bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Horizontal matter fluxes and leaching losses in urban and peri‐urban agriculture of Kabul, Afghanistan
Authors: Safi Zikrullah , Predotova Martina , Schlecht Eva , Buerkert Andreas
Published: October 2011

Little is known about nutrient fluxes and nutrient‐use efficiencies in urban and peri‐urban agriculture (UPA) of rapidly expanding cities in developing countries. Therefore, horizontal flows of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) as well as leaching losses of mineral N and P were measured over 2 years in three representative agricultural production systems of Kabul. These comprised 21 gardens and 18 fields dedicated to vegetable farming, cereal farming, and table‐grape production (vineyards). Across sites (fields and gardens) biennial inputs averaged 375 kg N ha–1, 155 kg P ha–1, 145 kg K ha–1, and 15 kg C ha–1 while with harvests 305 kg N ha–1, 40 kg P ha–1, 330 kg K ha–1, and 7 kg C ha–1 were removed. In vegetable gardens, biennial net balances were 80 kg N ha–1, 75 kg P ha–1, –205 kg K ha–1, and 4 kg C ha–1, whereas in cereal farming biennial horizontal balances amounted to –155 kg N ha–1, 20 kg P ha–1, –355 kg K ha–1, and 5 kg C ha–1. In vineyards, corresponding values were 295 kg N ha–1, 235 kg P ha–1, 5 kg K ha–1, and 3 kg C ha–1. Annual leaching losses in two selected vegetable gardens varied from 70 to 205 kg N ha–1 and from 5 to 10 kg P ha–1. Night soil and irrigation water were the major sources among the applied nutrient inputs in all studied farming systems, contributing on average 12% and 25% to total N, 22% and 12% to total P, 41% and 53% to total K, and 79% and 10% to total C, respectively. The results suggest that soils in extensive cereal fields are at risk of N and K depletion and in vegetable gardens of K depletion, while vineyards may be oversupplied with nutrients possibly contributing to groundwater contamination. This merits verification.
Characterization of pottery from Republic of Macedonia. III. A study of comparative mineralogical detection efficiency using micro‐Raman mapping and X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Minčeva‐Šukarova Biljana , İssi Ali , Raškovska Aleksandra , Grupče Orhideja , Tanevska Vinka , Yaygıngöl Merve , Kara Alpagut , Colomban Philippe
Published: October 2011

Point‐to‐point micro‐Raman and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were employed for characterization of minerals present in the pottery body of 27 glazed Byzantine and Ottoman pottery shreds, excavated at two different archaeological sites in the Republic of Macedonia: in Skopje (Skopsko Kale) and in Prilep (Markovi Kuli and Sv. Atanas Church). The Raman spectra of 18 Byzantine samples (dating from 12th−14th century) and nine Ottoman samples (dating from 17th−19th century) revealed 26 different minerals. XRD measurements were further performed on the same powder samples to validate the mineralogical assessment obtained by point‐to‐point micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Although only 13 different mineral phases were obtained by the XRD, the results obtained from the Raman and XRD spectra for the most abundant minerals in the investigated pottery bodies match quite well. However, the identification of the less abundant minerals in the clay matrixes from the XRD data was very difficult, if at all possible. The results emphasize the specifics of the applied techniques and their limits. Additionally, wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used for the elemental analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman studies of Japanese art objects by a portable Raman spectrometer using liquid crystal tunable filters
Authors: Sakamoto Akira , Ochiai Shukichi , Higashiyama Hisamitsu , Masutani Koji , Kimura Jun‐ichi , Koseto‐Horyu Emi , Tasumi Mitsuo
Published: October 2011

Raman spectroscopic studies of a few Japanese art objects have been performed by using a portable Raman spectrometer constructed with liquid crystal tunable filters as dispersive elements. Interesting information has been obtained from the Raman spectra observed from ukiyo‐e's (Japanese woodblock prints) and their woodblocks. The performance data and the imaging capabilities of the constructed spectrometer are presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and attachment of silver nanowires on atomic force microscopy cantilevers for tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Brodard Pierre , Bechelany Mikhael , Philippe Laetitia , Michler Johann
Published: October 2011

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy is based on the absorption of light by nanometer‐sized metal particles, resulting in large enhancement of the Raman signal. By replacing the metal particles by a metallic nanotip, the enhancement can be localized. The resulting tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy is capable of measuring Raman spectra with high spatial resolution, effectively overcoming the diffraction limit. A successful tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy experiment depends heavily on the ability to fabricate tips of a definite metal with the appropriate shape and size, which is still a challenging process. We have prepared silver nanowires with a diameter of 200–300 nm by templated electrochemical deposition and attached them onto atomic force microscope cantilevers by focused electron beam induced deposition. We found that they produce a reproducible enhancement of the Raman signal intensity. Other metals and smaller nanostructures might also be produced, suggesting an interesting development potential for these novel nanoprobes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser und andere Lichtquellen in der Medizintechnik
Authors: Schickedanz Jörg , Netz Uwe
Published: October 2011

