Physics First has gained momentum across the country. Providing a radically different paradigm to teaching science at the high school level, the Physics First movement inverts the traditional science sequence by teaching physics to ninthgrade students. One of the benefits of this change, supporters claim, is that it provides a foundation to teach chemistry and biology in later grades. As Spencer Pasero1 explains, “Biology and chemistry are no longer  the purely descriptive sciences they once were. Comprehending  chemistry in terms of the structure and behavior of atoms relies on an understanding of physical principles and modern biology requires understanding the chemical  functions of molecules such as DNA and proteins.”
Peroxisomal Fatty Acid β-Oxidation Is Not Essential for Virulence of
Candida albicans
Authors: Piekarska Katarzyna , Mol Els , van den Berg Marlene , Hardy Guy , van den Burg Janny , van Roermund Carlo , MacCallum Donna , Odds Frank , Distel Ben
Published: November 2006

Phagocytic cells form the first line of defense against infections by the human fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
. Recent in vitro gene expression data suggest that upon phagocytosis by macrophages,
C. albicans
reprograms its metabolism to convert fatty acids into glucose by inducing the enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle and fatty acid β-oxidation pathway. Here, we asked whether fatty acid β-oxidation, a metabolic pathway localized to peroxisomes, is essential for fungal virulence by constructing two
C. albicans
double deletion strains: a
pex5Δ/pex5Δ
mutant, which is disturbed in the import of most peroxisomal enzymes, and a
fox2Δ/fox2Δ
mutant, which lacks the second enzyme of the β-oxidation pathway. Both mutant strains had strongly reduced β-oxidation activity and, accordingly, were unable to grow on media with fatty acids as a sole carbon source. Surprisingly, only the
fox2Δ/fox2Δ
mutant, and not the
pex5Δ/pex5Δ
mutant, displayed strong growth defects on nonfermentable carbon sources other than fatty acids (e.g., acetate, ethanol, or lactate) and showed attenuated virulence in a mouse model for systemic candidiasis. The degree of virulence attenuation of the
fox2Δ/fox2Δ
mutant was comparable to that of the
icl1Δ/icl1Δ
mutant, which lacks a functional glyoxylate cycle and also fails to grow on nonfermentable carbon sources. Together, our data suggest that peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation is not essential for virulence of
C. albicans
, implying that the attenuated virulence of the
fox2Δ/fox2Δ
mutant is largely due to a dysfunctional glyoxylate cycle.
Tcc1p, a Novel Protein Containing the Tetratricopeptide Repeat Motif, Interacts with Tup1p To Regulate Morphological Transition and Virulence in
Candida albicans
Authors: Kaneko Aki , Umeyama Takashi , Utena-Abe Yuki , Yamagoe Satoshi , Niimi Masakazu , Uehara Yoshimasa
Published: November 2006

The transcriptional factor CaTup1p represses many genes involved in intracellular processes, including the yeast-hypha
transition, in the human fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
. Using tandem affinity purification technology, we identified a novel
protein that interacts with CaTup1p, named Tcc1p (Tup1p complex component). Tcc1p is a
C. albicans
-specific protein with a
736-amino-acid polypeptide with four tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) motifs in the N-terminal portion. Tcc1p formed a protein complex with
CaTup1p via the TPR domain of Tcc1p, independently of CaSsn6p-CaTup1p The
tcc1Δ
disruptant showed filamentous growth under conditions inducing the yeast form, as is true of the Ca
tup1
Δ mutant. Consistent with this result, the
common set of hypha-specific genes was negatively regulated by both
TCC1
and Ca
TUP1
. These observations will provide new insights into CaTup1p-dependent transcriptional gene regulation in
C. albicans
.
Specific Inhibition of the Plasmodial Surface Anion Channel by Dantrolene
Authors: Lisk Godfrey , Kang Myungsa , Cohn Jamieson V. , Desai Sanjay A.
Published: November 2006

