bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E-Cadherin Expression Is Regulated by miR-192/215 by a Mechanism That Is Independent of the Profibrotic Effects of Transforming Growth Factor-β
Authors: Wang Bo , Herman-Edelstein Michal , Koh Philip , Burns Wendy , Jandeleit-Dahm Karin , Watson Anna , Saleem Moin , Goodall Gregory J. , Twigg Stephen M. , Cooper Mark E. , Kantharidis Phillip
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE

Increased deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) within the kidney is driven by profibrotic mediators including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). We investigated whether some of their effects may be mediated through changes in expression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Proximal tubular cells, primary rat mesangial cells, and human podocytes were analyzed for changes in the expression of key genes, ECM proteins, and miRNA after exposure to TGF-β (1–10 ng/μl). Tubular cells were also infected with CTGF-adenovirus. Kidneys from diabetic apoE mice were also analyzed for changes in gene expression and miRNA levels.

RESULTS

TGF-β treatment was associated with morphologic and phenotypic changes typical of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) including increased fibrogenesis in all renal cell types and decreased E-cadherin expression in tubular cells. TGF-β treatment also modulated the expression of certain miRNAs, including decreased expression of miR-192/215 in tubular cells, mesangial cells, which are also decreased in diabetic kidney. Ectopic expression of miR-192/215 increased E-cadherin levels via repressed translation of ZEB2 mRNA, in the presence and absence of TGF-β, as demonstrated by a ZEB2 3′-untranslated region luciferase reporter assay. However, ectopic expression of miR-192/215 did not affect the expression of matrix proteins or their induction by TGF-β. In contrast, CTGF increased miR-192/215 levels, causing a decrease in ZEB2, and consequently increased E-cadherin mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate the linking role of miRNA-192/215 and ZEB2 in TGF-β/CTGF–mediated changes in E-cadherin expression. These changes appear to occur independently of augmentation of matrix protein synthesis, suggesting that a multistep EMT program is not necessary for fibrogenesis to occur.
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention: A Review
Authors: Ahmad Leena A. , Crandall Jill P.
Published: April 2010

IN BRIEF

This review offers a discussion of various strategies for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. It includes results from recent clinical trials targeting patients who are at highest risk for the development of diabetes, with a particular emphasis on lifestyle modification strategies and the implementation of such programs in community-based settings.
Evaluation of topical application of 10% imidacloprid–1% moxidectin to prevent Bartonella henselae transmission from cat fleas
Authors: Bradbury Christina A. , Lappin Michael R.
Published: April 2010

Objective—To determine whether monthly topical administration of a combination of 10% imidacloprid and 1% moxidectin would lessen flea (Ctenocephalides felis) transmission of Bartonella henselae among cats.

Design—Controlled trial.

Animals—18 specific pathogen–free cats housed in 3 groups of 6.

Procedures—3 enclosures were separated by mesh to allow fleas to pass among groups yet prevent cats from contacting one another. One group was inoculated IV with B henselae, and after infection was confirmed, the cats were housed in the middle enclosure. This infected group was flanked by a group that was treated topically with 10% imidacloprid–1% moxidectin monthly for 3 months and by an untreated group. On days 0, 15, 28, and 42, 100 fleas/cat were placed on each of the 6 cats in the B henselae–infected group. Blood samples were collected from all cats weekly for detection of Bartonella spp via PCR assay, bacterial culture, and serologic assay.

Results—B henselae infection was confirmed in the cats infected IV and in all untreated cats after flea exposure; none of the cats treated with the imidacloprid-moxidectin combination became infected.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In this setting, monthly topical administration of 10% imidacloprid–1% moxidectin reduced flea infestation, compared with infestation in untreated cats, and thus prevented flea transmission of B henselae to treated cats. Regular monthly use of this flea control product in cats may lessen the likelihood of humans acquiring B henselae infection.
Comparison of urine dipstick, sulfosalicylic acid, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, and species-specific ELISA methods for detection of albumin in urine samples of cats and dogs
Authors: Lyon Shane D. , Sanderson Michael W. , Vaden Shelly L. , Lappin Michael R. , Jensen Wayne A. , Grauer Gregory F.
Published: April 2010

Objective—To evaluate the use of dipstick, sulfosalicylic acid (SSA), and urine protein-tocreatinine ratio (UP:C) methods for use in detection of canine and feline albuminuria.

Design—Evaluation study.

Sample Population—599 canine and 347 feline urine samples.

Procedures—Urine was analyzed by use of dipstick, SSA, and UP:C methods; results were compared with those for a species-specific ELISA to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value, and positive and negative likelihood ratios.