Die ersten Laser Anfang der 60er Jahre des letzten Jahrhunderts fanden ihre Anwendung bevorzugt in der Ophthalmologie und Dermatologie. Mit den technischen Möglichkeiten in der Photonik haben sich auch die Einsatzmöglichkeiten in der Medizin rasch weiterentwickelt. Neben dem klassischen Einsatz als Laser‐Skalpell sind vielfältige Anwendungen in Therapie und Diagnostik bis hin zur Molekularen Medizin in der Theranostik vorstellbar.
LASIK Anwendungen mit Excimerlasern in der Medizin
Authors: Schulze Matthias
Published: October 2011

Der Einsatz von Excimerlasern in der Ophthalmologie in LASIK (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) Anwendungen ist eine sehr erfolgreiche Therapie und ein Wachstumsmarkt in der Lasermedizin. Coherent ist der führende Hersteller von Excimerlasern für weltweite OEM Kunden, die Gerätelösungen für Ärzte und Kliniken anbieten.
Theoretical prediction on HAlS+ and HSAl+ cations using multiconfiguration second‐order perturbation theory
Authors: Li Wen‐Zuo , Pei Yu‐Wei , Geng F.‐F. , Cheng Jian‐Bo , Li Qing‐Zhong , Gong Bao‐An
Published: October 2011

Some low‐lying states of the HAlS+ and HSAl+ cations have been studied for the first time by large‐scale theoretical calculations using three methods: complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF), complete active second‐order perturbation theory (CASPT2), and density functional theory Becke's three‐parameter hybrid function with the nonlocal correlation of Lee–Yang–Parr (B3LYP) with the contracted atomic natural orbital (ANO‐L) and cc‐pVTZ basis sets. The geometries of all stationary points along the potential energy surfaces (PESs) were optimized at the CASSCF/ANO‐L and B3LYP/cc‐pVTZ levels. The ground and the first excited states of linear HAlS+ are predicted to be X2Π and A2Σ+ states, respectively. For the linear HSAl+ structure, the first excited state is A2Σ+. The X2Π state of linear HSAl+ is a second‐order saddle point, because it has two imaginary frequencies. Two bent global minima M1 and M2 were found along the 12A′ and 12A″ PESs, respectively. The CASPT2/ANO‐L potential energy curves of isomerization reactions were calculated as a function of HAlS bond angle. According to our calculations, the ground‐state HAlS+ is linear, whereas the ground‐state HSAl+ is bent. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
On the time‐dependent solutions of the Schrödinger's equation. II. The one‐mode field perturbed harmonic oscillator
Authors: Palma A. , Villa M. , Sandoval L.
Published: October 2011

The solution of the time‐dependent Schrödinger's equation for a perturbed harmonic oscillator is obtained using a solvable Lie algebra. We choose a harmonic oscillator interacting with a one‐mode field, where the perturbation happens to be periodic in time. This leads to one of the simplest Floquet problems. Using the Wei–Norman theorem, the Floquet wave function is obtained as well as the semiclassical Floquet shift in the energy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Structural Features and Physical Properties of In2Bi3Se7I, InBi2Se4I, and BiSeI
Authors: Rosenthal Tobias , Döblinger Markus , Wagatha Peter , Gold Christian , Scheidt Ernst‐Wilhelm , Scherer Wolfgang , Oeckler Oliver
Published: October 2011

The quaternary compounds In2Bi3Se7I and InBi2Se4I have been synthesized via gas phase reactions. They decompose above ca. 400 °C, losing iodine and forming binary compounds. Their crystal structures have been solved and refined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data (In2Bi3Se7I: space group Pnma, a = 13.6720(2), b = 4.0893(3), c = 16.7070(2) Å; InBi2Se4I: space group Pnma, a = 26.6039(14), b = 4.1285(2), c = 13.5031(9) Å). Both compounds show structural features related to those found in alkali metal bismuth chalcogenides known for their good thermoelectric properties such as β‐K2Bi8Se13. All these structures contain rocksalt‐like building blocks as well as CdI2‐like fragments and loosely bound anions (selenide halides) or cations (alkali metal selenides), respectively, located in rather large cavities which suggests the possibility of phonon scattering by rattling. The electrical resistivity of In2Bi3Se7I and InBi2Se4I conforms to semiconducting behavior.The total thermal conductivity of sintered pellets of In2BiSe4I exhibits a maximum of 0.7 W·K–1·m–1 at 22 K. The rather high electrical resistivity of In2Bi3Se7I and In2BiSe4I is probably a consequence of the different electronegativities of the constituting elements in combination with the balanced valence states. The related compound BiSeI has a lower electrical resistivity and a higher thermal conductivity featuring a maximum of 10.3 W·K–1·m–1 at 8.2 K; its Seebeck coefficient (S) amounts to –55 μV·K–1 at 295 K.
Two New Layered Lanthanide‐Carboxylate Coordination Networks with Unusual Topologies
Authors: Hong Jun , Wang Shan‐Shan , Wang Miao‐Miao , Liu Ling , Li Xiu‐Ying
Published: October 2011

