bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Off the Back or on the Side: Comparison of meso and 2‐Substituted Donor‐Acceptor Difluoroborondipyrromethene (Bodipy) Dyads
Authors: Benniston Andrew C. , Copley Graeme , Lemmetyinen Helge , Tkachenko Nikolai V.
Published: April 2010

The preparation of several difluoroborondipyrromethene (Bodipy) dyads is described incorporating covalently attached hydroquinone/quinone groups at the 2‐position (BD‐SHQ, BD‐SQ, BD‐SPHQ, BD‐SPQ). The compounds, currently under investigation as chemical sensors for reactive oxygen species, show various levels of fluorescence depending on the oxidation state of the appended group. The 19F NMR spectrum for BD‐SHQ in CDCl3 at room temperature reveals the two fluorines are inequivalent on the NMR timescale. In contrast, the 19F NMR spectrum for the counterpart quinone compound, BD‐SQ, is consistent with two equivalent fluorine atoms. The two results are interpreted as the quinone is free to rotate around the connector bond, whereas this motion is restricted for the hydroquinone group and makes the fluorines chemically inequivalent. Cyclic voltammograms recorded for all derivatives in CH2Cl2 electrolyte solution are consistent with typical Bodipy‐based redox chemistry; the potentials of which depend on factors such as presence of the phenylene spacer and oxidation state of the appended group. A comparison of the electrochemical behaviour with the counterpart meso derivatives reveals some interesting trends which are associated with the location of the HOMO/LUMOs. The absorption profiles for the compounds in CH3CN are again consistent with Bodipy‐based derivatives, though there are some subtle differences in the band‐shapes of the closely‐coupled systems. In particular, the absorption spectra for the dyad, BD‐SQ, in a wide range of solvents are appreciably broader than for BD‐SHQ. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy performed on the hydroquinone derivatives, BD‐SHQ and its meso analogue is interpreted as electron transfer occurs from the hydroquinone unit to the first‐excited singlet (S1) state of the Bodipy center, followed by ultrafast charge recombination to reinstate the ground state. The coupling of OH vibrations to the return electron transfer process is invoked to explain the lack of clear identification of the charge‐separated state in the transient records.
Great oaks from giant acorns grow: How causal‐impact judgments depend on the strength of a cause
Authors: Fiedler Klaus , Freytag Peter , Unkelbach Christian
Published: April 2010

Causal impact is maximal when weak causes have strong effects. Do people understand this logic when they assess causal impact? In four experiments, participants judged the causal impact of strong or weak dietary treatments leading to strong or weak health effects in fictitious health studies. Rather than following the ratio of effect strength to treatment strength, judgments were influenced by three aspects of the detectability of a cause–effect relation. First, because detectability depends on the effect being strong more than on the cause being subtle, causal judgments were mainly determined by effect strength, whereas the strength of the causal treatment necessary to induce an effect was often neglected. Second, if causal input was not ignored, judgments increased when the maximal covariation between a strong causal treatment and a strong effect rendered the causal link most detectable. Or, third, causal judgments increased when a plausible causal schema facilitated detection. Consistent with sampling models of judgment and decision making, causal‐impact ratings were driven by an uncritical assessment of a detectable difference in a study sample. However, ratings were insensitive to the logical implications of the underlying causal treatment that was necessary to induce a detectable effect. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling the Electrochemical Response of Mesoporous Materials Toward Its Application to Biomolecular Detection
Authors: Peinetti Ana Sol , González Graciela A. , Battaglini Fernando
Published: April 2010

The performance of an electrochemical sensor based on the ability of a probe to cross a mesoporous membrane partially blocked by an analyte is predicted using a numerical model. The system comprehends a membrane placed close to the working electrode and the signal is generated by applying square wave voltammetry. The digital simulation allows comparing the responses for different situations regarding the way in which the membrane is blocked by the sample. The developed model is compared with experimental results. The effect of the sizes of the pore, analyte and probe on the system response is evaluated.
Direct Electrochemistry and Bioelectrocatalysis of Microperoxidase‐11 Immobilized on Chitosan‐Graphene Nanocomposite
Authors: Zhou Yi , Liu Shi , Jiang Hui‐Jun , Yang Hui , Chen Hong‐Yuan
Published: April 2010

A bioelectrochemical platform has been constructed for the direct electron transfer and biosensing purposes of microperoxidase‐11 (MP‐11) immobilized on the chitosan dispersed multilayer graphene nanocomposite. The immobilized MP‐11 at the modified gold electrode displays a well‐defined and quasireversible redox peaks, with a formal potential of −0.38 V/SCE in a buffer solution (pH 7.0). MP‐11 absorbed on the electrode surface exhibits high electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of both oxygen and hydrogen peroxide and also shows good analytical performance for the amperometric detection of H2O2 with a linear range from 2.5 to 135 μM. These results indicate the graphene modified electrode might be used as a third generation biosensor for H2O2 detection.
Measuring properties for material decomposition modeling
Authors: Lattimer Brian Y. , Ouellette Jason , Trelles Javier
Published: April 2010