Results—Positive results for dipstick and SSA tests (trace reaction or greater) in canine urine had moderate specificity (dipstick, 81.2%; SSA, 73.3%) and poor PPV (dipstick, 34.0%; SSA, 41.8%). Values improved when stronger positive results (≥ 2+) for the dipstick and SSA tests were compared with ELISA results (specificity, 98.9% and 99.0% for the urine dipstick and SSA tests, respectively; PPV, 90.7% and 90.2% for the dipstick and SSA tests, respectively). Data obtained for cats revealed poor specificity (dipstick, 11.0%; SSA, 25.4%) and PPV (dipstick, 55.6%; SSA, 46.9%). Values improved slightly when stronger positive test results (≥ 2+) were used (specificity, 80.0% and 94.2% for the dipstick and SSA tests, respectively; PPV, 63.5% and 65.2% for the dipstick and SSA tests, respectively). The UP:C had high specificity for albuminuria in dogs and cats (99.7% and 99.2%, respectively) but low sensitivity (28.7% and 2.0%, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Caution should be used when interpreting a positive test result of a dipstick or SSA test for canine or feline albuminuria.
Severity of patellar luxation and frequency of concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: 162 cases (2004–2007)
Authors: Campbell Courtney A. , Horstman Christopher L. , Mason David R. , Evans Richard B.
Published: April 2010

Objective—To evaluate severity of medial patellar luxation (MPL) and frequency of concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—162 dogs (266 stifle joints).

Procedures—Medical records of 162 small-breed dogs with MPL were reviewed. Signalment, body weight, luxation grade, bilateral or unilateral MPL, CCLR, and difference in luxation grades between stifle joints were evaluated. Association between severity of MPL and CCLR was investigated.

Results—58 dogs had unilateral MPL, and 104 dogs had bilateral MPL. Dogs ranged from 8.4 months to 16.7 years of age (mean, 5.7 years), and mean body weight was 5.45 kg (12 lb). Forty-one percent of all dogs had concomitant CCLR. Mean age for dogs with MPL alone was 3.0 years, which differed significantly from mean age of dogs with MPL and concomitant CCLR (7.8 years). Dogs with grade IV MPL were significantly more likely to have concomitant CCLR than were dogs with any other grade of MPL. In dogs with bilateral MPL and unilateral CCLR, there was a significantly higher grade of luxation in the stifle joint with CCLR.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Small-breed dogs with MPL and concomitant CCLR were older than were dogs with only MPL. Dogs with grade IV MPL were more likely to have CCLR than were dogs with other grades of MPL. Most dogs with concomitant CCLR had a higher MPL grade in the affected stifle joint than in the intact joint. These findings should be beneficial in client education and clinical diagnosis.
The effects of immunosuppressive agents on inflammatory response in septic rats
Authors: Filiz Ali , Ozturk Ahmet , Kurt Yavuz , Sucullu Ilker , Akin Mehmet , Yildiz Mehmet
Published: April 2010

Sepsis remains a serious clinical problems resulting in high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate the inflammatory response in a septic rat model treated with immunomodulator agents. We used the cecal ligature and puncture model to establish septic peritonitis in rats. Male Wistar-Albino rats were randomized into groups of seven rats each and assigned different regimens: Tacrolimus 1 mg/kg/day, cyclosporin-A 5 mg/kg/day and methylprednisolone 15 mg/kg/day. These immunsuppressive agents were applied at the 6 and 48 hour intraperitoneally. The animals were euthanized after 6 and 48 hours and systemic parameters including, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-a, CRP, AST and creatinine were examined. Our study demonstrated that the experimental peritonitis model caused a meaningful rise in the values of systemic parameters. This was especially apparent for early-applied cyclosporin A; in addition, tacrolimus significantly decreased the levels both at the 6 and 48 hour. The excess immune response in complex sepsis treatment might be restrained using immunosuppressive agents administered early. Although additional supportive, comprehensive, experimental and clinical studies are still needed, this therapy model may prove to be an alternative for the future.
Remarks on the taking and recording of biometric measurements in bird ringing
Authors: Morgan John
Published: April 2010

Remarks on the taking and recording of biometric measurements in bird ringing

Ringing operations hold opportunities for introducing error into biometric recording. This situation needs to be addressed by field workers, data processors and archivists. Avoidable error may be systematic and/or random, and adds "noise" to random error from natural variation. Handling techniques and measuring equipment are responsible for introducing systematic errors in fieldwork. This aspect requires an increased level of professionalism among ringers to correct it. Analysis of data can induce further random error, e.g. when generating indices from measurements. Analysts also need to be aware of pitfalls inherent in field data, especially that collected historically.
Speed of autumn migration of the Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus) along the eastern and southern Baltic coast
Authors: Nowakowski Jarosław , Chruściel Jacek
Published: April 2010

Speed of autumn migration of the Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus) along the eastern and southern Baltic coast

An analysis of the speed of autumn migration was based on 315 ringing recoveries of Blue Tits caught between 1963-1999 at 6 ringing stations along the south-eastern and southern Baltic coast. It was found that among passerines the Blue Tit is the slowest European migrant (median value - 25.8 km/day, average - 28.4 km/day), with a very low (intra- and interpopulation) variation of migration speed. No differences in migration speed were found between individuals of different age and sex and among years of different intensities of movements. The migration speeds of the Blue Tit and the Great Tit (Parus major) in different years correlated.
A comparison of the Emlen funnel and Busse's flat cage for orientation studies
Authors: Ożarowska Agnieszka , Yosef Reuven
Published: April 2010