Two new rare earth coordination polymers, [Sm(HIDC)(ox)0.5(H2O)] (1) and [Pr(HIDC)(ox)0.5(H2O)2]·H2O (2) (H3IDC = 4, 5‐imidazoledicarboxylic acid, ox = oxalate), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, TGA, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. They exhibit novel (3, 4)‐connected double and single layered architectures with unprecedented (63)(66) and (4.52)(4.53.72) topologies, respectively. They are, to the best of our knowledge, the first examples constructed by IDC ligand combining with a second carboxylate ligand hitherto.
Metabolic and Nutritional Support of the Enterocutaneous Fistula Patient: A Three‐Phase Approach
Authors: Polk Travis M. , Schwab C. William
Published: October 2011

Background

The care and outcome of enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) have improved greatly over several decades due to revolutionary advances in nutrition, along with dramatic improvements in the treatment of sepsis and the critically ill. However, as the collective experience with damage control surgery has matured, the frequent development of enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) in the “open abdomen” patient has emerged as an even more vexing problem. Despite our best efforts, ECF and especially EAF continue to be highly morbid conditions, and sepsis and malnutrition remain the leading causes of death. Aggressive nutritional and metabolic support is the most significant predictor of outcome with ECF and EAF.

Results

Discussion of the historical advances in nutritional therapy and their impact on ECF, as well as review of the classification of ECF and EAF, provides a framework for the suggested phased strategy that specifically targets the nutritional and metabolic needs of the ECF/EAF patient. These three phases include (1) diagnosis, resuscitation, and early interval nutrition; (2) definition of fistula anatomy, drainage of collections, nutritional assessment and monitoring, and placement of feeding access; and (3) definitive nutritional management, including pharmacologic adjuncts. Early nutritional support with parenteral nutrition followed by transition to enteral nutrition is advocated, including the merits of delivery of enteral nutrition via the fistula itself, known as fistuloclysis.

Conclusion

Aggressive nutritional therapy is necessary to reverse the catabolic state associated with ECF/EAF patients. Once established, it allows proper time, preparation, and planning for definitive management of the fistula, and in many cases provides the support for spontaneous closure.
Music and Social Movements
Authors: Eyerman Ron , Jamison Andrew
Published: October 2011

Building on their studies of sixties culture and theory of cognitive praxis, Ron Eyerman and Andrew Jamison examine the mobilization of cultural traditions and formulation of new collective identities through the music of activism. They combine a sophisticated theoretical argument with historical-empirical studies of nineteenth-century populists and twentieth-century labour and ethnic movements, focusing on the interrelations between music and social movements in the United States and the transfer of those experiences to Europe. Specific chapters examine folk and country music, black music, music of the 1960s movements, and music of the Swedish progressive movement. This highly readable book is among the first to link the political sociology of social movements to cultural theory.
Use of lookout watches over forest to estimate detection, dispersion and density of hornbills, Great Argus and diurnal raptors at Bala forest, Thailand, compared with results from in-forest line transects and spot maps
Authors: KEMP ALAN , KEMP MEG , THONG-AREE SIRIPORN
Published: October 2011

We estimated detection, dispersion and density of 10 hornbill, one pheasant and nine diurnal raptor species at Bala forest, southern Thailand, throughout 2004. We conducted 620 1-h lookout watches over the forest canopy from 14 elevated locations along 13.1 km of paved road through Bala, during which we recorded all detections and movements of target species. For a further 619 h, we also recorded all in-forest detections of target species during excursions along and adjacent to the road. Our records covered all months of the year and hours of the day, enabling us to estimate seasonal and diurnal patterns of detection for each target species. We found significant seasonal and diurnal variation for all commoner species in rates of overall detection, visual versus aural detection, and vociferousness. We related most monthly variation to the timing of nesting and most hourly variation to aspects of the behavioural ecology of each species. We used three techniques to estimate dispersion and density for each species, two from lookouts based on our counts of individuals or breeding units per unit area observed, and one from spot maps of core breeding units within 500 m of the road. Differences in our estimates of density varied within and between species, but were mostly lowest for the mean number of individuals detected from lookouts and highest for the maximum of breeding units, whether from lookout detections or core area counts from spot maps. These ranges of densities and their variance indicate upper and lower estimates for each species, and the differences between them and other survey techniques were explicable partly by the behavioural ecology of each species or apparent changes in density. Our density estimates never exceeded the highest comparative estimates for target species or near relatives in other forest habitats, although few were available for diurnal raptors. We suggest that 1-h lookout watches over forest, where feasible, offer alternative and efficient estimates of detection, dispersion and density to conventional distance-sampling techniques conducted from within forest. They will achieve optimum accuracy when conducted during the most detectable periods for target species, particularly for obvious and sparsely dispersed bird species.
Modelling declassification policies using abstract domain completeness
Authors: MASTROENI ISABELLA , BANERJEE ANINDYA
Published: October 2011

This paper explores a three dimensional characterisation of a declassification-based non-interference policy and its consequences. Two of the dimensions consist of specifying:

(a)

the power of the attacker, that is, what public information a program has that an attacker can observe; and

(b)

what secret information a program has that needs to be protected.

Both these dimensions are regulated by the third dimension:

(c)

the choice of program semantics, for example, trace semantics or denotational semantics, or any semantics in Cousot's semantics hierarchy.

