bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Formation of Styrene by Cinnamon Mold Flora
Authors: Lafeuille J.‐L. , Buniak M.‐L. , Vioujas M.‐C. , Lefevre S.
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT: Tests on 106 dried pure cinnamon samples of diverse origins showed that some samples were naturally contaminated with high levels of styrene, up to 524 μg/g. Styrene taint can be associated with high water activity levels and thus with microorganism growth. The mold flora of a Korintji cinnamon sample in which styrene had been found at a 50 μg/g concentration was analyzed and 5 species of mold were isolated. An investigation into the ability of the 5 species of mold to produce styrene showed that 3 of them—namely, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium oxalicum, Aspergillus niger—produced styrene in vitro in buffered peptone water at 25 °C within 5 d in the presence of several natural cinnamon volatile constituents containing the styrene structure. The conversion of these compounds into styrene by these 3 cinnamon fungal species has never been previously reported. A standardized inoculation with the 3 mold species was carried out on 10 g cinnamon samples of various origins followed by a 10‐d incubation and highlighting styrene production except for Sri Lanka origin.
Laminin‐421 produced by lymphatic endothelial cells induces chemotaxis for human melanoma cells
Authors: Saito Noriko , Hamada Jun‐ichi , Furukawa Hiroshi , Tsutsumida Arata , Oyama Akihiko , Funayama Emi , Saito Akira , Tsuji Tsutomu , Tada Mitsuhiro , Moriuchi Tetsuya , Yamamoto Yuhei
Published: June 2009

Melanoma has a high tendency to metastasize to lymph nodes, which is one of the clinicopathological factors to indicate poor prognosis. Recent investigations have shown the importance of lymphangiogenesis in lymph node metastasis in a variety of human tumors including melanoma. However, molecular mechanism of lymphatic metastasis is still poorly defined. We examined influence of interactions between normal lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and melanoma cells on cell migration. Medium conditioned with LEC (LEC‐CM) contained chemotactic and chemokinetic activities for human melanoma cell lines. The chemotactic activity was fractionated in more than 100 kDa, and inactivated by heat‐treatment. The chemotactic activity of LEC‐CM was abolished by immunodepletion with anti‐laminin‐1 antibody. And immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses revealed that LEC‐CM contained laminin‐421. When melanoma C8161 cells were treated with function‐blocking antibodies to integrin α3 or α6, their chemotactic responses to LEC‐CM were markedly reduced. Furthermore, the knock‐down of tetraspanin CD151 weakened the chemotactic responses of C8161 and MeWo cells to LEC‐CM. These data suggest that laminin‐421 secreted by LEC possibly facilitates lymphatic metastasis through the induction of chemotaxis of melanoma cells.
Convective Heat Transfer Enhancement in a Circular Tube Using Twisted Tape
Authors: Lin Zhi-Min , Wang Liang-Bi
Published: June 2009

The secondary flow has been used frequently to enhance the convective heat transfer, and at the same flow condition, the intensity of convective heat transfer closely depends on the thermal boundary conditions. Thus far, there is less reported information about the sensitivity of heat transfer enhancement to thermal boundary conditions by using secondary flow. To account for this sensitivity, the laminar convective heat transfer in a circular tube fitted with twisted tape was investigated numerically. The effects of conduction in the tape on the Nusselt number, the relationship between the absolute vorticity flux and the Nusselt number, the sensitivity of heat transfer enhancement to the thermal boundary conditions by using secondary flow, and the effects of secondary flow on the flow boundary layer were discussed. The results reveal that (1) for fully developed laminar heat convective transfer, different tube wall thermal boundaries lead to different effects of conduction in the tape on heat transfer characteristics; (2) the Nusselt number is closely dependent on the absolute vorticity flux; (3) the efficiency of heat transfer enhancement is dependent on both the tube wall thermal boundaries and the intensity of secondary flow, and the ratio of Nusselt number with twisted tape to its counterpart with straight tape decreases with increasing twist ratio while it increases with increasing Reynolds number for both uniform wall temperature (UWT) and uniform heat flux (UHF) conditions; (4) the difference in the ratio between UWT and UHF conditions is also strongly dependent on the conduction in the tape and the intensity of the secondary flow; and (5) the twist ratio ranging from 4.0 to 6.0 does not necessarily change the main flow velocity boundary layer near tube wall, while Reynolds number has effects on the shape of the main flow velocity boundary layer near tube wall only in small regions.
Research into Acupuncture for Respiratory Disease in Japan: A Systematic Review
Authors: Suzuki Masao , Yokoyama Yoko , Yamazaki Hiroshi
Published: June 2009

Background

In Japan, studies on acupuncture therapy for respiratory disease have rarely been reported. Additionally, most of the reports are difficult for overseas researchers to access because they are written in Japanese and cannot be located using Medline.

Purpose

To review studies on acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for respiratory disease conducted in Japan.

Data sources

The results of a literature search using “Igaku Chuo Zasshi Web” and the Medical Online Library, both of which are Japanese databases, covering the period between 1979 and 2006.

Study selection

This study reviewed references cited in retrieved documents and selected original articles and case reports on acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for respiratory disease.

Data extraction

The search terms used were “acupuncture” and “respiratory disease”, along with “respiratory”, “asthma”, “COPD”, “bronchitis” and “common cold”.

Results

The study retrieved 34 papers on acupuncture treatment for respiratory disease written in Japanese (9 full papers, 19 case reports and 6 case series). The papers dealt with such conditions as asthma (14 trials), cough variant asthma (one trial), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (seven trials), chronic bronchitis (one trial), usual/idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (one trial) and the common cold (two trials). The study also found eight trials dealing with cold prevention.

