bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of low molecular weight glutenin subunits identified by SDS-PAGE, 2-DE, MALDI-TOF-MS and PCR in common wheat
Authors: Liu Li , Ikeda Tatsuya M , Branlard Gerard , Peña Roberto J , Rogers William J , Lerner Silvia E , Kolman María A , Xia Xianchun , Wang Linhai , Ma Wujun , Appels Rudi , Yoshida Hisashi , Wang Aili , Yan Yueming , He Zhonghu
Published: June 2010

Background

Low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS) play a crucial role in determining end-use quality of common wheat by influencing the viscoelastic properties of dough. Four different methods - sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE, IEF × SDS-PAGE), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), were used to characterize the LMW-GS composition in 103 cultivars from 12 countries.

Results

At the Glu-A3 locus, all seven alleles could be reliably identified by 2-DE and PCR. However, the alleles Glu-A3e and Glu-A3d could not be routinely distinguished from Glu-A3f and Glu-A3g, respectively, based on SDS-PAGE, and the allele Glu-A3a could not be differentiated from Glu-A3c by MALDI-TOF-MS. At the Glu-B3 locus, alleles Glu-B3a, Glu-B3b, Glu-B3c, Glu-B3g, Glu-B3h and Glu-B3j could be clearly identified by all four methods, whereas Glu-B3ab, Glu-B3ac, Glu-B3ad could only be identified by the 2-DE method. At the Glu-D3 locus, allelic identification was problematic for the electrophoresis based methods and PCR. MALDI-TOF-MS has the potential to reliably identify the Glu-D3 alleles.

Conclusions

PCR is the simplest, most accurate, lowest cost, and therefore recommended method for identification of Glu-A3 and Glu-B3 alleles in breeding programs. A combination of methods was required to identify certain alleles, and would be especially useful when characterizing new alleles. A standard set of 30 cultivars for use in future studies was chosen to represent all LMW-GS allelic variants in the collection. Among them, Chinese Spring, Opata 85, Seri 82 and Pavon 76 were recommended as a core set for use in SDS-PAGE gels. Glu-D3c and Glu-D3e are the same allele. Two new alleles, namely, Glu-D3m in cultivar Darius, and Glu-D3n in Fengmai 27, were identified by 2-DE. Utilization of the suggested standard cultivar set, seed of which is available from the CIMMYT and INRA Clermont-Ferrand germplasm collections, should also promote information sharing in the identification of individual LMW-GS and thus provide useful information for quality improvement in common wheat.
Coordination of the maize transcriptome by a conserved circadian clock
Authors: Khan Sadaf , Rowe Scott C , Harmon Frank G
Published: June 2010

Background

The plant circadian clock orchestrates 24-hour rhythms in internal physiological processes to coordinate these activities with daily and seasonal changes in the environment. The circadian clock has a profound impact on many aspects of plant growth and development, including biomass accumulation and flowering time. Despite recent advances in understanding the circadian system of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the contribution of the circadian oscillator to important agronomic traits in Zea mays and other cereals remains poorly defined. To address this deficit, this study investigated the transcriptional landscape of the maize circadian system.

Results

Since transcriptional regulation is a fundamental aspect of circadian systems, genes exhibiting circadian expression were identified in the sequenced maize inbred B73. Of the over 13,000 transcripts examined, approximately 10 percent displayed circadian expression patterns. The majority of cycling genes had peak expression at subjective dawn and dusk, similar to other plant circadian systems. The maize circadian clock organized co-regulation of genes participating in fundamental physiological processes, including photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, cell wall biogenesis, and phytohormone biosynthesis pathways.

Conclusions

Circadian regulation of the maize genome was widespread and key genes in several major metabolic pathways had circadian expression waveforms. The maize circadian clock coordinated transcription to be coincident with oncoming day or night, which was consistent with the circadian oscillator acting to prepare the plant for these major recurring environmental changes. These findings highlighted the multiple processes in maize plants under circadian regulation and, as a result, provided insight into the important contribution this regulatory system makes to agronomic traits in maize and potentially other C4 plant species.
In-hospital complications after invasive strategy for the management of Non STEMI: women fare as well as men
Authors: Berthillot Caroline , Stephan Dominique , Chauvin Michel , Roul Gerald
Published: June 2010

Background

To analyze the in-hospital complication rate in women suffering from non-ST elevation myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to men.

Methods

The files of 479 consecutive patients (133 women and 346 men) suffering from a Non STEMI (Non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) between the January 1st 2006 and March 21st 2009 were retrospectively analyzed with special attention to every single complication occurring during hospital stay. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests and are reported as median unless otherwise specified. A p value < .05 was considered significant.

Results

As compared to men, women were significantly older (75.8 vs. 65.2 years; p < .005). All cardiovascular risk factors but tobacco and hypertension were similar between the groups: men were noticeably more often smoker (p < .0001) and women more hypertensive (p < .005). No difference was noticed for pre-hospital cardiovascular drug treatment. However women were slightly more severe at entry (more Killip class IV; p = .0023; higher GRACE score for in-hospital death - p = .008 and CRUSADE score for bleeding - p < .0001). All the patients underwent PCI of the infarct-related artery after 24 or 48 hrs post admission without sex-related difference either for timing of PCI or primary success rate. During hospitalization, 130 complications were recorded. Though the event rate was slightly higher in women (30% vs. 26% - p = NS), no single event was significantly gender related. The logistic regression identified age and CRP concentration as the only predictive variables in the whole group. After splitting for genders, these parameters were still predictive of events in men. In women however, CRP was the only one with a borderline p value.

