bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Ho Content on Microstructure and Ferroelectric Properties of Bi4−xHoxTi3O12 Thin Films Prepared by Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Guo Dongyun , Zhang Lianmeng , Li Meiya , Liu Jun , Yu Benfang
Published: September 2008

Bi4−xHoxTi3O12 (BHT‐x) thin films with Ho content x=0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 were prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by a sol–gel method. Effects of Ho contents on the microstructure and ferroelectric properties of BHT‐x thin films were investigated. All the BHT‐x samples consist of the Bi‐layered Aurivillius phase. The lattice constants along the a, b, and c axes decrease with the increase of x. The remanent polarization (2Pr) and dielectric constant (ɛr) increase firstly and then decreases with the increase of the Ho content, while the leakage current density shows opposite trend. BHT‐0.4 film exhibits the best electrical properties with 2Pr 44.2 μC/cm2, 2Ec 323.7 kV/cm, ɛr 489 (at 1 MHz), dielectric loss 0.018 (at 1 MHz), leakage current density 8.0 × 10−8 A/cm2 (under 200 kV/cm), as well as the strongest fatigue resistance (the polarization loss is only 3% after 4.46 × 109 switching cycles).
Positron Annihilation Lifetime Study of Vacancies in Nb‐Doped Rutile
Authors: Vance Eric R. , Hadley Joseph H. , Hsu Frank H.
Published: September 2008

Nb‐doped rutile produced by sintering at 1400°C in an air atmosphere led to a monotonic increase of the shortest τ1 lifetime of the major spectral component from 0.17 to 0.25 ns in the 22Na positron annihilation lifetime spectrum as the Nb doping level was progressively increased to 0.12 formula units, at which stage TiNb2O7 was observed as a second phase. The charge compensators for Nb5+ substituting for Ti4+ are indicated as cation vacancies on the basis of the increase of τ1.
Optical and Mechanical Properties of Glasses and Glass–Ceramics Based on the Ge–Ga–Se System
Authors: Rozé Mathieu , Calvez Laurent , Ledemi Yannick , Allix Mathieu , Matzen Guy , Zhang Xiang‐Hua
Published: September 2008

In this paper, the mechanical and thermo‐mechanical properties of glasses and glass–ceramics belonging to the Ge–Ga–Se system are studied. Pure glasses slightly transparent in the visible range up to 16 μm have been synthesized. Glass–ceramics were made using an appropriate heat‐treatment time and temperature from the 80GeSe2–20Ga2Se3 base glass in order to improve the mechanical properties. The optical and mechanical properties of glasses and glass–ceramics such as hardness and toughness were investigated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) versus temperature experiments were performed to understand the crystallization evolution as a function of heat‐treatment time. GeGa4Se8 and GeSe2 crystalline phases have been determined with XRD. As a result, glass–ceramics with 40% density of crystals present a very low thermal expansion coefficient (11.8 × 10−6± 0.5 K−1) and an excellent infrared transmission in the 3–5 and 8–13 μm regions.
Améliorer la qualité du travail peu rémunéré: l'expérience des Etats‐Unis
Authors: OSTERMAN Paul
Published: September 2008

Aux Etats‐Unis, malgré la vigueur du marché de travail, environ un cinquième de la main‐d'œuvre du secteur privé a des emplois médiocres: salaires au niveau du seuil de pauvreté, voire inférieurs, et faibles perspectives d'avancement. Face à ce constat, l'auteur examine les politiques de la demande susceptibles d'inciter les entreprises à améliorer la qualité de l'emploi. Il décrit et évalue plusieurs programmes à cet effet et propose une approche cohérente et équilibrée associant, d'une part, formation et actions concertées avec les employeurs, et, d'autre part, plus forte syndicalisation et meilleures normes sur les salaires et la durée du travail.
La consultation tripartite en Chine: premier pas vers la négociation collective?
Authors: SHEN Jie , BENSON John
Published: September 2008

En matière de travail, la consultation tripartite s'est largement répandue en Chine, et le gouvernement comme la Fédération des syndicats de Chine parlent de négociation collective. Les auteurs présentent son développement et sa structure, puis examinent son rôle dans la résolution des différends du travail, la formulation des réglementations et la négociation collective. La consultation tripartite en Chine diffère du modèle préconisé par l'Organisation internationale du Travail par manque de neutralité et d'application de ses conclusions, et parce que la représentation des travailleurs n'est pas indépendante et n'a que des responsabilités restreintes. Malgré ces graves lacunes, cette consultation tripartite pourrait représenter un premier pas vers une négociation collective plus authentique.
Cardioprotection by adaptation to ischaemia augments autophagy in association with BAG‐1 protein
Authors: Gurusamy Narasimman , Lekli Istvan , Gorbunov Nikolai V. , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Popescu Lawrence M. , Das Dipak K.
Published: September 2008