Conclusions

A small number of reports on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for respiratory diseases were found in the Japanese databases. Future studies must use more rigorous evaluation methods, such as randomised controlled trials, to measure the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for treating respiratory diseases.
Acupuncture for Dyspepsia in Pregnancy: A Prospective, Randomised, Controlled Study
Authors: da Silva João Bosco Guerreiro , Nakamura Mary Uchiyama , Cordeiro José Antonio , Kulay Luiz , Saidah Rassen
Published: June 2009

Objectives

This study was undertaken to describe under real-life conditions the effects of acupuncture on symptomatic dyspepsia during pregnancy and to compare this with a group of patients undergoing conventional treatment alone.

Methods

A total of 42 conventionally treated pregnant women were allocated by chance into two groups to be treated, or not, by acupuncture. They reported the severity of symptoms and the disability these were causing in daily aspects of life such as sleeping and eating, using a numerical rating scale. The study also observed the use of medications.

Results

Six women dropped out (one in the acupuncture group and five in the control group). Significant improvements in symptoms were found in the study group. This group also used less medication and had a greater improvement in their disabilities when compared with the control group.

Conclusions

This study suggests that acupuncture may alleviate dyspepsia during pregnancy.
ON A CERTAIN CLASS OF SUBMEASURES BASED ON TRIANGULAR NORMS
Authors: HUTNÍK ONDREJ , MESIAR RADKO
Published: June 2009

In this paper we study a generalization of a submeasure notion which is related to a probabilistic concept, especially to Menger spaces where triangular norms play a crucial role. The resulting notion of a τT-submeasure is suitable for modeling those situations in which we have only probabilistic information about the measure of the set. We characterize a class of universal τT-submeasures (i.e., τT-submeasures for an arbitrary t -norm T) and give explicit formulas for τT-submeasures for some classes of t -norms. Also, transformations and aggregations of τT-submeasures are discussed.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor increases sympathetic reinnervation and the arrhythmogenic response to programmed electrical stimulation after myocardial infarction in rats
Authors: Lee Tsung-Ming , Chen Chien-Chang , Chang Nen-Chung
Published: June 2009

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been used for the repair of infarcted myocardium, but concerns have been raised regarding its proarrhythmic potential. We analyzed the influence of G-CSF treatment on sympathetic nerve remodeling and the expression of nestin in a rat model of experimental myocardial infarction (MI). Twenty-four hours after ligation of the anterior descending artery, male Wistar rats were randomized to receive either saline (MI/C) or G-CSF (MI/G) for 5 days. At 56 days after infarction, MI/G rats had a significantly higher left ventricular ejection fraction accompanied by a significant decrease in the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension than the MI/C group. Myocardial norepinephrine levels revealed a significant elevation in MI/G rats in the border zone compared with MI/C rats. Immunohistochemical analysis for tyrosine hydroxylase, growth-associated protein 43, and neurofilament also confirmed the changes of myocardial norepinephrine. At 5 days after infarction, MI/G rats had increased numbers of tissue-infiltrated CD34+ cells, although a similar increase in circulating neutrophil counts between sham-operated rats treated with G-CSF and MI/G rats was observed. Compared with MI/C rats, MI/G rats showed an increase of nestin and nerve growth factor expression, as assessed by protein expression and mRNA levels. The arrhythmia scores during programmed stimulation were significantly higher in MI/G rats than in MI/C rats, suggesting proarrhythmic potential. These findings suggest that, although G-CSF administration after infarction improved myocardial function, it resulted in the activation of nestin and nerve growth factor expression and increased sympathetic reinnervation, which may increase the arrhythmogenic response to programmed electrical stimulation.
Inhibition of TRPC1/TRPC3 by PKG contributes to NO-mediated vasorelaxation
Authors: Chen Jie , Crossland Randy F. , Noorani Muzamil M. Z. , Marrelli Sean P.
Published: June 2009

Nitric oxide (NO) inhibits transient receptor potential channel 3 (TRPC3) channels via a PKG-dependent mechanism. We sought to determine 1) whether NO inhibition of TRPC3 occurs in freshly isolated smooth muscle cells (SMC); and 2) whether NO inhibition of TRPC3 channels contributes to NO-mediated vasorelaxation. We tested these hypotheses in freshly isolated rat carotid artery (CA) SMC using patch clamp and in intact CA by vessel myograph. We demonstrated TRPC3 expression in whole CA (mRNA and protein) that was localized to the smooth muscle layers. TRPC1 protein was also expressed and coimmunoprecipitated with TRPC3. Whole cell patch clamp demonstrated nonselective cation channel currents that were activated by UTP (60 μM) and completely inhibited by a TRPC channel inhibitor, La3+ (100 μM). The UTP-stimulated current ( IUTP) was also inhibited by intracellular application of anti-TRPC3 or anti-TRPC1 antibody, but not by anti-TRPC6 or anti-TRPC4 control antibodies. We next evaluated the NO signaling pathway on IUTP. Exogenous NO [( Z)-1-{ N-methyl- N-[6( N-methylammoniohexyl)amino]}diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (MAHMA NONOate)] or a cell-permeable cGMP analog (8-bromo-cGMP) significantly inhibited IUTP. Preapplication of a PKG inhibitor (KT5823) reversed the inhibition of MAHMA NONOate or 8-bromo-cGMP, demonstrating the critical role of PKG in NO inhibition of TRPC1/TRPC3. Intact CA segments were contracted with UTP (100 μM) in the presence or absence of La3+ (100 μM) and then evaluated for relaxation to an NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (1 nM to 1 μM). Relaxation to sodium nitroprusside was significantly reduced in the La3+ treatment group. We conclude that freshly isolated SMC express TRPC1/TRPC3 channels and that these channels are inhibited by NO/cGMP/PKG. Furthermore, NO contributes to vasorelaxation by inhibition of La3+-sensitive channels consistent with TRPC1/TRPC3.
Laboratory Diagnosis and Molecular Basis of Mild von Willebrand Disease Type 1
Authors: Michiels Jan Jacques , Berneman Zwi , Gadisseur Alain , van der Planken Marc , Schroyens Wilfried , van Vliet Huub H.D.M.
Published: June 2009