Thermal properties were measured on coupon size samples for use in predicting the temperature response and mass transfer during fires exposures. The thermal properties were determined up to temperatures of 800°C through inverse heat transfer analysis on temperature response and mass loss data. Temperature response and mass loss data were determined using a high heat flux decomposition apparatus with controlled oxygen environment. Data included thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and density as a function of temperature as well as heat of decomposition and Arrhenius kinetic decomposition constants. Properties for inert materials (no decomposition) compared well with manufacturer reported values and values using other methods. Properties for two decomposing materials, woven glass vinyl ester composite and balsa wood, were measured and compared well with data from other methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective randomized 14‐year follow‐up study of bioactive glass and autogenous bone as bone graft substitutes in benign bone tumors
Authors: Lindfors Nina C. , Koski Ilona , Heikkilä Jouni T. , Mattila Kimmo , Aho Allan J.
Published: April 2010

A prospective randomized long‐term follow‐up study of bioactive glass (BG)‐S53P4 and autogenous bone (AB) used as bone graft substitutes in benign bone tumor surgery during 1993–1997 was conducted. Twenty‐one patients (11 in the BG group, 10 in the AB group) participated in a 14‐year follow‐up. X‐rays and MRI scans were obtained, and in the BG group, CT scans were also performed. In the BG group, the filled cavity had a dense appearance on X‐ray. MRI showed a mainly or partly fatty bone marrow, and in the large bone tumor group, remnants of glass granules were also observed. Increased cortical thickness was seen in nonossifying fibromas and enchondromas. BG‐S53P4 is a safe and well‐tolerated bone substitute with good long‐term results. BG‐S53P4 does not disturb the growth of bone in children. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Conserved regions from Plasmodium falciparum MSP11 specifically interact with host cells and have a potential role during merozoite invasion of red blood cells
Authors: Obando‐Martinez Ana Zuleima , Curtidor Hernando , Vanegas Magnolia , Arévalo‐Pinzón Gabriela , Patarroyo Manuel Alfonso , Patarroyo Manuel Elkin
Published: April 2010

Despite significant global efforts, a completely effective vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum, the species responsible for the most serious form of malaria, has not been yet obtained. One of the most promising approaches consists in combining chemically synthesized minimal subunits of parasite proteins involved in host cell invasion, which has led to the identification of peptides with high binding activity (named HABPs) to hepatocyte and red blood cell (RBC) surface receptors in a large number of sporozoite and merozoite proteins, respectively. Among these proteins is the merozoite surface protein 11 (MSP11), which shares important structural and immunological features with the antimalarial vaccine candidates MSP1, MSP3, and MSP6. In this study, 20‐mer‐long synthetic peptides spanning the complete sequence of MSP11 were assessed for their ability to bind specifically to RBCs. Two HABPs with high ability to inhibit invasion of RBCs in vitro were identified (namely HABPs 33595 and 33606). HABP‐RBC bindings were characterized by means of saturation assays and Hill analysis, finding cooperative interactions of high affinity for both HABPs (nH of 1.5 and 1.2, Kd of 800 and 600 nM for HABPs 33595 and 33606, respectively). The nature of the possible RBC receptors for MSP11 HABPs was studied in binding assays to enzyme‐treated RBCs and cross‐linking assays, finding that both HABPs use mainly a sialic acid‐dependent receptor. An analysis of the immunological, structural and polymorphic characteristics of MSP11 HABPs supports including these peptides in further studies with the aim of designing a fully effective protection‐inducing vaccine against malaria. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 882–892, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conditions with high intracellular glucose inhibit sensing through glucose sensor Snf3 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Karhumaa Kaisa , Wu Boqian , Kielland‐Brandt Morten C.
Published: April 2010

Gene expression in micro‐organisms is regulated according to extracellular conditions and nutrient concentrations. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, non‐transporting sensors with high sequence similarity to transporters, that is, transporter‐like sensors, have been identified for sugars as well as for amino acids. An alternating‐access model of the function of transporter‐like sensors has been previously suggested based on amino acid sensing, where intracellular ligand inhibits binding of extracellular ligand. Here we studied the effect of intracellular glucose on sensing of extracellular glucose through the transporter‐like sensor Snf3 in yeast. Sensing through Snf3 was determined by measuring degradation of Mth1 protein. High intracellular glucose concentrations were achieved by using yeast strains lacking monohexose transporters which were grown on maltose. The apparent affinity of extracellular glucose to Snf3 was measured for cells grown in non‐fermentative medium or on maltose. The apparent affinity for glucose was lowest when the intracellular glucose concentration was high. The results conform to an alternating‐access model for transporter‐like sensors. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 920–925, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A nice arrangement of heterodoxies: William Mcdougall and the professionalization of psychical research
Authors: Asprem Egil
Published: April 2010

Joseph Banks Rhine (1895–1980) is usually considered the founder of modern professional parapsychology. Through his work at Duke University in the 1930s, he established a working research program (in the Lakatosian sense) for the controversial discipline, setting down various methodological standards and experimental procedures. Despite Rhine's clear and important influence on modern parapsychology, this article argues that he came to a stage that had already been set. Adopting recent theoretical advances in the study of scientific professionalization, it is argued that Rhine's mentor, the controversial British psychologist William McDougall (1871–1938), has a stronger claim to the parenthood of modern parapsychology than is typically recognized. Following McDougall's attempts to carve out and establish an institutional space for professionalized psychical research in 1920s America, furthermore, takes us to little explored connections between psychical research, Lamarckism, neo‐vitalism and policies of eugenics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
γ‐Form Transcrystals of Poly(propylene) Induced by Individual Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Shanju , Lin Wei , Zhu Lingbo , Wong Ching‐Ping , Bucknall David G.
Published: April 2010