Autophagy is an intracellular process in which a cell digests its own constituents via lysosomal degradative pathway. Though autophagy has been shown in several cardiac diseases like heart failure, hypertrophy and ischaemic cardiomyopathy, the role and the regulation of autophagy is still largely unknown. Bcl‐2‐associated athanogene (BAG‐1) is a multifunctional pro‐survival molecule that binds with Hsp70/Hsc70. In this study, myocardial adaptation to ischaemia by repeated brief episodes of ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R) prior to lethal I/R enhanced the expression of autophagosomal membrane specific protein light chain 3 (LC3)‐II, and Beclin‐1, a molecule involved in autophagy and BAG‐1. Autophagosomes structures were found in the adapted myocardium through electron microscopy. Co‐immunoprecipitation and co‐immunofluorescence analyses revealed that LC3‐II was bound with BAG‐1. Inhibition of autophagy by treating rats with Wortmannin (15 μg/kg; intraperitoneally) abolished the ischaemic adaptation‐induced induction of LC3‐II, Beclin‐1, BAG‐1 and cardioprotection. Intramyocardial injection of BAG‐1 siRNA attenuated the induction of LC3‐II, and abolished the cardioprotection achieved by adaptation. Furthermore, hypoxic adaptation in cardiac myoblast cells induced LC3‐II and BAG‐1. BAG‐1 siRNA treatment attenuated hypoxic adaptation‐induced LC3‐II and BAG‐1, and abolished improvement in cardiac cell survival and reduction of cell death. These results clearly indicate that myocardial protection elicited by adaptation is mediated at least in part via up‐regulation of autophagy in association with BAG‐1 protein.
PDCD4 gene silencing in gliomas is associated with 5′CpG island methylation and unfavourable prognosis
Authors: Gao Fei , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhu Faliang , Wang Qun , Zhang Xia , Guo Chun , Zhou Chengjun , Ma Chunhong , Sun Wensheng , Zhang Yun , Chen Youhai H. , Zhang Lining
Published: September 2008

Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) is a newly described tumour suppressor that inhibits oncogenesis by suppressing gene transcription and translation. Loss of PDCD4 expression has been found in several types of human cancers including the most common cancer of the brain, the gliomas. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for PDCD4 gene silencing in tumour cells remain unclear. Here we report the identification of 5′CpG island methylation as the predominant cause of PDCD4 mRNA silencing in gliomas. The methylation of the PDCD4 5′CpG island was found in 47% (14/30) of glioma tissues, which was significantly associated with the loss of PDCD4 mRNA expression (γ=−1.000, P < 0.0001). Blocking methylation in glioma cells using a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine, restored the PDCD4 gene expression, inhibited their proliferation and reduced their colony formation capacity. Longitudinal studies of a cohort of 84 patients with gliomas revealed that poor prognosis of patients with high‐grade tumours were significantly associated with loss of PDCD4 expression. Thus, our current study suggests, for the first time, that PDCD4 5′CpG island methylation blocks PDCD4 expression at mRNA levels in gliomas. These results also indicate that PDCD4 reactivation might be an effective new strategy for the treatment of gliomas.
Freeze‐fracture replica immunolabelling reveals caveolin‐1 in the human cardiomyocyte plasma membrane
Authors: Robenek Horst , Weissen‐Plenz Gabriele , Severs Nicholas J.
Published: September 2008

Mutations in or ablation of the gene encoding caveolin‐3, a protein of muscle cell caveolae, result in forms of muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy. Another member of the caveolin gene family, caveolin‐1, is widely considered not to be expressed in myocytes, yet ablation of the gene encoding this protein in mice also results in cardiomyopathy. By applying the high‐resolution electron‐microscopical imaging technique of freeze‐fracture replica immunolabelling, we report here evidence that caveolin‐1 is expressed in human cardiac myocytes, localized to both caveolae and non‐caveolar domains in the plasma membrane. Disorders of the myocyte resulting from defects in caveolin‐1 may thus arise directly, at the level of the myocyte, rather than via other cell types as previously proposed.
Evaluation of the role of human herpes virus 6 and 8 in parapsoriasis
Authors: Quéreux Gaëlle , André‐Garnier Elisabeth , Knol Anne‐Chantal , Imbert‐Marcille Berthe‐Marie , Dréno Brigitte
Published: September 2008

Introduction:  The aetiology of mycosis fungoides and parapsoriasis (which may be considered as an early stage of mycosis fungoides) remains debated. Previous recent studies have suspected the involvement of viral agents and particularly human herpes viruses (HHV).The aim of the present study was to screen for the presence of HHV‐6 and HHV‐8 genome in parapsoriasis samples.

Method:  Fifty paraffin‐embedded samples from skin biopsies of parapsoriasis were retrospectively collected from archival files in our Dermatology department. Total DNA was extracted from samples using the phenol–chloroform method and the presence of viral genomes was screened using real‐time PCR.

Results:  Forty nine out of the fifty tissue samples of parapsoriasis were interpretable, they were all found negative for HHV‐6 and HHV‐8.

Discussion:  This study does not confirm the suspected role of HHV‐6 or ‐8 in parapsoriasis. HHV‐8 has been the most studied virus in parapsoriasis and more widely in cutaneous lymphoproliferative diseases and our results are in agreement with most of the studies which found none or few HHV‐8 in more advanced stages of cutaneous lymphoproliferative diseases. Concerning HHV‐6, our study is the first one investigating the presence of this virus in lesional tissue samples of patients with parapsoriasis. In conclusion, parapsoriasis does not seem to be associated with either HHV‐6 or HHV‐8.
Mechanisms of EHD/RME‐1 Protein Function in Endocytic Transport
Authors: Grant Barth D. , Caplan Steve
Published: September 2008

