bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optogenetics and electron tomography for structure-function analysis of cochlear ribbon synapses
Authors: Chakrabarti Rituparna , Jaime Tobón Lina María , Slitin Loujin , Redondo Canales Magdalena , Hoch Gerhard , Slashcheva Marina , Fritsch Elisabeth , Bodensiek Kai , Özçete Özge Demet , Gültas Mehmet , Michanski Susann , Opazo Felipe , Neef Jakob , Pangrsic Tina , Moser Tobias , Wichmann Carolin
Published: December 2022

Ribbon synapses of cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) are specialized to indefatigably transmit sound information at high rates. To understand the underlying mechanisms, structure-function analysis of the active zone (AZ) of these synapses is essential. Previous electron microscopy studies of synaptic vesicle (SV) dynamics at the IHC AZ used potassium stimulation, which limited the temporal resolution to minutes. Here, we established optogenetic IHC stimulation followed by quick freezing within milliseconds and electron tomography to study the ultrastructure of functional synapse states with good temporal resolution in mice. We characterized optogenetic IHC stimulation by patch-clamp recordings from IHCs and postsynaptic boutons revealing robust IHC depolarization and neurotransmitter release. Ultrastructurally, the number of docked SVs increased upon short (17–25 ms) and long (48–76 ms) light stimulation paradigms. We did not observe enlarged SVs or other morphological correlates of homotypic fusion events. Our results indicate a rapid recruitment of SVs to the docked state upon stimulation and suggest that univesicular release prevails as the quantal mechanism of exocytosis at IHC ribbon synapses.
The whys and whats of OPERAS
Authors: Mounier Pierre , Aspaas Per Pippin
Published: December 2022

Pierre Mounier presents OPERAS, the European research infrastructure dedicated to open scholarly communication in the social sciences and humanities. With 10 core and a further 40+ member institutions from 16 different countries, its aim is to share knowledge between stakeholders across Europe. As a distributed infrastructure, OPERAS consists of a number of multinational Special Interest Groups that work on specific topics with the aim of developing services and conducting projects at a European level. Ranging from technical service providers and libraries through university presses and learned societies to entire research institutes and universities, OPERAS brings together a variety of stakeholders that work collectively to promote open dissemination of research-based knowledge about society and culture. All interest groups are convened twice a year for an "assembly of the commons"; further coordinating and strategic tasks are taken care of by an Executive Committee and a General Assembly. All member organisations are required to work for open access. Individuals that want to contribute are encouraged to check whether there are any member institutions in their country; in case not, they can always contact one of the coordinators (Pierre Mounier or Suzanne Dumouchel) or another member of the Executive Committee directly.
Recording made in conjunction with the 17th Munin Conference on Scholarly Publishing. First published online: December 27, 2022.
El recurso en materia de Contratación Pública en el Derecho europeo y su aplicación en España.
Authors:   Universidad Santo Tomás, Sánchez Villagrán Camilo
Published: December 2022

El autor dedica su obra al estudio pormenorizado y sistematizado del sistema de recursos en los procedimientos de contratación pública, particularmente en el Derecho europeo y, conforme su mismo título lo expresa, a su aplicación práctica en España.
La falta de servicio como título de imputación en la responsabilidad patrimonial del Estado, ¿es el único que acepta nuestro sistema? Fundamentos para la admisión de otros títulos de imputación.
Authors:   UNIVERSIDAD DE CONCEPCIÓN, Huepe Artigas Fabián
Published: December 2022

El presente trabajo propone que la responsabilidad patrimonial de la Administración no sólo se fundamenta en la falta de servicio como único título de imputación de responsabilidad, según lo ha aceptado de manera uniforme la jurisprudencia, sino que es jurídicamente posible que, conjuntamente con la falta de servicio, coexistan otros títulos de imputación que establezcan regímenes excepcionales de responsabilidad sin falta, sobre la base de una correcta interpretación del artículo 4° de la Ley General de Bases Generales de la Administración del Estado.
El enigmático dominio originario de los recursos naturales del artículo 124 de la Constitución de la Nación Argentina. Aportes para su esclarecimiento Contributions for its clarification
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina
Published: December 2022

Tras su reforma en 1994, la Constitución argentina declara que los recursos naturales pertenecen al dominio originario de las provincias en que se encuentran. Este trabajo busca contribuir al esclarecimiento del significado de esa noción, aun sujeta a debate pese a los casi treinta años transcurridos desde su recepción constitucional.
El jurista Giulio Capone, el cantante Ottavio Gaudioso y la defensa filosófica de la castración con fines musicales
Authors:   Universidad de Salamanca (España), Martín Sáez Daniel
Published: December 2022

