bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENCES IN GYPSUM PLANT COMMUNITIES ASSOCIATED WITH HABITAT FRAGMENTATION AND LIVESTOCK GRAZING
Authors: Pueyo Y. , Alados C. L. , Barrantes O. , Komac B. , Rietkerk M.
Published: May 2008

The negative consequences of habitat fragmentation for plant communities have been documented in many regions of the world. In some fragmented habitats, livestock grazing has been proposed to be a dispersal mechanism reducing isolation between fragments. In others, grazing acts together with fragmentation in a way that increases habitat degradation. Iberian gypsum plant communities have been grazed and fragmented by agricultural practices for centuries. Although their conservation is considered a priority by the European Community, the effects of fragmentation on gypsum plant communities and the possible role of livestock grazing remain unknown. In addition, a substantial proportion of plant species growing in gypsum environments are gypsum specialists. They could be particularly affected by fragmentation, as was found for other habitat specialists (i.e., serpentine and calcareous specialists). In this study (1) we investigated the effect of fragmentation and grazing on gypsum plant community composition (species and life‐forms), and (2) we tested to see if gypsum specialists were differently affected by fragmentation and grazing than habitat generalists. A vegetation survey was conducted in the largest gypsum outcrop of Europe (Middle Ebro Valley, northeast Spain). Fragmented and continuous sites in grazed and ungrazed areas were compared. Measurements related to species and composition of life‐forms were contrasted first for the whole gypsum plant community and then specifically for the gypsum specialists. In the whole community, our results showed lower plant species diversity in fragmented sites, mainly due to the larger dominance of species more tolerant to fragmented habitat conditions. With livestock grazing, the plant species richness and the similarity in plant species composition between remnants was larger, suggesting that animals were acting as dispersal agents between fragments. As expected, gypsum specialists were less abundant in fragmented areas, and grazing led to the disappearance of the rare gypsum specialist Campanula fastigiata. According to our results, conservation strategies for gypsum plant communities in human‐dominated landscapes should consider that fragmentation and grazing modify plant community composition affecting gypsum specialists in particular.
Kinematic consequences of an angular unconformity in simple shear: an example from the southern border of the Lower Palaeozoic Rocroi inlier (Naux, France)
Authors: Van Baelen Hervé , Sintubin Manuel
Published: May 2008

The presence of an angular unconformity in combination with complex structures in the basement, lacking in the cover, is commonly seen as an indication for an orogenic event pre-dating the unconformity. The recognition of such an older orogenic event becomes, however, less evident in areas where both cover and basement were deformed together during an orogen post-dating the angular unconformity.

The validity of this common interpretation has been evaluated at the southern border of the Lower Palaeozoic Rocroi basement inlier (Naux, northern France), where the basement-cover interface is very well exposed. This basement-cover interface, showing an angular unconformity, has classically been interpreted as evidence for an early Palaeozoic tectonometamorphic event, called the Ardennian orogeny, though only one penetrative cleavage, co-genetic with the structures present in both cover and basement, can be observed.

A detailed geometrical study shows, however, that the presence of a tilted basement, involving the angular unconformity, provokes a rheological heterogeneity that causes a contrasting response of basement and cover with respect to the Variscan shortening. While Variscan progressive deformation gave rise to a rather regular cleavage refraction pattern in the subhorizontal multilayer cover sequence, a complex deformation, expressed by non-cylindrical folds, boudinage and shearing developed in the basement. The basement-cover interface itself played no rheological role, but has been passively sheared and folded as a consequence of the deformation of the basement. This study proves that the deformed basement-cover interface, allowing to link deformation in basement and cover, is a necessary tool to properly interpret complex deformation in the basement. With respect to the regional geodynamic evolution of the northern parts of the Central European Variscides, our kinematic model indeed demonstrates that this classical outcrop area bears no evidence for an early Palaeozoic orogenic event, and that the angular unconformity reflects the late Silurian – early Devonian onset of the Ardenne-Eifel basin development, rather than a middle Ordovician Ardennian orogeny.
Retracted: Role of Vitamin K2 in the Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Iwamoto Jun , Takeda Tsuyoshi , Sato Yoshihiro
Published: May 2008

This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief, who noticed three retracted papers, two of which were authored
by the same individuals. The citation of these papers in this article seriously undermines the authenticity and integrity of
the content presented.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Retraction can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php.

BENTHAM SCIENCE DISCLAIMER:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously
submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published elsewhere
must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submitting
the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the
authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript the authors agree that the copyright
of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
Extracellular High-Mobility Group Box 1 Acts as an Innate Immune Mediator to Enhance Autoimmune Progression and Diabetes Onset in NOD Mice
Authors: Han Junyan , Zhong Jinxin , Wei Wenzhong , Wang Ying , Huang Yafei , Yang Ping , Purohit Sharad , Dong Zheng , Wang Mong-Heng , She Jin-Xiong , Gong Feili , Stern David M. , Wang Cong-Yi
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE—The implication of innate immunity in type 1 diabetes development has long been proposed. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), an evolutionarily conserved chromosomal protein, was recently recognized to be a potent innate inflammatory mediator when released extracellularly. We sought to test the hypothesis that HMGB1 acts as an innate immune mediator implicated in type 1 diabetes pathogenesis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Eight- and 12-week-old NOD mice were treated with an HMGB1 neutralizing antibody once a week until 25 weeks of age and monitored for insulitis progression and diabetes onset. The underlying mechanisms of HMGB1 regulation of autoimmune response were further explored.

