bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective depletion of peripheral granulocyte/monocyte enhances the efficacy of scheduled maintenance infliximab in Crohn's disease
Authors: Fukunaga Ken , Yokoyama Yoko , Kamikozuru Koji , Yoshida Koji , Kikuyama Risa , Nagase Kazuko , Nakamura Shiro , Takei Yoshiyuki , Miwa Hiroto , Matsumoto Takayuki
Published: June 2010

Background: This is the first report on a case of Crohn's disease (CD), who was successfully maintained with a combination of infliximab (IFX) and selective depletion of granulocytes/monocytes by adsorption (GMA). Case: A 33‐year‐old female with CD activity index (CDAI) 294.2 responded to iv IFX (5mg/kg) administered at weeks 0, 2, and 6 in combination with 3000 mg/day oral 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA; CDAI = 118). Then IFX at 8 week intervals was given as maintenance therapy. Two weeks before the 5th scheduled IFX, the patient worsened with an increase in stool frequency and a rise in CDAI. GMA was administered at weeks 5, 6, and 7 after her 6th iv IFX. Her CDAI decreased from 166.2 to 126.3 and 111.9 before 2nd and 3rd GMA sessions. She received her 7th iv IFX while the CDAI was 83.6. GMA course was repeated before 8th and 9th IFX. The patient remained in stable clinical and endoscopic remission without experiencing any serious side effect. After achieving mucosal healing, the patient decided to cease IFX therapy while continuing with GMA. Conclusions: IFX appears to induce and maintain remission of CD, but it may lose its efficacy after repeated administration. GMA is safe and by selectively depleting elevated/activated leukocytes may be a useful adjunct for IFX efficacy. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of hyperthermia in combination with TRAIL on the JNK‐Bim signal transduction pathway and growth of xenograft tumors
Authors: Alcala Marco A. , Park Kyungsoo , Yoo Jinsang , Lee Dae‐Hee , Park Bae‐hang , Lee Byeong‐Chel , Bartlett David L. , Lee Yong J.
Published: June 2010

Approximately 25% of patients with colorectal cancer develop metastases to the liver, and surgery is currently the best treatment available. But there are several patients who are unresectable, and isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) offers a different approach in helping to treat these patients. IHP is a method used for isolating the liver and delivering high doses of chemotherapeutic agents. The efficacy of IHP has been improved by combining hyperthermia not only with chemotherapeutics but with other deliverable agents such as tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL). In this study, we used human colorectal cancer CX‐1 cells and treated them with hyperthermia and TRAIL, causing cytotoxicity. We were able to demonstrate that the numbers of live cells were significantly reduced with hyperthermia and 10 ng/ml of TRAIL combined. We also showed that the effect of hyperthermia on TRAIL in our studies was enhancement of the apoptotic pathway by the promotion of JNK and BimELactivity as well as PARP cleavage. We have also used our CX‐1 cells to generate tumors in Balb/c nude mice. With intratumoral injections of TRAIL combined with hyperthermia at 42°C, we were able to show a delayed onset of tumor growth in our xenograft model. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 1073–1081, 2010. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
α4 phosphoprotein interacts with EDD E3 ubiquitin ligase and poly(A)‐binding protein
Authors: McDonald William J. , Sangster Shirley M. , Moffat Lori D. , Henderson Michelle J. , Too Catherine K.L.
Published: June 2010

Mammalian α4 phosphoprotein, the homolog of yeast Tap42, is a component of the mammalian target‐of‐rapamycin (mTOR) pathway that regulates ribogenesis, the initiation of translation, and cell‐cycle progression. α4 is known to interact with the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2Ac) and to regulate PP2A activity. Using α4 as bait in yeast two‐hybrid screening of a human K562 erythroleukemia cDNA library, EDD (E3 isolated by differential display) E3 ubiquitin ligase was identified as a new protein partner of α4. EDD is the mammalian ortholog of Drosophila hyperplastic discs gene (hyd) that controls cell proliferation during development. The EDD protein contains a PABC domain that is present in poly(A)‐binding protein (PABP), suggesting that PABP may also interact with α4. PABP recruits translation factors to the poly(A)‐tails of mRNAs. In the present study, immunoprecipitation/immunoblotting (IP/IB) analyses showed a physical interaction between α4 and EDD in rat Nb2 T‐lymphoma and human MCF‐7 breast cancer cell lines. α4 also interacted with PABP in Nb2, MCF‐7 and the human Jurkat T‐leukemic and K562 myeloma cell lines. COS‐1 cells, transfected with Flag‐tagged‐pSG5‐EDD, gave a (Flag)‐EDD–α4 immunocomplex. Furthermore, deletion mutants of α4 were constructed to determine the binding site for EDD. IP/IB analysis showed that EDD bound to the C‐terminal region of α4, independent of the α4‐PP2Ac binding site. Therefore, in addition to PP2Ac, α4 interacts with EDD and PABP, suggesting its involvement in multiple steps in the mTOR pathway that leads to translation initiation and cell‐cycle progression. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 1123–1129, 2010. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatial and functional relationships between air conduits and blood capillaries in the pulmonary gas exchange tissue of adult and developing chickens
Authors: Makanya Andrew N. , El‐Darawish Yosif , Kavoi Boniface M. , Djonov Valentin
Published: June 2010