A comparison of the Emlen funnel and Busse's flat cage for orientation studies

The Emlen funnel cage was introduced in 1966. Since then it has been used in numerous studies on bird orientation. In 1995, Busse proposed another technique - in the form of flat, round cylindrical cage. Busse also tested nocturnal migrants in the daytime. He, and Nowakowski and Malecka (1999), proved that birds tested in daylight and at night displayed similar distributions of their preferred directions. This study also supports their findings. Zehtindijev et al. (2003) found that results in the Emlen funnel and Busse's flat cage were coherent, despite the tests were performed in different conditions (night-day) and in different years. This study is the first one that compares results of the same individuals tested in the two types of orientation cages during the day (N = 75) and night (N = 17). Results of both methods did not differ (Watson-Williams test of mean angles, Mann-Whitney U-test of angular dispersion) both during the day and at night. Multiheading bird behaviour is common in both types of cages and seems to be a normal feature of orientation data. The only difference was found in bird activity (i.e. number of scratches during 10 minutes of testing) that was higher for Busse's flat cage in daytime tests.
Catch numbers at ringing stations is a reflection of bird migration intensity, as exemplified by autumn movements of the Great Tit (Parus major)
Authors: Nowakowski Jarosław
Published: April 2010

Catch numbers at ringing stations is a reflection of bird migration intensity, as exemplified by autumn movements of the Great Tit (Parus major)

Results from six ringing stations located along sea coast (maximally 517 km apart) were used to check if the method of catching birds in traps (mist-nets, heligoland) can be applied in analysing the real pattern of daily migrants migration. On the basis of catch dynamics of nearly 440 000 Great Tits, it was possible to demonstrate that the method of catching can be used successfully in studies of the daily passage of migrants, not only in order to probe the overall intensity of migration, but also to analyse migration routes and the influence of atmospheric conditions on birds' movements. It was found that migrating Great Tits cover the area uniformly, but atmospheric conditions disturb the passage.
Autumn migration of the Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) in western Hungary
Authors: Gyurácz József , Góczán József , Bánhidi Péter , Lepold Ágnes
Published: April 2010

Autumn migration of the Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) in western Hungary

At a site in Tömörd (W Hungary) in 2000-2001, numbers of Goldcrests peaked on the last days of October and the first days of November (24 Oct. - 10 Nov.). Migration of both sexes was somewhat differentiated - females migrated a little bit earlier than males. Goldcrests arriving in the peak migration periods stored significantly more fat than individuals ringed in the other periods (ANOVA: F4,305
= 28.6, p < 0.0001). The spatial occurrence of migrating Goldcrests revealed clumped distribution - 83% of the total captures took place in a dense scrubland, 17% in a grassland overgrown by bushes. During the migration there were more males - the average sex ratio in Tömörd was 1.61 : 1. These results are discussed in relation to the species' migration strategies and patterns of occurrence in northern Europe.
Stop-over of migrant Blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla) on autumn passage through the Polish Baltic coast
Authors: Kędzior Katarzyna
Published: April 2010

Stop-over of migrant Blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla) on autumn passage through the Polish Baltic coast

In this analysis, data on Blackcaps caught on autumn migration at the Operation Baltic stations: Bukowo-Kopań (54°28'N, 16°25'E) in 1984-1999 and Mierzeja Wiślana (54°21'N, 18°19'E) in 1982-1999 (in period: 14 August - 1 November) were used.

Total percentage of stopping-over (retrapped) Blackcaps was 11.6% at Mierzeja Wiślana and 7.9% at Bukowo-Kopań station. On average birds stayed longer at Mierzeja Wiślana (median - 5 days) than at Bukowo-Kopań (median - 4 days). Most probably, the Blackcap stop-over length and frequency depended on the food abundance in the area. Initial weight and fat load of birds retrapped later in the season were on average lower than of those caught only once, what suggests that birds stop-over to replenish their energy deficits. Weight and fat changes were influenced by the stop-over length. Individuals that left early, i.e. 1-2 days after ringing, not only did not gain energy, but also lost the reserves they had on their arrival. As the season progressed, birds tended to stop-over for a shorter time. The density of individuals already present in the studied area did not affect the decision of migrating birds to stop-over.
Age-Related Hyperkyphosis: Its Causes, Consequences, and Management
Authors: Katzman Wendy B. , Wanek Linda , Shepherd John A. , Sellmeyer Deborah E.
Published: April 2010

Synopsis

Age-related hyperkyphosis is an exaggerated anterior curvature in the thoracic spine that occurs commonly with advanced age. This condition is associated with low bone mass, vertebral compression fractures, and degenerative disc disease, and contributes to difficulty performing activities of daily living and decline in physical performance. While there are effective treatments, currently there are no public health approaches to prevent hyperkyphosis among older adults. Our objective is to review the prevalence and natural history of hyperkyphosis, associated health implications, measurement tools, and treatments to prevent this debilitating condition.

