bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cellular niche of Listeria monocytogenes infection changes rapidly in the spleen
Authors: Aoshi Taiki , Carrero Javier A. , Konjufca Vjollca , Koide Yukio , Unanue Emil R. , Miller Mark J.
Published: January 2009

The spleen is an important organ for the host response to systemic bacterial infections. Many cell types and cell surface receptors have been shown to play role in the capture and control of bacteria, yet these are often studied individually and a coherent picture has yet to emerge of how various phagocytes collaborate to control bacterial infection. We analyzed the cellular distribution of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) in situ during the early phase of infection. Using an immunohistochemistry approach, five distinct phagocyte populations contained LM after i.v. challenge and accounted for roughly all bacterial signal in tissue sections. Our analysis showed that LM was initially captured by a wide range of phagocytes in the marginal zone, where the growth of LM appeared to be controlled. The cellular distribution of LM within phagocyte populations changed rapidly during the first few hours, decreasing in marginal zone macrophages and transiently increasing in CD11c+ DC. After 4–6 h LM was transported to the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath where the infective foci developed and LM grew exponentially.
Differential requirement for CARMA1 in agonist‐selected T‐cell development
Authors: Medoff Benjamin D. , Sandall Barry P. , Landry Aimee , Nagahama Kiyotaka , Mizoguchi Atsushi , Luster Andrew D. , Xavier Ramnik J.
Published: January 2009

Caspase recruitment domain‐containing membrane‐associated guanylate kinase protein‐1 (CARMA1) is a critical component of the NF‐κB signaling cascade mediated by TCR engagement. In addition to activation of naïve T cells, TCR signaling is important for the development of agonist‐selected T‐cell subsets such as Treg, NKT cells, and CD8‐αα T cells. However, little is known about the role of CARMA1 in the development of these lineages. Here we show that CARMA1‐deficient mice (CARMA1−/−) have altered populations of specific subsets of agonist‐selected T cells. Specifically, CARMA1−/− mice have impaired natural and adaptive Treg development, whereas NKT cell numbers are normal compared with wild‐type mice. Interestingly, CD8‐αα T cells, which may also be able to develop through an extrathymic selection pathway, are enriched in the gut of CARMA1−/− mice, whereas memory‐phenotype CD4+ T cells (CD62Llow/CD44high) are present at reduced numbers in the periphery. These results indicate that CARMA1 is essential for Treg development, but is not necessary for the development of other agonist‐selected T‐cell subsets. Overall, these data reveal an important but differential role for CARMA1‐mediated TCR signaling in T‐cell development.
TGF‐β indirectly favors the development of human Th17 cells by inhibiting Th1 cells
Authors: Santarlasci Veronica , Maggi Laura , Capone Manuela , Frosali Francesca , Querci Valentina , De Palma Raffaele , Liotta Francesco , Cosmi Lorenzo , Maggi Enrico , Romagnani Sergio , Annunziato Francesco
Published: January 2009

Human Th17 clones and circulating Th17 cells showed lower susceptibility to the anti‐proliferative effect of TGF‐β than Th1 and Th2 clones or circulating Th1‐oriented T cells, respectively. Accordingly, human Th17 cells exhibited lower expression of clusterin, and higher Bcl‐2 expression and reduced apoptosis in the presence of TGF‐β, in comparison with Th1 cells. Umbilical cord blood naïve CD161+CD4+ T cells, which contain the precursors of human Th17 cells, differentiated into IL‐17A‐producing cells only in response to IL‐1β plus IL‐23, even in serum‐free cultures. TGF‐β had no effect on constitutive RORγt expression by umbilical cord blood CD161+ T cells but it increased the relative proportions of CD161+ T cells differentiating into Th17 cells in response to IL‐1β plus IL‐23, whereas under the same conditions it inhibited both T‐bet expression and Th1 development. These data suggest that TGF‐β is not critical for the differentiation of human Th17 cells, but indirectly favors their expansion because Th17 cells are poorly susceptible to its suppressive effects.
Pannexin‐1‐dependent caspase‐1 activation and secretion of IL‐1β is regulated by zinc
Authors: Brough David , Pelegrin Pablo , Rothwell Nancy J.
Published: January 2009

Inflammatory processes induced by IL‐1β are critical for host defence responses, but are also implicated in disease. Zinc deficiency is a common consequence of, or contributor to, human inflammatory disease. However, the molecular mechanisms through which zinc contributes to inflammatory disease remain largely unknown. We report here that zinc metabolism regulates caspase‐1 activation and IL‐1β secretion. One of the endogenous mediators of IL‐1β secretion is adenosine triphosphate, acting via the P2X7‐receptor and caspase‐1 activation in cells primed with an inflammatory stimulus such as LPS. We show that this process is selectively abolished by a brief pre‐treatment with the zinc chelator N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis‐(2‐pyridylmethyl) ethylene diamine (TPEN). These effects on IL‐1β secretion were independent of rapid changes in free zinc within the cell, not a direct effect on caspase‐1 activity, and upstream of caspase‐1 activation. TPEN did however inhibit the activity of pannexin‐1, a hemi‐channel critical for adenosine triphosphate and nigericin‐induced IL‐1β release. These data provide new insights into the mechanisms of caspase‐1 activation and how zinc metabolism contributes to inflammatory mechanisms.
Inhibitory signaling potential of a TCR‐like molecule in lamprey
Authors: Yu Cuiling , Ehrhardt Götz R. A. , Alder Matthew N. , Cooper Max D. , Xu Anlong
Published: January 2009