Mild type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is characterized by low to variable penetrance of bleeding, a high (increased) prevalence of blood group O, von Willebrand factor (VWF) values around and above 30% with normal ratios of VWF:ristocetin cofactor activity (RCo)/VWF:antigen (Ag), VWF:collagen binding (CB)/VWF:Ag and factor VIII (FVIII):coagulant activity (C)/VWF:Ag. Within this group of patients, the combination of the C1584 mutation and blood group O is rather frequent. Patients with mild VWD type 1 present good/normal responses of FVIII:C and VWF parameters to desmopressin (DDAVP). With the exclusion of dominant VWD type Vicenza, type 1/2E, recessive 2N and dominant 2M, missense mutations in patients with mild VWD type 1 with normal multimers are mainly located in the regulatory sequence region, the D1/D2 propeptide region, the D′ VWF-FVIII binding site region and the D4, B1–B3 and C1–C2 domains but rarely in the D3, A1 or A2 domain. A new category of either dominant or recessive mild VWD type 1 due to mutations in the D4, B1–B3 and C1–C2 domains of the VWF gene consists of two groups: one group with mild VWD with normal VWF multimers and a second group with mild/moderate VWD with smeary multimer pattern.
Dominant von Willebrand Disease Type 2M and 2U Are Variable Expressions of One Distinct Disease Entity Caused by Loss-of-Function Mutations in the A1 Domain of the von Willebrand Factor Gene
Authors: Gadisseur Alain , van der Planken Marc , Schroyens Wilfried , Berneman Zwi , Michiels Jan Jacques
Published: June 2009

A complete set of laboratory investigations, including bleeding time, PFA-100 closure time, factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C), von Willebrand factor (VWF) ristocetin cofactor activity (RCo), collagen binding (CB) and antigen concentration (Ag), ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA) and multimeric analysis of VWF in low and medium SDS-agarose resolution gels, is warranted to diagnose and classify all variants of von Willebrand disease (VWD). VWD type 2M and 2U are typically characterized by decreased RIPA and a poor response of VWF:RCo to desmopressin (DDAVP), but normal VWF:CB and good responses of VWF:CB, VWF:Ag and FVIII:C to DDAVP. VWF multimeric analysis in patients with VWD 2M and 2U show relative decreases in large VWF multimers with less resolved triplet structure of each of the multimeric bands in low-, medium- or high-resolution gels. VWD type 2M or 2U are caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the A1 domain. The laboratory manifestations and molecular defects in the A1 domain causing VWD type 2M and 2U are clearly distinct from all variants of type 1 VWD and also from all other variants [VWD type 2A, 2B, 2E (IIE) and 2C (IIC)].
Causes, Etiology and Diagnosis of Acquired von Willebrand Disease: A Prospective Diagnostic Workup to Establish the Most Effective Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Sucker Christoph , Michiels Jan Jacques , Zotz Rainer B.
Published: June 2009

Acquired von Willebrand disease (aVWD) occurs in association with a variety of underlying disorders, most frequently in lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative disorders, other malignancies, and cardiovascular disease. aVWD is a complex and heterogeneous defect with a multifactorial etiology and the pathophysiologic mechanisms remain unclear in many cases. Assays for anti-factor VIII (FVIII)/von Willebrand factor (VWF) activities often yield negative results although antibodies may be present in autoimmune disease and some lymphoproliferative disorders. Functional assays of VWF in patients’ plasma and particularly in heart valve disease, VWF multimer analysis are important for aVWD diagnosis. In patients with normal partial thromboplastin times and normal VWF activity, the diagnosis of aVWD is based on clinical suspicion and a careful bleeding history, which should prompt the clinician to initiate further laboratory investigations. Management of bleeding in aVWD relies mainly on desmopressin, FVIII/VWF concentrates and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin. The half-life of VWF may be very short, and in bleeding episodes high doses of FVIII/VWF concentrates at short intervals may be necessary even when high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin was applied before. Since the optimal treatment strategy has not yet been defined for aVWD of different etiology, controlled multicenter trials aiming at the development of standardized treatment protocols are urgently needed.
Stepwise evolution of two giant composite LTR-retrotransposon-like elements DA and Xiao
Authors: Li Xuanyang , Slife Jennifer , Patel Neil , Zhao Shaying
Published: June 2009

Background

We recently discovered two composite long terminal repeat (LTR)-retrotransposon-like elements which we named DA (~300 kb) and Xiao (~30 kb), meaning big and small in Chinese respectively. Xiao and DA (three types of DA identified) were found to have been derived from several donor sites and have spread to 30 loci in the human genome, totaling to 5 Mb. Our bioinformatics analyses with the released human, chimp, rhesus macaque, orangutan, and marmoset genomic sequences indicate that DA and Xiao emerged ~25 million years (Myr) ago.