The plasmodial surface anion channel (PSAC), induced on human erythrocytes by the malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
, is an important target for antimalarial drug development because it may contribute to parasite nutrient acquisition. However, known antagonists of this channel are quite nonspecific, inhibiting many other channels and carriers. This lack of specificity not only complicates drug development but also raises doubts about the exact role of PSAC in the well-known parasite-induced permeability changes. We recently identified a family of new PSAC antagonists structurally related to dantrolene, an antagonist of muscle Ca
++
release channels. Here, we explored the mechanism of dantrolene's actions on parasite-induced permeability changes. We found that dantrolene inhibits the increased permeabilities of sorbitol, two amino acids, an organic cation, and hypoxanthine, suggesting a common pathway shared by these diverse solutes. It also produced parallel reductions in PSAC single-channel and whole-cell Cl
−
currents. In contrast to its effect on parasite-induced permeabilities, dantrolene had no measurable effect on five other classes of anion channels, allaying concerns of poor specificity inherent to other known antagonists. Our studies indicate that dantrolene binds PSAC at an extracellular site distinct from the pore, where it inhibits the conformational changes required for channel gating. Its affinity for this site depends on ionic strength, implicating electrostatic interactions in dantrolene binding. In addition to the potential therapeutic applications of its derivatives, dantrolene's specificity and its defined mechanism of action on PSAC make it a useful tool for transport studies of infected erythrocytes.
Water color affects the stratification, surface temperature, heat content, and mean epilimnetic irradiance of small lakes
Authors: Houser Jeffrey N
Published: November 2006

The effects of water color on lake stratification, mean epilimnetic irradiance, and lake temperature dynamics were examined in small, north-temperate lakes that differed widely in water color (1.5–19.8 m–1). Among these lakes, colored lakes differed from clear lakes in the following ways: (i) the epilimnia were shallower and colder, and mean epilimnetic irradiance was reduced; (ii) the diel temperature cycles were more pronounced; (iii) whole-lake heat accumulation during stratification was reduced. The depth of the epilimnion ranged from 2.5 m in the clearest lake to 0.75 m in the most colored lake, and 91% of the variation in epilimnetic depth was explained by water color. Summer mean morning epilimnetic temperature was ~2 °C cooler in the most colored lake compared with the clearest lake. In clear lakes, the diel temperature range (1.4 ± 0.7 °C) was significantly (p = 0.01) less than that in the most colored lake (2.1 ± 1.0 °C). Change in whole-lake heat content was negatively correlated with water color. Increasing water color decreased light penetration more than thermocline depth, leading to reduced mean epilimnetic irradiance in the colored lakes. Thus, in these small lakes, water color significantly affected temperature, thermocline depth, and light climate.
Long-term changes of the Lake Michigan fish community following the reduction of exotic alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus)
Authors: Bunnell David B , Madenjian Charles P , Claramunt Randall M
Published: November 2006

We used our long-term annual bottom trawl survey (1973–2004) in Lake Michigan to reveal the response of the native fish community to the biological control of a dominant exotic fish, alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), as well as to changes in total phosphorus and salmonine biomass. Through nonmetric multidimensional scaling, we documented a 1970s community largely dominated by alewife, and then a shift to a community dominated by several native species during the 1980s through 1990s, when alewife remained at relatively low levels. We argue that the recovery of burbot (Lota lota), deepwater sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsonii), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) was partially or fully aided by the alewife reduction. We argue that changes in phosphorus or salmonines were not directly related to abundance increases of native species. An additional community shift occurred during 1999–2004, which coincided with a reduction in species richness and total fish biomass in our trawl. The mechanisms underlying this latest shift may be related to reductions in nutrients, but further research is required. The restoration of the native fish community has been incomplete, however, as emerald shiner (Notropis atherinioides), cisco (Coregonus artedii), and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) have yet to demonstrate recovery.
Stress–strain behaviour of weathered weak rock in middle-sized triaxial tests
Authors: Sun De'an , Feng Tugen , Matsuoka Hajime
Published: November 2006

