bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inner centromere formation requires hMis14, a trident kinetochore protein that specifically recruits HP1 to human chromosomes
Authors: Kiyomitsu Tomomi , Iwasaki Osamu , Obuse Chikashi , Yanagida Mitsuhiro
Published: March 2010

Centromeric DNA forms two structures on the mitotic chromosome: the kinetochore, which interacts with kinetochore microtubules, and the inner centromere, which connects sister kinetochores. The assembly of the inner centromere is poorly understood. In this study, we show that the human Mis14 (hMis14; also called hNsl1 and DC8) subunit of the heterotetrameric hMis12 complex is involved in inner centromere architecture through a direct interaction with HP1 (heterochromatin protein 1), mediated via a PXVXL motif and a chromoshadow domain. We present evidence that the mitotic function of hMis14 and HP1 requires their functional association at interphase. Alterations in the hMis14 interaction with HP1 disrupt the inner centromere, characterized by the absence of hSgo1 (Shugoshin-like 1) and aurora B. The assembly of HP1 in the inner centromere and the localization of hMis14 at the kinetochore are mutually dependent in human chromosomes. hMis14, which contains a tripartite-binding domain for HP1 and two other kinetochore proteins, hMis13 and blinkin, is a cornerstone for the assembly of the inner centromere and kinetochore.
Targeting of drugs and nanoparticles to tumors
Authors: Ruoslahti Erkki , Bhatia Sangeeta N. , Sailor Michael J.
Published: March 2010

The various types of cells that comprise the tumor mass all carry molecular markers that are not expressed or are expressed at much lower levels in normal cells. These differentially expressed molecules can be used as docking sites to concentrate drug conjugates and nanoparticles at tumors. Specific markers in tumor vessels are particularly well suited for targeting because molecules at the surface of blood vessels are readily accessible to circulating compounds. The increased concentration of a drug in the site of disease made possible by targeted delivery can be used to increase efficacy, reduce side effects, or achieve some of both. We review the recent advances in this delivery approach with a focus on the use of molecular markers of tumor vasculature as the primary target and nanoparticles as the delivery vehicle.
Selective control of type I IFN induction by the Rac activator DOCK2 during TLR-mediated plasmacytoid dendritic cell activation
Authors: Gotoh Kazuhito , Tanaka Yoshihiko , Nishikimi Akihiko , Nakamura Risa , Yamada Hisakata , Maeda Naoyoshi , Ishikawa Takahiro , Hoshino Katsuaki , Uruno Takehito , Cao Qinhong , Higashi Sadayuki , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Enjoji Munechika , Takayanagi Ryoichi , Kaisho Tsuneyasu , Yoshikai Yasunobu , Fukui Yoshinori
Published: March 2010

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a key role in antiviral immunity, but also contribute to the pathogenesis of certain autoimmune diseases, by producing large amounts of type I IFNs. Although activation of pDCs is triggered by engagement of nucleotide-sensing toll-like receptors (TLR) 7 and 9, type I IFN induction additionally requires IκB kinase (IKK) α–dependent activation of IFN regulatory factor (IRF) 7. However, the signaling pathway mediating IKK-α activation is poorly defined. We show that DOCK2, an atypical Rac activator, is essential for TLR7- and TLR9-mediated IFN-α induction in pDCs. We found that the exposure of pDCs to nucleic acid ligands induces Rac activation through a TLR-independent and DOCK2-dependent mechanism. Although this Rac activation was dispensable for induction of inflammatory cytokines, phosphorylation of IKK-α and nuclear translocation of IRF-7 were impaired in Dock2-deficient pDCs, resulting in selective loss of IFN-α induction. Similar results were obtained when a dominant-negative Rac mutant was expressed in wild-type pDCs. Thus, the DOCK2–Rac signaling pathway acts in parallel with TLR engagement to control IKK-α activation for type I IFN induction. Owing to its hematopoietic cell-specific expression, DOCK2 may serve as a therapeutic target for type I IFN–related autoimmune diseases.
Photopigment quenching is Ca2+ dependent and controls response duration in salamander L-cone photoreceptors
Authors: Matthews Hugh R. , Sampath Alapakkam P.
Published: March 2010

The time scale of the photoresponse in photoreceptor cells is set by the slowest of the steps that quench the light-induced activity of the phototransduction cascade. In vertebrate photoreceptor cells, this rate-limiting reaction is thought to be either shutoff of catalytic activity in the photopigment or shutoff of the pigment's effector, the transducin-GTP–phosphodiesterase complex. In suction pipette recordings from isolated salamander L-cones, we found that preventing changes in internal [Ca2+] delayed the recovery of the light response and prolonged the dominant time constant for recovery. Evidence that the Ca2+-sensitive step involved the pigment itself was provided by the observation that removal of Cl− from the pigment's anion-binding site accelerated the dominant time constant for response recovery. Collectively, these observations indicate that in L-cones, unlike amphibian rods where the dominant time constant is insensitive to [Ca2+], pigment quenching rate limits recovery and provides an additional mechanism for modulating the cone response during light adaptation.
A new proof of Gromov’s theorem on groups of polynomial growth
Authors: Kleiner Bruce
Published: March 2010

We give a new proof of Gromov’s theorem that any finitely generated group of polynomial growth has a finite index nilpotent subgroup. The proof does not rely on the Montgomery-Zippin-Yamabe structure theory of locally compact groups.
Essential 𝑝-dimension of 𝐏𝐆𝐋(𝐩²)
Authors: Merkurjev Alexander
Published: March 2010

