bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic and magnetic behaviors observed in nanostructured BiFeO3 particles
Authors: Li Shun , Lin Yuan-Hua , Zhang Bo-Ping , Nan Ce-Wen , Wang Yao
Published: March 2009

Nanostructured BiFeO3 particles have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method, and the effects of particle size on photocatalytic activity and magnetic property of BiFeO3 were investigated. The optical absorption spectra indicate that the band-gap energy increases with decreasing crystalline size due to the quantum-size effect. The enhancement of room-temperature weak ferromagnetism can be observed in nanoscale BiFeO3 particles, which should be attributed to the size-confinement effect on the magnetic ordering. In addition, BiFeO3 nanoparticles with diameter about 5 nm show good photocatalytic performance by photodegradation of Congo red under visible-light (λ>400 nm) irradiation.
Phase diagrams of model C60 and C70 fullerenes from short-range attractive potentials
Authors: Orea Pedro
Published: March 2009

We report a computer-simulation study of six model fluids interacting through short-range attractive potentials in order to calculate the vapor-liquid (VL) diagrams using canonical Monte Carlo simulation. It is found that the binodal curves of these systems correctly reproduce those reported in the literature for C60 and C70 Girifalco potentials. Besides, we found that all coexistence curves collapse into a master curve when we rescale with their respective critical points.
Stability of layered channel flow of magnetic fluids
Authors: Yecko Philip
Published: March 2009

The stability of a sheared interface separating a viscous magnetic fluid (ferrofluid) and an ordinary viscous fluid is examined for arbitrary wavelength disturbances using three dimensional linear perturbation theory. The unperturbed state corresponds to a two-layer Poiseuille profile in which a uniform magnetic field of arbitrary orientation is imposed. Coupling between the field and fluid occurs via the magnetic Maxwell stress tensor, formulated here for nonlinear magnetic material, expanding the scope of previous studies of linear media. Neutral curves and stability characteristics at low Reynolds number are presented and analyzed, and are found to depend sensitively on the linear and nonlinear magnetic properties of the material. The stability properties of the flow are shaped by a small set of the least stable modes of the spectrum, a result that evades single mode or potential flow analyses. The gravest modes can be of different character, resembling either interfacial or shear modes, modified by magnetic effects. The commonly cited ferrofluid interface properties of “stabilization by a tangential field” and “destabilization by a normal field” are shown to be invalid here, although the origins of these features can be identified within this problem.
Interfacial properties of the Mie n−6 fluid: Molecular simulations and gradient theory results
Authors: Galliero Guillaume , Piñeiro Manuel M. , Mendiboure Bruno , Miqueu Christelle , Lafitte Thomas , Bessieres David
Published: March 2009

In a first part, interfacial properties of a pure monoatomic fluid interacting through the Mie n−6 potential (n=8, 10, 12, and 20) have been studied using extensive molecular simulations. Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations have been employed, using, respectively, the test area approach and the mechanic route. In order to yield reference values, simulations have been performed with a cutoff radius equal to 10σ, which is shown to be sufficient to avoid long range corrections. It is shown that both approaches provide results consistent with each other. Using the molecular simulations results, it is demonstrated that a unique scaling law is able to provide an accurate estimation of the surface tension whatever the repulsive exponent n, even far from the critical point. Furthermore, it is shown that the surface tension of the Mie n−6 fluid is as well accurately described by a unique Parachor’s law. Density profiles are shown to be well represented by the tanh mean field profile, with slight deviations for the lowest temperatures and the smallest n. In addition, the interfacial width is shown to increase when n decreases (for a given reduced temperature) and to follow the usual scaling behavior for not too low temperature. In a second part, interfacial properties of the Mie n−6 fluid computed by the gradient theory, coupled with an equation of state based on the Barker–Henderson perturbation theory, have been compared with those obtained by molecular simulations. It is demonstrated that, even far from the critical point, the gradient theory is efficient to compute surface tensions and density profiles of this model fluid, provided the equation of state accurately model the phase behavior of the fluid involved (which is not the case for n=8 in this study).
Drift wave instability in a nonuniform quantum dusty magnetoplasma
Authors: Salimullah M. , Jamil M. , Zeba I. , Uzma Ch. , Shah H. A.
Published: March 2009

Using the quantum hydrodynamic model of plasmas and with quantum effects arising through the Bohm potential and the Fermi degenerate pressure, the possible drift waves and their instabilities have been investigated in considerable detail in a nonuniform dusty magnetoplasma. It is found that in the presence of a nonuniform ambient magnetic field, the drift waves grow in amplitude by taking energy from the streaming ions and density inhomogeneity. The implication of the drift wave instability for nonthermal electrostatic fluctuations to laboratory and astrophysical environments is also pointed out.
Nanomechanoelectronic signal transduction scheme with metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor-embedded microcantilevers
Authors: Tark Soo-Hyun , Srivastava Arvind , Chou Stanley , Shekhawat Gajendra , Dravid Vinayak P.
Published: March 2009