A middle-sized triaxial test apparatus for a specimen 20 cm in height and 10 cm in diameter was developed to measure the deformation and strength of weak rock or gravel. High-quality undisturbed samples of a weathered weak rock were taken from a dam site by a core drilling method. To avoid damage to the structure of the weak rock due to saturation of specimens as a result of measuring volume change through the water change in a burette, the lateral deformation of specimens was directly measured in the unsaturated condition using three rings mounted on the specimen. Using the developed triaxial test apparatus, isotropic compression tests and consolidated–drained triaxial compression tests were performed on unsaturated or saturated undisturbed samples under confining pressures of 49, 98, 196, 392, 539, and 683 kPa. The test results show that the stress–strain relationship of the weathered weak rock under both unsaturated and saturated conditions is strongly influenced by the confining pressure when the confining pressure is less than 392 kPa, and the stress–strain behaviour becomes similar to that of normally consolidated clay when the confining pressure is greater than 392 kPa. Comparison of results of triaxial tests on unsaturated and saturated specimens shows that the saturated samples become somewhat weak. The test results also show that the bonding and stress history largely influence the stress–strain relationship at small strain levels.Key words: weathered weak rock, microstructure, undisturbed sample, deformation, strength, triaxial test, unsaturated sample.
Hydrogeotechnical characterization of a metallurgical waste
Authors: Rodríguez R
Published: November 2006

This paper presents the results of hydrogeotechnical characterization tests carried out on the metallurgical waste (MW) from a tailings impoundment located on the terraces of the Moa River, Cuba. Characterization of the MW includes chemical and mineralogical analysis, oedometer tests, triaxial tests, tensile strength tests, determination of the water retention curve, and shrinkage and permeability tests. The MW, which has a grain-size distribution similar to that of a silt, mainly contains iron and heavy metals minerals and has low plasticity. Consolidated undrained triaxial tests on remoulded samples indicate a dilative behaviour, with a decrease in pore-water pressure near failure. The material is susceptible to liquefaction when subjected to a cyclic load in the triaxial test. Hydraulic conductivity, soil stiffness, and compressive and tensile strength of the MW have an important dependence on the degree of saturation and vary significantly during the drying process. The results indicate that, during the drying process, cracks in the MW initiate in quasi-saturated conditions. The cracks increase the hydraulic conductivity by more than one order of magnitude compared with that of intact samples of MW. The main environmental risk with this MW is the possibility of liquefaction under a cyclic load due to an earthquake and the increase in saturated hydraulic conductivity due to desiccation cracks.Key words: desiccation cracks, hydrogeotechnical properties, liquefaction, metallurgical waste, characterization.
AFD MULTIPLIER ALGEBRAS
Authors: NG P. W.
Published: November 2006

We show that the multiplier algebra of a simple stable nuclear C*-algebra has a property similar to that of an AFD or hyperfinite von Neumann algebra. Specifically, we prove the following:

Theorem 0.1. Let [Formula: see text] be a unital simple separable C*-algebra. Let [Formula: see text] be the multiplier algebra of the stabilization of [Formula: see text]. Then [Formula: see text] is nuclear if and only if [Formula: see text] has the AFD-type property.

We also study a stronger property called the "strong AFD-type property". We show that if [Formula: see text] is a unital simple real rank zero AT-algebra with unique trace, then the multiplier algebra [Formula: see text] of the stabilization of [Formula: see text] has the strong AFD-type property, and we raise the question of whether this is true more generally.
Excitonic Polaritons in ZnAs2
Authors: Syrbu Nicolae , Stamov Ivan , Dorogan Andrei , Nemerenco Lucretia
Published: November 2006

The allowed exciton transitions n=1,2,3 were revealed in the reflection spectra of ZnAs2 monocrystals at 10 K. Transverse and longitudinal exciton energies, longitudinal splitting value, translation and reduced exciton masses, electron and hole effective masses were revealed from fitting of the exciton spectra. Absorption spectra and absorption interference were studied for E∥c and E⊥c polarizations for thin samples. The polariton branches of exciton polaritons were calculated from the experimental results.
Diffusion Process during Drying to Cause the Skin Formation in Polymer Solutions
Authors: Ozawa Kin'ya , Okuzono Tohru , Doi Masao
Published: November 2006

We discuss the diffusion process of polymers in polymer solution undergoing evaporation of the solvent at the free surface, and obtain a diffusion-type equation with a moving boundary condition in one dimension. Taking into account the effect of gelation (or solidification) of the solution, we carry out numerical simulations of the one-dimensional model. Based on the numerical results, we present a detailed description of the condition related to the “skin” formation due to the surface gelation. Furthermore, we also show that the drying dynamics of polymer solutions is strongly related to a gelation, which causes a great increase of diffusion coefficient of polymers.
Room-Temperature Electrical-Field Induced Oxygen Diffusion of Aluminum/Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Thin Film Grown on Si Substrate
Authors: Wakiya Naoki , Tajiri Naoya , Kiguchi Takanori , Mizutani Nobuyasu , Cross Jeffrey S. , Shinozaki Kazuo
Published: November 2006

