bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Export of a hyperexpressed mammalian globular cytochrome b5 precursor in Escherichia coli is dramatically affected by the nature of the amino acid flanking the secretory signal sequence cleavage bond
Authors: Kaderbhai Naheed N. , Ahmed Khalil , Kaderbhai Mustak A.
Published: May 2010

A chimeric mammalian globular cytochrome b5 fused to Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase signal sequence (SS) was used as a model probe to investigate the influence of substituting each one of the standard 20 amino acids at its N‐terminus on the Sec‐dependent export of the precursor to the periplasmic space of E. coli. Substituting the native Met+1 of the passenger protein flanking the SS with any one of the remaining 19 amino acids introduced significant changes in the export of cytochrome b5 without jamming the Sec‐dependent translocon. Acidic and hydrophilic residues proved to be the most efficient promoters of export. Small, nonbulky and basic residues yielded intermediate levels of the hemoprotein export. Replacement with a Cys+1 residue generated significant quantities of both monomeric and disulfide‐linked dimeric forms. However, bulky, aromatic and hydrophobic residues caused a significant decline in the rates of secretion. In expectation with their absences in the natural periplasmically secreted proteins, Pro and Ile‐tagged cytochrome b5 precursors failed to generate any detectable secreted recombinant products. Although Ala, amongst the native E. coli periplasmic proteins, is the preferred X+1 residue with an occurrence of 50% frequency, it proved half as effective in promoting export when inserted proximally to the SS of cytochrome b5. The mechanisms involved for these export variations are discussed. The findings will prove beneficial for high‐level generation of recombinant proteins by secretory means for pharmaceutical and related biotechnological applications.
Role of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP‐1 in Interleukin‐6 regulation of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Tassidis Helena , Culig Zoran , Wingren Anette Gjörloff , Härkönen Pirkko
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a multifunctional cytokine that has been implicated in the modulation of growth and progression of prostate cancer. Decreased expression of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP‐1, involved in regulation of cytokine and tyrosine kinase receptor signaling, has been shown to be associated with less favorable outcome among prostate cancer patients.

METHODS

Parental LNCaP cells and an LNCaP‐IL6+ subline, derived from parental LNCaP cells by continuous culture of the cells in the presence of recombinant IL‐6 were used in the study. Expression of STAT3, pSTAT3, ERK, pERK, AKT, pAKT, PTEN, and SHP‐1 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, Western blots, cDNA microarray, quantitative PCRs, and reverse transcriptase PCRs. Proliferation and apoptosis of transfected cells were analyzed by caspase3/7 assay and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Phosphorylation of ERK and STAT3 was increased in the LNCaP‐IL6+ subline compared with LNCaP cells, whereas pAKT was decreased. Overexpression and inhibition experiments with SHP‐1 siRNA showed that SHP‐1 reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis in both cell lines. Microarray analysis revealed 80 up‐regulated and 87 down‐regulated SHP‐1‐related genes in the LNCaP‐IL6+ cell line compared with LNCaP cells.

CONCLUSIONS

SHP‐1 suppresses growth and increases apoptosis in both LNCaP and LNCaP‐IL6+ cells, which suggests that SHP‐1 could be a therapeutic target in prostate cancer, even when there is an IL‐6‐related growth advantage. Prostate 70: 1491–1500, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimation of the limit of detection for quantal response bioassays
Authors: van den Heuvel Edwin
Published: May 2010

The most probable number and the Spearman–Kärber estimator for the estimation of a bacterial density in a suspension assume that the limit of detection of the quantal response bioassay is equal to one viable organism or cell. These traditional estimation methods can be used to confirm or reject a limit of detection of one for the validation of such bioassays, if the testing conditions are perfect, if the statistical assumptions are truly correct, and if an a priori precise estimate of the number of viable organisms contained in the suspension is given. Pearson's minimum chi‐square estimator and an approximate maximum likelihood estimator are proposed as generalizations to explicitly estimate the limit of detection, additional to the estimation of the bacterial density. A real case study for the validation of a rapid microbiological absence/presence test is presented to illustrate both the traditional and generalized estimation methods. Asymptotic results and simulation studies are used to evaluate the performance of the two general approaches. It is concluded that Pearson's minimum chi‐square estimator is preferred over the other estimation methods for these types of estimation problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social aspect of sustainable packaging
Authors: Nordin Norbisimi , Selke Susan
Published: May 2010

Sustainability is one of the ‘buzz’ words that is highly discussed in the area of packaging nowadays. For many product manufacturing business, incorporation of sustainability principles into their business practice can only be visualized by others in the end product through packaging. Besides the criteria, underlying concepts and principles, most discussions towards achieving goals for sustainable packaging are focused on details of models and practices adopted by the industry, and the effectiveness and practicality of these practices in balancing the economic profits and environmental benefits. While the economic and environmental bases of packaging sustainability have been examined and discussed in great detail, the same is not true of social consideration. Although the success of sustainable packaging development actually relies on both technological development and social considerations, many of the social aspects of sustainable packaging are often overlooked. Although many companies have been putting the efforts and initiatives to elevate sustainability from an abstract goal into an immediate priority, relatively little is known about the consumers' insights of packaging sustainability. Recognizing the consumers as the final arbiter of the success of sustainable packaging, this paper will explore consumers' perceptions on the sustainable packaging concept, their perceptions of the impact to the environment and discuss factors that drive consumers' preferences and purchase decision. Discussion and information gathered in this paper is aimed to stimulate understanding on the importance of the social dimension of packaging sustainability and its role in supporting the efforts to improve sustainability practice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of the stable carbon isotopic compositions of 2‐methyltetrols in ambient aerosols from the Changbai Mountains
Authors: Li Li , Deng Shihuai , Wang Wu , Li Huaijian , Zhang Xiaohong , Sheng Guoying , Fu Jiamo , Bi Xinhui , Sun Baiye
Published: May 2010

