bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, process, and performance of all‐epitaxial normally‐off SiC JFETs
Authors: Malhan Rajesh K. , Bakowski Mietek , Takeuchi Yuuichi , Sugiyama Naohiro , Schöner Adolf
Published: June 2009

This paper reviews the normally‐off (N‐off) and normally‐on (N‐on) SiC junction field effect transistor (JFET) concepts and presents an innovative all‐epitaxial double‐gate trench JFET (DGTJFET) structure. The DGTJFET design combines the advantages of lateral and buried gate JFET concepts. The lateral JFET advantage is the epitaxial definition of the channel width and the buried gate JFET advantage is the small cell size. In the DGTJFET process the epitaxial embedded growth in trenches facilitates the small cell pitch and the vertical direction of the channel. A detailed numerical simulation analysis compares the potential of the DGTJFET design with reported lateral channel and buried gate JFET structures.

Migration enhanced embedded epitaxy (ME3) and planarization processes were developed to realize narrow cell pitch DGTJFETs for high‐density power integration. The highly doped vertical channel of the DGTJFET defined by the ME3growth process makes it possible to accurately control the sub‐micron channel dimensions in order to realize a low specific on‐state resistance (RON) and a high saturation current capability. The anisotropic nature of SiC is taken into account for the channel design considerations.

The successful application of the new process technologies for the development of the all‐epitaxial DGTJFETs is discussed. Fabricated 5.5 μm cell pitch 4H‐SiC DGTJFETs demonstrate the saturation current density capability of more than 1000 A/cm2. N‐off and N‐on DGTJFETs with 2.25 mm squared chip size and 9.5 μm cell pitch output 15 A and 20 A at gate voltage of 2.5 V and drain voltage of 5.0 V. The specificRONof the N‐off and N‐on DGTJFETs is at room temperature 8.1 m Ω cm2and 6.3 mΩ cm2, respectively, indicating that N‐off devices can be realized at the expense of a slight increase in specificRONof approximately 25%. DGTJFETs with a 13 μm drift layer doped to 5.0 × 1015cm–3are demonstrated with a breakdown voltage in the range of 1200 V to 1550 V at the wafer level with a leakage current below 10 μA. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Differences in raindrop size distribution from southwest monsoon to northeast monsoon at Gadanki
Authors: Narayana Rao T. , Radhakrishna B. , Nakamura K. , Prabhakara Rao N.
Published: June 2009

Characteristics of raindrop size distribution (DSD) are studied during the southwest (SW) and northeast (NE) monsoon seasons using 4 1/2 years of DSD measurements made at Gadanki (13.5°N, 79.2°E) by an impact‐type disdrometer. The observed DSD is found to be distinctly different in the NE monsoon from that of the SW monsoon. The stratified DSD (based on rain rate) shows more small drops and fewer bigger drops in the NE monsoon than in the SW monsoon, particularly in the low rain rate regime. This feature is not an anomalous one, rather observed consistently in all the years. The diurnal variation of DSD (in terms of mass‐weighted mean diameter, Dm) plots in both monsoons show large values of Dm in the evening hours. Several possible reasons, from instrumental problems to geophysical mechanisms, for the observed DSD differences are examined. The wind field and the range of Dm values indicate that the DSDs in the SW and NE monsoons are continental and oceanic in nature, respectively. Further, high temperature and intense convective activity (vigorous updraughts) in the SW monsoon modify the DSD through evaporation, drop sorting, and collision‐coalescence processes. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Diurnal cycle of the intertropical discontinuity over West Africa analysed by remote sensing and mesoscale modelling
Authors: Pospichal Bernhard , Karam DianaBou , Crewell Susanne , Flamant Cyrille , Hünerbein Anja , Bock Olivier , Saïd Frederique
Published: June 2009

The diurnal cycle of the Intertropical discontinuity (ITD), i.e. the interface at the ground between moist monsoon air and dry Harmattan air, is an important factor in the West African monsoon system. During the whole of 2006, high‐resolution ground‐based remote‐sensing measurements were performed in the area of Djougou, Benin, which made it possible to observe the ITD and the associated sharp gradient of temperature and humidity in detail. In order to extend the point measurements to a three‐dimensional view of the ITD and to enhance the knowledge of the related processes, the mesoscale atmospheric model Meso‐NH was run for a case study (84 h period) in April 2006. In addition Meteosat infrared observations were used to determine the ITD position and its movement. From these observations a northward propagation of the moist air front (ITD) of 8–12 m s−1 was calculated. The propagation speed of the front evaluated from the satellite observations was replicated by the model and the time of the front arrival over Djougou was simulated with a maximum error of 1 hour. With respect to the ground‐based observations, the model was able to reproduce the dynamics and thermodynamics of the front as well as the diurnal cycle of the planetary boundary layer over the study area. This agreement suggests the use of the model to further describe processes in the lower atmosphere at high resolution. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
A binary matrix for improved detection of phosphopeptides in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Li‐Hua , Kang Gum‐Yong , Kim Kwang Pyo
Published: June 2009