RESULTS—During autoimmunity, HMGB1 can be passively released from damaged pancreatic β-cells and actively secreted by islet infiltrated immune cells. Extracellular HMGB1 is potent in inducing NOD dendritic cell maturation and stimulating macrophage activation. Blockade of HMGB1 significantly inhibited insulitis progression and diabetes development in both 8- and 12-week-old NOD mice. HMGB1 antibody treatment decreased the number and maturation of pancreatic lymph node (PLN) CD11c++CD11b+ dendritic cells, a subset of dendritic cells probably associated with autoantigen presentation to naïve T-cells, but increased the number for PLN CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells. Blockade of HMGB1 also decreased splenic dendritic cell allo-stimulatory capability associated with increased tolergenic CD11c+CD8a+ dendritic cells. Interestingly, the number of CD8+interferon-γ+ (Tc1) T-cells was increased in the PLNs and spleen after blockade of HMGB1, which could be associated with retarded migration of activated autoreactive T-cells into the pancreatic islets.

CONCLUSIONS—Extracellular HMGB1 functions as a potent innate immune mediator contributing to insulitis progression and diabetes onset.
Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptor Blockade Promotes Mitochondrial Biogenesis Through Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in White Adipocytes
Authors: Tedesco Laura , Valerio Alessandra , Cervino Cristina , Cardile Annalisa , Pagano Claudio , Vettor Roberto , Pasquali Renato , Carruba Michele O. , Marsicano Giovanni , Lutz Beat , Pagotto Uberto , Nisoli Enzo
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE—Cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor blockade decreases body weight and adiposity in obese subjects; however, the underlying mechanism is not yet fully understood. Nitric oxide (NO) produced by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) induces mitochondrial biogenesis and function in adipocytes. This study was undertaken to test whether CB1 receptor blockade increases the espression of eNOS and mitochondrial biogenesis in white adipocytes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We examined the effects on eNOS and mitochondrial biogenesis of selective pharmacological blockade of CB1 receptors by SR141716 (rimonabant) in mouse primary white adipocytes. We also examined eNOS expression and mitochondrial biogenesis in white adipose tissue (WAT) and isolated mature white adipocytes of CB1 receptor–deficient (CB1−/−) and chronically SR141716-treated mice on either a standard or high-fat diet.

RESULTS—SR141716 treatment increased eNOS expression in cultured white adipocytes. Moreover, SR141716 increased mitochondrial DNA amount, mRNA levels of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondrial mass and function through eNOS induction, as demonstrated by reversal of SR141716 effects by small interfering RNA–mediated decrease in eNOS. While high-fat diet–fed wild-type mice showed reduced eNOS expression and mitochondrial biogenesis in WAT and isolated mature white adipocytes, genetic CB1 receptor deletion or chronic treatment with SR141716 restored these parameters to the levels observed in wild-type mice on the standard diet, an effect linked to the prevention of adiposity and body weight increase.

CONCLUSIONS—CB1 receptor blockade increases mitochondrial biogenesis in white adipocytes by inducing the expression of eNOS. This is linked to the prevention of high-fat diet–induced fat accumulation, without concomitant changes in food intake.
The decomposition reaction of lithium amide studied by anelastic spectroscopy and thermogravimetry
Authors: Palumbo Oriele , Paolone Annalisa , Rispoli Pasquale , D'Orazio Annalisa , Cantelli Rosario , Chandra Danesh
Published: May 2008

The high temperature decomposition transformation of lithium amide into imide has been studied by anelastic spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. At the amide-to-imide phase transformation a huge elastic modulus increase takes place, whose change increases with the evolution of the decomposition. The modulus variation has been used to monitor the time and temperature progression of the reaction, and indications have been obtained that the reaction rates are faster than those usually reported. Moreover, formation of different phases is also detected at extremely low concentrations.
Properties of hydrogen absorption by nano-structured FeTi alloys
Authors: Haraki Takeshi , Oishi Keigo , Uchida Hirohisa , Miyamoto Yasuo , Abe Masatake , Kokaji Takayuki , Uchida Satoshi
Published: May 2008

In this study, two different nano-structured samples of the FeTi compound were prepared by mechanical alloying and mechanical grinding. For these samples, kinetics of the initial rate of hydrogen absorption, and the equilibrium hydrogen pressure as a function of hydrogen concentration were measured. Mechanical alloying of Fe and Ti atoms produced the FeTi compound powder samples with microstructures of a mixture of nano-structured FeTi grains and amorphous phases. This sample exhibited a high initial rate of hydrogen absorption even at 298 K, however, a strongly reduced hydrogen storage capacity. Mechanical grinding of the FeTi produced samples of particles with a particular microstructure: surface layers with a mixture of nano-structured FeTi grains and amorphous phases, and a single crystalline phase of FeTi below the surface layers for each particle. This sample exhibited a high initial rate of hydrogen absorption without a significant reduction of the hydrogen storage capacity compared with that of the standard FeTi sample. This mechanical grinding treatment was found to be an effective method of surface modification to improve the initial activation of the FeTi hydrogen storage alloy.
Laser-assisted atom probe tomography and nanosciences
Authors: Blavette Didier , Al Kassab Talaat , Cadel Emanuel , Mackel Alexander , Vurpillot François , Gilbert Mathieu , Cojocaru Oana , Deconihout Bernard
Published: May 2008