We explore various metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET)-embedded microcantilever designs to assess their performance as an efficient nanomechanoelectronic signal transduction platform for monitoring deflection in microcantilever-based phenomena such as biochemical sensing and actuation. The current-voltage characteristics of embedded MOSFETs show current noise in the nanoampere range with a large signal-to-noise ratio sufficient to provide measureable output signal. The change in drain current with cantilever deflection is consistent with the effect of stress on carrier mobility and drain current reported in previous studies, validating that the MOSFET cantilevers can directly transduce deflection of a microcantilever into reproducible change in electrical signal.
Vibrational modes of Timoshenko beams at small scales
Authors: Li Xian-Fang , Wang Bao-Lin
Published: March 2009

This letter presents a theoretical treatment of Timoshenko [S. Timoshenko, Philos. Mag. 41, 744 (1921)] beams, in which the influences of shear deformation, rotary inertia, and scale coefficient are taken into account. Based on the nonlocal elasticity theory, coupled equations for transverse deflection and rotation of cross section are derived. Free vibration of several typical beams is analyzed. Explicit expressions for modal shapes of vibration are presented. Natural frequencies are evaluated for free vibration of simply supported beams, clamped beams, cantilever beams, and clamped-hinged beams. The effects of the nonlocal parameter on natural frequencies and modal shapes are discussed in detail.
Transient growth in stable collisionless plasma
Authors: Camporeale Enrico , Burgess David , Passot Thierry
Published: March 2009

The first kinetic study of transient growth for a collisionless homogeneous Maxwellian plasma in a uniform magnetic field is presented. A system which is linearly stable may display transient growth if the linear operator describing its evolution is non-normal so that its eigenvectors are nonorthogonal. In order to include plasma kinetic effects, a Landau fluid model is employed. The linear operator of the model is shown to be non-normal and the results suggest that the non-normality of a collisionless plasma is intrinsically related to its kinetic nature, with the transient growth being more accentuated for smaller scales and higher plasma beta. The results based on linear spectral theory have been confirmed with nonlinear simulations.
Fabrication and fundamentals of operation of an InAlAs/InGaAs velocity modulation transistor
Authors: Wichmann Nicolas , Vasallo Beatriz G. , Bollaert Sylvain , Roelens Yannick , Wallart Xavier , Cappy Alain , González Tomás , Pardo Daniel , Mateos Javier
Published: March 2009

We report the design, fabrication, and characterization of an InP-based InAlAs/InGaAs velocity modulation transistor (VMT) based on the double-gate high electron mobility transistor topology. When electrons are transferred between two channels with different mobility, the drain current is modulated while keeping the total carrier density constant. For the fabrication of the transistor, the epitaxial growth has been optimized in order to accomplish the maximum mobility difference between the two active channels. DC characteristics of our VMT have been extracted and an ensemble Monte Carlo simulator is employed to study the microscopic behavior of the fabricated device. The numerical analysis of the carrier density and velocity variation with the gate bias in differential mode demonstrates the actual velocity modulation operation of the fabricated transistors.
Non-transition-metal doped diluted magnetic semiconductors
Authors: Peng Xiangyang , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: March 2009

Based on first-principles calculations, we have investigated the magnetic properties of non-transition-metal doped semiconductors Al(N,X) and Zn(O,X), where X is a first row atom. It is revealed that the dopant can remain magnetic only if it is less electronegative than the substituted host anion atom and the dopant 2p states are located within the energy gap of the host. The calculated magnetic moment per dopant in μB is the atomic number difference between the dopant and the host anion atom. The global magnetic order is determined by the hole number, the interaction between the 2p dopant states and their exchange splitting. It is found that the Curie temperature is highest when the atomic number of the dopant is smaller than that of the anion by two.
Spontaneous transition in preferred orientation of GaN domains grown on r-plane sapphire substrate from [112¯] to [0001]
Authors: Lee Hyun-Jae , Ha Jun-Seok , Goto T. , Yao T. , Kim Chinkyo , Hong Soon-Ku , Chang Jiho
Published: March 2009

GaN films were grown at 550 °C and subsequently at 1040 °C on sapphire (101¯2) (r-plane) substrates by using hydride vapor phase epitaxy with different layer thicknesses. As the thickness of a low-temperature-grown GaN layer was increased, a preferred orientation of GaN grown at 1040 °C changed from [112¯0] to [0001]. A detailed atomistic model reveals that this spontaneous transition in preferred orientation is due to the formation of inversion domain boundaries and stacking faults. This result has a significant implication that tailoring film characteristics in terms of controllability of preferred orientation may be possible independent of substrate orientation.
Smart Sand—a wide bandwidth vibration energy harvesting platform
Authors: Marinkovic Bozidar , Koser Hur
Published: March 2009

We propose a concept for true wide bandwidth vibration energy harvesting. Our approach exploits nonlinear stretching of fixed-fixed beams in an off-resonance mode, effectively expanding the operational frequency range well beyond the narrow bandwidth of linear resonators. Our initial prototype demonstrates operation between 160–400 Hz, without the need for frequency tuning. A simple dynamic model shows good agreement with measurements. Optimized device geometry will allow for even lower frequency operation (starting at 60 Hz) at strain levels above 1e-3 (ideal for piezoelectric transduction).
Output power enhancement of GaN light emitting diodes with p-type ZnO hole injection layer
Authors: Kim B. J. , Ryu Y. R. , Lee T. S. , White H. W.
Published: March 2009