To check whether a program satisfies a non-interference policy, one can compute an abstract domain that over-approximates the information released by the policy and then check whether program execution can release more information than permitted by the policy. Counterexamples to a policy can be generated by using a variant of the Paige–Tarjan algorithm for partition refinement. Given the counterexamples, the policy can be refined so that the least amount of confidential information required for making the program secure is declassified.
Point Defect Clusters and Dislocations in FIB Irradiated Nanocrystalline Aluminum Films: An Electron Tomography and Aberration-Corrected High-Resolution ADF-STEM Study
Authors: Idrissi Hosni , Turner Stuart , Mitsuhara Masatoshi , Wang Binjie , Hata Satoshi , Coulombier Michael , Raskin Jean-Pierre , Pardoen Thomas , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Schryvers Dominique
Published: October 2011

Focused ion beam (FIB) induced damage in nanocrystalline Al thin films has been characterized using advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques. Electron tomography was used to analyze the three-dimensional distribution of point defect clusters induced by FIB milling, as well as their interaction with preexisting dislocations generated by internal stresses in the Al films. The atomic structure of interstitial Frank loops induced by irradiation, as well as the core structure of Frank dislocations, has been resolved with aberration-corrected high-resolution annular dark-field scanning TEM. The combination of both techniques constitutes a powerful tool for the study of the intrinsic structural properties of point defect clusters as well as the interaction of these defects with preexisting or deformation dislocations in irradiated bulk or nanostructured materials.
Radionuclides in Biomedical Sciences
Authors: Liyanage Chandrani , Hettiarachchi Manjula
Published: October 2011

Radionuclide-based microanalytical techniques such as RIA & IRMA are among the most widely used techniques for medical diagnosis and research. Radionuclides in Biomedical Science provides details of the key concepts of this area.
Nation-Building and Foreign Policy in India
Authors: Engelmeier Tobias
Published: October 2011

Nation-Building and Foreign Policy in India: An IdentityStrategy Conflict presents an evaluation of Indian foreign policy. It analyses the unusual concern of Indian strategic thinking about political values. The book argues that in Indian foreign policy, there has been a shift from a strict concern for national interest towards idealist considerations. Thus creating what the author calls an idealist inflection. This inflection does not have its roots in cultural aspects or grand strategy. Instead, it is best understood with reference to the political process of nation-building, characterised by the specific choices and decisions taken by the two leading protagonists of the Indian National Movement  Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. The values they chose to place at the heart of Indias national identity have spilt into the countrys foreign policy.
The History of Peace-Building in East Timor
Authors: Ishizuka Katsumi
Published: October 2011

East Timor, (renamed Timor-Leste after independence in 2002) a small tropical country northwest of Australia, is one of the newest members of the United Nations. There are several reasons for East Timor having been in focus in international affairs. Firstly, it was its occupation by Indonesia and its brutal rule since 1975 and the countrys achievement of independence in 2002. Secondly, East Timor illustrates a case of realpolitik by the superpowers in international relations, as was evident from their support to Indonesia, or their complete indifference to the issue.
A Handbook for English Language Laboratories
Authors: Kumar E. Suresh , Sreehari P.
Published: October 2011

With increased awareness among students and teachers about the importance of developing English language skills and communication skills, language laboratories have become an integral part of the paraphernalia for teaching the language in all educational institutions. A Handbook for English Language Laboratories aims to develop students' ability to use the language accurately, appropriately and fluently for one-to-one and one-to-many communication in a variety of contexts. It also briefly introduces them to Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Key topics discussed: The sound system of English Accent, rhythm and intonation Presentation skills Preparing resumes and facing interviews Group discussions, debates, role play and public speakingThis book is accompanied by an Audio CD to offer excellent models of the use of English through a variety of listening exercises.
Pore‐space characterization of an altered tonalite by X‐ray computed microtomography and the14C‐labeled‐polymethylmethacrylate method
Authors: Voutilainen M. , Siitari‐Kauppi M. , Sardini P. , Lindberg A. , Timonen J.
Published: October 2011

The structure of geological materials strongly affects migration processes that take place in them and are also important in their weathering and alteration processes. Further information of that structure will also be important for many applications that involve geological materials. The emphasis of this study was thus to characterize the pore structure and porosity of altered tonalite by combining different measuring techniques: X‐ray tomography, the14C‐polymethylmethacrylate method, electron microscopy, and argon pycnometry. Intragranular porosities were determined using chemical staining of rock surfaces. Three‐dimensional distributions of minerals and porosities were evaluated with consistent values for the total porosity. Porosity and pore size distributions together with pore connectivities were also determined. Combining the results of different methods, a 3‐D porosity map was outlined for one sample. This porosity map enabled us to model, for example, diffusion in a more realistic environment. Scanning electron microscopy was used to identify the minerals and to obtain information on mineral texture and alteration state. The methods introduced here can be applied to many porous materials.
Meteoroid head echo polarization features studied by numerical electromagnetics modeling
Authors: Vertatschitsch L. E. , Sahr J. D. , Colestock P. , Close S.
Published: October 2011