Application of matrix‐assisted laser‐desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) to analysis and characterization of phosphopeptides in peptide mixtures may have a limitation, because of the lower ionizing efficiency of phosphopeptides than nonphosphorylated peptides in MALDI MS. In this work, a binary matrix that consists of two conventional matrices of 3‐hydroxypicolinic acid (3‐HPA) and α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (CCA) was tested for phosphopeptide analysis. 3‐HPA and CCA were found to be hot matrices, and 3‐HPA not as good as CCA and 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) for peptide analysis. However, the presence of 3‐HPA in the CCA solution with a volume ratio of 1:1 could significantly enhance ion signals for phosphopeptides in both positive‐ion and negative‐ion detection modes compared with the use of pure CCA or DHB, the most common phosphopeptide matrices. Higher signal intensities of phosphopeptides could be obtained with lower laser power using the binary matrix. Neutral loss of the phosphate group (−80 Da) and phosphoric acid (−98 Da) from the phosphorylated‐residue‐containing peptide ions with the binary matrix was decreased compared with CCA alone. In addition, since the crystal shape prepared with the binary matrix was more homogeneous than that prepared with DHB, searching for ‘sweet’ spots can be avoided. The sensitivity to detect singly or doubly phosphorylated peptides in peptide mixtures was higher than that obtained with pure CCA and as good as that obtained using DHB. We also used the binary matrix to detect the in‐solution tryptic digest of the crude casein extracted from commercially available low fat milk sample, and found six phosphopeptides to match the digestion products of casein, based on mass‐to‐charge values and LIFT TOF‐TOF spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Field evaluation of a two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model near boulders for habitat calculation
Authors: Waddle Terry
Published: June 2009

Two‐dimensional hydrodynamic models are now widely used in aquatic habitat studies. To test the sensitivity of calculated habitat outcomes to limitations of such a model and of typical field data, bathymetry, depth and velocity data were collected for three discharges in the vicinity of two large boulders in the South Platte River (Colorado) and used in the River2D model. Simulated depth and velocity were compared with observed values at 204 locations and the differences in habitat numbers produced by observed and simulated conditions were calculated. The bulk of the differences between simulated and observed depth and velocity values were found to lie within the likely error of measurement. However, the effect of flow simulation outliers on potential habitat outcomes must be considered when using 2D models for habitat simulation. Furthermore, the shape of the habitat suitability relation can influence the effects of simulation errors. Habitat relations with steep slopes in the velocity ranges found in similar study areas are expected to be sensitive to the magnitude of error found here. Comparison of habitat values derived from simulated and observed depth and velocity revealed a small tendency to under‐predict habitat values. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The acute stress disorder in the paediatric surgical children and adolescents injured in the Wenchuan earthquake of China
Authors: Liu Kezhi , Liang Xuemei , Guo Lanting , Li Yuan , Li Xirong , Xin Bo , Huang Mingjin , Li Yuanyuan
Published: June 2009

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and the symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD) in the paediatric surgical children and adolescents injured in the Wenchuan earthquake of China. One hundred and eighteen children and adolescent inpatients were surveyed by the Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) within 1 month of the earthquake. Using the validated ASDS score above cut‐off threshold levels, the incidence of ASD in this sample was 54.3 per cent. The morbidity of ASD were 56.1, 24.6 and 19.3 per cent in the child group, in the early adolescent group and in the middle adolescent group, respectively. There was no significant difference among the three age groups about the severity of ASD symptom. The proportions of ASD‐positive were 44.0 per cent in males and 63.6 per cent in females that showed significant difference. The exposure risk factors were being buried in the earthquake, injury of parent, injury of relatives, amputation and operation. These results indicated that ASD was widely prevalent among the children and adolescents wounded in the earthquake, which needed an effective psychosocial intervention. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the efficacy of user and developer activities in facilitating the development of OSS projects
Authors: Jiau Hewijin Christine , Kao Chia Hung
Published: June 2009

Although the development of open source software (OSS) projects is known to be critically dependent on many key factors, the precise contribution of the various user and developer activities toward the development of an OSS project is unknown. Therefore, an empirical study is performed to examine the correlation between the user/developer activities and the state of development of an OSS project. It is shown that certain user/developer activities have a particular efficacy in facilitating OSS project development. The results presented in this study provide an effective approach useful in observing and evaluating the development of OSS projects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The marriage of two process worlds
Authors: Sechser Bernhard
Published: June 2009

This article describes the approach of two big companies to combine their different process worlds and the experiences the author made. The purpose is to give the reader an understanding of the factors that have an influence in creating a global process definition. Cultural differences are playing an important role, also the different languages. Before talking about the content, the parties have to clarify the framework such as the process architecture or the process design methods. Furthermore, it is important to define tailoring conditions to be flexible enough to use the new process on different project areas. And finally the new process has to prove that it can be lived in real life. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experience with Innovation Checks: a case study with 46 companies in Denmark
Authors: Johansen Jørn , Christiansen Mads
Published: June 2009

During a 2‐year period DELTA has performed 46 Innovation Checks in Small and Medium‐sized Enterprises (SME) with great success. In addition to reported benefits experienced by the companies, the Innovation Checks have given us extensive knowledge of the companies' difficulties in having success with innovation in relation to the following five topics: product, processes, production, eBusiness (use of IT for business proposes), and marketing.