A TCR‐like molecule (TCRL) with two canonical ITIM has been identified in the sea lamprey. We show here that TCRL is preferentially expressed by lymphocytes bearing variable lymphocyte receptors. To examine the potential of the TCRL inhibitory motifs, chimeric proteins comprising the FcγRIIb extracellular and transmembrane domains and the TCRL intracellular domain were expressed in a mouse B‐cell line. BCR co‐ligation with the WT version of the FcγRIIb/TCRL chimeric protein resulted in its tyrosine phosphorylation and the inhibition of BCR‐induced calcium mobilization, whole‐cell protein tyrosine phosphorylation and Erk/Akt/JNK activation. Tyrosine to phenylalanine mutations in either or both ITIM compromised the inhibitory capacity of this receptor chimera. Analysis of receptor‐associated proteins indicated that the inhibition is mediated by recruitment of the protein tyrosine kinases, SHP1 and SHP2. These findings demonstrate the inhibitory potential of TCRL and its expression by clonally diverse lymphocytes bearing the variable lymphocyte receptors, thereby implying an immunomodulatory role for this ancestral TCR relative in a jawless vertebrate.
Chemistry of Polynuclear Cationic Gold(I) Thiolates of Formula [Au2(StBu)(L2)][BF4]
Authors: Diversi Pietro , Cuzzola Angela , Ghiotto Fabio
Published: January 2009

The reactivity of the gold(I) cationic complexes [Au2(StBu)(L2)][BF4] {L = PMe3, PEt3, PtBu3; L2 = dppe [dppe = 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane]} was studied. These complexes undergo cleavage of the Au–Au bonds by reaction with phosphanes to give quantitative yields of [Au(StBu)(L)n] and [Au(L)n][BF4] (n = 2 or 3) in the case of monodentate phosphanes, and [Au2(StBu)2(dppe)] and [Au(dppe)2][BF4] in the case of the dppe derivative. These compounds also react with [Au(StBu)(L)] and exchange the neutral moiety bonded to the [Au(L)]+ cation. In both cases some indication of the nature of the intermediates was reached by mass spectrometry (ESI) and NMR spectroscopy. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Microwave‐Assisted Organometallic Syntheses: Formation of Dinuclear [(Arene)Ru(μ‐Cl)3RuCl(L–L′)] Complexes (L–L′: Chelate Ligands with P‐, N‐, or S‐Donor Atoms) by Displacement of Arene π Ligands
Authors: Albrecht Christian , Gauthier Sébastien , Wolf Joffrey , Scopelliti Rosario , Severin Kay
Published: January 2009

Microwave heating was employed to promote arene displacement in reactions of [{(p‐cymene)RuCl2}2] or [{(1,3,5‐C6H3iPr3)RuCl2}2] with neutral chelate ligands L–L′ [L–L′: 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane, 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ferrocene, (S)‐BINAP, (S,S)‐DIOP, N,N′‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)‐1,2‐ethanediylidenediamine], (R)‐Ph‐PHOX, and 3‐(phenylsulfanylpropyl)diphenylphosphane. The reactions gave complexes of the general formula [(arene)Ru(μ‐Cl)3RuCl(L–L′)] in good yield. The synthesis of [(p‐cymene)Ru(μ‐Cl)3RuCl{PPh2(CH2)3NH2}] (22) was accomplished in two steps via the intermediate [{(p‐cymene)RuCl2}2{μ‐PPh2(CH2)3NH2}] (21). The structures of [(1,3,5‐C6H3iPr3)Ru(μ‐Cl)3RuCl(dppf)] (16), [(1,3,5‐C6H3iPr3)Ru(μ‐Cl)3RuCl{(S)‐BINAP}] (17), and [(p‐cymene)Ru(μ‐Cl)3RuCl(MesNCHCHNMes)] (18) were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Chiral Oxazoline‐NHC Ligands with and without CR2 Bridges: A Comparative Study in Rhodium Hydrosilylation Catalysis
Authors: Schneider Nathanaëlle , Kruck Matthias , Bellemin‐Laponnaz Stéphane , Wadepohl Hubert , Gade Lutz H.
Published: January 2009

A series of bidentate oxazoline‐NHC ligands has been synthesized in which the two heterocycles are connected by a CH2 linker. The corresponding rhodium(I) complexes were prepared by direct deprotonation of the imidazolium halide salts followed by the addition of a solution of [Rh(nbd)Cl]2 at low temperature. The cationic square planar rhodium complexes were generated by halide abstraction via addition of an excess of KPF6 in a CH2Cl2/water solvent system. Alternatively, the deprotonation of the imidazolium hexafluorophosphates and reaction with [Rh(nbd)Cl]2 directly gave the complex cations. These as well as oxazoline‐NHC systems, in which the two heterocycles are directly connected or through a CMe2 bridge, were investigated in the rhodium‐catalyzed hydrosilylation of acetophenone. The comparison of the three ligand families showed that the catalysts obtained by direct coupling of oxazolines and N‐heterocyclic carbenes, generating highly rigid chelate ligands, remain the most efficient systems giving the secondary alcohols in high enantioselectivity.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Bridged 5,6,7,8‐Tetrahydro‐1,6‐naphthyridines, Analogues of Huperzine A: Synthesis, Modelling Studies and Evaluation as Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Vanlaer Sofie , Voet Arnout , Gielens Constant , De Maeyer Marc , Compernolle Frans
Published: January 2009