Meteoroid head echoes are radar returns associated with scatter from the dense plasma surrounding meteoroids striking the Earth's atmosphere. Such echoes are detected by high power, large aperture (HPLA) radars. Frequently such detections show large variations in signal strength that suggest constructive and destructive interference. Using the ARPA Long‐Range Tracking and Instrumentation Radar (ALTAIR) we can also observe the polarization of the returns. Usually, scatter from head echoes resembles scatter from a small sphere; when transmitting right circular polarization (RC), the received signal consists entirely of left circular polarization (LC). For some detections, power is also received in the RC channel, which indicates the presence of a more complicated scattering process. Radar returns of a fragmenting meteoroid are simulated using a hard‐sphere scattering model numerically evaluated in the resonant region of Mie scatter. The cross‐ and co‐polar scattering cross‐sections are computed for pairs of spheres lying within a few wavelengths, simulating the earliest stages of fragmentation upon atmospheric impact. The likelihood of detecting this sort of idealized fragmentation event is small, but this demonstrates the measurements that would result from such an event would display RC power comparable to LC power, matching the anomalous data. The resulting computations show that fragmentation is a consistent interpretation for these head echo radar returns.
Hacking the JPEG/PDF tree format
Authors: Hughes Joseph
Published: October 2011

We have been illustrating the relationships between species and genes as trees for over a century. Whilst in the early years of morphological and molecular phylogenetics, embedding illustrations into manuscripts might have been the most appropriate way to disseminate knowledge, this has resulted in the locking up of phylogenetic hypotheses into the pages of journals and books without an easy way to access this information. As a result, most phylogenetic knowledge is lost upon publication. I will explain the reasons for re-using published trees, discuss ways to liberate this information and avoid these problems in the future.
In silico designing of activator for human IGF2 protein for effective cardiovascular disease therapeutics
Authors: Sandhya rani M , Munikumar Manne , Umamaheswari Amineni
Published: October 2011

Insulin like growth factor-II (IGF2) is a member of IGF family, the main role of IGF2 is as a growth hormone during gestation or fetal development. Ischematic stroke, atherosclerosis and pathological cardiac hypertrophy are associated with low circulating levels of IGF2. 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine increases the activity of IGF2, due to high toxicity of 5aza2’deoxycytidine, some silenced genes are also expressed that cause various cancer diseases. In the present study an in silico approach was used to design the potential activator for IGF2 without side effects to treat cardiovascular diseases. Ligand binding sites were predicted using CASTp for drug target. 361 ligand analogs for 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine were identified through virtual screening from Ligand.Info database. Docking studies were performed using Schrodinger software (2010) generated 13 lead agonists for human IGF2. Docking complexes of 13 lead agonists and 5aza2’deoxycytidine with IGF2 were compared and four leads with better affinity, ADME properties and lower XPGscore than 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine were proposed as potential activators. Lead‘1’ (mizoribine), the best ranked activator (XPG score -7.181) having good binding affinity, could be a better drug for cardiovascular diseases and it is forming three hydrogen bonds, two bonds with Thr-58 and one bond with Cys-60, and van der Waal interactions with the binding site residues of IGF2 such as Leu-13, Leu-17 Ile-42, Val-43, Cys-46, Leu-56 and Try -59. Mizoribine decreases the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and the elevated levels of human IGF2 helps in cardiovascular therapies.
Marked For Life: How Environmental Factors Affect the Epigenome
Authors: Damdimopoulou Pauliina , Weis Stefan , Nalvarte Ivan , Rüegg Joëlle
Published: October 2011

The susceptibility to develop non-communicable diseases, like cardiovascular disease and cancer, depends on an interplay between the genes and the environment. Extrinsic factors, such as maternal stress hormones, dietary constituents, and endocrine disruptive chemicals, are known to affect fetal development and later disease phenotypes. Many of these factors have been shown to modify the epigenetic landscape during development, with a consequent change in the adult phenotype. Whether fetal exposure to adverse conditions leads to the epigenetic changes underlying non-communicable diseases in humans is an intensively studied question. In this chapter, we discuss the possible involvement of environmental factors, in particular endocrine disruptive chemicals, in shaping human health and risk of disease through epigenetic mechanisms. We start by describing different mechanisms to code epigenetic information and then move on to discussing how early life influences can affect this coding and what kind of consequences it can have on the phenotype level. Finally, we will describe the mechanistic principles by which endocrine disruptors could affect the epigenetic machinery.
Small Model Organisms as Tools in Food Safety Research
Authors: Tohme Marie , Fini Jean-Baptiste , Laudet Vincent , Demeneix Barbara
Published: October 2011