This paper presents the method behind the Innovation Checks and conclusions reached from this important project carried out in cooperation with the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI).

The main conclusions are:

Companies don't have the necessary time to invest in innovation.

Companies lack a business strategy that includes innovation.

Without the time and focus, innovation will be ad‐hoc rather than a mastered discipline.

An Innovation Check does help companies with innovation here and now, but without a mastered innovation process it is likely to become a one‐off event.

This paper presents our experience from data and observations collected during the Innovation Checks. As the population is fairly small (46 companies) (Figure 1) the results are to be taken as observations and guidelines rather than scientific facts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endothelial Cells Support Survival, Proliferation, and Neuronal Differentiation of Transplanted Adult Ischemia-Induced Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells After Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Nakagomi Nami , Nakagomi Takayuki , Kubo Shuji , Nakano-Doi Akiko , Saino Orie , Takata Masashi , Yoshikawa Hiroo , Stern David M. , Matsuyama Tomohiro , Taguchi Akihiko
Published: June 2009

Transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) has been proposed as a therapy for a range of neurological disorders. To realize the potential of this approach, it is essential to control survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation of NSCs after transplantation. NSCs are regulated in vivo, at least in part, by their specialized microenvironment or “niche.” In the adult central nervous system, neurogenic regions, such as the subventricular and subgranular zones, include NSCs residing in a vascular niche with endothelial cells. Although there is accumulating evidence that endothelial cells promote proliferation of NSCs in vitro, there is no description of their impact on transplanted NSCs. In this study, we grafted cortex-derived stroke-induced neural stem/progenitor cells, obtained from adult mice, onto poststroke cortex in the presence or absence of endothelial cells, and compared survival, proliferation, and neuronal differentiation of the neural precursors in vivo. Cotransplantation of endothelial cells and neural stem/progenitor cells increased survival and proliferation of ischemia-induced neural stem/progenitor cells and also accelerated neuronal differentiation compared with transplantation of neural precursors alone. These data indicate that reconstitution of elements in the vascular niche enhances transplantation of adult neural progenitor cells.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Hudson memorial lecture
Authors: Saudubray J. M. , Ogier H. , Charpentier C. , Depondt E. , Coudé F. X. , Munnich A. , Mitchell G. , Rey F. , Rey J. , Frézal J.
Published: June 2009

Therapeutic guidelines have been obtained from a restrospective review of 41 patients affected with organic acidaemias, 16 patients with neonatal maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), 11 methylmalonic acidaemia, (MMA) seven propionic acidaemias (PA) and seven isovaleric acidaemias (IVA), and by comparing this personal series with similar reported cases. The emergency treatment of these organic acidurias in the neonate has to main goals: toxin removal and anabolism. Anabolism is always promoted by early diet therapy. The best method of toxin removal depends on the nature of the defect; peritoneal dialysis with exchange transfusions or multiple or prolonged exchange transfusions in MSUD and in PA, diuresis and exchange transfusions in MMA and glycine supplementation in IVA. Vitamin supplementation (thiamine 20 mg, biotin 10 mg, B12 2 mg and riboflavin 100 mg) should be tried in all cases although the neonatal forms of these defects are very rarely vitamin responsive. Additional treatments such as carnitine or insulin may prove to be useful.
Symptoms and signs in organic acidurias
Authors: Brandt N. J.
Published: June 2009

Organic acidaemias can present with a wide variety of signs and symptoms. A survey of the clinical presentation of the organic acidurias shows that single symptoms are not characteristic or diagnostic. Clinical awareness coupled with appropriate laboratory investigation is required for the correct diagnosis to be reached.
Fatty Acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: Enzyme measurement and studies on alternative metabolism
Authors: Gregersen N.
Published: June 2009

Abstact

Fatty acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiencies are defined as disorders of the metabolism of straight chain acyl‐CoA esters at the level of short chain acyl‐CoA, general (medium chain) acyl‐CoA and long chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenases. Patients with proven or indicated defects in either general (medium chain) or long chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase have been reported.

In recent years assays for the enzymatic diagnosis in cells, especially cultured skin fibroblasts, from such patients have been developed. The different methods are reviewed. The urinary excretion profile of organic acids from patients with fatty acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiencies are characterized by the presence of different compounds originating from the primary accumulated acyl‐CoA ester(s). The most important biochemical processes involved in the formation of these compounds are glycine conjugation and ω/ω‐1 oxidation. The biochemistry of these pathways is discussed and the knowledge gained fromin vitro andin vivo studies is used to explain the excretion pattern in some of the patients with general (medium chain) acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
Carnitine metabolism and inborn errors
Authors: Engel A. G. , Rebouche C. J.
Published: June 2009

Current knowledge of the metabolic role, biosynthesis, cellular uptake, excretion and turnover of carnitine is reviewed. The clinical spectrum and possible aetiology of the primary muscle and primary systemic carnitine deficiency syndromes are considered and the various genetic defects of intermediary metabolism which can give rise to secondary carnitine deficiency are indicated.
Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) diagnosis of two cases of medium chain Acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Divry P. , Vianey‐Liaud C. , Cotte J.
Published: June 2009