The evolutionarily conserved Eps15 homology domain (EHD)/receptor‐mediated endocytosis (RME)‐1 family of C‐terminal EH domain proteins has recently come under intense scrutiny because of its importance in intracellular membrane transport, especially with regard to the recycling of receptors from endosomes to the plasma membrane. Recent studies have shed new light on the mode by which these adenosine triphosphatases function on endosomal membranes in mammals and Caenorhabditis elegans. This review highlights our current understanding of the physiological roles of these proteins in vivo, discussing conserved features as well as emerging functional differences between individual mammalian paralogs. In addition, these findings are discussed in light of the identification of novel EHD/RME‐1 protein and lipid interactions and new structural data for proteins in this family, indicating intriguing similarities to the Dynamin superfamily of large guanosine triphosphatases.
Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus in newborn infants of opioid dependent mothers
Authors: Held‐Egli Katrin , Rüegger Christoph , Das‐Kundu Seema , Schmitt Bernhard , Bucher Hans Ulrich
Published: September 2008

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence, duration and risk factors for benign neonatal sleep myoclonus (BNSM) in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) treated with opioids or sedatives, compared with control infants.

Methods: This is a single centre observational case control study. Seventy‐eight near term and term infants with neonatal opiate abstinence syndrome confirmed by meconium analysis were included. Exclusion criteria were cerebral malformation, intracranial haemorrhage and perinatal asphyxia. The babies were assessed eight hourly with a modified Finnegan score that included sleep myoclonus. Seventy‐eight infants not exposed to opiates during pregnancy, hospitalized for at least 14 days and matched for gestational age were used as controls.

Results: The median gestational age was 38 1/7 (95% CI: 35 3/7–41 2/7) weeks, birth weight 2730 (95% CI: 1890–3600) g, umbilical artery pH 7.25 (CI 7.10–7.37) and Apgar score at 5 minutes 9 (95% CI: 7–10). The control infants did not differ in these characteristics.

Sleep myoclonus was diagnosed in 52 (67%) of the infants with NAS and 2 (2.6%) of the controls (OR 26 [95% CI: 7–223], p < 0.001). Myoclonus appeared as early as day 2 and as late as day 56 of life (median day 6) and lasted for 1 to 93 days (median 13 days). All infants had serum glucose > 2.5 mmol/L at first occurrence. The neurological examinations as well as cerebral ultrasound scans were normal. An electroencephalogram (EEG) carried out in 18 infants showed no signs of epileptic activity.

Conclusion: BNSM has a high incidence in infants with NAS. The diagnosis can be made clinically. In the absence of other neurological symptoms further investigations such as EEG are not necessary and anticonvulsive treatment is not indicated.
The Fulfilment Theology of Jean Daniélou, Karl Rahner and Jacques Dupuis
Authors: Sparks Adam
Published: September 2008

Prominent in much Theology of Religions is the concept of fulfilment (the extension of the fulfilment of the Old Covenant by Christ, to the fulfilment of other religions by Christ). The three Catholic theologians who are the subject of this article – Jean Daniélou, Karl Rahner and Jacques Dupuis – rely heavily on the fulfilment concept in their understanding of the relationship between other religions and Christianity. However, each uses the concept differently. This article outlines and then compares the use of the fulfilment concept in the theology of these three prominent theologians, and in doing so develops a fulfilment typology.
Insight into the mechanisms of aminoglycoside derivatives interaction with HIV‐1 entry steps and viral gene transcription
Authors: Lapidot Aviva , Berchanski Alexander , Borkow Gadi
Published: September 2008

In recent years, based on peptide models of HIV‐1 RNA binding, NMR structures of Tat‐responsive element–ligand complexes and aminoglycoside–RNA interactions, and HIV‐1 Tat structure, we have designed and synthesized aminoglycoside–arginine conjugates (AACs) and aminoglycoside poly‐arginine conjugates (APACs), to serve as Tat mimetics. These novel molecules inhibit HIV‐1 infectivity with 50% effective concentration values in the low micromolar range, the most potent compounds being the hexa‐arginine–neomycin B and nona‐d‐arginine–neomycin conjugates. Importantly, these compounds, in addition to acting as Tat antagonists, inhibit HIV‐1 infectivity by blocking several steps in HIV‐1 cell entry. The AACs and APACs inhibit HIV‐1 cell entry by interacting with gp120 at the CD4‐binding site, by interacting with CXCR4 at the binding site of the CXCR4 mAb 12G5, and apparently by interacting with transient structures of the ectodomain of gp41. In the current review, we discuss the mechanisms of anti‐HIV‐1 activities of these AACs, APACs and other aminoglycoside derivatives in detail. Targeting several key processes in the viral life cycle by the same compound not only may increase its antiviral efficacy, but more importantly, may reduce the capacity of the virus to develop resistance to the compound. AACs and APACs may thus serve as leading compounds for the development of multitargeting novel HIV‐1 inhibitors.
DNA methylation‐mediated nucleosome dynamics and oncogenic Ras signaling
Authors: Patra Samir K. , Szyf Moshe
Published: September 2008