A laser assisted tomographic atom probe has recently been designed. The use of femtosecond laser evaporation pulses rather than of high-voltage pulses has opened the field of application of the technique to new materials such as semi-conductors and oxides. These classes of materials are of utmost importance in microelectronics for the design of nano-chips and nano-transistors in integrated devices. This type of instrument is the only 3D analytical microscope capable of mapping out the distribution of elements in a small volume (50 × 50 × 100 nm3) on a nearly atomic scale. In addition, the tomographic atom probe enables us to get quantitative composition measurements. This review illustrates the potential of this new instrument (laser assisted wide angle tomographic atom probe LaWaTAP) when applied to study scientific topics in nano-sciences. As an example, both the distribution of addition elements (Pt) during inter-diffusive reaction in NiSi contacts of nano-transistors and the investigation of interfaces in MgO/Fe tunnel junctions are presented and discussed.
Plant traits and regeneration of urban plant communities after disturbance: Does the bud bank play any role?
Authors: Latzel Vít , Mihulka Stanislav , Klimešová Jitka
Published: May 2008

Questions: What is the relative role of the bud bank, seed and various species traits in the regeneration of urban plant communities after severe disturbances? Do invasive and exotic species, highly abundant in disturbed communities, regenerate better than native species after disturbance?

Methods: Hand tilling was applied to three urban plant communities with and without additional herbicide treatment to exclude regeneration from the bud bank. Plant traits were determined from the literature and databases. Species responses to the treatments were evaluated with RDA analyses in CANOCO. Linear models were applied to identify traits that could predict the responses of species to disturbance.

Results: The bud bank played a key role in regeneration in the plots without herbicide. In the plots with herbicide treatment, the seed bank was important in re‐establishing vegetation after disturbance. Exclusion of the bud bank by using herbicide allowed the establishment of small annuals, whereas biennials and perennials were successful in plots where the bud bank was not inhibited by herbicide. Exotic species with a long residence time in the local flora were successful in plots where regeneration from the bud bank was excluded, whereas species with short residence times or that were invasive were suppressed by both types of disturbance.

Conclusion: In response to various types of disturbance, species with different regeneration strategies (either seeds or bud bank) were promoted. Exotic species were suppressed primarily by disturbance, which suggests that factors other than just regenerative capability contributed to the high abundance of exotics in urban communities.
Recovery of subglacial water extent from Greenland radar survey data
Authors: Oswald G.K.A. , Gogineni S.P.
Published: May 2008

Subglacial water threatens the stability of a deep ice sheet. The Greenland ice sheet has been the subject of extensive radar surveys under NASA’s PARCA program and others, yet the extent of basal water has not previously been explored in detail. This paper provides a method for recovering basal radar reflection characteristics that yield robust discrimination of subglacial water, using PARCA data, by narrowing the spread of measured echo intensities. Sources of validation are provided, and they support the procedure and its results. The method can be extended to the entire Greenland radar dataset. It is not dependent on details of radar characteristics but relies on sufficient penetration performance, high-fidelity data acquisition and appropriate treatment of signals and interface statistics.
Greenland ice sheet surface temperature, melt and mass loss: 2000–06
Authors: Hall Dorothy K. , Williams Richard S. , Luthcke Scott B. , Digirolamo Nicolo E.
Published: May 2008

A daily time series of ‘clear-sky’ surface temperature has been compiled of the Greenland ice sheet (GIS) using 1 km resolution moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) land-surface temperature (LST) maps from 2000 to 2006. We also used mass-concentration data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) to study mass change in relationship to surface melt from 2003 to 2006. The mean LST of the GIS increased during the study period by ∼0.27°C a−1. The increase was especially notable in the northern half of the ice sheet during the winter months. Melt-season length and timing were also studied in each of the six major drainage basins. Rapid (<15 days) and sustained mass loss below 2000 m elevation was triggered in 2004 and 2005 as recorded by GRACE when surface melt begins. Initiation of large-scale surface melt was followed rapidly by mass loss. This indicates that surface meltwater is flowing rapidly to the base of the ice sheet, causing acceleration of outlet glaciers, thus highlighting the metastability of parts of the GIS and the vulnerability of the ice sheet to air-temperature increases. If air temperatures continue to rise over Greenland, increased surface melt will play a large role in ice-sheet mass loss.
Adolescent perceptions of indirect forms of relational aggression: sex of perpetrator effects
Authors: Coyne Sarah M. , Archer John , Eslea Mike , Liechty Toni
Published: May 2008