Two patients with hypoketotic hypoglycaemia and dicarboxylic aciduria are described. Studies of their urinary organic acids by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) showed an excretion of dicarboxylic acids (adipic suberic and sebacic acids), unsaturated dicarboxylic acids (cis‐octenedioic and decenedioic acids), 5‐hydroxyhexanoic acid, hexanoyl‐glycine and suberylglycine. Deficiency of the medium chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) in fibroblasts was documented for both children. Despite a similar presentation (hypoglycaemic coma), organic acid profile (dicarboxylic aciduria and suberylglycine excretion) and enzyme deficiency (MCAD), they did not respond similarly to glucose infusion.
Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and respiratory chain: Review
Authors: Gautheron D. C.
Published: June 2009

Basic events concerning oxidative phosphorylation, i.e. the synthesis of ATP at the expense of respired oxygen at the level of mitochondria are described. Our knowledge concerning the functioning of respiratory chain, its structure, organization and topology inside the inner membrane of mitochondria has considerably improved in recent years. A central question — how does the respiratory chain cooperate with ATP‐synthetase, also embedded in the inner membrane, to bring about the oxidative phosphorylation of ADP to ATP — has been one of the most challenging and difficult problems in biochemical research. The chemiosmotic hypothesis proposed by the British biochemist Peter Mitchell appears best in describing the basic events of the recovery of the redox energy liberated along the respiratory chain to synthesize ATP through a membrane process. Moreover the chemiosmotic hypothesis is not restricted to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation but appears to provide a general explanation to the synthesis of ATP in all transducing membranes: inner mitochondrial membrane, bacterial plasma membrane, thylakoid membranes in chloroplasts of green plants.
Lactic acidaemia
Authors: Robinson B. H. , Sherwood W. G.
Published: June 2009

Congenital childhood lactic acidaemia is a poorly understood group of genetic diseases. The most common underlying inherited defect encountered in this group is deficiency of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Of 23 cases we have diagnosed, 18 have a deficiency in the first component of the complex, the E1 decarboxylase, while the other five have multipleα‐keto acid dehydrogenase deficiency due to a defect in lipoamide dehydrogenase. In addition to the lactic acidosis associated with pyruvate decarboxylase deficiency, ten of the cases showed evidence of facial dysmorphism consisting of a narrow head, wide nasal bridge and flared nostrils or gross microcephaly. Two further patients had agenesis of the corpus callosum. Isolated pyruvate carboxylase deficiency was found to present in two different forms, one with lactic acidaemia and mental retardation, the other with lactic acidaemia, hyperammonaemia citrullinaemia and hyperlysinaemia. The former presentation we have shown to be associated with the presence of a biotinylated pyruvate carboxylase protein of the correct subunit molecular weight (125 kd) which has no catalytic activity (CRM + ve). The latter we have shown to be associated with the absence of any recognizable pyruvate carboxylase protein (CRM ‐ ve).
Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency
Authors: Bartlett K. , Ghneim H. K. , Stirk J. ‐H. , Dale G. , Alberti K. G. M. M.
Published: June 2009

The causes of congenital lactic acidaemia are outlined. Isolated pyruvate carboxylase deficiency is reviewed in detail with a report of a recent case and a discussion of the biochemical consequences. Other causes of defective pyruvate carboxylation are described, particularly the combined carboxylase defects.
Autopsy case of Gaucher disease type I in a patient on enzyme replacement therapy. Comments on the dynamics of persistent storage process
Authors: Hůlková H. , Ledvinová J. , Poupětová H. , Kohout A. , Malinová V. , Elleder M.
Published: June 2009

We report a female patient with Gaucher disease (GD) type I on ERT (imiglucerase) for 5 years, which led to a significant general improvement. Aged 59 years she underwent an episode of altitude sickness followed by sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and multiorgan failure. She succumbed to a cerebral haemorrhage. Autopsy revealed liver cholestatic cirrhosis and multifocal liver carcinoma with immunophenotype compatible with cholangiocarcinoma. Analysis of the storage process revealed its absence or very low levels in the majority of liver and spleen macrophages. Gaucher cells (GCs) were seen only as occasional aggregates of various sizes in these organs. GCs were seen also in the leptomeninx of the cerebellum and as infrequent perivascular clusters in both the grey and white cerebral matters. Bone marrow was heavily infiltrated with GCs, especially in the adipocyte‐rich part. GCs in this location displayed varied degrees of cytoplasmic vacuolation unrelated to the lysosomal compartment, caused by droplets of triglyceride, and interpreted as due to resorption of fragments of altered white adipocytes. All these observations point to the relative efficacy of ERT in covering the standard substrate load, which should not be exceeded as it would lead to the evolution of mature GCs. The results are discussed in relation to our recently published hypothesis on GD cell pathology.
The impact of endometriosis, endometrioma and ovarian cystectomy on assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Kuroda Keiji , Kitade Mari , Kikuchi Iwaho , Kumakiri Jun , Matsuoka Shozo , Kuroda Masako , Takeda Satoru
Published: June 2009

Purpose

To assess outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART) in infertile women with endometriosis with respect to their concomitant endometrioma status and surgical history in our department.