Level of Evidence

Diagnosis/prognosis/therapy, level 5. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(6):352–360.doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3099
Seasonal Employment in Canada: Its Decline and its Persistence
Authors: Gray David M. , McDonald J. Ted
Published: April 2010

We exploit micro, longitudinal data in order to analyze the strong downward trend in seasonal employment that has been observed in Canada in recent decades. After controlling for compositional effects, we examine the extent to which the overall trend can be attributed to three potential factors: the reforms that were implemented to the unemployment insurance/employment insurance (UI/EI) program in the mid-1990s, changes in production and employment patterns within industries, and changes in the incidence of seasonal employment among less-educated workers. We also examine a dynamic aspect of seasonal unemployment, namely the degree of persistence of seasonal work.
Earnings Gaps for Canadian-Born Visible Minorities in the Public and Private Sectors
Authors: Hou Feng , Coulombe Simon
Published: April 2010

This study examines earnings gaps between Canadian-born visible minorities and Whites in the public and private sectors. Based on the 2006 census data, this study shows that visible minorities and Whites receive similar pay for similar jobs in the public sector. By contrast, in the private sector visible minority men earn significantly less than observationally comparable Whites. Among large visible minority groups, Black men face a large earnings gap in the private sector while Black women face a large gap in both the public and private sectors. For Chinese and South Asians, small gaps in adjusted earnings exist only among men in the private sector.
Accountability and Funding as Impediments to Social Policy Innovation: Lessons from the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Graefe Peter , Levesque Mario
Published: April 2010

Social policy innovation in Canada remains stunted despite recent attempts at social policy renewal via intergovernmental agreements. The fusion of accountability and policy learning is typically blamed, yet this ignores other potential factors. This article examines the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities to highlight impediments to social program expansion and reform within governments as well as between governments, and how the design of recent agreements serves to reinforce those impediments. We find that the linkage of accountability and policy learning means that learning gets caught up in long-standing federal-provincial disputes over jurisdiction, and leads to a perverse form of learning. We also find significant barriers to innovation in the nature of federal government funding, which provides neither incentives for “have provinces” to expand their programming nor sufficient funds for “have not” provinces to successfully transform their programs.
Kant, International Law, and the Problem of Humanitarian Intervention
Authors: Franceschet Antonio
Published: April 2010

International law has one principal mechanism for settling the legality of humanitarian interventions, the United Nations Security Council's power to authorise coercion. However, this is hardly satisfactory in practice and has failed to provide a more secure juridical basis for determining significant conflicts among states over when humanitarian force is justified. This article argues that, in spite of Immanuel Kant's limited analysis of intervention, and his silence on humanitarian intervention, his political theory provides the elements of a compelling analysis on this topic. Five components of Kant's roadmap towards perpetual peace and an eventual world republic give conditional support for humanitarian intervention even in imperfect juridical conditions. This support is conditional on the achievement of juridical progress within and among states and has implications for the development of cosmopolitan citizenship. From Kant we learn that, ultimately, humanitarian intervention should become a matter of coercive law enforcement rather than an ethical question of ‘saving strangers’.
Transnationalism and Cosmopolitanism: Towards Global Citizenship?
Authors: Van Den Anker Christien
Published: April 2010

The concept of transnationalism, despite a variety of earlier uses, has recently been used to describe the sociological phenomenon of cross-border migrants considering more than one place ‘home’. This can be in terms of identity and belonging, cultural expression, family and other social ties, visits, financial flows, organising working life in more than one nation-state or transnational political projects. In this paper I discuss the theory and practice of transnationalism to assess the practical, explanatory and normative strength of the concept. I then introduce three different forms of cosmopolitan approaches and assess whether transnational migrants' practices contribute to a cosmopolitan outlook and active global citizenship. I show that the extent to which transnationalism contributes to various forms of global citizenship varies according to the different conceptualisations of transnationalism and cosmopolitanism. In conclusion I draw out the implications of these differences for the future protection of the rights of migrants.
Responsiveness of Urinary and Plasma Alkylresorcinol Metabolites to Rye Intake in Finnish Women
Authors: Aubertin-Leheudre Mylène , Koskela Anja , Samaletdin Adile , Adlercreutz Herman
Published: April 2010

Alkylresorcinols [ARs] have been proposed for use as biomarkers of whole-grain intake. The aim here was to examine the responsiveness of AR metabolites to rye intake. Sixty women were divided into three groups according to their rye consumption. We observed significant differences between groups in plasma 3-[3,5-dihydroxyphenyl]-1-propanoic acid [DHPPA] and in urinary DHPPA and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid [DHBA]. In addition, these AR metabolites increased proportionally to rye fiber intake. We conclude that these ARs metabolites are accurate and useful biomarkers of rye fiber intake. Further studies are needed to confirm our results in larger and different populations.
On the Problem of Formulating Principles in Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics
Authors: Županović Paško , Kuić Domagoj , Juretić Davor , Dobovišek Andrej
Published: April 2010

In this work, we consider the choice of a system suitable for the formulation of principles in nonequilibrium thermodynamics. It is argued that an isolated system is a much better candidate than a system in contact with a bath. In other words, relaxation processes rather than stationary processes are more appropriate for the formulation of principles in nonequilibrium thermodynamics. Arguing that slow varying relaxation can be described with quasi-stationary process, it is shown for two special cases, linear nonequilibrium thermodynamics and linearized Boltzmann equation, that solutions of these problems are in accordance with the maximum entropy production principle.
Entropy of Bounding Tori
Authors: Katriel Jacob , Gilmore Robert
Published: April 2010