We report an enhancement of the optical output power of GaN light emitting diodes (LEDs) by addition of a p-type ZnO layer located in close proximity to the active layer (ZnO/GaN LEDs). Arsenic (As)-doped p-ZnO was used as a hole-injecting layer to overcome the drop in external quantum efficiency of GaN LEDs at high drive currents—the so-called “efficiency droop.” The output power in ZnO/GaN LEDs was improved up to 40%. This result is useful for development of highly efficient GaN LEDs operating at high current densities that will play a critical role in replacement of incandescent lamps by high efficiency solid-state light bulbs.
Negative A-plates for broadband wide-view liquid crystal displays
Authors: Jiao Meizi , Gauza Sebastian , Li Yan , Yan Jin , Wu Shin-Tson , Chiba Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2009

Negative A-plates fabricated by mechanically stretching polystyrene are studied and their physical properties evaluated. A molecular model is developed to explain the underlying physical mechanisms. An example of a broadband wide-view liquid crystal display including a negative A-plate for phase compensation is illustrated.
Recombination at DNA replication fork barriers is not universal and is differentially regulated by Swi1
Authors: Pryce David W. , Ramayah Soshila , Jaendling Alessa , McFarlane Ramsay J.
Published: March 2009

DNA replication stress has been implicated in the etiology of genetic diseases, including cancers. It has been proposed that genomic sites that inhibit or slow DNA replication fork progression possess recombination hotspot activity and can form potential fragile sites. Here we used the fission yeast,
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
, to demonstrate that hotspot activity is not a universal feature of replication fork barriers (RFBs), and we propose that most sites within the genome that form RFBs do not have recombination hotspot activity under nonstressed conditions. We further demonstrate that Swi1, the TIMELESS homologue, differentially controls the recombination potential of RFBs, switching between being a suppressor and an activator of recombination in a site-specific fashion.
Localization of a bacterial cytoplasmic receptor is dynamic and changes with cell-cell contacts
Authors: Mauriello Emilia M. F. , Astling David P. , Sliusarenko Oleksii , Zusman David R.
Published: March 2009

Directional motility in the gliding bacterium
Myxococcus xanthus
requires controlled cell reversals mediated by the Frz chemosensory system. FrzCD, a cytoplasmic chemoreceptor, does not form membrane-bound polar clusters typical for most bacteria, but rather cytoplasmic clusters that appear helically arranged and span the cell length. The distribution of FrzCD in living cells was found to be dynamic: FrzCD was localized in clusters that continuously changed their size, number, and position. The number of FrzCD clusters was correlated with cellular reversal frequency: fewer clusters were observed in hypo-reversing mutants and additional clusters were observed in hyper-reversing mutants. When moving cells made side-to-side contacts, FrzCD clusters in adjacent cells showed transient alignments. These events were frequently followed by one of the interacting cells reversing. These observations suggest that FrzCD detects signals from a cell contact-sensitive signaling system and then re-localizes as it directs reversals to distributed motility engines.
The homology recognition well as an innate property of DNA structure
Authors: Kornyshev Alexei A. , Wynveen Aaron
Published: March 2009

Mutual recognition of homologous sequences of DNA before strand exchange is considered to be the most puzzling stage of recombination of genes. In 2001, a mechanism was suggested for a double-stranded DNA molecule to recognize from a distance its homologous match in electrolytic solution without unzipping [Kornyshev AA, Leikin S (2001)
Phys Rev Lett
86:3666–3669]. Based on a theory of electrostatic interactions between helical molecules, the difference in the electrostatic interaction energy between homologous duplexes and between nonhomologous duplexes, called the
recognition energy
, was calculated. Here, we report a theoretical investigation of the form of the potential well that DNA molecules may feel sliding along each other. This well, the bottom of which is determined by the recognition energy, leads to trapping of the molecular tracks of the same homology in direct juxtaposition. A simple formula for the shape of the well is obtained. The well is quasi-exponential. Its half-width is determined by the
helical coherence length
, introduced first in the same 2001 article, the value of which, as the latest study shows, is ≈10 nm.
Involvement of exon 11-associated variants of the mu opioid receptor MOR-1 in heroin, but not morphine, actions
Authors: Pan Ying-Xian , Xu Jin , Xu Mingming , Rossi Grace C. , Matulonis Joshua E. , Pasternak Gavril W.
Published: March 2009

Heroin remains a major drug of abuse and is preferred by addicts over morphine. Like morphine, heroin has high affinity and selectivity for μ-receptors, but its residual analgesia in exon 1 MOR-1 knockout mice that do not respond to morphine suggests a different mechanism of action. MOR-1 splice variants lacking exon 1 have been observed in mice, humans, and rats, raising the possibility that they might be responsible for the residual heroin and morphine-6β-glucuronide (M6G) analgesia in the exon 1 knockout mice. To test this possibility, we disrupted exon 11 of MOR-1, which eliminates all of the variants that do not contain exon 1. Morphine and methadone analgesia in the exon 11 knockout mouse was normal, but the analgesic actions of heroin, M6G, and fentanyl were markedly diminished in the radiant heat tail-flick and hot-plate assays. Similarly, the ability of M6G to inhibit gastrointestinal transit was greatly diminished in these exon 11 knockout mice, whereas the ability of morphine was unchanged. These findings identify receptors selectively involved with heroin and M6G actions and confirm the relevance of the exon 11-associated variants and raise important issues regarding the importance of atypical truncated G-protein-coupled receptors.
Cognitive and neural foundations of religious belief
Authors: Kapogiannis Dimitrios , Barbey Aron K. , Su Michael , Zamboni Giovanna , Krueger Frank , Grafman Jordan
Published: March 2009

