bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of conjugated linoleic acid type, treatment period, and dosage on differentiation of 3T3 cells
Authors: He M. L. , Hnin T. M. , Kuwayama H. , Mir P. S. , Okine E. K. , Hidari H.
Published: February 2007

This study was conducted to determine effect of CLA and linoleic acid (LA) on cell differentiation, cellular glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity, and FA accumulation in differentiating 3T3‐L1 cells (3 isomers×3 treatment periods×4 doses). The cells were cultured in 24‐well plates for proliferation until confluence. Then they were treated with media containing 0, 10, 35, or 70 mg/L (0, 35, 125, or 250 mmol/L, respectively) of LA,cis9,trans11‐ortrans10,cis12‐CLA during early (day 0–2), intermediate and late (day 3–8), or overall (day 0–8) differentiation periods. Dexamethasone, methyl‐isobutylxanthine, and insulin were supplemented to the media only for the early period to induce the differentiation. On day 8 of postconfluence the cells were harvested for Oil Red O staining, analysis of GPDH activity, and determination of the FA concentration. Cellular LA or CLA was found to accumulate in a dose‐response manner, mainly during the intermediate/late period. Treatment withtrans10,cis12‐CLA lowered (P<0.05) GPDH activity and the concentration of FA including palmitic acid (16∶0) and palmitoleic acid (16∶1), especially during the intermediate/late and overall periods, or whenever a high dose of 70 mg/L was applied. This also resulted in a higher (P<0.05) ratio of saturated FA to monounsaturated FA. Treatment with LA orcis9,trans11‐CLA lowered cellular FA only when they applied during the early period at a dose of 70 mg/L. The results demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of CLA on differentiation, GPDH activity, and FA accumulation of 3T3‐L1 cells are dependent on the isomer type, treatment period, and dose.
Fatty acids and monoacylglycerols inhibit growth ofStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kelsey J. A. , Bayles K. W. , Shafii B. , McGuire M. A.
Published: February 2007

Staphylococcus aureuscauses a variety of human infections including toxic shock syndrome, osteomyelitis, and mastitis. Mastitis is a common disease in the dairy cow, andS. aureushas been found to be a major infectious organism causing mastitis. The objectives of this research were to determine which FA and esterified forms of FA were inhibitory to growth ofS. aureusbacteria. FA as well as their mono‐, di‐, and triacylglycerol forms were tested for their ability to inhibit a human toxic shock syndrome clinical isolate (MN8) and twoS. aureusclinical bovine mastitis isolates (305 and Novel). The seven most potent inhibitors across all strains tested by minimum inhibitory concentration analysis included lauric acid, glycerol monolaurate, capric acid, myristic acid, linoleic acid,cis‐9,trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid, andtrans‐10,cis‐12 conjugated linoleic acid. Some of these lipids were chosen for 48‐h growth curve analysis with a bovine mastitisS. aureusisolate (Novel) at doses of 0, 20, 50, and 100 μg/mL except myristic acid, which was tested at 0, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL. The saturated FA (lauric, capric, myristic) and glycerol monolaurate behaved similarly and reduced overall growth. In contrast, the polyunsaturated FA (linoleic andcis‐9,trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid) delayed the time to initiation of exponential growth in a dose‐dependent fashion. The results suggest that lipids may be important in the control ofS. aureusduring an infection.
Expression Profiles of Genes Involved in Fatty Acid and Triacylglycerol Synthesis in Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: Chen Grace Q. , Turner Charlotta , He Xiaohua , Nguyen Tasha , McKeon Thomas A. , Laudencia‐Chingcuanco Debbie
Published: February 2007