Isoprene is one of the most important non‐methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) in the troposphere: it is a significant precursor of O3 and it affects the oxidative state of the atmosphere. The diastereoisomeric 2‐methyltetrols, 2‐methylthreitol and 2‐methylerythritol, are marker compounds of the photooxidation products of atmospheric isoprene. In order to obtain valuable information on the δ13C value of isoprene in the atmosphere, the stable carbon isotopic compositions of the 2‐methyltetrols in ambient aerosols were investigated. The 2‐methyltetrols were extracted from filter samples and derivatized with methylboronic acid, and the δ13C values of the methylboronate derivatives were determined by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). The δ13C values of the 2‐methyltetrols were then calculated through a simple mass balance equation between the 2‐methyltetrols, methylboronic acid and the methylboronates. The δ13C values of the 2‐methyltetrols in aerosol samples collected at the Changbai Mountain Nature Reserves in eastern China were found to be −24.66 ± 0.90‰ and −24.53 ± 1.08‰ for 2‐methylerythritol and 2‐methylthreitol, respectively. Based on the measured isotopic composition of the 2‐methyltetrols, the average δ13C value of atmospheric isoprene is inferred to be close to or slightly heavier than −24.66‰ at the collection site during the sampling period. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and characterization of cysteinyl exposure in proteins by selective mercury labeling and nano‐electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Lu Meiling , Li Xing‐Fang , Le X. Chris , Weinfeld Michael , Wang Hailin
Published: May 2010

We describe a method for probing surface‐exposed cysteines in proteins by selective labeling with p‐hydroxymercuribenzoate (PMB) combined with nano‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analysis (nanoESI‐MS). The rapid, stoichiometric, and specific labeling by PMB of surface‐exposed cysteines allows for characterization of the accessibility of the cysteines using a single MS analysis. Moreover, by taking advantage of the large mass shift of 321 Da, unique isotopic pattern, and enhanced MS signal of PMB‐labeled cysteine‐containing peptide fragments, the surface‐exposed cysteines in proteins can be accurately identified by peptide mapping. The number and sites of reactive cysteines on the surface of human and rat hemoglobins (hHb and rHb) were identified as examples. Collision‐induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) analysis of specific peptides further confirmed the selective labeling of PMB in hHb. The subtle difference between the different cysteine residues in rHb was also evaluated by multiple PMB titrations. The difference between the two cysteines in their environment may partially explain their reaction specificity. Cysteine 125 in the β unit of rHb is exposed on the surface, explaining its reactivity with glutathione. Cysteine 13 in the α subunit of rHb is much less exposed, and is located in a hydrophobic pocket, a conclusion that is consistent with the previous observation of its selective binding with dimethylarsinous acid, a reactive arsenic metabolite. The method is potentially useful for probing cysteines in other biologically important proteins and for studying proteins that are associated with conformational or structural changes induced by denaturing processes, protein modifications, protein‐protein interactions and protein assemblies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of phosphorylation sites of equine β‐casein isoforms
Authors: Matéos Aurélie , Girardet Jean‐Michel , Mollé Daniel , Corbier Catherine , Gaillard Jean‐Luc , Miclo Laurent
Published: May 2010

Equine β‐casein is phosphorylated at variable degrees and isoforms carrying 3 to 7 phosphate groups (3P–7P) have been found in milk, but the phosphorylated amino acid residues of each isoform are not yet identified. In the present work, the different phosphorylation variants were first isolated by ion‐exchange chromatography and then hydrolysed by trypsin to generate caseinophosphopeptides (CPPs), each containing all the potential phosphorylation sites. The equine CPPs were prepared by metal oxide affinity chromatography, a method based on the affinity of phosphate groups towards titanium dioxide immobilized onto a micro‐column. This method turned out to be an efficient tool to separate the CPPs Arg1–Lys34 and Glu4–Lys34 from non‐phosphorylated peptides. Purification was achieved by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) and each CPP was hydrolyzed by endoproteinase Glu‐C. Finally, the digests were analyzed by RP‐HPLC/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (RP‐HPLC/ESI‐MS) and identified by nano‐electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (nESI‐MS/MS) to locate the phosphorylated sites of the β‐casein isoforms 4P–7P with accuracy. Thus, the isoform 4P was found to be phosphorylated on residues Ser9, Ser23, Ser24, and Ser25. Addition of phosphate groups on Ser18, Thr12, and Ser10 led to the formation of the isoforms 5P–7P, respectively. The results indicated that the in vivo phosphorylation of the equine β‐casein follows a sequential way and is not randomly performed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time reaction monitoring by probe electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Yu Zhan , Chen Lee Chuin , Erra‐Balsells Rosa , Nonami Hiroshi , Hiraoka Kenzo
Published: May 2010

