bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiinflammatory effects of a red orange extract in human keratinocytes treated with interferon‐gamma and histamine
Authors: Cardile Venera , Frasca Giuseppina , Rizza Luisa , Rapisarda Paolo , Bonina Francesco
Published: August 2009

Red oranges are an important component of the so‐called Mediterranean diet and they have been used by traditional medicine for their health protective properties, particularly to heal sore throat and cough, suggesting an interesting antiinflammatory activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiinflammatory activity of a red orange (Citrus sinensis varieties: Moro, Tarocco, Sanguinello) complex (ROC), characterized by high levels of anthocyanins, flavanones, hydroxycinnamic acids and ascorbic acid, on the human keratinocyte line NCTC 2544 exposed to interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and histamine. The expression of immunomodulatory membrane molecules such as inter‐cellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) by Western blot analysis, and the release of chemokines such as monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) through ELISA kits, were determined. ICAM‐1 modulates the permanence and activation of T lymphocytes in the epidermis. MCP‐1 is a specific chemoattractant for monocytes and dendritic cells. IL‐8 is important for the recruitment of both neutrophils and T lymphocytes. Addition of ROC at different concentrations together with IFN‐γ and histamine induced a dose‐dependent inhibition of ICAM‐1 expression and MCP‐1 and IL‐8 release. ROC shows interesting antiinflammatory properties in human keratinocyte cells NCTC 2544. This natural complex could have a topical employment and mitigate the consequences of some skin pathologies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reciprocal regulation of gene expression by Ephedra herba in mouse brain
Authors: Kim Bu‐Yeo , Cao Li Hua , Park Hwayong , Jeong Sangkyun
Published: August 2009

Although Ephedra herba has been used to treat a variety of diseases, the molecular mechanism has not been defined clearly. To identify the molecular events, a microarray analysis was conducted using the brain tissue of mice orally administered aqueous extracts of Ephedra herba, in which the expression level of many genes was altered depending on the duration of treatment time. In particular, temporal changes in the expressions of genes can be classified into two major reciprocal patterns in which 175 and 282 genes were included in pattern 1 and 2, respectively. Classification based on gene ontology revealed different functional implications of genes between temporal pattern 1 and 2. Through promoter analysis of temporally co‐expressed genes, putative co‐regulated genes could be segregated based on the similarity of the transcription factor binding sites (TFBS). Interestingly, two temporal patterns were associated with different sub‐classes of TFBS similarity, which implies the presence of dual regulatory mechanisms. Finally, through interaction analysis, core node genes that could interact with many other nodes were identified. By integrating the interaction information with promoter clustering, temporally co‐regulated key components could be selected in mouse brain after administration of Ephedra herba. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymptotic confidence intervals for variograms of stationary time series
Authors: Bisgaard Søren , Khachatryan Davit
Published: August 2009

Industrial processes are often monitored via data sampled at a high frequency and hence are likely to be autocorrelated time series that may or may not be stationary. To determine if a time series is stationary or not the standard approach is to check whether sample autocorrelation function fades out relatively quickly. An alternative and somewhat sounder approach is to use the variogram. In this article we review the basic properties of the variogram and then derive a general expression for asymptotic confidence intervals for variogram based on the Delta method. We illustrate the computations with an industrial process example. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterobifunctional isotope‐labeled amine‐reactive photo‐cross‐linker for structural investigation of proteins by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time‐of‐flight and electrospray ionization LTQ‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Krauth Fabian , Ihling Christian H. , Rüttinger Hans Hermann , Sinz Andrea
Published: August 2009

Chemical cross‐linking combined with a subsequent enzymatic digestion and mass spectrometric analysis of the created cross‐linked products presents an alternative approach to assess low‐resolution protein structures. By covalently connecting pairs of functional groups within a protein or a protein complex a set of structurally defined interactions is built up. We synthesized the heterobifunctional amine‐reactive photo‐cross‐linker N‐succinimidyl p‐benzoyldihydrocinnamate as a non‐deuterated (SBC) and doubly deuterated derivative (SBDC). Applying a 1:1 mixture of SBC and SBDC for cross‐linking experiments aided the identification of cross‐linked amino acids in the mass spectra based on the characteristic isotope patterns of fragment ions. The cross‐linker was applied to the calcium‐binding protein calmodulin with a subsequent analysis of cross‐linked products by nano‐high‐performance liquid chromatography matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (nano‐HPLC/MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS) and nano‐HPLC/nano‐electrospray ionization (ESI)‐LTQ‐Orbitrap‐MS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient production of L‐lactic acid by Crabtree‐negative yeast Candida boidinii
Authors: Osawa Fumi , Fujii Toshio , Nishida Takehisa , Tada Nobuki , Ohnishi Toru , Kobayashi Osamu , Komeda Toshihiro , Yoshida Satoshi
Published: August 2009