La consideración teórica de la castración con fines musicales apenas ha recibido atención hasta ahora. En general, se afirma que los países cristianos condenaron dicha práctica desde que se empezó a extender en el siglo XVI, aunque al mismo tiempo las instituciones eclesiásticas y civiles no dejaran de contratar a cantantes castrados durante cuatro siglos. Los argumentos en contra de la castración de cantantes aparecen en la obra de teólogos como Francisco Farfán, Fabio Incarnato, Alonso de Vega, Pedro de Ledesma, Juan Machado de Chaves, Théophile Raynaud, Antonio Diana, Enrique de Villalobos y Martín de Torrecilla, entre muchos otros, hoy prácticamente desconocidos. Pero también existieron eminentes teólogos que defendieron la legitimidad de dicha práctica, como Miguel Bartolomé Salón, Gregorio Sayro, Juan Gil Trullench, Zaccaria Pasqualigo y Tommaso Tamburini. En este artículo abordamos el contexto filosófico, teológico, médico y jurídico en que surgió este debate, prestando especial atención a la defensa realizada por el jurista napolitano Giulio Capone, motivada por el escándalo de un caso real ocurrido en Nápoles en 1670, cuando se intentó negar una canonjía a un cantante llamado Ottavio Gaudioso por su condición de castrado. Este contexto resulta esencial no solo para comprender una práctica musical que pervivió durante cuatro siglos en los territorios cristianos, sino también para profundizar en nuestra idea del cuerpo, la sexualidad, el matrimonio, el éxito social y la vida religiosa.
Replacement of Fish Meal with Fermented Soybean Meal in Fish Feed: A Review
Authors: Pratiwy Fittrie Meyllianawaty , Triyani Dina Amalia
Published: December 2022

Soybean meal is a source of vegetable protein to replace fish meal which is widely used because it has a high protein content (26.7 -65.5%), balanced amino acids and easy to find compared to other plants. Besides being high in protein, soybean meal also contains anti-nutrients which can inhibit growth, feed effectiveness, and lower nutrient utilization in fish. So it is necessary to process feed ingredients to remove anti-nutritional content. Fermentation can be a solution for utilizing soybean meal by reducing the anti-nutrient content and crude fiber to produce components that can be utilized properly, such as protein, β-glucan, vitamins, mannan oligosaccharides, organic acids, and antibiotics. The type of fermented soybean meal that is widely used is Bacillus spp., Aspergillus spp., Lactobacillus spp., and yeast. The purpose of this literature review study was to determine the effect of replacing fish meal with fermented soybean meal in fish feed. Several types of fish that have been fed using fermented soybean meal include seabasses, green snapper, mud grouper, rainbow trout, pomfret star, tilapia, and turbot. Fermentation of soybean meal to fish can increase growth rate, gut morphology, gut microecology, feed digestibility, feed preferences, fish innate immunity and produce antimicrobial peptides. Soybean meal fermentation as a substitute for fish meal has been shown to have a good effect on fish so that it can continue to be developed to increase the utilization of soybean meal.
Response of Released Chickpea Cultivars to some Fusarium oxysporum f. sp ciceris Isolates in Sudan
Authors: Abdalla Saifeldeen A. , Siddig Marmar A. El , Hussein Adil Ali El , Ibrahim Elshiekh A. , Naim Ahmed M. El
Published: December 2022

Chickpea seeds in Sudan is an economically important, as a cash crop that generates income for farmers and rural communities, and as a significant source of protein for poor people. It is used increasingly as a substitute for animal protein This study was conducted to screen eight chickpea cultivars viz Salawa, Burgeig, Wadhamid, Jebelmarra, Hawatta, Shendi, Atmour, and Mattama using eighteen (18) isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp ciceris (FOC) isolated from infected plants of chickpea displaying the characteristic symptoms of Fusarium wilt disease in winter season from different locations in Sudan.  A pot experiment was carried out to assess disease intensity in terms of disease incidence (DI) and disease severity (DS).  After seven weeks from inoculation 19 out of 144 isolated-cultivar combinations do not show disease symptoms.  The cultivar Burgeig was found to be immune to all Fusarium wilt isolates in the second and third week after inoculation. After seven weeks from inoculation, the least DI and DS were registered in Burgeig, whereas the highest ones were observed in cultivar Shendi. The remaining cultivars showed different responses to FOC isolates. Regarding disease development, the high jump in incidence and severity occurred between the third and fourth week after inoculation. The FOC isolate S9 seems to be more virulent and aggressive compared to the others.
Economic Assessment of Black Pepper under Hilly Zone Multi-storyed Ecosystem of Karnataka, India
Authors: Yadava C. G. , Chandrarekha C. , Santhosha K. M. , Gagana M. D. , Pushpa P.
Published: December 2022

India is one of the largest producers, exporters and consumers of spices across the world. At global market India spices are in high demand due its medicinal and culinary value. Major exported spices from India were turmeric, chilli, black pepper, mint products, cumin, cardamom, garlic, curry paste and spice oils etc. Among these spices the share of black pepper is noticeable and which is grown abundantly in hilly zone multi-storyed ecosystem of Karnataka. There is a lack of understanding the economics of the crop and constraints faced by the hilly region farmers to cultivate black pepper. Hence, the study analyses the socio economic status, livelihood sustainability of the farmers, processing practices and constraints faced by the black pepper cultivators in hilly zone of Karnataka by using primary data. The selected farmers were classified based on their income levels and garett’s ranking technique was followed to prioritize the constraintsas perceived by the farmers. The study found that majority of the farmers who cultivate black pepper under multi-storyed cropping system were low income group farmers. In this region still black pepper is mainly cultivated by adopting traditional practices, hence expenditure on farm yard manure was the major item for both establishment and annual maintenance costs. Timely non availability of labours and high wage rates were identified as larger impacting constraints. The study concludes that there is a huge scope for mechanization of harvesting and other labour intensive functions to facilitate farmers which impact positively on black pepper economics and the investigation suggests for the integrating of markets with necessary market intelligence services to the gross root levels in the black pepper ecosystem in Karnataka to minimize higher price volatility.
Study of the Echocardiographic Changes in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Barakat Aya Nagy , Khalil Sameh Samir , Abo-Elnasr Nashwa Mohamed , Elgharabawy Nashwa M.
Published: December 2022

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder of multiple etiologies. Cardiovascular changes are one of the important macro vascular complications which are a major cause of mortality in diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the structural and functional cardiovascular changes using echocardiography in diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) in comparison with those without diabetic nephropathy. 

Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was carried out on 60 diabetic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) only or had T2DM with DN Patients were subdivided in to two equal groups: group A included patients without DN and group B included patients with DN. All patients were subjected to laboratory investigations, echocardiography (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), pulmonary artery pressure measuring, left ventricular systolic and diastolic function assessment).

Results: There was a significantly lower Hb and significantly higher creatinine level and AL/CR ratio in group B in comparison to group A. There was significantly higher number of sclerotic aortic valve patients, higher numbers of low TAPSE, higher estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (ESPAP), higher end diastolic diameter (EDD), higher end systolic diameter (ESD), heavier left ventricular mass and thicker posterior wall thickness in group B in comparison to group A (P ≤ 0.05). There was a positive relationship between AL/CR ratio and EDD, left ventricular mass, TAPSE, and posterior wall thickness, while negative relationship between it and ESD in the two studied groups, and it was found that high EPASP and sclerosis of the Aortic valve were more prevalent with DN group.

Conclusions: Risks of cardiovascular events increase substantially with increasing stage of kidney disease in T2DM patients. Asymptomatic diabetic subjects are at high risk for major adverse cardiovascular events, such as those with, chronic diabetic kidney disease (DKD), or proteinuria.
Microbiological, Physicochemical and Sensory Characterization of Honey, a Natural Healthy Product in Burkina Faso
Authors: François Tapsoba , Boureima Kagambèga , Adama Sawadogo , Oumarou Zongo , Nadia Yoda W. , Harouna Ouédraogo , Hama Cissé, , Cheikna Zongo , Aly Savadogo
Published: December 2022

Honey is a natural product produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. It is a very healthy food whose multiple properties significantly improve health and prevent many diseases. However, some practices can affect its quality, hence the objective of the study was to assess the honey safety from 6 honey-producing regions in Burkina Faso. The physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics were determined using standard methods.

The density was between 1.39 to 1.44; the pH, 5.73 to 6.56; the total acidity, 13.00 to 83.00 meq/kg; the brix degree ranged 86.00 to 88.50%; the moisture,11.86 to 18.83%, the electrical conductivity, 101.00 to 155.00 μs/cm and the Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), from 14.67± 0.00 to 90.52±0.35.

Microbiological analysis showed the total counts varied from 1.21.105±1.18.104 to 3.50.103±3.50.103 to 1.21.105 CFU/mL; yeast and mold rate were below 103 CFU/mL, spore contamination is also noted in some honey samples and was between 2.23×101±2.51 to 1.38×102 ±7.63CFU/mL), Salmonella, Shigella and coliform were not detected in the honey samples.

Sensory analysis revealed that the organoleptic characteristics of honey varied from region to another. All the honey was differently appreciated by the tasters.
Recovery of Recombinant Cutinase Using Detergent Foam
Authors: Fernandes Sheryl , Mattiasson Bo , Hatti‐Kaul Rajni
Published: July 2002

Foam generated by vigorous stirring of a nonionic detergent, Triton X‐114, was used for the recovery of recombinant cutinase expressed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The enzyme with a hydrophobic fusion tag, (Trp‐Pro)4, was recovered with a higher yield as compared to the wild‐type cutinase, indicating the involvement of hydrophobic interactions in protein isolation with the foam. The influence of various factors including volume, dilution, pH, different additives, and cell concentration in the medium on enzyme recovery was investigated. Interaction of the enzyme with detergent was monitored using fluorescence spectroscopy. No significant changes in protein conformation after the isolation procedure were observed using circular dichroism.
Binding of Antithrombin III and Thrombin to Immobilized Heparin under Flow Conditions
Authors: Byun Youngro , Jacobs Harvey A. , Kim Sung Wan
Published: July 2002

The chemical immobilization of heparin onto polymeric materials through hydrophilic spacer groups was performed to improve the hemocompatibility of blood‐contacting devices. Significant data have been gathered attesting to the biological activity of immobilized heparin in static in vitro studies (clotting times) and dynamic in vivo studies (thrombus formation). However, few studies have been performed to investigate the binding kinetics of spacer‐immobilized heparin under flow (shear stress) with antithrombin III (ATIII) and thrombin. To help elucidate this binding mechanism, a mathematical model was developed which parallels experiments to measure protein binding and dissociation at the heparin immobilized surface under flow conditions. Heparinized tubing was prepared by chemically immobilizing a high‐ATIII‐affinity fraction of heparin onto the surface of poly(ethylene)‐oxide grafted, poly(styrene‐co‐p‐aminostyrene)‐coated polyethylene tubing. ATIII was first bound onto the immobilized heparin, followed by the introduction of thrombin to interact with ATIII. The concentration of thrombin−ATIII complex (TAT) flowing from the tubing was determined, and the dissociation rate constants (kD) of TAT from immobilized heparin were calculated as a function of flow rate. The results indicate that the dissociation rate constant of TAT varied with flow rate, especially low flow rates, high flow rates, and turbulent flow. As the TAT complex dissociates from immobilized heparin, this “recovered” heparin is available for subsequent binding of more ATIII and thrombin. These invitro mathematical results may help support mechanisms and hypotheses generated for the biological activity of spacer‐immobilized heparin observed during long‐term in vivo and ex vivo experiments.
Extraction Behavior of Hemoglobin Using Reversed Micelles by Dioleyl Phosphoric Acid
Authors: Ono Tsutomu , Goto Masahiro , Nakashio Fumiyuki , Hatton T. Alan
Published: July 2002