Methods

This is a retrospective case control study which analyzes informational data obtained at a university hospital. The study drew from a patient pool of 332 cases (877 cIVF/ICSI cycles) that took place in our department from 2006 to 2008. Sixty‐one cases (97 cycles) had major indications for cIVF/ICSI with endometriosis. We classified groups from these 61 cases as follows: an unoperated endometrioma group (A) with 31 cycles, a postoperative endometrioma group (B) with 51 cycles, and a no endometrioma group (C) with 15 cycles. We analyzed and compared these three groups and also included a non‐endometriosis tubal infertility group (D) with 27 cycles.

Results

In the control group (D), serum FSH levels and the cancellation rates were significantly lower than those of other groups, and the number of developing follicles was higher. E2 levels before oocyte aspiration in the postoperative endometrioma group (B) was lower. Implantation, pregnancy, delivery and miscarriage rates were not significantly different among the four groups.

Conclusion

The results suggest that endometriosis causes a decrease in endocrinologic ovarian function whether or not an endometrioma is also present. As for E2 level before oocyte aspiration, our results suggest that ovarian reserves might be reduced by endometrioma excision, but this is difficult to evaluate. In the endometriosis groups, cancellation rates were significantly higher, although when embryos were transferred the pregnancy rates were not significantly different when compared with the non‐endometriosis group. As for infertile women with endometriomas, our results suggest that preexisting ovarian reserve is reduced by the presence of endometriosis, and ovarian reserve might also be reduced by excision of endometriomas.
Stressful life events and the tripartite model: Relations to anxiety and depression in adolescent females
Authors: Fox Jeremy K. , Halpern Leslie F. , Ryan Julie L. , Lowe Kelly A.
Published: June 2009

Although the tripartite model reliably distinguishes anxiety and depression in adolescents, it remains unclear how negative affectivity (NA) and positive affectivity (PA) influence developmental pathways to internalizing problems. Based on models which propose that affectivity shapes how youth react to stress, the present study attempted to investigate the relative roles of NA, PA, and stressful life events in characterizing and differentiating adolescent anxiety and depression. A sample of adolescent females (N= 63), including a sub‐sample of adolescent mothers, completed measures of NA, PA, negative life event (NLE) occurrence, anxiety, and depression. Findings supported the tripartite model as a “temperamental reactivity to stress” approach. Anxious and depressive symptoms were predicted by a combination of high NA and high NLE occurrence. However, a combination of low PA and high NLE occurrence was uniquely linked to greater depressive symptoms. Implications of these findings for early identification and prevention programs are discussed.
αB‐crystallin extracellularly suppresses ADP‐induced granule secretion from human platelets
Authors: Enomoto Yukiko , Adachi Seiji , Matsushima-Nishiwaki Rie , Niwa Masayuki , Tokuda Haruhiko , Akamatsu Shigeru , Doi Tomoaki , Kato Hisaaki , Yoshimura Shinichi , Ogura Shinji , Iwama Toru , Kozawa Osamu
Published: June 2009

αB‐crystallin, a low‐molecular‐weight heat shock protein (HSP), has binding sites on platelets. However, the exact role of αB‐crystallin is not clarified. In this study, we investigated the effect of αB‐crystallin on platelet granule secretion. αB‐crystallin attenuated the adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐induced phosphorylation of p44/p42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p38 MAPK. The ADP‐stimulated HSP27 phosphorylation was markedly reduced by αB‐crystallin. αB‐crystallin significantly suppressed the ADP‐induced secretions of both platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐AB and serotonin. Therefore, our results strongly suggest that αB‐crystallin extracellularly suppresses platelet granule secretion by inhibition of HSP27 phosphorylation via p44/p42 MAPK and p38 MAPK.
Elastin peptides antagonize ceramide‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Cantarelli Benoît , Duca Laurent , Blanchevoye Charlotte , Poitevin Stéphane , Martiny Laurent , Debelle Laurent
Published: June 2009

Elastin peptides regulate proliferation, chemotaxis and protease expression. The aim of this work was to assess their influence on apoptosis. Human skin fibroblast cell death was induced using C2‐ceramide in the presence or absence of elastin peptides. We show that ceramide‐induced apoptosis could be blocked by elastin peptides. Using pharmacological inhibitors, we show that elastin peptide treatment leads to activation of the anti‐apoptotic protein Akt that phosphorylates the pro‐apoptotic protein Bad, the Foxo3a transcription factor and caspase‐9. Importantly, the anti‐apoptotic effects of elastin peptides were persistent in time. Our results suggest that elastin peptides could be potent cell survival factors.
Total laparoscopic radical parametrectomy, partial colpectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with occult cervical cancer
Authors: Buda Alessandro , Pellegrino Antonio , Vitobello Domenico , Meroni Mario Giuseppe , Recalcati Dario , Perego Patrizia
Published: June 2009

Objective

To assess total laparoscopic radical parametrectomy (TLRP) with pelvic lymphadenectomy and partial colpectomy as a safe and feasible treatment option for patients with occult cervical cancer.