Industrial production of L‐lactic acid, which in polymerized form as poly‐lactic acid is widely used as a biodegradable plastic, has been attracting world‐wide attention. By genetic engineering we constructed a strain of the Crabtree‐negative yeast Candida boidinii that efficiently produced a large amount of L‐lactic acid. The alcohol fermentation pathway of C. boidinii was altered by disruption of the PDC1 gene encoding pyruvate decarboxylase, resulting in an ethanol production that was reduced to 17% of the wild‐type strain. The alcohol fermentation pathway of the PDC1 deletion strain was then successfully utilized for the synthesis of L‐lactic acid by placing the bovine L‐lactate dehydrogenase‐encoding gene under the control of the PDC1 promoter by targeted integration. Optimizing the conditions for batch culture in a 5 l jar‐fermenter resulted in an L‐lactic acid production reaching 85.9 g/l within 48 h. This productivity (1.79 g/l/h) is the highest thus far reported for L‐lactic acid‐producing yeasts. DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank nucleotide database with Accession Nos. AB440630 and AB440631. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Value of Both WHO and TNM Classification Systems for Patients with Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors: Results of a Single‐Center Series
Authors: Casadei Riccardo , Ricci Claudio , Pezzilli Raffaele , Campana Davide , Tomassetti Paola , Calculli Lucia , Santini Donatella , Antonacci Nicola , Minni Francesco
Published: August 2009

Objectives

This study was designed to evaluate the clinical relevance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and tumor node metastasis (TNM) classifications in patients affected by pancreatic endocrine tumors.

Methods

Data from 76 consecutive patients with pancreatic endocrine tumors who underwent surgery were analyzed.

Results

Well‐differentiated tumors were observed more frequently (57.9%) than well or poorly differentiated carcinomas (26.3% and 15.8%, respectively). The TNM stage was I in 27.6%, II in 39.5%, III in 19.7%, and IV in 13.2%. Univariate analysis of disease‐specific survival showed that patients with stages I–II had a significantly better survival rate than those with stages III–IV (hazard ratio (HR), 12.46; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.53–101.32; P = 0.018; HR, 25.74; 95% CI, 3.07–216.07; P = 0.003, respectively). Regarding the WHO classification, poorly differentiated carcinomas had the worst prognosis (HR, 79.13; 95% CI, 9.99–626.60; P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis of disease‐specific survival showed that the WHO classification is the only independent factors of improved survival: both poorly and well‐differentiated carcinomas had an increased risk of death compared with WDTs (HR, 100.42; 95% CI, 12.16–829.40; P < 0.001; HR, 10.73; 95% CI, 1.12–104.17; P = 0.040, respectively). TNM classification and the WHO system are highly correlated (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

TNM stage and the WHO classification seems to be equally reliable, even if TNM classification tends to understage the patients classified using the WHO system.
Management of neuronopathic Gaucher disease: Revised recommendations
Authors: Vellodi A. , Tylki‐Szymanska A. , Davies E. H. , Kolodny E. , Bembi B. , Collin‐Histed T. , Mengel E. , Erikson A. , Schiffmann R.
Published: August 2009

The original guidelines drawn up for the management of the neuronopathic forms of Gaucher disease were felt to be in need of revision; in particular, the role of high‐dose enzyme replacement therapy (120 IU/kg of body weight every 2 weeks) in stabilizing neurological disease. The existing published evidence was analysed; it was concluded that it did not support the role of high‐dose ERT, although this might be required to treat severe visceral disease.
Chinese society in the 19th century from multiple time-space perspectives: Case studies in regional social history
Authors: Shiyu ZHAO
Published: August 2009

Should studies of social history engage in questions of important socio-political changes? The answer is undoubtedly affirmative. So far as the important changes in 19th century China are concerned, some case studies in regional social history have presented a picture of greater complexity and diversity. The Ningbo case, for example, shows that when a port that has had a history of foreign trade becomes embroiled in conflict between Chinese and foreigners, this conflict may simply become one mode of interaction amongst many between Chinese and foreigners. The case of Turmot is an important turning point in Chinese history, since it marks the reversal of 2000 years of frequent attempts by nomadic tribes to expand southward. This trend is completely reversed by the Han nationalities’ northward immigration and reclamation, a development as significant as the Western invasion of China in terms of consequent social transformations. These historical traces revealed from within regions deepen our comprehension of these social transformations; consequently, such studies in social history may manage to provide answers different from those offered by the traditional model of political history
Breaking through the “jargon” barrier: Early 19th century missionaries response on communication conflicts in China
Authors: Jia SI
Published: August 2009

Tracing the origin and circulation of the “jargon” spoken at Canton, the paper examines how “jargon” became an issue of Sino-foreign communication conflicts in the early 19th century, and how Westerners responded to it. As a lingua franca spread extensively in the Canton trade, the so-called “jargon” (a pidgin form of patois) played an essential role as communication tool between Chinese and foreign traders. However, in the eyes of missionaries in early 19th century China, the normal Sino-foreign contact process was interrupted and distorted by both parties’ overusing of the jargon. In this regard, early Protestant missionaries’ support of Chinese language study reveals an initial effort to break through the “jargon” barrier.
Revolution and business: Shanghai in the Revolution of 1911
Authors: Jun QU
Published: August 2009