Different types of aggressive behavior (both physical and relational) by boys and girls have been shown to be perceived differently by observers. However, most research has focused on adult perceptions of very young children, with little research examining other ages. The aim of this study is to establish any sex differences in adolescent perceptions of indirect forms of relational aggression enacted by boys and girls. One hundred and sixty adolescents were shown one of the two videos involving relational aggression and completed a questionnaire that assessed their perceptions of the aggression. The videos were identical except for the sex of the aggressor and the victim; one condition portrayed boy‐to‐boy aggression, the other showed girl‐to‐girl aggression. Results indicated that participants viewed boy‐to‐boy relational aggression as more justified. This study revealed that stereotypes about aggressive boys are perpetuated even when the aggression is a type that is not commonly associated with boys. Aggr. Behav. 34:577–583, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nanotechnology and its Impact on the German Energy Sector
Authors: Lambauer J. , Kolb S. , Kessler A. , Fahl U. , Voß A.
Published: May 2008

In regard to finite resources and in view of the global climate change sustainable development in energy supply gains importance. In addition to the improvement of conventional technologies and the use of renewable energies in this context new technologies and innovations get more important. The described work analyses innovative products and processes based on nanotechnology, with respect to the German energy industry.
Cover Picture: Microstructural Design of Advanced Architectures in Titanium/Platinum Thin Films by Laser Interference Metallurgy (Adv. Eng. Mater. 5/2008)
Authors: Catrin R. , Lasagni A. F. , Gachot C. , Schmid U. , Mücklich F.
Published: May 2008

Designed Microstructures in Platinum thin films, displayed by Electron Back Scatter Diffraction (EBSD). More details can be found in the article of R. Catrin et al. on page 466.
Shape Anisotropy and Magnetization Modulation in Hexagonal Cobalt Nanowires
Authors: Liu Zuwei , Chang Pai‐Chun , Chang Chia‐Chi , Galaktionov Evgeniy , Bergmann Gerd , Lu Jia G.
Published: May 2008

Ferromagnetic cobalt nanowires with high‐crystalline quality are synthesized using a low‐voltage electrodeposition method. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results show that the nanowires are uniform in size, and consist of predominantly hexagonal close‐packed (hcp) structure with the magnetocrystalline easy axis (c‐axis) perpendicular to the wire axis. Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements illustrate the dominance of shape anisotropy, manifested by the weak temperature dependence of the enhanced coercive field along the wire axis. Furthermore, the magnetic structures of individual, segmented, or intersected nanowires are studied using magnetic force microscopy. This reveals a strong dipole at the two ends of the wire, together with a spatial magnetization modulation along the wire. Based on theoretical modeling, such intrinsic modulation is attributed to magnetization frustration due to the competition between the magnetocrystalline polarization along the easy axis and the shape anisotropy along the wire axis.
Optical Nanoscale Pool‐on‐Surface Design for Control Sensing Recognition of Multiple Cations
Authors: El‐Safty Sherif A. , Ismail Adel A. , Matsunaga Hideyuki , Hanaoka Takaaki , Mizukami Fujio
Published: May 2008

General design of optical chemical nanosensors is needed to develop efficient sensing systems with high flexibility, and low capital cost for control recognition of toxic analytes. Here, we designed optical chemical nanosensors for simple, high‐speed detection of multiple toxic metal ions. The systematic design of the nanosensors was based on densely patterned chromophores with intrinsic mobility, namely, “building‐blocks” onto three‐dimensional (3D) nanoscale structures. The ability to precisely modify the nanoscale pore surfaces by using a broad range of chromophores that have different molecular sizes and characteristics enables detection of multiple toxic ions. A key feature of this building‐blocks design strategy is that the surface functionality and good adsorption characteristics of the fabricated nanosensor arrays enabled the development of “pool‐on‐surface” sensing systems in which high flux of the metal analytes across the probe molecules was achieved without significant kinetic hindrance. Such a sensing design enabled sensitive recognition of metal ions up to sub‐picomolar detection limits (∼10−11 mol dm−3), for first time, with rapid response time within few seconds. Moreover, because these sensing pools exhibited long‐term stability, reversibility and selectivity in detecting most pollutant cations, for example, Cr(VI), Pb(II), Co(II), and Pd(II) ions, they are practical and inexpensive. The key result in our study is that the pool‐on‐surface design for optical nanosensors exhibited significant ion‐selective ability of these target ions from environmental samples and waste disposals.
Design of Multilayered Nanostructures and Donor–Acceptor Interfaces in Solution‐Processed Thin‐Film Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Benten Hiroaki , Ogawa Michihiro , Ohkita Hideo , Ito Shinzaburo
Published: May 2008

Multilayered polymer thin‐film solar cells have been fabricated by wet processes such as spin‐coating and layer‐by‐layer deposition. Hole‐ and electron‐transporting layers were prepared by spin‐coating with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) oxidized with poly(4‐styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and fullerene (C60), respectively. The light‐harvesting layer of poly‐(p‐phenylenevinylene) (PPV) was fabricated by layer‐by‐layer deposition of the PPV precursor cation and poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS). The layer‐by‐layer technique enables us to control the layer thickness with nanometer precision and select the interfacial material at the donor–acceptor heterojunction. Optimizing the layered nanostructures, we obtained the best‐performance device with a triple‐layered structure of PEDOT:PSS|PPV|C60, where the thickness of the PPV layer was 11 nm, comparable to the diffusion length of the PPV singlet exciton. The external quantum efficiency spectrum was maximum (ca. 20%) around the absorption peak of PPV and the internal quantum efficiency was estimated to be as high as ca. 50% from a saturated photocurrent at a reverse bias of −3 V. The power conversion efficiency of the triple‐layer solar cell was 0.26% under AM1.5G simulated solar illumination with 100 mW cm−2 in air.
The limits of validity of the Frequency Ratio Method: The particular case of γ Doradus stars
Authors: Suárez J.C. , Martín‐Ruiz S. , Moya A. , Amado P.J. , Rodríguez‐López C. , Rodríguez E. , Garrido R.
Published: May 2008