CNT‐induced formation of transcrystals of γ‐PP are reported. Formation of these transcrystals occurred when PP was infiltrated into nanotube aerogel fibers to form polymer nanocomposites. The PP morphology and microstructure with particular focus on the interfacial region of the CNTs were investigated by means of SEM, DSC and WAXD. The transcrystalline supramolecular microstructures were observed around the individual nanotubes during quiescent melting crystallization. Microstructural analysis showed that γ‐form transcrystals of PP dominate the overall interfacial structure. The content of γ‐form transcrystals increased with increase in nanotube loading. The mechanical properties and electrical conductivities of the nanocomposites have been evaluated.

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Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in blood donors
Authors: Arunthari Vichaya , Kaplan Joseph , Fredrickson Paul A. , Lin Siong‐Chi , Castillo Pablo R. , Heckman Michael G.
Published: April 2010

Iron deficiency anemia has been linked to restless legs syndrome (RLS) and regular blood donation may lead to iron deficiency. It has been reported that blood donations may be associated with RLS. A recent study from Sweden found that 25% of the women donors were affected by RLS. However, this type of study has not been replicated in the United States. We conducted a study in our blood donation unit between September and October 2008. To identify those with RLS, we used the RLS diagnostic index questionnaire by Benes et al. The proportion of blood donors with RLS was estimated and the number of blood donations and hemoglobin levels were compared according to RLS status. One hundred and fifty one patients were interviewed; 7 patients who donated only platelets were excluded, leaving 144 patients for analysis. There were 13 (9.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.9–14.9%) patients with RLS. Of these, 7 (4.9%, 95% CI: 2.0–9.8%) had possible RLS and 6 (4.2%, 95% CI: 1.5–8.9%) had major or clinically relevant RLS. There was no dramatic association between RLS and number of blood donations or hemoglobin level (all P ≥ 0.21). In our sample of blood donors in the United States, the prevalence of major RLS was 4%. We could not demonstrate an association between RLS and the frequency of blood donation or hemoglobin level in our relatively small sample; a larger sample is needed to better identify any associations. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Lowered cardiac sympathetic nerve performance in response to exercise in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Nakamura Tomohiko , Hirayama Masaaki , Yamashita Fumitada , Uchida Kei , Hama Tetsuo , Watanabe Hirohisa , Sobue Gen
Published: April 2010

We examined whether cardiac sympathetic denervation influences the cardiovascular response to exercise in Parkinson's disease (PD). Sixteen patients with PD were divided into two groups, according to their cardiac uptake of 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (denervated group, 10 patients with heart to mediastinum (H/M) ratio < 1.7; innervated group, six patients with H/M ratio > 1.7) and compared changes in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and cardiac contractility with 13 control subjects during ergometric exercise stress. Velocity index (VI), an indicator of cardiac contractility, was measured using impedance cardiography and recorded every minute. Exercise began at a power output of 20 W for the first 2 min and increased 10 W every 2 min to a maximal intensity of 60 W. All control subjects accomplished the procedure while six patients with PD could not continue after the first minute of 50 W loading. There were no significant differences in BP or HR change between the three groups. However, a significant reduction in VI was observed from the first minute of the 30 W workload in the denervated group compared to the control group. This lowered response continued till 50 W loading and was significantly different to the innervated group at 50 W loading. No significant VI changes were observed between the control and innervated groups throughout the exercise test. Patients with PD with reduced MIBG uptake had a lowered cardiac contractility than innervated subjects during exercise, suggesting that this response represents theimpaired exercise capacity of patients with PD with cardiac sympathetic denervation. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
SQSQh: 1H‐detected SQ–SQ experiment for determination of signed silicon–carbon coupling constants
Authors: Blechta Vratislav , Schraml Jan
Published: April 2010

A new variant of SQ–SQ pulse sequence (SQSQh) for relative sign determination and detection of small silicon–carbon couplings over more than one bond is presented. In the SQSQh sequence, proton detection replaces carbon detection used in the original SQ–SQ pulse sequence (SQSQc). The theoretical gain in sensitivity was experimentally tested on two samples (trimethylsiloxyethane, 1, and 1,2,4‐tris(trimethylsiloxy)benzene, 2), the experimentally found gain provided by the SQSQh over the SQSQc method varied between 6 and 8. The method can be applied to linear spin systems, i.e. to systems where the silicon is coupled to the carbon in question and to any hydrogen not necessarily bonded to the carbon. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural elucidation and NMR assignments of four aromatic lactones from a mangrove endophytic fungus (No. GX4‐1B)
Authors: Huang Hongbo , Li Qing , Feng Xiaojun , Chen Bin , Wang Jun , Liu Lan , She Zhigang , Lin Yongcheng
Published: April 2010