Methods

Twelve patients with occult invasive cervical cancer underwent TLRP after prior extrafascial hysterectomy.

Results

No intraoperative complications occurred. Two patients experienced postoperative complications: an iliac lymphocyst with pyelectasis, and a vaginal evisceration that occurred during sexual intercourse. Nine patients required no further treatment. One patient with residual disease received brachytherapy as adjuvant treatment. Two patients with positive nodes not detected at preoperative work‐up received adjuvant concomitant radiochemotherapy.

Conclusion

TLRP with pelvic lymphadenectomy is a safe and feasible treatment in patients with occult invasive cervical cancer discovered after extrafascial hysterectomy.
Synchronization of late-glacial vegetation changes at Crystal Lake, Illinois, USA with the North Atlantic Event Stratigraphy
Authors: Gonzales Leila M. , Grimm Eric C.
Published: June 2009

Late-glacial (17–11 cal ka BP) pollen records from midwestern North America show similar vegetation trends; however, poor dating resolution, wide-interval pollen counts, and variable sedimentation rates have prevented the direct correlation with the North Atlantic Event Stratigraphy as represented in the Greenland ice-core records, thus preventing the understanding of the teleconnections and mechanisms of late-Quaternary events in the Northern Hemisphere. The widespread occurrence of late-glacial vegetation and climates with no modern analogs also hinders late-glacial climate reconstructions. A high-resolution pollen record with a well-controlled age model from Crystal Lake in northeastern Illinois reveals vegetation and climate conditions during the late-glacial and early Holocene intervals. Late-glacial Crystal Lake pollen assemblages, dominated by Picea mariana and Fraxinus nigra with lesser amounts of Abies and Larix, suggest relatively wet climate despite fluctuations between colder and warmer temperatures. Vegetation changes at Crystal Lake are coeval with millennial-scale trends in the NGRIP ice-core record, but major shifts in vegetation at Crystal Lake lag the NGRIP record by 300–400 yr. This lag may be due to the proximity of the Laurentide ice sheet, the ice sheet's inherent slowness in response to rapid climate changes, and its effect on frontal boundary conditions and lake-effect temperatures.
Isotopic evidence for temporal variation in proportion of seasonal precipitation since the last glacial time in the inland Pacific Northwest of the USA
Authors: Takeuchi Akinori , Goodwin Angela J. , Moravec Bryan G. , Larson Peter B. , Keller C. Kent
Published: June 2009

Large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns determine the quantity and seasonality of precipitation, the major source of water in most terrestrial ecosystems. Oxygen isotope (δ18O) dynamics of the present-day hydrologic system in the Palouse region of the northwestern U.S.A. indicate a seasonal correlation between the δ18O values of precipitation and temperature, but no seasonal trends of δ18O records in soil water and shallow groundwater. Their isotope values are close to those of winter precipitation because the Palouse receives ∼ 75% of its precipitation during winter. Palouse Loess deposits contain late Pleistocene pedogenic carbonate having ca. 2 to 3‰ higher δ18O values and up to 5‰ higher carbon isotope (δ13C) values than Holocene and modern carbonates. The late Pleistocene δ18O values are best explained by a decrease in isotopically light winter precipitation relative to the modern winter-dominated infiltration. The δ13C values are attributed to a proportional increase of atmospheric CO2 in soil CO2 due to a decrease in soil respiration rate and 13C discrimination in plants under much drier paleoclimate conditions than today. The regional climate difference was likely related to anticyclonic circulation over the Pleistocene Laurentide and Ice Sheet.
HIV SEROSTATUS DISCLOSURE PATTERN AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN ENUGU, NIGERIA
Authors: EZEGWUI H. U. , NWOGU-IKOJO E. E. , ENWEREJI J. O. , DIM C. C.
Published: June 2009

This study was carried out in two medical facilities in Enugu, Nigeria, from September to November 2007. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from HIV-positive pregnant women accessing PMTCT (prevention of maternal-to-child transmission) services at the two centres. Ninety-two women were interviewed: 89 (96.7%) had disclosed their status, while 3 (3.3%) had not. Of the 89 women who had disclosed, 84 (94.4%) had disclosed to partners, 82 (92.1%) to husbands, 2 (2.2%) to fiancés, 18 (20.2%) to sisters, 13 (14.6%) to mothers, 10 (11.2%) to brothers, 10 (11.2%) to fathers and 10 (11.2%) to priests. Fifty-two (58.4%) gave emotional support as the reason for disclosure and 46 (51.7%) gave economic and financial support as reasons. Fifty-six (62.9%) reported understanding from partner as a positive outcome and 44 (49.4%) reported financial support. Forty-six (51.7%) reported no negative outcome. Serostatus disclosure rate in this study was high with most women disclosing to their partners.
Macroeconomic Outcomes and the Relative Position of Argentina's Economy, 1875–2000
Authors: VILLARROYA ISABEL SANZ
Published: June 2009