Derivatives of 6,8‐bridged 5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐1,6‐naphthyridines, designed as analogues of huperzine A, were synthesised and evaluated as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase. In a first approach, C3‐bridged naphthyridines were constructed by internal nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 2‐chloro‐3‐(1‐piperidinylmethyl)pyridine precursors containing a 3‐CO2Me group on the 1‐piperidinyl ring moiety. Alternatively, ring‐closing metathesis on 6,8‐diallyl‐substituted tetrahydro‐1,6‐naphthyridines was applied to construct an unsaturated C4bridge. Some of the target compounds showed inhibition of acetylcholinesterase but lower than that of huperzine A. The relative order of inhibition activities could be rationalised by comparative docking simulation studies on the basis of the known crystal structure of the acetylcholinesterase–huperzine A complex.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Total Synthesis of (+)‐Varitriol
Authors: Palík Miroslav , Karlubíková Ol'ga , Lásiková Angelika , Kožíšek Jozef , Gracza Tibor
Published: January 2009

The total synthesis of natural (+)‐varitriol (1) was accomplished by starting from dimethyl L‐tartrate. The keyfeatures were a substrate selective and diastereoselective PdII‐catalysed bicyclisation of unsaturated protected triol 9 followed by regioselective ring‐opening of bicyclic skeleton 10. The absolute configuration of the target was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis for the first time.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Electrohydrodynamic‐mediated dielectrophoretic separation and transport based on asymmetric electrode pairs
Authors: Du E. , Manoochehri Souran
Published: January 2009

This paper presents a system for continuous separation and transport of micron and submicron particles in fluidic environment based on dielectrophoretic fractionation in concert with AC electrothermal (AC ET)‐induced fluidic pumping action. In this system, high frequency AC signals are used to energize asymmetric electrode pairs. AC ET‐driven fluidic pumping is utilized as an alternative to the commonly used external pressure‐driven fluid flow. Distinct collection sites for negative‐dielectrophoretic and positive‐dielectrophoretic particle populations are identified. The coupling effects of dielectrophoretic force and viscous drag from AC ET fluid flow on particle motions are investigated theoretically and numerically. We demonstrate that these two forces can be efficiently coupled to achieve continuous separation and transport of particle mixture in a fluidic medium when the dielectric properties of the particles and the fluidic environment are different. The combination of dielectrophoretic separation and AC ET pumping function provides a promising approach to further miniaturize and integrate these mechanisms into lab‐on‐chip devices.
Lab‐on‐a‐robot: Integrated microchip CE, power supply, electrochemical detector, wireless unit, and mobile platform
Authors: Berg Christopher , Valdez David C. , Bergeron Phillip , Mora Maria F. , Garcia Carlos D. , Ayon Arturo
Published: January 2009

In this paper, the fabrication of a wireless mobile unit containing an electrochemical detection module and a 3‐channel high‐voltage power supply (HVPS) designed for microchip CE is described. The presented device consists of wireless global positioning system controlled robotics, an electrochemical detector utilizing signal conditioning analog circuitry and a digital feedback range controller, a HVPS, an air pump, and a CE microchip. A graphical user interface (LabVIEW) was also designed to communicate wirelessly with the device, from a distant personal computer communication port. The entire device is integrated and controlled by digital hardware implemented on a field programmable gate array development board. This lab‐on‐a‐robot is able to navigate to a global position location, acquire an air sample, perform the analysis (injection, separation, and detection), and send the data (electropherogram) to a remote station without exposing the analyst to the testing environment.
Rapid chip‐based capillary electrophoretic mobility shift assay with negative pressure injection for the binding study of transcription factor Abf1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Yang Qian , Zhao Yong‐Chao , Xiong Qiang , Cheng Jing
Published: January 2009

The study on the interactions of nucleic acids with transcription factor (TF) is critical to understand the gene expression at the molecular level. In the present study, a rapid chip‐based capillary electrophoretic mobility shift assay with LIF detection has been developed on a PDMS‐quartz chip. We used a simple negative pressure injection procedure to avoid the bias of electrokinetic injection and to allow loading of the high salt buffered sample. We observed signals for Cy3‐labelled oligonucleotides with a 2.6% RSD in peak height. The specific binding of TF autonomously replicating sequence‐binding factor 1 (Abf1), either recombinant Abf1 or endogenous Abf1 in yeast cell extracts, with Cy3‐labelled specific capture dsDNA could be analyzed on the uncoated chip filled with 2% hydroxypropylcellulose sieving matrix within 100 s. The specificity of the TF–DNA complex was confirmed by both competition experiment and supershift assay. The interactions between Abf1 in the range from 0.156 to 80 nM and dsDNA capture molecules were examined and a detection limit of 0.156 nM Abf1 was found. The uncoated chip capillary electrophoretic mobility shift assay method described here demonstrated great potential for fast, qualitative and quantitative analysis of protein–DNA interaction with low consumption of samples.
Realistic simulations of combined DNA electrophoretic flow and EOF in nano‐fluidic devices
Authors: Duong‐Hong Duc , Han Jongyoon , Wang Jian‐Sheng , Hadjiconstantinou Nicolas G. , Chen Yu Zong , Liu Gui‐Rong
Published: January 2009