Probe electrospray ionization (PESI) is a modified version of the electrospray ionization (ESI), where the capillary for sampling and spraying is replaced by a solid needle. High tolerance to salts and direct ambient sampling are major advantages of PESI compared with conventional ESI. In this study, PESI‐MS was used to monitor some biological and chemical reactions in real‐time, such as acid‐induced protein denaturation, hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) of peptides, and Schiff base formation. By using PESI‐MS, time‐resolved mass spectra and ion chromatograms can be obtained reproducibly. Real‐time PESI‐MS monitoring can give direct and detailed information on each chemical species taking part in reactions, and this is valuable for a better understanding of the whole reaction process and for the optimization of reaction parameters. PESI‐MS can be considered as a potential tool for real‐time reaction monitoring due to its simplicity in instrumental setup, direct sampling with minimum sample preparation and low sample consumption. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interval plant identification from value sets with five vertices in a quadrant
Authors: Hernández R. , García J. A. , de Madrid A. P.
Published: May 2010

This paper shows an algorithm for the identification of interval plants from the vertices of the value sets. In order to do this, first several main properties of the value‐set boundary are shown. Then a main result to obtain the values of the numerator and denominator Kharitonov polynomials is developed. This algorithm is non‐conservative in the sense that if the value‐set boundary of an interval plant is exactly known, and particularly its vertices, then the interval plant identified is exactly the one used to obtain these value sets. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ℋ︁∞‐filtering for singularly perturbed nonlinear systems
Authors: Aliyu M. D. S. , Boukas E. K.
Published: May 2010

In this paper, we consider the ℋ︁∞‐filtering problem for singularly perturbed (two time‐scale) nonlinear systems. Two types of filters are discussed, namely, (i) decomposition and (ii) aggregate, and sufficient conditions for the solvability of the problem in terms of Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaac's equations (HJIEs) are presented. Reduced‐order filters are also derived in each case, and the results are specialized to linear systems, in which case the HJIEs reduce to a system of linear‐matrix‐inequalities (LMIs). Based on the linearization of the nonlinear models, upper bounds ε* of the singular parameter ε that guarantee the asymptotic stability of the nonlinear filters can also be obtained. The mixed ℋ︁2/ℋ︁∞‐filtering problem is also discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observer‐based tracking control for switched linear systems with time‐varying delay
Authors: Li Qing‐Kui , Zhao Jun , Liu Xiang‐Jie , Dimirovski Georgi M.
Published: May 2010

The issue of observer‐based tracking control for switched linear systems with time‐varying delay is investigated in this paper. The possibility of designing switching control laws based on measured output is considered when the states are not available. Hysteresis based switching method and single Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional method are utilized to the stability analysis and controller design. By introducing the descriptor system method, the consideration of mixed mode is avoided since\documentclass{article}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}${\dot{x}}(t)$\end{document}can be seen as state variable, and thus it is not necessary to substitute\documentclass{article}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}${\dot{x}}(t)$\end{document}everywhere by the right‐hand part of the system. The variation‐of‐constants formula is used to overcome the difficulties caused by the estimation error and exotic disturbance. Free weighting matrix scheme facilitates us to the stability analysis and control synthesis, and the numerical example shows the effectiveness of the proposed design methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuere Untersuchungen zum Feuerverzinken von Stahl
Authors: Winkler Rolf , Zgraggen Markus , Rizvic Naila , Winkler Markus
Published: May 2010

Im Rahmen einer Qualitätsprüfung wurden Schäden an für den Hochbau vorgesehenen Hülsen entdeckt. Die angerissenen Hülsen wurden fraktographisch und metallographisch untersucht. Die Bruchflächenbelegung konnte mittels energiedispersiver Röntgenanalytik (EDX) als Zink detektiert werden. Am Schliffbild unter dem Rasterelektronenmikroskop (REM) wurden zahlreiche Nebenrisse festgestellt, die komplett mit Zink und Zinn gefüllt waren. Auch Bleianreicherungen waren in der Zinkschicht eingebettet, jedoch nur auf der verzinkten Ober‐ und Bruchfläche. Der Bruch der Hülse konnte der flüssigmetallinduzierten Rissbildung zugeordnet werden.

Es wurden Versuche an Stahlproben (S355 J2 N) bestimmter Geometrie in Zinkbädern mit unterschiedlicher Zusammensetzung durchgeführt. Die Auswertungen der kaltgebogenen U‐Proben nach den Verzinkungsversuchen ergaben, dass der Kaltverformungsgrad der Proben sowie die Schmelzbadzusammensetzung einen erheblichen Einfluss auf die Rissbildung während des Verzinkungsprozesses haben.

Die Bügelprobe erwies sich als einfach zu handhabende und leicht herzustellende Probenform, die sich in der Praxis schnell einsetzen lässt. Insbesondere in Verzinkereien könnten dadurch aufwendige Badanalysen teilweise durch einen Durchlauf mit der Bügelprobe ersetzt werden.