The documented data regarding the three‐dimensional structure of the air capillaries (ACs), the ultimate sites of gas exchange in the avian lung is contradictory. Further, the mode of gas exchange, described as cross‐current has not been clearly elucidated. We studied the temporal and spatial arrangement of the terminal air conduits of the chicken lung and their relationship with the blood capillaries (BCs) in embryos as well as the definitive architecture in adults. Several visualization techniques that included corrosion casting, light microscopy as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used. Two to six infundibulae extend from each atrium and give rise to numerous ACs that spread centrifugally. Majority of the ACs are tubular structures that give off branches, which anastomose with their neighboring cognates. Some ACs have globular shapes and a few are blind‐ending tapering tubes. During inauguration, the luminal aspects of the ACs are characterized by numerous microvillus‐like microplicae, which are formed during the complex processes of cell attenuation and canalization of the ACs. The parabronchial exchange BCs, initially inaugurated as disorganized meshworks, are reoriented via pillar formation to lie predominantly orthogonal to the long axes of the ACs. The remodeling of the retiform meshworks by intussusceptive angiogenesis essentially accomplishes a cross‐current system at the gas exchange interface in the adults, where BCs form ring‐like patterns around the ACs, thus establishing a cross‐current system. Our findings clarify the mode of gas exchange in the parabronchial mantle and illuminate the basis for the functional efficiency of the avian lung. Microsc. Res. Tech. 74:159–169, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Formation of cyclic acylphosphoramidates in mass spectra of N‐monoalkyloxyphosphoryl amino acids using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Gao Xiang , Ni Feng , Bao Jian , Liu Yan , Zhang Zhen , Xu Pengxiang , Zhao Yufen
Published: June 2010

The fragmentation reactions of N‐monoalkyloxyphosphoryl amino acids (N‐MAP‐AAs) were studied by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). The sodiated cyclic acylphosphoramidates (CAPAs) were formed through a characteristic pentacoordinate phosphate participated rearrangement reaction in the positive‐ion ESI‐MS/MS and HR‐MS/MS of N‐MAP‐AAs, in which the fragmentation patterns were clearly different from those observed in the corresponding ESI‐MS/MS of N‐dialkyloxyphosphoryl amino acids/peptides and N‐phosphono amino acids. The formation of CAPAs depended on the chemical structures of N‐terminal phosphoryl groups, such as alkyloxy group, negative charge and alkali metal ion. A possible integrated rearrangement mechanism for both P‐N to P‐O phosphoryl group migration and formation of CAPAs was proposed. The fragmentation patterns of CAPAs as novel intermediates in gas phase were also investigated. In addition, it was found that the formation of α‐amino acid CAPAs was more favorable than β‐ or γ‐CAPAs in gas phase, which was consistent with previous solution‐phase experiments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Melatonin's protective action against ischemic neuronal damage is associated with up‐regulation of the MT2 melatonin receptor
Authors: Lee Choong Hyun , Yoo Ki‐Yeon , Choi Jung Hoon , Park Ok Kyu , Hwang In Koo , Kwon Young‐Guen , Kim Young‐Myeong , Won Moo‐Ho
Published: June 2010

Melatonin is a potent free radical scavenger and antioxidant and has protective effects against ischemic damage. In the present study, we examined the relationship between the neuroprotective effects of melatonin and the activation of MT2 melatonin receptor in the hippocampal CA1 region (CA1) after transient cerebral ischemia. MT2 immunoreactivity and protein levels were increased in the CA1 after ischemic damage. Most of MT2‐immunoreactive cells were colocalized with astrocytes, not microglia, in the ischemic CA1. In the melatonin‐sham group, MT2 immunoreaction and protein levels were increased compared with the sham group, and MT2 immunoreactivity and its protein levels in the melatonin‐ischemia group were similar to those in the melatonin‐sham group. In addition, melatonin treatment attenuated the activation of astrocytes and microglia. These results indicate that MT2 are increased and expressed in astrocytes in the ischemic region after an ischemic insult. The activation of MT2 melatonin receptor in the CA1 after melatonin treatment may be involved in the neuroprotective effect associated with melatonin after ischemic injury. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3R tau expression modifies behavior in transgenic mice
Authors: Shiryaev Natalia , Jouroukhin Yan , Gozes Illana
Published: June 2010

Tauopathy is a group of disorders characterized by the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in the brain, resulting in dementia. Here, tau‐related behavior was evaluated in a mouse model with brain overexpression of the shortest human tau isoform (0N3R). Two groups of animals [tau‐transgenic (tau‐tg) and control littermates] were tested for learning and memory at 1 and 7 months. In the Morris water maze, all mice learned the task at 1 month of age and did not learn at 7 months. In contrast, at 7 months, the tau‐tg animals demonstrated better retention of the passive avoidance response compared with their control littermates, which did not learn. In the open field test, no differences were measured between transgenic and nontransgenic young mice, but significantly higher locomotion was observed in the 7‐month‐old tau‐tg mice compared with controls. Behavior during the elevated plus maze test was the same at 1 month, but at 7 months increased entrance to the different arms was observed in the tau‐tg group. Tau expression and phosphorylation levels were analyzed at 8 months. In the subcortical brain region associated with passive avoidance behavior, the tau‐tg mice demonstrated increased brain tau expression coupled with reduced relative phosphorylation. In contrast, increased tau expression and phosphorylation were measured in the cerebral cortex of the tau‐tg mice. In conclusion, 7‐8‐month‐old tau‐tg mice overexpressing nonmutated 0N3R human tau isoform demonstrated enhanced behavior in the passive avoidance test, paralleled by relative tau hypophosphorylation in the subcortical brain region. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor–secreting genetically modified human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells promote recovery in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Glavaski‐Joksimovic Aleksandra , Virag Tamas , Mangatu Thomas A. , McGrogan Michael , Wang Xue Song , Bohn Martha C.
Published: June 2010