Conclusions

Our study does not support any gender difference for in-hospital adverse events in patients treated invasively for an acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation and elevated troponin.
Targeting surface nucleolin with a multivalent pseudopeptide delays development of spontaneous melanoma in RET transgenic mice
Authors: El Khoury Diala , Destouches Damien , Lengagne Renée , Krust Bernard , Hamma-Kourbali Yamina , Garcette Marylène , Niro Sandra , Kato Masashi , Briand Jean-Paul , Courty José , Hovanessian Ara G , Prévost-Blondel Armelle
Published: June 2010

Background

The importance of cell-surface nucleolin in cancer biology was recently highlighted by studies showing that ligands of nucleolin play critical role in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. By using a specific antagonist that binds the C-terminal tail of nucleolin, the HB-19 pseudopeptide, we recently reported that HB-19 treatment markedly suppressed the progression of established human breast tumor cell xenografts in the athymic nude mice without apparent toxicity.

Methods

The in vivo antitumoral action of HB-19 treatment was assessed on the spontaneous development of melanoma in the RET transgenic mouse model. Ten days old RET mice were treated with HB-19 in a prophylactic setting that extended 300 days. In parallel, the molecular basis for the action of HB-19 was investigated on a melanoma cell line (called TIII) derived from a cutaneous nodule of a RET mouse.

Results

HB-19 treatment of RET mice caused a significant delay in the onset of cutaneous tumors, several-months delay in the incidence of large tumors, a lower frequency of cutaneous nodules, and a reduction of visceral metastatic nodules while displaying no toxicity to normal tissue. Moreover, microvessel density was significantly reduced in tumors recovered from HB-19 treated mice compared to corresponding controls. Studies on the melanoma-derived tumor cells demonstrated that HB-19 treatment of TIII cells could restore contact inhibition, impair anchorage-independent growth, and reduce their tumorigenic potential in mice. Moreover, HB-19 treatment caused selective down regulation of transcripts coding matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the TIII cells and in melanoma tumors of RET mice.

Conclusions

Although HB-19 treatment failed to prevent the development of spontaneous melanoma in the RET mice, it delayed for several months the onset and frequency of cutaneous tumors, and exerted a significant inhibitory effect on visceral metastasis. Consequently, HB-19 could provide a novel therapeutic agent by itself or as an adjuvant therapy in association with current therapeutic interventions on a virulent cancer like melanoma.
Bicyclic triterpenoid Iripallidal induces apoptosis and inhibits Akt/mTOR pathway in glioma cells
Authors: Koul Nitin , Sharma Vivek , Dixit Deobrat , Ghosh Sadashib , Sen Ellora
Published: June 2010

Background

The highly resistant nature of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) to chemotherapy prompted us to evaluate the efficacy of bicyclic triterpenoid Iripallidal against GBM in vitro.

Methods

The effect of Iripallidal on proliferation and apoptosis in glioma cell lines was evaluated by MTS, colony formation and caspase-3 activity. The effect of iripallidal to regulate (i) Akt/mTOR and STAT3 signaling (ii) molecules associated with cell cycle and DNA damage was evaluated by Western blot analysis. The effect of Iripallidal on telomerase activity was also determined.

Results

Iripallidal (i) induced apoptosis, (ii) inhibited Akt/mTOR and STAT3 signaling, (iii) altered molecules associated with cell cycle and DNA damage, (iv) inhibited telomerase activity and colony forming efficiency of glioma cells. In addition, Iripallidal displayed anti-proliferative activity against non-glioma cancer cell lines of diverse origin.

Conclusion

The ability of Iripallidal to serve as a dual-inhibitor of Akt/mTOR and STAT3 signaling warrants further investigation into its role as a therapeutic strategy against GBM.
Optimization and analysis of a quantitative real-time PCR-based technique to determine microRNA expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples
Authors: Goswami Rashmi S , Waldron Levi , Machado Jerry , Cervigne Nilva K , Xu Wei , Reis Patricia P , Bailey Denis J , Jurisica Igor , Crump Michael R , Kamel-Reid Suzanne
Published: June 2010

Background

MicroRNAs (miRs) are non-coding RNA molecules involved in post-transcriptional regulation, with diverse functions in tissue development, differentiation, cell proliferation and apoptosis. miRs may be less prone to degradation during formalin fixation, facilitating miR expression studies in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue.