Branched manifolds that describe strange attractors in R3 can be enclosed in, and are organized by, canonical bounding tori. Tori of genus g are labeled by a symbol sequence, or “periodic orbit”, of period g-1. We show that the number of distinct canonical bounding tori grows exponentially like N(g) ~ eγ(g-1), with eγ = 3, so that the “bounding tori entropy” is log(3).
The Recursive Core for Non-Superadditive Games
Authors: Huang Chen-Ying , Sjöström Tomas
Published: April 2010

We study the recursive core introduced in Huang and Sjöström [8]. In general partition function form games, the recursive core coalition structure may be either coarser or finer than the one that maximizes the social surplus. Moreover, the recursive core structure is typically different from the one predicted by the α-core. We fully implement the recursive core for general games, including non-superadditive games where the grand coalition does not form in equilibrium. We do not put any restrictions, such as stationarity, on strategies.
Engineering Cofactor Preference of Ketone Reducing Biocatalysts: A Mutagenesis Study on a γ-Diketone Reductase from the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Serving as an Example
Authors: Katzberg Michael , Skorupa-Parachin Nàdia , Gorwa-Grauslund Marie-Françoise , Bertau Martin
Published: April 2010

The synthesis of pharmaceuticals and catalysts more and more relies on enantiopure chiral building blocks. These can be produced in an environmentally benign and efficient way via bioreduction of prochiral ketones catalyzed by dehydrogenases. A productive source of these biocatalysts is the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whose genome also encodes a reductase catalyzing the sequential reduction of the γ-diketone 2,5-hexanedione furnishing the diol (2S,5S)-hexanediol and the γ-hydroxyketone (5S)-hydroxy-2-hexanone in high enantio- as well as diastereoselectivity (ee and de >99.5%). This enzyme prefers NADPH as the hydrogen donating cofactor. As NADH is more stable and cheaper than NADPH it would be more effective if NADH could be used in cell-free bioreduction systems. To achieve this, the cofactor binding site of the dehydrogenase was altered by site-directed mutagenesis. The results show that the rational approach based on a homology model of the enzyme allowed us to generate a mutant enzyme having a relaxed cofactor preference and thus is able to use both NADPH and NADH. Results obtained from other mutants are discussed and point towards the limits of rationally designed mutants.
Extraction of Biomolecules Using Phosphonium-Based Ionic Liquids + K3PO4 Aqueous Biphasic Systems
Authors: Louros Cláudia L. S. , Cláudio Ana Filipa M. , Neves Catarina M. S. S. , Freire Mara G. , Marrucho Isabel M. , Pauly Jérôme , Coutinho João A. P.
Published: April 2010

Aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) provide an alternative and efficient approach for the extraction, recovery and purification of biomolecules through their partitioning between two liquid aqueous phases. In this work, the ability of hydrophilic phosphonium-based ionic liquids (ILs) to form ABS with aqueous K3PO4 solutions was evaluated for the first time. Ternary phase diagrams, and respective tie-lines and tie-lines length, formed by distinct phosphonium-based ILs, water, and K3PO4 at 298 K, were measured and are reported. The studied phosphonium-based ILs have shown to be more effective in promoting ABS compared to the imidazolium-based counterparts with similar anions. Moreover, the extractive capability of such systems was assessed for distinct biomolecules (including amino acids, food colourants and alkaloids). Densities and viscosities of both aqueous phases, at the mass fraction compositions used for the biomolecules extraction, were also determined. The evaluated IL-based ABS have been shown to be prospective extraction media, particularly for hydrophobic biomolecules, with several advantages over conventional polymer-inorganic salt ABS.
Helicity Distributions of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Its Implication on the Growth Mechanism
Authors: Wijeratne Sithara S. , Harris Nolan C. , Kiang Ching-Hwa
Published: April 2010

Single-walled nanotubes (SWNT) have attracted significant attention because of the substance’s superior crystal quality, high thermal conductivity and current carrying capacity, thus emerging as an attractive material for nanoelectrics. To optimize the selection of SWNT structures in large-scale synthesis, an understanding of their growth mechanism is necessary. We report studies of the helicity distributions of SWNT using electron nanodiffraction. The overall statistical distribution of helicity has peaks at 0° and 30°. The peak evident at 0° was found to be a sharp local maximum, while the peak at 30° was broader. We also found that the helicity distribution varies from region to region of micrometer size. This observation indicates that local environment affects nanotube growth, resulting in different structural distributions.
Heat Transfer and Geometrical Analysis of Thermoelectric Converters Driven by Concentrated Solar Radiation
Authors: Suter Clemens , Tomeš Petr , Weidenkaff Anke , Steinfeld Aldo
Published: April 2010