This paper attempts to investigate the main factors behind Argentina's relative economic decline by comparing its evolution with that of Australia and Canada. For this purpose a ‘reduced index of economic freedom’ has been constructed in order to capture and summarise the principal macroeconomic trends in Argentina compared with the other regions of recent settlement during the period between 1875 and 2000. The results, obtained using cointegration and causality techniques, show how the macroeconomic policies that were implemented are able to explain the relative evolution of Argentina's economy, in terms of GDP per capita, over the long term. The results revise some of the interpretations prevalent in Argentine historiography.
From Globalisation to Revolution? The Porfirian Political Economy: An Essay on Issues and Interpretations
Authors: RIGUZZI PAOLO
Published: June 2009

This essay evaluates the political economy of Mexico during the Porfirian period (1876–1911), with the aim of discussing advances in scholarship and presenting an outline of the elements for a future research agenda. To this end, the essay examines the current state of knowledge on four crucial aspects of the Mexican economy: growth and its dimensions; the state, finance and economic strategies; the construction and functioning of the internal market; and the international economic relations of Mexico during the first period of globalisation. In particular, it assesses the arguments that link features of Porfirian economic organisation with the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution in 1910.
Making Transitions Pay: An Assessment of the Dutch Life-Course Scheme
Authors: VAN HUIZEN THOMAS , PLANTENGA JANNEKE
Published: June 2009

Introducing individual savings accounts into the system of social security may be an innovative way to reorganise European social security systems. This article examines the merits and drawbacks of this modernisation strategy using the Transitional Labour Market approach as a frame of reference. On the basis of normative criteria derived from this approach, we perform an evaluation of the Dutch life-course scheme (‘Levensloopregeling’). This scheme is a unique and pioneering arrangement that offers employees a fiscally facilitated option to save money to finance periods of unpaid leave. Following the assessment of the Dutch case, we identify several pitfalls of reforms based on individual savings accounts. Finally, we put forward some proposals to overcome these shortcomings.
Quantifying the propagule load associated with the construction of an Antarctic research station
Authors: Lee Jennifer E. , Chown Steven L.
Published: June 2009

Although the impacts of biological invasions are widely appreciated, a bias exists in research effort to post dispersal processes because of the difficulties of measuring propagule pressure. Here we quantify the propagule pressure associated with the construction of a research station in Antarctica. Based on quantitative assessment of different classes of cargo, we predict that over 5000 seeds will be entrained during the period of building the station. Seeds from 34 taxa were identified, including known invasive species.
An asymptotic analysis of the buckling of a highly shear-resistant vesicle
Authors: REBOUX SYLVAIN , RICHARDSON GILES , JENSEN OLIVER E.
Published: June 2009

The static compression between two smooth plates of an axisymmetric capsule or vesicle is investigated by means of asymptotic analysis. The governing equations of the vesicle are derived from thin-shell theory and involve a bending stiffness B, a shear modulus H, the unstressed vesicle radius a and a constant surface-area constraint. The sixth-order free-boundary problem obtained by a balance-of-forces approach is addressed in the limit when the dimensionless parameter C = Ha2/B is large and the plate displacements are small. When the plate displacement is of order aC−1/2, the vesicle undergoes a sub-critical buckling instability which is captured by leading-order asymptotics. Asymptotic linear and quadratic force–displacement relations for the pre- and post-buckled solutions are determined. The leading-order post-buckled solution is described by a simple fourth-order problem, exhibiting stress-focusing with stretching and bending confined to a narrow boundary layer. In contrast, in the pre-buckled state, stretching occurs over a larger length scale than bending. The results are in good qualitative agreement with numerical simulations for finite values of C.
Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of upper respiratory tract infection in pregnant women
Authors: Li Lin , Werler Martha M
Published: June 2009

Objective

The present study evaluated the association between fruit and vegetable intake and the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) during pregnancy.

Design

In a cohort of 1034 North American women, each subject was asked retrospectively about their fruit and vegetable intake during the six months before the pregnancy and their occurrences of URTI during the first half of pregnancy. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were calculated with Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The adjusted HR of URTI for women in the highest quartile (median 8·54 servings/d)v. the lowest quartile (median 1·91 servings/d) of total fruit and vegetable intake was 0·74 (95 % CI 0·53, 1·05) for the 5-month follow-up period and 0·61 (95 % CI 0·39, 0·97) for the 3-month follow-up period, respectively. A dose-related reduction of URTI risk according to quartile of intake was found in the 3-month (Pfor trend = 0·03) but not the 5-month follow-up. No association was found between either fruit or vegetable intake alone in relation to the 5-month or the 3-month risk of URTI.