We propose an integrative cognitive neuroscience framework for understanding the cognitive and neural foundations of religious belief. Our analysis reveals 3 psychological dimensions of religious belief (God's perceived level of involvement, God's perceived emotion, and doctrinal/experiential religious knowledge), which functional MRI localizes within networks processing Theory of Mind regarding intent and emotion, abstract semantics, and imagery. Our results are unique in demonstrating that specific components of religious belief are mediated by well-known brain networks, and support contemporary psychological theories that ground religious belief within evolutionary adaptive cognitive functions.
Dissecting the brain's fear system reveals the hypothalamus is critical for responding in subordinate conspecific intruders
Authors: Motta Simone C. , Goto Marina , Gouveia Flavia V. , Baldo Marcus V. C. , Canteras Newton S. , Swanson Larry W.
Published: March 2009

Effective defense against natural threats in the environment is essential for the survival of individual animals. Thus, instinctive behavioral responses accompanied by fear have evolved to protect individuals from predators and from opponents of the same species (dominant conspecifics). While it has been suggested that all perceived environmental threats trigger the same set of innately determined defensive responses, we tested the alternate hypothesis that different stimuli may evoke differentiable behaviors supported by distinct neural circuitry. The results of behavioral, neuronal immediate early gene activation, lesion, and neuroanatomical experiments indicate that the hypothalamus is necessary for full expression of defensive behavioral responses in a subordinate conspecific, that lesions of the dorsal premammillary nucleus drastically reduce behavioral measures of fear in these animals, and that essentially separate hypothalamic circuitry supports defensive responses to a predator or a dominant conspecific. It is now clear that differentiable neural circuitry underlies defensive responses to fear conditioning associated with painful stimuli, predators, and dominant conspecifics and that the hypothalamus is an essential component of the circuitry for the latter two stimuli.
The adhesion molecule L1 regulates transendothelial migration and trafficking of dendritic cells
Authors: Maddaluno Luigi , Verbrugge Sue Ellen , Martinoli Chiara , Matteoli Gianluca , Chiavelli Andrea , Zeng Yiping , Williams Elizabeth D. , Rescigno Maria , Cavallaro Ugo
Published: March 2009

The adhesion molecule L1, which is extensively characterized in the nervous system, is also expressed in dendritic cells (DCs), but its function there has remained elusive. To address this issue, we ablated L1 expression in DCs of conditional knockout mice. L1-deficient DCs were impaired in adhesion to and transmigration through monolayers of either lymphatic or blood vessel endothelial cells, implicating L1 in transendothelial migration of DCs. In agreement with these findings, L1 was expressed in cutaneous DCs that migrated to draining lymph nodes, and its ablation reduced DC trafficking in vivo. Within the skin, L1 was found in Langerhans cells but not in dermal DCs, and L1 deficiency impaired Langerhans cell migration. Under inflammatory conditions, L1 also became expressed in vascular endothelium and enhanced transmigration of DCs, likely through L1 homophilic interactions. Our results implicate L1 in the regulation of DC trafficking and shed light on novel mechanisms underlying transendothelial migration of DCs. These observations might offer novel therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of certain immunological disorders.
TSLP regulates intestinal immunity and inflammation in mouse models of helminth infection and colitis
Authors: Taylor Betsy C. , Zaph Colby , Troy Amy E. , Du Yurong , Guild Katherine J. , Comeau Michael R. , Artis David
Published: March 2009

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) produce thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP); however, the in vivo influence of TSLP–TSLP receptor (TSLPR) interactions on immunity and inflammation in the intestine remains unclear. We show that TSLP–TSLPR interactions are critical for immunity to the intestinal pathogen Trichuris. Monoclonal antibody–mediated neutralization of TSLP or deletion of the TSLPR in normally resistant mice resulted in defective expression of Th2 cytokines and persistent infection. Susceptibility was accompanied by elevated expression of interleukin (IL) 12/23p40, interferon (IFN) γ, and IL-17A, and development of severe intestinal inflammation. Critically, neutralization of IFN-γ in Trichuris-infected TSLPR−/− mice restored Th2 cytokine responses and resulted in worm expulsion, providing the first demonstration of TSLPR-independent pathways for Th2 cytokine production. Additionally, TSLPR−/− mice displayed elevated production of IL-12/23p40 and IFN-γ, and developed heightened intestinal inflammation upon exposure to dextran sodium sulfate, demonstrating a previously unrecognized immunoregulatory role for TSLP in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease.
Genetic diversity and population structure of rice stripe virus in China
Authors: Wei Tai-Yun , Yang Jin-Guang , Liao Fu-Long , Gao Fang-Luan , Lu Lian-Ming , Zhang Xiao-Ting , Li Fan , Wu Zu-Jian , Lin Qi-Yin , Xie Lian-Hui , Lin Han-Xin
Published: March 2009