Problems concerning hot dip galvanizing of steel. At sleeves for structural engineering have been discovered damages in the course of a quality control. Fractographic and metallographic investigations of a cracked bushing has been performed. Energy Dispersive X‐Ray (EDX) analysis indicated that the decoration of the crack is related to the presence of Zinc on the surface. Numerous secondary cracks completely filled with Zinc and Tin could be evidenced on the metallographic polished section (REM). Also Lead enrichment could be detected in the Zinc layer, but only on the hot dip galvanized and cracked surfaces. The fracture present in the bushing can therefore clearly be attributed to liquid metal induced embrittlement.

The experiments with steel samples (S355 J2 N) of different geometries dipped in Zinc bath of different composition have been performed. Analysis of the results after galvanizing the cold bent U‐shaped parts indicated that the degree of samples cold deformation as well as the bath composition have a significant influence on the crack formation during galvanizing.

The Yoke test samples have proven to be simple in handling and an easy to produce sample shape that can be processed rapidly in practical operation. Especially the galvanizing companies can this way partly replace expensive bath analysis with a visual examination of yoke specimen after hot dip galvanizing.
Grundsätze und Lösungen zur Wärmebrückenreduktion im Metallleichtbau
Authors: Kuhnhenne Markus , Döring Bernd , Feldmann Markus
Published: May 2010

Die Anforderungen an das energiesparende Bauen sind mit der Einführung der Energieeinsparverordnung (EnEV) 2009 auch im Industrie‐ und Gewerbebau deutlich verschärft worden. Einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Energieeinsparung liefert die Minimierung des Transmissionswärmetransfers. Analysiert man Gebäudehüllen in Metallleichtbauweise stellt man fest, dass eine Erhöhung der Wärmedämmstärke allein noch nicht zielführend ist, zusätzlich sind Wärmebrückeneffekte zu berücksichtigen und deren Einflüsse auf die Wärmetransmission zu reduzieren. Neben der Bedeutung für die Energieeinsparung ist eine wärmetechnisch optimierte Detailausbildung auch erforderlich, um einen ausreichenden Feuchteschutz (Vermeidung von Tauwasser und Schimmelpilz) zu realisieren und so Schäden zu vermeiden. Ein wichtiges Hilfsmittel stellt hierzu der vom Industrieverband für Bausysteme im Metallleichtbau (IFBS) herausgegebene Wärmebrückenatlas der Metall‐Sandwichbauweise dar.

Principles and solutions of thermal bridge reduction in light metal construction. The requirements for energy‐saving constructions for industrial and commercial buildings have been tightened by the introduction of the Energy Saving Regulation (EnEV) 2009. A major contribution to energy saving can be made by minimisation of transmission heat transfer. Analysing buildings with lightweight metal envelops leads to the conclusion that increasing the thickness of the heat insulation alone does not lead to the desired results as additionally thermal bridge effects have to be considered and their effects on the heat transmission have to be reduced. In addition to its importance to saving energy a thermotechnically optimised detail design is also essential for realising moisture proof (prevention of condensation water and mould growth) and avoiding damages. The thermal bridge atlas for metal sandwich construction published by the German industry association for lightweight metal construction systems (IFBS) is an important tool for the careful detail design.
Positron emission tomography imaging of dopamine D2/3 receptors in the human cortex with [11C]FLB 457: Reproducibility studies
Authors: Narendran Rajesh , Mason N. Scott , May Maureen A. , Chen Chi‐Min , Kendro Steve , Ridler Khanum , Rabiner Eugenii A. , Laruelle Marc , Mathis Chester A. , Frankle W. Gordon
Published: May 2010

In a recent PET study, we demonstrated the ability to measure amphetamine‐induced DA release in the human cortex with the relatively high affinity dopamine D2/3 radioligand [11C]FLB 457 (Narendran et al., [2009] Synapse 63:447–461). The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility and reliability of [11C]FLB 457 in the same imaging paradigm we used to measure amphetamine‐induced DA transmission. Six healthy human subjects (three males/three females) were studied twice with [11C]FLB 457, once at baseline and again 3 h following the end of the baseline scan. D2/3 receptor binding parameters were estimated using a two‐tissue compartment kinetic analysis in the cortical regions of interest and cerebellum (reference region). The test–retest variability and intraclass correlation coefficient were assessed for distribution volume (VT), binding potential relative to plasma concentration (BPP), and binding potential relative to nondisplaceable uptake (BPND) of [11C]FLB 457. The test–retest variability of [11C]FLB 457 VT, BPP, and BPND were ≤15%, consistent with the published test–retest variability for this ligand in other brain regions (Sudo et al., [2001] Nucl Med Commun 22:1215–1221; Vilkman et al., [2000] Eur J Nucl Med 27:1666–1673). In addition, no significant decrease in [11C]FLB 457 BPND was observed in the second scan compared to the first one. This suggests that the contribution of carryover mass of [11C]FLB 457 to the measured reduction in [11C]FLB 457 BPND following amphetamine was relatively low. These data support the further validation of [11C]FLB 457 as a tool to measure amphetamine‐induced dopamine release in the human cortex. Synapse 65:35–40, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CART peptide inhibits locomotor activity induced by simultaneous stimulation of D1 and D2 receptors, but not by stimulation of individual dopamine receptors
Authors: Moffett Mark C. , Song Jane , Kuhar Michael J.
Published: May 2010