A heat transfer model that couples radiation/conduction/convection heat transfer with electrical potential distribution is developed for a thermoelectric converter (TEC) subjected to concentrated solar radiation. The 4-leg TEC module consists of two pairs of p-type La1.98Sr0.02CuO4 and n-type CaMn0.98Nb0.02O3 legs that are sandwiched between two ceramic Al2O3 hot/cold plates and connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel. The governing equations for heat transfer and electrical potential are formulated, discretized and solved numerically by applying the finite volume (FV) method. The model is validated in terms of experimentally measured temperatures and voltages/power using a set of TEC demonstrator modules, subjected to a peak radiative flux intensity of 300 suns. The heat transfer model is then applied to examine the effect of the geometrical parameters (e.g. length/width of legs) on the solar-to-electricity energy conversion efficiency.
Development and Evaluation of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Hydrogels as an Artificial Atrticular Cartilage for Orthopedic Implants
Authors: Kobayashi Masanori , Hyu Hyon Suong
Published: April 2010

Due to its excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties, various different applications of polyvinyl alcohol-hydrogels (PVA-H) has been attempted in many fields. In the field of orthopedic surgery, we have been engaged for long time in research on the clinical applications of PVA-H as a artificial cartilage, and have performed many basic experiments on the mechanical properties, synthesis of PVA-H, and developed orthopedic implants using PVA-H. From these studies, many applications of artificial articular cartilage, intervertbral disc and artificial meniscus etc. have been developed. This review will present the overview of the applications and recent advances of PVA-H cartilages, and discuss clinical potential of PVA-H for orthopedics implant.
Oligomers and Polymers Based on Pentacene Building Blocks
Authors: Lehnherr Dan , Tykwinski Rik R.
Published: April 2010

Functionalized pentacene derivatives continue to provide unique materials for organic semiconductor applications. Although oligomers and polymers based on pentacene building blocks remain quite rare, recent synthetic achievements have provided a number of examples with varied structural motifs. This review highlights recent work in this area and, when possible, contrasts the properties of defined-length pentacene oligomers to those of mono- and polymeric systems.
Investigation of Pectenotoxin Profiles in the Yellow Sea (China) Using a Passive Sampling Technique
Authors: Li Zhaoxin , Mengmeng Guo , Shouguo Yang , Qingyin Wang , Zhijun Tan
Published: April 2010

Pectenotoxins (PTXs) are a group of lipophilic algal toxins. These toxins have been found in algae and shellfish from Japan, New Zealand, Ireland, Norway and Portugal. PTX profiles vary with geographic location of collection site. The aim of the present study was to investigate PTX profiles from the Yellow Sea, China. The sampling location was within an aquatic farm (N36°12.428´, E120°17.826´) near the coast of Qingdao, China, in the Yellow Sea from 28July to 29August 2006. PTXs in seawater were determined using a solid phase adsorption toxin tracking (SPATT) method. PTXs were analyzed by HPLC-MSMS. PTX-2, PTX-2 sec acid (PTX-2 SA) and 7-epi-PTX-2 SA were found in seawater samples. The highest levels of PTXs (107 ng/g of resin PTX-2, 50 ng/g of resin PTX-2 SA plus 7-epi-PTX-2 SA) in seawater were found on 1 August, 2006. From 1 August to 29 August, the levels of PTX-2 and PTX-2 SA decreased. In the same area, the marine algae, Dinophysis acuminata was found in the seawater in the summer months of 2006. This indicated that Dinophysis acuumuta might be the original source of PTXs. PTX-11 and PTX-12a/b were not found in seawater.
Reactivity Ratios for Organotin Copolymer Systems
Authors: El-Newehy Mohamed H. , Al-Deyab Salem S. , Al-Hazmi Ali Mohsen Ali
Published: April 2010

Di(tri-n-butyltin) itaconate (DTBTI) and monoethyl tributyltin fumarate (METBTF) were synthesized as organotin monomers. The organotin monomers were copolymerized with styrene (ST) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) via a free radical polymerization technique. The overall conversion was kept low (£15% wt/wt) for all studied samples and the copolymer composition was determined from tin analysis. The synthesized monomers and copolymers were characterized by elemental analysis, 1H- and 13C-NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy.
Ingested Type I Interferon—State of the Art as Treatment for Autoimmunity Part 2
Authors: Brod Staley A.
Published: April 2010

We have proposed a unifying hypothesis of the etiopathogenesis of autoimmunity that defines autoimmunity as a type I interferon (IFN) immunodeficiency syndrome. We have examined toxicity and potential efficacy in two phase I (type 1 diabetes [T1D], multiple sclerosis [MS]) and phase II clinical trials in T1D and MS. In a phase I open label trial in T1D, ingested IFN-alpha preserved residual beta-cell function in recent onset patients. In a second phase I trial in MS, there was a significant decrease in peripheral blood mononuclear cell IL-2 and IFN-gamma production after ingesting IFN-alpha. In a phase II randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in MS, 10,000 IU ingested IFN-alpha significantly decreased gadolinium enhancements compared to the placebo group at month 5. TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma cytokine secretion in the 10,000 IU group at month 5 showed a significant decrease that corresponded with the effect of ingested IFN-alpha on decreasing gadolinium enhancements. In a phase II randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in T1D, patients in the 5,000 unit hrIFN-alpha treatment group maintained more beta-cell function one year after study enrollment compared to individuals in the placebo group. Ingested IFN-alpha was not toxic in these clinical trials. These studies suggest that ingested IFN-alpha may have a potential role in the treatment of autoimmunity.
Alternative Sensor System and MLP Neural Network for Vehicle Pedal Activity Estimation
Authors: Wefky Ahmed M. , Espinosa Felipe , Jiménez José A. , Santiso Enrique , Rodríguez José M. , Fernández Alfredo J.
Published: April 2010