Results

Our study demonstrates that the TaqMan Human MicroRNA Array v1.0 (Early Access) platform is suitable for miR expression analysis in FFPE tissue with a high reproducibility (correlation coefficients of 0.95 between duplicates, p < 0.00001) and outlines the optimal performance conditions of this platform using clinical FFPE samples. We also outline a method of data analysis looking at differences in miR abundance between FFPE and fresh-frozen samples. By dividing the profiled miR into abundance strata of high (Ct<30), medium (30≤Ct≤35), and low (Ct>35), we show that reproducibility between technical replicates, equivalent dilutions, and FFPE vs. frozen samples is best in the high abundance stratum. We also demonstrate that the miR expression profiles of FFPE samples are comparable to those of fresh-frozen samples, with a correlation of up to 0.87 (p < 0.001), when examining all miRs, regardless of RNA extraction method used. Examining correlation coefficients between FFPE and fresh-frozen samples in terms of miR abundance reveals correlation coefficients of up to 0.32 (low abundance), 0.70 (medium abundance) and up to 0.97 (high abundance).

Conclusion

Our study thus demonstrates the utility, reproducibility, and optimization steps needed in miR expression studies using FFPE samples on a high-throughput quantitative PCR-based miR platform, opening up a realm of research possibilities for retrospective studies.
Association of elevated blood pressure and impaired vasorelaxation in experimental Sprague-Dawley rats fed with heated vegetable oil
Authors: Leong Xin-Fang , Mustafa Mohd Rais , Das Srijit , Jaarin Kamsiah
Published: June 2010

Background

Poor control of blood pressure leads to hypertension which is a major risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease. The present study aimed to explore possible mechanisms of elevation in blood pressure following consumption of heated vegetable oil.

Methods

Forty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into six groups: Group I (control) - normal rat chow, Group II - fresh soy oil, Group III - soy oil heated once, Group IV - soy oil heated twice, Group V - soy oil heated five times, Group VI - soy oil heated ten times. Blood pressure was measured at the baseline level and at a monthly interval for six months. Plasma nitric oxide, heme oxygenase and angiotensin-converting enzyme levels were measured prior to treatment, at month-three and month-six later. At the end of treatment, the rats were sacrificed and thoracic aortas were taken for measurement of vascular reactivity.

Results

Blood pressure increased significantly (p < 0.01) in the repeatedly heated oil groups compared to the control and fresh soy oil groups. Consumption of diet containing repeatedly heated oil resulted higher plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme level and lower nitric oxide content and heme oxygenase concentration. Reheated soy oil groups exhibited attenuated relaxation in response to acetylcholine or sodium nitroprusside, and greater contraction to phenylephrine.

Conclusion

As a result of consumption of repeatedly heated soy oil, an elevation in blood pressure was observed which may be due to the quantitative changes in endothelium dependent and independent factors including enzymes directly involved in the regulation of blood pressure.
The heparan sulfate co-receptor and the concentration of fibroblast growth factor-2 independently elicit different signalling patterns from the fibroblast growth factor receptor
Authors: Zhu Hongyan , Duchesne Laurence , Rudland Philip S , Fernig David G
Published: June 2010

Background

The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) interprets concentration gradients of FGF ligands and structural changes in the heparan sulfate (HS) co-receptor to generate different cellular responses. However, whether the FGFR generates different signals is not known.

Results

We have previously shown in rat mammary fibroblasts that in cells deficient in sulfation, and so in HS co-receptor, FGF-2 can only stimulate a transient phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK and so cannot stimulate DNA synthesis. Here we demonstrate that this is because in the absence of HS, FGF-2 fails to stimulate the phosphorylation of the adaptor FGFR substrate 2 (FRS2). In cells possessing the HS co-receptor, FGF-2 elicits a bell-shaped dose response: optimal concentrations stimulate DNA synthesis, but supramaximal concentrations (≥ 100 ng/mL) have little effect. At optimal concentrations (300 pg/mL) FGF-2 stimulates a sustained dual phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK and tyrosine phosphorylation of FRS2. In contrast, 100 ng/mL FGF-2 only stimulates a transient early peak of p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation and fails to stimulate appreciably the phosphorylation of FRS2 on tyrosine.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the nature of the FGFR signal produced is determined by a combination of the HS co-receptor and the concentration of FGF ligand. Both the phosphorylation of the adaptor FRS2, the kinetics (sustained or transient) of phosphorylation of p42/44(MAPK) are varied, and so differing cellular responses are produced.
Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of H7N3 avian influenza viruses isolated from poultry in Pakistan 1995-2004
Authors: Abbas Muhammad A , Spackman Erica , Swayne David E , Ahmed Zaheer , Sarmento Luciana , Siddique Naila , Naeem Khalid , Hameed Abdul , Rehmani Shafqat
Published: June 2010

Background

Avian influenza virus (AIV) infections have caused heavy economic losses to the poultry industry in Pakistan as well as numerous other regions worldwide. The first introduction of H7N3 AIV to Pakistan occurred during 1995, since then H7N3, H9N2 and H5N1 AIVs have each been sporadically isolated. This report evaluates the genetic origin of the H7N3 viruses from Pakistan collected 1995-2004 and how they disseminated within the country. To accomplish this we produced whole genome sequences for 6 H7N3 viruses and data for the HA and NA genes of an additional 7 isolates. All available sequence from H7N3 AIV from Pakistan was included in the analysis.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis revealed that there were two introductions of H7 into Pakistan and one N3 introduction. Only one of the H7 introductions appears to have become established in poultry in Pakistan, while the other was isolated from two separate outbreaks 6 years apart. The data also shows that reassortment has occurred between H7N3 and H9N2 viruses in the field, likely during co-infection of poultry. Also, with the exception of these few reassortant isolates, all 8 genes in the predominant H7N3 virus lineage have evolved to be phylogenetically distinct.