Letppbe a prime integer andFFa field of characteristic different frompp. We prove that the essentialpp-dimension of the groupPGLF⁡(p2)\operatorname {\mathbf {PGL}}_F(p^2)is equal top2+1p^2+1. This integer measures the complexity of the class of central simple algebras of degreep2p^2over field extensions ofFF.
Job Displacement from Agriculture
Authors: Kandilov Amy M. G. , Kandilov Ivan T.
Published: March 2010

Unlike manufacturing employers, “small” agricultural employers are generally not required to participate in the Unemployment Insurance system, which leaves many farm workers ineligible for unemployment benefits. Theory implies that displaced workers who are ineligible for benefits experience shorter jobless spells and a lower reemployment wage. With data from the Displaced Workers’ Survey, we show that displaced agricultural workers spend 4.6 fewer weeks unemployed and upon reemployment earn 9% less than displaced manufacturing workers. Not surprisingly, in states where “small” agricultural employers are required to participate in the Unemployment Insurance program, postdisplacement outcomes for agricultural and manufacturing workers are similar.
Dyspnoea in patients with acute heart failure: an analysis of its clinical course, determinants, and relationship to 60‐day outcomes in the PROTECT pilot study
Authors: Metra Marco , Cleland John G. , Weatherley Beth Davison , Dittrich Howard C. , Givertz Michael M. , Massie Barry M. , O'Connor Christopher M. , Ponikowski Piotr , Teerlink John R. , Voors Adriaan A. , Cotter Gad
Published: March 2010

Aims

Dyspnoea is the most common symptom leading to hospitalization for acute heart failure (AHF). Its early and persistent relief is an important goal of therapy, but little is known about its course, determinants, and prognostic significance.

Methods and results

In a post hoc analysis, we studied changes in dyspnoea and in‐hospital course in 303 subjects with AHF enrolled in the PROTECT pilot trial. Changes in dyspnoea were assessed by patient self‐report using a seven‐point Likert scale daily to discharge and at Days 7 and 14. We defined dyspnoea relief as a moderate to marked improvement of dyspnoea at both 24 and 48 h, and treatment success as dyspnoea relief without worsening HF or renal function or death during the first 7 days. Dyspnoea relief occurred in 54% of the patients, while treatment success was achieved in 44% of the patients. By Day 14, only 75% of patients reported a moderate or marked improvement in dyspnoea. Both dyspnoea relief and treatment success were associated with greater improvement in signs of congestion, shorter hospitalization duration, and a lower 60‐day mortality rate. Treatment success, but not dyspnoea relief, was also associated with a lower incidence of 60‐day death or re‐hospitalization for HF or renal failure.

Conclusion

Half of patients admitted for AHF do not have substantial improvement in dyspnoea at 24 h and 25% do not have substantial improvement at 7 and 14 days from admission. Dyspnoea relief and treatment success are associated with shorter length of stay and lower 60‐day mortality. These analyses should be confirmed in larger studies.
First Report of the Early Spore Stages of Sunflower Rust, Caused by Puccinia helianthi, in Nebraska
Authors: Harveson Robert M.
Published: March 2010

Sunflower rust is a common disease that sporadically causes losses in Nebraska production. In May 2009, symptoms suggestive of P. helianthi were observed on volunteer sunflowers in Gering, NE. A survey of production fields planted to sunflower in 2008 in western Nebraska was conducted to determine the incidence and distribution of early spore stages of P. helianthi. To our knowledge, this is the first report of these early spore stages in Nebraska, and the first documentation of the pycnial stage under natural field conditions.

Accepted for publication 4 December 2009. Published 15 March 2010.
Evaluation of Northern-Grown Crops as Hosts of Soybean Cyst Nematode
Authors: Poromarto Susilo H. , Nelson Berlin D.
Published: March 2010

Sixty-two cultivars/varieties of thirteen crops grown in the northern Great Plains were evaluated for suitability as hosts of the soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) (HG type 0) using soybean Lee 74 as the susceptible host. “Cone-tainers” with autoclaved sand were infested with 2,000 eggs placed into a 2-cm × 1-cm hole and then a 3-day-old germinated seed was placed in the hole. “Cone-tainers” were placed in sand in plastic pots immersed in a water bath at 27°C in the greenhouse. Plants were harvested after 30 days, and females were extracted and counted. A female index (FI = the average number of females on the test plant divided by the average number of females on soybean Lee 74 times 100) was calculated for each cultivar to assess host suitability to the nematode. FI's ≥ 10 indicated a suitable host. Canola, clover, lentil, and sunflower were nonhosts (no evidence of reproduction), while borage, camelina, chickpea, crambe, cuphea, field pea, nyjer, and safflower were poor hosts for SCN with FI's less than 8. Lupines were the only suitable host with FI's of 42 to 57. This is the first report of reproduction of SCN on chickpea, crambe, cuphea, and nyjer.