Two new aromatic lactones, 6‐hydroxy‐4‐hydroxymethyl‐8‐methoxy‐3‐ methylisocoumarin (1) and 1,10‐dihydroxy‐8‐methyl‐dibenz[b, e]oxepin‐6,11‐dione (2), together with two known compounds, 1,10‐dihydroxy‐dibenz[b, e]oxepin‐6,11‐dione (3) and 3‐hydroxymethyl‐6,8‐dimethoxycoumarin (4), were isolated from a mangrove endophytic fungus (No. GX4‐1B) collected from the South China Sea. Their structures were elucidated and the data of 1H and 13C NMR were assigned completely by HREIMS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments including HMQC, HMBC and NOESY. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primary amyloidosis presenting as upper limb multiple mononeuropathies
Authors: Tracy Jennifer A. , Dyck Peter J. , Dyck P. James B.
Published: April 2010

Peripheral neuropathy in primary (AL) amyloidosis is usually lower‐limb predominant, length‐dependent, symmetrical, and affects small (pain and autonomic) fibers, as much or more than large fibers. We report a patient with stepwise progressive, multiple upper limb mononeuropathies that were due to nerve biopsy‐proven primary amyloidosis (lambda light chain), with no systemic or autonomic features. Recognition that light chain amyloidosis may be the cause of a multiple mononeuropathy pattern adds to the differential diagnosis of this clinical phenotype. Muscle Nerve 41: 727–732, 2010
Synthesis of bio‐based polymeric nanocomposites from acrylated epoxidized soybean oil and montmorillonite clay in the presence of a bio‐based intercalant
Authors: Şen Sinan , Çaylı Gökhan
Published: April 2010

Polymeric nanocomposites were synthesized from functionalized soybean‐oil‐based polymer matrix and montmorillonite (MMT) clay using an in situ free radical polymerization reaction. Acrylated epoxidized soybean oil combined with styrene was used as the monomer. Organophilic MMT (OrgMMT) was obtained using a quaternized derivative of methyl oleate, which was synthesized from olive oil triglyceride, as a renewable intercalant. The resultant nanocomposites were characterized using X‐ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. The effect of increased nanofiller loading on the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis. It was found that the desired exfoliated nanocomposite structure was achieved when the OrgMMT loading was 1 and 2 wt%, whereas a partially exfoliated or intercalated nanocomposite was obtained for 3 wt% loading. All the nanocomposites were found to have improved thermal and mechanical properties as compared with virgin acrylated epoxidized soybean‐oil‐based polymer matrix. The nanocomposite containing 2 wt% OrgMMT clay was found to have the highest thermal stability and best dynamic mechanical performance. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermostabilization of ovalbumin by alkaline treatment: Examination of the possible roles of D‐serine residues
Authors: Ishimaru Takayuki , Ito Kazunari , Tanaka Miho , Matsudomi Naotoshi
Published: April 2010

It was revealed from the crystal structure analysis of S‐ovalbumin (S‐OVA) formed by alkaline treatment that Ser164, Ser236, and Ser320 take the D‐amino acid residue configuration (Yamasaki et al., J Biol Chem 2003; 278:35524–35530). To address the implications of a D‐configuration for these Ser residues in S‐OVA formation, three mutant OVAs (S164A, S236A, and S320A) were generated to compare their thermostabilities before and after alkaline treatment. Following alkaline treatment, S236A showed a marked increase in melting temperature similar to the wild type (ΔTm, +9°C) which corresponded to the formation of S‐OVA, whereas the increment in Tm for both S164A and S320A was only 4.5°C. Furthermore, the Tm value of the double mutant S164/320A remained unchanged after alkaline treatment, supporting the relevance of Ser164 and Ser320 for thermostabilization of OVA. As Arg142 was predicted to interact with D‐Ser164 upon S‐OVA formation, it was substituted to Ala to generate R142A. The resulting increment in Tm of mutant R142A after alkaline treatment was 5.8°C. The double mutant R142/S320A was therefore prepared to eliminate the participation of Ser320 in thermostabilization, and its Tm value was compared before and after alkaline treatment. As expected, the increase in Tm for the double mutant was only 1.2°C. Taken together, the data suggest that D‐configuration of Ser164 caused by alkaline treatment favors interaction with Arg142 through conformational changes of the side chain. These results strongly supported the participation of the configurational inversion of both Ser164 and Ser320 residues in the formation of S‐OVA.
Scanning spreading resistance microscopy of undoped CdS/ZnSSe multiple quantum well heterostructure
Authors: Sviridov D. E. , Kozlovsky V. I. , Sannikov D. A.
Published: April 2010

We carried out scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM) investigation of the undoped CdS/ZnSSe multiple quantum well (MQW) heterostructure under different illumination conditions. To study this effect we illuminated the probe–sample point contact with the radiation of a halogen lamp (HL) (hν = 1.2–3.1 eV). In spite of the fact that the photon energy of the built‐in atomic force microscope laser (BL) (1.9 eV) is smaller than the band gap energy of the CdS (2.46 eV) and the energy of transitions between ZnSSe valence band and CdS conduction band (2.2 eV) it, nevertheless, influences the visualization, possibly due to Franz–Keldysh effect. It was found that all layers of the structure can be visualized only under negative sample potential, indicating Schottky barrier formation at probe–sample contact. We estimated the carrier concentration in QWs on the basis of simple Schottky diode theory, taking into account spreading resistance Rs.
Violet–green laser converter based on MBE grown II–VI green lasers with multiple CdSe quantum dot sheets, pumped by InGaN laser diode
Authors: Lutsenko Evgenii V. , Sorokin Sergey V. , Sedova Irina V. , Vainilovich Aliaksei G. , Tarasuk Nikolai P. , Pavlovskii Viacheslav N. , Yablonskii Gennadii P. , Gronin Sergey V. , Kop'ev Pyotr S. , Ivanov Sergey V.
Published: April 2010