Concerns about chemical contamination of the food supply and the potential risks to human populations, particularly children, emphasize the need for rapid screening methods. However, designing test systems that are both robust and reliable, but not prohibitively expensive, is challenging. Moreover, the methods selected must also be compatible with the need to reduce, refine and replace animal testing. Most alternative methods are in vitro cellular- or molecular-based screening tests that focus on key aspects of a signalling process. One advantage of most in vitro tests is their high-throughput capacity. Two common disadvantages are the use of single-cell types or modelling of single receptor–ligand interactions and the lack of metabolic competence that in vivo models possess. A number of small model organisms (SMOs) are being developed for screening purposes, including the nematode, Caenorhabitis elegans, the fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster, and two vertebrates, the zebrafish, Danio rerio, and the anuran amphibian, Xenopus laevis. Each of these vertebrate models share a number of key advantages: low stabulation costs, sizes that are suitable for large-scale screening programs in multiple-well plates and transparency of the embryo, allowing for easy detection of fluorescent protein expression in the living animal. Another major advantage is that these models are ideal for genetic modification, allowing the production of transgenics, e.g. for engineering specific reporter systems. The combination of each of these key features provides their overall advantage, that of permitting fluorescence-based high-throughput screening with a whole organism, at the in vitro/in vivo interface.
Application of Percellome Toxicogenomics to Food Safety
Authors: Kanno J. , Aisaki K. , Igarashi K. , Nakatsu N. , Kodama Y. , Sekita K. , Takagi A. , Kitajima S.
Published: October 2011

When an item of food is found to be non-toxic by routine toxicity testing at the maximal applicable dose of 10 g kg−1, the tolerable daily intake is calculated, using a safety factor of 1/100, to be 100 mg kg−1. Thus such a study cannot guarantee the safety of a food which is consumed by the grams or even tens of grams per kg body weight. For other reasons, flavorings are also not subject to routine toxicity testing. In both cases, they normally do not exert detectable histopathological effects on experimental animals at applicable dose ranges. One strategy to cope with this problem is to detect early molecular changes that occur prior to morphological alterations. Our Percellome Toxicogenomics is designed to identify dynamic and extensive networks of genes whose time- and dose-dependent patterns of expression allows its toxic effects to be predicted.

Here, we show that estragole induces genes known to be regulated by PPAR-alpha. The program, which automatically compares over 100 chemicals in our database, identifies clofibrate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as the two most similar chemicals. Further analysis indicates that DEHP activates both PPAR-alpha and the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), whereas estragole and clofibrate activate PPAR-alpha but not CAR. Our findings may help elucidate the mechanism(s) of the reported estragole hepatocarcinogenesis.

An advantage of the Percellome method is that the responses obtained in different studies can be compared directly. Judging from the magnitude of the commonly up-regulated genes, estragole appears to be as potent as clofibrate in activating PPAR-alpha signaling.
Electron spin state tomography with coherent Kerr effect
Authors: Inagaki Takahiro , Kosaka Hideo , Mitsumori Yasuyoshi , Edamatsu Keiichi
Published: October 2011

We developed a scheme for spin coherence measurement based on the coherent Kerr effect, which is the coherent version of the conventional complex Kerr effect, which only gives the projective spin state. In addition to the previously demonstrated tomographic Kerr rotation, which corresponds to the real part of the coherent Kerr effect, we demonstrate here a tomographic Kerr ellipticity, which corresponds to the imaginary part of the coherent Kerr effect. Using the tomographic Kerr ellipticity scheme, we show the coherent rotation, a natural extension of the conventional coherent oscillation, of the precessing electron spin under a magnetic field. We also confirm the complex relationship between tomographic Kerr rotation and ellipticity by measurement of the coherent Kerr spectra.
A single spectral mode wide stripe laser with very narrow linewidth
Authors: Reddy U. , Dias N. L. , Garg A. , Coleman J. J.
Published: October 2011

We present results on a single spectral mode wide stripe semiconductor laser with an integrated surface etched distributed Bragg reflector operating at 975 nm with very narrow linewidth. Linewidths as low as 220 kHz have been obtained from a 40 μm wide stripe laser. For 980 nm devices reporting a linewidth of sub-1 MHz, the power of 0.5 W (linewidth of 350 kHz) is the highest obtained at this wavelength.
FeCr2O4 and CoCr2O4 spinels: Multiferroicity in the collinear magnetic state?
Authors: Singh Kiran , Maignan Antoine , Simon Charles , Martin Christine
Published: October 2011

Dielectric permittivity (ɛ′) and electrical polarization (P) have been measured as a function of temperature for two polycrystalline ACr2O4 spinels (A = Fe and Co). Anomalies on the ɛ′(T) curves are detected at the characteristic magnetic transition temperatures (TC, TS, and Tlock-in) for FeCr2O4 and CoCr2O4 and also at the Jahn-Teller (JT) transition for FeCr2O4. The P(T) curves of both spinels exhibit transitions at TC showing that polar and ferrimagnetic states coexist in these oxides. The link between the distortion of the spinel structure due to the Jahn-Teller Fe2+ and the larger polarization value at 8 K, P = 35 μC/m2, against P = 3.5 μC/m2 for CoCr2O4, is also discussed.
Encapsulation of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles by the Supercritical Antisolvent Process
Authors: Lam Un Teng , Yoganathan Roshan , Carr Adam G. , Mammucari Raffaella , Foster Neil R.
Published: October 2011