It is accepted that the activity of the vehicle pedals (i.e., throttle, brake, clutch) reflects the driver’s behavior, which is at least partially related to the fuel consumption and vehicle pollutant emissions. This paper presents a solution to estimate the driver activity regardless of the type, model, and year of fabrication of the vehicle. The solution is based on an alternative sensor system (regime engine, vehicle speed, frontal inclination and linear acceleration) that reflects the activity of the pedals in an indirect way, to estimate that activity by means of a multilayer perceptron neural network with a single hidden layer.
Optical Sensor for Characterizing the Phase Transition in Salted Solutions
Authors: Claverie Rémy , Fontana Marc D. , Duričković Ivana , Bourson Patrice , Marchetti Mario , Chassot Jean-Marie
Published: April 2010

We propose a new optical sensor to characterize the solid-liquid phase transition in salted solutions. The probe mainly consists of a Raman spectrometer that extracts the vibrational properties from the light scattered by the salty medium. The spectrum of the O-H stretching band was shown to be strongly affected by the introduction of NaCl and the temperature change as well. A parameter SD defined as the ratio of the integrated intensities of two parts of this band allows to study the temperature and concentration dependences of the phase transition. Then, an easy and efficient signal processing and the exploitation of a modified Boltzmann equation give information on the phase transition. Validations were done on solutions with varying concentration of NaCl.
Carbon Nanotube Integration with a CMOS Process
Authors: Perez Maximiliano S. , Lerner Betiana , Resasco Daniel E. , Obregon Pablo D. Pareja , Julian Pedro M. , Mandolesi Pablo S. , Buffa Fabian A. , Boselli Alfredo , Lamagna Alberto
Published: April 2010

This work shows the integration of a sensor based on carbon nanotubes using CMOS technology. A chip sensor (CS) was designed and manufactured using a 0.30 μm CMOS process, leaving a free window on the passivation layer that allowed the deposition of SWCNTs over the electrodes. We successfully investigated with the CS the effect of humidity and temperature on the electrical transport properties of SWCNTs. The possibility of a large scale integration of SWCNTs with CMOS process opens a new route in the design of more efficient, low cost sensors with high reproducibility in their manufacture.
Metal Oxide Sensors for Electronic Noses and Their Application to Food Analysis
Authors: Berna Amalia
Published: April 2010

Electronic noses (E-noses) use various types of electronic gas sensors that have partial specificity. This review focuses on commercial and experimental E-noses that use metal oxide semi-conductors. The review covers quality control applications to food and beverages, including determination of freshness and identification of contaminants or adulteration. Applications of E-noses to a wide range of foods and beverages are considered, including: meat, fish, grains, alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, fruits, milk and dairy products, olive oils, nuts, fresh vegetables and eggs.
The Sustainability of Organic Grain Production on the Canadian Prairies—A Review
Authors: Snyder Crystal , Spaner Dean
Published: April 2010

Demand for organically produced food products is increasing rapidly in North America, driven by a perception that organic agriculture results in fewer negative environmental impacts and yields greater benefits for human health than conventional systems. Despite the increasing interest in organic grain production on the Canadian Prairies, a number of challenges remain to be addressed to ensure its long-term sustainability. In this review, we summarize Western Canadian research into organic crop production and evaluate its agronomic, environmental, and economic sustainability.
Retroviruses and the Third Synapse
Authors: Sattentau Quentin J.
Published: April 2010

The direct movement of viruses between contacting cells as a mode of dissemination distinct from the release of cell-free virions was hinted at in pioneering experiments first reported almost eighty years ago [1], and confirmed and extended 30 years later [2,3]. This early work was carried out using the tools of the time in the absence of the modern cell biological, immunological and virological techniques available today. As such, although many of the basic concepts were established for cell-to-cell spread prior to the discovery of retroviruses, descriptions of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon were lacking. Papers from two decades ago revealed that HIV-1 could spread between cultured lymphocytes by cell-to-cell spread [4], proposed that this mechanism of dissemination was substantially more efficient than diffusion-limited spread of cell-free virions [5,6], and suggested that this might be a mechanism of evasion from antibody neutralization [4]. [...]
Glycosphingolipids as Receptors for Non-Enveloped Viruses
Authors: Taube Stefan , Jiang Mengxi , Wobus Christiane E.
Published: April 2010