CART (Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript) peptide has been implicated in playing a modulatory role in reward and reinforcement. Previously, our laboratory demonstrated that injections of CART peptide (CART 55‐102) into the nucleus accumbens (NAc) attenuated both cocaine‐ and dopamine‐induced increases in locomotor activity (LMA), and attenuated cocaine reward as well. In this study, the effects of CART peptide on LMA induced by dopamine receptor agonists were evaluated after intraaccumbal injections in male, Sprague‐Dawley rats. Effects of the D1 receptor agonist SKF‐81,297, saline, CART 55‐102, or CART 55‐102 and SKF‐81,297 together were compared. The SKF‐81,297‐induced increase in LMA was potentiated by coadministration of CART, while injection of CART alone had no significant effect. Injection of the D2 agonist 7‐OH‐DPAT had no effect on LMA, and the combination of both 7‐OH‐DPAT and CART peptide also had no effect. Quinelorane, a D3 receptor agonist, did not alter LMA, nor did the combination of CART peptide and quinelorane. The next experiment examined the effects of CART peptide on LMA induced by coinjection of both the D1 agonist SKF‐81,297 and the D2 agonist 7‐OH‐DPAT. The combination of SKF‐81,297 and 7‐OH‐DPAT induced greater LMA than SKF‐81,297 alone. Coadministration of CART peptide along with the D1 and D2 agonists reduced LMA. These results strongly suggest that CART peptide reduces the effects of psychostimulants by modulating the simultaneous activation of both D1 and D2 dopamine receptors rather than by affecting the action of any individual dopamine receptor. Synapse 65:1–7, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incomplete cooperation‐based service differentiation in WLANs
Authors: Zhao Liqiang , Cong Li , Ding Wei , Wang Xinheng , Zhang Hailin
Published: May 2010

In the IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN (WLAN), the fundamental medium access control (MAC) mechanism—distributed coordination function (DCF), only supports best‐effort service, and is unaware of the quality‐of‐service (QoS). IEEE 802.11e enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) supports service differentiation by differentiating contention parameters. This may introduce the problem of non‐cooperative service differentiation. Hence, an incompletely cooperative EDCA (IC‐EDCA) is proposed in this paper to solve the problem. In IC‐EDCA, each node that is cooperativea prioriadjusts its contention parameters (e.g., the contention window (CW)) adaptively to the estimated system state (e.g., the number of competing nodes of each service priority). To implement IC‐EDCA in current WLAN nodes, a frame‐analytic estimation algorithm is presented. Moreover, an analytical model is proposed to analyze the performance of IC‐EDCA under saturation cases. Extensive simulations are also carried out to compare the performances of DCF, EDCA, incompletely cooperative game, and IC‐EDCA, and to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed performance model. The simulation results show that IC‐EDCA performs better than DCF, EDCA, and incompletely cooperative game in terms of system throughput or QoS, and that the proposed analytical model is valid. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell separation and the maintenance of cell integrity during cytokinesis in yeast: the assembly of a septum
Authors: Roncero Cesar , Sánchez Yolanda
Published: May 2010

The cell division programme included in each cell specifies that, after anaphase, cytokinesis completes the process of producing two cells. With the exception of plant cells, whose peculiarities are out of the scope of this review, in all eukaryotic cells the cleavage furrow that forms late in anaphase bisects the mitotic spindle. Ingression of the furrow and the consequent synthesis of the new membrane are driven by a cortical actomyosin contractile ring (AMR or CAR). The complete contraction of this ring leads to cell separation. While this process is sufficient for cell separation in animal cells, fungal cells are surrounded by a cell wall structure, whose continuity must be maintained to preserve cell integrity during cytokinesis. This maintenance requires the production of a specialized region of the fungal cell wall called the septum, which physically separates mother and daughter cells. Throughout this review, we shall try to highlight the different molecular cues involved in septum formation in yeast, from the initial site selection to the final action of hydrolytic enzymes that produce cell separation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The metastable m‐Ba2SnSe5 – Synthesis, Phase Transition, Crystal Structure, Structural Relations and Electronic Structure
Authors: Graf Christian , Assoud Abdeljalil , Zelinska Mariya , Kleinke Holger
Published: May 2010

A new modification of Ba2SnSe5 was synthesized in a flux reaction. The crystal structure of this compound was solved in the space group P121/c1 with cell parameters of a = 21.17189(8) Å, b = 9.0915(3) Å, c = 24.7141(8) Å and β = 125.621(1) °. The compound consists of two slightly different types of Sn4Se1412– as well as Se32– fragments and Ba2+ ions. The structure of the new modification is strongly related to the already reported α form, and therefore it is described using group–subgroup relations., To investigate the nature of this transition, thermal experiments and band structure calculations were performed.
Phase Diagrams and New Crystal Structures Predicted for the LaX3/LaY3 Systems (X, Y = F, Cl, Br, I)
Authors: Pentin Ilya V. , Schön J. Christian , Jansen Martin
Published: May 2010