A mechanism is proposed for room-temperature “electrical-field-induced oxygen diffusion” based on the interface reaction of aluminum/yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and the measurements of film leakage properties. The application of a positive electric field (1 MV·cm-1) to a 25-nm-thick and 200-µm-diameter Al top electrode on a YSZ/Si thin film changes the color of the Al top electrode from silver to black in 400 s because of Al oxidation, as confirmed by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrically induced diffusion of oxygen ions from the YSZ into the Al electrode causes the oxidation. This phenomenon was not observed when a negative field was applied; nor was it shown by an Al/SiO2/Si thin film when a positive field (50 MV·cm-1) was applied. This method, which might be useful for device applications, can detect the redox reaction between the Al top electrode and the material, thereby indicating oxygen diffusion at low temperatures.
Glow Discharge Formation over Water Surface at Saturated Water Vapor Pressure and Its Application to Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Sugama Chie , Tochikubo Fumiyoshi , Uchida Satoshi
Published: November 2006

With the aim of wastewater treatment using the active reaction of OH radicals generated in gas discharges, DC, low frequency (LF, 100 kHz) and RF (13.56 MHz) glow discharges were generated over the water surface at saturated water vapor pressure. Low-pressure glow discharge over the water surface has an advantage of uniform OH radical production near the water surface. A very stable and uniform glow discharge was obtained with an RF power source, whereas the discharges obtained with the DC and LF power sources were sometimes localized. The effective OH radical production was confirmed from the strong optical emission of OH(A2Σ+–X2Π) near the water surface. The OH(A2Σ+–X2Π) emission intensity near the water surface increased almost linearly with an increase in discharge power.N,N-Dimethyl-p-nitrosoaniline (RNO) solution as a persistent test pollutant was treated by RF glow discharge over the water surface. We confirmed that the RNO solution was certainly decolorized by OH radicals generated in the RF glow discharge. It was found that the degradation of target compounds by OH radicals was concentrated near the water surface in the solution because very slow diffusion of target compounds limited the reaction rate.
Development of p-Channel Charge-Coupled Device for NeXT, the Next Japanese X-ray Astronomical Satellite Mission
Authors: Matsuura Daisuke , Ozawa Hideki , Tohiguchi Masakuni , Uchino Masahiro , Miyata Emi , Tsunemi Hiroshi , Inui Tatsuya , Tsuru Takeshi Go , Kamata Yukiko , Nakaya Hidehiko , Miyazaki Satoshi , Miyaguchi Kazuhisa , Muramatsu Masaharu , Suzuki Hisanori , Takagi Shinichiro
Published: November 2006

We are developing an X-ray charge-coupled device (CCD) for the next Japanese X-ray astronomical satellite mission, NeXT (New X-ray Telescope/Nonthermal energy eXploration Telescope). We developed a trial product of the p-channel CCD fabricated on an n-type silicon wafer. It is possible to have a thick depletion layer of ∼300 µm with a p-channel CCD because it is easy to obtain high resistivity using an n-type silicon wafer compared with a p-type silicon wafer. We evaluated the performance of the p-channel CCD. The imaging area of the CCD consists of 512×512 pixels with a pixel size of 24×24 µm2. The horizontal charge transfer inefficiency (CTI) of the CCD can be improved by reducing the operating temperature and increasing the readout frequency. We obtained the best horizontal CTI of (0.98±0.09)×10-5 with an energy resolution of (202±6) eV full width at half maximum (FWHM) for 5.9 keV X-rays and a readout noise of 18 e- (rms) when the CCD was operated at a temperature of -110 °C and a readout frequency of 67 kHz. We measured the thickness of the depletion layer to be (290±33) µm from the detection efficiency of the 22.4 and 24.9 keV emission lines from 109Cd.
Effect of Oxygen Plasma Irradiation on Hydrogen Silsesquioxane Nanopatterns Replicated by Room-Temperature Nanoimprinting
Authors: Kawamori Masanori , Nakamatsu Ken-ichiro , Haruyama Yuichi , Matsui Shinji
Published: November 2006