From 1911 to 1913, in big streets and small lanes, in famous parks and thriving stores, and in tea houses and grand restaurants located in such cities as Shanghai, Nanjing, Beijing and Wuchang, numerous business opportunities were born out of the Revolution of 1911. By using the political giants and military leaders around Shanghai, business firms skillfully dealt with the difficulties of the continually changing political situation and managed to keep their businesses afloat, succeeding in their response to the consumption demands of the public. It can be argued that the Revolution of 1911 played a distinct role in the development of businesses in Shanghai during that time.
Text and power: A study on local gazetteers of Wanzai County of Jiangxi Province from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China
Authors: Hongwei XIE
Published: August 2009

As the main literature of socio-economic history, local gazetteers display the dynamic process of local socio-economic structuring and reflect local conflicts among various interest groups. Focusing on local gazetteers in Wanzai County of Jiangxi Province from the Qing to the Republic, this essay shows how local literati played an active role in constructing their local community. These gazetteers reflected the complicated power relations, especially the conflict between the natives and immigrants, and they themselves became the important part of the process of local power reproduction and culture construction.
Systematic review of school‐based prevention and early intervention programs for depression
Authors: Calear Alison L. , Christensen Helen
Published: August 2009

A systematic review was conducted to identify and describe school‐based prevention and early intervention programs for depression and to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms. Forty‐two randomised controlled trials, relating to 28 individual school‐based programs, were identified through the Cochrane Library, PsycInfo and PubMed databases. A large proportion of the programs identified were based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and delivered by a mental health professional or graduate student over 8–12 sessions. Indicated programs, which targeted students exhibiting elevated levels of depression, were found to be the most effective, with effect sizes for all programs ranging from 0.21 to 1.40. Teacher program leaders and the employment of attention control conditions were associated with fewer significant effects. Further school‐based research is required that involves the use of attention controls, long‐term follow‐ups and which focuses on the training and evaluation of sustainable program leaders, such as teachers.
A Prospective Study of Surgeon and Patient-Perceived Outcome following Transobturator Tape Insertion for Treatment of Urodynamic Stress Incontinence
Authors: Harding C.K. , Horsburgh B. , Page T. , Thorpe A.C.
Published: August 2009

Introduction:

Transobturator tape (TOT) placement for stress incontinence (USI) is recommended following failure of conservative therapy. The literature shows that in the short-term efficacy is comparable to tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and open colposuspension (OC). The study aim was to report a large consecutive cohort undergoing TOT insertion by a single surgeon specifically for both surgeon- and patient-perceived outcome.

Patients and methods:

Over 4 years at our institution 98 women underwent TOT insertion by a single surgeon. All women had preoperative urodynamics, 79% had type I and 21% type IIa USI. Perioperative and outpatient follow-up data were prospectively collected. Patient-perceived outcome was assessed using a mailed validated questionnaire.

Results:

Results are similar to other published series. Median operative time was 19 min (15–30) and blood loss 21 mls (15–60). Self-catheterisation was necessary for 13 patients. Vaginal perforation occurred in two patients. At follow-up (mean 7.1 months) 86/93 (92%) patients were dry and 23 (26%) women reported urinary symptoms. 80 (81%) women responded to the questionnaire (mean 18 months) and 54 (68%) describing complete cure.

Conclusions:

This large single-surgeon series confirms the safety and efficacy of TOT and illustrates the difference between surgeon and patient-perceived outcome. Results obtained are comparable to previously published series for TOT, TVT and OC.
Structural basis for the phototoxicity of the fluorescent protein KillerRed
Authors: Carpentier Philippe , Violot Sebastien , Blanchoin Laurent , Bourgeois Dominique
Published: August 2009

The red fluorescent protein KillerRed, engineered from the hydrozoan chromoprotein anm2CP, has been reported to induce strong cytotoxicity through the chromophore assisted light inactivation (CALI) effect. Here, we present the X‐ray structures of KillerRed in its native and bleached states. A long water‐filled channel is revealed, connecting the methylene bridge of the chromophore to the solvent. This channel facilitates the transit of oxygen and of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed by reaction with the excited chromophore. The functional roles of key mutations used to produce KillerRed are discussed, strong chromophore distortions in the bleached state are revealed, and mechanisms for ROS production and self protection are proposed. The presence of a partially mature, photo‐resistant, green‐emitting state is characterized, which accounts for enhanced CALI by “pre‐bleached” KillerRed.
Involvement of Pta1, Pcf11 and a KlCYC1 AU‐rich element in alternative RNA 3′‐end processing selection in yeast
Authors: Seoane Silvia , Lamas-Maceiras Mónica , Rodríguez-Torres Ana M. , Freire-Picos María A.
Published: August 2009

This work reports the involvement of yeast RNA processing factors Pta1 and Pcf11 in alternative 3′‐end RNA processing. The pta1‐1 and pcf11‐2 mutations changed the predominance of KlCYC1 1.14 and 1.5 kb transcript isoforms. Mutation of the KlCYC1 3′‐UTR AU‐rich sequence at positions 679–690 (mutant M1) altered transcript predominance. Moreover, expression of M1 in the yeast mutants partially suppressed their effects in the predominance pattern. The combination of the M1 and M2 (694–698 deletion) mutations abolished the alternative processing. Pta1 involvement in this selection was confirmed using the Pta1‐td degron strain.
Phosphorylation of more than one site is required for tight interaction of human tau protein with 14‐3‐3ζ
Authors: Sluchanko Nikolai N. , Seit-Nebi Alim S. , Gusev Nikolai B.
Published: August 2009