Conclusions

Although rigorous control measures have been implemented in commercial poultry in Pakistan, AIV is sporadically transmitted to poultry and among the different poultry industry compartments (broilers, broiler breeders, table egg layers). Since there is one primary H7 lineage which persists and that has reassorted with the H9N2 AIV in poultry, it suggests that there is a reservoir with some link commercial poultry. On a general level, this offers insight into the molecular ecology of AIV in poultry where the virus has persisted despite vaccination and biosecurity. This data also illustrates the importance of sustained surveillance for AIVs in poultry.
Abrogation of NF-κB signaling in human neutrophils induces neutrophil survival through sustained p38-MAPK activation
Authors: Langereis Jeroen D , Raaijmakers Hanneke A J A , Ulfman Laurien H , Koenderman Leo
Published: June 2010

Neutrophil survival induced by inhibition of NF-κB signaling can complicate application of novel NF-κB inhibitors for neutrophil-driven diseases.

NF-κB, an important transcription factor in the regulation of cellular inflammation, is one of the prime targets for novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Nowadays, anti-inflammatory therapies rely mostly on steroids, which among other effects, inhibit NF-κB activity. However, steroids have only limited efficacy in the treatment on neutrophil-driven diseases, such as COPD. Human neutrophils play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD, and clearance of these cells by apoptosis is an effective pathway for resolution of inflammation. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that modulation of the NF-κB pathway in human neutrophils affects survival. Importantly, the pharmacological NF-κB inhibitor Bay 11-7082 inhibited NF-κB signaling in human neutrophils as expected. However, we found that complete inhibition of NF-κB activity with 10 μM Bay 11-7082 prolonged neutrophil survival significantly, which was not observed with inhibitors for other signaling pathways. Bay 11-7082-induced neutrophil survival was dependent on p38-MAPK kinase activity, as the p38 kinase activity inhibitor SB203580 abrogated this response completely. Bay 11-7082 induced rapid and sustained p38 activation that correlated with inhibited NF-κB signaling and prolonged neutrophil survival. The precise role of NF-κB in regulation of p38-MAPK activation remains to be established. Under these conditions of survival, the stability of Bcl-xL but not Mcl-1 was enhanced. Although inhibition of NF-κB leads to down-regulation of inflammatory genes in many cell types, our results illustrate that interference with basal NF-κB signaling in neutrophils as a drug target should be used with caution.
Diet-Induced Obesity Model: Abnormal Oocytes and Persistent Growth Abnormalities in the Offspring
Authors: Jungheim Emily S. , Schoeller Erica L. , Marquard Kerri L. , Louden Erica D. , Schaffer Jean E. , Moley Kelle H.
Published: June 2010

Associations between maternal obesity and adverse fetal outcomes are well documented, but the mechanisms involved are largely unknown. Most previous work has focused on postconceptional events, however, our laboratory has shown pre- and periconceptional aberrations in maternal glucose metabolism have adverse effects on oocytes and embryos that carry on to the fetus. To demonstrate effects of maternal obesity in the pre- and periconceptional periods, we compared reproductive tissues from diet-induced obese female mice to those of control mice. Ovaries were either stained for follicular apoptosis or dissected and evaluated for oocyte size and meiotic maturation. Mice were also mated and followed for reproductive outcomes including preimplantation embryonic IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) immunostaining, midgestation fetal growth, and midgestational placental IGF receptor 2 (Igf2r) mRNA. Delivered pups were followed for growth and development of markers of metabolic syndrome. Compared with controls, obese mice had significantly more apoptotic ovarian follicles, smaller and fewer mature oocytes, decreased embryonic IGF-IR staining, smaller fetuses, increased placental Igf2r mRNA, and smaller pups. All weaned pups were fed a regular diet. At 13 wk pups delivered from obese mice were significantly larger, and these pups demonstrated glucose intolerance and increased cholesterol and body fat suggesting early development of a metabolic-type syndrome. Together, our findings suggest maternal obesity has adverse effects as early as the oocyte and preimplantation embryo stage and that these effects may contribute to lasting morbidity in offspring, underscoring the importance of optimal maternal weight and nutrition before conception.
Antibodies to Thyroid Peroxidase Arise Spontaneously with Age in NOD.H-2h4 Mice and Appear after Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Authors: Chen Chun-Rong , Hamidi Sepehr , Braley-Mullen Helen , Nagayama Yuji , Bresee Catherine , Aliesky Holly A. , Rapoport Basil , McLachlan Sandra M.
Published: June 2010