The violet–green laser converter based on a molecular‐beam‐epitaxy (MBE) grown CdSe quantum dot (QD) laser heterostructure pumped by a commercial InGaN laser diode (LD) emission has been fabricated and studied in detail. The optimized II–VI laser heterostructure consists of asymmetrical ZnSe/ZnSSe superlattice (SL) waveguide and active region comprising five CdSe QD sheets (QDS) placed in the centre of 2‐nm‐thick ZnSe quantum wells. The new laser structure design provides both a high homogeneity of optical pumping of the CdSe QDS due to tunnelling of charge carriers between the QDS separated by 5‐nm‐thick ZnSe/ZnSSe/ZnSe barriers and high optical confinement factor. Optimization of both cavity length of the II–VI laser and parameters of optical focusing system to obtain a narrow stripe with the length slightly exceeding the cavity length has been performed. As a result, the maximum achieved quantum efficiency and pulse output power in green have been as high as 8% and 65 mW, respectively.
Evaluating the electronic energy eigenvalues for A2B6 crystals obtained with the GGGA+U functional
Authors: Syrotyuk Stepan V.
Published: April 2010

Electronic energy bands of ZnS, ZnSe, and ZnTe crystals evaluated within the mixed basis approach with using the core Bloch states and plane waves. The exchange‐correlation potential has been derived from the new exchange‐correlation‐energy functional including the density gradient corrections and the intra‐atomic Coulomb term U. The calculated energy band structure parameters of the crystals show an improvement compared with the LDA results. The semicore Zn 3d state energies are closer to experimental data than those obtained within the LDA approach. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Internal parameters and optical properties of green II‐VI heterostructure lasers with active region composed of multi‐sheet electronically‐coupled CdSe quantum dots
Authors: Vainilovich Aliaksei G. , Lutsenko Evgenii V. , Tarasuk Nikolai P. , Pavlovskii Viacheslav N. , Gurskii Aliaksandr L. , Yablonskii Gennadii P. , Sedova Irina V. , Sorokin Sergey V. , Gronin Sergey V. , Ivanov Sergey V. , Kop'ev Pyotr S.
Published: April 2010

Optically pumped green‐emitting ZnSe‐based laser heterostructures of optimized design have been grown by molecular‐beam epitaxy and studied. The structures containing five electronically‐coupled stacked CdSe quantum dot (QD) sheets demonstrate the minimum threshold power density of 2.2 kW/cm2 and the maximum external quantum efficiency of ∼ 50%. Internal laser characteristics were determined by measuring the differential laser efficiency and laser threshold of a series of samples with different cavity lengths. The characteristic gain and internal quantum efficiency of the structures have been shown to reach the values as high as ΓG0 = 114 cm‐1 and ηi = 65.4%, while the transparency threshold and internal losses are evaluated as low as IT = 1.22 kW/cm2 and αi = 2.55 cm‐1, respectively. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cathodoluminescence of wide‐band‐gap II‐VI quaternary alloys
Authors: Shakhmin Alexey A. , Sedova Irina V. , Sorokin Sergey V. , Fitting Hans‐Joachim , Zamoryanskaya Maria V.
Published: April 2010

Cathodoluminescence has been applied to study 1‐μm‐thick Zn1‐xMgxSySe1‐y alloys grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The observed cathodoluminescence spectra show the main band transition at 2.9 eV and a broad defect band around 2.2 eV. The analysis of the band intensities at different electron‐beam current densities shows different saturation behaviour of the defect band intensities for the samples. The saturation intensity and the luminescence lifetime correlate with the defect luminescence intensity and concentration. This is the reason of luminescence colour changes in dependence on the electron‐beam current density. These results were applied to comparative evaluation of the luminescent defect density. A respective cathodoluminescence imaging was used for observation of structural defects in the surface plane and at the ZnMgSSe‐layer/GaAs‐buffer interface. It enables an express non‐destructive analysis of defect density in the layers and heterostuctures. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of the mechanical and magnetic properties of Fe61Co10Zr5‐xHfxW2Y2B20 (x = 0 or 3) bulk amorphous and crystalline alloys
Authors: Nabiałek Marcin G. , Dospiał Marcin J. , Szota Michał
Published: April 2010

The microstructure, thermal stability, mechanical and magnetic properties of Fe61Co10Zr5‐xHfxW2Y2B20 (where x = 0 or 3) bulk metallic glasses (BMG) and their crystalline equivalents were investigated. The crystalline materials were smelted on a copper mould using an electric arc; their amorphous equivalents were prepared using the induction suction casting method (ISC). All samples investigated were in the form of plates with dimensions of 10x10x0.5mm. From X‐ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy, it was found that both investigated alloys prepared using this method have an amorphous structure. From magnetic measurements obtained by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), it was shown that all measured samples displayed soft magnetic properties with relatively high saturation of the magnetization. The thermal stability and glass‐forming ability (GFA) for investigated alloys were derived from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves. The measurements of mechanical properties for amorphous alloys were found to be better than those for crystalline alloys with the same atomic composition. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A new antitumor arabinopyranoside from Laurencia majuscula induces G2/M cell cycle arrest
Authors: Du Bin , Zhong Xueyun , Liao Xiaojian , Xu Wenjie , Zhou Xulong , Xu Shihai
Published: April 2010