We present a three‐dimensional dissipative particle dynamics model of DNA electrophoretic flow that captures both DNA stochastic motion and hydrodynamics without requiring expensive molecular dynamics calculations. This model enables us to efficiently and simultaneously simulate DNA electrophoretic flow and local EOF (generated by counterions near the DNA backbone), in mesoscale (∼μm) fluidic devices. Our model is used to study the electrophoretic separation of long DNA chains under entropic trapping conditions [Han and Craighead, Science 2000, 288, 1026–1029]. Our simulation results are in good agreement with experimental data for realistic geometries (tapered walls) and reveal that wall tapering in entropic traps has a profound impact in the DNA trapping behavior, an effect which was largely ignored in previous modeling.
Chip‐CE/MS using a flat low‐sheath‐flow interface
Authors: Li Fu‐An , Huang Ju‐Li , Her Guor‐Rong
Published: January 2009

A chip‐CE/ESI/MS interface based on a low‐sheath‐flow design has been developed. A flat low‐sheath‐flow interface was fabricated to facilitate the coupling with a CE microchip. The interface consists of a PMMA reservoir block, a PMMA platform and a replaceable ESI sprayer. A CE interface was constructed by using a wire‐assisted epoxy‐fixing method to connect a 1.5 cm connecting capillary to the end of chip‐CE channel. The opposite end of the connecting capillary was tapered to approximately 40 μm od to fit tightly inside the back end of a removable fused‐silica capillary ESI sprayer, which was also tapered to give a 10 μm orifice. With this 1.5 cm connecting capillary, the sheath liquid flowed coaxially around the connecting capillary to create a low dead volume liquid junction at the interface between the connecting capillary and the ESI emitter. An advantage of the current design over existing chip‐based CE/MS interfaces is that ESI emitter can easily be replaced. The analytical utility of this microdevice was demonstrated by the analysis of two synthetic mixtures: a series histamine antagonists and a mixture of synthetic peptides.
Internally calibrated quantification of protein analytes in human serum by fluorescence immunoassays in disposable elastomeric microfluidic devices
Authors: Kartalov Emil P. , Lin David H. , Lee David T. , Anderson William F. , Taylor Clive R. , Scherer Axel
Published: January 2009

Herein we report on reliable reproducible quantification of protein analytes in human serum by fluorescence sandwich immunoassays in disposable PDMS microfluidic chips. The system requires 1000 times less sample than typical clinical blood tests and is specifically shown to measure ferritin down to 250 pM in human serum. The in‐built calibration method of spiking the serum with known concentrations of commercially available antigen avoids common sources of error and improves the reliability of the test results. The reported microfluidic system is an important new tool for fundamental scientific research, offering sensitive immunoassay measurements in small but complex biosamples. The system is also a further step towards comprehensive affordable “point‐of‐care” biomedical diagnostics.
Simple, fast and high‐throughput single‐cell analysis on PDMS microfluidic chips
Authors: Yu Linfen , Huang Huaiqing , Dong Xiuling , Wu Dapeng , Qin Jinhua , Lin Bingcheng
Published: January 2009

This paper demonstrated the chemical analysis of single cell on a cross PDMS microfluidic chip in a simple, fast, and high‐throughput mode. The pre‐stained cells were sequentially loaded into the cross section by hydrodynamic force, lysed by 0.2% SDS and subsequently the lysates were detected by LIF. Each cell can be lysed within 500 ms due to its high concentration of SDS at cross section resulted from the absence of electroosmosis after surface coating in microchannel. The reliability and quality of the analysis was confirmed by analysis of glutathione and rhodamine 123 in single K562 cells. In each run, approximately 100 cells could be analyzed in about 10 min, which demonstrated the comparatively high throughput. The proposed microfluidic method is simple, fast, and high throughput, which might be of significance in identifying the biological molecules involved in fast biochemical processes and studying heterogenous cells.
Dielectrophoretic detection and quantification of hybridized DNA molecules on nano‐genetic particles
Authors: Gagnon Zachary , Senapati Satyajyoti , Gordon Jason , Chang Hsueh‐Chia
Published: January 2009

DNA–DNA hybridization reactions on 100 nm oligonucleotide‐functionalized silica nanoparticles are found to sensitively affect the amplitude and direction of the dielectrophoretic mobility of the particles at nanomolar target ssDNA concentrations. Such sensitivity permits visual detection of the hybridization event without fluorescent labeling and confocal microscopy by imaging the cross‐over frequency (cof) of the particle suspension on a quadrupole electrode array. Strong correlation with effective particle radius and zeta‐potential measurements suggests that the dielectrophoretic cof offers not just sensitive signatures for successful functionalization and hybridization but also those for three distinct DNA surface conformations that appear at different surface densities of hybridized DNA. A properly normalized cof calibration chart allows simplified quantification of the target ssDNA concentrations. These results provide a simple, rapid and portable genetic detection method compatible for use outside the laboratory.
Parental attitudes, body image disturbance and disordered eating amongst adolescents and young adults: A review
Authors: Rodgers Rachel , Chabrol H.
Published: January 2009

Objective

The purpose of this paper was to review the existing literature regarding the contribution of parental influences to the sociocultural pressures on body image disturbance and disordered eating so as to highlight principal findings so that parents can be given practical information and identify areas that require further research.