Castor seed triacylglycerols (TAGs) contain 90% ricinoleate (12‐hydroxy‐oleate) which has numerous industrial applications. Due to the presence of the toxin ricin and potent allergenic 2S albumins in the seed, it is desirable to produce ricinoleate from temperate oilseeds. To identify regulatory genes or genes for enzymes that may up‐regulate multiple activities or entire pathways leading to the ricinoleate and TAG synthesis, we have analyzed expression profiles of 12 castor genes involved in fatty acid and TAG synthesis using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction technology. A collection of castor seeds with well‐defined developmental stages and morphologies was used to determine the levels of mRNA, ricinoleate and TAG. The synthesis of ricinoleate and TAG occurred when seeds progressed to stages of cellular endosperm development. Concomitantly, most of the genes increased their expression levels, but showed various temporal expression patterns and different maximum inductions ranging from 4‐ to 43,000‐fold. Clustering analysis of the expression data indicated five gene groups with distinct temporal patterns. We identified genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and transport that fell into two related clusters with moderate flat‐rise or concave‐rise patterns, and others that were highly expressed during seed development that displayed either linear‐rise or bell‐shaped patterns. Castor diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 was the only gene having a higher expression level in leaf and a declining pattern during cellular endosperm development. The relationships among gene expression, cellular endosperm development and ricinoleate/TAG accumulation are discussed.
Analyzing biodiesel: standards and other methods
Authors: Knothe Gerhard
Published: February 2007

Biodiesel occupies a prominent position among the alternatives to conventional petrodiesel fuel owing to various technical and economic factors. It is obtained by reacting the parent vegetable oil or fat with an alcohol)transesterification) in the presence of a catalyst to give the corresponding monoalkyl esters, which are defined as biodiesel. Because of the nature of the starting material, the production process, and subsequent handling, various factors can influence biodiesel fuel quality. Fuel quality issues are commonly reflected in the contaminants or other minor components of biodiesel. This work categorizes both the restricted species in biodiesel and the physical properties prescribed by the standards, and details the standard reference methods to determine them as well as other procedures. Other aspects of biodiesel analysis, including production monitoring and assessing biodiesel/petrodiesel blends, are also addressed. The types of analyses include chromatographic, spectroscopic, physical properties‐based, and wet chemical methods. The justifications for specifications in standards are also addressed.
Antioxidant capacity of flaxseed lignans in two model systems
Authors: Hosseinian Farah S. , Muir Alister D. , Westcott Neil D. , Krol Ed S.
Published: February 2007

The flaxseed lignans secoisolariciresinol (SECO) and its diglucoside secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) are reported to have a number of health benefits associated with their consumption that have in part been attributed to their antioxidant properties. In this study the relative antioxidant capacity of the flaxseed lignans vs. BHT was determined in two model systems. First, an antioxidants stoichiometric value was determined for SECO and SDG in a liposomal system as a mimic of lipid peroxidation. Stoichiometric values for SECO (1.5) and SDG (1.2) vs. BHT (2.0) were measured from the lag time for the formation of conjugated dienes; all values were significantly different (P<0.01). Second, the ability of flaxseed lignans to prevent oxidative degradation of canola oil was determined. Samples were stored at room temperature and analyzed at 30‐d intervals over 120 d using a Rancimat™ analyzer. The lignans prevented degradation of canola oil, as measured by induction time, in a concentration‐dependent manner. Although SECO demonstrated a trend for better protection than either SDG or polymer containing SDG, they were not significantly different (P>0.01). There was also no significant difference between SECO or SDG and BHT, suggesting flaxseed lignans may be good alternatives to minimize rancidity in oil‐based food products.
Characterization of cold‐pressed onion, parsley, cardamom, mullein, roasted pumpkin, and milk thistle seed oils
Authors: Parry John , Hao Zhigang , Luther Marla , Su Lan , Zhou Kequan , Yu Liangli (Lucy)
Published: February 2007