Rice stripe virus (RSV) is one of the most economically important pathogens of rice and is repeatedly epidemic in China, Japan and Korea. The most recent outbreak of RSV in eastern China in 2000 caused significant losses and raised serious concerns. In this paper, we provide a genotyping profile of RSV field isolates and describe the population structure of RSV in China, based on the nucleotide sequences of isolates collected from different geographical regions during 1997–2004. RSV isolates could be divided into two or three subtypes, depending on which gene was analysed. The genetic distances between subtypes range from 0.050 to 0.067. The population from eastern China is composed only of subtype I/IB isolates. In contrast, the population from Yunnan province (southwest China) is composed mainly of subtype II isolates, but also contains a small proportion of subtype I/IB isolates and subtype IA isolates. However, subpopulations collected from different districts in eastern China or Yunnan province are not genetically differentiated and show frequent gene flow. RSV genes were found to be under strong negative selection. Our data suggest that the most recent outbreak of RSV in eastern China was not due to the invasion of new RSV subtype(s). The evolutionary processes contributing to the observed genetic diversity and population structure are discussed.
Evidence of frequent introductions of Japanese encephalitis virus from south-east Asia and continental east Asia to Japan
Authors: Nabeshima Takeshi , Loan Hyunh Thi Kim , Inoue Shingo , Sumiyoshi Makoto , Haruta Yasuhiro , Nga Phan Thi , Huoung Vu Thi Que , del Carmen Parquet Maria , Hasebe Futoshi , Morita Kouichi
Published: March 2009

The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) circulating in Japan consists of viruses with multiple phylogenetic origins. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that some JEV strains have recently migrated from south-east and continental east Asian countries. One phylogenetic subcluster of the JEV strains circulating in Japan was closely related to viruses isolated in Vietnam and China's inland region while other JEV subclusters were related to viruses isolated in Shanghai, China. One virus subcluster, however, was isolated solely in Japan and was not found in any other Asian country. Therefore, our data suggests that the JEVs that have remained or are circulating in Japan include a mixture of viruses that have previously migrated from south-east and continental east Asian countries.
Detection of diverse astroviruses from bats in China
Authors: Zhu Hua Chen , Chu Daniel K. W. , Liu Wei , Dong Bai Qing , Zhang Shu Yi , Zhang Jin Xia , Li Li Feng , Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran , Smith Gavin J. D. , Chen Hong Lin , Poon Leo L. M. , Peiris J. S. Malik , Guan Yi
Published: March 2009

Astroviruses infect humans and many different animal species and are associated with gastroenteritis. Recent studies first detected the virus from bat species in Hong Kong. To understand astrovirus distribution in the wider region further, we examined the prevalence of this virus family in bat specimens collected from a large geographical region of mainland China. We collected 500 anal swabs from 20 bat species in 51 natural habitats from 11 provinces of China and tested these for astroviruses. Our study revealed a remarkably high genetic diversity of astroviruses; five monophyletic groups were identified in bats, including two novel groups. Evidence for varying degrees of host restriction for astroviruses from bats has been found. Phylogenetic analyses also provided insight into the inter-species transmission of Mamastrovirus.
Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus and Choristoneura fumiferana multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus v-cath genes are expressed as pre-proenzymes
Authors: Hodgson Jeffrey J. , Arif Basil M. , Krell Peter J.
Published: March 2009

Intracellular processing and trafficking of the baculovirus v-cath expressed cathepsin (V-CATH), which lacks canonical targeting signals, are poorly understood. The cathepsins of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), Choristoneura fumiferana multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (CfMNPV) and most other alphabaculovirus group I nucleopolyhedroviruses have well-conserved N-termini containing overlapping chymotrypsin-cleavage (Y11) and myristoylation (G12) motifs, which are suggestive of proteolytic signal-peptide cleavage to generate proV-CATH and subsequent acylation. To determine proteolytic N-terminal processing of V-CATH, haemagglutinin epitope-coding tags were fused to the 5′ and/or 3′ ends of AcMNPV and CfMNPV v-cath. Immunoblot analysis suggested that a small N-terminal peptide is cleaved for both viruses, indicating that v-cath is expressed as a pre-proenzyme. The two viral homologues undergo similar proteolytic processing, but have different glycosylation or other post-translational modifications. An AcMNPV V-CATH–DsRED fusion protein co-localized to the endoplasmic reticulum with an HDEL motif-containing green fluorescent protein. Based on these findings, pre-proV-CATH processing and trafficking mechanisms are postulated.
Therapeutic potential of proapoptotic molecule Noxa in the selective elimination of tumor cells
Authors: Suzuki Saori , Nakasato Makoto , Shibue Tsukasa , Koshima Isao , Taniguchi Tadatsugu
Published: March 2009

The selective elimination of tumor cells by inducing apoptosis is one of the most important issues in cancer therapy. In this context, artificial expression of the p53 tumor‐suppressor gene has been an attractive approach and numerous studies have shown its efficacy in combination with other therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy. One of the critical issues for current cancer gene therapy is how to induce apoptosis in cancer cells without affecting normal cells. In the present study, we examined the potential of Noxa, a BH3‐only protein with proapoptotic activity that functions downstream of the p53‐mediated apoptotic pathway, to selectively induce apoptosis in tumor cells. We found that upon infection of a recombinant adenovirus contrived to express the Noxa gene, apoptosis was induced in vitro in several human breast cancer cell lines, but not in normal mammary epithelial cell lines. Furthermore, intratumoral injection of the Noxa‐expressing adenovirus resulted in marked shrinkage of the transplanted tumor derived from breast cancer cells without any notable adverse effect on the surrounding normal tissue. In contrast, the expression of Puma, another BH3‐only protein that also functions downstream of the p53 pathway, induced apoptosis in both cancer and normal cells. Thus, our results suggest a mechanism wherein Noxa, but not Puma, selectively induces apoptosis in human tumor cells. These data provide a new prospect for cancer therapy by the Noxa‐mediated selective elimination of malignant cells. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 759–769)
The oral iron chelator deferasirox represses signaling through the mTOR in myeloid leukemia cells by enhancing expression of REDD1
Authors: Ohyashiki Junko H. , Kobayashi Chiaki , Hamamura Ryoko , Okabe Seiichi , Tauchi Tetsuzo , Ohyashiki Kazuma
Published: March 2009

