bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review and scientific critique of methodology in modern urban heat island literature
Authors: Stewart I. D.
Published: April 2010

In the modern era of urban climatology, much emphasis has been placed on observing and documenting heat island magnitudes in cities around the world. Urban climate literature consequently boasts a remarkable accumulation of observational heat island studies. Through time, however, methodologists have raised concerns about the authenticity of these studies, especially regarding the measurement, definition and reporting of heat island magnitudes. This paper substantiates these concerns through a systematic review and scientific critique of heat island literature from the period 1950–2007. The review uses nine criteria of experimental design and communication to critically assess methodological quality in a sample of 190 heat island studies. Results of this assessment are discouraging: the mean quality score of the sample is just 50 percent, and nearly half of all urban heat island magnitudes reported in the sample are judged to be scientifically indefensible. Two areas of universal weakness in the literature sample arecontrolled measurementandopenness of method: one‐half of the sample studies fail to sufficiently control the confounding effects of weather, relief or time on reported ‘urban’ heat island magnitudes, and three‐quarters fail to communicate basic metadata regarding instrumentation and field site characteristics. A large proportion of observational heat island literature is therefore compromised by poor scientific practice. This paper concludes with recommendations for improving method and communication in heat island studies through better scrutiny of findings and more rigorous reporting of primary research. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
The apparent electrical conductivity as a surrogate variable for predicting earthworm abundances in tilled soils
Authors: Joschko Monika , Gebbers Robin , Barkusky Dietmar , Timmer Jens
Published: April 2010

Noninvasive geophysical methods have a great potential for improving soil‐biological studies at field or regional scales: they enable the rapid acquisition of soil information which may help to identify potential habitats for soil biota. A precondition for this application is the existence of close relationships between geophysical measurements and the soil organism of interest. This study was conducted to determine whether field measurements of apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) are related to abundances of earthworms in tilled soils. Relationships between ECa and earthworm populations were investigated along transects at 42 plots under reduced and conventional tillage at a 74 ha field on sandy‐loam soil in NE Germany. Relations were analyzed with linear‐regression and spatial analysis.

The apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) was quantitatively related to earthworm abundances sampled 5 months after the geophysical measurements. No relationship was found, however, in plots under conventional tillage when analyzed separately. If earthworm abundances were known at every other location along the transects and if the state‐space approach was used for analysis, the analysis of ECa measurements and earthworm abundances indicated that 50% of the earthworm samples could have been substituted by ECa measurements. Further research is needed to fully evaluate the potential of ECa measurements for predicting earthworm habitats in tilled soil.
Effect of potassium fertilization on soil potassium pools and rice response in an intensive cropping system in China
Authors: Zhang Qi‐chun , Wang Guang‐huo , Feng Yu‐ke , Qian Peiyuan , Schoenau Jeff J.
Published: April 2010

In order to assess the changes in soil K pools as affected by K‐fertilizer application and the impact of the changes on K balance, grain yield, and K uptake, an experiment was conducted in Central Zhejiang Province, E China, in a continuous double‐cropping rice system. Two sites were selected: (1) the Agricultural Research Institute of Jinhua (ARI) where soil is calcareous and (2) the Shimen Research Farm (SM) where soil is acidic. Eight consecutive crops were grown (1997–2000) in ARI and five consecutive crops (1998–2000) at SM. Treatments included unfertilized control (CK) and three different fertilizer treatments (NP, NK, and NPK). Potassium extracted by ion‐exchange resin decreased from 26 mg kg–1 to 5–10 mg kg–1 after eight consecutive seasons of growth at the ARI site. Addition of 100 kg K ha–1 for each rice crop was not enough to maintain initial K availability, especially in the calcareous soil at ARI site. In treatments with K, a small increase in readily available K was observed only in SM soil. The K extracted by HNO3 also decreased significantly in the treatments without K addition and was increased slightly in the treatments with K application. In the NP treatment, the decrease in HNO3‐K was several times greater than resin‐K, indicating that nonexchangeable K may be the major source of K supply to rice. Soil K depletion was greater for hybrid rice than for inbred rice, and this difference in K demand should be taken into account in developing fertilizer recommendations for irrigated rice.
Density, metabolic activity, and identity of cultivable rhizosphere bacteria on Salix viminalis in disturbed arable and landfill soils
Authors: Hrynkiewicz Katarzyna , Baum Christel , Leinweber Peter
Published: April 2010