Cytosine methylation at the 5‐carbon position is the only known stable base modification found in the mammalian genome. The organization and modification of chromatin is a key factor in programming gene expression patterns. Recent findings suggest that DNA methylation at the junction of transcription initiation and elongation plays a critical role in suppression of transcription. This effect is mechanistically mediated by the state of chromatin modification. DNA methylation attracts binding of methyl‐CpG‐binding domain proteins that trigger repression of transcription, whereas DNA demethylation facilitates transcription activation. Understanding the rules that guide differential gene expression, as well as transcription dynamics and transcript abundance, has proven to be a taxing problem for molecular biologists and oncologists alike. The use of novel molecular modeling methods is providing exciting insights into the challenging problem of how methylation mediates chromatin dynamics. New data implicate lipid rafts as the coordinators of signals emanating from the cell membrane and are converging on the mechanisms linking DNA methylation and chromatin dynamics. This review focuses on some of these recent advances and uses lipid‐raft‐facilitated Ras signaling as a paradigm for understanding DNA methylation, chromatin dynamics and apoptosis.
The role of metabolic memory in the ATP paradox and energy homeostasis
Authors: Aledo Juan C. , Jiménez‐Rivérez Susana , Cuesta‐Munoz Antonio , Romero Juan M.
Published: September 2008

In yeast, a sudden transition from glucose limitation to glucose excess leads to a new steady state at increased metabolic fluxes with a sustained decrease in the ATP concentration. Although this behaviour has been rationalized as an adaptive metabolic strategy, the mechanism behind it remains unclear. Nevertheless, it is thought that, on glucose addition, a metabolite derived from glycolysis may up‐regulate ATP‐consuming reactions. The adenine nucleotides themselves have been ruled out as the signals that mediate this regulation. This is mainly because, in that case, it would be expected that the new steady state at increased fluxes would be accompanied by an increased stationary ATP concentration. In this study, we present a core model consisting of a monocyclic interconvertible enzyme system. Using a supply–demand approach, we demonstrate that this system can account for the empirical observations without involving metabolites other than the adenine nucleotides as effectors. Moreover, memory is an emerging property of such a system, which may allow the cell to sense both the current energy status and the direction of the changes.
Mechanism of Paroxetine‐Induced Cell Death in Renal Tubular Cells
Authors: Chen Wei‐Chuan , Huang Chorng‐Chih , Huang Chun‐Jen , Chien Jau‐Min , Lin Ko‐Long , Lu Yih‐Chau , Chen I‐Shu , Liu Shiuh‐Inn , Hsu Shu‐Shong , Chang Hong‐Tai , Chou Chiang‐Ting , Jan Chung‐Ren
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Paroxetine belongs to the family of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Much research has been performed on the in vitro effect of paroxetine; however, the effect of paroxetine on Madin‐Darby canine kidney renal tubular cells is unknown. The present study was aimed at exploring how paroxetine affects viability and to examine the underlying mechanisms. Paroxetine (15–200 µM) was shown to reduce cell viability via inducing apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner. Paroxetine‐induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis were not changed by the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitor SB203580 and the c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase inhibitor SP600125, but was potentiated by the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase inhibitor PD98059; inhibited by GF 109203X, a protein kinase C inhibitor; and potentiated by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate, a protein kinase C activator. Paroxetine induced [Ca2+]i rises; however, pre‐treatment with 1,2‐bis(o‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid tetra(acetoxymethyl)ester, a Ca2+ chelator, to prevent 20 µM paroxetine‐induced [Ca2+]i rises did not protect cells from death. H‐89 (a protein kinase A inhibitor) and U73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor) failed to alter paroxetine‐induced cell death. The results suggest that in Madin‐Darby canine kidney cells, paroxetine caused protein kinase C‐dependent, Ca2+‐independent apoptosis which was potentiated by inhibition of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway.
How Processing Digital Elevation Models Can Affect Simulated Water Budgets
Authors: Kuniansky Eve L. , Lowery Mark A. , Campbell Bruce G.
Published: September 2008