A new surfactant, dioleyl phosphoric acid (DOLPA), has been applied to the extraction of hemoglobin using reversed micelles. The reversed micelles formed by DOLPA can easily extract hemoglobin from aqueous to reversed micellar solutions. DOLPA is the first surfactant to extract hemoglobin completely without using any cosurfactants. On the basis of the difference between DOLPA and AOT reversed micelles in the forward extraction behavior of hemoglobin, the nature of the interfacial complex that would be formed between surfactants and hemoglobin at the oil−water interface was found to be the dominant factor in determining the extraction efficiency of hemoglobin by reversed micelles. In addition, back‐transfer studies of hemoglobin from the DOLPA reversed micelles were also carried out by the phase transfer method. It was found that hemoglobin, once dissolved into the DOLPA reversed micelles, is not transferred to a fresh aqueous solution even when the conditions are adjusted to not allow the forward transfer of hemoglobin. However, the addition of several kinds of alcohol drastically improved the yield in the back‐transfer of hemoglobin. The efficiency in the back‐transfer of hemoglobin strongly depends on the aqueous conditions that are in contact with the reversed micelles, such as pH, ionic strength, and alcohol concentration. A pH higher than the pI of hemoglobin, a salt concentration lower than that of the water pool, and the proper concentration of alcohol are required for the recovery aqueous phase to ensure the back‐transfer of hemoglobin from the DOLPA reversed micelles.
Atopy and house dust mite sensitization as risk factors for asthma in children
Authors: Miraglia del Giudice M. , Pedullà M. , Piacentini G.L. , Capristo C. , Brunese F. P. , Decimo F. , Maiello N. , Capristo A.F.
Published: July 2002

Background:Recent evidence suggests that asthma is not invariably related to atopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of atopy, asthma and sensitization to eight common allergens in a large group of children with allergic symptoms.

Methods:1426 children referred to our Paediatric Asthma and Allergy Center because of allergic symptoms were examined. Bronchial asthma, allergic rhino‐conjunctivitis, food allergy and atopic dermatitis were diagnosed with standardized methods. Atopy was diagnosed if at least one skin test was positive.

Results:Of the 1426 children examined, 629 (44%) were atopic and 769 (56%) were non‐atopic. Asthma was diagnosed in the same proportion (i.e., 64%) of atopic and non‐atopic children. However, after division into age groups, non‐atopic asthma was significantly more prevalent (χ2 = 8.46) in children between 0 and 3 years old (group 1). On the other hand, atopy was significantly associated with asthma only in group 3 (odds ratio 1.85). Furthermore, a significant association with asthma symptoms was found for house dust mite (HDM) in group 3 (odds ratio 4.8).

Conclusions:Asthma is related to atopy in pre‐selected children only from the age of 7 years. House dust mite sensitization seems to be an important determinant of asthma in these “older” children.
Alkylation of cysteine‐containing peptides to mimic palmitoylation
Authors: Wilkinson T.A. , Yin J. , Pidgeon C. , Post C.B.
Published: July 2002

Abstract: Numerous proteins that are involved in cell signaling and viral replication require post‐translational modification by palmitoylation to function properly. The molecular details by which this palmitoyl modification affects protein function remain poorly understood. To facilitate in vitro biochemical and structural studies of the role of palmitoylation on protein function, a method was developed for alkylating peptides with saturated C16 groups at cysteine residues and demonstrated using peptides derived from the palmitoylated region of Sindbis virus E2 glycoprotein. The synthetic approach takes advantage of disulfide chemistry to specifically modify only the cysteine residues within peptides and covalently links C16 groups via disulfide bridges using a new thioalkylating reagent, hexyldexyl‐dithiopyridine. The chemistry presented here takes place in solution under mild conditions without the need for protection of the peptide functional groups. A method for purifying these modified peptides is also described. This protocol can be of general use to investigators studying the role of palmitoylation in biological systems.
X‐ray studies on crystalline complexes involving amino acids and peptides. XXXVI. Crystal structures of hydrated glycyl‐l‐histidine andl‐histidyl‐l‐alanine complexes with oxalic acid
Authors: Manoj N. , Vijayan M.
Published: July 2002

Abstract: The crystal structures of the complexes of oxalic acid with glycyl‐l‐histidine and l‐histidyl‐l‐alanine were determined. The three crystallographically independent peptide molecules in the complexes have closed conformations. The terminal carboxyl group of the dipeptide and the oxalate ion in the Gly–His complex exhibit unusual ionization states and are connected by a symmetric O‐ ‐ ‐O hydrogen bond. The peptide aggregation in the complex is almost identical to that in the corresponding semisuccinate complex and is similar to one of the predicted aggregation patterns for Ala–Ala, demonstrating that dipeptide aggregation is controlled primarily by main‐chain interactions and is substantially unaffected by disturbing influences such as those arising from polar side chains, ions and water molecules. The peptide molecules in the highly pseudosymmetric crystals of the His–Ala complex, however, exhibit a hitherto unobserved aggregation pattern. Thus, in spite of the repeated occurrence of a few patterns, the possibility of the existence of new patterns needs to be taken into account.
Incidence, impact on survival, and risk factors for multi‐organ system failure in children following liver transplantation
Authors: Feickert H. J. , Schepers A. K. , Rodeck B. , Geerlings H. , Hoyer P. F.
Published: July 2002