The objective of this study was to provide fundamental data for a subsequent selection of willow growth and soil remediation promoting bacterial strains. The rhizosphere of willows (Salix viminalis) was screened for cultivable bacteria with high enzymatic activity (proteolytic, pectolytic, cellulolytic, amylolytic) and production of siderophores at four test sites with broad spectrum of anthropogenic soil disturbance: sewage‐sludge application, impoverishment by unfavorable arable use, ash dumping, and household‐waste depositing. The density of bacteria in the rhizosphere ranged from 7.92 to 8.56 log10 of colony‐forming units per gram dry weight of soil and varied in a site‐ and willow‐clone‐specific manner. Within the 240 bacterial strains, a high diversity of metabolic activities was observed but was rarely combined in one strain (1.2% having six and 5.8% having five out of seven metabolic activities, respectively). The majority of strains (79.2%) revealed just one or two metabolic activities. Most common was a combination of lipolytic, proteolytic activities, and siderophore production as found in 13.8% of the bacterial strains. The 50 strains with the highest metabolic activity belonged predominantly to the Gammaproteobacteria (66%), the others to Flavobacteria (18%), Betaproteobacteria (8%), Actinobacteria (4%), and Bacilli (4%). The highest portion of cultivable strains of rhizosphere bacteria with high metabolic activities belonged to the genera Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Flavobacterium. We hypothesize that these genera include strains that support willow growth and soil remediation. Therefore, the described strain collection from the rhizosphere of S. viminalis provides a valuable basis for a subsequent selection of these candidates for applications in improvement of site adaptation of plants or remediation of soils.
Carbonyl compounds methylglyoxal and glyoxal affect interleukin‐8 secretion in intestinal cells by superoxide anion generation and activation of MAPK p38
Authors: Kuntz Sabine , Kunz Clemens , Rudloff Silvia
Published: April 2010

The carbonyl compounds methylglyoxal (MG) and glyoxal (GL) are reactive intermediates of glucose degradation pathways and capable of inducing cellular damage. Although immune‐stimulating activity has been investigated in endothelial cells, little is known about the signaling pathways of cytokine induction of these compounds in the intestine. Hence, we investigated the impact of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) on IL‐8 production by human intestinal cells (Caco‐2 and HT‐29) after stimulation by MG and GL. Both compounds induced a dose‐dependent enhancement of IL‐8 secretion in human intestinal cells. MAPK p38 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) were phosphorylated in these cells after having been stimulated by MG and GL. Furthermore, inhibitors of MAPK p38 (SB 203580 and 239063), ERK1/2 (PD 98059) and NF‐κB activation (SM‐7368 and SC‐514) reduced IL‐8 secretion. The most important mechanism by which MG and GL induced IL‐8 secretion was the generation of superoxide anions which was confirmed by the inhibition of the cytosolic NADPH oxidase with diphenyl iodonium (DPI) or by application of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Our data suggest that multiple pathways were simultaneously activated; however, superoxide dependent MAPK p38 activation seems to be the most dominant pathway for IL‐8 secretion in intestinal cells.
Assessing vitamin D status: Pitfalls for the unwary
Authors: Lai Jeffrey K. C. , Lucas Robyn M. , Clements Mark S. , Harrison Simone L. , Banks Emily
Published: April 2010

The use of vitamin D testing has grown rapidly in the recent times as a result of increased interest in the role of vitamin D in health. Although the generally accepted measure of vitamin D status is circulating 25(OH)D concentration, there is little consensus on which assay method should be used. Commonly used assays include competitive protein‐binding assay, RIA, enzyme immunoassay, chemiluminescence immunoassays, HPLC, and LC‐MS/MS, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. However, there is significant interassay and interlaboratory variability in measurements. Our simulation of the published data showed that using a deficiency cut‐point of 50 nmol/L, 57% of samples assessed using a chemiluminescence immunoassay were classified as deficient compared with 41% of samples assessed using LC‐MS/MS; a 20% misclassification rate. Similar rates of misclassification were seen at 75 nmol/L. This has implications for clinical practice and decision limits for vitamin D supplementation, suggesting that cut‐points should be assay specific rather than universal and that greater harmonization between laboratories is required. Newer assays using alternative biological samples to determine the circulating 25(OH)D have been proposed and advances in the genetics of vitamin D and the role of vitamin D‐binding protein may improve future assay accuracy.
Recovery and metabolism of xanthohumol in germ‐free and human microbiota‐associated rats
Authors: Hanske Laura , Loh Gunnar , Sczesny Silke , Blaut Michael , Braune Annett
Published: April 2010

The impact of human intestinal bacteria on the bioavailability of the prenylflavonoid xanthohumol (XN) was studied by comparing germ‐free (GF) and human microbiota‐associated (HMA) rats. After XN application, XN, XN conjugates, and isoxanthohumol (IX) conjugates occurred in blood samples of GF and HMA rats, whereas IX was detected only in the blood of HMA rats. Overall excretion of XN and its metabolites within 48 h was only 4.6% of the ingested dose in GF rats and 4.2% in HMA rats, feces being the major route of excretion. While both GF and HMA rats excreted XN, IX, and their conjugates with urine and feces, 8‐prenylnaringenin and its corresponding conjugates were exclusively observed in the feces of HMA rats. The microbial formation of 8‐prenylnaringenin was confirmed by incubation of XN and IX with human fecal slurries. The amount of conjugates excreted in urine and feces was lower in HMA rats compared to GF rats indicating their hydrolysis by human intestinal microbiota. Thus, the impact of bacteria on the XN metabolism in the gut may affect thein vivoeffects of ingested XN.
In vitro gastrointestinal digestion of the major peach allergen Pru p 3, a lipid transfer protein: Molecular characterization of the products and assessment of their IgE binding abilities
Authors: Cavatorta Valeria , Sforza Stefano , Aquino Giancarlo , Galaverna Gianni , Dossena Arnaldo , Pastorello Elide Anna , Marchelli Rosangela
Published: April 2010