For regional models, the shallow water table surface is often used as a source/sink boundary condition, as model grid scale precludes simulation of the water table aquifer. This approach is appropriate when the water table surface is relatively stationary. Since water table surface maps are not readily available, the elevation of the water table used in model cells is estimated via a two‐step process. First, a regression equation is developed using existing land and water table elevations from wells in the area. This equation is then used to predict the water table surface for each model cell using land surface elevation available from digital elevation models (DEM). Two methods of processing DEM for estimating the land surface for each cell are commonly used (value nearest the cell centroid or mean value in the cell). This article demonstrates how these two methods of DEM processing can affect the simulated water budget. For the example presented, approximately 20% more total flow through the aquifer system is simulated if the centroid value rather than the mean value is used. This is due to the one‐third greater average ground water gradients associated with the centroid value than the mean value. The results will vary depending on the particular model area topography and cell size. The use of the mean DEM value in each model cell will result in a more conservative water budget and is more appropriate because the model cell water table value should be representative of the entire cell area, not the centroid of the model cell.
Effect of Ultrasonic Treatment on the Total Phenolic and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Citrus Peel
Authors: Ma Y.‐Q. , Chen J.‐C. , Liu D.‐H. , Ye X.‐Q.
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT:  Application of ultrasound to extract a variety of biologically active compounds from plant materials has been widely investigated. However, there are few reports on the local effect of ultrasonic irradiation on the yields of these compounds. In the present article, the local effect of ultrasonic treatment on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities (ATT) of extracts from citrus peels was investigated. To optimize the extraction process, a response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effects of ultrasonic variables including ultrasonic power, ultrasonic time, and extraction temperature on extracts from penggan (Citrus reticulata) peel. The results showed that TPC and ATT increased on increasing ultrasonic time and temperature. The maximum of TPC and ATT by ultrasonic treatment was observed in near ultrasonic irradiation surface, in which ultrasonic power appeared to be positive effect. Furthermore, when the effect of the 3 independent variables was evaluated simultaneously using RSM, the optimal ultrasonic conditions for responses were determined as: 42 to 45 W, 23 to 25 min, 31 to 34 °C. The results presented here emphasized that application of ultrasound should be considered both the optimization of ultrasonic variables and available ultrasonic device.
Stability Analysis of Zinc Oxide‐Nanoencapsulated Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Gamma‐Linolenic Acid
Authors: Won J. , Oh M.‐H. , Oh J.‐M. , Kang M.‐S. , Choy J.‐H. , Oh S.
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT:  Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and gamma‐linolenic acid (GLA) were encapsulated with hydrated zinc oxide nanoparticles in an effort to improve their time and thermal stability. Encapsulated and nonencapsulated CLA and GLA were stored at 20, 30, 40, and 50 °C for 49 d. At various time points, encapsulated CLA and GLA were extracted, methylated, and analyzed using GC‐FID. Both encapsulated CLA and control CLA were stable when stored at 20, 30, and 40 °C for up to 49 d. However, control CLA was 100% degraded after 28 d at 50 °C, whereas encapsulated CLA was stable at 50 °C for 49 d. Similarly, both encapsulated GLA and control GLA were stable when stored at 20 °C for 49 d, but nonencapsulated GLA was 92% degraded after 49 d at 30 °C; encapsulated GLA was stable at 30 °C. Therefore, nanoencapsulation improves the time and temperature stability of CLA and GLA.
Sandwich Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for the Detection of Lupine Residues in Foods
Authors: Kaw C.H. , Hefle S.L. , Taylor S.L.
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT:  Lupine has been increasingly used in food applications due to its high nutritional value and excellent functional properties. However, lupine provokes allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. The presence of undeclared lupine residues in foods can pose a serious health risk to lupine‐allergic individuals. Therefore, the objective of this research was to develop a sandwich‐type ELISA for the detection of lupine residues in foods. Lupine flour derived from Lupinus albus was used to immunize 3 rabbits and a sheep. Pooled lupine‐specific antibodies were partially purified from the sera by ammonium sulfate precipitation. A sandwich lupine ELISA with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1 ppm was developed by utilizing the rabbit antisera as the capture reagent and the sheep antiserum as the detector reagent. The binding of the antigen‐antibody complex was visualized by the addition of commercial rabbit antisheep IgG antibody labeled with alkaline phosphatase with subsequent addition of p‐nitrophenyl phosphate substrate to produce a colored product for quantification. Minor cross‐reactivity was observed with soy (Glycine max) and black bean (Castanospermum australe). The performance of the lupine ELISA was evaluated in reference food standards (beef frankfurter and apple cinnamon muffin) and laboratory‐prepared cooked frankfurters and corn muffins. The mean percent recovery for lupine spiked‐frankfurters and corn muffins were 108.4%± 8.8% and 103.1%± 11.5%, respectively. The sandwich‐type lupine ELISA developed in this study provides food manufacturers and regulatory agencies with an effective analytical tool to detect and quantify lupine residues in processed foods.
Validation of a Combi Oven Cooking Method for Preparation of Chicken Breast Meat for Quality Assessment
Authors: Zhuang H. , Savage E.M.
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT:  Quality assessment results of cooked meat can be significantly affected by sample preparation with different cooking techniques. A combi oven is a relatively new cooking technique in the U.S. market. However, there was a lack of published data about its effect on quality measurements of chicken meat. Broiler breast fillets deboned at 24‐h postmortem were cooked with one of the 3 methods to the core temperature of 80 °C. Cooking methods were evaluated based on cooking operation requirements, sensory profiles, Warner–Bratzler (WB) shear and cooking loss. Our results show that the average cooking time for the combi oven was 17 min compared with 31 min for the commercial oven method and 16 min for the hot water method. The combi oven did not result in a significant difference in the WB shear force values, although the cooking loss of the combi oven samples was significantly lower than the commercial oven and hot water samples. Sensory profiles of the combi oven samples did not significantly differ from those of the commercial oven and hot water samples. These results demonstrate that combi oven cooking did not significantly affect sensory profiles and WB shear force measurements of chicken breast muscle compared to the other 2 cooking methods. The combi oven method appears to be an acceptable alternative for preparing chicken breast fillets in a quality assessment.
UV and pigmentation: molecular mechanisms and social controversies
Authors: Tran Thanh‐Nga T. , Schulman Joshua , Fisher David E.
Published: September 2008

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is an essential risk factor for the development of premalignant skin lesions as well as of melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer. UVR exerts many effects on the skin, including tanning, carcinogenesis, immunomodulation, and production of vitamin D. Vitamin D (vit D) is important in the maintenance of healthy bones as well as other purported beneficial effects, amongst which is the potential for reducing risk of malignancy—though oral supplementation is fully capable of maintaining systemic levels. The known medical harm from UV exposure relates primarily to cancer of the skin—the most common organ in man to be affected by cancer. In this review, we summarize the knowledge about the ultraviolet (UV) response in regards to inflammation, immunosuppression, carcinogenesis and the tanning response. We also discuss vit D and UV, as well as public health implications of tanning behavior and commercial interests related to the promotion of UV exposure. As the most ubiquitous human carcinogen, UVR exposure represents both a challenge and enormous opportunity in the realm of skin cancer prevention.
Are tanning beds “safe”? Human studies of melanoma
Authors: Berwick Marianne
Published: September 2008

