bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cellular level of TRIM31, an RBCC protein overexpressed in gastric cancer, is regulated by multiple mechanisms including the ubiquitin—proteasome system
Authors: Sugiura Takeyuki
Published: February 2011

TRIM (tripartite motif) family proteins, comprising RING finger, B‐box and coiled‐coil domains, are involved in various cellular processes including tumour development and antiviral response. One of the family proteins, TRIM31, was originally identified as a gene induced by growth‐suppressive retinoid. Our previous study showed that TRIM31 is up‐regulated in stomach cancer and that TRIM31 protein possesses the common features of the TRIM protein family, for example, ubiquitin ligase activity and homo‐oligomerization tendency. Interestingly, TRIM31 negatively regulates growth of certain cell types despite its overexpression in gastric cancer tissues. We herein demonstrated that upon exogenous expression in 293 cells, TRIM31 is polyubiquitylated, which promotes its degradation in the proteasome pathway. The proteasome‐mediated degradation of endogenous TRIM31 was further confirmed in AsPC‐1 pancreatic cancer cells. Thus, this posttranslational modification governs the intracellular abundance of TRIM31, which is also dependent on inducible transcription as well as alternative splicing. The complicated control of the intracellular TRIM31 protein level may relate to its seemingly contradictory behaviours in the cancer pathology or the urgent response to viral infection.
Adipogenic differentiation and EGFP gene transfection of amniotic fluid‐derived stem cells from goat fetus at terminal gestational age
Authors: He Xiao‐Ying , Zheng Yue‐Mao , Qiu Shuang , Qi Ying‐Pei , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2011

The aims of this study were to determine whether stem cells could be isolated from amniotic fluid of goat fetus at terminal gestational age and to determine if these stem cells could differentiate into adipogenic cells and be transfected with a reporter gene, EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein). The stem cells were isolated from amniotic fluid of goat fetus at terminal gestational age, induced to differentiate into adipogenic cells in vitro and transfected with the EGFP gene using lipofection. Markers associated with undifferentiated AFS (amniotic fluid‐derived stem) cells were tested by RT (reverse transcription)‐PCR. The results demonstrated that AFS cells could be isolated from amniotic fluid of goat fetus at terminal gestational age and could differentiate into adipogenic cells. The EGFP gene was transfected into AFS cells successfully. EGFP gene transfection efficiency of the three groups of transgenic AFS cells were 26.0, 29.9 and 30.5%, respectively. Both transgenic and wild‐type AFS cells could express Hes1 (hairy and enhancer of split 1), Oct4 (octamer‐binding protein 4) and Nanog.
Administration of an acylated GLP-1 and GIP preparation provides added beneficial glucose-lowering and insulinotropic actions over single incretins in mice with Type 2 diabetes and obesity
Authors: Gault Victor A. , Kerr Barry D. , Harriott Patrick , Flatt Peter R.
Published: February 2011

The present study examined the glucose-lowering and insulinotropic properties of acylated GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) peptides in Type 2 diabetes and obesity. GLP-1, GIP, Liraglutide, N-AcGIP(Lys37Myr) (N-acetylGIP with myristic acid conjugated at Lys37), a simple combination of both peptides and a Lira–AcGIP preparation [overnight preparation of Liraglutide and N-AcGIP(Lys37Myr)] were incubated with DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV) to assess peptide stability, and BRIN–BD11 cells were used to evaluate cAMP production and insulin secretion. Acute glucose-lowering and insulinotropic actions were evaluated in Swiss TO mice. Subchronic studies on glucose homoeostasis, insulin secretion, food intake and bodyweight were evaluated in ob/ob mice. Liraglutide, N-AcGIP(Lys37Myr), a simple combination of both peptides and the Lira–AcGIP preparation demonstrated improved DPP-IV resistance (P<0.001), while stimulating cAMP production and insulin secretion (1.4–2-fold; P<0.001). The Lira–AcGIP preparation was more potent at lowering plasma glucose (20–51% reduction; P<0.05–P<0.001) and stimulating insulin secretion (1.5–1.8-fold; P<0.05–P<0.001) compared with Liraglutide and N-AcGIP(Lys37Myr) or a simple peptide combination. Daily administration of the Lira–AcGIP preparation to ob/ob mice lowered bodyweight (7–9%; P<0.05), food intake (23%; P<0.05) and plasma glucose (46% reduction; P<0.001), while increasing plasma insulin (1.5–1.6-fold; P<0.001). The Lira–AcGIP preparation enhanced glucose tolerance, insulin response to glucose and insulin content (P<0.05–P<0.001). These findings demonstrate that a combined preparation of the acylated GLP-1 and GIP peptides Liraglutide and N-AcGIP(Lys37Myr) markedly improved glucose-lowering and insulinotropic properties in diabetic obesity compared with either incretin mimetic given individually.
Ultrafast vibrational dynamics and spectroscopy of a siloxane self-assembled monolayer
Authors: Nihonyanagi Satoshi , Eftekhari-Bafrooei Ali , Borguet Eric
Published: February 2011