A simulated gastrointestinal digestion has been carried out on purified peach lipid transfer protein, one of the main allergens among the population of the Mediterranean area and the major allergen of peach allergic patients. The percentage of intact protein, after extensive digestion, measured by comparison with a non‐digestible peptide analogue used as internal standard, was found to be about one‐third of the original protein content. The peptides formed in digested fraction were characterized by means of LC/MS. The products of the digestion essentially derived from trypsin action, whereas the protein appeared to be resistant to pepsin and chymotrypsin. The identified peptides could be classified as low molecular weight and high molecular weight peptides. The latter consisted of the full protein, with the disulfide bridges still intact, deprived of the smaller peptides. The different digestion products, including the high and low molecular weight peptides, were purified by LC and assessed, together with the intact protein, by dot‐blot analysis with sera of allergic patients, allowing to estimate their potential allergenicity. The intact protein and the high molecular weight peptides were found to be recognized by patients' sera, whereas the small peptides were found to be not reactive.
High‐fat diet reduces levels of type I tropocollagen and hyaluronan in rat skin
Authors: Yamane Takumi , Kobayashi‐Hattori Kazuo , Oishi Yuichi , Takita Toshichika
Published: April 2010

Although it is known that nutritional conditions affect the skin function, little information is available on the effect of a high‐fat (HF) diet on skin. In this study, Sprague–Dawley rats were fed HF diets for 28 days, and we investigated the effect of this diet on type I tropocollagen and hyaluronan in rat skin. The HF diets reduced the levels of type I tropocollagen, COL1A1 mRNA, hyaluronan, and rat hyaluronan synthase (rhas)2 mRNA, which play a primary role in hyaluronan synthase in the dermis. However, rhas3 mRNA level in the skin was increased. The HF diets also decreased the skin mRNA expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, which enhances the expression of COL1A1 and rhas2 mRNA and decreases rhas3 mRNA expression, and decreased the hepatic mRNA expression of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I, which enhances COL1A1, rhas2, and TGF‐β1 mRNA expression. The serum level of adiponectin, which promotes the syntheses of type I collagen and hyaluronan, was decreased in the HF diet groups. These findings suggest that an HF diet reduces the levels of type I tropocollagen and hyaluronan in the skin by suppressing the action of TGF‐β1, IGF‐I and adiponectin, and these effects are deleterious for skin function.
Fractionated manganese injections: effects on MRI contrast enhancement and physiological measures in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Grünecker Barbara , Kaltwasser Sebastian F. , Peterse Yorick , Sämann Philipp G. , Schmidt Mathias V. , Wotjak Carsten T. , Czisch Michael
Published: April 2010

Manganese‐enhanced MRI (MEMRI) is an increasingly used imaging method in animal research, which enables improved T1‐weighted tissue contrast. Furthermore accumulation of manganese in activated neurons allows visualization of neuronal activity. However, at higher concentrations manganese (Mn2+) exhibits toxic side effects that interfere with the animals' behaviour and well‐being. Therefore, when optimizing MEMRI protocols, a compromise has to be found between minimizing side effects and intensifying image contrast. Recently, a low concentrated fractionated Mn2+ application scheme has been proposed as a promising alternative. In this study, we investigated effects of different fractionated Mn2+ dosing schemes on vegetative, behavioural and endocrine markers, and MEMRI signal contrast in C57BL/6N mice. Measurements of the animals' well‐being included telemetric monitoring of body temperature and locomotion, control of weight and observation of behavioural parameters during the time course of the injection protocols. Corticosterone levels after Mn2+ application served as endocrine marker of the stress response. We compared three MnCl2 · 4H2O application protocols: 3 times 60 mg/kg with an inter‐injection interval of 48 h, six times 30 mg/kg with an inter‐injection interval of 48 h, and 8 times 30 mg/kg with an inter‐injection interval of 24 h (referred to as 3 × 60/48, 6 × 30/48 and 8 × 30/24, respectively). Both the 6 × 30/48 and the 8 × 30/24 protocols showed attenuated effects on animals' well‐being as compared to the 3 × 60/48 scheme. Best MEMRI signal contrast was observed for the 8 × 30/24 protocol. Together, these results argue for a fractionated application scheme such as 30 mg/kg every 24 h for 8 days to provide sufficient MEMRI signal contrast while minimizing toxic side effects and distress. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined DCE‐MRI and single‐voxel 2D MRS for differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions
Authors: Lipnick Scott , Liu Xiaoyu , Sayre James , Bassett Lawrence W. , DeBruhl Nanette , Thomas M. Albert
Published: April 2010

Dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton (1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provide structural and biochemical information, including vascular volume, vascular permeability and tissue metabolism. In this study, we performed analysis of the enhancement characteristic from DCE‐MRI and the biochemical information provided by two‐dimensional (2D) Localized Correlated Spectroscopy (L‐COSY) MRS to determine the sensitivity and specificity of using DCE‐MRI alone compared to the combination with 2D MRS. The metabolite ratios from the 2D MRS spectra were analyzed using multivariate statistical analyses to determine a method capable of automatic separation of the patient cohort into malignant and benign lesions. A total of 24 lesions were studied with 21 diagnosed accurately using the enhancement characteristics alone resulting in sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 73%, respectively. Analysis of the 2D MRS data demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.05) in 12 of 18 metabolite ratios analyzed for malignant compared to benign lesions. Previous research focused on utilizing the choline signal to noise ratio (SNR) as a marker for malignancy has been verified using 2D MRS in this study. Using Fisher's linear discriminant test using water (WAT)/olefinic fat diagonal (UFD), choline (CHO)/fat (FAT), CHO/UFD, and FAT/methyl fat (FMETD) as predictors the sensitivity and specificity increased to 92% and 100%, respectively. Using the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) statistical analysis the resulting sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 91%, respectively, with the most accurate predictor for differentiating malignant and benign determined to be FAT/FMETD. The cases within the study that presented a indeterminate diagnosis using DCE‐MRI alone were able to be accurately diagnosed when the metabolic information from 2D MRS was incorporated. The results suggest improved breast cancer detection through the combination of morphological and enhancement information from DCE‐MRI and metabolic information from 2D MRS. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Life cycle analysis of organic photovoltaic technologies
Authors: García‐Valverde Rafael , Cherni Judith A. , Urbina Antonio
Published: April 2010

Organic solar cells, both in the hybrid dye sensitized technology and in the full organic polymeric technology, are a promising alternative that could supply solar electricity at a cost much lower than other more conventional inorganic photovoltaic technologies. This paper presents a life cycle analysis of the laboratory production of a typical bulk heterojunction organic solar cell and compares this result with those obtained for the industrial production of other photovoltaic technologies. Also a detailed material inventory from raw materials to final photovoltaic module is presented, allowing us to identify potential bottlenecks in a future supply chain for a large industrial output. Even at this initial stage of laboratory production, the energy payback time and CO2 emission factor for the organic photovoltaic technology is of the same order of other inorganic photovoltaic technologies, demonstrating that there is plenty of room for improvement if the fabrication procedure is optimized and scaled up to an industrial process. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms of wafer sawing and impact on wafer properties
Authors: Bidiville A. , Wasmer K. , Michler J. , Nasch P. M. , Van der Meer M. , Ballif C.
Published: April 2010

Silicon wafer wire‐sawing experiments were realized with different sets of sawing parameters, and the thickness, roughness, and cracks depth of the wafers were measured. The results are discussed in relation to assumptions underlying the rolling–indenting model, which describes the process. It was also found that the silicon surface at the bottom of the sawing groove is different from the wafer surface, implying different sawing conditions in the two positions. Furthermore, the measured parameters were found to vary along the wire direction, between the entrance of the wire in the ingot and its exit. Based on these observations, some improvements for the wire‐sawing model are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anodic oxides on a beta type Nb–Ti alloy and their characterization by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Woldemedhin Michael Teka , Raabe Dierk , Hassel Achim Walter
Published: April 2010

Anodic oxides were grown on the surface of an electropolished (Ti–30 at% Nb) beta‐titanium (β‐Ti) alloy by cyclic voltammetry. The scan rate was 100 mV s−1 between 0 and 8 V in increments of l V in an acetate buffer of pH 6.0. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was carried out right after each anodic oxide growth increment to study the electronic properties of the oxide/electrolyte interface in a wide frequency range from 100 kHz to 10 MHz with an AC perturbation voltage of 10 mV. A film formation factor of 2.4 nm V−1 was found and a relative permittivity number (dielectric constant) of 42.4 was determined for the oxide film formed. Mott–Schottky analysis on a potentiostatically formed 7 nm thick oxide film was performed to assess the semiconducting properties of the mixed anodic oxide grown on the alloy. A flat band potential of −0.47 V (standard hydrogen electrode, SHE) was determined, connected to a donor density of 8.2 × 1017 cm−3. β‐Ti being highly isotropic in terms of mechanical properties should be superior to the stiffer α‐Ti compound. Its application, however, requires a passivation behaviour comparable or better than α‐Ti which in fact is found.
Reduced activation ODS ferritic steel – recent development in high speed hot extrusion processing
Authors: Oksiuta Zbigniew , Lewandowska Małgorzata , Kurzydlowski Krzysztof , Baluc Nadine
Published: April 2010

The paper presents the microstructure and mechanical properties of an oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS), reduced activation, ferritic steel, namely the Fe‐14Cr‐2W‐0.3Ti‐0.3Y2O3 alloy, which was fabricated by hot isostatic pressing followed by high speed hydrostatic extrusion (HSHE) and heat treatment HT at 1050 °C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations revealed significant differences in the grain size and dislocation density between the as‐HIPped and as‐HSHE materials. It was also found that the microstructure of the steel is stable after HT. The HSHE process improves significantly the tensile and Charpy impact properties of the as‐HIPped steel. The ultimate tensile strength at room temperature increases from 950 up to 1350 MPa, while the upper shelf energy increases from 3.0 up to 6.0 J. However, the ductile‐to‐brittle transition temperature (DBTT) remains relatively high (about 75 °C).These results indicate that HSHE is a promising method for achieving grain refinement and thus improving the mechanical properties of ODS ferritic steels.
Carbon nanotube‐supported bimetallic palladium–gold electrocatalysts for electro‐oxidation of formic acid
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Han , Liou Wei‐Jen , Lin Hong‐Ming , Wu She‐Huang , Mikolajczuk Anna , Stobinski Leszek , Borodzinski Andrzej , Kedzierzawski Piotr , Kurzydlowski Krzysztof
Published: April 2010