To evaluate the effect of deferasirox in human myeloid leukemia cells, and to identify the moleclular pathways responsible for antiproliferative effects on leukemia cells during chelation therapy, we performed gene expression profiling to focus on the pathway involved in the anticancer effect of deferasirox. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of deferasirox was 17–50 µM in three human myeloid cell lines (K562, U937, and HL60), while those in fresh leukemia cells obtained from four patients it varied from 88 to 172 µM. Gene expression profiling using Affymerix GeneChips (U133 Plus 2.0) revealed up‐regulation of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A) encoding p21CIP, genes regulating interferon (i.e. IFIT1). Pathways related to iron metabolism and hypoxia such as growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15) and Regulated in development and DNA damage response (REDD1) were also prominent. Based on the results obtained from gene expression profiling, we particularly focused on the REDD1/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway in deferasirox‐treated K562 cells, and found an enhanced expression of REDD1 and its down‐stream protein, tuberin (TSC2). Notably, S6 ribosomal protein as well as phosphorylated S6, which is known to be a target of mTOR, was significantly repressed in deferasirox‐treated K562 cells, and REDD1 small interfering RNA restored phosphorylation of S6. Although iron chelation may affect multiple signaling pathways related to cell survival, our data support the conclusion that REDD1 functions up‐stream of tuberin to down‐regulate the mTOR pathway in response to deferasirox. Deferasirox might not only have benefit for iron chelation but also may be an antiproliferative agent in some myeloid leukemias, especially patients who need both iron chelation and reduction of leukemia cells. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 970–977)
Using the extended quarter degree grid cell system to unify mapping and sharing of biodiversity data
Authors: Larsen R. , Holmern T. , Prager S. D. , Maliti H. , Røskaft E.
Published: March 2009

Information on the distribution of animal populations is essential for conservation planning and management. Unfortunately, shared coordinate‐level data may have the potential to compromise sensitive species and generalized data are often shared instead to facilitate knowledge discovery and communication regarding species distributions. Sharing of generalized data is, unfortunately, often ad hoc and lacks scalable conventions that permit consistent sharing at larger scales and varying resolutions. One common convention in African applications is the Quarter Degree Grid Cells (QDGC) system. However, the current standard does not support unique references across the Equator and Prime Meridian. We present a method for extending QDGC nomenclature to support unique references at a continental scale for Africa. The extended QDGC provides an instrument for sharing generalized biodiversity data where laws, regulations or other formal considerations prevent or prohibit distribution of coordinate‐level information. We recommend how the extended QDGC may be used as a standard, scalable solution for exchange of biodiversity information through development of tools for the conversion and presentation of multi‐scale data at a variety of resolutions. In doing so, the extended QDGC represents an important alternative to existing approaches for generalized mapping and can help planners and researchers address conservation issues more efficiently.
Breeding biology of ostriches (Struthio camelus) in the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania
Authors: Magige Flora J. , Stokke Bård G. , Sortland Ragna , Røskaft Eivin
Published: March 2009

Ostrich breeding behaviour in the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania was investigated for differences in laying dates between low altitude western area (WA) and high altitude eastern area (EA) populations. Ostriches in WA laid eggs significantly earlier than in EA. The differences could be attributed to topography and rainfall pattern. Reliable rains in lower altitudes ensure availability of food that in turn influences the whole process of the reproductive cycle. Clutches were contributed by several females with a nest having up to 38 eggs. We also compared the frequency of observation of predators, ostriches, nests, ‘singletons’ (single eggs laid randomly) and broods between the two areas. There was no significant difference between WA and EA in 1) ostrich/nest ratio, indicating similar breeding densities; 2) ostrich/predator and predator/nest ratios, indicating that predation pressure was equally high; 3) nest/singleton and predator/singleton ratios, indicating that loss of nests did not vary between areas. However, there were significantly more predators, nests and ostriches compared to broods in EA than in WA, indicating a significantly lower reproductive success in EA. Using metapopulation terminology, ostriches in EA could be regarded as a ‘sink’ population and those in WA as a ‘source’ population, but investigations over longer time‐periods are needed to further resolve if this is the case.
Effect of heat treatment and enzymatic digestion on the B cell epitopes of cow's milk proteins
Authors: Morisawa Y. , Kitamura A. , Ujihara T. , Zushi N. , Kuzume K. , Shimanouchi Y. , Tamura S. , Wakiguchi H. , Saito H. , Matsumoto K.
Published: March 2009

Background
Processing milk leads to changes in clinical allergenicity. However, the mechanism by which heat treatment affects the allergenicity of milk proteins is not fully understood.