Abstract: Liver transplantation (LTx) in children currently offers long‐term survival rates of more than 80%. Many causes for Tx failure have been identified. However, the incidence and impact of multi‐organ system failure (MOSF) are, to date, unknown. Therefore, in this study the role of MOSF after LTx in children was investigated with regard to outcome. The data of 114 children (53 girls, 61 boys; median age 4.3 yr) after first LTx were evaluated retrospectively. The definition of MOSF, as used by Wilkinson et al. [Crit Care Med 1986: 14: 271–274], was modified with regard to age‐adjusted values. The influence of MOSF on patient survival was investigated by Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariate regression analysis. Thirty‐one of 114 children with orthotopic LTx developed MOSF (involving two or more organs). In total, 18 children died (15.8%) during the hospitalization; 16 of these had MOSF. Mortality related to two‐organ failure was 29.4% (n = 5), to three‐organ failure 78% (n = 7), and to four‐organ failure 80% (n = 4). The highest mortality rates were observed in children with central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular failure, leading to a decreased probability of survival of 0.40 (p < 0.0001). Multi‐variate analysis showed that CNS and cardiovascular failure were the most important risk factors for survival (p < 0.0001 and 0.056, respectively). Respiratory and renal failure, in univariate analysis, were significant contributors to poor survival, but had no statistically significant influence on outcome in multivariate analysis. Bone marrow insufficiency was found to have no influence on survival in either analysis. In multivariate analysis, the risk of development of MOSF was significantly increased by high numbers of transfused units of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP), the absence of rejection episodes, or a high bilirubin level prior to Tx. Hence, MOSF is a major factor contributing to the death of children early after LTx. CNS and cardiovascular failure carried the highest risk for a poor outcome. Other risk factors associated with the development of MOSF were: numbers of transfused units of FFP, absence of rejection episodes, and a high pre‐Tx bilirubin level.
Doxorubicin and octreotide induce a 40 kDa breakdown product of p53 in human hepatoma and tumoral colon cell lines
Authors: SADJI-OUATAS Zahia , LASFER Malika , JULIEN Sophie , FELDMANN Gérard , REYL-DESMARS Florence
Published: July 2002

The chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin and the anti-proliferative long-acting somatostatin analogue octreotide, both used in cancer treatment, have been shown to increase the expression of the p53 tumour suppressor protein. In the present study, we demonstrate by Western-blot analysis that, in addition to the p53 protein, these molecules were able to induce the expression of a shorter protein with an apparent molecular mass of 40kDa (p40), recognized by antibodies raised against the N-terminus of p53. This induction was present in tumoral and non-tumoral cells and did not depend on the status of the endogenous p53 protein. The p40 protein was significantly induced after 3h of cell treatment with doxorubicin or octreotide, remained stable until 24h and was located in the nuclear extract. Using reverse primers corresponding to each exon of the p53 gene, only one transcript was amplified by reverse transcriptase—PCR. This suggested that p40 was issued from a post-translational modification and not from an alternative splicing. This protein was not recognized by the PAb421 antibody, suggesting that it was issued from a cleavage of the p53 C-terminal region (p40ΔC). Furthermore, this cleavage was not dependent on caspase activity. In conclusion, these results support the hypothesis that this post-translational modification plays a significant role in the regulation of multiple p53 signalling pathways. These results also suggest that octreotide, a molecule with different signalling pathways, was able as doxorubicin to generate a p53 breakdown product.
Single‐Allele Correction Of The Dmo1 Locus In Congenic Animals Substantially Attenuates Obesity, Dyslipidaemia And Diabetes Phenotypes Of The Oletf Rat
Authors: Watanabe Takeshi K , Okuno Shiro , Ono Toshihide , Yamasaki Yuki , Oga Keiko , Mizoguchi‐Miyakita Ayako , Miyao Hideo , Suzuki Mikio , Momota Hiroshi , Goto Yoshihiro , Shinomiya Hiroichi , Hishigaki Haretsugu , Hayashi Isamu , Asai Toshihiro , Wakitani Shigeyuki , Takagi Toshihisa , Nakamura Yusuke , Tanigami Akira
Published: July 2002

1. Whole‐genome scans have identified Dmo1 as a major quantitative trait locus for dyslipidaemia and obesity in the Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat.

2. We have produced congenic rats for the Dmo1 locus through successive back‐cross breeding with diabetic OLETF rats. Marker‐assisted speed congenic protocols were applied to efficiently transfer chromosomal segments from non‐diabetic Brown Norway (BN) rats into the OLETF background.

3. In the fourth generation of congenic animals, we observed a substantial therapeutic effect of the Dmo1 locus on lipid metabolism, obesity control and plasma glucose homeostasis.

4. We have concluded that Dmo1 primarily affects lipid homeostasis, obesity control and/or glucose homeostasis at fasting and is secondarily involved in glucose homeostasis after loading.

5. The results of the present study show that single‐allele correction of a genetic defect of the Dmo1 locus can generate a substantial therapeutic effect, despite the complex polygenic nature of type II diabetic syndromes.
Nephroplication and nephropexy as an adjunct to primary surgery in the management of giant hydronephrosis
Authors: Hemal  , Aron  , Wadhwa
Published: July 2002

Objective

 To study the role of nephroplication and nephropexy as an adjunct to primary surgery in the management of giant hydronephrosis, with an aim to reduce stasis and improve drainage, thus preventing consequent complications.