The low‐temperature phase diagrams for the quasi‐binary lanthanum halogenides LaX3/LaY3 (X,Y = F, Cl, Br, I) were calculated at an ab initio level, without any recourse to experimental information. The starting point of our general approach is the global exploration of the enthalpy landscapes for many different compositions in these systems. Candidates for both ordered stoichiometric modifications and crystalline solid solution phases are identiﬁed, and their free enthalpies are computed at an ab initio level. From this the low‐temperature phase diagrams are derived. We found that in all six systems under investigation only crystalline ordered phases should be present. We predict the existence of several thermodynamically stable and metastable phases in these systems.
LMBRD1: the gene for the cblF defect of vitamin B12 metabolism
Authors: Rutsch Frank , Gailus Susann , Suormala Terttu , Fowler Brian
Published: May 2010

To date, only very few genetic disorders due to defects in lysosomal membrane transport are known. This paper reviews the identification of the underlying molecular defect causing an intriguing inborn error of vitamin B12 metabolism, namely, defective lysosomal release of vitamin B12 (cblF defect). Using microcell‐mediated chromosome transfer of wild‐type human chromosomes into immortalized fibroblasts from a cblF patient and genome‐wide homozygosity mapping in 12 unrelated cblF patients, we identified LMBRD1 as a positional candidate gene on chromosome 6q13. Five different frameshift mutations leading to loss of function of both LMBRD1 alleles were detected in the affected patients. Transfection of the LMBRD1 wild‐type construct into fibroblasts derived from cblF patients restored cobalamin coenzyme synthesis and function. LMBRD1 encodes a novel lysosomal membrane protein with significant homology to lipocalin membrane receptors. These studies give further insight into the intracellular transport of vitamins, challenge the views on lipocalin receptors, and add to our understanding of lysosomal diseases.
Pre‐exercise medium‐chain triglyceride application prevents acylcarnitine accumulation in skeletal muscle from very‐long‐chain acyl‐CoA‐dehydrogenase‐deficient mice
Authors: Primassin Sonja , Tucci Sara , Herebian Diran , Seibt Annette , Hoffmann Lars , ter Veld Frank , Spiekerkoetter Ute
Published: May 2010

Dietary modification with medium‐chain triglyceride (MCT) supplementation is one crucial way of treating children with long‐chain fatty acid oxidation disorders. Recently, supplementation prior to exercise has been reported to prevent muscular pain and rhabdomyolysis. Systematic studies to determine when MCT supplementation is most beneficial have not yet been undertaken. We studied the effects of an MCT‐based diet compared with MCT administration only prior to exercise in very‐long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) knockout (KO) mice. VLCAD KO mice were fed an MCT‐based diet in same amounts as normal mouse diet containing long‐chain triglycerides (LCT) and were exercised on a treadmill. Mice fed a normal LCT diet received MCT only prior to exercise. Acylcarnitine concentration, free carnitine concentration, and acyl‐coenzyme A (CoA) oxidation capacity in skeletal muscle as well as hepatic lipid accumulation were determined. Long‐chain acylcarnitines significantly increased in VLCAD‐deficient skeletal muscle with an MCT diet compared with an LCT diet with MCT bolus prior to exercise, whereas an MCT bolus treatment significantly decreased long‐chain acylcarnitines after exercise compared with an LCT diet. C8‐carnitine was significantly increased in skeletal muscle after MCT bolus treatment and exercise compared with LCT and long‐term MCT treatment. Increased hepatic lipid accumulation was observed in long‐term MCT‐treated KO mice. MCT seems most beneficial when given in a single dose directly prior to exercise to prevent acylcarnitine accumulation. In contrast, continuous MCT treatment produces a higher skeletal muscle content of long‐chain acylcarnitines after exercise and increases hepatic lipid storage in VLCAD KO mice.
Emulsification of Chemically Modified Vegetable Oils for Lubricant Use
Authors: Doll Kenneth M. , Sharma Brajendra K.
Published: May 2010

Oil in water emulsions of several vegetable oils were studied in order to prepare a useful lubrication fluid. Several previously uncharacterized systems were studied in this paper, including those made from epoxidized vegetable oils. A series of different surfactants were studied in order to obtain emulsions suitable for lubrication applications. The epoxidized oils were found to form stable oil in water emulsions using several different surfactant systems. Only the (4) lauryl ether dodecyl polyethoxylated nonionic surfactant and a modified palm stearin methoxy ester ethoxylate were able to stabilize ordinary soybean oil for 1 week under our test conditions. Overall, the best surfactants were those with an HLB value slightly above 9. The droplet size of emulsions made with surfactants formed submicron droplets, whereas only droplets of larger diameter were obtained when surfactants were not added. Most importantly, a lubrication study was performed showing that even a 1% emulsion of the vegetable oils used in this study can reduce friction nearly as well as using the base oil alone.
The nuclear receptor FXR is expressed in pancreatic β‐cells and protects human islets from lipotoxicity
Authors: Popescu Iuliana Ristea , Helleboid-Chapman Audrey , Lucas Anthony , Vandewalle Brigitte , Dumont Julie , Bouchaert Emmanuel , Derudas Bruno , Kerr-Conte Julie , Caron Sandrine , Pattou François , Staels Bart
Published: May 2010