It is known that palladium‐based catalysts are initially very active in direct formic acid oxidation but they suffer from fast deactivation caused by a strongly adsorbed CO intermediate. Reactivation of the catalysts involving application of anodic potential may cause palladium dissolution. The aim of the present study is to increase the stability and performance of palladium‐based catalysts in direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs). Preparation and characterization of palladium/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Pd/MWCNTs) and towards formic acid oxidation via different treatments are described. The catalysts were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). It was shown that the Pd and Pd–Au MWCNTs supported catalysts after reduction in H2–Ar at 200 °C (R200 treatment) were highly active in formic acid electro‐oxidation, whereas the catalysts after heating in argon at 250 °C (C250 treatment) were inactive. The catalysts after hydrogen treatment have smaller metal particles and better contact with MWCNTs support. CV, simulating reactivation of the catalysts, showed that the Pd catalyst suffers from severe Pd dissolution, whereas for the Pd–Au selective leaching of Pd is considerably slower.
Observation and enhancement of visible photoluminescence of PECVD a‐SiOx:H (x < 2) thin films by microcavity effect
Authors: Bacıoğlu Akın , Kodolbaş Alp Osman , Öktü Özcan
Published: April 2010

a‐SiOx:H (x < 2) thin film samples prepared in a PECVD system by using SiH4+CO2 gas mixture show strong room temperature visible photoluminescence (PL) at a photon energy of 2.1 eV. The PL spectrum of a single layer sample was observed to reshape due to the multiple reflection between two interfaces of the film. The orders of the resonance modes in the PL spectrum range of 1.5 eV‐2.5 eV, were calculated to be within a range of m=8 to m=13. The peak energy of the most intense mode (m=11) was observed at 2.1 eV and the half width and the quality factor of the microcavity were calculated as Δν=20 THz and Q=20, respectively. Two multi‐layered distributed Bragg reflectors (10 and 25 layer pairs) were fabricated with two different refractive indices (n1=3.2 and n2=2.4) of the layers with λ/4 (λ0=580nm) optical thickness. The PL intensity was detected increasing in intensity around the photon energy of 2 eV and the other modes were suppressed. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanical response of nanocrystalline Cu from atomistic simulations
Authors: Galanis Nikos V. , Remediakis Ioannis N. , Kopidakis Georgios
Published: April 2010

We perform atomistic simulations for the structure and elastic properties of nanocrystalline Cu. We observe softening at small grain sizes, in analogy with the reverse Hall‐Petch effect for plastic deformations in nanocrystalline metals. The decrease of elastic constants is explained by the increase of the fraction of grain boundary atoms for smaller grains. By decomposing the energy into contributions from atoms in the bulk of grains and at interfaces, we derive simple scaling relations for various properties as a function of the average grain size. These theoretical predictions fit very well the simulation data, as well as published data for nanocrystalline diamond. This suggests that softening at small grain sizes is a general nanoscale effect. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanocrystallization of Al‐based glasses via nucleation and growth under “soft impingement” conditions
Authors: Rassolov Sergey , Tkatch Victor , Maslov Valeriy , Maksimov Victor , Svyrydova Kateryna , Zhikharev Igor
Published: April 2010

The nanocrystallization behaviour of Al86Ni6Co2Gd3Y2Tb1 amorphous alloy has been studied by X‐ray diffraction methods involving small angle scattering, resistance measurements and differential scanning calorimetry. It has been established that the transformation in amorphous alloy investigated occurs mainly by the growth process at initial state of transformation while at final stage nucleation contributes into formation of nanocomposite structure. In order to describe the nanocrystallization kinetics of the Al‐based glasses the analytical kinetic equations in the frames of Kolmogorov‐Johnson‐Mehl‐Avrami model have been proposed and the effective volume diffusion coefficient values which govern the diffusion‐limited growth nanocrystals have been determined. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Micro‐scale (1.5 µm) sulphur isotope analysis of contemporary and early Archean pyrite
Authors: Nishizawa Manabu , Maruyama Shigenori , Urabe Tetsuro , Takahata Naoto , Sano Yuji
Published: April 2010

We present a method for in situ sulphur (S) isotopic analysis of significantly small areas (1.5 µm in diameter) in pyrite using secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) to interpret microbial sulphur metabolism in the early earth. We evaluated the precision and accuracy of S isotopic ratios obtained by this method using hydrothermal pyrite samples with homogeneous S isotopic ratios. The internal precision of the δ34S value was 1.5‰ at the level of 1 sigma of standard error (named 1SE) for a single spot, while the external reproducibility was estimated to be 1.6‰ at the level of 1 sigma of standard deviation (named 1SD, n = 25). For each separate sample, the average δ34S value was comparable with that measured by a conventional method, and the accuracy was better than 2.3‰. Consequently, the in situ method is sufficiently accurate and precise to detect the S isotopic variations of small sample of the pyrite (less than 20 µm) that occurs ubiquitously in ancient sedimentary rocks. This method was applied to measure the S isotopic distribution of pyrite within black chert fragments in early Archean sandstone. The pyrite had isotopic zoning with a 34S‐depleted core and 34S‐enriched rim, suggesting isotopic evolution of the source H2S from −15 to −5‰. Production of H2S by microbial sulphate reduction (MSR) in a closed system provides a possible explanation for both the 34S‐depleted initial H2S and the progressive increase in the δ34SH2S value. Although more extensive data are necessary to strengthen the explanation for the origin of the MSR, the results show that the S isotopic distribution within pyrite crystals may be a key tracer for MSR activity in the early earth. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced surface sensitivity in secondary ion mass spectrometric analysis of organic thin films using size‐selected Ar gas‐cluster ion projectiles
Authors: Tanaka Motohiro , Moritani Kousuke , Hirota Tomokazu , Toyoda Noriaki , Yamada Isao , Inui Norio , Mochiji Kozo
Published: April 2010