Accepted for publication 2 December 2009. Published 15 March 2010.
Changes in age composition and growth characteristics of Atlantic sturgeon (
Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus
) over 400 years
Authors: Balazik Matthew T. , Garman Greg C. , Fine Michael L. , Hager Christian H. , McIninch Stephen P.
Published: March 2010

Populations of sturgeon (Acipenseridae) have experienced global declines, and in some cases extirpation, during the past century. In the current era of climate change and over-harvesting of fishery resources, climate models, based on uncertain boundary conditions, are being used to predict future effects on the Earth's biota. A collection of approximately 400-year-old Atlantic sturgeon spines from a midden in colonial Jamestown, VA, USA, allowed us to compare the age structure and growth rate for a pre-industrial population during a ‘mini-ice age’ with samples collected from the modern population in the same reach of the James River. Compared with modern fish, the colonial population was characterized by larger and older individuals and exhibited significantly slower growth rates, which were comparable with modern populations at higher latitudes of North America. These results may relate to higher population densities and/or colder water temperatures during colonial times.
Fundamental properties of surface waves in lossless stratified structures
Authors: Valerio Guido , Jackson David R. , Galli Alessandro
Published: March 2010

This paper is focused on dispersive properties of lossless planar layered structures with media having positive constitutive parameters (permittivity and permeability), possibly uniaxially anisotropic. Some of these properties have been derived in the past with reference to specific simple layered structures, and are here established with more general proofs, valid for arbitrary layered structures with positive parameters. As a first step, a simple application of the Smith chart to the relevant dispersion equation is used to prove that evanescent (or plasmonic-type) waves cannot be supported by layers with positive parameters. The main part of the paper is then focused on a generalization of a common graphical solution of the dispersion equation, in order to derive some general properties about the behaviour of the wavenumbers of surface waves as a function of frequency. The wavenumbers normalized with respect to frequency are shown to be always increasing with frequency, and at high frequency they tend to the highest refractive index in the layers. Moreover, two surface waves with the same polarization cannot have the same wavenumber at a given frequency. The low-frequency behaviours are also briefly addressed. The results are derived by means of a suitable application of Foster’s theorem.
Synthesis of Hard Materials by Field Activation: The Synthesis of Solid Solutions and Composites in the TiB2–WB2–CrB2 System
Authors: Kaga Hisashi , Heian Ellen M. , Munir Zuhair A. , Schmalzried Clemens , Telle Rainer
Published: March 2010

The synthesis of solid solutions of (Ti,W,Cr)B2 from elemental reactants using the field‐activated, pressure‐assisted synthesis method and employing the SPS apparatus was investigated. The nature of the products depended on temperature; they were nearly pure solid solutions at 1900°C with minor amounts of β‐WB. The product density and microhardness depended on the temperature of synthesis for the same value of applied pressure (64 MPa). Samples with the highest density (94%) corresponded to a hardness of 22.7 GPa. When annealed at 1500°C, the solid solutions decomposed, precipitating a (W,Ti,Cr)B2 phase in a spinodal form. In addition, β‐WB precipitates in the form of thin (0.4–5.3 nm) layers were observed. They existed in a 60°/120° orientation to the (Ti,W,Cr)B2 matrix, in agreement with previous observations. Highly faceted, small (nanosized) pores associated with the β‐WB precipitates were also observed.
Packaging of Sol–Gel‐Made Porous Nanostructured Titania Particles by Spray Drying
Authors: Kim Jinsoo , Wilhelm Oliver , Pratsinis Sotiris E.
Published: March 2010

Porous titania granules (1–20 μm) were made by spray drying titania solutions with and without peptization. An unpeptized titania slurry was prepared by hydrolyzing titanium tetraisopropoxide, while a peptized sol was prepared by adding nitric acid to the slurry. The characteristics of the granules depended on the feed solution properties. In particular, granules from the unpeptized slurry showed a bimodal pore size distribution (PSD), with a rough surface attributed to hard aggregates; granules from the peptized sol showed a monomodal PSD, with a smooth surface of well‐packed nanoparticles. The effect of dopants (alumina and zirconia) also was investigated. Doping slowed the crystallite growth of the titania granules, as well as the anatase‐to‐rutile phase transformation. All of the peptized granules exhibited a monomodal PSD of intraparticle pores, from 2 to 15 nm. However, the PSD of the pure titania granules collapsed at 600°C, mainly by phase transformation.
Effects of Boehmite‐Coating Thickness on the Consolidation and Rheological Properties of Boehmite‐Coated SiC Suspensions
Authors: Yang Chia‐Yi , Shih Wan Y. , Shih Wei‐Heng
Published: March 2010

We examined the effect of the boehmite coating thickness on the rheology and consolidation of boehmite‐coated SiC suspensions. The thickness of the boehmite coating on SiC was varied by adjusting the boehmite concentration relative to SiC. For boehmite concentrations less than 10 wt%, the coating thickness increased with increasing boehmite concentration. For boehmite concentrations higher than 10 wt%, the coating thickness saturated. Further increase in the boehmite concentration led to the presence of small boehmite particles in the suspensions. All boehmite‐coated suspensions gelled near their isoelectric points and the storage moduli of the gels with respect to pH exhibited a maximum near the isoelectric points. Below 10 wt% boehmite, the suspensions had very few small boehmite particles. The maximum storage modulus, G′0,max, of the boehmite‐coated SiC gel decreased with increasing coating thickness, t, as G′0,max∝t−2, in good agreement with our earlier theoretical prediction. Meanwhile, the maximum sedimentation densities, φmax, of the coated suspensions occurred at around pH ∼ 4.0 and increased with increasing coating thickness from under φmax= 25 vol% with 1 wt% boehmite to above φmax= 65 vol% with 10 wt% boehmite due to increased zeta potential with increasing coating thickness. Above 10 wt% boehmite, the excess boehmite particles in the suspension increased the maximum suspension storage modulus, G′0,max, and decreased the maximum sedimentation density, φmax.
Synthesis of Nanocrystalline α‐Alumina Powder Using Triethanolamine
Authors: Pati Ranjan K. , Ray Jagadish C. , Pramanik Panchanan
Published: March 2010