Cold‐pressed onion, parsley, cardamom, mullein, roasted pumpkin, and milk thistle seed oils were characterized for their fatty acid (FA) composition, tocopherol content, carotenoid profile, total phenolic content (TPC), oxidative stability index (OSI), color, physical properties, and radical‐scavenging capacities against peroxyl (oxygen radical‐scavenging capacity) and stable DPPH (diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) radicals. Parsley seed oil had the highest oleic acid content, 81 g/100 g total FA, and the lowest saturated fat among the tested oils. Roasted pumpkin seed oil contained the highest level of total carotenoids, zeaxanthin, β‐carotene, cryptoxanthin, and lutein at 71 μmol/kg and 28.5, 6.0, 4.9, and 0.3 mg/kg oil, respectively. Onion seed oil exhibited the highest levels of α‐ and total tocopherols under the experimental conditions. One of the parsley seed oils exhibited the strongest DPPH scavenging capacity and the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value of 1098 μmol Trolox equiv/g oil. However, ORAC values of the tested seed oils were not necessarily correlated to their DPPH scavenging capacities under the experimental conditions. The highest TPC of 3.4 mg gallic acid equiv/g oil was detected in one of the onion seed oils. The OSI values were 13.3, 16.9–31.4, 47.8, and 61.7 h for the milk thistle, onion, mullein, and roasted pumpkin seed oils, respectively. These data suggest that these seed oils may serve as dietary sources of special FA, tocopherols, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and natural antioxidants.
Extraction of rice brain oil using supercritical carbon dioxide and propane
Authors: Sparks Darrell , Hernandez Rafael , Zappi Mark , Blackwell Dean , Fleming Trey
Published: February 2007

Extraction of rice bran lipids was performed using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC−CO2) and liquid propane. To provide a basis for extraction efficiency, accelerated solvent extraction with hexane was performed at 100°C and 10.34 MPa. Extraction pressure was varied for propane and SC−CO2 extractions. Also, the role of temperature in SC−CO2 extraction efficiency was investigated at 45,65, and 85°C. For the SC−CO2 experiments, extraction efficiencies were proportional to pressure and inversely proportional to temperature, and the maximal yield of oil achieved using SC−CO2 was 0.222±0.013 kg of oil extracted per kg of rice bran for conditions of 45°C and 35 MPa. The maximal yield achieved with propane was 0.224±0.016 kg of oil per kg of rice bran at 0.76 MPa and ambient temperature. The maximum extraction efficiencies of both SC−CO2 and propane were found to be significantly different from the hexane extraction baseline yield, which was 0.261±0.005 kg oil extracted per kg of rice bran. A simulated economic analysis was performed on the possibility of using SC−CO2 and propane extraction technologies to remove oil from rice bran generated in Mississippi. Although the economic analysis was based on the maximal extraction efficiency for each technology, neither process resulted in a positive rate of return on investment.
Substrate specificity and products of side‐reactions catalyzed by jasmonate:amino acid synthetase (JAR1)
Authors: Guranowski Andrzej , Miersch Otto , Staswick Paul E. , Suza Walter , Wasternack Claus
Published: February 2007

Jasmonate:amino acid synthetase (JAR1) is involved in the function of jasmonic acid (JA) as a plant hormone. It catalyzes the synthesis of several JA‐amido conjugates, the most important of which appears to be JA‐Ile. Structurally, JAR1 is a member of the firefly luciferase superfamily that comprises enzymes that adenylate various organic acids. This study analyzed the substrate specificity of recombinant JAR1 and determined whether it catalyzes the synthesis of mono‐ and dinucleoside polyphosphates, which are side‐reaction products of many enzymes forming acyl ∼ adenylates. Among different oxylipins tested as mixed stereoisomers for substrate activity with JAR1, the highest rate of conversion to Ile‐conjugates was observed for (±)‐JA and 9,10‐dihydro‐JA, while the rate of conjugation with 12‐hydroxy‐JA and OPC‐4 (3‐oxo‐2‐(2Z‐pentenyl)cyclopentane‐1‐butyric acid) was only about 1–2% that for (±)‐JA. Of the two stereoisomers of JA, (−)‐JA and (+)‐JA, rate of synthesis of the former was about 100‐fold faster than for (+)‐JA. Finally, we have demonstrated that (1) in the presence of ATP, Mg2+, (−)‐JA and tripolyphosphate the ligase produces adenosine 5′‐tetraphosphate (p4A); (2) addition of isoleucine to that mixture halts the p4A synthesis; (3) the enzyme produces neither diadenosine triphosphate (Ap3A) nor diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) and (4) Ap4A cannot substitute ATP as a source of adenylate in the complete reaction that yields JA‐Ile.
Subcellular localization of Daxx determines its opposing functions in ischemic cell death
Authors: Jung Yong-Sam , Kim Hye-Young , Lee Yong J. , Kim Eunhee
Published: February 2007