A new arabinopyranoside was isolated from the alga Laurencia majuscula (Harvey) Lucas, collected from the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea. Its structure was elucidated as hexadecyl‐1‐O‐α‐l‐arabinopyranoside by spectroscopic analysis. It was found that arabinopyranoside had significant antitumor activity in LOVO and Bel‐7402 cell lines. Flow cytometric analysis showed that arabinopyranoside arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Western blotting demonstrated that the protein expression of CDK1 and cyclin A related to the G2/M phase decreased markedly with arabinopyranoside treatment, with slight changes in cyclin B1 expression. Taken together, the findings identify a potential new antitumor therapeutic arabinopyranoside isolated from red alga Laurencia majuscula. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regular induced subgraphs of a random Graph
Authors: Krivelevich Michael , Sudakov Benny , Wormald Nicholas
Published: April 2010

An old problem of Erdős, Fajtlowicz, and Staton asks for the order of a largest induced regular subgraph that can be found in every graph on
$n$
vertices. Motivated by this problem, we consider the order of such a subgraph in a typical graph on $n$
vertices, i.e., in a binomial random graph $G(n,1/2)$. We prove that with high probability a largest induced regular subgraph of $G(n,1/2)$
has about $n^{2/3}$
vertices. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 38, 235–250, 2011
A Spectrophotometric Microtiterplate Assay to Determine the Transphosphatidylation Potential of Phospholipase D
Authors: Dippe Martin , Ulbrich‐Hofmann Renate
Published: April 2010

In addition to the hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate ester bond in glycerophospholipids, phospholipases D (PLDs) are able to catalyze the exchange of the polar head group. The biocatalytic potential of PLDs strongly depends on the ratio of the transphosphatidylation to hydrolysis rate which, therefore, is an important criterion in the screening for efficient PLDs from natural sources or combinatorial DNA libraries. Here, we present a fast spectrophotometric assay that allows the determination of the rate of both hydrolysis and transphosphatidylation of PLD‐containing solutions including cell extracts in one microtiterplate. The assay is based on the reaction of phosphatidylcholine solubilized in Triton X‐100 micelles with ethanolamine and the determination of phosphatidic acid (PA) and choline. PA is determined via Fe(III) complexation and represents hydrolysis, while choline is determined by the conventional choline oxidase/peroxidase assay and yields the total conversion. The difference between both values corresponds to the transphosphatidylation product. The method is suitable for measuring reactions rates as well as product yields after defined time periods. As shown for E. coli cells expressing PLD from cabbage, the assay can be applied to extracts of cells grown and lysed in microtiterplates.
Religious doubts and mental health in adolescence and young adulthood: The association with religious attitudes
Authors: Kézdy Anikó , Martos Tamás , Boland Vivian , Horváth‐Szabó Katalin
Published: April 2010

Religious doubts seem to be a part of identity and faith development in adolescence and young adulthood. Such doubts, however, are often linked with psychological distress, though the results in the field are not consistent. It seems important therefore to explore further the relationship between religious doubts and mental health. This study investigated the moderating role of religious attitudes (strength of religious belief, and literal vs. symbolic approach to religion) on this relationship in a sample of 403 Hungarian high school and university students aged 15–25 years in a cross‐sectional survey. Results provided support for a three‐way moderation: the positive correlation between doubts and anxiety/depression was stronger the higher the level of religious belief, but was strongest when religious beliefs and symbolic approach were both high. These associations were found to be stable across gender and educational level. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
A population‐based study of juvenile perpetrators of homicide in England and Wales
Authors: Rodway Cathryn , Norrington‐Moore Victoria , While David , Hunt Isabelle M. , Flynn Sandra , Swinson Nicola , Roscoe Alison , Appleby Louis , Shaw Jenny
Published: April 2010

This study aimed to describe the social, behavioural and offence characteristics of all convicted perpetrators of homicide aged 17 and under; to examine their previous contact with mental health services, and to discuss strategies for homicide prevention. An eight‐year (1996–2004) sample of 363 juvenile homicide perpetrators in England and Wales was examined. The majority of perpetrators were male, used a sharp instrument, and most victims were acquaintances or strangers. Over half had previously offended. A history of alcohol and/or drug misuse was common, as was the prevalence of family dysfunction, abuse, educational difficulties or discipline problems. Previous contact with mental health services was rare. Earlier intervention targeting social and psychological adversity and substance misuse could help to reduce the level of risk for future violence, and may reduce homicide rates among juveniles. Strengthening engagement with young offenders and increasing resources to prevent recidivism may also be beneficial.
Predictors of Pulmonary Hypertension on High-resolution Computed Tomography of the Chest in Systemic Sclerosis: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Pandey Anoop Kumar , Wilcox Pearce , Mayo John R. , Sin Donald , Moss Robert , Ellis Jennifer , Brown Jacquie , Leipsic Jonathon
Published: April 2010

Purpose

To evaluate the imaging features on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest and the clinical parameters that are associated with pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis. We specifically investigated whether main pulmonary artery (MPA) diameter and burden of lung fibrosis are predictors of pulmonary hypertension in these patients.