Patients and methods

 Adjunctive nephroplication and nephropexy were performed in 20 renal units of 16 patients with giant hydronephrosis treated between January 1992 and March 1997. Twelve patients had unilateral and four had bilateral pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction. Four patients had elevated serum creatinine levels. All patients were treated with definitive surgery for the underlying disease and an adjunctive nephroplication and nephropexy was performed at the same time.

Results

 Eighteen of the 20 renal units with giant hydronephrosis showed an improvement in function and drainage as well as in pelvicalyceal system dilatation, while one remained unchanged and one deteriorated. None of the patients developed renal stones or pyelonephritis. Of the four patients with azotaemia, three showed definite improvement to normal levels while one stabilized.

Conclusions

 Nephroplication and nephropexy of giant hydronephrotic kidneys are useful adjunctive procedures to reduce pelvicalyceal system stasis and to improve drainage, thereby preventing subsequent stone formation, infection and deterioration in renal function.
Rotating garnets
Authors: Williams P. F. , Jiang D.
Published: July 2002

The origin of snowball and sigmoidal inclusion patterns in porphyroblasts is discussed. Snowball garnets are peculiar to shear zones whereas sigmoidal patterns occur in porphyroblasts both in shear zones and on the limbs of folds. There are currently two models for the development of snowball garnets and these have been discussed extensively in the literature. We show that although the typical two‐dimensional snowball pattern can be produced by either model, the three‐dimensional inclusion patterns are model‐specific thus providing a distinguishing criterion. We have applied this criterion to all the available data and find that the classical model, which is dependent on the rotation of garnet relative to a single foliation, is applicable in all cases. Syn‐kinematic porphyroblasts on the limbs of horizontal normal folds generally show little rotation relative to geographical coordinates. What rotation they do show generally has the same sense as that of the host limb, but is less in magnitude. This has been used as evidence that the porphyroblasts have remained irrotational while the rocks deformed around them; the implication being that they were unaffected by vorticity associated with folding. This has been explained by claiming that the porphyroblasts are restricted in distribution to small domains of coaxial deformation path. We show that for reasonable deformation models of horizontal normal folds, porphyroblasts affected by vorticity will rotate little with respect to geographical coordinates and our results predict the commonly observed natural patterns. We conclude therefore that lack of rotation relative to geographical coordinates cannot be used to demonstrate that porphyroblasts have grown only in coaxially deforming domains; much less restrictive and more reasonable interpretations are possible. Consequently, the lack of rotation relative to geographical coordinates is more significant for fold modelling than it is for the garnet controversy.
Recording a reversible photoinduced birefringence in a lightguide
Authors: Lückemeyer T. , Franke H.
Published: July 2002

Planar waveguides of the azo dye methyl-red in poly(methyl methacrylate) were spin coated on quartz glass. The transmission of simultaneously launched TE and TM modes (wavelength of the guided light: λ=633 nm) is studied under exposure to blue laser light (λ=488 nm). The guided light may be modulated by the exposing light at low speeds.
‘‘Missing modes’’ in ion-implanted LiNbO3 waveguides
Authors: Chandler P. J. , Zhang L. , Cabrera J. M. , Townsend P. D.
Published: July 2002

It is demonstrated that in optical waveguides formed by ion implantation in LiNbO3, the lower modes for the extraordinary index exist in a buried region of enhanced index, and so may be unable to couple with a surface prism. This is because a shallow region of slightly reduced index near to the surface necessitates the tunnelling of power to these ‘‘missing modes.’’ The number of such modes can be inferred from a comparison of data for two different wavelengths, and confirmation of this together with an estimation of their positions may be obtained by surface stripping. By taking them into account it has been possible to model the profile index by using a stepped base to the optical well.
Evidence of a gas phase transport mechanism for Si incorporation in the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of GaAs
Authors: George T. , Weber E. R. , Nozaki S. , Murray J. J. , Wu A. T. , Umeno M.
Published: July 2002

Enhanced incorporation of Si is observed in the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of homoepitaxial GaAs layers, grown in the presence of Si substrates placed adjacent to the GaAs substrates in the reactor. The electron concentrations of the GaAs layers are a function of the proximity to the Si substrates and the growth temperature, and do not appear to depend on the location of the Si substrates relative to the flow direction of the carrier gases and the type of reactor used for the growth, i.e., horizontal or vertical. Reduction in electron concentrations is observed when Si substrates are covered with passivating layers of either SiO2 or Si3N4. These results provide evidence of a gas phase reaction and transport of Si to the growing GaAs layers.
X-ray interference measurement of ultrathin semiconductor layers
Authors: Wie C. R. , Chen J. C. , Kim H. M. , Liu P. L. , Choi Y.-W. , Hwang D. M.
Published: July 2002

We have characterized, using the interference structure in x-ray rocking curves, a single or double strained GaInP layer grown on an InP substrate. The measured GaInP layer thicknesses are 9±3 Å and 107±3 Å for the single strained layer samples and 7 Å/50 Å and 32 Å/32 Å for the double strained layer samples. The rocking curve results for the 107 Å single-barrier sample and the 7 Å/50 Å double-barrier sample agreed well with the cross-section transmission electron microscopy data and the secondary-ion mass spectrometry data. The x-ray interference structure for the single strained barrier samples indicates the existence of many half-monolayer steps within the 1×1 mm2 x-ray beam spot at each GaInP/InP interface.
Polarization mode selective channel waveguides in an InGaAs/InP disordered superlattice
Authors: Suzuki Yasuhiro , Iwamura Hidetoshi , Miyazawa Takeo , Mikami Osamu
Published: July 2002