Methods

Relevant articles were located through Pubmed, Sciencedirect and PsychInfo, as well as the screening of bibliographies.

Results

The available data suggest that parents are strong communicators of sociocultural pressures. Parental influences via verbal messages and active encouragement have been shown to have more impact on offspring's body concerns and eating behaviours than modelling effects. Both mothers and fathers are important sources of influence for their offspring.

Conclusion

Considering the role of parents could help improve public health management. Futher exploration of the way adolescents and young adults interpret and perceive parental attitudes and of potential protective factors is necessary. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
A two‐component two‐phase dissipative particle dynamics model
Authors: Tiwari Anupam , Abraham John
Published: January 2009

Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD)‐based models for two‐phase flows are attractive for simulating fluid flow at the sub‐micron level. In this study, we extend a DPD‐based two‐phase model for a single‐component fluid to a two‐component fluid. The approach is similar to that employed in the DPD formulation for two immiscible liquids. Our approach allows us to control the density ratio of the liquid phase to the gas phase, which is represented independently by the two components, without changing the temperature of the liquid phase. To assess the accuracy of the model, we carry out simulations of Rayleigh–Taylor instability and compare the penetration rates of the spikes and bubbles formed during the simulations with prior results reported in the literature. We show that the results are in agreement with both experimental data and predictions from Youngs' model. We report these results for a broad range of Atwood numbers to illustrate the capability of the model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On a robust test for SETAR‐type nonlinearity in time series analysis
Authors: Hung King Chi , Cheung Siu Hung , Chan Wai‐Sum , Zhang Li‐Xin
Published: January 2009

There has been growing interest in exploiting potential forecast gains from the nonlinear structure of self‐exciting threshold autoregressive (SETAR) models. Statistical tests have been proposed in the literature to help analysts check for the presence of SETAR‐type nonlinearities in observed time series. However, previous studies show that classical nonlinearity tests are not robust to additive outliers. In practice, time series outliers are not uncommonly encountered. It is important to develop a more robust test for SETAR‐type nonlinearity in time series analysis and forecasting. In this paper we propose a new robust nonlinearity test and the asymptotic null distribution of the test statistic is derived. A Monte Carlo experiment is carried out to compare the power of the proposed test with other existing tests under the influence of time series outliers. The effects of additive outliers on nonlinearity tests with misspecification of the autoregressive order are also studied. The results indicate that the proposed method is preferable to the classical tests when the observations are contaminated with outliers. Finally, we provide illustrative examples by applying the statistical tests to three real datasets. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Die Finanzkrise und die Forschung
Authors: Windbichler Christine
Published: January 2009

Das Desaster an den Geldmärkten darf nicht nur die Ökonomen umtreiben – die Wissenschaft in ihrer ganzen Vielfalt ist gefordert
Interfacial Properties of Copper‐coated Graphite Electrodes: Coating Thickness Dependence
Authors: Nobili F. , Dsoke S. , Mancini M. , Marassi R.
Published: January 2009

Copper‐coated graphite electrodes have been prepared by physical vapour deposition (PVD) and characterised as anodes for Li‐ion batteries. The interfacial properties of the electrodes coated with copper layers of different thicknesses have been studied using impedance spectroscopy and compared with those of unmodified electrodes. A general enhancement of the performances of the coated electrodes in terms of decreased solid electrolyte interface (SEI) and charge transfer resistances has been found. The charge transfer resistance decreases at any intercalation potential for metal layer thickness of the order of 250–300 Å to increase again for thicker deposits. While in general the decrease in the charge transfer resistance may be related to a sort of catalytic effect of the metal layer in increasing the lithium desolvation rate, it is apparent that above a certain critical thickness value the layer acts as a barrier to the lithium ion transfer at the interface.
Cross‐commodity analysis and applications to risk management
Authors: Börger Reik , Cartea Álvaro , Kiesel Rüdiger , Schindlmayr Gero
Published: January 2009

The understanding of joint asset return distributions is an important ingredient for managing risks of portfolios. Although this is a well‐discussed issue in fixed income and equity markets, it is a challenge for energy commodities. In this study we are concerned with describing the joint return distribution of energy‐related commodities futures, namely power, oil, gas, coal, and carbon. The objective of the study is threefold. First, we conduct a careful analysis of empirical returns and show how the class of multivariate generalized hyperbolic distributions performs in this context. Second, we present how risk measures can be computed for commodity portfolios based on generalized hyperbolic assumptions. And finally, we discuss the implications of our findings for risk management analyzing the exposure of power plants, which represent typical energy portfolios. Our main findings are that risk estimates based on a normal distribution in the context of energy commodities can be statistically improved using generalized hyperbolic distributions. Those distributions are flexible enough to incorporate many characteristics of commodity returns and yield more accurate risk estimates. Our analysis of the market suggests that carbon allowances can be a helpful tool for controlling the risk exposure of a typical energy portfolio representing a power plant. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 29:197–217, 2009
Aerobic fitness is associated with hippocampal volume in elderly humans
Authors: Erickson Kirk I. , Prakash Ruchika S. , Voss Michelle W. , Chaddock Laura , Hu Liang , Morris Katherine S. , White Siobhan M. , Wójcicki Thomas R. , McAuley Edward , Kramer Arthur F.
Published: January 2009