Nanocrystalline α‐Al2O3 powders have been prepared by pyrolysis of a complex compound of aluminum with triethanolamine (TEA). The soluble metal‐ion–TEA complex forms the precursor material on complete dehydration of the complex of aluminum‐TEA. The single‐phase α‐Al2O3 powder has resulted after heat treatment at 1025°C. The precursors and the heat‐treated final powders have been characterized by X‐ray diffractometry, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The average particle sizes as measured from X‐ray line broadening and TEM are ∼25 nm. The powder has crystallite sizes of the same order indicates the poor agglomeration of crystallites.
Consequence of Nanometer‐Scale Property Variations to Macroscopic Properties of CrOCN Thin Films
Authors: Smith Jackson , French Roger H. , Duscher Gerd , Bonnell Dawn
Published: March 2010

Macroscopic properties of CrOCN thin films are related directly to composition and property variations on multiple length scales. Compositions resolved on a nanometer scale were measured in‐depth in 120–150 nm thick CrOCN films by sputtered neutral mass spectroscopy. A statistical analysis of composition identifies the particular coordinations of the various anions with Cr that form preferentially under relevant processing conditions. Near‐edge structure in electron energy loss from transmission electron microscopy and the Cr core level shift in X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy further support this conclusion. A wide range of compositions are described in terms of mixtures of binary and ternary compounds, and optical absorption is found to be correlated with the presence of Cr4+ within this description. It appears that the presence of the unfilled t2g state is responsible for optical absorption in the range of 0.5–6 eV and that a critical concentration of Cr4+ in certain species within the system is required for the transition to occur. These results conflict with the suggestion that a percolated network of metallic clusters is responsible for the change in properties.
Processing and Dielectric Properties of Sillenite Compounds Bi12MO20−δ (M = Si, Ge, Ti, Pb, Mn, B1/2P1/2)
Authors: Valant Matjaz , Suvorov Danilo
Published: March 2010

Six sillenite compounds Bi12MO20‐δ (M = Si, Ge, Ti, Pb, Mn, B1/2P1/2) were synthesized, and the resulting single‐phase powders were then sintered to obtain ∼97% dense ceramics. An analysis of their microwave dielectric properties, performed at ∼5.5 GHz, revealed a permittivity of ∼40 for all six compounds. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency was the lowest for the Pb analogue (−84 ppm/K) and was found to increase with increasing ionic radius of the B‐site ion to a value of −20 ppm/K for the Bi12SiO20 and Bi12(B1/2P1/2)O20 compounds. The Q×f value is a maximum for Bi12SiO20 and Bi12GeO20 with 8100 and 7800 GHz, respectively. The dielectric properties of the sillenites have been correlated with the structure of the oxygen network of the sillenite crystal lattice. As a result of its low sintering temperature (850°C), chemical compatibility with silver, low dielectric losses, and temperature‐stable permittivity, the Bi12SiO20 compound is a suitable material for applications in low‐temperature cofiring ceramic (LTCC) technology.
Properties of Portland Cement Pastes Incorporating Nanometer‐Sized Franklinite Particles Obtained from Electric‐Arc‐Furnace Dust
Authors: Balderas Antonio , Navarro Hugo , Flores‐Velez Luisa Maria , Dominguez Octavio
Published: March 2010

The present work presents preliminary results concerning ordinary portland cement (OPC) blended with electric‐arc‐furnace dust (EAFD) obtained from steel‐smelting plants. The powder obtained after acid treatment of the EAFD consisted basically of nanometer‐sized particles of ZnFe2O4. Incorporation of the EAFD in the OPC produced retardation of the setting process. Nevertheless, after 7 d, the compressive strength of the OPC/EAFD pastes was superior to undoped OPC, and, after 28 d, the extent of hydration of the OPC/EAFD pastes was equivalent to undoped OPC. A compressive strength of 72 MPa was attained after 42 d for OPC doped with 10 wt% EAFD.
Contribution from Ferroelastic Domain Switching Detected Using X‐ray Diffraction to R‐Curves in Lead Zirconate Titanate Ceramics
Authors: Glazounov Alexandre E. , Kungl Hans , Reszat Jan‐Thorsten , Hoffmann Michael J. , Kolleck Arnd , Schneider Gerold A. , Wroblewski Thomas
Published: March 2010

In Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics, which are characterized by different magnitudes of coercive tensile stress, the ferroelastic domain switching induced during crack growth was measured using X‐ray diffraction, and was compared with the R‐curve behavior. The following correlation was established: material with smaller coercive stress has a larger amount of domain switching, and a higher toughness increment in the R‐curve. The half‐width of the process zone was determined for one of the four studied compositions from the spatial distribution of domain switching measured using X‐ray diffraction from synchrotron source. Its value, 60–80 μm, was in good agreement with the estimate from fracture mechanics.
Enthalpies of Chromium Oxide Solution in Soda Lime Borosilicate Glass Systems
Authors: Kim Cheon‐Woo , Choi Kwansik , Park Jong‐Kil , Shin Sang‐Woon , Song Myung‐Jae
Published: March 2010