Time and frequency domain sum-frequency generation (SFG) were combined to study the dynamics and structure of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on a fused silica surface. SFG-free induction decay (SFG-FID) of octadecylsilane SAM in the CH stretching region shows a relatively long time scale oscillation that reveals that six vibrational modes are involved in the response of the system. Five of the modes have commonly been used for the fitting of SFG spectra in the CH stretching region, namely the symmetric stretch and Fermi resonance of the methyl group, the antisymmetric stretch of the methyl, as well as the symmetric and antisymmetric stretches of the methylene group. The assignment of the sixth mode to the terminal CH2 group was confirmed by performing a density function theory calculation. The SFG-FID measures the vibrational dephasing time (T2) of each of the modes, including a specific CH2 group within the SAM, the terminal CH2, which had never been measured before. The relatively long (∼1.3 ps) dephasing of the terminal CH2 suggests that alkyl monolayer structure is close to that of the liquid condensed phase of Langmuir Blodgett films.
Ghosting phenomena in single photon counting imagers with Vernier anode
Authors: Yang Hao , Zhao Baosheng , Qiurong Yan , Liu Yong'an , Hu Huijun
Published: February 2011

We provide the ghosting theory of two-dimensional Vernier anode based imagers. The single photon counting detection system based on Vernier anode is constructed. The ghosting, which occurs during the decoding of two-dimensional Vernier anode, and its possible solutions are described in detail. On the basis of the discussion of the decoding algorithm, the ghosting theoretical model is established. Phase conditions on which imaging ghosting can be avoided and the probability distribution function are proposed; the root causes of ghosting of two-dimensional Vernier anode are also discussed.
Power performance of canted blades for a vertical axis wind turbine
Authors: Armstrong Shawn , Tullis Stephen
Published: February 2011

Small scale vertical axis wind turbines have a number of advantages for deployment in an urban environment but are subject to highly varying thrust and radial aerodynamic forces. Helical blade shapes for vertical axis wind turbines can reduce load fluctuations during turbine operation; however, a helix has complicated three-dimensional geometry that can be difficult to manufacture resulting in expensive blades. A new blade configuration based on twisted straight blades that are mounted at an angle to the vertical, a cant, has been developed and tested in a wind tunnel in a number of different configurations and conditions. They offer the benefits of distributing the fluctuating aerodynamic loads, but incorporate a linear axis so that they can be manufactured at a comparable cost to simple straight blades. The power performance data from the tunnel testing show that canted blades have comparable power output to similar straight blades and that aerodynamic fences can be used to improve power performance.
Real-time in-situ observation of morphological changes in organic bulk-heterojunction solar cells by means of capacitance measurements
Authors: Lungenschmied Christoph , Bauer Siegfried , Schwödiauer Reinhard , Rodman Sheila , Fournier Darcy , Dennler Gilles , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: February 2011

We present a method to directly study temperature induced structural and morphological changes in the active layer of organic solar cells by capacitance determination. At sufficiently high frequencies the change in device capacitance with temperature is dominated by the expansion of the organic layer. Variations in the expansion coefficient or the permittivity are visible in the capacitive response. We have studied thin film devices based on poly(3- hexyl)thiophene (P3HT) as well as organic solar cells made from blends of P3HT with a fullerene derivative. Temperature induced transitions are correlated to structural changes in the polymer (e.g., glass transition) as well as morphological changes of the blend; the morphology transition driven by phase separation sets in around 120 °C. The advantage of our capacitance method is substantiated as we have demonstrated that confinement due to the substrate and the top electrode alters the effect of temperature on thin films as compared to the bulk material.
Bright up-conversion photoluminescence of Bi4−xErxTi3O12 ferroelectric thin films
Authors: Gao Feng , Ding Gangjin , Zhou Hong , Wu Guangheng , Qin Ni , Bao Dinghua
Published: February 2011

The up-conversion (UC) photoluminescence and ferroelectric properties of Bi4−xErxTi3O12 (BErT) thin films were studied in terms of annealing temperature and Er3+ doping concentration. The thin films were prepared by chemical solution deposition method. There are two green emission bands centered at 527 and 548 nm, and a red emission band centered at 663 nm in UC luminescence spectra measured under a 980 nm laser excitation at room temperature, which correspond to the radiative transitions from 2H11/2, 4S3/2, and 4F9/2 to 4I15/2, respectively. The quenching concentration of Er3+ ions for green emission was as high as 20 mol % for Bi3.2Er0.8Ti3O12 thin films. The large Er3+ quenching concentration and efficient energy transfer between two neighboring Er3+ ions result in the improved UC emission. The dependence of UC emission intensity on pumping power indicated a two-photon UC emission process in the thin films. The combination of UC emission and ferroelectricity was realized in the capacitors of Pt/Bi3.25Er0.75Ti3O12/Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si. The UC photoluminescent BErT ferroelectric thin films could be potentially applied to integrated optoelectronic devices.
On asymmetric simple exclusion process with periodic step Bernoulli initial condition
Authors: Tracy Craig A. , Widom Harold
Published: February 2011

We consider the asymmetric simple exclusion process (ASEP) on the integers in which the initial density at a site (the probability that it is occupied) is given by a periodic function on the positive integers. (When the function is constant, this is the step Bernoulli initial condition.) Starting with a result in earlier work, we find a formula for the probability distribution for a given particle at a given time which is a sum over positive integers k of integrals of order k.
Note: A hand-held high-Tc superconducting quantum interference device operating without shielding
Authors: He D. F.
Published: February 2011