Methods

We retrospectively retrieved the database information of patients with systemic sclerosis seen at our hospital between January 2007 and December 2008. A total of 75 patients had HRCT of the chest, pulmonary function testing (PFT), and echocardiography within 6 months of each other. The echocardiography images were reviewed by a level-3 echocardiographer, and 29 cases were excluded because of suboptimal evaluation of pulmonary artery (PA) pressure. Peak PA pressures and PFT of the remaining 46 cases (43 women and 3 men) were charted. The PFT included total lung capacity (TLC), diffusion capacity of lung for carbon monooxide (DLCO) and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC). The HRCT of the chest of each patient was read by a chest radiologist. The extent of ground glass, reticulation, and honeycombing was objectively scored. The maximum diameter of the main pulmonary artery (MPAD) and ascending aorta were measured. The ratio of main pulmonary artery diameter and ascending aortic diameter (MPAD/AD) and ratio of main pulmonary artery diameter and body surface area (MPAD/BSA) were also calculated.

Results

Statistical analysis done by using a multivariate model showed that the calculated fibrotic score strongly correlated with peak PA pressures ( P < .001). MPAD ( P = .0175), and the ratio MPAD/AD ( P = .0102) also showed a statistically significant correlation with peak PA pressures. By using stepwise regression analysis, the fibrotic score was found to be the most reliable independent predictor of pulmonary hypertension.

Conclusion

HRCT-determined severity and extent of pulmonary fibrosis may be helpful in screening for pulmonary hypertension in patients with systemic sclerosis.
National Survey to Identify Subspecialties at Risk for Physician Shortages in Canadian Academic Radiology Departments
Authors: Ng Kai-Ling , Yazer Jo , Abdolell Mohammed , Brown Peter
Published: April 2010

Purpose

To identify subspecialty fields in Canadian academic radiology departments that are at risk for future manpower shortages. To determine reasons for the potential shortages and suggest potential solutions.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was sent by e-mail to radiology residents and academic radiology department heads in Canada. The survey was open from April 1 to August 1, 2006. Statistical analysis by using the SAS Frequency Procedure was performed on the results.

Results

Interventional radiology, neuroradiology, mammography, cardiac imaging, and pediatric radiology were identified as areas in which there will be increasing workforce demands. Mammography, pediatric radiology, and cardiac imaging were identified as areas in which there will be a potential decrease in supply. Of the residents, 65.83% intended on pursuing subspecialty training. Priorities were interesting work, job availability, and work schedule. Nuclear medicine, mammography, pediatric radiology, and interventional radiology were identified as the top 4 areas in which residents specifically did not want to pursue further subspecialty training. Only 15% of resident respondents received career counseling during residency, and only 50% of those residents thought it was adequate.

Conclusions

Our survey results indicate that mammography, cardiac imaging, and pediatric radiology are at risk for manpower shortages, and interventional radiology may be at risk. Increased efforts to recruit trainees may be necessary to ensure that these subspecialties maintain their presence in the future. Only 15% of the surveyed residents received career counseling during residency. This is a relatively untapped forum that academic staff could use to help recruit new trainees into these underserved subspecialties.
Assessing the Impact of Incidental Findings in a Lung Cancer Screening Study by Using Low-dose Computed Tomography
Authors: Kucharczyk Michael J. , Menezes Ravi J. , McGregor Alexander , Paul Narinder S. , Roberts Heidi C.
Published: April 2010

Purpose

To assess the prevalence and nature of incidental findings (IF) seen in low-dose computed tomographies (LDCT) from a lung cancer screening study for at-risk individuals.

Materials and Methods

Radiology reports from LDCTs of 4073 participants of a lung cancer screening study were retrospectively reviewed for findings other than lung nodules, that is, IFs, which were regarded as actionable. The frequency, nature, and expected cost of these IFs, and their anticipated follow-up were estimated.

Results

There were 880 IFs described in 782 study participants (19%); the median age of the participants was 62 years (range, 46–80 years). More IFs were found in men (55%) than in women. The majority of these findings were noncardiovascular (76%), for which imaging was suggested for 74%. There were 7 severe IFs (0.8%) that merited immediate attention. Seven known cancers were diagnosed from follow-ups of the IFs. The majority of IFs ( n = 486 [55%]) would require imaging follow-up if clinically indicated, with an estimated total a cost of CAN$45,500 to CAN$51,000 to provide initial diagnostic workup.