Results

To better understand the evolution of these two complex elements, we investigated various internal junctions of DA and Xiao as well as orthologous genomic sites of the 30 DA/Xiao loci in non-human primates including great apes, lesser apes, Old World monkeys, New World monkeys, and a prosimian. We found that Xiao and type I DA first emerged in the genome between 25 and 18 Myr ago, whereas type II and Type III DAs emerged between 14 and 7 Myr ago. Xiao and DA were most active in great apes, with their amplification peaking during 25-14 and 14-7 Myr ago, respectively. Neither DA nor Xiao seem to have been active in the human and chimp genomes during last 6 Myr.

Conclusion

The study has led to a more accurate age determination of the DA and Xiao elements than our previous bioinformatics analyses, and indicates that the amplification activity of the elements coincided with that of group I HERV-Es during evolution. It has also illustrated an evolutionary path with stepwise structural changes for the elements during past 25 Myr, and in doing so has shed more light on these two intriguing and complex elements that have reshaped our genome.
Validation of a high-throughput fermentation system based on online monitoring of biomass and fluorescence in continuously shaken microtiter plates
Authors: Kensy Frank , Zang Emerson , Faulhammer Christian , Tan Rung-Kai , Büchs Jochen
Published: June 2009

Background

An advanced version of a recently reported high-throughput fermentation system with online measurement, called BioLector, and its validation is presented. The technology combines high-throughput screening and high-information content by applying online monitoring of scattered light and fluorescence intensities in continuously shaken microtiter plates. Various examples in calibration of the optical measurements, clone and media screening and promoter characterization are given.

Results

Bacterial and yeast biomass concentrations of up to 50 g/L cell dry weight could be linearly correlated to scattered light intensities. In media screening, the BioLector could clearly demonstrate its potential for detecting different biomass and product yields and deducing specific growth rates for quantitatively evaluating media and nutrients. Growth inhibition due to inappropriate buffer conditions could be detected by reduced growth rates and a temporary increase in NADH fluorescence. GFP served very well as reporter protein for investigating the promoter regulation under different carbon sources in yeast strains. A clone screening of 90 different GFP-expressing Hansenula polymorpha clones depicted the broad distribution of growth behavior and an even stronger distribution in GFP expression. The importance of mass transfer conditions could be demonstrated by varying filling volumes of an E. coli culture in 96 well MTP. The different filling volumes cause a deviation in the culture growth and acidification both monitored via scattered light intensities and the fluorescence of a pH indicator, respectively.

Conclusion

The BioLector technology is a very useful tool to perform quantitative microfermentations under engineered reaction conditions. With this technique, specific yields and rates can be directly deduced from online biomass and product concentrations, which is superior to existing technologies such as microplate readers or optode-based cultivation systems. In particular, applications with strong demand on high-throughput such as clone and media screening and systems biology can benefit from its simple handling, the high quantitative information content and its capacity of automation.
Bilateral synchronous occurrence of three different histological types of renal tumor: a case report
Authors: Radopoulos Demetrios , Tahmatzopoulos Anastasios , Kalinderis Nikolaos , Dimitriadis Georgios
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Renal cell carcinomas account for 85% of all renal neoplasms. With the introduction of modern imaging modalities, there has been an increased diagnosis of renal tumors. Recent studies have shown that partial nephrectomy can be as safe as radical nephrectomy for smaller renal tumors. Renal cell carcinomas are usually unilateral, however, they can be bilateral in 2% to 4% of sporadic cases and considerably more common in familial cases.

Case presentation

In this case report, we describe an unusual case of two bilateral synchronous chromophobe renal cell carcinomas accompanied by an oncocytoma and an angiomyolipoma, that were all treated by open partial nephrectomy.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report on the synchronous occurrence of bilateral chromophobe renal cell carcinomas associated with an oncocytoma and an angiomyolipoma.
Torsion of parietal-peritoneal fat mimicking acute appendicitis: a case report
Authors: Hapuarachchi Kamal Sanjiva , Courtney Edward Douglas , Gergely Szabolcs , Tang Tjun Yip
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Infarctions of the greater omentum and appendices epiploicae are uncommon, but well documented causes of acute abdominal pain. We present a rare case of torted fat on the parietal peritoneum over the anterior abdominal wall, mimicking clinical signs of acute appendicitis, which was diagnosed at laparoscopy. We are aware of only two other similar reported cases, both of which were diagnosed at the time of laparotomy.

Case presentation

A 41-year-old Caucasian woman presented with clinical signs of acute appendicitis. On diagnostic laparoscopy, a non-inflamed appendix was found. Further exploration revealed a necrotic torted appendage of fat overlying the parietal peritoneum of the right iliac fossa of the anterior abdominal wall.

Conclusion

Torted fatty appendages can be a diagnostic dilemma often mimicking more common causes of an acute abdomen. Laparoscopy is an excellent tool making the correct diagnosis in such cases.
Retinoic Acid Stimulates 17β-Estradiol and Testosterone Synthesis in Rat Hippocampal Slice Cultures
Authors: Munetsuna Eiji , Hojo Yasushi , Hattori Minoru , Ishii Hirotaka , Kawato Suguru , Ishida Atsuhiko , Kominami Shiro A. J. , Yamazaki Takeshi
Published: June 2009