We investigated the effect of oxygen (O2) plasma irradiation on hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) patterns replicated by room-temperature nanoimprinting. The HSQ-imprinted patterns with rectangular shapes changed when heated to 200 °C. Furthermore, they disappeared immediately when they were placed on a hot plate at a temperature of 300 °C. In contrast, O2 plasma preirradiation of HSQ-imprinted nanostructures prevented the pattern deformation during postbaking. Even at the high annealing temperature of 1000 °C, HSQ-replicated patterns with 200 nm linewidth, retained its initial pattern profiles. The measured water contact angle of O2-plasma-irradiated HSQ surface decreased from 104 to 25°. The relative intensity of O 1s/Si 2p of the O2-irradiated HSQ surface, measured by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy increased from 3.13 to 4.23. These values were very close to those of thermally grown SiO2 (26.2° and 4.87).
Fabrication of Highly Ordered Arrays of Nanoparticles by Mechanical Process
Authors: Ito Hironori , Nomura Shintaro
Published: November 2006

We have developed a new method of fabricating nanoparticles utilizing a mechanical rubbing process. Highly ordered arrays of Au nanoparticles with a diameter of 60 nm have been fabricated on a porous anodic alumina template. Pressure measurements during the mechanical rubbing process confirmed that these nanoparticles were formed only by a mechanical separation process. Our method can be applied to fabricate nanocapsules and has a wide range of applicability to materials that have never been controlled in the nanoscale.
Genetic and environmental interrelations between measurements of thyroid function in a healthy Danish twin population
Authors: Hansen Pia Skov , Brix Thomas Heiberg , Iachine Ivan , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Kyvik Kirsten Ohm , Hegedüs Laszlo
Published: November 2006

Serum thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (T4), and free triiodothyronine (T3) levels illustrate the thyroid function set point, but the interrelations between these have never been characterized in detail. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between TSH and thyroid hormone levels in healthy euthyroid twins and to determine the extent to which the same genes influence more than one of these biochemical traits; 1,380 healthy euthyroid Danish twins (284 monozygotic, 286 dizygotic, 120 opposite-sex twin pairs) were recruited. Genetic and environmental associations between thyroid function measurements were examined using quantitative genetic modeling. In bivariate genetic models, the phenotypic relation between two measurements was divided into genetic and environmental correlations. Free T4 and free T3 levels were positively correlated ( r = 0.32, P < 0.0001). The genetic correlation between serum free T4 and free T3 levels was rg = 0.25 (95% CI 0.14–0.35), suggesting that a set of common genes affect both phenotypes (pleiotropy). The correlation between the environmental effects was re = 0.41 (0.32–0.50). From this we calculated that the proportion of the correlation between free T4 and free T3 levels mediated by common genetic factors was 48%. Only 7% of the genetic component of serum free T3 levels is shared with serum free T4. Serum TSH and thyroid hormone levels did not share any genetic influences. In conclusion, thyroid hormone levels are partly genetically correlated genes that affect free T4 levels and exert pleiotropic effects on free T3 levels, although most of the genetic variance for these measurements is trait specific.
Dietary fatty acids make a rapid and substantial contribution to VLDL-triacylglycerol in the fed state
Authors: Heath Richard B. , Karpe Fredrik , Milne Ross W. , Burdge Graham C. , Wootton Stephen A. , Frayn Keith N.
Published: November 2006

Exaggerated postprandial lipemia is associated with coronary heart disease and type II diabetes, yet few studies have examined the effect of sequential meals on lipoprotein metabolism. We have used13C-labeled fatty acids to trace the incorporation of fatty acid derived from a meal into apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100)-containing lipoproteins and plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) following two consecutive meals. Healthy volunteers ( n = 8) were given breakfast labeled with [1-13C]palmitic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, followed 5 h later by lunch containing [1-13C]oleic acid. Blood samples were taken over a 9-h period. ApoB-100-containing lipoproteins were isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography. Chylomicron-triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations peaked at 195 min following breakfast but at 75 min following lunch ( P < 0.001). VLDL-TG concentrations, in contrast, rose to a broad peak after breakfast and then fell steadily after lunch. Breakfast markers followed chylomicron-TG concentrations and appeared in plasma NEFA with a similar profile, whereas [1-13C]oleic acid peaked 2 h after lunch in plasma TG and NEFA. Breakfast markers appeared steadily in VLDL, peaking 1–3 h after lunch, whereas [1-13C]oleic acid was still accumulating in VLDL at 9 h. Around 17% of VLDL-TG originated from recent dietary fat 5 h after breakfast, and around 40% at the end of the experiment. We conclude that there is rapid flux of fatty acids from the diet into endogenous pools. Further study of these processes may open up new targets for intervention to reduce VLDL-TG concentrations and postprandial lipemia.
Regulation of STIM1, store-operated Ca2+influx, and nitric oxide generation by retinoic acid in rat mesangial cells
Authors: Zhang Wanke , Meng Hua , Li Zhen-Hua , Shu Zhenju , Ma Xiuye , Zhang Bin-Xian
Published: November 2006