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) neurons. The therapeutic potential of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), the most potent neurotrophic factor for DA neurons, has been demonstrated in many experimental models of PD. However, chronic delivery of GDNF to DA neurons in the brain remains an unmet challenge. Here, we report the effects of GDNF‐releasing Notch‐induced human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) grafted into striatum of the 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) progressively lesioned rat model of PD. Human MSC, obtained from bone marrow aspirates of young, healthy adult volunteers, were transiently transfected with the intracellular domain of the Notch1 gene (NICD) to generate SB623 cells. SB623 cells expressing GDNF and/or humanized Renilla green fluorescent protein (hrGFP) following lentiviral transduction or nontransduced cells were stereotaxically placed into rat striatum 1 week after a unilateral partial 6‐OHDA striatal lesion. At 4 weeks, rats that had received GDNF‐transduced SB623 cells had significantly decreased amphetamine‐induced rotation compared with control rats, although this effect was not observed in rats that received GFP‐transduced or nontransduced SB623 cells. At 5 weeks, rejuvenated tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive (TH‐IR) fibers that appeared to be host DA axons were observed in and around grafts. This effect was more prominent in rats that received GDNF‐secreting cells and was not observed in controls. These observations suggest that human bone‐marrow derived MSC, genetically modified to secrete GDNF, hold potential as an allogeneic or autologous stem cell therapy for PD. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypothyroid state does not protect but delays neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region following transient cerebral ischemia: Focus on oxidative stress and gliosis
Authors: Lee Choong Hyun , Yoo Ki‐Yeon , Hwang In Koo , Choi Jung Hoon , Park Ok Kyu , Li Hua , Kang Il‐Jun , Kwon Young‐Guen , Kim Young‐Myeong , Won Moo Ho
Published: June 2010

We investigated protective effects of hypothyroidism on delayed neuronal death, gliosis, lipid peroxidation and Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD1) in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 region (CA1) after 5 min of transient cerebral ischemia. The hypothyroidism was induced by 0.025% methimazole treatment. Free triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels were markedly decreased in the hypothyroid group. Four days after ischemia/reperfusion, only a few NeuN‐immunoreactive (+) neurons were detected in the CA1 of euthyroid‐ischemia (eu‐ischemia) group; however, at this time point, the number of NeuN+ neurons was significantly higher in the hypothyroid‐ischemia (hypo‐ischemia) group than in the eu‐ischemia group. At 5 days postischemia, NeuN+ neurons were significantly decreased in the hypo‐ischemia group: The number of NeuN+ neurons in this group was similar to that in the eu‐ischemia group. Activations of GFAP+ astrocytes and Iba‐1+ microglia in the CA1 were higher in the eu‐ischemia group 3 and 4 days after ischemia/reperfusion. At 5 days postischemia, the activations of both the glial cells in the CA1 were similar between the two groups. 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE), a marker for lipid peroxidation, immunoreactivity in the eu‐ischemia group was higher than in the hypo‐ischemia group; at 5 days postischemia, the immunoreactivity was similar between the two groups. In contrast, SOD1 level was lower in the CA1 of the eu‐ischemia group. These results suggest that hypothyroid state does not protect against delayed neuronal death but only delays the neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region after transient cerebral ischemia by reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing SOD1. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deletion of aquaporin‐4 renders retinal glial cells more susceptible to osmotic stress
Authors: Pannicke Thomas , Wurm Antje , Iandiev Ianors , Hollborn Margrit , Linnertz Regina , Binder Devin K. , Kohen Leon , Wiedemann Peter , Steinhäuser Christian , Reichenbach Andreas , Bringmann Andreas
Published: June 2010

The glial water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) is implicated in the control of ion and osmohomeostasis in the sensory retina. Using retinal slices from AQP4‐deficient and wild‐type mice, we investigated whether AQP4 is involved in the regulation of glial cell volume under altered osmotic conditions. Superfusion of retinal slices with a hypoosmolar solution induced a rapid swelling of glial somata in tissues from AQP4 null mice but not from wild‐type mice. The swelling was mediated by oxidative stress, inflammatory lipid mediators, and sodium influx into the cells and was prevented by activation of glutamatergic and purinergic receptors. Distinct inflammatory proteins, including interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, were up‐regulated in the retina of AQP4 null mice compared with control, whereas cyclooxygenase‐2 was down‐regulated. The data suggest that water flux through AQP4 is involved in the rapid volume regulation of retinal glial (Müller) cells in response to osmotic stress and that deletion of AQP4 results in an inflammatory response of the retinal tissue. Possible implications of the data for understanding the pathophysiology of neuromyelitis optica, a human disease that has been suggested to involve serum antibodies to AQP4, are discussed. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The decade of the dendritic NMDA spike
Authors: Antic Srdjan D. , Zhou Wen‐Liang , Moore Anna R. , Short Shaina M. , Ikonomu Katerina D.
Published: June 2010