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a common autoimmune disease, is associated with autoantibodies to thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO). TPO, unlike abundant and easily purified Tg, is rarely investigated as an autoantigen in animals. We asked whether antibodies (Abs) develop to both TPO and Tg in thyroiditis that is induced (C57BL/6 and DBA/1 mice) or arises spontaneously (NOD.H-2h4 mice). Screening for TPOAbs was performed by flow cytometry using mouse TPO-expressing eukaryotic cells. Sera were also tested for binding to purified mouse Tg and human TPO. The antibody data were compared with the extent of thyroiditis. Immunization with mouse TPO adenovirus broke self-tolerance to this protein in C57BL/6 mice, but thyroiditis was minimal and TgAbs were absent. In DBA/1 mice with extensive granulomatous thyroiditis induced by Tg immunization, TPOAbs were virtually absent despite high levels of TgAbs. In contrast, antibodies to mouse TPO, with minimal cross-reactivity with human TPO, arose spontaneously in older (7–12 months) NOD.H-2h4 mice. Unexpectedly, TgAbs preceded TPOAbs, a time course paralleled in relatives of probands with juvenile Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. These findings demonstrate a novel aspect of murine and human thyroid autoimmunity, namely breaking B cell self-tolerance occurs first for Tg and subsequently for TPO.
Activation of the Farnesoid X Receptor Provides Protection against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatic Toxicity
Authors: Lee Florence Ying , de Aguiar Vallim Thomas Quad , Chong Hansook Kim , Zhang Yanqiao , Liu Yaping , Jones Stacey A. , Osborne Timothy F. , Edwards Peter A.
Published: June 2010

The nuclear receptor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NR1H4), is known to regulate cholesterol, bile acid, lipoprotein, and glucose metabolism. In the current study, we provide evidence to support a role for FXR in hepatoprotection from acetaminophen (APAP)-induced toxicity. Pharmacological activation of FXR induces the expression of several genes involved in phase II and phase III xenobiotic metabolism in wild-type, but not Fxr−/− mice. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation-based genome-wide response element analyses coupled with luciferase reporter assays to identify functional FXR response elements within promoters, introns, or intragenic regions of these genes. Consistent with the observed transcriptional changes, FXR gene dosage is positively correlated with the degree of protection from APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo. Further, we demonstrate that pretreatment of wild-type mice with an FXR-specific agonist provides significant protection from APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Based on these findings, we propose that FXR plays a role in hepatic xenobiotic metabolism and, when activated, provides hepatoprotection against toxins such as APAP.
PAR-1 promotes primary neurogenesis and asymmetric cell divisions via control of spindle orientation
Authors: Tabler Jacqueline M. , Yamanaka Hiroaki , Green Jeremy B. A.
Published: June 2010

In both invertebrate and vertebrate embryonic central nervous systems, deep cells differentiate while superficial (ventricular) epithelial cells remain in a proliferative, stem cell state. The conserved polarity protein PAR-1, which is basolaterally localised in epithelia, promotes and is required for differentiating deep layer cell types, including ciliated cells and neurons. It has recently been shown that atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), which is apically enriched, inhibits neurogenesis and acts as a nuclear determinant, raising the question of how PAR-1 antagonises aPKC activity to promote neurogenesis. Here we show that PAR-1 stimulates the generation of deep cell progeny from the superficial epithelium of the neural plate and that these deep cells have a corresponding (i.e. deep cell) neuronal phenotype. We further show that gain- and loss-of-function of PAR-1 increase and decrease, respectively, the proportion of epithelial mitotic spindles with a vertical orientation, thereby respectively increasing and decreasing the number of cleavages that generate deep daughter cells. PAR-1 is therefore a crucial regulator of the balance between symmetric (two superficial daughters) and asymmetric (one superficial and one deep daughter) cell divisions. Vertebrate PAR-1 thus antagonises the anti-neurogenic influence of apical aPKC by physically partitioning cells away from it in vivo.
Mib-Jag1-Notch signalling regulates patterning and structural roles of the notochord by controlling cell-fate decisions
Authors: Yamamoto Mai , Morita Ryoko , Mizoguchi Takamasa , Matsuo Hiromi , Isoda Miho , Ishitani Tohru , Chitnis Ajay B. , Matsumoto Kunihiro , Crump J. Gage , Hozumi Katsuto , Yonemura Shigenobu , Kawakami Koichi , Itoh Motoyuki
Published: June 2010

In the developing embryo, cell-cell signalling is necessary for tissue patterning and structural organization. During midline development, the notochord plays roles in the patterning of its surrounding tissues while forming the axial structure; however, how these patterning and structural roles are coordinated remains elusive. Here, we identify a mechanism by which Notch signalling regulates the patterning activities and structural integrity of the notochord. We found that Mind bomb (Mib) ubiquitylates Jagged 1 (Jag1) and is essential in the signal-emitting cells for Jag1 to activate Notch signalling. In zebrafish, loss- and gain-of-function analyses showed that Mib-Jag1-Notch signalling favours the development of non-vacuolated cells at the expense of vacuolated cells in the notochord. This leads to changes in the peri-notochordal basement membrane formation and patterning surrounding the muscle pioneer cells. These data reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism regulating the patterning and structural roles of the notochord by Mib-Jag1-Notch signalling-mediated cell-fate determination.
Investigation of cutting force behaviour considering the effect of cutting edge radius in the micro-scale milling of AISI 1045 steel
Authors: Kang I-S , Kim J-S , Seo Y-W
Published: June 2010