This work provides a general vision of the limits of validity of the Frequency Ratio Method applied to the g‐mode pulsators in asymptotic regime, the γ Doradus stars. In particular, the work is mainly focused on the role of rotation which is found one of the most important source of uncertainty of the method. The particular case of the moderately rotating γ Doradus star HD48501 is discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
AsteroFLAG: First results from hare‐and‐hounds Exercise #1
Authors: Chaplin W.J. , Appourchaux T. , Arentoft T. , Ballot J. , Christensen‐Dalsgaard J. , Creevey O.L. , Elsworth Y. , Fletcher S.T. , García R.A. , Houdek G. , Jiménez‐Reyes S.J. , Kjeldsen H. , New R. , Régulo C. , Salabert D. , Sekii T. , Sousa S.G. , Toutain T. , the rest of the asteroFLAG group
Published: May 2008

We report on initial results from the first phase of Exercise #1 of the asteroFLAG hare and hounds. The asteroFLAG group is helping to prepare for the asteroseismology component of NASA's Kepler mission, and the first phase of Exercise #1 is concerned with testing extraction of estimates of the large and small frequency spacings of the low‐degree p modes from Kepler‐like artificial data. These seismic frequency spacings will provide key input for complementing the exoplanet search data. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The antifungal activity of the terrestrial Streptomyces US80 strain is induced by heat‐killed fungi
Authors: Fourati‐Ben Fguira Lilia , Smaoui Slim , Karray‐Rebai Ines , Bejar Samir , Mellouli Lotfi
Published: May 2008

Study of the influence of different concentrations of glucose, as carbon source, and magnesium, as chemical additive, on production by the Streptomyces sp. US80 strain of the three antifungal molecules (irumamycin, X‐14952 B and 17‐hydroxy‐venturicidin A) showed that the highest antifungal activity was obtained at 5 g/L and 3.5 mM for glucose and magnesium, respectively. Environmental factors for maximum antifungal activity production are: temperature of growth 30°C, pH 7, incubation time 72 h and agitation rate of 200 rpm. To further enhance the production of the three antifungal compounds, which possess a real potential application in the agriculture domain, and to explore the possibility of obtaining other active molecules from the Streptomyces sp. US80, we investigated the effect of the addition of heat‐killed fungi to the culture media. Biochemical, microbiological and spectroscopic studies of the cultures of the Streptomyces sp. US80 strain in absence (control) and in presence of heat‐killed fungus cells indicate an increase of 70% in the production of the three antifungal molecules, compared to the control culture.
Prevention of radial artery occlusion—Patent hemostasis evaluation trial (PROPHET study): A randomized comparison of traditional versus patency documented hemostasis after transradial catheterization
Authors: Pancholy Samir , Coppola John , Patel Tejas , Roke‐Thomas Marie
Published: May 2008

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of hemostasis with patency in avoiding radial artery occlusion after transradial catheterization. Background: Radial artery occlusion is an infrequent but discouraging complication of transradial access. It is related to factors such as sheath to artery ratio and is less common in patients receiving heparin. Despite being clinically silent in most cases, it limits future transradial access. Patients and Methods: Four hundred thirty‐six consecutive patients undergoing transradial catheterization were prospectively enrolled in the study. Two hundred nineteen patients were randomized to group I, and underwent conventional pressure application for hemostasis. Two hundred seventeen patients were randomized to group II and underwent pressure application confirming radial artery patency using Barbeau's test. Radial artery patency was studied at 24 hr and 30 days using Barbeau's test. Results: Thirty‐eight patients had evidence of radial artery occlusion at 24 hr. Twenty patients had persistent evidence of radial artery occlusion at 1 month. Group II, with documented patency during hemostatic compression, had a statistically and clinically lower incidence of radial artery occlusion (59% decrease at 24 hr and 75% decrease at 30 days, P < 0.05), compared with patients in group I. Low body weight patients were at significantly higher risk of radial artery occlusion. No procedural variables were found to be associated with radial artery occlusion. Conclusion: Patent hemostasis is highly effective in reducing radial artery occlusion after radial access and guided compression should be performed to maintain radial artery patency at the time of hemostasis, to prevent future radial artery occlusion. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reversible Transitions between Peptide Nanotubes and Vesicle‐Like Structures Including Theoretical Modeling Studies
Authors: Yan Xuehai , Cui Yue , He Qiang , Wang Kewei , Li Junbai , Mu Weihua , Wang Bolin , Ou‐yang Zhong‐can
Published: May 2008