It has been shown that store-operated Ca2+influx (SOC) plays critical roles in the activation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) and generation of NO in endothelial cells. Recent studies indicate stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is the molecule responsible for SOC activation following Ca2+depletion in the ER. Retinoic acids (RA) have beneficial effects in the treatment of renal diseases. The mechanism of the RA action is still largely unknown. In the current study, we used primary cultured rat mesangial cells to examine the effect of RA on SOC and STIM1. In these cells, BK caused concentration-dependent [Ca2+]imobilization. Treatment of the cells with RA, while it had no effect on the initial peak, reduced the plateau phase of BK-mediated [Ca2+]iresponse, indicating the inhibition of SOC by RA. The level of STIM1 protein but not mRNA in RA-treated cells was significantly reduced. RA treatment did not affect TGF-β-mediated gradual Ca2+influx which occurred by superoxide anion-mediated mechanism, indicating RA treatment specifically inhibited SOC in mesangial cells. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that eNOS was expressed in rat mesangial cells grown in media containing 11 and 30 but not 5.5 mM glucose. Downregulation of STIM1 protein and BK-induced SOC by RA treatment or STIM1 dsRNA were associated with abolished NO production. The 26S proteasome inhibitor lactacystin blocked the RA-mediated downregulation of BK-induced SOC, suggesting that ubiquitin-proteasome pathway may be involved in RA-mediated STIM1 protein downregulation in rat mesangial cells. Our data suggest that glucose-induced eNOS expression and NO production in mesangial cells may contribute to hyperfiltration in diabetes and RA may exert beneficial effects by downregulation of STIM1 and SOC in mesangial cells.
Epigenetic Inactivation of theHOXAGene Cluster in Breast Cancer
Authors: Novak Petr , Jensen Taylor , Oshiro Marc M. , Wozniak Ryan J. , Nouzova Marcella , Watts George S. , Klimecki Walter T. , Kim Christina , Futscher Bernard W.
Published: November 2006

Using an integrated approach of epigenomic scanning and gene expression profiling, we found aberrant methylation and epigenetic silencing of a small neighborhood of contiguous genes—the HOXA gene cluster in human breast cancer. The observed transcriptional repression was localized to ∼100 kb of the HOXA gene cluster and did not extend to genes located upstream or downstream of the cluster. Bisulfite sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis confirmed that the loss of expression of the HOXA gene cluster in human breast cancer is closely linked to aberrant DNA methylation and loss of permissive histone modifications in the region. Pharmacologic manipulations showed the importance of these aberrant epigenetic changes in gene silencing and support the hypothesis that aberrant DNA methylation is dominant to histone hypoacetylation. Overall, these data suggest that inactivation of the HOXA gene cluster in breast cancer may represent a new type of genomic lesion—epigenetic microdeletion. We predict that epigenetic microdeletions are common in human cancer and that they functionally resemble genetic microdeletions but are defined by epigenetic inactivation and transcriptional silencing of a relatively small set of contiguous genes along a chromosome, and that this type of genomic lesion is metastable and reversible in a classic epigenetic fashion. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10664-70)
Thalamocortical and Corticothalamic Interaction in the Auditory System
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Chan Ying-Shing , He Jufang
Published: November 2006