This paper presents the cutting force behaviour resulting from the effect of cutting edge radius in the micro-scale milling of AISI 1045 steel using tungsten carbide tools. The cutting edge radius of the micro-milling tool is on the order of a few microns or submicrons; hence, the uncut chip thickness reaches the scale of cutting edge radius. Owing to the scaling effect, the cutting force behaviour is different from that in conventional-scale milling. Experiments are conducted with half-immersion milling that uses micro-milling tools. The feed- and normal-direction cutting forces are decomposed into the principal- and thrust-direction cutting forces. The cutting forces are analysed to investigate the effect of cutting edge radius. The minimum uncut chip thickness can be obtained by investigating the cutting force behaviour. Also, the characteristics of specific energies due to the size effect are evaluated for the micro-scale milling process.
Study on mechanical, micro-, and macrostructural characteristics of dissimilar friction stir welding of AA6061-T6 and AA7075-T6
Authors: Bahemmat P , Haghpanahi M , Besharati M K , Ahsanizadeh S , Rezaei H
Published: June 2010

This research presents the effect of welding speed on dissimilar joints of AA7075-T6 and AA6061-T6 alloys. The weld quality was evaluated through observations of the macrostructure. The mechanical properties of the welds, including the ultimate strength, the percentage of elongation, and the microhardness variations, were determined for different welding speeds. Also the effect of the positions of the two alloys on the mechanical properties was investigated. In addition, during the friction stir welding (FSW) process, the peak temperatures were measured in order to indicate the relation between the peak temperature and the hardness distribution at the heat-affected zone (HAZ). Accordingly, the influence of the welding speed on the developed grain size was elucidated by the microstructural analysis.
Numerical simulation of non-Fourier effects in combined heat transfer
Authors: Izadpanah E , Talebi S , Hekmat M H
Published: June 2010

The non-Fourier effects on transient and steady temperature distribution in combined heat transfer are studied. The processes of coupled conduction and radiation heat transfer in grey, absorbing, emitting, scattering, one-dimensional medium with black boundary surfaces are analysed numerically. The hyperbolic heat conduction equation is solved by flux splitting method, and the radiative transfer equation is solved by P1 approximate method. The transient thermal responses obtained from non-Fourier heat conduction equation are compared with those obtained from the Fourier heat conduction equation. The results show that the non-Fourier effect can be important when the conduction to radiation parameter and the thermal relaxation time are larger. Further, the radiation effect is more pronounced at small values of single scattering albedo and conduction to radiation parameters. Analysis results indicate that the internal radiation in the medium significantly influences the wave nature.
Theoretical and Experimental Predictions of First-Ply Failure of a Laminated Composite Elevated Floor Plate
Authors: Chang R R , Chiang T H
Published: June 2010

Experimental and theoretical approaches are studied via the first-ply failure strength on anti-symmetrically laminated composite elevated floor plates with various length-to-depth ratios, aspect ratios, and optimal fibre orientations subjected to central point loads. Optimal angle-ply orientations of anti-symmetric [ϑ/—ϑ…] —S laminated composite plates designed for maximum stiffness were investigated. A vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM) technique was used to manufacture an elevated floor plate by the stacking of JPMEces of glass-fibre fabrics in a vacuum pressure mould. In VARTM, resin is injected under pressure into a rigid mould filled with fibre preform and subsequent curing. The failure modes of the composite plates were studied, and the experimental results were used to verify the theoretical predictions. The first-ply failure loads of the composite plates are determined using the acoustic emission AMS3 system. The results have been proved to be efficient and effective in the theoretical and experimental analyses of first-ply failure loads of the composite plates.
Failure Evaluation on a High-Strength Alloy SA213-T91 Super Heater Tube of a Power Generation
Authors: Ahmad J , Purbolaksono J , Beng L C , Ahmad A
Published: June 2010

This article presents failure investigation on a high-strength alloy SA213-T91 super-heater tube. This failure is the first occurrence involving the material in Kapar Power Station Malaysia. The investigation includes visual inspections, hardness measurements, and microscopic examinations. The failed super-heater tube shows a wide open rupture with thin and blunt edges. Hardness readings on all the as-received tubes are used for estimating the operating metal temperature of the super-heater tubes. Microstructures of the failed tube show numerous creep cavities consisting of individual pores and chain of pores which form micro- and macro-cracks. The findings confirmed that the super-heater tube is failed by short-term overheating. Higher temperatures of the flue gas due to the inconsistent feeding of pulverized fuels into the burner is identified to cause overheating of the failed tube.
Fundamental Study on Washing Characteristics of a Novel Multi-Phase Flow System
Authors: Nagahashi Y , Grace J R , Epstein N , Asako Y , Yokogawa A
Published: June 2010

When a small quantity of water (of volume typically one-tenth of the dense bed total volume) is added to a gas-fluidized bed of relatively large non-wettable particles, such as 6 mm polystyrene spheres, the added water can cause a dramatic improvement in the quality of fluidization. By reducing the water requirement, the resulting fluidized bed is advantageous for washing of farm products or fragile industrial devices. In this article, the characteristics of washing in this unique multi-phase flow system are investigated. Three kinds of experiments were conducted on target cylinders immersed in a water-assisted fluidized bed to measure particle collision forces on the cylinder surface, to determine attrition of a cylinder surface and to test whitening of a cylinder covered with soiled cloth. It is shown that the washing results from a combination of gentle abrasive washing due to liquid movement and direct attrition and fragment removal caused by particle collisions with the surface.
Dynamic Modelling and Simulation of a Cryogenic Carbon Dioxide Cleaning Process
Authors: Kim P , Seok J
Published: June 2010