Conclusions

Women who consume more fruits and vegetables have a moderate reduction in risk of URTI during pregnancy, and this benefit appears to be derived from both fruits and vegetables instead of either alone.
Emerging strategies for cell and gene therapy of the muscular dystrophies
Authors: Muir Lindsey A. , Chamberlain Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2009

The muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of over 40 disorders that are characterised by muscle weakness and wasting. The most common are Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Becker muscular dystrophy, which result from mutations within the gene encoding dystrophin; myotonic dystrophy type 1, which results from an expanded trinucleotide repeat in the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase gene; and facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, which is associated with contractions in the subtelomeric region of human chromosome 1. Currently the only treatments involve clinical management of symptoms, although several promising experimental strategies are emerging. These include gene therapy using adeno-associated viral, lentiviral and adenoviral vectors and nonviral vectors, such as plasmid DNA. Exon-skipping and cell-based therapies have also shown promise in the effective treatment and regeneration of dystrophic muscle. The availability of numerous animal models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy has enabled extensive testing of a wide range of therapeutic approaches for this type of disorder. Consequently, we focus here on the therapeutic developments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy as a model of the types of approaches being considered for various types of dystrophy. We discuss the advantages and limitations of each therapeutic strategy, as well as prospects and recent successes in the context of future clinical applications.
Characterization of auroral current systems in Saturn's magnetosphere: High‐latitude Cassini observations
Authors: Talboys D. L. , Arridge C. S. , Bunce E. J. , Coates A. J. , Cowley S. W. H. , Dougherty M. K.
Published: June 2009

We have identified seven periapsis passes during the first high‐latitude phase of the Cassini mission, from mid‐2006 to mid‐2007, in which the spacecraft traversed at intermediate altitudes the region between open field lines at highest latitudes and the region inside the inner edge of the ring current. Varying azimuthal magnetic fields indicative of the presence of field‐aligned currents were observed in both hemispheres on all these passes, corresponding to the dawn and prenoon sector in the summer southern hemisphere and the dusk to premidnight sector in the winter northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, strongly “lagging” fields observed on open field lines are observed to decline rapidly across the open‐closed field line boundary, usually then reversing in sense to a “leading” configuration in a narrow layer of closed field lines, before declining to smaller values determined by the phase of the planetary period oscillation in the inner region. These observations suggest that the plasma flow in this sector increases sharply across the boundary from subcorotation on open field lines to a layer of supercorotation on closed field lines, accompanied by a major layer of upward‐directed field‐aligned current that is shown to be colocated with the statistical location of the southern auroral oval. Downward current then flows in the inner region as the leading field declines. In the northern hemisphere, however, only weak azimuthal fields are observed on open field lines, suggesting weak conductivity in the winter ionosphere if the plasma similarly subcorotates, while a layer of stronger lagging field indicative of subcorotation is observed immediately equatorward in the closed field region. The field‐aligned currents in this case are thus directed downward just inside the boundary and upward in the interior region, opposite to the southern hemisphere, but are again modulated by the field of the planetary period oscillations on either side.
Neutral wind estimation from 4‐D ionospheric electron density images
Authors: Datta‐Barua S. , Bust G. S. , Crowley G. , Curtis N.
Published: June 2009

We develop a new inversion algorithm for Estimating Model Parameters from Ionospheric Reverse Engineering (EMPIRE). The EMPIRE method uses four‐dimensional images of global electron density to estimate the field‐aligned neutral wind ionospheric driver when direct measurement is not available. We begin with a model of the electron continuity equation that includes production and loss rate estimates, as well as E × B drift, gravity, and diffusion effects. We use ion, electron, and neutral species temperatures and neutral densities from the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIMEGCM‐ASPEN) for estimating the magnitude of these effects. We then model the neutral wind as a power series at a given longitude for a range of latitudes and altitudes. As a test of our algorithm, we have input TIMEGCM electron densities to our algorithm. The model of the neutral wind is computed at hourly intervals and validated by comparing to the “true” TIMEGCM neutral wind fields. We show results for a storm day: 10 November 2004. The agreement between the winds derived from EMPIRE versus the TIMEGCM “true” winds appears to be time‐dependent for the day under consideration. This may indicate that the diurnal variation in certain driving processes impacts the accuracy of our neutral wind model. Despite the potential temporal and spatial limits on accuracy, estimating neutral wind speed from measured electron density fields via our algorithm shows great promise as a complement to the more sparse radar and satellite measurements.
Large‐eddy simulations of unidirectional water flow over dunes
Authors: Grigoriadis D. G. E. , Balaras E. , Dimas A. A.
Published: June 2009

The unidirectional, subcritical flow over fixed dunes is studied numerically using large‐eddy simulation, while the immersed boundary method is implemented to incorporate the bed geometry. Results are presented for a typical dune shape and two Reynolds numbers, Re = 17,500 and Re = 93,500, on the basis of bulk velocity and water depth. The numerical predictions of velocity statistics at the low Reynolds number are in very good agreement with available experimental data. A primary recirculation region develops downstream of the dune crest at both Reynolds numbers, while a secondary region develops at the toe of the dune crest only for the low Reynolds number. Downstream of the reattachment point, on the dune stoss, the turbulence intensity in the developing boundary layer is weaker than in comparable equilibrium boundary layers. Coherent vortical structures are identified using the fluctuating pressure field and the second invariant of the velocity gradient tensor. Vorticity is primarily generated at the dune crest in the form of spanwise “roller” structures. Roller structures dominate the flow dynamics near the crest, and are responsible for perturbing the boundary layer downstream of the reattachment point, which leads to the formation of “horseshoe” structures. Horseshoe structures dominate the near‐wall dynamics after the reattachment point, do not rise to the free surface, and are distorted by the shear layer of the next crest. The occasional interaction between roller and horseshoe structures generates tube‐like “kolk” structures, which rise to the free surface and persist for a long time before attenuating.