In the field of cortical cellular physiology, much effort has been invested in understanding thick apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons and the regenerative sodium and calcium spikes that take place in the apical trunk. Here we focus on thin dendrites of pyramidal cells (basal, oblique, and tuft dendrites), and we discuss one relatively novel form of an electrical signal (“NMDA spike”) that is specific for these branches. Basal, oblique, and apical tuft dendrites receive a high density of glutamatergic synaptic contacts. Synchronous activation of 10–50 neighboring glutamatergic synapses triggers a local dendritic regenerative potential, NMDA spike/plateau, which is characterized by significant local amplitude (40–50 mV) and an extraordinary duration (up to several hundred milliseconds). The NMDA plateau potential, when it is initiated in an apical tuft dendrite, is able to maintain a good portion of that tuft in a sustained depolarized state. However, if NMDA‐dominated plateau potentials originate in proximal segments of basal dendrites, they regularly bring the neuronal cell body into a sustained depolarized state, which resembles a cortical Up state. At each dendritic initiation site (basal, oblique, and tuft) an NMDA spike creates favorable conditions for causal interactions of active synaptic inputs, including the spatial or temporal binding of information, as well as processes of short‐term and long‐term synaptic modifications (e.g., long‐term potentiation or long‐term depression). Because of their strong amplitudes and durations, local dendritic NMDA spikes make up the cellular substrate for multisite independent subunit computations that enrich the computational power and repertoire of cortical pyramidal cells. We propose that NMDA spikes are likely to play significant roles in cortical information processing in awake animals (spatiotemporal binding, working memory) and during slow‐wave sleep (neuronal Up states, consolidation of memories). © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanical stiffness of liver tissues in relation to integrin β1 expression may influence the development of hepatic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Gang , Cui Jing , Qin Qi , Zhang Jungang , Liu Lin , Deng Shichang , Wu Chenlin , Yang Ming , Li Shaoshan , Wang Chunyou
Published: June 2010

Background and Objectives

Increased rigidity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to quantitate the mechanical stiffness of various hepatic tissues, evaluate integrin β1 expression, and investigate the correlation between these two factors in the development of HCC.

Methods

Twenty‐three normal specimens, 152 cases of cirrhosis, and 105 cases of HCC were included in this study. The mechanical stiffness of the ECM of each specimen was detected using atomic force microscopy to calculate elastic modulus (E) values. Integrin β1 expression was also evaluated using semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Expression of integrin β1 in HepG2 cells plated on substrates with different mechanical stiffnesses was also evaluated.

Results

A positive correlation between ECM mechanical stiffness and integrin β1 expression was detected. Expression of integrin β1 also correlated with Edmondson pathologic grade, encapsulation, metastasis, and HBV infection (P < 0.01). In vitro, expression of integrin β1 by HepG2 cells was also significantly higher when the cells were plated on stiffer substrates.

Conclusions

Expression of integrin β1 is regulated by the mechanical stiffness of the ECM, and correlates with the invasion and metastasis events of HCC in patients with cirrhosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:482–489. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of surface roughness of mechanical seals under blood sealing
Authors: Tomioka Jun , Miyanaga Norifumi
Published: June 2010

A miniature mechanical seal with cooling water circulating system has been developed as a shaft seal for rotary blood pumps. The present paper describes the establishment of the experimental methods under blood sealing and the estimation of the effect of the surface roughness on the shaft seal problems, especially in the increase of the friction and the leakage. Micro‐leakage rates of the blood and the cooling water were measured by an ion chromatography. In this method, the ion concentration was converted into the leakage rate. The frictional loss torque was measured by a torque meter. Results are provided with three types of surface roughness, Ra = 0.009 µm, Ra = 0.088 µm and Ra = 0.170 µm. It is shown that as the surface roughness increases the leakage decreases while the frictional loss torque increases under blood sealing. The best surface roughness in the torque and the leakage characteristics were different. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristic head drops and axial extension in advanced chorea‐acanthocytosis
Authors: Schneider Susanne A. , Lang Anthony E. , Moro Elena , Bader Benedikt , Danek Adrian , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: June 2010

Chorea‐acanthocytosis is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder with a complex clinical presentation comprising of a mixed movement disorder (mostly chorea and dystonia), seizures, neuropathy and myopathy, autonomic features as well as dementia and psychiatric features. Because the differential diagnosis is wide, clinical clues and red flags are important. We report here our observation of characteristic neck and trunk flexion and extension spasms in four cases with advanced chorea‐acanthocytosis. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Standard guidelines for publication of deep brain stimulation studies in Parkinson's disease (Guide4DBS‐PD)
Authors: Vitek Jerrold L. , Lyons Kelly E. , Bakay Roy , Benabid Alim‐Louis , Deuschl Guenther , Hallett Mark , Kurlan Roger , Pancrazio Joseph J. , Rezai Ali , Walter Benjamin L. , Lang Anthony E.
Published: June 2010

While the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of neurological disorders has risen substantially over the last decade, it is often difficult to compare the results from different studies due to the lack of consistent reporting of key study parameters. We present guidelines to standardize the reporting of clinical studies of DBS for Parkinson's disease (PD). These guidelines provide a minimal set of required data elements to facilitate the interpretation and comparison of results across published clinical studies. The guidelines, summarized in the format of a checklist, may also have utility in the planning of clinical studies of DBS for PD as well as other neurological and psychiatric disorders. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Matrix‐assisted diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy: mixture resolution by NMR using SDS micelles
Authors: Tormena Claudio F. , Evans Robert , Haiber Stephan , Nilsson Mathias , Morris Gareth A.
Published: June 2010

Diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) is a powerful technique for mixture analysis, but in its basic form it cannot separate the component spectra for species with very similar diffusion coefficients. It has been recently demonstrated that the component spectra of a mixture of isomers with nearly identical diffusion coefficients (the three dihydroxybenzenes) can be resolved using matrix‐assisted DOSY (MAD), in which diffusion is perturbed by the addition of a co‐solute such as a surfactant [R. Evans, S. Haiber, M. Nilsson, G. A. Morris, Anal. Chem. 2009, 81, 4548–4550]. However, little is known about the conditions required for such a separation, for example, the concentrations and concentration ratios of surfactant and solutes. The aim of this study was to explore the concentration range over which matrix‐assisted DOSY using the surfactant SDS can achieve diffusion resolution of a simple model set of isomers, the monomethoxyphenols. The results show that the separation is remarkably robust with respect to both the concentrations and the concentration ratios of surfactant and solutes, supporting the idea that MAD may become a valuable tool for mixture analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigations on the temperature dependence of CPV modules equipped with triple‐junction solar cells
Authors: Peharz Gerhard , Ferrer Rodríguez Juan P. , Siefer Gerald , Bett Andreas W.
Published: June 2010

This paper deals with the temperature impact on the IV curve of concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules equipped with III–V triple‐junction solar cells. The electrical parameters of three FLATCON®type CPV modules are investigated using a sun simulator, where the module temperatures are varied by heating with infrared (IR) bulbs. It is found that all electrical parameters vary linearly to a change of temperature. The open circuit voltages and the fill factors (FFs) of the CPV modules decrease with increasing temperature. The relative decrease in open circuit voltage of the CPV modules is similar to the value of individual triple‐junction solar cells. In contrast, the short circuit current temperature coefficients are found to be different. The experimental results can be explained by considering thermal expansion effects in the module and temperature dependencies of the optical efficiencies of the Fresnel lenses. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of solar spectrum and module temperature on outdoor performance of photovoltaic modules in round‐robin measurements in Japan
Authors: Ishii Tetsuyuki , Otani Kenji , Takashima Takumi
Published: June 2010

The performance of six photovoltaic (PV) modules composed of polycrystalline silicon (pc‐Si), amorphous silicon (a‐Si), and hydrogenated amorphous silicon/crystalline silicon (a‐Si:H/c‐Si) modules was investigated at eight locations in Japan from August 2007 to December 2008. In addition, solar irradiance, solar spectrum, and module temperature were simultaneously measured in these round‐robin measurements. In this study, we evaluate quantitatively the effects of module temperature and solar spectrum on the performance of the PV modules as thermal factor (TF) and spectral factor (SF), respectively. Furthermore, we investigate the variation in module performance, which is converted into module performance under standard test conditions (STC) using the TF and SF. In the case of the pc‐Si modules, the variations in performance ratio under STC (PRSTC) for these modules range from 0.056 to 0.074 through the round‐robin measurements. The TF indicates that the contribution of module temperature to the variation in performance is large, between about 15 and 20%. However, the SF suggests that the contribution of solar spectrum is quite small, less than 3%. In the case of the a‐Si modules, the contribution of module temperature is about 8%. The performance is largely influenced by solar spectrum, more than 12% at its maximum. Consequently, the variations in the corrected PRSTCof the a‐Si modules are between 0.117 and 0.141. These large variations may result from the effects of thermal annealing and light soaking. The variation in PRSTCof the a‐Si:H/c‐Si module is similar to that of the pc‐Si modules. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma and liver proteomic analysis of 3Z‐3‐[(1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)‐methylidene]‐1‐(1‐piperidinylmethyl)‐1,3‐2H‐indol‐2‐one‐induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats
Authors: Wang Ying , Yang Baohua , Wu Chunqi , Zheng Zhibing , Yuan Ye , Hu ZhongHui , Ma HuaZhi , Li Song , Liao Mingyang , Wang Quanjun
Published: June 2010

3Z‐3‐[(1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)‐methylidene]‐1‐(1‐piperidinylmethyl)‐1,3‐2H‐indol‐2‐one (Z24), a synthetic anti‐angiogenic compound, inhibits the growth and metastasis of certain tumors. Previous works have shown that Z24 induces hepatotoxicity in rodents. We examined the hepatotoxic mechanism of Z24 at the protein level and looked for potential biomarkers. We used 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS to analyze alternatively expressed proteins in rat liver and plasma after Z24 administration. We also examined apoptosis in rat liver and measured levels of intramitochondrial ROS and NAD(P)H redox in liver cells. We found that 22 nonredundant proteins in the liver and 11 in the plasma were differentially expressed. These proteins were involved in several important metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, and energy metabolism, biotransformation, apoptosis,etc. Apoptosis in rat liver was confirmed with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP‐nick end labeling assay. In mitochondria, Z24 increased the ROS and decreased the NAD(P)H levels. Thus, inhibition of carbohydrate aerobic oxidation, fatty acid β‐oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation is a potential mechanism of Z24‐induced hepatotoxicity, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis‐mediated cell death. In addition, fetub protein and argininosuccinate synthase in plasma may be potential biomarkers of Z24‐induced hepatotoxicity.
Proteolysis approach without chemical modification for a simple and rapid analysis of disulfide bonds using thermostable protease‐immobilized microreactors
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Miyazaki Masaya , Maeda Hideaki
Published: June 2010