Chromium oxide (Cr2O3) solubility was measured in soda lime borosilicate glass from 1400 to 1500 K. The temperature dependence of the solubility increased with increased sodium oxide concentration. The enthalpies of solution for the equilibrium phases were calculated from the solubility data in the temperature range from 1400 to 1500 K. The enthalpy of fusion for Cr2O3 at 1450 K was calculated to be 108.0 kJ·mol−1. This value was less than our measured values for enthalpy of solution, 111.0 ± 0.5 and 158.4 ± 0.3 kJ·mol−1, indicating that all enthalpies of mixing were positive; that is, the mixing process was endothermic. This characterized the interaction between solute and solvent as repulsive.
Measurements of Chloride Activity Coefficients in Real Portland Cement Paste Pore Solutions
Authors: Hidalgo Ana , De Vera Guillem , Climent Miguel A. , Andrade Carmen , Alonso Cruz
Published: March 2010

The study of chemical and electrochemical equilibria between concrete or embedded steel and ionic species in concrete's pore solution requires the knowledge of ion activities (free concentrations in solution). Recently, a method has been developed for measuring chloride‐ion (Cl−) activities in simplified synthetic concrete pore solutions using calibrated Cl− selective electrodes. Cl− activities also have been calculated using Pitzer's specific ionic‐interaction model. In this work, we have applied both of these methods, experimental and theoretical, for obtaining Cl− activities in solutions obtained using the technique of “pore pressing,” which has been applied to cement pastes with varied admixed Cl− concentrations. A reasonably good agreement has been found between experimental and theoretical results, but the presence of hydroxide ions in these highly alkaline electrolytes interferes with the measurements at low Cl− concentrations.
Effect of Liquid Volume Fraction on Grain Growth of Magnesium Oxide Grains in Molten Calcium Magnesium Silicate Matrix
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Joo , Harmer Martin P.
Published: March 2010

The grain‐growth kinetics of fully dense MgO compacts containing various amounts of CaMgSiO4 from 1 to 20 wt% was investigated. The relationship between grain size, volume fraction of liquid phase, and annealing time was determined. The exponent of grain growth (n) was 3, independent of the volume fraction of the liquid phase, and the rate constant (k) was inversely proportional to the volume of liquid. The overall grain‐growth kinetics was governed by mass transport through liquid pockets at grain corners, which provided the longest diffusion paths between the grains. This result was modeled after a solid‐state system containing isolated pores in which the pores move by vapor‐phase diffusion.
Microstructural Characteristics of Strontium Magnesium Niobate
Authors: Lee Hwack Joo , Park Hyun Min , Cho Yang Koo , Song Yong Won , Nahm Sahn , Byun Jae‐Dong
Published: March 2010

Microstructural studies were conducted on the domain boundaries in Sr(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (SMN) complex perovskite compound using X‐ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy. Both the 1:2 chemical ordering of B‐site cations and the tilting of oxygen octahedra were involved in SMN. SMN had a 1:2 ordered monoclinic unit cell, which was distorted by the antiphase tilting of oxygen octahedra. Two types of domain boundaries were found: the antiphase boundaries (APBs), which are not confined crystallographically, and the ferroelastic domain boundaries, which were parallel to the crystallographic planes. SMN had the superlattice reflections of type ±⅙[111] and ±½[111] in the electron diffraction patterns, which cannot be indexed in terms of the 1:2 ordered trigonal phase with only a hexagonal unit cell. The presence of the ferroelastic domains that contained both the 1:2 ordered and the antiphase tilting had been verified by a high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy lattice image. The structure of SMN was well explained by a model proposed by other researchers. The formation of the 1:2 ordered domains preceded the ferroelastic domains. Normally, the growth of the ferroelastic domain is not affected by APBs, but it is interrupted by them when the driving force for growth is insufficient, resulting in the stoppage of the domains at APBs.
C60 Nanowhiskers in a Mixture of Lead Zirconate Titanate Sol–C60 Toluene Solution
Authors: Miyazawa Kun'ichi , Obayashi Akio , Kuwabara Makoto
Published: March 2010

Fine fibrous structures of C60 with a diameter on the order of nanometers were discovered in a lead zirconate titanate sol ultrasonically mixed with a toluene solution of C60. By transmission electron microscopy observations, they were identified as single‐crystalline fibers of C60 with submicrometer diameters, i.e., nanowhiskers of C60. The C60 nanowhiskers showed thin slablike TEM images, and the growth axis of the nanowhiskers was parallel to the 〈110〉 close‐packed direction of a fcc crystal system of C60.
Hercynite‐Free Ceramic Liner for Composite Steel Pipe Made Using a Self‐Propagating High‐Temperature Synthesis Gravitational‐Thermite Process
Authors: Wang Shuang‐Xi , Liang Kai‐Ming , Gu Shou‐Ren , Zhang Xian‐Hui
Published: March 2010

A ceramic‐lined steel pipe was fabricated using a self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis gravitational‐thermite process. Some rare‐earth oxides and glass powders were added to the aluminothermite. The experimental results showed that the ceramic liner consisted of three phases: corundum (Al2O3), glass, and iron particles. Neither hercynite (FeO·Al2O3) nor iron ions existed in the liner of the composite pipe.
Egg White as an Environmentally Friendly Low‐Cost Binder for Gelcasting of Ceramics
Authors: Dhara Santanu , Bhargava Parag
Published: March 2010