By improving the compensation circuit, a hand-held high-Tc rf superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID) system was developed. It could operate well when moving in unshielded environment. To check the operation, it was used to do eddy-current testing by hand moving the SQUID, and the artificial defect under 6 mm aluminum plate could be successfully detected in shielded environment.
Center-of-mass and internal symmetries in classical relativistic systems
Authors: Ben-Ya'acov Uri
Published: February 2011

The internal symmetry of composite relativistic systems is discussed. It is demonstrated that the Lorentz–Poincaré symmetry implies the existence of internal moments associated with the Lorentz boost, which are Laplace–Runge–Lenz (LRL) vectors. The LRL symmetry is thus found to be the internal symmetry universally associated with the global Lorentz transformations, in much the same way as internal spatial rotations are associated with global spatial rotations. Two applications are included for an interacting two-body system and for an interaction-free many-body system of particles. The issue of localizability of the relativistic center-of-mass coordinate is also discussed.
A probabilistic view on singularities
Authors: Bailleul Ismaël
Published: February 2011

The aim of this article is to promote the use of probabilistic methods in the study of problems in mathematical general relativity. Two new and simple singularity theorems, whose features are different from the classical singularity theorems, are proved using probabilistic methods. Under some energy conditions, and without any causal or initial/boundary assumption, simple conditions on the energy flow imply probabilistic incompleteness.
Molecular jamming—The cystine slipknot mechanical clamp in all-atom simulations
Authors: Pepłowski Łukasz , Sikora Mateusz , Nowak Wiesław , Cieplak Marek
Published: February 2011

A recent survey of 17 134 proteins has identified a new class of proteins which are expected to yield stretching induced force peaks in the range of 1 nN. Such high force peaks should be due to forcing of a slip-loop through a cystine ring, i.e., by generating a cystine slipknot. The survey has been performed in a simple coarse grained model. Here, we perform all-atom steered molecular dynamics simulations on 15 cystine knot proteins and determine their resistance to stretching. In agreement with previous studies within a coarse grained structure based model, the level of resistance is found to be substantially higher than in proteins in which the mechanical clamp operates through shear. The large stretching forces arise through formation of the cystine slipknot mechanical clamp and the resulting steric jamming. We elucidate the workings of such a clamp in an atomic detail. We also study the behavior of five top strength proteins with the shear-based mechanostability in which no jamming is involved. We show that in the atomic model, the jamming state is relieved by moving one amino acid at a time and there is a choice in the selection of the amino acid that advances the first. In contrast, the coarse grained model also allows for a simultaneous passage of two amino acids.
Phase space geometry of dynamics passing through saddle coupled with spatial rotation
Authors: Kawai Shinnosuke , Komatsuzaki Tamiki
Published: February 2011

Nonlinear reaction dynamics through a rank-one saddle is investigated for many-particle system with spatial rotation. Based on the recently developed theories of the phase space geometry in the saddle region, we present a theoretical framework to incorporate the spatial rotation which is dynamically coupled with the internal vibrational motions through centrifugal and Coriolis interactions. As an illustrative simple example, we apply it to isomerization reaction of HCN with some nonzero total angular momenta. It is found that no-return transition state (TS) and a set of impenetrable reaction boundaries to separate the “past” and “future” of trajectories can be identified analytically under rovibrational couplings. The three components of the angular momentum are found to have distinct effects on the migration of the “anchor” of the TS and the reaction boundaries through rovibrational couplings and anharmonicities in vibrational degrees of freedom. This method provides new insights in understanding the origin of a wide class of reactions with nonzero angular momentum.
Local piezoelectric effect on single crystal ZnO microbelt transverse I-V characteristics
Authors: Li M. , Su Y. J. , Chu W. Y. , Qiao L. J. , Volinsky Alex A. , Kravchenko Grygoriy
Published: February 2011

One-dimensional ZnO microbelts were prepared by chemical vapor deposition on Si substrates with sputtered Pt film. Using Pt-coated atomic force microscope (AFM) tip, the belts’ transverse I-V characteristics were measured under varying applied elastic loads. ZnO microbelt conductivity reduced with load, but gradually increased upon unloading. Transverse electrical conductivity decrease at higher loads is attributed to the depletion zone formation induced by local piezoelectric effect in ZnO single crystal belt with (0001¯) top surface indented by the AFM tip. The observed effect can be utilized in a nanoforce sensor device.
Reversible switching between isotropic and anisotropic wetting by one-direction curvature tuning on flexible superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Wu Si-Zhu , Wang Jian-Nan , Niu Li-Gang , Yao Jia , Wu Dong , Li Ai-Wu
Published: February 2011

In this letter, we report a kind of smart surfaces with reversible switching between isotropy and anisotropic wetting, which was realized by one-direction curvature tuning on flexible superhydrophobic surfaces. Along the curvature change, the wettability of this flexible film was changed from isotropic state (150°/150°) into anisotropic state confirmed by its anisotropic contact angles (150°/160°) and sliding properties (30°/65°). Further investigation revealed that the surface wettability was changed from composited pinned state into transitional state. This was attributed to the increase in roughness factor and the decrease in the contact area between the water droplet and the pillar array. At last, we demonstrate that the wetting states between isotropy and anisotropy on this flexible superhydrophobic film could be reversibly switched by curvature for many times (>10).
Tunable electronic structures of graphene/boron nitride heterobilayers
Authors: Fan Yingcai , Zhao Mingwen , Wang Zhenhai , Zhang Xuejuan , Zhang Hongyu
Published: February 2011