Peptide‐based self‐assembling systems are increasingly attractive because of their wide range of applications in different fields. Peptide nanostructures are flexible with changes in the ambient conditions. Herein, a reversible shape transition between self‐assembled dipeptide nanotubes (DPNTs) and vesicle‐like structures is observed upon a change in the peptide concentration. SEM, TEM, AFM, and CD spectroscopy were used to follow this transition process. We show that dilution of a peptide‐nanotube dispersion solution results in the formation of vesicle‐like structures, which can then be reassembled into the nanotubes by concentrating the solution. A theoretical model describing this shape‐transition phenomenon is presented to propose ways to engineer assembling molecules in order to devise other systems in which the morphology can be tuned on demand.
Live‐cell analysis of mitotic spindle formation in taxol‐treated cells
Authors: Hornick Jessica E. , Bader Jason R. , Tribble Emily K. , Trimble Kayleigh , Breunig J. Scott , Halpin Elizabeth S. , Vaughan Kevin T. , Hinchcliffe Edward H.
Published: May 2008

Taxol functions to suppress the dynamic behavior of individual microtubules, and induces multipolar mitotic spindles. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which taxol disrupts normal bipolar spindle assembly in vivo. Using live imaging of GFP‐α tubulin expressing cells, we examined spindle assembly after taxol treatment. We find that as taxol‐treated cells enter mitosis, there is a dramatic re‐distribution of the microtubule network from the centrosomes to the cell cortex. As they align there, the cortical microtubules recruit NuMA to their embedded ends, followed by the kinesin motor HSET. These cortical microtubules then bud off to form cytasters, which fuse into multipolar spindles. Cytoplasmic dynein and dynactin do not re‐localize to cortical microtubules, and disruption of dynein/dynactin interactions by over‐expression of p50 “dynamitin” does not prevent cytaster formation. Taxol added well before spindle poles begin to form induces multipolarity, but taxol added after nascent spindle poles are visible—but before NEB is complete—results in bipolar spindles. Our results suggest that taxol prevents rapid transport of key components, such as NuMA, to the nascent spindle poles. The net result is loss of mitotic spindle pole cohesion, microtubule re‐distribution, and cytaster formation. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental and comparative aspects of posterior medial thalamocortical innervation of the barrel cortex in mice and rats
Authors: Kichula Elizabeth A. , Huntley George W.
Published: May 2008

The thalamocortical projection to the rodent barrel cortex consists of inputs from the ventral posterior medial (VPM) and posterior medial (POm) nuclei that terminate in largely non‐overlapping territories in and outside of layer IV. This projection in both rats and mice has been used extensively to study development and plasticity of highly organized synaptic circuits. Whereas the VPM pathway has been well characterized in both rats and mice, organization of the POm pathway has only been described in rats, and no studies have focused exclusively on the development of the POm projection. Here, using transport of Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA‐L) or carbocyanine dyes, we characterize the POm thalamocortical innervation of adult mouse barrel cortex and describe its early postnatal development in both mice and rats. In adult mice, POm inputs form a dense plexus in layer Va that extends uniformly underneath layer IV barrels and septa. Innervation of layer IV is very sparse; a clear septal innervation pattern is evident only at the layer IV/Va border. This pattern differs subtly from that described previously in rats. Developmentally, in both species, POm axons are present in barrel cortex at birth. In mice, they occupy layer IV as it differentiates, whereas in rats, POm axons do not enter layer IV until 1–2 days after its emergence from the cortical plate. In both species, arbors undergo progressive and directed growth. However, no layer IV septal innervation pattern emerges until several days after the cytoarchitectonic appearance of barrels and well after the emergence of whisker‐related clusters of VPM thalamocortical axons. The mature pattern resolves earlier in rats than in mice. Taken together, these data reveal anatomical differences between mice and rats in the development and organization of POm inputs to barrel cortex, with implications for species differences in the nature and plasticity of lemniscal and paralemniscal information processing. J. Comp. Neurol. 509:239–258, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CD4+ T‐lymphocyte enumeration with a flow‐rate based method in three flow cytometers with different years in service
Authors: Pattanapanyasat Kovit , Chimma Pattamawan , Sratongno Panudda , Lerdwana Surada
Published: May 2008

Background

CD4+ T‐lymphocyte count remains the most important surrogate marker for management of HIV patients in resource‐poor countries. The standard single‐platform (SP) bead‐based flow cytometric method for CD4+ testing is expensive; more affordable methods are needed. We evaluated the SP flow‐rate‐based calibration method for determining CD4+ counts, using three flow cytometers of varying ages.

Methods

CD4+ counts from 103 HIV‐1 infected Thai patients were determined using a SP flow‐rate method in flow cytometers with 2, 12, and 16 years of service. Results were compared to the bead‐based method. Correlation and agreement were analyzed using linear regression and Bland‐Altman analysis.

Results

Counts obtained from the flow‐rate approach in each flow cytometer showed strong correlation with the bead‐based method (R2 = 0.97, 0.97, and 0.96 for the 2‐, 12‐, and 16‐year‐old flow cytometers). The mean biases for the flow‐rate approach compared with the bead‐based method were +32.4 cells/μL (limit of agreement (LOA): −83.0 to +147.8 cells/μL), −28.8 cells/μL (LOA: −131.6 to +74.1 cells/μL), and −27.0 cells/μL (LOA: −149.4 to +95.4 cells/μL).