Slurries with different solids loading (34–50 vol%) of alumina were made with egg white (ovalbumin)–water premix. The ovalbumin content in the premix was decreased with increase in solids loading to lower slurry viscosity. The slurries were cast into bulk shapes and heated to 80°C, resulting in denaturation of ovalbumin forming a gel. The gelled samples were dried under controlled humidity and sintered in air to densities 94%–97% of theoretical. Alumina slurries formed with egg white (no water) were used to form tapes as thin as 60 μm in the sintered state.
Chromium‐Free Corrosion Resistance of Metals by Ceramic Coating
Authors: Ono Satomi , Nishi Yasuo , Hirano Shin‐ichi
Published: March 2010

Metal surfaces can be improved in terms of thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties by a ceramic coating. The chromium‐free corrosion resistance of stainless steel was achieved using a chemical solution method. Precursor solutions were prepared from metal alkoxides and were deposited on stainless‐steel surfaces by dip coating and heat‐treating at temperatures <500°C. The stainless steel was coated by silica, zirconia, and titania single‐layer coating films, and/or coated by silica/zirconia and silica/titania double‐layer coating films. The corrosion resistance was improved remarkably by a submicrometer silica‐based coating on the stainless steel.
Genetic polymorphisms of the bovine Fatty acid binding protein 4 gene are significantly associated with marbling and carcass weight in Hanwoo (Korean Cattle)
Authors: Lee S. H. , Van Der Werf J. H. J. , Lee S. H. , Park E. W. , Oh S. J. , Gibson J. P. , Thompson J. M.
Published: March 2010

The objective of this study was to investigate an association between polymorphisms in the FABP4 gene and phenotypic variation for marbling and carcass weight (CWT) in a population of Hanwoo steers. We re‐sequenced 4.3 kb of the FABP4 gene region in 24 Hanwoo bulls and identified 16 SNPs and 1 microsatellite polymorphism. Of these 16 SNPs, three SNPs [g.2774G>C (intron I), g.3473A>T (intron II) and g.3631G>A (exon III, creating a p.Met >Val amino acid substitution)] were genotyped in 583 steers to assess their association with carcass traits. The g.3473A allele showed a significant increasing effect on CWT (P = 0.01) and the g.3631G allele was associated with higher marbling score (P = 0.006). One haplotype of these three SNPs (CAG) was significantly associated with CWT (P = 0.02) and marbling score (P = 0.05) and could potentially be of value for marker assisted selection in Hanwoo cattle. The CAG haplotype effect for CWT was larger (11.14 ± 5.03 kg) than the largest single locus effect of g.3473A>T (5.01 ± 2.2 kg).
Diversity and phylogeny of mitochondrial DNA isolated from mithun Bos frontalis located in Bhutan
Authors: Dorji T. , Mannen H. , Namikawa T. , Inamura T. , Kawamoto Y.
Published: March 2010

We sequenced the 16S rRNA gene in mitochondrial DNA to characterize mithun located in Bhutan and to increase our understanding of its origin. We compared mithun with yak, European cattle, Bhutanese zebu and Indian zebu. Sequencing revealed low nucleotide diversity within the mithun population and their phylogenetic proximity to gaur. A close relationship between Bhutanese mithun and gaur was confirmed by an additional comparison with wild gaur specimens from three locations in Bhutan. Direct domestication of mithun from gaur was supported, while maternal contribution from the cattle lineage during domestication was not supported.
Regulation of the humanHBAgenes by KLF4 in erythroid cell lines
Authors: Marini M. Giuseppina , Porcu Loredana , Asunis Isadora , Loi M. Giuseppina , Ristaldi M. Serafina , Porcu Susanna , Ikuta Tohru , Cao Antonio , Moi Paolo
Published: March 2010

KLF1/EKLF and related Krueppel‐like factors (KLFs) are variably implicated in the regulation of theHBB‐like globin genes. Prompted by the observation that four KLF sites are distributed in the human α‐globin gene (HBA) promoter, we investigated if KLFs could also act to modulate the expression of theHBAgenes. Among the KLFs tested, only KLF4/GKLF bound specifically to three out of four α‐globin KLF sites. The occupancy of the same sites by KLF4in vivowas confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays with KLF4‐specific antibodies. In luciferase reporter assays in MEL cells, high levels of the wild typeHBApromoter, but not mutated promoters bearing point mutations that disrupted KLF4‐DNA binding, were transactivated by over‐expression of KLF4. In K562 cells, induced KLF4 expression with a Tet‐off regulated cassette stimulated the expression of the endogenousHBAgenes. In a complementary assay in the same cell line, knocking down KLF4 with lentiviral delivered sh‐RNAs caused a parallel decrease in the transcription of theHBAgenes. All experiments combined support a regulatory role of KLF4 in the control ofHBAgene expression.
Flow cytometric scoring system (FCMSS) assisted diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and the biological significance of FCMSS‐based immunophenotypes
Authors: Xu Feng , Li Xiao , Wu Lingyun , He Qi , Zhang Zheng , Chang Chunkang
Published: March 2010