Controversy continues over the carcinogenic properties of tanning beds. The tanning industry “sells” tanning beds as a safe alternative to UV exposure for both tanning as well as vitamin D biosynthesis. But, how safe are tanning beds? Epidemiologic data – incomplete and unsatisfactory – suggests that tanning beds are not safer than solar ultraviolet radiation and that they may have independent effects from solar exposure that increase risk for melanoma.
Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: what can we learn from mouse models?
Authors: Boone Michelle , Deen Peter M. T.
Published: September 2008

Aquaporins (AQPs) are central players in mammalian physiology, allowing efficient water transport through cellular membranes. To date, 13 different aquaporins have been identified in mammals (AQP0–AQP12). Knocking out genes in mice and identification of mutations in the human genes provided important information on the role of AQPs in normal physiology. While the physiological role of many AQPs only becomes clear when the putative function is challenged, the lack of AQP2 directly results in a disease phenotype. Aquaporin 2 is highly expressed in the principal cells of the renal collecting duct, where it shuttles between intracellular storage vesicles and the apical membrane. Upon hypernatraemia or hypovolaemia, the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin (AVP) is released from the pituitary into blood and binds to its type 2 receptor on renal principal cells. This initiates a cAMP signalling cascade resulting in the translocation of AQP2‐bearing vesicles to the apical membrane. Subsequently, pro‐urinary water reabsorption and urine concentration occurs. This process is reversed by a reduction in circulating AVP levels, which is obtained with the establishment of isotonicity. In humans, mutations in the AQP2 gene cause congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), a disorder characterized by an inability to concentrate urine in response to vasopressin. Until the recent development of several congenital NDI mouse models, our knowledge on AQP2 regulation was primarily based on in vitro studies. This review focuses on the similarities between the in vitro and in vivo studies and discusses new insights into congenital NDI obtained from the mouse models.
Novel Mechanical Actuation of a Modular Laparoscopic Surgical Tool
Authors: Miller David J. , Nelson Carl A.
Published: September 2008

A functional analysis of current laparoscopic surgical technology prompted a redesign of the tools in order to provide multiple functionalities within a single tool. With this redesign came the need for a number of novel mechanisms to actuate and deploy functional tips to the surgical site from their storage locations. In this study we have adopted a multifaceted approach to biomedical device design: functional decomposition to determine problems with the current minimally invasive surgery paradigm, axiomatic design to ensure an efficient design, and quality function deployment to mathematically determine important design criteria. These methods were applied to the design of several novel mechanisms for achieving multifunctionality in a modular surgical instrument. The new actuation mechanism transfers squeezing motion from the hand through a gear train to the distal end of the tool where a pin-slot mechanism actuates the tool tip. The most pronounced change from current technology is the method for rotating the tool’s shaft: rather than a rotary∕rotary interaction using the index finger, a more ergonomic slider mechanism translates linear thumb motion into rotation of the tool’s shaft through a gear train. Finally, rather than locking or unlocking the jaws of the tool using multiple trigger∕ratchet interaction, the new tool uses a binary ratcheting mechanism (similar to a retractable ballpoint pen) to lock or unlock the tool with only one motion. In addition to the actuation mechanisms, the methods for indexing functional tips within the tool and interfacing the tips with a lead screw were redesigned for a modular tool. Rotary indexing of the tool cartridge is done using a Geneva-type mechanism and cam∕follower to provide positive locking once the tip is in place. Transferring the tool tip from the rotary chamber to contact the actuation∕shuttling screw is accomplished using a screw∕wedge assembly to ensure proper attachment. Each of these mechanisms is described and analyzed in detail to show the overall improvement in surgical performance of this novel tool. The benefits identified include multiple functionalities in a single tool, ergonomic benefits of an increased input∕output force scaling, decreased out-of-plane motion required to rotate the tool’s shaft, and decreased cognitive load required to lock and unlock the tool’s jaws.
A Sketch-Based Tool for Analyzing Vibratory Mechanical Systems
Authors: Kara Levent Burak , Gennari Leslie , Stahovich Thomas F.
Published: September 2008

Sketches are a ubiquitous form of communication in engineering design due to their simplicity and efficiency. However, because of a lack of suitable machine-interpretation techniques, they are virtually unusable with current computer-aided design and engineering tools. The informal nature of sketches and their inherent ambiguity present a number of challenges to the development of such techniques. Here we address one particular challenge, the task of reliably locating and recognizing the intended visual objects from a continuous stream of pen strokes. We present an integrated sketch parsing and recognition approach, based on a novel mark-group-recognize paradigm, which is tailored to the domain of mechanical systems. In the first step of processing, the sketch is examined to identify certain delimiting symbols called “markers.” The remaining pen strokes are then partitioned into distinct clusters, each representing a single symbol. Finally, a trainable symbol recognizer is used to find the best interpretation of each cluster. We have used these techniques to build a sketch-based tool for designing and analyzing vibratory mechanical systems. This tool enables designers to analyze and animate vibratory systems by simply sketching them on a tablet computer. User studies indicate that even first-time users find our tool to be effective.
Modeling Methods and Conceptual Design Principles for Reconfigurable Systems
Authors: Siddiqi Afreen , de Weck Olivier L.
Published: September 2008