The neuronal interconnections between thalamus and cortex modulate information transmission in the central auditory system. To facilitate the understanding of its modulation effects and mechanism, first, the recent progress on investigating the anatomical connections and the physiological properties of the medial geniculate body and auditory cortex is summarized. Second, the connectional pattern and functional organization in thalamocortical and corticothalamic network are described. Third, the strategic position and role of the thalamic reticular nucleus in the auditory system are demonstrated. Lastly, the functional implication of this integrated system and possible interactions between auditory thalamus and cortex are discussed. The thalamocortical and corticothalamic projections may work as a dynamic filter array in integrating sensory information and optimizing signal processing in the auditory system.
Application of Antibody Array Technology in the Analysis of Urinary Cytokine Profiles in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Liu Bi-Cheng , Zhang Lu , Lv Lin-li , Wang Yan-li , Liu Dian-ge , Zhang Xiao-liang
Published: November 2006

Aims: Emerging evidence suggests that the urinary excretion of cytokines is associated with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, detection of urinary cytokines in high throughput is still a problem in clinical practice. In this cross-sectional study, we applied a novel proteomic technology, antibody array, to analyze urinary cytokine profiles in patients with CKD. Methods: A total of 10 subjects including 7 CKD patients and 3 normal controls were studied. These patients with CKD were divided into two groups according to the levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): group A (eGFR ≧80 ml/min/1.73 m2, n = 3) and group B (eGFR ≤40 ml/min/1.73 m2, n = 4). Urine samples taken from age and gender-matched healthy volunteers (n = 3) served as control. Differential excretion of urinary cytokines was determined by human cytokine antibody array (Raybiotech, Norcross, Ga., USA). A 2-fold change in spot intensity compared to controls was considered as significant. In order to check the reliability of the data obtained by antibody array, urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) 1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: A total of 15 cytokines varied significantly in urinary samples obtained from patients with CKD compared with normal controls. It was shown that the levels of MCP-1, RANTES, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1, TNF-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), E-selectin, Fas, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, interleukin 2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and transforming growth factor β in patients with CKD at stage 1–2 (group A) were 2- to 5-fold higher than those in normal controls, while the excretion of MCP-1, RANTES, TIMP-1, TNF-α and VEGF was further increased in the patients with renal insufficiency (group B). However, a lower excretion of urinary vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and platelet-derived growth factor was found in patients with CKD compared with normal controls. Impressively, the urinary MMP-9 excretion was 492-fold higher in group A and 198-fold higher in group B than that in normal controls. The levels of MCP-1 and TNF-α correlated well with the relative n-fold change seen in the antibody array experiments. The rank correlation coefficients (r values) were 0.976 (p < 0.001) and 0.939 (p < 0.001) for MCP-1and TNF-α, respectively. Conclusion: Antibody array could serve as a fast, high-throughput and sensitive tool for detecting the excretion of urinary cytokines. Our study is the first to provide an important information regarding the utility of antibody array in evaluating the role of cytokines in the initiation and progression of CKD.
The Sustainability and Future of Unrecognized Quasi-States
Authors: Kolstø Pål
Published: November 2006

The study of quasi-states has been marred by an unfortunate terminological confusion. Sometimes, this term is taken to mean recognized states that fail to develop the necessary state structures to function as fully fledged, ‘real’ states. At other times, ‘quasi-states’ is a designation given to regions that secede from another state, gain de facto control over the territory they lay claim to, but fail to achieve international recognition. The author proposes that, in order to clear up this confusion, recognized but ineffectual states ought to be referred as ‘failed states’, while the term ‘quasi-states’ ought to be reserved for unrecognized, de facto states. Since quasi-states are not supported by international recognition, they must be sustained by something else. In contrast to researchers who maintain that the majority of these quasi-states are quite strong, this article argues that their modal tendency is weak economy and weak state structures. The main reasons why these states nevertheless have not collapsed seem to be that they have managed to build up internal support from the local population through propaganda and identity-building; channel a disproportionately large part of their meager resources into military defense; enjoy the support of a strong patron; and, in most cases, have seceded from a state that is itself very weak.
Democratic Sanctions: Connecting the Democratic Peace and Economic Sanctions
Authors: Cox Dan G. , Drury A. Cooper
Published: November 2006