Using first-principles calculations, we show that the band gap and electron effective mass (EEM) of graphene/boron nitride heterobilayers (C/BN HBLs) can be modulated effectively by tuning the interlayer spacing and stacking arrangement. The HBLs have smaller EEM than that of graphene bilayers (GBLs), and thus higher carrier mobility. For specific stacking patterns, the nearly linear band dispersion relation of graphene monolayer can be preserved in the HBLs accompanied by a small band-gap opening. The tunable band gap and high carrier mobility of these C/BN HBLs are promising for building high-performance nanodevices.
Abnormal sub-Tg enthalpy relaxation in the CuZrAl metallic glasses far from equilibrium
Authors: Hu Lina , Yue Yuanzheng , Zhang Chunzhi
Published: February 2011

The sub-Tg enthalpy relaxation in glasses far from equilibrium (i.e., hyperquenched glasses) is usually manifested as a monotonic increase in both the onset temperature and the extent of enthalpy recovery with increasing the annealing temperature. Here we report an abnormal three-steplike relaxation pattern in hyperquenched Cu45Zr45Al10 and Cu48Zr48Al4 glasses below Tg, i.e., the usual monotonic increase is inverted when the annealing temperature increases to a critical value. This abnormal relaxation pattern could be attributed to the high extent of chemical heterogeneity in the CuZrAl supercooled liquids, and present a thermodynamic evidence for the dynamic fragile-to-strong transition in metallic glass-forming liquids.
Curie temperature reduction in SiO2-coated ultrafine Fe3O4 nanoparticles: Quantitative agreement with a finite-size scaling law
Authors: Wang Jun , Wu Wei , Zhao Fan , Zhao Guo-meng
Published: February 2011

We report high-temperature magnetic measurements for SiO2-coated ultrafine Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The Curie temperatures of the ultrafine Fe3O4 nanoparticles are significantly reduced and follow a finite-size scaling law predicted from Monte Carlo simulations. Our current result provides the first quantitative confirmation of the finite-size scaling law for quasi-zero-dimensional magnetic systems.
Spermidine and resveratrol induce autophagy by distinct pathways converging on the acetylproteome
Authors: Morselli Eugenia , Mariño Guillermo , Bennetzen Martin V. , Eisenberg Tobias , Megalou Evgenia , Schroeder Sabrina , Cabrera Sandra , Bénit Paule , Rustin Pierre , Criollo Alfredo , Kepp Oliver , Galluzzi Lorenzo , Shen Shensi , Malik Shoaib Ahmad , Maiuri Maria Chiara , Horio Yoshiyuki , López-Otín Carlos , Andersen Jens S. , Tavernarakis Nektarios , Madeo Frank , Kroemer Guido
Published: February 2011

Autophagy protects organelles, cells, and organisms against several stress conditions. Induction of autophagy by resveratrol requires the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide–dependent deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). In this paper, we show that the acetylase inhibitor spermidine stimulates autophagy independent of SIRT1 in human and yeast cells as well as in nematodes. Although resveratrol and spermidine ignite autophagy through distinct mechanisms, these compounds stimulate convergent pathways that culminate in concordant modifications of the acetylproteome. Both agents favor convergent deacetylation and acetylation reactions in the cytosol and in the nucleus, respectively. Both resveratrol and spermidine were able to induce autophagy in cytoplasts (enucleated cells). Moreover, a cytoplasm-restricted mutant of SIRT1 could stimulate autophagy, suggesting that cytoplasmic deacetylation reactions dictate the autophagic cascade. At doses at which neither resveratrol nor spermidine stimulated autophagy alone, these agents synergistically induced autophagy. Altogether, these data underscore the importance of an autophagy regulatory network of antagonistic deacetylases and acetylases that can be pharmacologically manipulated.
Improvement of GaN-based light-emitting diodes using p-type AlGaN/GaN superlattices with a graded Al composition
Authors: Lee Sang-Jun , Han Sang-Heon , Cho Chu-Young , Lee S P , Noh D Y , Shim Hyun-Wook , Kim Yong Chun , Park Seong-Ju
Published: February 2011

We investigated the effect of graded Al composition in the p-type AlGaN/GaN superlattices (SLs) of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to improve their performance. The light output power and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of LEDs with Al composition grading was increased compared with those of LEDs without Al grading, indicating that the efficiency droop was reduced. The improved output power and EQE of LEDs with a graded Al composition was attributed to the increased hole injection by the reduced AlGaN barrier height and the suppression of potential spikes between the graded AlGaN and GaN layers in SLs.
Stimulation of wound healing by helium atmospheric pressure plasma treatment
Authors: Nastuta Andrei Vasile , Topala Ionut , Grigoras Constantin , Pohoata Valentin , Popa Gheorghe
Published: February 2011