Optical channel waveguides which can selectively confine transverse electric and transverse magnetic modes were successfully fabricated in an InGaAs/InP superlattice disordered by Si3N4 cap annealing. The extinction ratio of mode selectivity was found to be 13 dB in both single-mode channel waveguides at the 1.52 μm wavelength. The induced variation in refractive indices by disordering is estimated to be 1–2×10−3.
Controllable enhancement of excitonic spontaneous emission by quantum confined Stark effect in GaAs quantum wells embedded in quantum microcavities
Authors: Ochi N. , Shiotani T. , Yamanishi M. , Honda Y. , Suemune I.
Published: July 2002

Controllable enhancement of excitonic spontaneous emission is demonstrated with the tuning of emission wavelength by electric fields applied to GaAs single quantum wells located inside half-wavelength microcavities at low temperature, ∼50 K. Radiation patterns of the spontaneous emission from the microcavities, containing the quantum wells are found to be well controlled by the electric fields.
Potassium and silver ion-exchanged dual-core glass waveguides with gratings
Authors: Li M. J. , Honkanen S. , Wang W. J. , Leonelli R. , Albert J. , Najafi S. I.
Published: July 2002

A two-step double ion-exchange process is employed to produce dual-core waveguides in glass. First, potassium ion exchange is carried out at 400 °C. Then, silver ion exchange is performed at 300 °C. The fabricated waveguides have low losses, large single-mode regions, and more symmetrical profiles than single ion-exchanged waveguides. Etched gratings are also made in dual-core waveguides. Very high efficiencies are demonstrated in these waveguides.
Ultrafast graded double-heterostructure GaInAs/InP photodiode
Authors: Wey Y. G. , Crawford D. L. , Giboney K. , Bowers J. E. , Rodwell M. J. , Silvestre P. , Hafich M. J. , Robinson G. Y.
Published: July 2002

Ultrafast graded double-heterostructure GaInAs/InP p-i-n photodiodes grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy have been fabricated on an InP semi-insulating substrate. The graded band-gap layers and the double heterostructure reduce carrier trapping effects and diffusion current and the resulting response of a 5 μm×5 μm device was measured by electro-optic sampling to be 5 ps full width at half maximum (FWHM). The deconvolved impulse response is 3.8 ps FWHM.
Silylation of focused ion beam exposed resists
Authors: Hartney M. A. , Shaver D. C. , Shepard M. I. , Huh J. S. , Melngailis J.
Published: July 2002

Silylation processes for lithography involve the selective incorporation of silicon into a polymeric resist, which can then be patterned using an oxygen reactive ion etching plasma. These processes, like other multilayer approaches, have been developed primarily for optical lithography to minimize substrate reflectivity and allow higher resolution. We have extended this technique to exposure with focused beams of Be, Si, Ga, and Au ions with energies between 49 and 240 keV. Conventional focused ion beam exposure of resists relies upon solvent development and requires ion penetration through the entire resist thickness. With a silylation process, however, higher mass or lower energy ions may be used, and the resist thickness is decoupled from the exposure requirements. Resolution of features smaller than 100 nm has been demonstrated.
Photoluminescence of virtual-surfactant grown InAs/Al0.48In0.52As single quantum wells
Authors: Tournié Eric , Brandt Oliver , Ploog Klaus
Published: July 2002

Strained InAs/Al0.48In0.52As single quantum wells (QWs) grown by solid-source molecular beam epitaxy on InP substrates are studied by photoluminescence spectroscopy. The thickness of the InAs QW lies between 2 and 16 monolayers, corresponding to an intrinsic emission wavelength between 0.9 and 1.8 μm at 6 K. We demonstrate that the growth of the InAs QW under virtual-surfactant conditions, i.e., by keeping the As shutter closed throughout the growth of the well, gives a striking improvement of the optical properties, as compared to conventionally grown samples. Finally, we report on the first room-temperature luminescence of this QW system.
Use of ZnSe as an interlayer for GaAs growth on Si
Authors: Bringans R. D. , Biegelsen D. K. , Swartz L.-E. , Ponce F. A. , Tramontana J. C.
Published: July 2002

ZnSe has been used as an interlayer between Si substrates and GaAs layers in molecular beam epitaxial growth of GaAs on Si. It is found that thin GaAs layers are much more uniform and have fewer defects when grown on ZnSe interlayers than when they are grown directly on Si. The growth of GaAs on ZnSe is much more difficult than the more usual reverse sequence, and different growth modes for the epitaxy of GaAs on ZnSe are compared. Deposition of GaAs on ZnSe at room temperature followed by solid phase regrowth led to an epitaxial layer plus a polycrystalline layer. A slow ramping of the substrate temperature during the GaAs epitaxial growth was found to give the best crystal quality.
Hot electron dynamics study by terahertz radiation from large aperture GaAs p-i-n diodes
Authors: Xu L. , Hu B. B. , Xin W. , Auston D. H. , Morse J. D.
Published: July 2002