The aim of the experiments in this research was to produce a coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) product that may be used as a contrasting agent for MRI. There are several methods that can be employed to coat SPIONs. However, many of the current methods employ toxic organic solvents which can be difficult to remove from the product solution. The encapsulation and characterization of SPIONs in Eudragit was done using a supercritical antisolvent system (SAS) with ethanol as the solvent and supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) as the antisolvent. Particles of diameters less than 200 nm were produced which had preserved superparamagnetic properties. An encapsulation efficiency of 70 % was achieved.
Disinhibitory gating of retinal output by transmission from an amacrine cell
Authors: Manu Mihai , Baccus Stephen A.
Published: October 2011

Inhibitory interneurons help transform the input of a neural circuit into its output. Such interneurons are diverse, and most have unknown function. To study the function of single amacrine cells in the intact salamander retina, we recorded extracellularly from a population of ganglion cells with a multielectrode array, while simultaneously recording from or injecting current into single Off-type amacrine cells that had linear responses. We measured how visual responses of the amacrine cell interacted both with other visual input to the ganglion cell and with transmission between the two cells. We found that on average, visual responses from Off-type amacrine cells inhibited nearby Off-type ganglion cells. By recording and playing back the light-driven membrane potential fluctuations of amacrine cells during white noise visual stimuli, we found that paradoxically, increasing the light-driven modulations of inhibitory amacrine cells increased the firing rate of nearby Off-type ganglion cells. By measuring the correlations and transmission between amacrine and ganglion cells, we found that, on average, the amacrine cell hyperpolarizes before the ganglion cell fires, generating timed disinhibition just before the ganglion cell spikes. In addition, we found that amacrine to ganglion cell transmission is nonlinear in that increases in ganglion cell activity produced by amacrine hyperpolarization were greater than decreases in activity produced by amacrine depolarization. We conclude that the primary mode of action of this class of amacrine cell is to actively gate the ganglion cell response by a timed release from inhibition.
Functional states of kinetochores revealed by laser microsurgery and fluorescent speckle microscopy
Authors: LaFountain James R. , Cohan Christopher S. , Oldenbourg Rudolf
Published: October 2011

The impact of mechanical forces on kinetochore motility was investigated using laser microsurgery to detach kinetochores with associated chromatin (K fragment) from meiotic chromosomes in spermatocytes from the crane fly Nephrotoma suturalis. In spermatocytes, elastic tethers connect telomeres of homologues during anaphase A of meiosis I, thus preventing complete disjunction until mid- to late anaphase A. K fragments liberated from tethered arms moved at twice the normal velocity toward their connected poles. To assess functional states of detached and control kinetochores, we loaded cells with fluorescently labeled tubulin for fluorescent speckle microscopy on kinetochore microtubules. Control kinetochores added fluorescent speckles at the kinetochore during anaphase A, whereas kinetochores of K fragments generally did not. In cases in which speckles reappeared in K-fragment K fibers, speckles and K fragments moved poleward at similar velocities. Thus detached kinetochores convert from their normal polymerization (reverse pac-man) state to a different state, in which polymerization is not evident. We suggest that the converted state is “park,” in which kinetochores are anchored to plus ends of kinetochore microtubules that shorten exclusively at their polar ends.
Laminin 511 partners with laminin 332 to mediate directional migration of Madin–Darby canine kidney epithelial cells
Authors: Greciano Patricia G. , Moyano Jose V. , Buschmann Mary M. , Tang Jun , Lu Yue , Rudnicki Jean , Manninen Aki , Matlin Karl S.
Published: October 2011

Sustained directional migration of epithelial cells is essential for regeneration of injured epithelia. Front–rear polarity of migrating cells is determined by local activation of a signaling network involving Cdc42 and other factors in response to spatial cues from the environment, the nature of which are obscure. We examined the roles of laminin (LM)-511 and LM-332, two structurally different laminin isoforms, in the migration of Madin–Darby canine kidney cells by suppressing expression of their α subunits using RNA interference. We determined that knockdown of LM-511 inhibits directional migration and destabilizes cell–cell contacts, in part by disturbing the localization and activity of the polarization machinery. Suppression of integrin α3, a laminin receptor subunit, in cells synthesizing normal amounts of both laminins has a similar effect as knockdown of LM-511. Surprisingly, simultaneous suppression of both laminin α5 and laminin α3 restores directional migration and cell–cell contact stability, suggesting that cells recognize a haptotactic gradient formed by a combination of laminins.
Rep‐Seq: uncovering the immunological repertoire through next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Benichou Jennifer , Ben‐Hamo Rotem , Louzoun Yoram , Efroni Sol
Published: October 2011

Recent scientific discoveries fuelled by the application of next‐generation DNA and RNA sequencing technologies highlight the striking impact of these platforms in characterizing multiple aspects in genomics research. This technology has been used in the study of the B‐cell and T‐cell receptor repertoire. The novelty of immunosequencing comes from the recent rapid development of techniques and the exponential reduction in cost of sequencing. Here, we describe some of the technologies, which we collectively refer to as Rep‐Seq (repertoire sequencing), to portray achievements in the field and to present the essential and inseparable role of next‐generation sequencing to the understanding of entities in immune response. The large Rep‐Seq data sets that should be available in the near future call for new computational algorithms to segue the transition from ‘classic’ molecular‐based analysis to system‐wide analysis. The combination of new algorithms with high‐throughput data will form the basis for possible new clinical implications in personalized medicine and deeper understanding of immune behaviour and immune response.
Acculturation in the adaptation of Chinese‐American women to breast cancer: a mixed‐method approach
Authors: Tsai Tzu‐I , Morisky Donald E , Kagawa‐Singer Marjorie , Ashing‐Giwa Kimlin T
Published: October 2011

Aims.  To explore how and to what extent acculturation and immigration affect Chinese‐American immigrant women’s breast cancer experience.