Disulfide bonds in proteins are important not only for the conformational stability of the protein but also for the regulation of oxidation–reduction in signal transduction. The conventional method for the assignment of disulfide bond by chemical cleavage and/or proteolysis is a time‐consuming multi‐step procedure. In this study, we report a simple and rapid analysis of disulfide bond from protein digests that were prepared by the thermostable protease‐immobilized microreactors. The feasibility and performance of this approach were evaluated by digesting lysozyme and BSA at several temperatures. The proteins which stabilize their conformations by disulfide bonds were thermally denatured during proteolysis and were efficiently digested by the immobilized protease but not by free protease. The digests were directly analyzed by ESI‐TOF MS without any purification or concentration step. All four disulfide bonds on lysozyme and 10 of 17 on BSA were assigned from the digests by the trypsin‐immobilized microreactor at 50°C. The procedure for proteolysis and the assignment were achieved within 2 h without any reduction and alkylation procedure. From the present results, the proteolysis approach by the thermostable protease‐immobilized microreactor provides a strategy for the high‐throughput analysis of disulfide bond in proteomics.
Rural–urban migration, economic transition, and status of female industrial workers in Lao PDR
Authors: Phouxay Kabmanivanh , Tollefsen Aina
Published: June 2010

Economic and political changes in formerly socialist economies affect migration patterns and gender relations in complex ways. The consequences of transition from planned to market economies for men and women, respectively, are manifested both in gendered migration patterns and gendered urban labour markets, where young migrant women now constitute an important part of the ‘globalised’ industrial working class of Southeast Asian cities. This paper analyses female rural–urban migration to industrial work in Lao PDR, one of Southeast Asia's smallest transition economies. Since the implementation of the New Economic Mechanism in Lao PDR in 1986, a process of feminisation of rural–urban migration has started and female employment in industries in Vientiane Capital increased. The paper highlights some of the consequences of economic transition for female rural–urban migrants, focusing on changing gender roles and women's status as industrial workers, both inside and outside factory gates. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of neutron irradiation on the AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Gu Wenping , Hao Yue , Yang Lin'an , Duan Chao , Duan Huantao , Zhang Jincheng , Ma Xiaohua
Published: June 2010

The SiN‐passivated AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors were investigated by 1MeV neutron irradiation at fluences up to 1015 cm‐2, yielding a significant degradation for the transconductance near the knee voltage and the reverse gate leakage current at fluences ranging from 1014 to 1015 cm‐2 which could be attributed to the irradiation induced mobility shift and the defects in SiN passivation layers respectively since no any recovery was found after 20 hour annealing at room temperature. Meanwhile the negligible degradation of the saturation drain current, the maximal transconductance and the threshold voltage gave the fact that the effectiveness of SiN layers in passivated surface states in the source‐gate spacer and gate‐drain spacer was undiminished by neutron irradiation. Moreover the ohmic contact was robustness to neutron since the sheet resistance of ohmic contact region hardly shifted, but the schottky characteristics degraded obviously. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tracking control design for a wave equation with dynamic boundary conditions modeling a piezoelectric stack actuator
Authors: Meurer T. , Kugi A.
Published: June 2010

This paper is concerned with the design of an asymptotically stabilizing tracking controller for an undamped wave equation modeling a piezoelectric stack actuator. For this, flatness‐based methods for trajectory planning and feedforward control are combined with dynamic feedback control involving a Luenberger‐type observer within the two degrees‐of‐freedom control concept. The asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system is verified using Lyapunov's stability theory and LaSalle's invariance principle. Thereby, a separation theorem is introduced for bounded perturbations of infinitesimal generators of asymptotically stableC0‐semigroups. Finally, the tracking performance is illustrated in simulation scenarios. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coping with coping strategies: how distributed teams and their members deal with the stress of distance, time zones and culture
Authors: Nurmi Niina
Published: June 2010

The changing world of work is increasing demands on workers through greater need for flexibility in global collaboration. This multiple‐case study uses a qualitative research approach to study context‐specific job stressors and coping in ten geographically distributed work teams. Results demonstrate the complex and dynamic nature of the stress‐coping process and how coping strategies, adapted to manage stress‐evoking uncertainty and ambiguity in distributed work, created secondary sources of psychological strain to individuals. The main strategies for managing the uncertainty and ambiguity in the studied teams were extensive emailing, travelling to face‐to‐face meetings and extending workdays to collaborate simultaneously across time zones. Continuously used, these coping strategies created work overload and strain. Experienced workers, who had good self‐management skills, succeeded in coping with these secondary sources of strain by prioritizing and setting clear limits for workload. Less‐experienced workers were overloaded and needed more social support from their leaders and teammates. The study proposes that distributed team members rely heavily on individual coping resources, because spatial and temporal distance hinders or even precludes the mobilization of social resources related to emotional, instrumental and informational social support. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent advances in the climate change biology literature: describing the whole elephant
Authors: Peterson A. Townsend , Menon Shaily , Li Xingong
Published: June 2010