The democratic peace literature has focused primarily on militarized conflict; however, aspects of the democratic peace may influence how states use economic sanctions. This article investigates how democracies sanction both each other and other non-democracies. Because economic sanctions are very different from military force, some aspects of the democratic peace, such as the more peaceful nature of democracies, do not apply to the decision to sanction. However, several democratic peace factors should influence the use of economic sanctions, such as institutional constraints, shared values, and quick resolutions often found between two democracies. Using updated economic sanction data from 1978 through 2000, the article employs rare-event logit analysis to show that the democratic peace does influence the use of economic coercion - democracies are less likely to sanction each other. It also shows that democracies employ sanctions more than other regime types, in part because democracies pursue human rights and democratization goals with economic sanctions. The results further reveal that unlike other countries, the United States is not hesitant to sanction its allies.
Children's communicative strategies in novel and familiar word situations
Authors: Nayer Samantha L. , Graham Susan A.
Published: November 2006

The present studies investigated 3-year-olds' ability to adapt their communication based on their parents' knowledge state when requesting familiar and novel objects. Children participated in a toy retrieval game during which their parent was present or absent during toy introductions. In Study 1, children used more specific requests and cue combinations in the parent-absent group versus parent-present group when requesting familiar labelled objects. In Study 2, a similar game was administered with adaptations to reduce cognitive demands. Children produced more specific requests in the parent-absent group compared with the parent-present group when requesting an unlabelled novel object. The results indicate that three-year-olds have an emergent ability to adapt their communicative behaviours based on their parents' knowledge state.
Unicorn among the Cedars: On the Possibility of Effective ‘Smart Regulation’ of the Globalized Shipping Industry
Authors: Bloor Michael , Datta Ramesh , Gilinskiy Yakov , Horlick-Jones Tom
Published: November 2006

This article considers the prospects for effective regulation of emerging globalized industries by examining the effectiveness of the ‘smart regulation’ approach associated with the port state control enforcement regime for seafarers’ health and safety. Smart regulation seeks to generate incentive structures that promote proactive compliance by ship operators. Drawing on an international comparative study, which included extensive observation of ship inspections in India, Russia and the UK, it is suggested that the main reason why the hoped-for ‘market in virtue’ is only weakly present turns on the perceived and actual inconsistencies in the implementation of the regulatory regime. These contrasts exist cross-nationally, and are manifested in terms of differences in the local character of enforcement practice, and in levels of trust in national regulatory administrations. The strong overall regulatory framework, the political will to avoid damaging maritime accidents, and the well-developed system of port state control, all suggest that the shipping industry may be taken as a test case for the possibility of effective smart governance of a globalized industry. The limited gains achieved in this sector thus bode ill for effective future governance of other emerging globalizing industries.
The Scene of the Crime: Inventing the Serial Killer
Authors: Warwick Alexandra
Published: November 2006

This article examines the meanings of the crime scene in serial killings, and the tensions between the real and the imagined in the circulation of those meanings. Starting with the Whitechapel Murders of 1888 it argues that they, as well as forming an origin for the construction of the identity of ‘the serial killer’, initiate certain ideas about the relationship of subjects to spaces and the existence of the self in the modern urban landscape. It suggests that these ideas come to play an integral part in the contemporary discourse of serial killing, both in the popular imagination and in professional analysis. Examining the Whitechapel Murders, more recent cases and modern profiling techniques, it argues that popular and professional representations of crime scenes reveal more of social anxieties about the nature of the public and the private than they do about serial killers. It suggests that ‘the serial killer’ is not a coherent type, but an invention produced from the confusions of persons and places.
Web-based provision of information on infectious diseases: a systems study
Authors: Roy Anjana , Kostkova Patty , Catchpole Michael , Carson Ewart
Published: November 2006

The National electronic Library for Health (NeLH) is an Internet medical information resources portal, principally for healthcare professionals, within which the National electronic Library of Infection (NeLI) is one of NeLH Specialist Libraries providing evidence on infectious diseases. In this article, we describe a systems-based evaluation of NeLI based on a soft systems methodology. User feedback and other data for the analysis were obtained using online questionnaires. This evaluation, which is a pilot study aimed at demonstrating proof of concept, provided evidence for improving three systems that are crucial to effective NeLI provision. These are navigation of the site, quality and tagging of information provided by NeLI, and information regarding users and their usage of the system. On the basis of a soft systems analysis, an action plan was formulated identifying areas where improvement is needed. Actions for consideration included simplifying terminologies to improve the navigation, enhancing the provision of research assessments, quality tagging NeLI documents, provided by experts in the field, and attracting a broader cross-section of healthcare professional user.