MINT‐7233285, MINT‐7233297, MINT‐7233310:14‐3‐3 zeta(uniprotkb:P63104) andTau 3(uniprotkb:P10636‐3)bind(MI:0407) bycomigration in non‐denaturing gel electrophoresis(MI:0404)
The transcription elongation factors NELF, DSIF and P‐TEFb control constitutive transcription in a gene‐specific manner
Authors: Fujita Toshitsugu , Piuz Isabelle , Schlegel Werner
Published: August 2009

We examined whether transcription elongation factors control constitutive transcription of the histone and GAPDH genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitaion demonstrated positive transcription elongation factor b (P‐TEFb) and 5,6‐dichloro‐1‐β‐d‐ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) sensitivity‐inducing factor (DSIF) present together with RNA polymerase II (pol II) throughout the histone gene, whereas negative elongation factor (NELF) was confined to the 5′ region. Contrarily, DSIF, NELF and pol II were confined to the 5′ region on the GAPDH. Inhibition of those factors affected the constitutive transcription of the histone gene but not the GAPDH gene. Thus, NELF, DSIF and P‐TEFb control constitutive transcription in a gene‐specific manner.
When, how much and what foods are eaten are related to total daily food intake
Authors: de Castro John M.
Published: August 2009

Intake in the morning is associated with a reduction in the total intake for the day, while intake at night is associated with greater overall daily intake. These associations are macronutrient specific, with morning carbohydrate intake associated with reduced daily carbohydrate intake, morning fat intake associated with reduced daily fat intake and morning protein intake associated with reduced daily protein intake. Since different types of foods contain differing proportions of macronutrients, the present study investigated the associations of different types of foods ingested at various times of day with total daily and macronutrient intakes. The intakes of 388 male and 621 female free-living individuals reported in 7 d diet diaries were reanalysed. The intakes of twenty-four different types of foods and seven different drinks occurring during the morning (04.00–10.29 hours), afternoon (10.30–16.59 hours) and evening (17.00–02.00 hours) were identified and related to overall daily intakes. Dairy foods, ice cream, beef, other meats, potatoes, pastry, nuts, chips and snacks, condiments, alcohol and soda were significantly associated with higher total intake over the day, while fruit, soup, breakfast cereal, pasta, pizza, water, coffee/tea and diet soda were either not associated or were associated with lower overall intake. Dietary energy density appeared to mediate the associations between particular foods and beverages and overall energy intake. This suggests that eating low-density foods in the morning and avoiding high-density foods at night might aid in reducing overall intake and may be useful in dietary interventions for overweight and obesity.
THE RECENT HISTORIOGRAPHY OF SEXUALITY IN TWENTIETH-CENTURY GERMANY
Authors: FENEMORE MARK
Published: August 2009

This article sets out to explore the extent and to test the limits of the history of sexuality in twentieth-century Germany. It examines the ways in which sexuality can be explored from above and below. Drawing on medical-legal definitions of sexuality, feminist debates about sexuality, the science of sexology, and advice literature, the article sets out the state of debate together with ways that it might develop in the future. Arguing in favour of a milieu-specific history of sexuality, it suggests ways that the study of youth cultures and teenage magazines together with everyday, oral history and biographical approaches might help to arrive at this. It then goes on to chart new approaches, particularly with regard to sexuality in the Third Reich, and suggests ways that these reshape our understanding of sexuality in post-war Germany, East and West. Arguing against a reductive emphasis on a society being either ‘pro-’ or ‘anti-sex’ and calling for a clearer definition of what is meant by ‘sexual liberalization’, the article points to a more multi-layered and contradictory understanding of sexuality, which is still in the process of being written.
BIGAMOUS MARRIAGE IN EARLY MODERN ENGLAND
Authors: CAPP BERNARD
Published: August 2009

Though divorce followed by remarriage was illegal in early modern England, a considerable number of people whose marriage had failed or whose spouse had deserted ventured to marry again, either uncertain of the law or choosing to defy it. Bigamy, traditionally a spiritual offence, came to be seen as a significant social problem and was made a felony in 1604. Drawing on ecclesiastical and secular court records and a variety of other sources, this article examines the legal framework, offers a typology of bigamists, and explores the circumstances surrounding their actions. It finds that offenders, predominantly male, ranged from the unlucky or feckless to the cynically manipulative, among them a small number of serial bigamists. It also asks how such offences might come to light in an age of relatively poor communications, and examines the plight of those who had married a bigamist in good faith. Finally it examines the likelihood of conviction, and the punishment of those who confessed or were convicted.
LABOUR'S BRITAIN, FIGHT FOR IT NOW!
Authors: BEERS LAURA
Published: August 2009