Conclusion

The flow‐rate approach is reliable for determining CD4+ counts. Results do not vary by age of flow cytometer. This approach provides a cost‐effective alternative for HIV patient monitoring in resource‐poor settings. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society
Libraries of Bidentate Phosphorus Ligands; Synthesis Strategies and Application in Catalysis
Authors: Goudriaan P. Elsbeth , van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M. , Birkholz Mandy‐Nicole , Reek Joost N. H.
Published: May 2008

Combinatorial chemistry in combination with high‐throughput screening technologies is an important way of finding new successful catalyst systems. The design of ligand libraries of bidentate phosphorus ligands and the application of their transition‐metal complexes in homogeneous (asymmetric) catalysis reactions will be described in this review. Till now three different approaches were developed to arrive at such libraries of bidentate phosphorus ligands: 1) modular synthesis of bidentate ligands 2) the solid support synthesis of bidentate ligands and 3) the self‐assembly of ligand building blocks into bidentate ligands. The scope and limitations of these strategies will be discussed on the basis of a limited number of articles that dealt with the synthesis of at least 15 bidentate phosphorus ligands. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Quaterpyridine Ligands Forming Helical Complexes of Mono‐ and Dinuclear (Helicate) Forms
Authors: Stefankiewicz Artur R. , Wałęsa Monika , Jankowski Piotr , Ciesielski Artur , Patroniak Violetta , Kubicki Maciej , Hnatejko Zbigniew , Harrowfield Jack M. , Lehn Jean‐Marie
Published: May 2008

The dimethylquaterpyridine ligand L1 reacts with CuI and AgI to give dinuclear complexes of “helicate” form, in which the metals are in an approximate tetrahedral coordination, whereas reactions with CoII and ZnII provide mononuclear complexes, in which the metals are apparently six‐coordinate with markedly distorted octahedral coordination, and the ligand retains a helical conformation. Oxidation of the methyl substituents of L1 into carboxylic acid groups, followed by esterification, gives ligand L2, which also forms a dinuclear CuI helicate and a mononuclear CoII complex; one of the ester groups appears to be involved in complexation in the latter. All the complexes were characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray structure determinations.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis and Characterization of Acetonitrile‐Ligated Transition‐Metal Complexes with Tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate as Counteranions
Authors: Hijazi Ahmed K. , Al Hmaideen Akef , Syukri Syukri , Radhakrishnan Narayanan , Herdtweck Eberhardt , Voit Brigitte , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: May 2008

Complexes with the general formula [MII(NCCH3)6][TPFB]2 [M = Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, (TPFB)– = tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate] were synthesized and characterized both in the solid state and in solution. According to the spectroscopic data, [TPFB] can be considered as a truly noncoordinating anion. The NCCH3 ligands are lost if the samples are kept at room temperature for extended periods of time. Thermolysis leads to the loss of the NCCH3 ligands and decomposition of the anion above 100 °C with the formation of MF2. It has to be noted that distortion of the geometries of the CuII, ZnII and CrII complexes occurs, as evidenced by infrared spectroscopy. The complexes can be easily prepared and obtained in high yields and are moderately sensitive to air. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Redox‐Controlled Fluorescence Modulation in a BODIPY‐Quinone Dyad (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 16/2008)
Authors: Benniston Andrew C. , Copley Graeme , Elliott Kristopher J. , Harrington Ross W. , Clegg William
Published: May 2008

The cover picture shows the chemically induced reversible cycling of a BODIPY‐based dyad from the dark quinone state to the highly emissive hydroquinone form. The change in luminescence intensity can be readily seen by the eye. The phenylene spacer between the BODIPY and the redox‐active units is essential to the operation of the molecular dyads. Without this group, the fluorescence from the BODIPY group is quenched in both the quinone and hydroquinone forms. The reason for the difference in behaviour is discussed in the article by A. C. Benniston et al. on p. 2705 ff, along with the full details of the synthesis, structural, and sensing capabilities of the molecular systems. The authors thank the EPSRC for financial support of the work.
Association between mitochondrial DNA copy number, blood cell counts, and occupational benzene exposure
Authors: Shen Min , Zhang Luoping , Bonner Matthew R. , Liu Chin‐San , Li Guilan , Vermeulen Roel , Dosemeci Mustafa , Yin Songnian , Lan Qing
Published: May 2008

Benzene is a recognized hematotoxicant and carcinogen that produces genotoxic damage. Benzene metabolites can produce reactive oxidative species. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number may be increased in response to oxidative stress to compensate for damaged mitochondria. We carried out a cross‐sectional study of 40 benzene‐exposed workers and 40 controls to evaluate the association between benzene exposure and mtDNA copy number. Copy number of mtDNA in leukocyte DNA was determined by real‐time PCR. Compared with controls, the copy number of mtDNA increased by 4% and by 15% in workers exposed to ≤10 ppm (n = 20) and >10 ppm (n = 20) benzene, respectively. After adjusting for recent infection, the factor that was significantly correlated with mtDNA, the increase of mtDNA was statistically significant in the high exposed group (P = 0.016) with a significant linear trend (P = 0.024). To our best knowledge, this is the first report that benzene exposure was associated with increased mitochondria DNA copy number. Benzene exposure may induce mtDNA amplification, possibly in response to oxidative stress caused by benzene. The finding needs to be replicated by other studies. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of debris flow: rheology and two‐phase modelling
Authors: Mambretti Stefano , Larcan Enrico , De Wrachien Daniele
Published: May 2008

To predict debris flow dynamics a numerical model, based on 1D De Saint Venant (SV) equations, was developed. The McCormack–Jameson shock capturing scheme was employed for the solution of the equations, written in a conservative law form. This technique was applied to determine both the propagation and the profile of a two‐phase debris flow resulting from the instantaneous and complete collapse of a storage dam.