A size‐selected argon (Ar) gas‐cluster ion beam (GCIB) was applied to the secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) of a 1,4‐didodecylbenzene (DDB) thin film. The samples were also analyzed by SIMS using an atomic Ar+ ion projectile and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Compared with those in the atomic‐Ar+ SIMS spectrum, the fragment species, including siloxane contaminants present on the sample surface, were enhanced several hundred times in the Ar gas‐cluster SIMS spectrum. XPS spectra during beam irradiation indicate that the Ar GCIB sputters contaminants on the surface more effectively than the atomic Ar+ ion beam. These results indicate that a large gas‐cluster projectile can sputter a much shallower volume of organic material than small projectiles, resulting in an extremely surface‐sensitive analysis of organic thin films. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of two liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry platforms for quantification of monensin in animal feed and milk
Authors: Dai Susie Y. , Herrman Timothy J.
Published: April 2010

Monensin is an anticoccidial drug that has been used as an additive in medicated feed. The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has included monensin in the national surveillance schemes for residues in foodstuff. In this study, two simple, selective and rapid methods were developed to determine monensin content in animal feed and milk. The methods enabled the detection of monensin residues as low as 1 ppb. Moreover, the two methods were used as models to compare two common liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) platforms; an LC linear ion trap (LC/LIT) and an LC triple quadrupole (LC/QqQ). The two instrument platforms were evaluated for their matrix effect dependence, precision and accuracy. The LC/QqQ presented a lower limit of detection and limit of quantitation (LOD and LOQ) and showed less matrix dependence as compared to the LC/LIT. The LC/QqQ instrument also demonstrated a better intermediate precision. For example, the intermediate precision standard deviation calculated for 27 analyses across three days was 4% and 11% for LC/QqQ and LC/LIT, respectively. Overall, the LC/QqQ represents a better choice for analysis of monensin with respect to LOD, LOQ, matrix interference and precision. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fast gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method for the determination of stimulants and narcotics in urine
Authors: Rossi Sabina Strano , de la Torre Xavier , Botrè Francesco
Published: April 2010

A fast method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 52 stimulants and narcotics excreted unconjugated in urine by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The procedure involves the liquid/liquid extraction of the analytes from urine at strong alkaline pH and the injection of the extract into a GC/MS instrument with a fast GC column (10 m × 0.18 mm i.d.); the short column allows the complete separation of the 52 analytes in a chromatographic run of 8 min. The method has been fully validated giving lower limits of detection (LLODs) satisfactory for its application to antidoping analysis as well as to forensic toxicology. The repeatability of the concentrations and the retention times are good both for intra‐ and for inter‐day experiments (%CV of concentrations always lower than 15 and %CV of retention times lower than 0.6). In addition, the analytical bias is satisfactory (A% always >15%). The method proposed here would be particularly useful whenever there are time constraints and the analyses have to be completed in the shortest possible time. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A tool for the spectroscopic investigation of hydrogen–silicon interaction
Authors: Romano E. , Cerofolini G. F. , Narducci D. , Corni F. , Frabboni S. , Ottaviani G. , Tonini R.
Published: April 2010

The preparation of an array of nanocavities (NCs) in silicon via thermal treatments of high‐fluence helium‐implanted silicon is a well‐established process. The NCs have offered a powerful tool for the preparation of well‐defined and ordered internal silicon surface, enabling the experimental investigation of its free energy. Here, instead, we interpret the NCs as an ideal nanolaboratory for the study of the adsorption and desorption of H2 on silicon. We will present the determination of the internal pressure through the equilibrium abundances of monohydride dimers and dihydrides obtained with infrared spectroscopy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depth of brain fissures in normal fetuses by prenatal ultrasound between 19 and 30 weeks of gestation
Authors: Alonso I. , Borenstein M. , Grant G. , Narbona I. , Azumendi G.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To establish normal reference ranges for the depth of the insula and Sylvian (SF), parieto‐occipital (POF) and calcarine (CF) fissures on prenatal ultrasound between 19 and 30 weeks of gestation.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 15 consecutive normal fetuses per gestational week between 19 + 0 and 30 + 6 weeks. We measured the depth of the insula and SF in a standard transventricular axial plane of the fetal head; the depth of the POF in a plane above and parallel to that used for the insula; and the depth of the CF in a coronal view of the posterior fossa. All measurements were done transabdominally during the routine second‐ or third‐trimester examination. Reproducibility for each of the parameters was assessed by two operators using stored images from 30 cases.