This article argues for the central role of publicity and propaganda in the Labour party's 1945 landslide election victory. While the ‘swing to the left’ in the first years of the war provided an opportunity for Labour, popular radicalism did not automatically translate into support for the party. The following discussion shows how the national party leadership made use of the BBC, print media, and visual propaganda to associate itself in the popular mind with the successes of the coalition government and the promises of the Beveridge report. While the Conservatives' propaganda machinery fell into abeyance during the war, Labour deftly exploited new means of mass communication which had grown up during the interwar period to build a broad national constituency in favour of its return to power. In order properly to understand the link between ‘high politics’ and popular opinion, political historians need to consider not only the languages through which elite policies were translated and communicated to the public, but also the media of communication. This article argues that, contrary to common perceptions, Labour was successful in 1945 in part because of its ability to embrace and exploit the new mass media to its political advantage.
Goat whey fermentation byKluyveromyces marxianusandLactobacillus rhamnosusrelease tryptophan and tryptophan-lactokinin from a cryptic zone of alpha-lactalbumin
Authors: Hamme Vanessa , Sannier Frederic , Piot Jean-Marie , Bordenave-Juchereau Stephanie
Published: August 2009

Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors peptides were produced from unsupplemented acid goat whey fermented aerobically for 168 h byKluyveromyces marxianusandLactobacillus rhamnosus. This yeast-lactobacillus association is GRAS. Two novel lactokinins were identified: NYW and W with IC50of 20 and 0·86 μmrespectively. They both were resistant toward simulated gastrointestinal digestion. In addition, WLAHK was found in the hydrolysate. These three sequences belong tof(99–110) of α-la which seems to be a lactokinin cryptic zone. W was the major molecule released by the fermentation process. Considering that W is the precursor of serotonin, the hydrolysate produced could be of interest for the generation of functional health ingredient involved in regulation of affective disorders and hypertension.
Larval and early post-larval morphology, growth, and behaviour of laboratory reared Lopholithodes foraminatus (brown box crab)
Authors: Duguid William D.P. , Page Louise R.
Published: August 2009

The larval and post-larval behaviour, growth, colour, and morphology of the brown box crab (Lopholithodes foraminatus) are described for the first time based on laboratory reared animals. A detailed morphological description is provided for 4 zoeal stages, the glaucothoe, and the first crab instar. Selected morphological changes over the remainder of the first year of development are also described. Data are presented on larval growth at 11°C and on zoeal stage durations at approximately 8°C, 12°C and 16°C. While the 4 zoeal stages are planktotrophic, the glaucothoe does not feed; a life history character that has been termed ‘secondary lecithotrophy’. Growth of L. foraminatus larvae and post-larvae is generally similar to that of other North Pacific lithodids with planktotrophic zoeae. Zoeal stage durations decrease with increasing temperature. This relationship levels off at approximately 16°C, a higher temperature than in lithodid species from colder regions. Carapace morphology is suggested as a diagnostic character of larval and post-larval stages of Lopholithodes foraminatus. Secondary lecithotrophy may be widespread or even universal among lithodids and also occurs in pagurid hermit crabs. If the family Lithodidae is indeed nested within the Paguridae, as suggested by recent phylogenetic hypotheses based on molecular evidence, secondary lecithotrophy may be plesiomorphic in lithodids.
New evidence of serotonin involvement in the neurohumoral control of crinoid arm regeneration: effects of parachlorophenylanine and methiothepin
Authors: Sugni Michela , Wilkie Iain C. , Burighel Paolo , Carnevali M. Daniela Candia
Published: August 2009

As well as acting as a neurotransmitter, serotonin is also involved in morphogenetic signalling during crucial phases of many developmental and regenerative processes such as cleavage, migration and differentiation. Echinoderms display nerve-dependent regenerative phenomena and serotonin is one of the main neural regulatory factors that have been identified in them. The present work was designed to investigate the broad-spectrum involvement of this molecule in echinoderm regeneration, focusing on arm regeneration in the crinoidAntedon mediterranea. We carried out specificin vivoexposure experiments to selected anti-serotonergic drugs (a synthesis inhibitor: parachlorophenylalanine and a receptor antagonist: methiothepin) and explored their possible effects on arm regeneration. Drug exposure appeared to affect regeneration, causing a general delay of regenerative growth and several histological anomalies mainly in the muscles of the stump. In addition, exposure to the antagonist produced a marked reduction of cell proliferation in both the regenerate and the stump. Our results provide further evidence that serotonin has wider functions than those related to interneuronal communication and that it may be a critical signalling molecule in the main processes of regeneration such as proliferation, morphogenesis and differentiation.
On the frequency of partial quotients of regular continued fractions
Authors: FAN AI-HUA , LIAO LINGMIN , MA JI-HUA
Published: August 2009

We consider sets of real numbers in [0, 1) with prescribed frequencies of partial quotients in their regular continued fraction expansions. It is shown that the Hausdorff dimensions of these sets, always bounded from below by 1/2, are given by a modified variational principle.
Predictors and consequences of anaemia among antiretroviral-naïve HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children in Tanzania
Authors: Chatterjee Anirban , Bosch Ronald J , Kupka Roland , Hunter David J , Msamanga Gernard I , Fawzi Wafaie W
Published: August 2009

Objective

Predictors and consequences of childhood anaemia in settings with high HIV prevalence are not well known. The aims of the present study were to identify maternal and child predictors of anaemia among children born to HIV-infected women and to study the association between childhood anaemia and mortality.

Design

Prospective cohort study. Maternal characteristics during pregnancy and Hb measurements at 3-month intervals from birth were available for children. Information was also collected on malaria and HIV infection in the children, who were followed up for survival status until 24 months after birth.

Setting

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Subjects

The study sample consisted of 829 children born to HIV-positive women.