The hippocampus is essentially involved in learning and memory processes. Its functions are affected by various neuromodulators, including 17β-estradiol, testosterone, and retinoid. Brain-synthesized steroid hormones act as autocrine and paracrine modulators. The regulatory mechanism underlying brain steroidogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Synthesis of sex steroids in the gonads is stimulated by retinoic acids. Therefore, we examined the effects of retinoic acids on estradiol and testosterone biosynthesis in the rat hippocampus. We used cultured hippocampal slices from 10- to 12-d-old male rats to investigate de novo steroidogenesis. The infant rat hippocampus possesses mRNAs for steroidogenic enzymes and retinoid receptors. Slices were used after 24 h of preculture to obtain maximal steroidogenic activity because steroidogenesis in cultured slices decreases with time. The mRNA levels for P45017α, P450 aromatase and estrogen receptor-β in the slices were increased by treatment with 9-cis-retinoic acid but not by all-trans-isomer. The magnitude of stimulation and the shape of the dose-response curve for the mRNA level for P45017α were similar to those for cellular retinoid binding protein type 2, the transcription of which is activated by retinoid X receptor signaling. 9-cis-Retinoic acid also induced a 1.7-fold increase in the protein content of P45017α and a 2-fold increase in de novo synthesis of 17β-estradiol and testosterone. These steroids may be synthesized from a steroid precursor(s), such as pregnenolone or other steroids, or from cholesterol, as so-called neurosteroids. The stimulation of estradiol and testosterone synthesis by 9-cis-retinoic acid might be caused by activation of P45017α transcription via retinoid X receptor signaling.
Notch signaling controls the balance of ciliated and secretory cell fates in developing airways
Authors: Tsao Po-Nien , Vasconcelos Michelle , Izvolsky Konstantin I. , Qian Jun , Lu Jining , Cardoso Wellington V.
Published: June 2009

Although there is accumulated evidence of a role for Notch in the developing lung, it is still unclear how disruption of Notch signaling affects lung progenitor cell fate and differentiation events in the airway epithelium. To address this issue, we inactivated Notch signaling conditionally in the endoderm using a Shh-Cre deleter mouse line and mice carrying floxed alleles of the Pofut1 gene, which encodes an O-fucosyltransferase essential for Notch-ligand binding. We also took the same conditional approach to inactivate expression of Rbpjk, which encodes the transcriptional effector of canonical Notch signaling. Strikingly, these mutants showed an almost identical lung phenotype characterized by an absence of secretory Clara cells without evidence of cell death, and showed airways populated essentially by ciliated cells, with an increase in neuroendocrine cells. This phenotype could be further replicated in cultured wild-type lungs by disrupting Notch signaling with a gamma-secretase inhibitor. Our data suggest that Notch acts when commitment to a ciliated or non-ciliated cell fate occurs in proximal progenitors, silencing the ciliated program in the cells that will continue to expand and differentiate into secretory cells. This mechanism may be crucial to define the balance of differentiated cell profiles in different generations of the developing airways. It might also be relevant to mediate the metaplastic changes in the respiratory epithelium that occur in pathological conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Novel Flow Cytometry–Based Screening for Bacterial Contamination of Donor Platelet Preparations Compared with Other Rapid Screening Methods
Authors: Dreier Jens , Vollmer Tanja , Kleesiek Knut
Published: June 2009

Background: Bacterial contamination is the major infectious hazard associated with transfusion of platelet preparations (PLTs). Routine testing for bacterial contamination in PLTs has become common, but transfusion-transmitted bacterial sepsis has not been eliminated. Here, we describe a novel flow cytometry–based method for point-of-issue screening of PLTs for bacterial contamination.

Methods: We used the BactiFlow flow cytometer to detect and count bacteria based on esterase activity in viable cells. We compared the assay to incubation (BacT/Alert culture system) and rapid nucleic acid–based or immunoassay (reverse transcription PCR, Pan Genera Detection) methods.

Results: We established a protocol for bacterial screening of PLTs consisting of enzymatic digestion and centrifugal filtration for the elimination of viable platelets and selective labeling of bacteria with fluorescent esterase substrate (ChemChrome V23). Results from the BactiFlow showed an excellent correlation (r = 0.9923 E. coli, r = 0.9736 S. epidermidis) to traditional plate count results. The lower detection limit of the assay was determined to be 150 CFU/mL, and the time to result was <1 h.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that BactiFlow flow cytometry is suitable for rapid screening of PLTs for bacterial contamination and fulfils the requirements for a point-of-issue testing of PLTs with acceptable time to result, specificity, sensitivity, and cost.
Chemerin is associated with markers of inflammation and components of the metabolic syndrome but does not predict coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Lehrke Michael , Becker Alexander , Greif Martin , Stark Renee , Laubender Rüdiger P , von Ziegler Franz , Lebherz Corinna , Tittus Janine , Reiser Maximilian , Becker Christoph , Göke Burkhard , Leber Alexander W , Parhofer Klaus G , Broedl Uli C
Published: June 2009

Objectives

Chemerin is a recently discovered adipokine that regulates adipocyte differentiation and modulates chemotaxis and activation of dendritic cells and macrophages. Given the convergence of adipocyte and macrophage function, chemerin may provide an interesting link between obesity, inflammation and atherosclerosis in humans. We sought to examine the relationship of i) chemerin and markers of inflammation, ii) chemerin and components of the metabolic syndrome, and iii) chemerin and coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden and morphology.

Design

Serum chemerin levels were determined in 303 patients with stable typical or atypical chest pain who underwent dual-source multi-slice CT-angiography to exclude coronary artery stenosis. Atherosclerotic plaques were classified as calcified, mixed, or non-calcified.