Reconfigurable systems can attain different configurations at different times thereby altering their functional abilities. Such systems are particularly suitable for specific classes of applications in which their ability to undergo changes easily can be exploited to fulfill new demands, allow for evolution, and improve survivability. This paper identifies the main factors that drive the need for reconfigurability and proposes methods for modeling reconfigurable systems. A survey of 33 different reconfigurable systems is also presented to provide broader insights and general design guidelines for reconfigurable systems.
Effects of P on amorphous chemical vapor deposition Ru-P alloy films for Cu interconnect liner applications
Authors: Shin Jinhong , Kim Hyun-Woo , Agapiou Kyriacos , Jones Richard A. , Hwang Gyeong S. , Ekerdt John G.
Published: September 2008

Amorphous Ru(P) films grown by chemical vapor deposition at 575 K using a single source precursor, cis-RuH2(P(CH3)3)4, or dual sources, Ru3(CO)12 and P(CH3)3 or P(C6H5)3, are studied. The phosphorus percentage affects the film microstructure, and incorporating >13% P resulted in amorphous Ru(P) films. While codosing P(CH3)3 with Ru3(CO)12 improves film step coverage, the most conformal Ru(P) film is obtained with cis-RuH2(P(CH3)3)4. A fully continuous 5 nm Ru(P) film is formed within 1 μm deep, 8:1 aspect ratio trenches. The barrier performance is tested using Cu/Ru/Si(100) stacks annealed at 575 K, and sheet resistance was used as a measure of barrier failure. Cu diffusivity in physical vapor deposition (PVD) Ru is approximated to be 6.6×10−17 cm2/s at 575 K, which indicates fast Cu diffusion along the grain boundaries. While 26 nm polycrystalline PVD Ru failed after 6 h annealing by Cu penetration, 28 nm amorphous Ru(P) survived after 67 h annealing. First principles density functional calculations suggest 16.7% P degraded the adhesion strength by 12% when compared to crystalline Cu/Ru, by the presence of P at the interface. However, due to the strong Ru-Cu bonds, amorphous Ru(P) still forms a stronger interface with Cu than do Ta and TaN to Cu, as observed when annealing 10 nm Cu films on these surfaces at 675 K.
Effect of substrate temperature on the facing target sputter deposited TiO2 photoelectrode of dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Hossain M. F. , Biswas S. , Takahashi T. , Kubota Y. , Fujishima A.
Published: September 2008

Nanocrystalline TiO2 photoelectrodes were successfully deposited on SnO2:F coated glass substrate by facing target reactive sputtering technique with different substrate temperatures ranging from room temperature to 400°C. Low cost chlorophylline based dye was used along with carbon paste on SnO2:F glass as a counterelectrode. All the TiO2 electrodes show good crystallinity. It has been observed that increase of substrate temperature not only alters the ratio of anatase and rutile phase but it also markedly changes the crystal orientation. The amount of dye incorporation was found to be highly dependent on the microstructure of electrodes, as apparent from optical measurements. The dye-sensitized solar cells, comprised of TiO2 photoelectrode, deposited at substrate temperature of 200°C, show maximum photoelectric conversion efficiency; however, further enhancement of sputtering temperature drastically reduces the efficiency. The variation of photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cells with TiO2 electrodes deposited at different substrate temperatures is discussed with the analysis of different microstructures of the TiO2 photoelectrodes and the corresponding dye incorporation. Moreover, all the dye-sensitized solar cells of this present investigation exhibit reasonably good fill factor value.
Growth and characterization of carbon nanotubes on constantan (Cu–Ni–Mn alloy) metallic substrates without adding additional catalysts
Authors: Varanasi C. V. , Bulmer J. , Brunke L. , Burke J. , Baca J. , Yost K. , Barnes P.
Published: September 2008

In this study, metallic constantan (Cu55–Ni44–Mn1wt%) alloy substrates were investigated as an alternate choice of substrates to grow carbon nanotubes (CNTs). No additional catalysts were used other than the as-rolled and annealed substrates to process CNTs on them. High density CNT growth was observed to take place on these substrates when suitable conditions were used in a thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace with C2H2 as the carbon precursor. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy on these samples indicated the presence of several micron long CNTs ranging in 20–100nm in diameter. Raman spectra taken from the samples confirmed the presence of G band peaks (peak at ∼1580cm−1) and D band peaks (peak at ∼1320cm−1) commonly observed in CVD grown multiwall CNT samples with varying intensity ratios depending on the processing conditions.
Process development and material characterization of polycrystalline Bi2Te3, PbTe, and PbSnSeTe thin films on silicon for millimeter-scale thermoelectric generators
Authors: Boniche I. , Morgan B. C. , Taylor P. J. , Meyer C. D. , Arnold D. P.
Published: September 2008