Deterioration of the hippocampus occurs in elderly individuals with and without dementia, yet individual variation exists in the degree and rate of hippocampal decay. Determining the factors that influence individual variation in the magnitude and rate of hippocampal decay may help promote lifestyle changes that prevent such deterioration from taking place. Aerobic fitness and exercise are effective at preventing cortical decay and cognitive impairment in older adults and epidemiological studies suggest that physical activity can reduce the risk for developing dementia. However, the relationship between aerobic fitness and hippocampal volume in elderly humans is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether individuals with higher levels of aerobic fitness displayed greater volume of the hippocampus and better spatial memory performance than individuals with lower fitness levels. Furthermore, in exploratory analyses, we assessed whether hippocampal volume mediated the relationship between fitness and spatial memory. Using a region‐of‐interest analysis on magnetic resonance images in 165 nondemented older adults, we found a triple association such that higher fitness levels were associated with larger left and right hippocampi after controlling for age, sex, and years of education, and larger hippocampi and higher fitness levels were correlated with better spatial memory performance. Furthermore, we demonstrated that hippocampal volume partially mediated the relationship between higher fitness levels and enhanced spatial memory. Our results clearly indicate that higher levels of aerobic fitness are associated with increased hippocampal volume in older humans, which translates to better memory function. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Numerical simulation of snow melting on pavement surface with heat dissipation pipe embedded
Authors: Nagai Niro , Miyamoto Shigenobu , Nishiwaki Masaya , Takeuchi Masanori
Published: January 2009

Programmed software was developed in order to numerically simulate time variation of the temperature field and snow depth around a pipe‐in‐pile snow‐melting system, using meteorological data. The system utilized underground piles as the heat exchanger between underground soil and water flowing inside the pipes. The water was pumped into heat dissipation pipes embedded beneath the pavement surface, on which snow melted. The unsteady three‐dimensional heat conduction inside the pavement and the underground soil was numerically solved. On the surface, the heat balance of conduction, convection, and radiation was considered. Snow fall depth was estimated by rainfall weather data, ratio of snowfall to rainfall, and dry density of snowfall. For simulating the snow layer, an unsteady one‐dimensional heat conduction was solved while incorporating partial absorption of solar radiation. Experiments for measuring time variation of the temperature field and snow depth around the system were conducted for verification of the software. The obtained simulation results showed good agreements with experimental data, demonstrating the utility and validity of the software. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20226
New supplying evaporation precursor method with CVD
Authors: Oshima Motohiro , Komeda Akiko , Tominaga Koji , Nakao Motoi , Shimizu Tetsuo , Senda Jiro , Ishida Kozo
Published: January 2009

We propose a novel system of chemical vapor deposition (CVD), i.e., flash boiling spray CVD (SF‐CVD) to eliminate several kinds of problems, such as the decomposition of precursors in the supply line and evaporator. In this method, liquid precursors are supplied directly to the vacuum chamber through an injector, just like fuel for an automobile engine, without any vaporizers, so as to induce an unsteady and intermittent flash boiling spray in the chamber. However, it is necessary to keep the lowest ambient pressure possible because the saturated vapor pressure of the precursors is very low. Thus, this is very useful for modifying the saturated vapor pressure of the precursors. A technique of lowering the vaporization pressure is proposed by mixing a more saturated vapor‐pressure organic solvent with a precursor. To determine the principles underlying FS‐CVD, we first formed SiO2film on the Si substrate. A mixed solution of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and n‐pentane was used as the mixing solution. The film thickness distribution of SiO2film on a 100‐mm‐diameter Si wafer was ±4% using this method. Furthermore, this method enabled us to control film with various thicknesses by optimizing the injection duration, cycle, and injection cycle per second. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20235
Classification of fixed urological cells using Raman tweezers
Authors: Harvey Tim J. , Hughes Caryn , Ward Andrew D. , Faria Elsa Correia , Henderson Alex , Clarke Noel W. , Brown Mick D. , Snook Richard D. , Gardner Peter
Published: January 2009

In this paper we report on preliminary investigations into using Raman tweezers to classify urological cell lines. This builds on earlier work within the group, whereby Raman tweezer methodologies were developed, and the application of this technique to differentiate between live prostate cancer (CaP) and bladder cells lines (PC‐3 and MGH‐U1 respectively) was demonstrated.

In this present study we analysed chemically fixed cells using two different fixative methods; SurePathTM (a commercial available liquid based cytology media) and 4% v/v formalin/PBS fixatives. The study has been expanded from our previous live cell study to include the androgen sensitive CaP cell line LNCaP, primary benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) cells as well as primary urethral cells. Raman light from the cells was collected using a 514.5 nm Ar‐ion laser excitation source in back‐scattering configuration mode.