Climate change biology is seeing a wave of new contributions, which are reviewed herein. Contributions treat shifts in phenology and distribution, and both document past and forecast future effects. However, many of the current wave of contributions are observational and correlational, and few are experimental in nature, and too often a conceptual framework in which to contextualize the results is lacking. An additional gap is the lack of effective cross‐linking among areas of research, for example, connection of sea‐level rise and climate change implications for distributions of species, or evolutionary adaptation studies with distributional shift studies. Although numerous important contributions have emerged in recent years, synthesis of this phenomenon and its consequences has not yet been achieved. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Ecology, and Conservation > Modeling Species and Community Interactions
Copper(II) Complexes with N‐(9‐anthracenyl)‐N′‐(3‐pyridyl)urea (L) and a Derivative of L: Synthesis, Structure, and Fluorescent Properties
Authors: Zhao Qilong , Yang Xiao‐Juan , Jia Chuandong , Huang Xiaojuan , Wu Biao
Published: June 2010

Three copper(II) complexes, [Cu2(OAc)4L2]·2CH3OH (1), [CuBr2L′2(CH3OH)]·CH3OH (2a), and [CuBr2L′2(DMSO)]·0.5CH3OH (2b) {L = N‐(9‐anthracenyl)‐N′‐(3‐pyridyl)urea and L′ = N‐[10‐(10‐methoxy‐anthronyl)]‐N′‐(3‐pyridyl)urea} have been synthesized by the reaction of L with the corresponding copper(II) salts. Complex 1 shows a dinuclear structure with a conventional “paddlewheel” motif, in which four acetate units bridge the two CuII ions. In complexes 2a and 2b, the anthracenyl ligand L has been converted to an anthronyl derivative L′, and the central metal ion exhibits a distorted square pyramidal arrangement, with two pyridyl nitrogen atoms and two bromide ions defining the basal plane and the apical position is occupied by a solvent molecule (CH3OH in 2a and DMSO in 2b).
Thermal, Magnetic, Electronic, and Superconducting Properties of Rare‐Earth Metal Pentagermanides REGe5 (RE = La, Nd, Sm, Gd) and Synthesis of TbGe5
Authors: Meier Katrin , Cardoso‐Gil Raul , Schnelle Walter , Rosner Helge , Burkhardt Ulrich , Schwarz Ulrich
Published: June 2010

A series of isotypic rare‐earth metal pentagermanides including the new compound TbGe5 were prepared by high‐pressure synthesis. They crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Immm [No. 71; a = 395.70(9) pm; b = 611.1(2) pm, and c = 983.6(3) pm for TbGe5]. The crystal structure is isotypic to LaGe5 and consists of puckered germanium slabs, which sandwich a second germanium species and the rare‐earth metal atoms. At ambient pressure, the thermal decomposition of the phases REGe5 (RE = La, Nd, Sm, Gd, and Tb) proceeds via discrete intermediate steps into Ge(cF8) and thermodynamically stable germanium‐poorer phases. The investigated compounds REGe5 are paramagnetic metallic conductors, which order antiferromagnetically at low temperatures. Specific heat measurements reveal that the superconducting state of LaGe5 below Tc = 7.1(1) K is characterized by a critical field of μ0Hc2 = 0.2 T and weak electron‐phonon coupling. Density‐functional based band‐structure calculations yield a very similar electronic structure for all the isotypic REGe5 compounds. Besides a slight increase in the width of the valence band for smaller RE atoms, only minor differences are found for the two different germanium environments.
Comments on Valence Bond Structures for Molecules with 6‐Electron 4‐Center, 10‐Electron 6‐Center, and 8‐Electron 6‐Center Bonding Units
Authors: Harcourt Richard D.
Published: June 2010

Using valence bond structures of the Lewis and increased‐valence types, qualitative valence bond descriptions of bonding are provided for (a) I42+, S6N42+, (O2)2, and (O2)4 with one or more 6‐electron 4‐center bonding units; (b) Se2I42+ and the (NSN)2 component of RR′P(NSN)2PRR′ with 10‐electron 6‐center bonding units, and (c) Te64+ and Te62+, each with an 8‐electron 6‐center bonding unit. These valence bond structures are related to those provided by other workers.
Opening a New Series of Calcium Boridecarbides with Heterographene Nets by Ca1–x(B,C)6 and Ca1–x(B,C)8 – Two Members of the (CaB2)Cn Compound Series
Authors: Wörle Michael , Widmer Daniel , von Rohr Fabian , Krumeich Frank , Mensing Christian , Nesper Reinhard
Published: June 2010

Ca1–xB2C4 (x ~ 0.08) and Ca1–xB2C6 (x ~ 0.04) are two compounds containing heterographene‐B,C nets which were prepared by solid state synthesis and structurally characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction data. Both compounds crystallize in the space group P6/ mmm (No. 191). The lattice constants are a = 4.55971(5) Å and c = 4.4020(1) Å for CaB2C4 and a = 2.58390(5) Å, c = 4.43597(8) Å for CaB2C6. The calcium atoms are intercalated between the heterographene (B,C) nets. The calcium atom distribution in Ca1–xB2C6 is disordered, leading to diffuse scattering. A model for this disorder was developed that matches well the observed diffuse scattering observed in the electron diffraction pattern. For Ca1–xB2C6 and its decomposition products magnetic and electric properties are being reported.
High‐pressure High‐temperature Synthesis, Magnetic Properties and X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy of Phases RE3Sn7 and hp‐RESn3–x (RE = Tb, Ho, Er)
Authors: Meier Katrin , Vasylechko Leonid , Cardoso‐Gil Raul , Burkhardt Ulrich , Schnelle Walter , Schmidt Marcus , Grin Yuri , Schwarz Ulrich
Published: June 2010