In this work, deposition, patterning, and metallization of vapor-deposited polycrystalline thermoelectric (TE) thin films of Bi2Te3, PbTe, and PbSnSeTe on silicon (Si) substrates are investigated. These fundamental microfabrication methods are intended for use in integrating TE films into thermally powered micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based power generators. P-type polycrystalline Bi2Te3, PbTe, and PbSnSeTe films were successfully deposited on thermally oxidized (100) Si substrates to thicknesses ranging from 0.4 to 9 μm. Dry etch rates of about 0.6−0.7 μm/min were achieved for Bi2Te3 and PbTe/PbSnSeTe using methane-based gases. Wet etch rates of ∼3 μm/min were achieved using various acid wet chemistries. Films were electrically characterized using van der Pauw and transfer length method (TLM) test structures. Postdeposition resistivities were measured as low as 23 mΩ cm for Bi2Te3, 134 mΩ cm for PbTe, and 52 mΩ cm for PbSnSeTe. The Seebeck coefficients were measured at up to 94 μV/K for undoped Bi2Te3, and 160 and 42 μV/K for doped PbTe and PbSnSeTe, respectively. Metal contact resistivities (0.18−42 mΩ cm2) were also extracted for a variety of thin film metals (Pt, Au, Cu, Ni, Cr/Pt/Au, Ti/Pt). Various postdeposition annealing treatments were explored for reducing film resistivity that would enable higher power delivery for TE generator applications. Rapid thermal annealing in nitrogen at 400 °C was shown to reduce the resistivity of PbTe and improve film adhesion to oxidized silicon substrates. Also, after successive heatings in air at 200 °C, the resistivity of the PbTe films remained stable while that of the PbSnSeTe increased up to 10×.
Electron backscatter diffraction of CdTe thin films: Effects of CdCl2 treatment
Authors: Moutinho H. R. , Dhere R. G. , Romero M. J. , Jiang C.-S. , To B. , Al-Jassim M. M.
Published: September 2008

In this work, the authors describe procedures to prepare the surface of close-spaced sublimation CdTe thin films necessary for producing good electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data. They found that polishing resulted in an amorphous layer on the surface and no Kikuchi pattern; however, ion-beam milling produced a relatively flat and good-quality surface, resulting in high-quality patterns and, consequently, excellent EBSD data. The authors used a combination of polishing and ion-beam milling or etching to study the crystalline structure of the CdTe film at different depths. They also used EBSD, in conjunction with other analytical techniques, to investigate the effects of the CdCl2 treatment, performed at different temperatures and times, on the recrystallization process of physical vapor deposition CdTe thin films. The authors found that the untreated films were ⟨111⟩ oriented, with grain sizes smaller than 1μm. The CdCl2 at 350 °C produced partially recrystallized films, whereas treatments at 400 °C or 420 °C produced completely recrystallized films, with no texture, and grains with grain sizes varying from about 1μm to more than 40μm. These films were so flat that good EBSD data could be obtained without any surface preparation. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that large grains had different morphologies than smaller grains, and EBSD showed that these large grains had ⟨111⟩ texture. These results indicate that the (111) surface is the lowest energy surface in these films and, consequently, ⟨111⟩-oriented grains grow at the expense of grains oriented in less-favorable directions. Regardless of the deposition method and treatment, the CdTe films have a high density of 60° ⟨111⟩ twin boundaries.
Nanotribological and nanomechanical properties of lubricated PZT thin films for ferroelectric data storage applications
Authors: Palacio Manuel , Bhushan Bharat
Published: September 2008

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is a desirable material for nonvolatile data storage due to its ferroelectric properties. Evaluating the nanoscale mechanical and tribological performance of PZT is crucial in understanding the reliability of this material. To this end, the mechanical properties of the PZT film were characterized by nanoindentation. Nanoscratch studies reveal that the PZT film is removed by a combination of plastic deformation and brittle failure. The adhesion, friction, and wear properties of PZT were evaluated before and after application of two lubricants, namely, the perfluoropolyether Z-TETRAOL and the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM-PF6). Wear at ultralow loads was simulated and the lubricant removal mechanism was investigated for the first time using atomic-force-microscopy-based surface potential and contact resistance techniques. From this study, ionic liquids were found to exhibit comparable nanotribological properties with Z-TETRAOL.
Photoluminescence characterization of polythiophene films doped with highly functional molecules
Authors: Kato H. , Takemura S. , Kobe H. , Mori Y. , Yamada A. , Matsuoka Y. , Watanabe Y. , Shimada K. , Hiramatsu T. , Nanba N. , Matsui K.
Published: September 2008

Conducting polymer polythiophene (PT) films incorporated with copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) or fullerene C60 or both molecules together were synthesized and characterized by photoluminescence measurements. The hybrid materials were also modified by electrochemically applying positive or negative voltage or by adding the donor molecule tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) or acceptor molecule tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) into the hybrid films and were investigated by photoluminescence measurements in order to obtain fundamental photoluminescence properties of the hybrid materials. The molecule was injected by electrochemical and diffusion methods. A photoluminescence emission peak was observed at 594 nm in the case of a PT sample doped with CuPc by the diffusion method. Adding C60 molecules to the CuPc diffused PT sample by the diffusion method made the emission peak shift to the higher wavelength at 730 nm, suggesting the molecular interaction between the polymer chain and C60 in the photoluminescence emission process because double emission peaks were observed at 590 and 735 nm in the case of single doping of C60. Electrochemically applying voltages to the films or adding donor molecule TTF and acceptor molecule TCNQ to the polymer hybrid films caused the photoluminescence peak shifts, loss, and enhancement. The present study showed the possibility of control of photoluminescence wavelength of the hybrid films.