In this study, a model is described that explains the detachment mechanism of a contaminant particle adhering to a substrate, a phenomenon that typically occurs in cryogenic carbon dioxide cleaning processes widely employed in the microelectronic industry. To this end, a theoretical modelling study is performed, and it uses the Lennard—Jones potential theory for a rough surface to describe the contact, adhesion, deformation, and movement mechanisms of the particle on a substrate. To avoid the occurrence of mathematical singularities, the contact and adhesion problem is carefully stated. The contact and adhesion pressures are then computed with respect to the mean separation distance. This is followed by a dynamic simulation study that examines the effects of impact velocities of a CO2 snow particle on the detachment of a contaminant particle. A criterion for the detachment of a contaminant particle is established, and the behaviour of this criterion with respect to the contact angle is investigated. The critical impact velocity required to detach the contaminant particle from the substrate is determined with respect to the impact angle and the CO2 snow particle size. Finally, the limitations of this modelling approach and the implications of the results in understanding the cleaning process are discussed.
Gas Turbine Optimum Arrangement for Process Plants
Authors: Almasi A
Published: June 2010

The optimum configuration for gas turbine package regarding design, reliability, safety, commercial condition, and performance is addressed. The main concern is finding the solution to obtain optimum fuel consumption, low emission, and reasonable reliability. Gas turbine degradation is outlined to offer optimum condition monitoring practice. Recommendations regarding gas turbine components, arrangement, auxiliaries, performance test, and proper maintenance are also presented to cover both mechanical drive and power generation applications in process units.
How the Rooftop Turbine Ventilator Powered by Hybrid Renewable Energy Affects Factory Ventilation Performance
Authors: Lin Y-P , Shieh T-H , Chiang C-M , Lai C-M
Published: June 2010

The innovative hybrid ventilator, which is powered by hybrid wind and photovoltaic power, can enhance the ventilation performance of a conventional ventilator, and this has been experimentally assessed. Then, computational fluid dynamics simulations have been applied to estimate the indoor ventilation induced by hybrid ventilators and conventional ventilators for the model factory. The results show that a hybrid ventilator provides approximately four times the exhaust capacity of a conventional ventilator. Installing a hybrid ventilator in the central position on a slanted rooftop is highly recommended for factory ventilation need.
Gas turbine upgrading and renovation with respect to pollution and degradation
Authors: Almasi A
Published: June 2010

The process industry has to deal with three main issues regarding gas turbines: high fuel prices, high level of reliability, and growing sensitivity for environmental issues. Many existing gas turbines need upgrading to deal with these issues. A new renovation study method for gas turbines involving the optimization process with respect to a full array of turbine details is presented. The main concern is optimum renovation solutions considering pollution and degradation. A case study for a major gas company gas turbine fleet is discussed.
A low-cost electricity generator for rural areas using a travelling-wave looped-tube thermoacoustic engine
Authors: Yu Z , Jaworski A J , Backhaus S
Published: June 2010

This article describes the construction and preliminary testing of a pre-prototype thermoacoustic electricity generator to test the concept of a low-cost device for application in remote or rural areas of developing countries. A travelling-wave thermoacoustic engine with a configuration of a looped-tube resonator is designed and constructed to convert heat to acoustic power. Air at atmospheric pressure is used as the working gas, PVC tubing is utilized for the feedback pipe, whereas an inexpensive commercially available loudspeaker is adopted to convert the acoustic power, produced by the engine, to electricity. Preliminary experimental results are presented and discussed in detail. The results show that the approach is feasible in principle and it is possible to produce the electrical power levels in the order of 4–5 W with overall heat-to-electric efficiencies in the order of 1 per cent. Further work towards optimizing the device from the performance, manufacturing, and cost points of view is outlined.
Aerodynamic optimization of wind turbine airfoils using response surface techniques
Authors: Li J-Y , Li R , Gao Y , Huang J
Published: June 2010

An improved aerodynamic optimization technique for two-dimensional wind turbine airfoils is presented in this article. On the basis of the combination of response surface method and uniform experimental design, a space filling design of experiment, this technique optimizes the lift-to-drag ratio of an airfoil at the design angle of attack. In order to reduce the number of design variables, the upper and lower surfaces of a reference airfoil are, respectively, fitted by using two B-spline curves with only four control points each. By using the ordinates of the eight control points as design variables, the ranges of the design variables are set and the airfoil is parameterized. Then, according to the uniform design tables, the values of each design variable at different levels are determined and various airfoil shapes are generated by using the specified combinations of the design variables. Finally, the optimal ordinates of the eight control points are obtained using a quadratic polynomial expression that is the regression of the computational results of flows around the airfoils. The computational results of flows around the optimized shapes of four airfoils reveal that the proposed technique, compared with some other optimization methods in the literature, is a time-saving and effective method to seek better aerodynamic performance for wind turbine airfoils.
Delay-Range-Dependent Linear Matrix Inequality Approach to Quantized H∞ Control of Linear Systems with Network-Induced Delays and Norm-Bounded Uncertainties
Authors: Karimi H R
Published: June 2010