New experiments using atmospheric pressure plasma have found large application in treatment of living cells or tissues, wound healing, cancerous cell apoptosis, blood coagulation on wounds, bone tissue modification, sterilization and decontamination. In this study an atmospheric pressure plasma jet generated using a cylindrical dielectric-barrier discharge was applied for treatment of burned wounds on Wistar rats' skin. The low temperature plasma jet works in helium and is driven by high voltage pulses. Oxygen and nitrogen based impurities are identified in the jet by emission spectroscopy. This paper analyses the natural epithelization of the rats' skin wounds and two methods of assisted epithelization, a classical one using polyurethane wound dressing and a new one using daily atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of wounds. Systemic and local medical data, such as haematological, biochemical and histological parameters, were monitored during entire period of study. Increased oxidative stress was observed for plasma treated wound. This result can be related to the presence in the plasma volume of active species, such as O and OH radicals. Both methods, wound dressing and plasma-assisted epithelization, provided positive medical results related to the recovery process of burned wounds. The dynamics of the skin regeneration process was modified: the epidermis re-epitelization was accelerated, while the recovery of superficial dermis was slowed down.
Impedance spectroscopic investigation of delocalization effects of disorder induced by Ni doping in LaFeO3
Authors: Idrees M , Nadeem M , Mehmood M , Atif M , Chae Keun Hwa , Hassan M M
Published: February 2011

Polycrystalline LaFe1−x
Ni
x
O3 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5) oxides are prepared by a solid-state reaction method. In order to explore the delocalization effects of disorder induced by Ni substitution, dependence of the ac electrical properties of the synthesized composition is investigated in a wide temperature (77–300 K) and frequency (1–10 MHz) range by impedance spectroscopy. Room temperature near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure experiment at O K edge is performed to probe the unoccupied density of states. Grain boundaries play a dominant role in determining the resistive properties of the series. These systems are semiconducting and the origin of their semiconducting nature changes with Ni doping. At low doping levels (x ⩽ 0.3) the semiconducting nature is dominated by an increase in mobility of the localized charge carriers, which hop between their localized states. For x = 0.5, the semiconducting nature is determined by an increase in carrier density. These results are explained in terms of a metallic conduction band formed by the hybridization of O 2p and Ni 3d orbitals.
Time and frequency domains dc conductivity analysis in thin dielectric films at high temperature
Authors: Diaham Sombel , Locatelli Marie-Laure
Published: February 2011

Electrical conductivity of a thin dielectric film has been analysed at high temperature in both time and frequency domains (TD/FD). Two disturbing ionic space-charge phenomena have been highlighted in two different temperature ranges and a correlation of their electrical signature between TD and FD is carried out. These two phenomena were related to the thermal activation of ions coming from two different trap levels (shallow and deep traps). We validate here also the fact that the FD method is a powerful way to estimate the dc conductivity in dielectric solids at high temperature thanks to a better discrimination of ionic contributions and injection phenomena.
Effect of 8 MeV electron irradiation on the optical properties of doped polymer electrolyte films
Authors: Kilarkaje Subramanya , Manjunatha V , Raghu S , Ambika Prasad M V N , Devendrappa H
Published: February 2011

The effect of electron beam (EB) irradiation on the optical properties of cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-doped polyethylene oxide (PEO) is studied. The films are characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in KBr medium. The morphology study of the films is conducted using a scanning electron microscope. The optical absorption study is carried out with the help of ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy. The doped films are exposed to a beam of 8 MeV electron at 25, 50, 75, 100 kGy doses. The FTIR results of the films after EB irradiation shows the appearance of new peaks, and shifts in the position of peak prove the formation of hydrogen bonding. The optical absorption edges shift towards higher frequency upon EB irradiation, which indicates a lowering of the energy gap. This can be evidenced by the formation of carbonaceous clusters, which are estimated using the modified Tauc's equation. The optical parameters, namely absorption coefficient, optical direct and indirect band gaps (E
g), band edges and optical activation energy (E
a), are determined for different EB doses. These results reveal that the optical properties of the irradiated doped films are attributable to changes in the linear electronic polarizability of the material rather than its band gap or electronic structure. The obtained tunability in the optical properties of the EB-irradiated doped polymer electrolytes makes it of considerable interest in a number of optical applications.
Calculation of frequency-dependent coercive field based on the investigation of intrinsic switching kinetics of strained Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 thin films
Authors: Li Wei , Chen Zhijun , Auciello Orlando
Published: February 2011

We report a method to predict the frequency dependence of coercive fields in ferroelectric films. The deduction of this method as well as the analysis are based on investigations of intrinsic switching kinetics of high-quality, single-crystal-like, epitaxial Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 thin films with extended defect-free structures. The newly suggested relationship, i.e. an exponential decrease in frequency with the reciprocal of the coercive field, differs from the empirical power-law relationship. The proposed equation relates the coercive field (E
c) measured using ferroelectric hysteresis loops to the activation fields determined from pulse width switching measurements, which provides a way to understand the behaviour of E
c as a function of frequency from the switching kinetics point of view.
Real-valued non-analytic solutions for the generalized Korteweg-de Vries equation
Authors: Himonas A. , Petronilho Gerson
Published: February 2011