Objective
We investigated the effect of heat treatment and enzymatic digestion on the allergenicity of B cell epitopes of milk proteins using a histamine release assay.

Methods
Human basophils were passively sensitized using sera from 10 patients with allergies to cow's milk. All the patients experienced symptoms immediately after ingesting milk. The human basophils were obtained from umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells after culturing the mononuclear cells for 3–4 weeks in the presence of IL‐3. After sensitization with 10% patient sera for 48 h, the cells were stimulated with untreated, heat‐treated, or heat‐treated and pepsin‐and‐trypsin‐digested β‐lactoglobulin or α‐casein for 1 h. The histamine concentrations in the supernatants were then measured by radioimmunoassay.

Results
Heat treatment alone did not alter the molecular weight of β‐lactoglobulin or α‐casein. Heat treatment of β‐lactoglobulin significantly increased its susceptibility to enzymatic digestion in a time‐ and temperature‐dependent manner and reduced its ability to induce histamine release from sensitized basophils. Similar findings were not observed for α‐casein. The combination of heat treatment and enzymatic digestion reduced the abilities of both β‐lactoglobulin and α‐casein to induce histamine release from passively sensitized basophils.

Conclusions
Heat treatment reduced the allergenicity of β‐lactoglobulin by inducing conformational changes and by increasing its susceptibility to enzymatic digestion, both of which disrupted B cell epitopes, whereas heat treatment alone did not alter the allergenicity of α‐casein.
Evaluation of desloratadine on conjunctival allergen challenge‐induced ocular symptoms
Authors: Torkildsen G. L. , Gomes P. , Welch D. , Gopalan G. , Srinivasan S.
Published: March 2009

Background
Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is frequently associated with allergic rhinitis (AR) and affects up to 91% of patients with AR. Desloratadine, an orally administered, non‐sedating second‐generation antihistamine, has proven efficacy and safety in the control of nasal and non‐nasal – including ocular – symptoms of AR. This randomized‐controlled trial is the first to evaluate the effects of continuous oral desloratadine treatment on ocular symptoms after conjunctival allergen challenge.

Objective
To evaluate the impact of administering oral desloratadine 5 mg daily for 7 days on ocular symptoms in conjunctival allergen‐challenged subjects.

Methods
In this crossover study, adults with a history of seasonal AC and a minimal threshold response to allergen challenge were randomized to receive desloratadine 5 mg daily (n=20) or placebo (n=21) for 7 days after which they underwent a second ocular allergen challenge. After a 2‐week washout period, subjects crossed over to the other treatment. The primary efficacy parameter was the intra‐subject difference from baseline at end‐point in the post‐challenge mean composite ocular redness score (the sum of redness scores in ciliary, conjunctival, or episcleral vessel beds). Secondary efficacy parameters included the intra‐subject and inter‐subject differences in individual symptom scores for ciliary, conjunctival, or episcleral redness; pruritus; chemosis; eyelid swelling; and tearing.

Results
The mean composite ocular redness score was reduced at 10, 15, and 20 min post‐challenge with desloratadine treatment compared with placebo, though these differences were not statistically significant (P=NS). Desloratadine was significantly more effective than placebo in preventing post‐challenge ocular pruritus (P<0.001). Significant improvements post‐challenge were also seen in ciliary and episcleral redness, chemosis, eyelid swelling, and tearing (P<0.05 vs. placebo for all comparisons). Desloratadine was well tolerated.

Conclusion
Treatment with desloratadine 5 mg daily for 7 days reduced allergic ocular symptoms following allergen challenge.
Earthquake effects on the Anatolian Motorway, Turkey
Authors: Koral Hayrettin , James J. Steven , Sayis Atilla
Published: March 2009

On 12 November 1999, the Anatolian earthquake in Turkey damaged a partially completed motorway viaduct. The viaduct, which is some 2.3 km long, passes over the Düzce Fault as the route starts its ascent into the Turkish plateau. The Düzce Fault is a northern offshoot of the main North Anatolian Fault (NAF) Zone, and cuts the viaduct at an acute angle of 15 degrees. Movements along the NAF have been identified as the prime cause of the earthquake. Alternatives to a viaduct crossing had been considered in the feasibility stage, but were ruled out because of the rugged landslide‐influenced terrain and requirements for an even motorway ascent grade. The relative displacement of around 120 equally spaced piers identified the nature of the ground displacements and gave an indication as to the likely areas of foundation damage. This article examines the damage caused to the viaduct during the earthquake.
Misplaced trace fossils in unlikely environments
Authors: Hernandez Javier Ortega
Published: March 2009

Graphoglyptids are trace fossils that are generally acknowledged to have had a deep‐sea origin, displaying complex, nutrient gathering strategies in response to stable environments with low productivity. However, two recently discovered graphoglyptids in the Permian of New Mexico seem to challenge previous assumptions. Rather than in deep‐sea sediments, Spirorhaphe azteca and Augerinoichnus helicoidalis were discovered in tidal flat palaeoenvironments, showing that these behavioural patterns are also carried out by animals in tidal settings. Fine sediments of the region are recognized as the key factor in the preservation of these trace fossils. Presence of graphoglyptids in a transitional environment demonstrates that behaviour is not solely defined by depth, but many intricate factors are involved.
Kaolinite
Authors: King R.J.
Published: March 2009