Conclusion

IFs on lung cancer screening studies are not uncommon and frequently require imaging or other follow-up for definitive diagnoses and to assess their clinical relevance. The implication of IFs has to be considered when determining a cost-effective and ethical protocol for the utilisation of LDCT in a high-risk population.
A new Nav1.7 sodium channel mutation I234T in a child with severe pain
Authors: Ahn Hye‐Sook , Dib‐Hajj Sulayman D. , Cox James J. , Tyrrell Lynda , Elmslie Frances V. , Clarke Antonia A. , Drenth Joost P.H. , Woods C. Geoffrey , Waxman Stephen G.
Published: April 2010

Dominant gain‐of‐function mutations that hyperpolarize activation of the Nav1.7 sodium channel have been linked to inherited erythromelalgia (IEM), a disorder characterized by severe pain and redness in the feet and hands in response to mild warmth. Pharmacotherapy remains largely ineffective for IEM patients with cooling and avoidance of triggers being the most reliable methods to relieve pain. We now report a 5 year old patient with pain precipitated by warmth, together with redness in her hands and feet. Her pain episodes were first reported at 12 months, and by the age of 15–16 months were triggered by sitting as well as heat. Pain has been severe, inducing self‐mutilation, with limited relief from drug treatment. Our analysis of the patient's genomic DNA identified a novel Nav1.7 mutation which replaces isoleucine 234 by threonine (I234T) within domain I/S4–S5 linker. Whole‐cell voltage‐clamp analysis shows a I234T‐induced shift of −18 mV in the voltage‐dependence of activation, accelerated time‐to‐peak, slowed deactivation and enhanced responses to slow ramp depolarizations, together with a −21 mV shift in the voltage‐dependence of slow‐inactivation. Our data show that I234T induces the largest activation shift for Nav1.7 mutations reported thus far. Although enhanced slow‐inactivation may attenuate the gain‐of‐function of the I234T mutation, the shift in activation appears to be dominant, and is consistent with the severe pain symptoms reported in this patient.
Chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1): Sensor and effector during oxidative stress
Authors: Averaimo Stefania , Milton Rosemary H. , Duchen Michael R. , Mazzanti Michele
Published: April 2010

Oxidative stress, characterized by overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a major feature of several pathological states. Indeed, many cancers and neurodegenerative diseases are accompanied by altered redox balance, which results from dysregulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. In this review, we consider the role of the intracellular chloride channel 1 (CLIC1) in microglial cells during oxidative stress. Following microglial activation, CLIC1 translocates from the cytosol to the plasma membrane where it promotes a chloride conductance. The resultant anionic current balances the excess charge extruded by the active NADPH oxidase, supporting the generation of superoxide by the enzyme. In this scenario, CLIC1 could be considered to act as both a second messenger and an executor.
Histone deacetylase 3 is selectively involved in L3MBTL2‐mediated transcriptional repression
Authors: Yoo Jung-Yoon , Choi Kyung-Chul , Kang HeeBum , Kim Young Jun , Lee Jeongmin , Jun Woo Jin , Kim Mi-Jeong , Lee Yoo-Hyun , Lee Ok-Hee , Yoon Ho-Geun
Published: April 2010

MINT‐7719897: HDAC3 (uniprotkb:O15379) physically interacts (MI:0915) with L3MBTL2 (uniprotkb:Q969R5) by two hybrid (MI:0018)
An allostatic control of membrane lipid composition by SREBP1
Authors: Hagen Rachel M. , Rodriguez-Cuenca Sergio , Vidal-Puig Antonio
Published: April 2010

The maintenance of membrane lipid composition within strict limits is critical to maintain optimum cellular function. The biophysical properties of the membrane can be influenced among other factors by the saturation/unsaturation of the phospholipid fatty acyl chain. The rate‐limiting enzyme in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis is the desaturase enzyme which in turn is regulated by the lipid transcription factor sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP1). In this review, we collect some evidence suggesting SREBP1 network as an important allostatic regulator necessary to maintain the pool of unsaturated fatty acid lipid species that can be incorporated into biological membranes.
p53 inhibits tumor cell invasion via the degradation of snail protein in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lim Seung-Oe , Kim Hongtae , Jung Guhung
Published: April 2010

MINT‐7718939: Snai1 (uniprotkb:O95863) physically interacts (MI:0915) with MDM2 (uniprotkb:Q00987) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)
The curious case of aging plasticity in honey bees
Authors: Münch Daniel , Amdam Gro V.
Published: April 2010

As in all advanced insect societies, colony‐organization in honey bees emerges through a structured division of labor between essentially sterile helpers called workers. Worker bees are sisters that conduct all social tasks except for egg‐laying, for example nursing brood and foraging for food. Curiously, aging progresses slowly in workers that engage in nursing and even slower when bees postpone nursing during unfavorable periods. We, therefore, seek to understand how senescence can emerge as a function of social task performance. The alternative utilization of a common yolk precursor protein (vitellogenin) in nursing and somatic maintenance can link behavior and aging plasticity in worker bees. Beneficial effects of vitellogenin may also be mediated by inhibitory action on juvenile hormone and insulin‐like signaling.
Protein toxins from plants and bacteria: Probes for intracellular transport and tools in medicine
Authors: Sandvig Kirsten , Torgersen Maria L. , Engedal Nikolai , Skotland Tore , Iversen Tore-Geir
Published: April 2010

A number of protein toxins produced by bacteria and plants enter eukaryotic cells and inhibit protein synthesis enzymatically. These toxins include the plant toxin ricin and the bacterial toxin Shiga toxin, which we will focus on in this article. Although a threat to human health, toxins are valuable tools to discover and characterize cellular processes such as endocytosis and intracellular transport. Bacterial infections associated with toxin production are a problem worldwide. Increased knowledge about toxins is important to prevent and treat these diseases in an optimal way. Interestingly, toxins can be used for diagnosis and treatment of cancer.