Background.  Acculturation is an important indicator for immigrant health. Less empirical research has been conducted on the association between acculturation and breast cancer experience among Chinese immigrant women in the USA.

Design.  A mixed methods study.

Methods.  A total of 107 Chinese‐American women with breast cancer completed the structured questionnaire survey, and 16 women completed face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews.

Results.  In the quantitative findings, acculturation was related to health beliefs, social support and life stress. Cultural interpretations of the qualitative information are offered to show that breast cancer experience was intertwined with cultural adaptation in a given immigrant environment. Chinese cultural beliefs persistently, even after years of immigration, guide Chinese‐American immigrant women to respond to breast cancer across the meaning of health and illness, family ties and involvement and social interaction.

Conclusion.  Our findings show that acculturation is related to health beliefs, social support and life stress in the trajectory of breast cancer adaptation among Chinese‐American immigrant women. Life stresses derived from immigration bring additional difficulties for immigrant women living with cancer.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study pinpoints that traditional cultural beliefs and immigration stress may influence Chinese‐American women to cope with breast cancer. To promote culturally sensitive cancer care for immigrants, healthcare professionals should be aware of and learn intercultural competence. Ethnic social support or outreach healthcare programme may benefit new immigrant families or the immigrant families, who lack social connection, to cope with cancer.
The relationship between attitudes towards different containment measures and their usage in a national sample of psychiatric inpatients
Authors: DACK C. , ROSS J. , BOWERS L.
Published: October 2011

Accessible summary

The Attitudes to Containment Questionnaire has good construct validity.

Patients have separate attitudes towards different containment measures rather than an overall attitude towards containment in general.

High levels of intramuscular medication use on wards were associated with lower approval ratings from patients towards a number of other containment measures.

The use of IM medication has a negative impact on attitudes towards all measures of containment regardless of whether a patient has personally experienced it or has just witnessed it.

The aims of this report were to explore the relationships between patients' approval of containment measures, their levels of usage and patients' individual experience of each measure. Additionally the psychometric properties of the Attitudes to Containment Measures Questionnaire (ACMQ) were tested. A cross‐sectional design was used. The ACMQ was completed by 1361 patients across 136 acute psychiatric wards from three regions in England that participated in the ‘City 128’ study. Staff on each ward completed the Patient‐Staff Conflict Checklist – Shift Report at the end of each shift to log how often each containment measure was used. Frequency of patient reported containment correlated with rates reported by staff. Patients had separate attitudes to each containment measure rather than an attitude towards containment in general. High frequency of coerced intramuscular (IM) medication use was associated with negative attitudes to nearly all types of containment. The ACMQ has good construct validity. In wards where high levels of IM medication are used, all patients have lower approval ratings for a number of other containment measures. This suggests that IM medication has a negative impact not only on those subjected to it but also patients who witness it. Measures to reduce the negative impact of IM medication are discussed.
Serotonin‐immunoreactive neurons and mast cells in the mouse esophagus suggest involvement of serotonin in both motility control and neuroimmune interactions
Authors: Hempfling C. , Neuhuber W. L. , Wörl J.
Published: October 2011

Background  Serotonin is a major transmitter in the gastrointestinal tract, but little is known about the serotonergic system in the esophagus.

Methods  The aim of this study was to use multilabel immunofluorescence to characterize serotonin‐positive nerve cell bodies and fibers and their relationship with other neuronal and non‐neuronal elements in the mouse esophagus. Antibodies against serotonin, vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), and α‐bungarotoxin (α‐BT), were used.

Key Results  Serotonin‐containing perikarya represented ∼10% of all PGP 9.5‐positive myenteric neurons. Serotonin‐positive varicose nerve fibers were found in the lamina muscularis mucosae and present on ∼13% of α‐BT–labeled motor endplates in addition to VAChT‐immunoreactive motor terminals. As ChAT‐positive neurons of the compact formation of the nucleus ambiguus were negative for serotonin, serotonin‐positive varicosities on motor endplates are presumed to be of enteric origin. On the other hand, cholinergic ambiguus neurons were densely supplied with serotonin‐positive varicosities. The tela submucosa and tunica adventitia contained large numbers of serotonin‐positive mast cells, a few of which were in close association with serotonin‐positive nerve fibers.

Conclusions & Inferences  The mouse esophagus is endowed with a rich serotonin‐positive intrinsic innervation, including enteric co‐innervation of striated muscles. Serotonin may modulate vagal motor innervation of esophageal‐striated muscles not only at the central level via projections of the raphe nuclei to the nucleus ambiguus but also at the peripheral level via enteric co‐innervation. In addition, mast cells represent a non‐neuronal source of serotonin, being involved in neuroimmune processes.