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is highly expressed in liver and intestine where it controls bile acid (BA), lipid and glucose homeostasis. Here we show that FXR is expressed and functional, as assessed by target gene expression analysis, in human islets and β‐cell lines. FXR is predominantly cytosolic‐localized in the islets of lean mice, but nuclear in obese mice. Compared to FXR+/+ mice, FXR−/− mice display a normal architecture and β‐cell mass but the expression of certain islet‐specific genes is altered. Moreover, glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) is impaired in the islets of FXR−/− mice. Finally, FXR activation protects human islets from lipotoxicity and ameliorates their secretory index.
A dynamic approach reveals non‐muscle myosin influences the overall smooth muscle cross‐bridge cycling rate
Authors: Guvenc Bilge , Ustunel Cansel , Ozturk Necla , Brozovich Frank V.
Published: May 2010

Recent evidence suggests that non‐muscle myosin IIB (NMIIB) contributes to smooth muscle contraction. This study was designed to determine the effects of NMIIB on the cross‐bridge cycling rate. The cross‐bridge cycling rate was investigated using sinusoidal analysis. Frequency analysis revealed two asymptotes in the Bode plot of the data; and the intersection of the asymptotes (corner frequency) was higher for the B+/− strain (8.73 ± 1.10 Hz vs 16.56 ± 1.26 Hz, P
< 0.05), consistent with a higher overall cross‐bridge cycling rate in heterozygous NMIIB KO (B+/−) vs WT mice. These results demonstrate that because of their long duty cycle, NMIIB cross‐bridges act as an internal load on smooth muscle myosin to decrease the overall cross‐bridge cycling rate and muscle V
max during force maintenance.
Puzzles for Pleasure
Authors: Clarke Barry R.
Published: May 2010

Are you one of the millions of people throughout the world that are fascinated by puzzles, conundrums and brain teasers? If so then you will want this collection of amusing twisters from Barry Clarke. Based on his extensive experience of writing for the Daily Telegraph, Sunday Times and New Scientist, Clarke has gathered together a variety of posers, together with hints and full solutions. Several examples of a brand new type of puzzle, The Word Bandit, are included as well. The whole gamut of others from logical and liar problems through to digital deletions are included. The puzzles themselves require no special mathematical knowledge, though for those in the 'Advanced' section even seasoned solvers will need to work pretty hard to find the answer. There is something for everyone here; puzzles for children, for the family, for members of Mensa, but above all Puzzles for Pleasure.
Rural Hausa
Authors: Hill Polly
Published: May 2010

This book was originally published in 1972 and relates to the Hausa-speaking people of West Africa. At the time of publication there were perhaps as many as 15 million Hausa-speaking people in the area, most of whom lived in the countryside in northern Nigeria and the neighbouring Niger Republic. This book is at once an examination of the socio-economic life of a small Hausa village and a study of the way of life of the rural Hausa generally. The book as a whole provides a wide-ranging survey both of what was known and of what was, and in some cases still is, little understood. Very few books had been written on the rural Hausa, much of the literature consisting of scarce pamphlets and official reports; this book not only reports important research, but also surveys literature which was otherwise not generally available. The themes which emerge from this study are similar to many which Polly Hill has stressed elsewhere: people who do not fit into crude stereotypes and socio-economic life are always much more varied and sophisticated than superficial observers would suppose.
QCD and Collider Physics
Authors: Ellis R. K. , Stirling W. J. , Webber B. R.
Published: May 2010

One of the triumphs of modern particle physics has been the extent to which Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) has successfully accounted for the strong interaction processes observed at high-energy particle colliders, for example the production of heavy quarks and jets of particles, and the short-distance parton structure of the proton. This book gives a detailed overview of collider physics with special emphasis on the study of QCD. After a general description of the QCD Lagrangian, and the properties of asymptotic freedom and colour confinement which derive from it, the most important applications at high-energy colliders are described in detail. These include the production of jets, heavy quarks, electroweak gauge bosons and Higgs bosons. The various methods of measuring the strong coupling constant are summarised. Many of the theoretical results are calculated from first principles, and the book will be both a textbook and a valuable source of reference material for all particle physicists.
Topics in Finite Groups
Authors: Gagen Terence M.
Published: May 2010

These notes derive from a course of lectures delivered at the University of Florida in Gainesville during 1971/2. Dr Gagen presents a simplified treatment of recent work by H. Bender on the classification of non-soluble groups with abelian Sylow 2-subgroups, together with some background material of wide interest. The book is for research students and specialists in group theory and allied subjects such as finite geometries.
The Volume of Convex Bodies and Banach Space Geometry
Authors: Pisier Gilles
Published: May 2010

This book aims to give a self-contained presentation of a number of results, which relate the volume of convex bodies in n-dimensional Euclidean space and the geometry of the corresponding finite-dimensional normed spaces. The methods employ classical ideas from the theory of convex sets, probability theory, approximation theory and the local theory of Banach spaces. The book is in two parts. The first presents self-contained proofs of the quotient of the subspace theorem, the inverse Santalo inequality and the inverse Brunn-Minkowski inequality. The second part gives a detailed exposition of the recently introduced classes of Banach spaces of weak cotype 2 or weak type 2, and the intersection of the classes (weak Hilbert space). The book is based on courses given in Paris and in Texas.
Ontological Arguments and Belief in God
Authors: Oppy Graham
Published: May 2010