Glycosphingolipids are ubiquitous molecules composed of a lipid and a carbohydrate moiety. Their main functions are as antigen/toxin receptors, in cell adhesion/recognition processes, or initiation/modulation of signal transduction pathways. Microbes take advantage of the different carbohydrate structures displayed on a specific cell surface for attachment during infection. For some viruses, such as the polyomaviruses, binding to gangliosides determines the internalization pathway into cells. For others, the interaction between microbe and carbohydrate can be a critical determinant for host susceptibility. In this review, we summarize the role of glycosphingolipids as receptors for members of the non-enveloped calici-, rota-, polyoma- and parvovirus families.
Evolution of floral morphology and pollination system in Bignonieae (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Alcantara Suzana , Lohmann Lúcia G.
Published: April 2010

The radiation of angiosperms is associated with shifts among pollination modes that are thought to have driven the diversification of floral forms. However, the exact sequence of evolutionary events that led to such great diversity in floral traits is unknown for most plant groups. Here, we characterize the patterns of evolution of individual floral traits and overall floral morphologies in the tribe Bignonieae (Bignoniaceae). We identified 12 discrete traits that are associated with seven floral types previously described for the group and used a penalized likelihood tree of the tribe to reconstruct the ancestral states of those traits at all nodes of the phylogeny of Bignonieae. In addition, evolutionary correlations among traits were conducted using a maximum likelihood approach to test whether the evolution of individual floral traits followed the correlated patterns of evolution expected under the “pollination syndrome” concept. The ancestral Bignonieae flower presented anAnemopaegma‐type morphology, which was followed by several parallel shifts in floral morphologies. Those shifts occurred through intermediate stages resulting in mixed floral morphologies as well as directly from theAnemopaegma‐type morphology to other floral types. Positive and negative evolutionary correlations among traits fit patterns expected under the pollination syndrome perspective, suggesting that interactions between Bignonieae flowers and pollinators likely played important roles in the diversification of the group as a whole.
Identity and genetic structure of the photobiont of the epiphytic lichen Ramalina menziesii on three oak species in southern California
Authors: Werth Silke , Sork Victoria L.
Published: April 2010

Lichens, a classic example of an obligate symbiosis between fungi and photobionts (which could be algae or cyanobacteria), are abundant in many terrestrial ecosystems. The genetic structure of the photobiont population found in association with a lichen‐forming fungal species could be affected by fungal reproductive mode and by the spatial extent of gene flow in the photobiont. Using DNA sequences from one nuclear ribosomal and two chloroplast loci, we analyzed the genetic structure of the photobiont associated with the fungus Ramalina menziesii at an oak woodland study site in southern California. We had previously shown that the fungus exhibited no genetic structure among four local sites or three phorophyte species. Our goals were to identify the photobiont species and assess its genetic structure. We found that R. menziesii was highly specific in its photobiont choice and associated with one alga, Trebouxia decolorans. In contrast to the fungal population, we found significant differentiation among the algae sampled on three oak species and little genetic structure among the sites for two of the three algal loci. We hypothesize that R. menziesii is locally adapted to the phorophyte species through habitat specialization in the algal partner of the symbiosis.
Development and multiplexing of microsatellite markers in the polyploid perennial herb, Menyanthes trifoliata (Menyanthaceae)
Authors: Raabová Jana , Hans Guillaume , Risterucci Ange‐Marie , Jacquemart Anne‐Laure , Raspé Olivier
Published: April 2010

• Premise of the study: We developed microsatellite primers to investigate genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the endangered herb Menyanthes trifoliata.

• Methods and Results: Using the microsatellite‐enriched library method, we identified 10 primer pairs in M. trifoliata. The primers amplified nine di‐ and one tri‐nucleotide repeats with 4–13 alleles per locus in two Belgian populations.

• Conclusions: The results indicate that these markers offer an appropriate amount of variation to investigate genetic diversity, pollen dispersal (through paternity inference), and other conservation issues.
Yodeling. A New Singing Style in Slovenia?
Authors: Marty Maša
Published: April 2010

Slovenska ljudska glasba ima mdr. tudi značilnosti alpskega kulturnega prostora, vendar je jodlanje, ki je tipičen način petja v večjem delu Alp, v preteklosti Slovenijo obšlo. Vsaj pisnih ali ustnih pričevanj (z nekaj izjemami na slovenskem Koroškem) o takšnem glasbenem izražanju, ni. Jodlanje so Slovenci začeli sprejemati šele v zadnjih desetletjih. Vse bolj postaja domač način petja v slovenski popularni glasbi. Razširilo se je s posredništvom radia, televizije, glasbenih plošč in v novi obliki se je razvilo tudi v okviru društvenega življenja. Jodlanje je stopilo na slovenske odre, ob vse večji popularnosti pa se vse bolj širi tudi v vsakdanje življenje.
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Slovenian folk music has the characteristics of the Alpine culture area but yodeling – a typical form of singing in the Alpine region – was not widespread in the past, and there is no any written document or any oral witness – with a few exceptions in Carinthia – of such manner of musical expression. The yodeling has been adopted by Slovenians during the last few decades. This manner of singing brought to Slovenia by radio, TV and records, is becoming more and more familiar in Slovenian popular music developing its new form within the sphere of social life. Yodeling has trodden the Slovenian stages and is gaining more and more popularity in everyday life.