Results

Chemerin levels were highly correlated with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (r=0.44, P<0.0001), interleukin-6 (r=0.18, P=0.002), tumor necrosis factor-α (r=0.24, P<0.0001), resistin (r=0.28, P<0.0001), and leptin (r=0.36, P<0.0001) concentrations. Furthermore, chemerin was associated with components of the metabolic syndrome including body mass index (r=0.23, P=0.0002), triglycerides (r=0.29, P<0.0001), HDL-cholesterol (r=−0.18, P=0.003), and hypertension (P<0.0001). In bivariate analysis, chemerin levels were weakly correlated with coronary plaque burden (r=0.16, P=0.006) and the number of non-calcified plaques (r=0.14, P=0.02). These associations, however, were lost after adjusting for established cardiovascular risk factors (odds ratio, OR 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97–1.41, P=0.11 for coronary plaque burden; OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.96–1.17, P=0.22 for non-calcified plaques).

Conclusions

Chemerin is strongly associated with markers of inflammation and components of the metabolic syndrome. However, chemerin does not predict coronary atherosclerosis.
Death attitude and changes of death image in the Hungarian society. Examination of generational value-judgment and possibilities of measurement. Is death still a taboo?
Authors: Zana Ágnes
Published: June 2009

A dolgozat célja a halálhoz való viszonyulás szociológiai, antropológiai és pszichológiai aspektusainak elemzése, a különböző megközelítésmódok rendszerben való áttekintése, a megváltozott halálkép, illetve a változás tendenciájának bemutatása, a leginkább félelmet keltő faktorok vizsgálata és értelmezése a különböző nemi, kor- és foglalkozási csoportok tekintetében; halálfélelem és halál iránti attitűd kérdőívek validálása magyar populáción és a szorongást generáló halálfélelem oldása érdekében alkalmazott intervenciós lehetőségek áttekintése. Hipotézisünk szerint a nőkre erősebb halálfélelem és szorongás jellemző; a fiatalok jobban félnek a haláltól; az egészségügyi dolgozók halálfélelme magasabb a más foglalkozású személyekénél, munkájukból adódóan naponta szembesülnek a halál váratlan, bárkit utolérő voltával, és ez szorongáskeltő faktor. A halálfélelem és a halálhoz való viszonyulás pszichometriai méréséhez két, halálfélelmet, illetve halál iránti attitűdöt mérő skálát adaptáltunk és mértünk be magyar nyelven. Eredményeink alapján a Neimeyer- és Moore-féle Multidimenzionális Halálfélelem Skála és Lester Halál iránti Attitűd Skálája egyaránt validnak bizonyult, mindkét skála alkalmas a halálfélelem, illetve a halál iránti attitűd mérésére. Feltételezésünknek megfelelően a nőkre és a fiatal korosztályra nagyobb halálfélelem és szorongás jellemző. Az egészségügyi dolgozók csoportjánál a korábbi mérésekkel ellentétben alacsonyabb félelem-, illetve szorongásszintet tapasztaltunk.
Thalidomide (Contergan) induced limb deficiency in Hungary?
Authors: Gidai János , Bács Éva , Czeizel Endre
Published: June 2009

Esetismertetés
: Genetikai tanácsadónkban egy 47 éves, komplex végtaghiányos rendellenességben szenvedő nő jelentkezett és szakvéleményben kérte annak igazolását, hogy végtaghiányos rendellenességét a thalidomid (Contergan) nevű gyógyszer okozta. Édesanyja az ő születésével végződő terhességében állítólag szedte ezt a gyógyszert, amit Nyugat-Németországban élő nővérétől kapott. A thalidomid radialis-tibialis típusú végtaghiányos rendellenességet idéz elő, amely gyakran társul fülkagyló- és más rendellenességekkel. A thalidomidra jellemző végtaghiányos és más fejlődési rendellenesség azonban nála nem volt észlelhető. A nő komplex végtag-rendellenessége az úgynevezett FFU-komplexnek felelt meg, mivel femurhypoplasia (F), fibulahypoplasia (F) az V. és IV. lábujj hiányával mindkét alsó végtagján, valamint ulnaris hypoplasia (U) az V. és IV. ujj hiányával a jobb felső végtagon volt észlelhető, más fejlődési rendellenesség nélkül. Emellett schizophrenia miatt kezelték. Így az a korábban elfogadott feltételezés, hogy végtaghiányos rendellenességét a thalidomid okozta, kizárható volt.
Mechanism of oxide particle evolution in the MA957 ODS ferritic alloy
Authors: Sakasegawa H. , Legendre F. , Boulanger L. , Chaffron L. , Cozzika T. , Malaplate J. , Henry J. , Carlan Y. de , Brocq M.
Published: June 2009

In our past work, two types of nanometer-sized oxide particle were found in the commercial ODS (Oxide Dispersion Strengthened) ferritic alloy MA957. They were nonstoichiometric Y-, Ti-, O-enriched clusters (2 ∼ 15 nm) and stoichiometric Y2Ti2O7 (15 ∼ 35 nm). The particles which have an important role for the strengthening were confirmed to be nonstoichiometric Y-, Ti-, O-enriched clusters (denoted by YxTiyOz in this work). Based on that result, the stability and evolution mechanism of oxide particle at high temperatures were studied in this work. After annealing (1473 K × 1 h), most of the non-stoichiometric YxTiyOz particles were stable and their size increased very little. However, some these particles apparently became Y2Ti2O7 particles with increasing size and yttrium content. They possibly contributed to the growth of Y2Ti2O7.
Metropolis Monte Carlo simulations of ordering and clustering in FeCr alloys
Authors: Zhurkin Evgeny E. , Pereira Romain , Castin Nicolas , Malerba Lorenzo , Hou Marc
Published: June 2009