The high‐temperature high‐pressure syntheses of binary phases hp‐RESn3–x (RE = Tb, Ho, Er) was reinvestigated showing good agreement with previously determined stability fields concerning pressure and temperature conditions. Phases hp‐RESn3–x adopt a cubic Cu3Au arrangement (a = 466.52(6) pm for hp‐TbSn3–x; a = 465.44(8) pm for hp‐HoSn3–x and a = 464.98(9) pm for hp‐ErSn3–x). Superstructure reflections observed in experiments with synchrotron radiation indicate an ordered arrangement for HoSn3–x prepared at 8.4(8) GPa and 1270 K (space group Pm$\bar3$m). hp‐HoSn3–x transforms exothermally at 460 K and ambient pressure into the low‐pressure modification HoSn3–x indicating that the ordered Cu3Au‐type arrangement is a metastable high‐pressure phase., A second set of phases is identified as compounds RE3Sn7 (RE = Ho, Er) being isotypic to the ambient pressure modifications Gd3Sn7 and Tb3Sn7 (space group Cmmm; lattice parameters a = 434.95(7) pm, b = 2615.6(6) pm, c = 442.09(7) pm for Ho3Sn7 and a = 434.29(5) pm, b = 2607.2(4) pm, c = 441.49(5) pm) for Er3Sn7). The crystal structure of compounds RE3Sn7 is interpreted as an intergrowth of AlB2‐, CaF2‐ and AuCu3‐like segments. Analysis of the chemical bonding in Er3Sn7 by means of the electron localizability approach reveals two‐center Sn–Sn bonding in the AlB2‐like segment and multi‐center bonding in the AuCu3‐ and CaF2‐like motifs., The electrical resistivity of ρ ≈︁ 31 μΩ cm at 300 K reveals that hp‐HoSn3–x is a metallic conductor. The phases hp‐RESn3–x and RE3Sn7 (RE = Ho, Er) show paramagnetic Curie–Weiss behavior of the rare earth metal ions Ho3+ and Er3+, respectively. Ho3Sn7 and Er3Sn7 order antiferromagnetically at 10.0 K and 8.2 K, respectively. The high‐pressure phases RESn3–x show no magnetic order above 2 K. XAS measurements on the compounds Tb3Sn7 and hp‐TbSn3–x indicate a 4f 8 configuration evidencing the oxidation state +3 for terbium.
Buckling analysis of non‐uniform cylindrical shells of a four lobed cross section under uniform axial compressions
Authors: Ahmed M.K.
Published: June 2010

In this paper, the Flügge's shell theory is modeled and the transfer matrix approach is used to investigate the elastic buckling behaviour of a cylindrical shell with a four lobed cross section with reduced thickness over part of its circumference under axial compressive loads. Modal displacements of the shell can be described by trigonometric functions and Fourier's approach is used to separate the variables. The buckling equations of the shell are reduced to eight first‐order differential equations in the circumferential coordinate, and by using the transfer matrix of the shell, these equations can be written in a matrix differential equation. The transfer matrix is derived from the differential equations of the cylindrical shells by introducing the trigonometric functions in the longitudinal direction and applying a numerical integration in the circumferential direction. The method is used to get the critical buckling loads and the buckling deformations for symmetrical and antisymmetrical shells. Computed results indicate the sensitivity of the buckling loads and the corresponding buckling deformations to the geometry of the non‐uniformity of the shell, and also to the radius of curvature at the lobed corners.
Characteristics of the Fatty Acid Composition of a Deep‐Sea Vent Gastropod, Ifremeria nautilei
Authors: Saito Hiroaki , Hashimoto Jun
Published: June 2010

Neutral and polar lipids in the soft parts of a gastropod species, Ifremeria nautilei, collected from deep‐sea hydrothermal vents, were examined to assess the trophic relationships in hydrothermal vents. The vent gastropod obtains many of its lipids from symbiotic chemosynthetic microorganisms. The major polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) both in the triacylglycerols and phospholipids of the gastropod consist of a limited number of n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA: arachidonic acid (20:4n‐6), icosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3), and docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n‐3), without docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3). Noticeable levels of various n‐6 PUFA, such as 18:2n‐6,9, 20:2n‐6,9, 20:3n‐6,9,12, and 20:3n‐6,9,15 with significant levels of 16:1n‐6 and 18:1n‐6 indicate the biosynthetic characteristic of the endosymbionts. The lack of DHA in all specimens suggests a limitation of its lipid biosynthesis ability with its symbionts. This finding with regard to the lipids is unusual for a marine animal in the grazing or detrital food chain because many marine animal lipids evidently contain high levels of DHA with low levels of n‐6 fatty acids. Such contradictory findings lead to some new insights into the absence of a biosynthetic pathway for DHA in I. nautilei, and provide evidence that DHA in this species is dispensable. Similar to herbivorous gastropods, the lack of DHA with significant levels of n‐6 PUFA in this species also indicates its selective assimilation of specific microorganisms, such as chemosynthetic bacteria in hydrothermal vents, because significant levels of DHA were found in carnivorous mollusk lipids.