Results

The depth of the four structures increased with increasing gestational age. The insula and SF could be seen in all cases from 19 weeks onwards, while the POF and CF could be identified in 93.3% and 6.6% of cases, respectively, at 19 weeks. From 20 weeks onwards, the POF could be seen in all examinations, as could the CF from 24 weeks. Intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility analysis showed good results.

Conclusions

Assessment of the insula, SF, POF and CF is feasible during prenatal ultrasound examination using standard views of the fetal head. Since the normal ranges increase with gestational age, they could be used to estimate brain development. It is possible that this assessment might be incorporated into the neurosonogram to identify fetuses at risk of maturation disorders or as a complement to other standard evaluations. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance evaluation of multirate DS‐CDMA communication systems with adaptive antennas
Authors: Chen Jun‐Da , Ueng Fang‐Biau , Chang Jui‐Chi , Lin Cen‐Lan
Published: April 2010

Adaptive antennas, with spatial processing, used in code division multiple access (CDMA) systems can enhance range, reliability, and capacity. Moreover, the adaptive beamforming technologies can remove unwanted noise and interference from the received signal. In this paper, we propose the adaptive direct sequence (DS) CDMA antenna receivers and compare their performances in three existing multirate methodologies—variable processing gain (VPG), variable chip rate, and multicode systems for multiuser communications in multipath fading channels. Simulation results show that the processing powers of both narrowband and wideband adaptive antennas are not enough. We propose a powerful processing technique named Wiener Code Filter (WCF) to retrieve the shortcomings. Mean square error (MSE) analyses are also given in this paper. Some simulation examples are given to compare the performances of the proposed multirate structures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The critical protein interactions and structures that elicit growth deregulation in cancer and viral replication
Authors: Ou Horng D. , May Andrew P. , O'Shea Clodagh C.
Published: April 2010

One of the greatest challenges in biomedicine is to define the critical targets and network interactions that are subverted to elicit growth deregulation in human cells. Understanding and developing rational treatments for cancer requires a definition of the key molecular targets and how they interact to elicit the complex growth deregulation phenotype. Viral proteins provide discerning and powerful probes to understand both how cells work and how they can be manipulated using a minimal number of components. The small DNA viruses have evolved to target inherent weaknesses in cellular protein interaction networks to hijack the cellular DNA and protein replication machinery. In the battle to escape the inevitability of senescence and programmed cell death, cancers have converged on similar mechanisms, through the acquisition and selection of somatic mutations that drive unchecked cellular replication in tumors. Understanding the dynamic mechanisms through which a minimal number of viral proteins promote host cells to undergo unscheduled and pathological replication is a powerful strategy to identify critical targets that are also disrupted in cancer. Viruses can therefore be used as tools to probe the system‐wide protein‐protein interactions and structures that drive growth deregulation in human cells. Ultimately this can provide a path for developing system context‐dependent therapeutics. This review will describe ongoing experimental approaches using viruses to study pathways deregulated in cancer, with a particular focus on viral cellular protein‐protein interactions and structures. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2011 3 48–73 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.88

This article is categorized under:

Developmental Biology > Developmental Processes in Health and Disease
Mass spectrometric analysis of the secretome of Candida albicans
Authors: Sorgo Alice G. , Heilmann Clemens J. , Dekker Henk L. , Brul Stanley , de Koster Chris G. , Klis Frans M.
Published: April 2010

The pathogenic fungus Candida albicans secretes a considerable number of hydrolases and other proteins. In‐depth studies of the C. albicans secretome could thus provide new candidates for diagnostic markers and vaccine development. We compared various growth conditions differing in pH, temperature and the presence of the hyphal inducer N‐acetylglucosamine. The polypeptide content of the growth media was ca. 0.1–0.2% of the total biomass. Using LC–tandem mass spectrometry, we identified 44 secretory proteins, the transmembrane protein Msb2, six secretory pathway‐associated proteins and 28 predicted cytosolic proteins. Many secretory proteins are wall‐related, suggesting that their presence in the growth medium is at least partially due to accidental release from the walls. Als3, Csa2, Rbt4, Sap4 and Sap6 were enriched in the medium of hyphal cultures; Bgl2, Cht3, Dag7, Eng1, Pir1, Rbe1, Scw11, Sim1/Sun42, Xog1 and Ywp1 in the medium of yeast cells; and Plb4.5 in pH 4 medium. Seven proteins (Cht3, Mp65, Orf19.5063/Coi1, Scw11, Sim1, Sun41 and Tos1) were consistently present under all conditions tested. These observations indicate that C. albicans tightly regulates its secretome. Mp65, Sun41, and Tos1 were each predicted to contain at least one highly immunogenic peptide. In total, we identified 29 highly immunogenic peptides originating from 18 proteins, including two members of the family of secreted aspartyl proteases. Fifty‐six peptides were identified as proteotypic and will be useful for quantification purposes. In summary, the number of identified secretory proteins in the growth medium has been substantially extended, and growth conditions strongly affect the composition of the secretome. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das erste Alkalimetall‐Lanthanoid(III)‐Iodid‐Oxotellurat(IV): Na2Lu3I3[TeO3]4
Authors: Zitzer Sabine , Schleid Thomas
Published: April 2010