The Metropolis Monte Carlo (MMC) algorithm is a computational method to study equilibrium thermodynamic properties of a system at the atomic level. The algorithm accounts for all terms that contribute to defining the free energy difference between states: not only chemical, configurational and interfacial, but also due to strain fields and thermal vibrations. In this work, the MMC method with a two bands empirical many-body potential is used to predict the ordering properties of Fe1-xCrx alloys at various compositions and temperatures in the absence of defects. The particular goal of the work was to reveal the effect of atomic relaxations and vibrations on the phase diagram. It is found that vibrations and local relaxation effects contribute to lowering the order-disorder transition temperature by about 25 percent as compared to MMC predictions with a rigid lattice.
Transforming Orthopedic Biomaterials Into Bone Cancer Inhibiting Implants: The Role of Selenium Nanoclusters
Authors: Tran Phong A. , Sarin Love , Hurt Robert H. , Webster Thomas J.
Published: June 2009

Current orthopedic implants have numerous problems that include poor osseointegration, stress shielding and wear debris-associated bone cell death. In addition, numerous patients receive orthopedic implants as a result of bone cancer resection, yet none of the current orthopedic materials are designed to prevent either the occurrence or reoccurrence of cancer. The objective of this study was to transform a traditional orthopedic material into an implant that can both restore bone and prevent bone cancer growth at the implant-tissue interface. Elemental selenium was chosen as the biologically active agent in this material because of its known chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties. It was found that when selenite salts were reduced by glutathione in the presence of an immersed substrate (titanium (Ti), stainless steel (SS) or ultra high molecular weigh polyethylene (UHMWPE)), elemental selenium nucleated and grew into adherent, hemispherical nanoclusters. For each type of substrate (Ti, SS and UHMWPE), three types of surfaces with different selenium surface densities were fabricated. The zero oxidation state of selenium was confirmed on Ti substrates by XPS profiles. Compared to uncoated Ti and SS substrates, the high-density selenium-coated surfaces inhibited cancerous bone cell functions while promoting healthy bone cell functions. Very little selenium was also found to release (about 250ppb) into the cell culture media after 3 days of immersion. These findings showed for the first time the potential of using selenium nanoclusters as a coating to transform a traditional orthopedic material into a bone cancer inhibiting implant.
FET Characteristic of Chemically-Modified CNT
Authors: Kumashiro Ryotaro , Wang Yan , Komatsu Naoya , Tanigaki Katsumi
Published: June 2009

Electric transport properties of chemically modificated carbon nanotubes (CNT) using Si-containing organic molecules and polymers were investigated by means of the field effect transistors (FET) technique. From the results of FET measurements for each chemically surface modified CNT, it was shown that p-type semiconducting CNT can be converted to n-type ones by physical adsorption of Si-containing organic molecules and polymers having Ph-groups. It is suggested that the electron carrier are doped into CNT from the adsorbed molecules and polymers, and it was also confirmed by the results of adsorption spectra. That is, it can be said that the electronic properties of CNT can be controlled by chemically modifications of outer surface.
Enhanced Performance of Organic Light Emitting Diodes Using LiF Buffer Layer
Authors: Vyavahare Omkar , Hailstone Richard
Published: June 2009

Since the invention of organic electroluminescent devices, a great deal of effort has been made to improve their performance. Reducing the barrier and optimizing charge injection is crucial for efficient and bright Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs). We report the performance of OLEDs with ITO/TPD/Alq3/Al structure by inserting LiF both at electrode-organic interfaces and organic-organic interface. We elucidate the mechanism of the LiF buffer layer inserted at different interfaces. The device with LiF as a cathode injection layer shows improved luminescence and steeper IV characteristics.
Synchrotron Radiation and Conventional X-ray source photoemission studies of γ-Al2O3 thin films grown on Si(111) and Si(001) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: El Kazzi Mario , Merckling Clement , Grenet Genevieve , Saint-Girons Guillaume , Silly Mathieu , Sirotti Fausto , Hollinger Guy
Published: June 2009

High-resolution synchrotron radiation X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HRXPS) is used to study the chemical bonding at the Al2O3/Si(001) and Al2O3/Si(111) interfaces. In both cases, the Si2p spectra recorded at 180 eV photon energy provides evidence a thin interfacial layer rich in Si-O bonding. On the other hand, conventional AlKα X-ray source angular measurements clearly indicate that there are two in-plane orientations for Al2O3/Si(111) : [11-2]Al2O3(111)//[11-2]Si(111) and [-1-12] Al2O3(111)//[11-2]Si(111) but four in-plane orientations for Al2O3/Si(001) : [11-2] Al2O3(111)//[100]Si(001), [11-2]Al2O3(111)//[010]Si(001), [11-2]Al2O3(111)//[-100]Si(001), and [11-2]Al2O3(111)//[0-10]Si(001).
Crystallization Characteristics of Ge-Sb Phase Change Materials
Authors: Raoux Simone , Cabral Cyril , Krusin-Elbaum Lia , Jordan-Sweet Jean L. , Salinga Martin , Madan Anita , Pinto Teresa
Published: June 2009