This paper deals with a convex optimization approach to the problem of robust network-based H∞ control for linear systems connected over a common digital communication network with static quantizers. Both the polytopic and the norm-bounded uncertainties are taken into consideration separately. First, the effect of both the output quantization levels and the network conditions under static quantizers is investigated. Second, by introducing a descriptor technique, using a Lyapunov—Krasovskii functional and a suitable change of variables, new required sufficient conditions are established in terms of delay-range-dependent linear matrix inequalities for the existence of the desired network-based quantized controllers with simultaneous consideration of network-induced delays and measurement quantization. The explicit expression of the controllers is derived to satisfy both asymptotic stability and a prescribed level of disturbance attenuation for all admissible norm-bounded uncertainties. Two examples are utilized to illustrate the design procedure proposed in this paper.
High-Degree-of-Freedom Engine Modelling for Control Design Using a Crank-Angle-Resolved Flame Propagation Simulation and Artificial Neural Network Surrogate Models
Authors: Lee T-K , Kramer D , Filipi Z
Published: June 2010

Non-linearity of the engine system creates a challenge in building a reliable control-oriented model (COM). The main source of non-linearity is the complex nature of the combustion process. Modern engine system configurations are increasingly complex and predicting their transient response poses additional difficulty. In the present paper, a COM is developed to address the challenges and capture the behaviour of a high-degree-of-freedom engine system. Engine combustion models are created by utilizing the high-fidelity engine cycle simulation to characterize the effects of main parameters, such as turbulence, air—fuel ratio, and residual fraction, and subsequently capturing the interrelationships with artificial neural networks. Then, system dynamics are accounted for by adding manifold and actuator dynamics models. The capabilities of the proposed COM are demonstrated using a spark-ignition engine with a dual-independent cam phasing as a test case. The results indicate the model's ability to accurately predict engine responses to an arbitrary schedule of engine control inputs over the feasible operating range.
Improved robust stability criteria for neural networks with fast time-varying delays
Authors: Mahmoud M S , Al-Rayyan A Y , Xia Y
Published: June 2010

An improved robust global stability criterion is developed for uncertain neural networks with fast time-varying delays. The networks have norm-bounded parametric uncertainties. The relationship between the time-varying delay and associated extreme bounds (lower and upper) is appropriately exploited when dealing with the Lyapunov functional derivative. The developed stability criterion is delay dependent and is characterized by linear-matrix-inequality-based conditions. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the benefits and lower conservativeness of the developed method.
System state estimation by particle filtering for fault diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Cadini F , Avram D , Zio E
Published: June 2010

Efficient diagnosis and prognosis of system faults depend on the ability to estimate the system state. In many real applications, the system dynamics is typically characterized by transitions among discrete modes of operation, each one giving rise to a specific continuous dynamics of evolution. The estimation of the state of these hybrid dynamic systems is a particularly challenging task because it requires tracking the system dynamics corresponding to the different modes of operation. In the present paper a Monte Carlo-based estimation method, called particle filtering, is illustrated with reference to a case study of a hybrid system from the literature.
Total Synthesis of 17-nor-Deoxophylloerythroetioporphyrin
Authors: Nomoto Shinya , Asano Junya , Asahina Kenta , Mita Hajime , Kashiyama Yuichiro
Published: June 2010

Synthesis of 17-nor-deoxophylloerythroetioporphyrin, a sedimentary nor-porphyrin, was performed through a bilene-b route in a reasonable total yield. The porphyrin prepared here can potentially be used as a biological marker for chlorophyll c-producing algae.
Relative Gas Solubilities Correlate Linearly to the Refractive Indices of Aprotic Solvents
Authors: Katagiri Toshimasa , Uneyama Kenji
Published: June 2010

A linear correlation between the relative gas solubilities (O2/CO2) and refractive indices of aprotic solvents is shown. This empirical linear correlation would be useful to estimate relative gas solubilities of aprotic solvents.
Discordance in Informed Consent Response on the Basis of Demographic Factors: Brief Report
Authors: Nunez-Wallace Karen R. , Gill Chandler E. , Harrison Courtney H. , Taylor Henry M. , Charles P. David
Published: June 2010

During an outcomes study of spasticity treatment at a developmental center for 62 residents with profound intellectual disabilities, either botulinum toxin A (BTX-A), intrathecal baclofen (ITB), or both were recommended with physical and occupational therapy. Conservators consented to BTX-A more than ITB (p  =  .021). Court-appointed conservators were more likely to provide consent for treatment than family members (p  =  .026). Nonparents consented more than parents (p  =  .009). Finally, Caucasian conservators were more likely to consent to treatment than African American conservators (p  =  .036), but ethnicity of the resident did not influence consent. Gender of resident or conservator did not influence rate of consent. This report highlights disparities in surrogate consent giving for individuals with intellectual disabilities and indicates a need for more research to ensure that this vulnerable population has access to appropriate treatments.