In both the periodic and non-periodic cases, non-analytic in time solutions to the Cauchy problem of the gKdV equation are constructed with real-valued analytic initial data when

k
k

is not a multiple of four. In the case that

k
=
4
ℓ

k=4\ell

, that is, the non-linearity is of the form

u

4
ℓ

∂
x

u

u^{4\ell }\partial _xu

, where

ℓ
\ell

is a positive integer, then non-analytic in time solutions are available only for complex-valued initial data.
The 2b Silencing Suppressor of a Mild Strain of Cucumber mosaic virus Alone Is Sufficient for Synergistic Interaction with Tobacco mosaic virus and Induction of Severe Leaf Malformation in 2b-Transgenic Tobacco Plants
Authors: Siddiqui Shahid A. , Valkonen Jari P. T. , Rajamäki Minna-Liisa , Lehto Kirsi
Published: February 2011

Tobacco plants infected simultaneously by Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) are known to produce a specific synergistic disease in which the emerging leaves are filiformic. Similar developmental malformations are also caused to a lesser extent by the severe strains (e.g., Fny) of CMV alone, but mild strains (e.g., Kin) cause them only in mixed infection with TMV. We show here that transgenic tobacco plants expressing 2b protein of CMV-Kin produce filiformic symptoms when infected with TMV, indicating that only 2b protein is needed from CMV-Kin for this synergistic relationship. On the other hand, transgenic plants that express either the wild-type TMV genome or a modified TMV genome with its coat protein deleted or movement protein (MP) inactivated also develop filiformic or at least distinctly narrow leaves, while plants expressing the MP alone do not develop any malformations when infected with CMV-Kin. These results show that either TMV helicase/replicase protein or active TMV replication are required for this synergistic effect. The effect appears to be related to an efficient depletion of silencing machinery, caused jointly by both viral silencing suppressors, i.e., CMV 2b protein and the TMV 126-kDa replicase subunit.
Peach Rusty Spot Is Caused by the Apple Powdery Mildew Fungus, Podosphaera leucotricha
Authors: Jankovics Tünde , Dolovac Nenad , Bulajić Aleksandra , Krstić Branka , Pascal Thierry , Bardin Marc , Nicot Philippe C. , Kiss Levente
Published: February 2011

Peach rusty spot, an economically important disease of peach (Prunus persica var. persica), appears as necrotic spots on fruit. The etiology of the disease is still not well understood, although it has long been suspected that the causal agent is the apple powdery mildew pathogen, Podosphaera leucotricha. This work confirmed this hypothesis based on cross-inoculation experiments and analysis of rDNA internal transcribed spacer sequences polymerase chain reaction amplified from rusty spot and peach powdery mildew lesions. Cross-inoculations of apple and peach leaves with P. leucotricha and P. pannosa, the causal agent of peach powdery mildew, showed that (i) young peach fruit, up to 5 cm in diameter, developed symptoms typical of rusty spot following inoculation with P. leucotricha; (ii) leaves of ‘Jonagold’ apple seedlings developed powdery mildew infections when inoculated by touching young rusty spot lesions to their surfaces; (iii) P. leucotricha sporulated on young peach fruit up to 5 cm in diameter; and (iv) peach leaves and young shoots were not susceptible to P. leucotricha, whereas P. pannosa infected all the green parts of peach. A field experiment revealed that there was only a 2- to 3-week period of time during early peach fruit development when the epidermis was susceptible to P. leucotricha. An outcome of this study is that now a clear distinction can be made between the symptoms caused by P. pannosa and P. leucotricha on peach.
Comparative analysis of the XopD type III secretion (T3S) effector family in plant pathogenic bacteria
Authors: KIM JUNG‐GUN , TAYLOR KYLE W. , MUDGETT MARY BETH
Published: February 2011

XopD is a type III effector protein that is required for Xanthomonas campestris pathovar vesicatoria (Xcv) growth in tomato. It is a modular protein consisting of an N‐terminal DNA‐binding domain, two ethylene‐responsive element binding factor‐associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) transcriptional repressor motifs and a C‐terminal small ubiquitin‐related modifier (SUMO) protease. In tomato, XopD functions as a transcriptional repressor, resulting in the suppression of defence responses at late stages of infection. A survey of available genome sequences for phytopathogenic bacteria revealed that XopD homologues are limited to species within three genera of Proteobacteria—Xanthomonas, Acidovorax and Pseudomonas. Although the EAR motif(s) and SUMO protease domain are conserved in all XopD‐like proteins, variation exists in the length and sequence identity of the N‐terminal domains. Comparative analysis of the DNA sequences surrounding xopD and xopD‐like genes led to revised annotation of the xopD gene. Edman degradation sequence analysis and functional complementation studies confirmed that the xopD gene from Xcv encodes a 760‐amino‐acid protein with a longer N‐terminal domain than previously predicted. None of the XopD‐like proteins studied complemented Xcv ΔxopD mutant phenotypes in tomato leaves, suggesting that the N‐terminus of XopD defines functional specificity. Xcv ΔxopD strains expressing chimeric fusion proteins containing the N‐terminus of XopD fused to the EAR motif(s) and SUMO protease domain of the XopD‐like protein from X. campestris pathovar campestris strain B100 were fully virulent in tomato, demonstrating that the N‐terminus of XopD controls specificity in tomato.
Distribution of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. (Fabaceae) in Uganda and its relationship to climatic factors
Authors: Mulumba John W. , Lwasa James , Atieno Frederick
Published: February 2011