Subpicosecond electromagnetic pulses having tetrahertz (THz) bandwidths have been generated from large aperture GaAs p-i-n diodes under bias by illumination with femtosecond optical pulses. The amplitude and shape of the radiated pulses change with the applied bias and the wavelength of the optical pulses illuminating the p-i-n diode. Comparing this radiation with THz radiation from large aperture Si p-i-n diodes provides evidence of velocity overshoot in the transient response of optically injected electrons in GaAs.
Electric field effect control of a superconducting YBa2Cu3O7 inductor
Authors: Gim Y. , Doughty C. , Xi X. X. , Amar A. , Venkatesan T. , Wellstood F. C.
Published: July 2002

We discuss the design, fabrication, and testing of a thin-film superconducting voltage-controlled inductor which is made from a YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) superconducting field effect transistor. Applying voltage to an Au gate layer alters the areal carrier density, and hence the kinetic inductance, of an underlying 100-nm-thick YBCO channel layer. The channel is connected in series with an input coil to form a closed superconducting loop. We use a dc superconducting quantum interference device at 4.2 K to measure changes in loop inductance and find a fractional change in the kinetic inductance of about +2.6×10−4/V of applied gate voltage, close to the expected value.
Argon and hydrogen plasma interactions on diamond (111) surfaces: Electronic states and structure
Authors: van der Weide J. , Nemanich R. J.
Published: July 2002

Photoemission spectroscopy was used to compare the effects of a hydrogen or argon plasma on natural-type 2B diamond (111) surfaces, while the diamond was heated to 350 °C. After the hydrogen plasma the surface exhibits a negative electron affinity, indicative of a hydrogen-terminated surface. In contrast, the argon plasma was found to result in a surface with a positive electron affinity of 1.0 eV, indicating the removal of hydrogen from the surface. Features characteristic of graphite were not observed. After reexposing the surface to a hydrogen plasma, the spectrum was identical to the spectrum obtained after the initial hydrogen plasma.
Photoluminescence of zinc-blende GaN under hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Hwang S. J. , Shan W. , Hauenstein R. J. , Song J. J. , Lin M.-E. , Strite S. , Sverdlov B. N. , Morkoç H.
Published: July 2002

Photoluminescence spectra of cubic GaN grown on a GaAs substrate by molecular beam epitaxy have been studied as a function of hydrostatic pressure at 10 K. The spectra are abundant in emission structures arising from a variety of radiative recombination processes, such as free-electron–bound-hole and donor-acceptor pair transitions. These emission peaks shift to higher energy with increasing pressure, providing a measure of the pressure coefficient of the band gap of cubic GaN. In addition, a spectral feature, which is superimposed on the other emission peaks and not observable at atmospheric pressure, becomes gradually resolvable as pressure increases. The difference of pressure dependence of this emission from the others suggests that it is associated with a deep center.
Electron effective masses and mobilities in high-purity 6H–SiC chemical vapor deposition layers
Authors: Son N. T. , Kordina O. , Konstantinov A. O. , Chen W. M. , Sörman E. , Monemar B. , Janzén E.
Published: July 2002

The first observation of cyclotron resonance in 6H-SiC by optically detected cyclotron resonance (ODCR) spectroscopy at X-band microwave frequency is reported. High purity undoped, n-type 6H-SiC layers grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), with residual doping concentrations in the 1014–1015 cm−3 range, were investigated. Effective mass values were determined as m*⊥=(0.42±0.02)m0 and m*∥=(2.0±0.2)m0. From the fit of the ODCR line shape, a remarkably high mobility at 6 K was deduced: μ⊥≊1.1×105 cm2/V s for electrons in the basal plane. The anisotropy of the effective mass and the carrier mobility is discussed in comparison with previously reported data.
Photoluminescence properties of Er3+-doped BaTiO3 thin films
Authors: Block B. A. , Wessels B. W.
Published: July 2002

Er3+-doped BaTiO3 thin films were grown on Si (100) by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. Strong characteristic Er3+ intra-4f shell emission at 0.80 eV is observed at 16 and 295 K. The Er3+ luminescence intensity is linearly dependent on the pump power. Photoluminescence lifetimes were found to be on the order of 8 ms. These results indicate that Er-doped BaTiO3 has potential as an optically active, nonlinear waveguide medium.
Pulsed ultraviolet laser deposition of SiO2 films at 248 nm
Authors: Comita Paul B. , Farkas Janos , Yang B. , Chuang Y. H. , O’Connor J. , Liu K. C. , Cohen M. G.
Published: July 2002

Photochemical laser-induced deposition of silicon dioxide thin films is reported with excimer laser radiation at 248 nm. A deposition rate of 0.25 A/pulse was obtained at room temperature. The deposited films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ellipsometry and optical microscopy. The films exhibited excellent properties (n=1.47, k=0.05) derived from ellipsometry data. The deposition required no oxidizing coreactant.
Effects of linewidth, microstructure, and grain growth on voiding in passivated copper lines
Authors: Nucci J. A. , Shacham-Diamand Y. , Sanchez J. E.
Published: July 2002

Tantalum encapsulated copper lines, 0.5–2.0 μm wide, were passivated and heat treated to determine the effect of stress state, microstructure, and grain growth on stress-induced voiding. Void frequency and location were studied as a function of linewidth and heat treatment. Higher stress, narrow lines voided less than lower stress, wider lines. Voiding was also strongly dependent upon thermal treatment before and after passivation. These results are explained by defining preferred sites for void formation and by considering the release of free volume during grain growth in passivated lines.