To validate the model, comparisons have been made between its predictions and laboratory measurements concerning flows of water and homogeneous granular mixtures in a uniform geometry flume reproducing dam‐break waves. Agreement between computational and experimental results is considered very satisfactory for mature (non‐stratified) debris flows, which embrace most real cases. To better predict immature (stratified) flows, the model should be improved in order to feature, in a more realistic way, the distribution of the particles of different size within the mixture.

On the whole, the proposed model can easily be extended to channels with arbitrary cross sections for debris flow routing, as well as for solving different problems of unsteady flow in open channels by incorporating the appropriate initial and boundary conditions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A role for neuroglobin: Resetting the trigger level for apoptosis in neuronal and retinal cells
Authors: Fago Angela , Mathews Antony J. , Brittain Thomas
Published: May 2008

We propose a new hypothesis for the molecular mechanism by which neuroglobin exerts its protective effect in hypoxia‐induced cell death. Our recent observation of a very rapid electron‐transfer reaction between ferrous neuroglobin and ferric cytochrome c is central to this hypothesis. In contrast to previously suggested roles for neuroglobin, related to its putative but unlikely oxygen storage/transport properties or its ability to react with nitrogen oxides, we suggest that ferrous neuroglobin exerts its protective effect via modulation of the early events in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. We suggest this is achieved by the rapid reduction of cytosolic ferric cytochrome c by neuroglobin. The maintenance of cytochrome c in the nonapoptotic ferrous oxidation state and the concomitant generation of ferric neuroglobin in this reaction fit well with known feedback processes in the early events of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Our hypothesis also fits well with a number of previously uncorrelated findings, including the localization of neuroglobin in close proximity to mitochondria, the high concentration of neuroglobin in cells whose basal rates of aerobic metabolism are extremely high, and the cell types which are subject to large calcium ion fluxes in their normal physiology. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(6): 398–401, 2008
The mitochondrial gateway to cell death
Authors: Smith Danielle J. , Ng Heling , Kluck Ruth M. , Nagley Phillip
Published: May 2008

Mitochondria play a key role in death signaling. The intermembrane space of these organelles contains a number of proteins which promote cell death once they are redistributed to the cytosol. The formation of pores in the outer membrane of mitochondria defines a gateway through which the apoptogenic proteins pass during death signaling. Interactions between pro‐apoptotic and pro‐survival members of the Bcl‐2 family of proteins are decisive in the initiation of pore opening. While the specific composition of the pore in molecular terms is still subject to debate and continuing investigation, it is recognized functionally as a passive channel which not only allows egress of proteins to cytosol but also entry in the reverse direction. A variety of constraints may restrict the release of proteins from the intermembrane space to the cytosol. These include trapping in the intercristal spaces formed by the convoluted invaginations of the inner membrane, binding of proteins to the inner membrane or to other soluble proteins of the intermembrane space, or insertion of proteins into the inner membrane. There is a corresponding variety of mechanisms that facilitate release of apoptogenic proteins from such entrapment. Morphological changes that expand the inner membrane enable proteins to be released from enclosure in intercristal spaces, allowing these proteins access to the mitochondrial gateway. Specific cases include cytochrome c molecules bound to inner membrane cardiolipin and released upon oxidation of that lipid component. Further, AIF that is embedded in the inner membrane is released by proteases (caspases or calpains), which enter from the cytosol once the outer membrane pore has opened. The facilitation (or restriction) of apoptogenic protein release through the mitochondrial gateway may provide new opportunities for regulating cell death. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(6): 383–389, 2008.
Control of Polyaniline Particle Shapes
Authors: Jung Woo‐Hyuk , Lee Young Moo , Jo Nam‐Ju , Lee Jang‐Oo
Published: May 2008

Needle‐like poly(aniline p‐toluenesulfonic acid) complex aggregates were synthesized by oxidative polymerization, yielding conductivities of up to 3 S · cm−1 and maximum aspect ratios of 26. Rod‐like aggregates as precursors to be developed into needle‐like aggregates were obtained with 1 to 2 h APS addition time at 15 °C. Flake‐like polyanilines were prepared at −2 or +20 °C with 1.9 to 2.5 h of APS addition time, giving aspect ratios of 2 to 10. Plate‐like polyaniline aggregates emerged when xylene was added, and an optimum xylene concentration was 15 vol.‐%, giving 1.3 S · cm−1 conductivity. The polyanilines were characterized by optical microscopy, SEM and UV‐vis/NIR spectroscopy.

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