In the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), the haematopoietic cells show various levels of abnormal maturation and differentiation, which can be detected by flow cytometry. Testing the anomalies of stage‐ or lineage‐specific surface antigens in CD34+ blasts can distinguish MDS from non‐clonal cytopenic diseases, and also reflect the pathological characteristics of MDS as a class of clonal diseases for providing new clues to basic research. The present study established a flow cytometric scoring system (FCMSS) based on theproportion and antigenic co‐expression of CD34+ blasts. This FCMSS showed good sensitivity and specificity (77·8% and 100%) in the assisted diagnosis of low‐risk MDS without chromosome anomalies, ringed sideroblasts and excess marrow blasts. Moreover, we explored and reported different modes of abnormal expression of CD34+ blasts antigens in different disease stages and analyzed the biological significance of the immunotypes for the first time. We found expression of mature myeloid antigens and lymphoid antigens gradually decreased, and early functional antigens gradually increased from low‐risk MDS with normal karytype to low‐risk MDS with abnormal karyotype then to high‐risk MDS. The patients with higher FCM scores were generally accompanied with HLA‐DR15 allele or hypocellular marrow. Evolution of clones and immunological factors might have influence on expression of antigens in CD34+ blasts.
Cytokeratin expression as an aid to diagnosis in medical liver biopsies
Authors: Bateman Adrian C , Hübscher Stefan G
Published: March 2010

Bateman A C & Hübscher S G (2010) Histopathology56, 415–425 Cytokeratin expression as an aid to diagnosis in medical liver biopsies

The study of cytokeratin expression has provided a valuable insight into the biliary microanatomy of the liver in health and disease. The canals of Hering are a putative site of origin for progenitor cells, which may repopulate the liver after cellular damage and loss. Normal bile ducts and the bile ductular reaction that occurs in many chronic liver diseases – especially chronic biliary tract disease – express cytokeratin (CK) 7 and CK19. Therefore, both ductopenia and the process of bile ductular reaction can be highlighted with immunohistochemistry for these cytokeratins. Furthermore, CK7 is usually expressed in an increasingly widespread manner by hepatocytes as chronic cholestatic liver disease progresses. For these reasons, CK immunohistochemistry is a very useful adjunct to morphological assessment and histochemical stains for copper retention when a diagnosis of chronic biliary disease is being considered. This review describes the anatomical theory behind the use of CK immunohistochemistry for the assessment of bile duct number and distribution in the liver and provides practical advice for the application of this technique in the diagnostic setting of common medical liver diseases.
Aristolochic acid nephropathy revisited: a place for innate and adaptive immunity?
Authors: Pozdzik Agnieszka A , Berton Alix , Schmeiser Heinz H , Missoum Wassim , Decaestecker Christine , Salmon Isabelle J , Vanherweghem Jean‐Louis , Nortier Joëlle L
Published: March 2010

Pozdzik A A, Berton A, Schmeiser H H, Missoum W, Decaestecker C, Salmon I J, Vanherweghem J‐L & Nortier J L (2010) Histopathology56, 449–463

Aristolochic acid nephropathy revisited: a place for innate and adaptive immunity?

Aims:  The histological features of aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) consist of paucicellular interstitial fibrosis, severe tubular atrophy, and almost intact glomeruli with media lesions of interlobular arteries. As an early phase of interstitial inflammation preceded peritubular fibrosis in the rat model of AAN, the aim was to investigate the presence of inflammatory cells in human AAN.

Methods and results:  Reports of confirmed cases and case series of AAN were reviewed in terms of interstitial inflammation and found to have very conflicting results. This prompted us to search for and characterize inflammatory cells within the native kidneys provided from four end‐stage AAN patients. Prior aristolochic acid exposure was attested by the intrarenal presence of the typical aristolactam I‐derived DNA adduct. Besides the tubulointerstitial lesions usually seen in the cortex, a massive infiltration of macrophages, T and B lymphocytes was detected by immunohistochemistry in the medullary rays and in the outer medullae with some extension to the upper cortical labyrinth.

Conclusions:  In parallel with histological findings reported in the rat model, inflammatory cells are present preferentially in the interstitium of the medullary rays and of the outer medulllae in renal interstitium from human AAN cases, even in the terminal stages. Further studies must be undertaken to determine the respective roles of innate and adaptive immunity in the progression of AAN.
Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome and nodular regenerative hyperplasia are frequent oxaliplatin‐associated liver lesions and partially prevented by bevacizumab in patients with hepatic colorectal metastasis
Authors: Rubbia‐Brandt Laura , Lauwers Gregory Y , Wang Huamin , Majno Pietro E , Tanabe Kenneth , X Zhu Andrew , Brezault Catherine , Soubrane Olivier , Abdalla Eddie K , Vauthey Jean‐Nicolas , Mentha Gilles , Terris Benoit
Published: March 2010

Rubbia‐Brandt L, Lauwers G Y, Wang H, Majno P E, Tanabe K, Zhu A X, Brezault C, Soubrane O, Abdalla E K, Vauthey J‐N, Mentha G & Terris B (2010) Histopathology56, 430–439 Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome and nodular regenerative hyperplasia are frequent oxaliplatin‐associated liver lesions and partially prevented by bevacizumab in patients with hepatic colorectal metastasis

Aims:  Because of its efficacy, oxaliplatin (OX) is increasingly used as a chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Oxaliplatin‐associated liver toxicity has been reported and can affect clinical practice, but studies on its prevalence and a full pathological description are lacking. The aims of this study were to fill this gap by providing, from a pathologist’s perspective, a detailed assessment of the spectrum of hepatic lesions associated with OX, to suggest a scoring system to quantify them, and to investigate the protective effect of bevacizumab against OX‐associated damage.