Results

Advanced maternal clinical HIV disease (relative risk (RR) for stage ≥2v. stage 1: 1·31, 95 % CI 1·14, 1·51) and low CD4 cell counts during pregnancy (RR for <350 cells/mm3v. ≥350 cells/mm3: 1·58, 95 % CI 1·05, 2·37) were associated with increased risk of anaemia among children. Birth weight <2500 g, preterm birth (<34 weeks), malaria parasitaemia and HIV infection in the children also increased the risk of anaemia. Fe-deficiency anaemia in children was an independent predictor of mortality in the first two years of life (hazard ratio 1·99, 95 % CI 1·06, 3·72).

Conclusions

Comprehensive care including highly active antiretroviral therapy to eligible HIV-infected women during pregnancy could reduce the burden of anaemia in children. Programmes for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and antimalarial treatment to children could improve child survival in settings with high HIV prevalence.
Vitamin D status and attitudes towards sun exposure in South Asian women living in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: von Hurst Pamela R , Stonehouse Welma , Coad Jane
Published: August 2009

Objective

To determine the vitamin D status of women of South Asian origin living in Auckland, New Zealand, and to investigate their attitudes and behaviours with regard to sun exposure.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Auckland, New Zealand.

Subjects

Women of South Asian origin (n235) aged 20 years and older were tested for serum 25(OH)D, and 228 were included in these analyses. Of these, 140 completed a questionnaire about attitudes and behaviours to sun exposure, and health motivation. Exclusion criteria included high dose (>1000 IU/d) supplementation with 25(OH)D3, or any supplementation with 1,25(OH)2D3.

Results

As serum vitamin D concentrations were not normally distributed, data are reported as median (25th, 75th percentile). Median serum 25(OH)D3was 27·5 (18·0, 41·0) nmol/l. Adequate concentrations (>50 nmol/l) were observed in only 16 % of the subjects. Concern about skin cancer and the strength of the New Zealand sun were the most prevalent reasons given for sun avoidance, with 65 % saying they did avoid the sun. However, a seasonal variation was observed, with concentrations reducing significantly (P< 0·001) from summer through to early spring by 19·5 nmol/l.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that South Asian women are at high risk of hypovitaminosis D, due, in part, to deliberate sun avoidance and an indoor lifestyle, and that they are especially vulnerable in winter and spring.
CORETRACTABLE MODULES
Authors: AMINI B. , ERSHAD M. , SHARIF H.
Published: August 2009

An R-module M is called coretractable if  HomR(M/K,M)≠0 for any proper submodule K of M. In this paper we study coretractable modules and their endomorphism rings. It turns out that if all right R-modules are coretractable, then R is a right Kasch and (two-sided) perfect ring. However, the converse holds for commutative rings. Also, for a semi-injective coretractable module MR with S=EndR(M), we show that u.dim(SS)=corank(MR).
ESTIMATES FOR SINGULAR INTEGRALS ALONG SURFACES OF REVOLUTION
Authors: SATO SHUICHI
Published: August 2009

We prove certain Lp estimates (1<p<∞) for nonisotropic singular integrals along surfaces of revolution. The singular integrals are defined by rough kernels. As an application we obtain Lp boundedness of the singular integrals under a sharp size condition on their kernels. We also prove a certain estimate for a trigonometric integral, which is useful in studying nonisotropic singular integrals.
AN ALMOST SURE LIMIT THEOREM FOR THE MAXIMA OF MULTIVARIATE STATIONARY GAUSSIAN SEQUENCES
Authors: CHEN ZHICHENG , PENG ZUOXIANG , ZHANG HONGYUN
Published: August 2009

An almost sure limit theorem for the maxima of multivariate stationary Gaussian sequences is proved under some mild conditions.
Investigations into the feasibility of multiple input multiple output techniques within the HF band: Preliminary results
Authors: Gunashekar S. D. , Warrington E. M. , Salous S. , Feeney S. M. , Abbasi N. M. , Bertel L. , Lemur D. , Oger M.
Published: August 2009

The concept of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) has become a productive area of research in the field of wireless communications with the aim of delivering increased data throughput. However, to date, MIMO research has focused primarily on short‐range communications within the VHF, UHF, and SHF bands, and very little research has been conducted toward exploiting MIMO techniques for long‐range communications within the HF band. Between September 2007 and September 2008, several experimental campaigns were conducted to investigate the feasibility of applying MIMO techniques within the HF band. The results of measurements over a 255 km path from Durham to Leicester within the United Kingdom are presented in this paper with particular emphasis on the use of heterogeneous antenna arrays at the transmitter and receiver.
Constraining groundwater discharge in a large watershed: Integrated isotopic, hydraulic, and thermal data from the Canadian shield
Authors: Gleeson Tom , Novakowski Kent , Cook Peter G. , Kyser T. Kurt
Published: August 2009