Principal component‐linear discriminate analysis (PC‐LDA) models of resulting cell spectra were generated and these were validated using a blind comparison. Sensitivities and specificities of > 72% and 90% respectively, for SurePath fixed cells, and > 93% and 98% respectively for 4% v/v formalin/PBS fixed cells was achieved. The higher prediction results for the formalin fixed cells can be attributed to a better signal‐to‐noise ratio for spectra obtained from these cells.

Following on from this work, urological cell lines were exposed to urine for up to 12 hours to determine the effect of urine on the ability to classify these cells. Results indicate that urine has no detrimental effect on prediction results. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparative ultrasound evaluation of human trabecular bone graft properties after treatment with different sterilization procedures
Authors: Vastel L. , Masse C. , Mesnil P. , Crozier E. , Padilla F. , Laugier P. , Mitton D. , Courpied J. P.
Published: January 2009

New sterilization methods for human bone are likely to affect the mechanical properties of human cancellous grafts. These mechanical properties dictate the short‐ and mid‐term results of the orthopedic procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the effects on bone mechanical properties, as assessed by ultrasound velocity, of different sterilization methods used under similar conditions: bleach and sublimation, humid heat, successive baths of physiological saline with osmotic detersion, and CO2 in the supercritical phase. Alterations in mechanical properties were small with CO2 (velocity change: −2%) and humid heat (−2.5%). Osmotic detersion had a significant but moderate effect (−4.7%). The −9% change with the protocol involving bleach suggested a greater than 30% decrease in load to failure, based on earlier studies. Gamma irradiation of defatted trabecular allografts, in a dose of 10 or 25 KGy, produced no significant changes in ultrasound velocity. Powerful protein denaturants used in sterilization protocols substantially alter the mechanical resistance of the grafts, which may jeopardize the orthopedic procedure. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Phenotype‐rescue of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p16/INK4A defects in a spontaneous canine cell model of breast cancer
Authors: DeInnocentes Patricia , Agarwal Payal , Bird R. Curtis
Published: January 2009

Mammary cancer is among the most frequently observed canine tumors in unspayed female dogs resulting in death due to metastatic disease. These tumors are excellent models of human breast cancer but until recently there was only anecdotal evidence regarding underlying genetic defects. We recently reported expression defects in the cyclin‐dependent kinase p21/Cip1 and p53 among three independent canine mammary tumor (CMT) cell lines derived from spontaneous canine mammary cancers. We investigated further defects in the same three cell lines focusing on additional tumor suppressor gene defects in cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors. p27/KIP1 appeared normally expressed and did not appear to encode inactivating mutations. In contrast, expression of p16/INK4A was defective/absent in two cell lines and normal/slightly induced in the third cell line. To determine if defects were causative in maintaining the transformed phenotype, a p16/INK4A transgene was permanently transfected followed by selection and single cell cloning. CMT/p16 clones were characterized for transgene expression, p16 protein content and phenotype including proliferation rate, cell cycle phase distribution, contact inhibition, substrate dependent cell growth and cell morphology. All cell lines appeared unique yet clear indications of phenotype rescue due to p16/INK4A transgene complementation were observed suggesting that defects in p16 expression were present in all three. In some cases cellular senescence also appeared to be induced. These data provide evidence supporting p16/INK4A mutations as causative defects promoting transformation in canine mammary cancer and further characterizes tumor suppressor gene defects with functional consequences in these cells supporting their application as spontaneous animal models of human disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 491–505, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HIV‐1 Nef induces p47phox phosphorylation leading to a rapid superoxide anion release from the U937 human monoblastic cell line
Authors: Olivetta Eleonora , Mallozzi Cinzia , Ruggieri Vitalba , Pietraforte Donatella , Federico Maurizio , Sanchez Massimo
Published: January 2009

The Nef protein of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) plays a crucial role in AIDS pathogenesis by modifying host cell signaling pathways. We investigated the effects of Nef on the NADPH oxidase complex, a key enzyme involved in the generation of reactive oxygen species during the respiratory burst in human monocyte/macrophages. We have recently shown that the inducible expression of HIV‐1 Nef in human macrophages cell line modulates in bi‐phasic mode the superoxide anion release by NADPH oxidase, inducing a fast increase of the superoxide production, followed by a delayed strong inhibition mediated by Nef‐induced soluble factor(s). Our study is focused on the molecular mechanisms involved in Nef‐mediated activation of NADPH oxidase and superoxide anion release. Using U937 cells stably transfected with different Nef alleles, we found that both Nef membrane localization and intact SH3‐binding domain are needed to induce superoxide release. The lack of effect during treatment with a specific MAPK pathway inhibitor, PD98059, demonstrated that Nef‐induced superoxide release is independent of Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Furthermore, Nef induced the phosphorylation and then the translocation of the cytosolic subunit of NADPH oxidase complex p47phox to the plasma membrane. Adding the inhibitor PP2 prevented this process, evidencing the involvement of the Src family kinases on Nef‐mediated NADPH oxidase activation. In addition, LY294002, a specific inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibited both the Nef‐induced p47phox phosphorylation and the superoxide anion release. These data indicate that Nef regulates the NADPH oxidase activity through the activation of the Src kinases and PI3K. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 812–822, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interaction of NO molecules with Pd clusters: Ab initio density–functional study
Authors: Grybos Robert , Benco Lubomir , Bučko Tomas , Hafner Jürgen
Published: January 2009