Colorless platelets of Na2Lu3I3[TeO3]4 were obtained within five days at 775 °C by the reaction of Lu2O3 and TeO2 in a 3:8 molar ratio with NaI added in excess as both fluxing agent and reactant in evacuated silica ampoules. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2/c with the lattice parameters a = 921.69(5), b = 552.71(3), c = 1664.37(9) pm, β = 90.218(4)° and Z = 2. The crystal structure of Na2Lu3I3[TeO3]4 exhibits two crystallographically different Lu3+ cations, both coordinated by eight O2– anions as square antiprisms. These polyhedra are interconnected through four common edges to build up {}^2_∞{[LuO{}^e_8/2]5–} layers (e = edge‐linking) parallel to (100). Furthermore, the crystal structure includes a crystallographically unique Na+ cation surrounded by four O2– and four I– anions also in the shape of a square antiprism. These polyhedra connect via common (I2)–···(I2)– edges in generating {}^1_∞{[Na2O8I{}^e_4]18–} double‐strands that are further linked by (I1)– vertices to result in the formation of {}^2_∞{[Na2O8I3{}^e,v_3]17–} layers (v = vertex‐linking) spreading out parallel to (100) as well. Thus, the crystal structure contains two crystallographically distinct I– anions, of which (I1)– is coordinated nearly linear (∢ (Na–I1–Na) = 179.6°) by two Na+ cations, whereas (I2)– has contact to three of them displaying a distance of 114 pm from the triangular (Na+)3 plane. The crystal structure of Na2Lu3I3[TeO3]4 is completed by two crystallographically independent Te4+ cations that show stereochemically active non‐bonding electron pairs (“lone pairs”) and are located above and below the {}^2_∞{[LuO{}^e_8/2]5–} layers forming isolated ψ1‐tetrahedral [TeO3]2– anions (d(Te–O) = 188–190 pm) with all oxygen atoms.
18F‐FDG PET for the Identification of Adrenocortical Carcinomas among Indeterminate Adrenal Tumors at Computed Tomography Scanning
Authors: Nunes Marie Laure , Rault Alexandre , Teynie Julie , Valli Nathalie , Guyot Martine , Gaye Delphine , Belleannee Genevieve , Tabarin Antoine
Published: April 2010

Background

18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) has been proposed for the evaluation of adrenal tumors. However, only scarce data are available to evaluate its usefulness for the identification of primary adrenal carcinomas in patients with no previous history of cancer and equivocal tumors on computed tomography (CT) scan. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 18F‐FDG‐PET to predict malignancy in such patients.

Methods and Patients

This was a retrospective study carried out from 2006 to 2009 in a single university hospital center. Twenty‐three consecutive patients without previous history of cancer investigated for adrenal tumors without features of benign adrenocortical adenoma on CT scan but no obvious ACC underwent 18F‐FDG PET. All patients underwent adrenalectomy because of CT scan characteristics regardless of the results of 18F‐FDG PET. The ratio of maxSUV adrenal tumor on maxSUV liver (adrenal/liver maxSUV ratio) during 18F‐FDG PET was compared to Weiss pathological criteria.

Results

Seventeen patients had an adrenal adenoma, 2 had small size adrenal carcinomas (<5 cm), 1 had an angiosarcoma, and 3 had noncortical benign lesions. An adrenal/liver maxSUV ratio above 1.6 provided 100% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 100% negative predictive value for the diagnosis of malignant tumor.

Conclusions

Because of its excellent negative predictive value, 18F‐FDG‐PET may be of help in avoiding unnecessary surgery in patients with non‐secreting equivocal tumors at CT scanning and low 18F‐FGD uptake.
Might an overweight waitress make you eat more? How the body type of others is sufficient to alter our food consumption
Authors: McFerran Brent , Dahl Darren W. , Fitzsimons Gavan J. , Morales Andrea C.
Published: April 2010

This paper investigates how people's food choices can be shaped by the body type of others around them. Using a professionally constructed obesity prosthesis, we show that the body type of a (confederate) server in a taste test study was sufficient to alter both the quantity (Experiment 1) and specific choices (Experiment 2) participants made but that chronic dieters and non‐dieters exhibited opposite effects. While non‐dieters ate more snacks when the server was thin, dieters ate more when the server was heavy. Dieters were also more persuaded by a heavy (vs. a thin) server, choosing both a healthy and unhealthy snack more often when she recommended it to them. We suggest these results may be attributable to identification with the server.
Women and the Islamic Revolution
Authors: Ferdows Adele K.
Published: April 2010

Defining the role of women in Islamic society has been an issue for debate in post-revolutionary Iran, particularly in light of recent rulings affecting women. This is not merely a theoretical debate but a crisis situation where some women who participated in the revolution alongside men now find themselves in a peculiarly difficult position in relation to society and the current government. Ali shariati (d. 1977), through his publihsed works and transcribed lectures during the 1960s and 1970s, has had a tremendous impact on the direction of this debate. Completely rejecting the role of women in both western and traditional societies, Shariati offers a third alternative: the figure of Fatima, daughter of the Prophet Mohammad and wife of Ali, the first Imam of the Shi'is as the personification of women's role.