The objective of this study is to evaluate the pattern and rate of groundwater discharge in a large, regulated fractured rock watershed using novel and standard methods that are independent of base flow recession. Understanding the rate and pattern of groundwater discharge to surface water bodies is critical for watershed budgets, as a proxy for recharge rates, and for protecting the ecological integrity of lake and river ecosystems. The Tay River is a low‐gradient, warm‐water river that flows over exposed and fractured bedrock or a thin veneer of coarse‐grained sediments. Natural conservative (δ2H, δ18O, Cl, and specific conductance), radioactive (222Rn), and thermal tracers are integrated with streamflow measurements and a steady state advective model to delimit the discharge locations and quantify the discharge fluxes to lakes, wetlands, creeks, and the Tay River. The groundwater discharge rates to most surface water body types are low, indicating that the groundwater and surface water system may be largely decoupled in this watershed compared to watersheds underlain by porous media. Groundwater discharge is distributed across the watershed rather than localized around lineaments or high‐density zones of exposed brittle fractures. The results improve our understanding of the rate, localization, and conceptualization of discharge in a large, fractured rock watershed. Applying hydraulic, isotopic, or chemical hydrograph separation techniques would be difficult because the groundwater discharge “signal” is small compared to the “background” surface water inflows or volumes of the surface water bodies. Although this study focuses on a large watershed underlain by fractured bedrock, the methodology developed is transferable to any large regulated or unregulated watershed. The low groundwater discharge rates have significant implications for the ecology, sustainability, and management of large, crystalline watersheds.
Ulrich Schmucker (1930–2008)
Authors: Spitzer Klaus , Bahr Karsten , Brasse Heinrich , Junge Andreas , Li Yuguo , Olsen Nils , Tezkan Bülent , Weidelt Peter
Published: August 2009

Ulrich Schmucker passed away in a Beijing, China, hospital in the early morning of 27 October 2008. Ulrich had been in China to attend the 19th International Workshop on Electromagnetic Induction in the Earth, a biannual workshop he had helped found and had attended for more than 30 years without fail.
2008 Editors' Citations for Excellence in Refereeing
Authors: Anonymous
Published: August 2009

The reviewers listed below have been cited by editors of AGU journals for excellence in refereeing. The editors' citations (photographs provided as available) recognize this special service to the Union, and these individuals are to be commended for consistently providing constructive and thoughtful reviews.
Strains of Mycobacterium avium differentially activate human dendritic cells
Authors: Buchan Glenn S , Lee Rachel , Wilson Michelle , Slobbe Lynn , Buddle Bryce M , Young Sarah L
Published: August 2009

Animal models indicate that exposure to environmental strains of mycobacteria can modulate immune responses and influence the effectiveness of live mycobacterial vaccines. Here, we describe that between the two recently reported Mycobacterium avium isolates, strain WAg 206 (but not strain WAg 207) interferes with human monocyte‐derived dendritic cell (MDDC) activation. WAg 206, unlike WAg 207, did not elicit inflammatory cytokine production (TNFα, IL‐1β, IL‐12) or costimulatory molecule expression (HLA‐DR, CD83, CD80, CD86) by human MDDCs in vitro. These data highlight the potential for environmental mycobacteria to modulate immune responses in humans, and suggest a mechanism by which earlier exposure to such microbes may compromise the efficacy of live mycobacterial vaccines, as has been observed in some human BCG vaccine trials.
A Formal Ontology of Sequences
Authors: Hoehndorf Robert , Kelso Janet , Herre Heinrich
Published: August 2009

The Sequence Ontology is an OBO Foundry ontology that provides categories of sequences and sequence features that are applied to the annotation of genomes. To facilitate interoperability with other domain ontologies and to provide a foundation for automated inference, we provide here an axiom system for the Sequence and Junction categories in first- and second-order predicate logics.
The bifurcation structure of viscous steady axisymmetric vortex breakdown with open lateral boundaries
Authors: Vyazmina Elena , Nichols Joseph W. , Chomaz Jean-Marc , Schmid Peter J.
Published: August 2009

The effect of small viscosity on the behavior of the incompressible axisymmetric flow with open lateral and outlet boundaries near the critical swirling number has been studied by numerical simulations and asymptotic analysis. This work extends the theoretical studies of Wang and Rusak and numerical results of Beran and Culik to the case of flow with open lateral and outlet boundaries. In the inviscid limit the columnar flow state constitutes a solution that is known to become unstable at a particular swirl parameter. An asymptotic expansion shows that for small perturbations about this inviscid state an exchange of stability gives rise to a double saddle node bifurcation. The solution of the Euler equations breaks into two branches of the Navier–Stokes equations with a gap between the branches in which no near-columnar flow can exist. Around this region, two steady-state solutions exist for the same boundary conditions, one close to the columnar state and the other corresponding to either an accelerated or a decelerated state. This bifurcation structure is verified by numerical simulations, where the Navier–Stokes solutions are computed using branch continuation techniques based on the recursive projection method. For relatively small Reynolds numbers the numerically computed bifurcation curve does not exhibit any characteristic fold, and thus no hysteresis behavior. In this case, only a single equilibrium solution is found to exist, which changes monotonically from the quasicolumnar state to the breakdown solution. For large Reynolds numbers, however, the numerically determined bifurcation diagram confirms the fold structure characterized by the disappearance of the nearly columnar state via a saddle node bifurcation. Using the minimum axial velocity on the axis as a measure of the flow state we show that the agreement between theory and numerics is asymptotically good.
Space-charge waves on relativistic elliptic electron beams
Authors: Brainerd Andrew E. , Chen Chiping , Zhou Jing
Published: August 2009