The aim of the study was to map the distribution of Acacia senegal and its infraspecific taxa in Uganda and predict its suitable range of occurrence based on climatic factors. The distribution of the infraspecific taxa was analysed for richness, diversity, turnover and reserve selection. Regression analysis was performed to understand the relationship between distribution of the species and climatic variables. Georeferenced species occurrence points were superimposed over temperature and vapour maps. Areas with highest taxa richness, diversity and turnover were mapped and found in the Lake Kyoga basin. The species shows preference for the northern region of the study area with dissimilar climatic pattern from the southern region and the superimposition supported findings. Variety kerensis exhibited narrower climatic, altitudinal and distribution range preference. Temperature seasonality, maximum temperature of warmest month, temperature annual range, mean temperatures of warmest and driest quarters had the highest coefficients of determination (r2 > 0.7) hence most important in influencing species distribution. The most appropriate locations for in situ conservation and for germplasm collection to ensure maximum diversity is secured are found in Wabisi‐Wajala, Kiula, Kyalubanga, Bajo, Kasagala, Kabwika‐mujwalanganda, Maruzi, Moroto and Napak Central Forest Reserves. The study recommends ecological studies to understand status of A. senegal.
Exhaled nitric oxide discriminates children with and without allergic sensitization in a population‐based study
Authors: Yao T‐C , Ou L‐S , Lee W‐I , Yeh K‐W , Chen L‐C , Huang J‐L ,   for the PATCH study group
Published: February 2011

Cite this as: T‐C Yao, L‐S Ou, W‐I Lee, K‐W Yeh, L‐C Chen and J‐L Huang , for the PATCH study group, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 556–564.

Background
Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) as a biomarker of airway inflammation in children warrants better clarification.

Objective
To identify the determinants of FeNO in children and assess the validity of FeNO as a discriminative tool for asthma, rhinitis or allergic sensitization in a population setting.

Methods
Children aged 5–18 years (N=1717) were evaluated using online FeNO measurements, questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, pulmonary function tests and total and specific serum IgE.

Results
FeNO levels were age‐dependent, with an average increase of 7.4% per year of age. It decreased with increasing body mass index (BMI), estimated at 1.5% decrease per kg/m2. Children with allergic sensitization had elevated FeNO independent of allergic symptoms. In the combined analyses of asthma, rhinitis and allergic sensitization, elevated FeNO levels were confined mainly to children having allergic sensitization. After adjusting for allergic sensitization, a significant association between rhinitis and FeNO remained, but no such association was seen with asthma. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of FeNO at the optimum cut‐off of 28 p.p.b. for diagnosing asthma were 64.3%, 69.9%, 8.8%, and 97.7%, respectively (area under the ROC curve [AUC] 0.67), and were slightly better for diagnosing allergic asthma: 70.0%, 70.4%, 9.0%, 98.3%, respectively (AUC 0.71). FeNO had modest accuracy in discriminating rhinitis with an AUC value of 0.70, and performed better in discriminating allergic rhinitis (AUC 0.78). FeNO was a robust discriminator of allergic sensitization independent of symptoms at a cut‐off of 15.4 p.p.b. (AUC 0.80; sensitivity 72.2%; specificity 71.2%; PPV 76.9%; NPV 65.8%).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
FeNO measurement discriminates children with and without allergic sensitization independent of allergic symptoms. On the other hand, low FeNO levels in children may help exclude allergic asthma but high levels may be caused by allergic sensitization, older age, rhinitis, and lower BMI, in addition to asthma.
Peripheral blood dendritic cell subtypes are significantly elevated in subjects with asthma
Authors: Spears M. , McSharry C. , Donnelly I. , Jolly L. , Brannigan M. , Thomson J. , Lafferty J. , Chaudhuri R. , Shepherd M. , Cameron E. , Thomson N. C.
Published: February 2011

Background
Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for the processing of antigens, T lymphocyte priming and the development of asthma and allergy. Smokers with asthma display altered therapeutic behaviour and a reduction in endobronchial DC CD83 expression compared with non‐smokers with asthma. No information is available on the impact of smoking on peripheral blood DC profiles.

Objective
Determine peripheral blood DC profiles in subjects with and without asthma with differing smoking histories.

Methods
Forty‐three asthmatics (17 smokers, nine ex‐smokers and 17 never–smokers) and 16 healthy volunteers (nine smokers and seven never–smokers) were recruited. Spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide and venesection was performed. DC elution was by flow cytometry via the expression of DC surface markers [plasmacytoid (pDC) (BDCA‐2, CD303), type 1 conventional (cDC) (BDCA‐1, CD1c), and type 2 cDC (BDCA‐3, CD141)].

Results
Subjects with asthma displayed increases in all DC subtypes compared with normal never‐smokers: [type 1 cDCs – asthma [median% (IQR)]: 0.59% (0.41, 0.74), normal never‐smokers: 0.35% (0.26, 0.43), P=0.013]; type 2 cDCs – asthma: 0.04% (0.02, 0.06), normal never‐smokers: 0.02% (0.01, 0.03), P=0.008 and pDCs – asthma: 0.32% (0.27, 0.46), normal never‐smokers: 0.22% (0.17, 0.31), P=0.043, and increased pDC and type 1 cDCs compared with normal smokers. Smoking did not affect DC proportions in asthma. Cigarette smoking reduced pDC proportions in normal subjects [normal never–smokers: 0.22% (0.17, 0.31); normal smokers: 0.09% (0.08, 0.15), P=0.003].