Methods and results:  The spectrum of oxaliplatin‐associated liver lesions was investigated in a multi‐institutional series of surgically resected CRLM (n = 385). Among 274 patients treated by OX, 54% had moderate/severe sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). Peliosis, centrilobular perisinusoidal/venular fibrosis and nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) developed in 10.6%, 47% and 24.5%, respectively. The 111 patients treated by surgery alone had no lesions. Hepatic lesions were less severe in patients treated with OX/bevacizumab (n = 70) compared with the group treated by OX alone (n = 204), with an incidence of moderate/severe SOS (31.4% versus 62.2%), peliosis (4.3% versus 14.6%), NRH (11.4% versus 28.9%, respectively) and centrilobular/venular fibrosis (31.4% versus 52%, respectively) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Pathologists should be aware of the distinctive lesions associated with OX and of their high prevalence. OX‐related lesions are less frequent in patients treated with bevacizumab, suggesting that this drug has a preventive effect. Uniform criteria for diagnosis and grading of OX‐associated lesions should help to include histological data in the optimal multidisciplinary management of CRLM.
Analysis of histological features in needle core biopsy of breast useful in preoperative distinction between fibroadenoma and phyllodes tumour
Authors: Morgan J Mike , Douglas‐Jones Anthony G , Gupta Sanjeev K
Published: March 2010

Morgan J M, Douglas‐Jones A G & Gupta S K (2010) Histopathology56, 489–500

Analysis of histological features in needle core biopsy of breast useful in preoperative distinction between fibroadenoma and phyllodes tumour

Aims:  Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) has been replaced by Needle core biopsy (NCB) as the pathological investigation of choice in pre‐operative diagnosis of breast lesions. Despite the greater yield of material with spatial information, the distinction between fibroepithelial lesions of the breast, fibroadenoma (FA) and benign phyllodes tumour (PT), remains problematic. The aim of this study was to confirm a set of histological features which may assist in the pre‐operative distinction between FA and PT on NCB and to explore novel strategies to refine the analysis of the data.

Methods:  Previously defined histological criteria were applied to 112 NCBs of fibroepithelial lesions of the breast. Contingency tables for frequency analysis, logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and linear discriminant analysis were used.

Results:  Frequency analysis identifying significant differences agreed with published data. Correct categorisation was possible in 95% of cases using logistic regression analysis (age and mitotic index) and in 94% using discriminant analysis (age, mitoses and %stroma). ROC analysis identified cut off values (between FA and PT) for age (50–55 years), %stroma (85–90) and mitoses (≥1/2.2 mm2).

Conclusion:  The results confirm previously published observations and provide novel putative predictive tools, to be tested prospectively.
Interleukin‐15 enhances proliferation and chemokine secretion of human follicular dendritic cells
Authors: Gil Minchan , Park Seo‐Jeong , Chung Yoo‐Sam , Park Chan‐Sik
Published: March 2010

The germinal centre (GC) is a specialized microenvironment where high‐affinity antibodies are produced through hypermutation and isotype switching. Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) are the stromal cells of the GC. The timely expansion and establishment of an FDC network is essential for a protective GC reaction; however, only a few factors modulating FDC development have been recognized. In this study, we report that interleukin‐15 (IL‐15) enhances human primary FDC proliferation and regulates cytokine secretion. The FDCs express IL‐15 receptor complexes for IL‐15 signal transduction as well as for specific binding. Moreover, the secretion of chemokines CCL‐2, CCL‐5, CXCL‐5 and CXCL‐8 was reduced by blocking IL‐15 signalling while the secretion of other cytokines, and the expression of CD14, CD44, CD54 (ICAM‐1) and CD106 (VCAM‐1) proteins remained unchanged. These results suggest that IL‐15 plays a crucial role in the development of FDC networks during GC reaction, offering a new target for immune modulation.
Care of acutely ill older patients in hospital: clinical decision‐making
Authors: Milton‐Wildey Kathleen , O’Brien Louise
Published: March 2010

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to investigate the nursing care of older hospitalised patients and how the nurses providing care understood the clinical decision‐making around this care.

Background.  One of the challenges confronting nurses is how best to manage the care required by increasing numbers of older people with complex problems and illnesses being admitted to hospitals.

Design.  This qualitative study used multiple methods of data collection that included observations, interviews and, where needed, review of the hospital records of older patients.

Method.  Twenty‐seven registered nurses participated from across five hospital units. Data were analysed thematically to understand how nurses cared for older patients.

Results.  The interpretative analysis yielded three major themes that emerged in relation to nursing care of older patients: knowing about care; optionalising care; and blaming. Participants were knowledgeable and potentially competent in providing care required by older patients in hospital. However, they admitted that they optionalised care by making decisions about which patients to care for and how much care should be provided. Participants rationalised these decisions through laying blame on the hospital organisation, needing social time with colleagues and preferring medically oriented technical interventions.

Conclusion.  Nurses experienced tension between professional and ethical nursing responsibilities and the lack of challenge and reward associated with the care of this group of patients. They attended to the more highly valued medical interventions and substituted time to care for older patients by socialisation with colleagues.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study draws attention to the discrepancy between stated and practice values in the care of hospitalised older patients. Clarification of disciplinary values and the professional role is required, including the adoption of models of care that refocus nursing care through the promotion of holistic practices.