The crystallization behavior of Ge-Sb phase change materials with variable Ge:Sb ratio X between 0.079 and 4.3 was studied using time-resolved x-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, x-ray reflectivity, optical reflectivity and resistivity vs. temperature measurements. It was found that the crystallization temperature increases with Ge content from about 130 °C for X = 0.079 to about 450 °C for X = 4.3. For low X, Sb x-ray diffraction peaks occurred during a heating ramp at lower temperature than Ge diffraction peaks. For X = 1.44 and higher, Sb and Ge peaks occurred at the same temperature. Mass density change upon crystallization and optical and electrical contrast between the phases show a maximum for the eutectic alloy with X = 0.17. The large change in materials properties with composition allows tailoring of the crystallization properties for specific application requirements.
Improved Fabrication Technique for Microstructured Solid-State Neutron Detectors
Authors: Bellinger Steven L , McNeil Walter J , McGregor Douglas Scott
Published: June 2009

Microstructured semiconductor neutron detectors have superior efficiency performance over thin-film coated planar semiconductor detectors. The microstructured detectors have patterns deeply etched into the semiconductor substrates subsequently backfilled with neutron reactive materials. The detectors operate as pn junction diodes. Two variations of the diodes have been fabricated, which either have a rectifying pn junction selectively formed around the etched microstructures or have pn junctions conformally diffused inside the microstructures. The devices with the pn junctions formed in the perforations have lower leakage currents and better signal formation than the devices with selective pn junctions around the etched patterns. Further, pulse height spectra from conformally diffused detectors have the main features predicted by theoretical models, whereas pulse height spectra from the selectively diffused detectors generally do not show these features. The improved performance of the conformal devices is attributed to stronger and more uniform electric fields in the detector active region. Also, system noise, which is directly related to leakage current, has been dramatically reduced as a result of the conformal diffusion fabrication technique. A sinusoidal patterned device with 100 μm deep perforations backfilled with 6LiF was determined to have 11.9 ± 0.078% intrinsic detection efficiency for 0.0253 eV neutrons, as calibrated with thin-film planar semiconductor devices and a 3He proportional counter.
Prospects for High Energy Resolution Gamma Ray Spectroscopy with Europium-Doped Strontium Iodide
Authors: Cherepy Nerine , Payne S A. , Hawrami Rastgo , Burger A , Boatner Lynn , Van Loef Edgar , Shah Kanai
Published: June 2009

Europium-doped strontium iodide scintillators offer a light yield exceeding 100,000 photons/MeV and excellent light yield proportionality, while at the same time, SrI2 is readily grown in single crystal form. Thus far, our collaboration has demonstrated an energy resolution with strontium iodide of 2.6% at 662 keV and 7.6% at 60 keV, and we have grown single crystals surpassing 30 cm3 in size (with lower resolution). Our analysis indicates that SrI2(Eu) has the potential to offer 2% energy resolution at 662 keV with optimized material, optics, and read-out. In particular, improvements in feedstock purity may result in crystal structural and chemical homogeneity, leading to improved light yield uniformity throughout the crystal volume, and consequently, better energy resolution. Uniform, efficient light collection and detection, is also required to achieve the best energy resolution with a SrI2(Eu) scintillator device.
Magnetron Sputtering for II-VI Solar Cells: Thinning the CdTe
Authors: Plotnikov Victor V. , Vasko Anthony C. , Compaan Alvin D. , Liu Xiangxin , Wieland Kristopher A. , Zeller Ryan M. , Li Jian , Collins Robert W.
Published: June 2009

Magnetron sputtering (MS) of CdTe and related II-VI materials facilitates low energy ion and electron bombardment that promotes good film growth at substrate temperatures well below those needed for other physical vapor deposition methods. MS also provides good control of deposition rates while allowing scale-up to large areas. In this paper we review the use of MS for deposition of polycrystalline thin films of CdS, CdTe and related materials for solar cells with a focus on reducing the thickness. We relate the deposition conditions and plasma properties determined by Langmuir probe measurements to some of the materials properties of the films through spectroscopic ellipsometry and high resolution electron microscopy. For cells with CdTe layers from 0.35 to 2.5 μm, we have done a first-order optimization of chloride treatment conditions and back contact structure. We discuss the influence of CdTe thickness and post-deposition processing on the efficiency, open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and fill factor and show that 10% efficient cells can be fabricated with 0.5 μm of CdTe.
Short Time Transient Behavior of SiGe-based Microrefrigerators
Authors: Younes Ezzahri , Christofferson James , Maize Kerry , Shakouri Ali
Published: June 2009

We use a Thermoreflectance Thermal Imaging technique to study the transient cooling of SiGe-based microrefrigerators. Thermal imaging with submicron spatial resolution, 0.1C temperature resolution and 100 nanosecond temporal resolution is achieved. Transient temperature profiles of SiGe-based superlattice microrefrigerator devices of different sizes are obtained. The dynamic behavior of these microrefrigerators, show an interplay between Peltier and Joule effects. On the top surface of the device, Peltier cooling appears first with a time constant of about 10-30 microseconds, then Joule heating in the device starts taking over with a
time constant of about 100-150 microseconds. The experimental results agree very well with the theoretical predictions based on Thermal Quadrupoles Method. The difference in the two time constants can be explained considering the thermal resistance and capacitance of the thin film. In addition this shows that the Joule heating at the top metal/semiconductor interface does not dominate the microrefrigerator performance or else we would have obtained the same time constants for the Peltier and Joule effects. Experimental results show that under high current values, pulse-operation the microrefrigerator device can provide cooling for about 30 microseconds, even though steady state measurements show heating. Temperature distribution on the metal leads connected to the microrefrigerator’s cold junction show the interplay between Joule heating in the metal as well as heat conduction to the substrate. Modeling is used to study the effect of different physical and geometrical parameters of the device on its transient cooling. 3D geometry of heat and current flow in the device plays an important role. One of the goals is to maximize cooling over the shortest time scales.