Originally a secret well‐kept from prying western eyes for many hundreds of years, China's deposits of a ‘wonder clay’ remained unknown. The production of pottery and fine porcelain made from the clay remained one of China's most remunerative exports. Eventually (in the early 1700s) the French Jesuit missionary Pere d’Entrecolles exposed the secret by bringing samples of the clay back to Europe. There it was discovered that the essential ingredient of the clay was the mineral kaolinite. From that point kaolinite deposits were identified world‐wide including the large deposits in Cornwall.
Agronomic performance and nutritive value of common and alternative grass and legume species in the Peruvian highlands
Authors: Bartl K. , Gamarra J. , Gómez C. A. , Wettstein H.‐R. , Kreuzer M. , Hess H. D.
Published: March 2009

The agronomic performance and nutritive value of twelve annual and perennial grasses and legumes were analysed in order to define alternatives to local forages for dry‐season feeding of ruminants in the Peruvian Andes. There were twelve species and two fertilizer treatments (no fertilizer and a N;P;K fertilizer mainly applied at sowing) in an experiment with a randomized complete block design with three replicates at each of two sites. Plant height, soil cover by forage and weed species, frost damage, dry matter (DM) yield and nutritive value of herbage were evaluated in 2005 and 2006. Among the annual species, Hordeum vulgare L. cv. UNA 80 and ×Triticosecale Wittm. had the highest DM yields when fertilized (8226 and 6934 kg ha−1 respectively). Without fertilizer the alternative cultivars had similar DM yields to that of the local forages. Cultivars of Avena sativa L. had lower concentrations of neutral‐detergent fibre (NDF) (557 g kg−1 DM) and higher concentrations of predicted net energy for lactation (5·86 MJ kg−1 DM) than the other annual grass species (625 g kg−1 DM and 5·01 MJ kg−1 DM respectively), while the legumes were superior in concentrations of crude protein (277 g kg−1 DM) and NDF (362 g kg−1 DM). Considering the low agronomic performance of the perennial forages, a mixture of fertilized annual grasses and legumes appears the most appropriate approach to meeting the demand for forage of high nutritive value in the Peruvian highlands.
Inhibitory effect of oxytocin on accelerated colonic motility induced by water‐avoidance stress in rats
Authors: Matsunaga M. , Konagaya T. , Nogimori T. , Yoneda M. , Kasugai K. , Ohira H. , Kaneko H.
Published: March 2009

Abstract  Recent studies have indicated that brain and gut activities are interrelated and exposure to several stressors, such as water‐avoidance stress, stimulates the motor function of the gut through corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF)‐signalling pathways in the brain. Central oxytocin is known to attenuate stress responses, including CRF expression in the brain. Here, we examined whether central oxytocin attenuated the acceleration of colonic motility induced by water‐avoidance stress. A force transducer was attached to the distal colon of male rat, and the colonic motility and faecal pellet output were recorded while the rats were exposed to water‐avoidance stress. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of oxytocin (5, 50 and 500 pmol) and the oxytocin receptor antagonist tocinoic acid (25 μg) were administered before exposure to water‐avoidance stress, and the effect of oxytocin on colonic motor function was determined. Centrally administered oxytocin inhibited the accelerated colonic motility induced by water‐avoidance stress. The effective dose ranged between 5 and 50 pmol on i.c.v. injection. Oxytocin also decreased the number of CRF‐positive cells in the paraventricular nucleus and corticosterone release. The inhibitory effect of oxytocin on accelerated colonic motility was blocked by pretreatment with oxytocin receptor antagonist. Furthermore, centrally administered tocinoic acid enhanced the acceleration of colonic motility. These results suggested that endogenous central oxytocin may contribute to the regulation of colonic function and inhibit the brain CRF‐signalling pathways targeting the gut, resulting in the inhibition of stress‐induced colonic contractions.
The scavenger receptor MARCO is involved in Leishmania major infection by CBA/J macrophages
Authors: GOMES I. N. , PALMA L. C. , CAMPOS G. O. , LIMA J. G. B. , DE ALMEIDA T. F. , DE MENEZES J. P. B. , FERREIRA C. A. G. , SANTOS R. R. DOS , BUCK G. A. , MANQUE P. A. M. , OZAKI L. S. , PROBST C. M. , DE FREITAS L. A. R. , KRIEGER M. A. , VERAS P. S. T.
Published: March 2009

CBA/J mice are resistant to Leishmania major infection but are permissive to L. amazonensis infection. In addition, CBA/J macrophages control L. major but not L. amazonensis infection in vitro. Phagocytosis by macrophages is known to determine the outcome of Leishmania infection. Pattern recognition receptors (PRR) adorning antigen presenting cell surfaces are known to coordinate the link between innate and adaptive immunity. The macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) is a PRR that is preferably expressed by macrophages and is capable of binding Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. No research on the role of MARCO in Leishmania–macrophage interactions has been reported. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, that MARCO expression by CBA/J macrophages is increased in response to both in vitro and in vivo L. major infections, but not to L. amazonensis infection. In addition, a specific anti‐MARCO monoclonal antibody reduced L. major infection of macrophages by 30%–40% in vitro. The draining lymph nodes of anti‐MARCO‐treated mice displayed a reduced presence of immunolabelled parasite and parasite antigens, as well as a reduced inflammatory response. These results support the hypothesis that MARCO has a role in macrophage infection by L. major in vitro as well as in vivo.