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
This study shows for the first time that subjects with asthma display a large increase in peripheral blood DC proportions. Cigarette smoking in asthma did not affect the peripheral blood DC profile but did suppress pDC proportions in non‐asthmatic subjects. Asthma is associated with a significant increase in circulating DCs, reflecting increased endobronchial levels and the importance of DCs to the development and maintenance of asthma. (Clinical trials.gov identifier: NCT00411320)

Cite this as: M. Spears, C. McSharry, I. Donnelly, L. Jolly, M. Brannigan, J. Thomson, J. Lafferty, R. Chaudhuri, M. Shepherd, E. Cameron and N. C. Thomson, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 665–672.
The health concerns and behaviours of primigravida: comparing advanced age pregnant women with their younger counterparts
Authors: Loke Alice Yuen , Poon Chung Fan
Published: February 2011

Aim.  This study was to describe and compare the health concerns, behaviours and anxiety of advanced age pregnant women (35 years and older) with their younger counterparts.

Background.  Women have specific health concerns and behaviours during pregnancy. Delayed childbearing has an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and advanced age pregnant women may have more health concerns than younger ones.

Design.  A cross‐sectional study.

Method.  Primigravidae Chinese women aged 35 or older (n = 47) and 188 younger than aged 35 were recruited in February and March of 2005 by convenient sampling from the antenatal clinic of a regional hospital in Hong Kong to complete a questionnaire.

Findings.  Advanced age pregnant women when compared with their counterparts were more likely to have tertiary education (42·6% vs. 28·7%) and a higher family monthly income of Hong Kong $40 001 or more (40·5% vs. 15·4%). They were more likely to be concerned the possibility of miscarriage (63·8% vs. 45·9%) and the physical demands of caring for the newborn (61·7% vs. 45·4%) but were more likely to take up healthy behaviours such as ‘eating nutritious food’ (100%) and avoiding ‘wearing tight clothing and high‐heel shoes’(100%). Advanced age women were more likely to be concerned about their ‘recovery after childbirth’ (63·8% vs. 42·7%), Down’s syndrome (70·2% vs. 37·8%) and structural defects of their foetus (78·7% vs. 54·1%).

Conclusion.  The results of this study provide a background for improving prenatal care catering for the specific health concerns of the advanced aged and promotion of health behaviours among younger pregnant women.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Antenatal, obstetric and community health nurses have the responsibility to provide education and support services catering to the special concerns of pregnant women at different ages. Health professionals should promote the prime time for childbearing and deliver messages regarding the potential problems associated with later childbearing at premarital counselling.
Mode of administration only has a small effect on data quality and self‐reported health status and emotional distress among Swedish adolescents and young adults
Authors: Wettergren Lena , Mattsson Elisabet , von Essen Louise
Published: February 2011

Aims.  The aims were to investigate potential effects of mode of administration on response rate, internal consistency, completeness of data, floor and ceiling effects and interaction effects of mode of administration, gender and age on self‐reported health status and emotional distress among Swedish adolescents and young adults.

Design.  A cross‐sectional comparative study.

Methods.  Using a stratified quota sampling scheme, 840 adolescents and young adults (aged 13–23 years) were randomly chosen from the general population. Participants were randomised according to mode of administration, telephone interview or postal questionnaire.

Results.  The telephone mode resulted in a higher response rate than the postal mode and fewer men than women participated in the postal mode. Mode of administration only had a small effect on self‐reports. The youngest adolescents did, in some respects, respond to the modes in a reverse pattern than the older participants.

Conclusion.  The findings support the use of the SF‐36 and the HADS among persons 16–23 years of age. The strengths and weaknesses of a telephone and a postal mode to collect self‐report data are discussed.

Relevance for clinical practice.  Nurses should consider the findings of this study, e.g. when using self‐reports to screen for health status and emotional distress and when designing research studies.
Periplaneta americana midgut proteases differentially expressed against dietary components from different plant seeds
Authors: HIVRALE VANDANA K. , LOMATE PURUSHOTTAM R. , KALVE NEETA D. , KACHOLE MANVENDRA S.
Published: February 2011

Insect midgut proteases are known to be regulated by plant protease inhibitors. In the present study, the antinutritional effects of a variety of seed extracts against Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus) (Dictyoptera: Blattidae) midgut proteases are assessed in vitro and in vivo. Bioassays are conducted by allowing P. americana to feed on diets incorporated with the tested seed extracts. Low survival rates are recorded on a diet incorporated with seed powders of Ricinus communis (10%), Glycine max (30%), Datura alba (50%) and Mucuna pruriens (50%). Proteolytic and residual proteolytic activities are highly inhibited by the four seed extracts. Electrophoretic analysis shows that the majority of P. americana midgut protease isoforms are inhibited by the four seed extracts in vivo as well as in vitro. The midgut physiology of P. americana is affected by the seed extracts of D. alba, M. pruriens and Sapindus laurifolius, by over synthesising or changing mobilities of existing protease isoforms. Furthermore, some key proteases in P. americana midgut are involved in the regulation of other protease isoforms. These results suggest that seed extracts from the above plants are potential sources of plant protease inhibitors for managing economically important crop pests.