This book is an interesting contribution to the philosophy of religion. It offers a comprehensive discussion of one of the most famous arguments for the existence of God: the ontological argument. The author provides and analyses a critical taxonomy of those versions of the argument that have been advanced in recent philosophical literature, as well as of those historically important versions found in the work of St Anselm, Descartes, Leibniz, Hegel and others. A central thesis of the book is that ontological arguments have no value in the debate between theists and atheists. There is a detailed review of the literature on the topic (separated from the main body of the text) and a very substantial bibliography, making this volume an indispensable resource for philosophers of religion and others interested in religious studies.
Monetary Regimes in Transition
Authors: Bordo Michael D. , Capie Forrest
Published: May 2010

This important contribution to comparative economic history examines different countries' experiences with different monetary regimes, laying particular emphasis on how the regimes fared when placed under stress such as wars or other changes in the economic environment. Covering the experience of ten countries over the period 1700–1990, the contributors employ the latest techniques of economic analysis in their studies. Several papers are concerned with the transformation from bimetallism to gold monometallism in the nineteenth century and the determinants of monetary regimes transformation in the core countries of Britain, France and the United States. Others focus on the successful and unsuccessful gold standard experiences of Canada, Australia, and Spain, while yet others examine the experience of wartime and postwar stabilizations surrounding the two World Wars and the Napoleonic War.
Theories of Inflation
Authors: Frisch Helmut
Published: May 2010

A survey of the new theories of inflation that have developed over the past two decades in response to the inflationary pressures experienced by Western countries examines the shifting debate from explaining inflation as a "causal" process to explaining its increase as a result of constantly changing expectations.
Rural Society and the Search for Order in Early Modern Germany
Authors: Robisheaux Thomas
Published: May 2010

For the rural societies of Germany the early sixteenth century was a time of massive upheavals. In this probing study of village life, based upon rich manuscript sources from the old County of Hohenlohe, Thomas Robisheaux seeks to understand how petty German princes, Lutheran pastors, and villagers struggled to create order out of their confusing world. The Hohenlohe region experienced all of the turmoil associated with the sixteenth century, including a peasant near-rising in 1600, the brutal effects of the wage-price scissors, chronic shortages of land, famines, impoverishment, and the destructive cycles of war. By using concepts borrowed from anthropology, Professor Robisheaux looks for the way social hierarchy and discipline countered the disruptive changes of the age. The years between 1550 and 1620 saw new sources of stability and order created in the family; through systematized customs of inheritance; through market relationships; and in the practice of state power within the village.
Semimodular Lattices
Authors: Stern Manfred
Published: May 2010

In Semimodular Lattices: Theory and Applications Manfred Stern uses successive generalizations of distributive and modular lattices to outline the development of semimodular lattices from Boolean algebras. He focuses on the important theory of semimodularity, its many ramifications, and its applications in discrete mathematics, combinatorics, and algebra. The book surveys and analyzes Garrett Birkhoff's concept of semimodularity and the various related concepts in lattice theory, and it presents theoretical results as well as applications in discrete mathematics group theory and universal algebra. The author also deals with lattices that are 'close' to semimodularity or can be combined with semimodularity, e.g. supersolvable, admissible, consistent, strong, and balanced lattices. Researchers in lattice theory, discrete mathematics, combinatorics, and algebra will find this book invaluable.
Quasi-symmetric Designs
Authors: Shrikhande Mohan S. , Sane Sharad S.
Published: May 2010

Design theory is a branch of combinatorics with applications in number theory, coding theory and geometry. In this book the authors discuss the generalization of results and applications to quasi-symmetric designs. The coverage is comprehensive and will be useful for researchers and graduate students. An attractive feature is the discussion of unsolved problems.
Illyricum in Roman Politics, 229 BC–AD 68
Authors: Dzino Danijel
Published: May 2010

Illyricum, in the western Balkan peninsula, was a strategically important area of the Roman Empire where the process of Roman imperialism began early and lasted for several centuries. Dzino here examines Roman political conduct in Illyricum; the development of Illyricum in Roman political discourse; and the beginning of the process that would integrate Illyricum into the Roman Empire and wider networks of the Mediterranean world. In addition, he also explores the different narrative histories, from the romanocentric narrative of power and Roman military conquest, which dominate the available sources, to other, earlier scholarly interpretations of events.
The Self and its Emotions
Authors: Kristjánsson Kristján
Published: May 2010

If there is one value that seems beyond reproach in modernity, it is that of the self and the terms that cluster around it, such as self-esteem, self-confidence and self-respect. It is not clear, however, that all those who invoke the self really know what they are talking about, or that they are all talking about the same thing. What is this thing called 'self', then, and what is its psychological, philosophical and educational salience? More specifically, what role do emotions play in the creation and constitution of the self? This book proposes a realist, emotion-grounded conception of selfhood. In arguing for a closer link between selfhood and emotion than has been previously suggested, the author critically explores and integrates self research from diverse academic fields. This is a provocative book that should excite anyone interested in cutting-edge research on self-issues and emotions that lies at the intersection of psychology, philosophy of mind, moral philosophy and moral education.