The adsorption of NO molecules on small Pdn (n = 1−6) clusters has been studied using first‐principles density‐functional theory. Three adsorption sites were considered: vertex (on–top), bridge, and hollow. Adsorption is strong, ranging from 2 to 3 eV. In all cases NO adsorbs in a bent configuration. Calculated shifts in N–O bond vibration frequencies (with anharmonic corrections) agree very well with available experimental data. In contrast to metallic Pd surfaces, adsorption of NO on palladium clusters causes considerable changes in geometry around adsorption site because palladium d‐orbitals rehybridize to maximize the overlap with NO orbitals (mainly the antibonding π*). Thus, the overall energetic effect of NO adsorption is the result of two competing processes: lowering of the total energy through tighter bonding with NO and rising the energy due to cluster deformation. The Pdn–NO bond creation is governed by electron transfer from Pd–d orbitals into the NO π*. As a result, the Pd cluster becomes locally demagnetized (with total magnetic moment of 1 μB located at Pd atoms not connected to NO) and the NO molecule is activated: the N–O bond length is increased and the vibration frequency is redshifted. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Application of MOLMAP approach for QSAR modeling of various biological activities using substituent electronic descriptors
Authors: Hemmateenejad Bahram , Mehdipour Ahmad R. , Miri Ramin , Shamsipur Mojtaba
Published: January 2009

When using quantum chemical descriptors in quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) studies, there is always a challenge between accuracy of calculation and the complexity and time of computation. Very recently, we proposed the use of substituents electronic descriptors (SEDs) instead of the electronic properties of whole molecule as new and expedite source of electronic descriptors. For instance, SED parameters can be calculated with the highest degree of accuracy in very low computation time. In this article, we used SED parameters in QSAR modeling of six different biological data sets including (i) the dissociation constants for a set of substituted imidazolines, (ii) the pKa of imidazoles, (iii) inverse agonist activity of indoles, (iv) the influenza virus inhibition activities of benzimidazoles, (v) inhibition of alcohol dehydrogenase by amides, and (vi) the natriuretic activity of sulfonamide. For poly‐substituted molecules, SED parameters produce a vector of electronic descriptors for each substituent, and thus a matrix of SED parameters is obtained for each molecule. Consequently, a three‐dimensional (3D) array is obtained by staking the descriptor data matrices of molecules beside each others. In addition to simple unfolding of the SED parameters, molecular maps of atom‐level properties (MOLMAP) approach, as a novel data analysis method, was also applied to transfer 3D array of SED into new two‐dimensional parameters using Kohonen network, following by genetic algorithm‐based partial least square (GA‐PLS) to connect a quantitative relationship between the Kohonen scores and biological activity. Accurate QSAR models were obtained by both approaches. However, the superiority of three‐way analysis of SED parameters based on MOLMAP approach with respect to simple unfolding was obtained. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2009
Blind docking of 260 protein–ligand complexes with EADock 2.0
Authors: Grosdidier Aurélien , Zoete Vincent , Michielin Olivier
Published: January 2009

Molecular docking softwares are one of the important tools of modern drug development pipelines. The promising achievements of the last 10 years emphasize the need for further improvement, as reflected by several recent publications (Leach et al., J Med Chem 2006, 49, 5851; Warren et al., J Med Chem 2006, 49, 5912). Our initial approach, EADock, showed a good performance in reproducing the experimental binding modes for a set of 37 different ligand–protein complexes (Grosdidier et al., Proteins 2007, 67, 1010). This article presents recent improvements regarding the scoring and sampling aspects over the initial implementation, as well as a new seeding procedure based on the detection of cavities, opening the door to blind docking with EADock. These enhancements were validated on 260 complexes taken from the high quality Ligand Protein Database [LPDB, (Roche et al., J Med Chem 2001, 44, 3592)]. Two issues were identified: first, the quality of the initial structures cannot be assumed and a manual inspection and/or a search in the literature are likely to be required to achieve the best performance. Second the description of interactions involving metal ions still has to be improved. Nonetheless, a remarkable success rate of 65% was achieved for a large scale blind docking assay, when considering only the top ranked binding mode and a success threshold of 2 Å RMSD to the crystal structure. When looking at the five‐top ranked binding modes, the success rate increases up to 76%. In a standard local docking assay, success rates of 75 and 83% were obtained, considering only the top ranked binding mode, or the five top binding modes, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2009
Therapy with religious couples
Authors: Duba Jill D. , Watts Richard E.
Published: January 2009

Although 95% of married couples identify with a particular religion, there is great variation in how couples rely on their religion to define or structure their relationship. Various denominations will imply particular “rules” or will shape how the couple deals with interpersonal and family challenges, such as sexuality, parenting, and power. In this article, we review couple relationships within a religious context and advance several treatment principles for treating religious couples. We present a clinical case to illustrate marital therapy with a religious couple, with an Adlerian context. ©2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 65:1–13, 2009.