This paper reports on results of a small-signal analysis of space-charge waves on a relativistic elliptic electron beam immersed in a strong axial magnet field in a perfectly conducting tunnel with an elliptic cross section. A dispersion relation for the space-charge waves is derived analytically. A computer code, elliptic-beam small signal, is developed and used in studies of the dispersion characteristics of fast- and slow-space-charge waves on relativistic elliptic electron beams. Applications of the theory in elliptic-beam klystrons are discussed.
Orbital contribution to perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in Co80Pt20 thin films
Authors: Ishimatsu N. , Tsutsui Y. , Maruyama H. , Nakajima N. , Tobita N. , Sawada M. , Namatame H. , Kawamura N. , Osawa H. , Suzuki M.
Published: August 2009

We have measured x-ray magnetic circular dichroism spectra at the Co and Pt L2,3-edges in Co80Pt20 perpendicular magnetization films, wherein the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy constant, Ku, significantly increases with decreasing film thickness, δ, and reaches 1.7×107 erg/cm3 for δ=3 nm. The anisotropy of the orbital magnetic moment (AOM) was estimated as a function of δ, and the relationship between AOM and Ku is discussed. When the thickness was reduced, the AOM for Pt 5d was nearly constant, whereas a weak increase was observed for Co 3d. Both AOMs are small in contrast to the large Ku, and any proportionality between AOM and Ku was hardly recognized. This result indicates that a large AOM is not always a necessary and sufficient condition for the appearance of perpendicular magnetization.
Dispersive capacitance and conductance across the phase transition boundary in metal-vanadium oxide-silicon devices
Authors: Ko Changhyun , Ramanathan Shriram
Published: August 2009

Utilizing metal-vanadium oxide (VO2)-semiconductor capacitor device structures, we have investigated the temperature- and frequency-dependent dielectric and ac conductance responses of vanadium oxide thin films that undergo metal-insulator transition (MIT). In both metallic and insulating regimes, VO2-based devices showed large tunabilities as high as ∼95% and ∼42%–54%, respectively. The frequency dependence of capacitance and ac conductance displays power-law behavior with respect to temperature and applied voltage over a broad range. Low-frequency dispersion in dielectric properties was also observed and their onset frequency varies across the MIT from ∼0.5 MHz in insulating state to ∼50 kHz in metallic state. The results are of potential relevance to utilizing functional oxides in electronic devices.
A method to investigate the electron scattering characteristics of ultrathin metallic films by in situ electrical resistance measurements
Authors: Trindade I. G. , Fermento R. , Leitão D. , Sousa J. B.
Published: August 2009

In this article, a method to measure the electrical resistivity/conductivity of metallic thin films during layer growth on specific underlayers is described. The in situ monitoring of an underlayer electrical resistance, its change upon the incoming of new material atoms/molecules, and the growth of a new layer are presented. The method is easy to implement and allows obtaining in situ experimental curves of electrical resistivity dependence upon film thickness with a subatomic resolution, providing insight in film growth microstructure characteristics, specular/diffuse electron scattering surfaces, and optimum film thicknesses.
Power modulation based fiber-optic loop-sensor having a dual measurement range
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen Q. , Gupta Nikhil
Published: August 2009

A fiber-optic sensor is investigated in this work for potential applications in structural health monitoring. The sensor, called fiber-loop-sensor, is based on bending an optical fiber beyond a critical radius to obtain intensity losses and calibrating the losses with respect to the applied force or displacement. Additionally, in the present case, the use of single-mode optical fibers allows the appearance of several resonance peaks in the transmitted power-displacement graph. The intensity of one of these resonances can be tracked in a narrow range to obtain high sensitivity. Experimental results show that the resolution of 10−4 N for force and 10−5 m for displacement can be obtained in these sensors. The sensors are calibrated for various loop radii and for various loading rates. They are also tested under loading-unloading conditions for over 104 cycles to observe their fatigue behavior. The sensors show very repeatable response and no degradation in performance under these test conditions. Simple construction and instrumentation, high sensitivity, and low cost are the advantages of these sensors.
Probing the stiffness of the simplest double hydrogen bond: The symmetric hydrogen bond modes of jet-cooled formic acid dimer
Authors: Xue Z. , Suhm M. A.
Published: August 2009

Formic acid dimer is held together and kept planar by two strong hydrogen bonds, which give rise to intermolecular vibrations. Raman active fundamentals, overtones, and combination bands involving out-of-plane bending and stretching vibrations of the hydrogen bonds are recorded under jet-cooled, vacuum-isolated conditions between 100 and 750 cm−1 and assigned with the help of isotope substitution. Individual anharmonicity effects are shown to be very small (xi,j=−(1±2) cm−1), where they are accessible by experiment. However, they may accumulate to substantial differences between harmonic and anharmonic fundamental excitations. Preliminary experimental evidence for the most elusive fundamental vibration of formic acid dimer, symmetric OH torsion, is presented. A rigorous experimental reference frame for existing and future high level quantum chemical and dynamical treatments of this important prototype system is provided. The effects of clustering beyond the dimer on the low frequency dynamics are found to be small, whereas argon coating gives rise to blueshifts.