This study examined the role of Daxx in ischemic stress. Upon ischemic stress, nuclear export of Daxx to the cytoplasm was observed in primary myocytes as well as in various cell lines. Daxx silencing using siRNAs was detrimental in tethering PML‐nuclear body (PML‐NB) constituents together. Overexpression of Daxx (W621A) caused nuclear export of p53 independently of PML and promoted ischemic cell death via activation of JNK. Conversely, overexpression of Daxx (S667A) prevented dissociation of PML‐NB constituents and protected cells from ischemic death. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the subcellular localization of Daxx determines its role in ischemic cell death.
Capping of actin filaments by vinculin activated by the Shigella IpaA carboxyl‐terminal domain
Authors: Ramarao Nalini , Le Clainche Christophe , Izard Tina , Bourdet-Sicard Raphaëlle , Ageron Elisabeth , Sansonetti Philippe J. , Carlier Marie-France , Tran Van Nhieu Guy
Published: February 2007

Shigella, the causative agent of bacillary dysentery, invades epithelial cells. Upon bacterial–cell contact, the type III bacterial effector IpaA binds to the cytoskeletal protein vinculin to promote actin reorganization required for efficient bacterial uptake. We show that the last 74 C‐terminal residues of IpaA (A559) bind to human vinculin (HV) and promotes its association with actin filaments. Polymerisation experiments demonstrated that A559 was sufficient to induce HV‐dependent partial capping of the barbed ends of actin filaments. These results suggest that IpaA regulates actin polymerisation/depolymerisation at sites of Shigella invasion by modulating the barbed end capping activity of vinculin.
Identification and characterization of the BAHD acyltransferase malonyl CoA: Anthocyanidin 5‐O‐glucoside‐6″‐O‐malonyltransferase (At5MAT) in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: D’Auria John C. , Reichelt Michael , Luck Katrin , Svatoš Aleš , Gershenzon Jonathan
Published: February 2007

The major anthocyanin in A. thaliana is a cyanidin derivative modified by glycosylation as well as by the addition of three acyl moieties: malonyl, p‐coumaroyl, and sinapoyl. We have isolated a member of the BAHD acyltransferase family which catalyzes this malonylation reaction by combining a reverse genetics approach with biochemical genomics. A mutant line containing a T‐DNA insertion in At3g29590, the gene encoding the malonylating enzyme, is incapable of producing malonylated anthocyanins. Transgenic plants harboring an RNAi silencing cassette for At3g29590 demonstrate a positive correlation between reduction in the At3g29590 gene transcript and the decrease of malonylated anthocyanins. Transcript levels for both At3g29590 and the epistatic gene At4g14090, encoding 5‐O‐anthocyanin glucosyltransferase, increase in several plant lines as they accumulate anthocyanin pigments. Investigation of the heterologously expressed and purified malonylating enzyme showed that the activity is specific for malonyl‐CoA and for anthocyanins with 5‐O‐glucosylation. The malonyl transfer itself occurs only to the 5‐O‐glucoside function, and not to any of the other sugar moieties present in A. thaliana anthocyanins. Hence, both in vivo and in vitro results define the activity of the At3g29590‐encoded enzyme as an anthocyanin 5‐O‐glucoside‐6″‐O‐malonyltransferase (At5MAT).
p14ARF interacts with N‐Myc and inhibits its transcriptional activity
Authors: Amente Stefano , Gargano Barbara , Diolaiti Daniel , Della Valle Giuliano , Lania Luigi , Majello Barbara
Published: February 2007

In this study, we report that the human p14ARF associates in vivo with the N‐Myc and inhibits N‐Myc mediated transcriptional activation. We have determined that the region (aa 140–300) encompassing the N‐Myc BoxIII is required for efficient interaction in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in the SK‐N‐BE neuroblastoma cell line p14ARF over‐expression delocalized N‐Myc from the nucleoplasm into nucleoli and that N‐Myc regions required for interaction with p14ARF are also important for nucleoli co‐localization. Finally, we determine that the N‐terminal region of the p14ARF protein is involved in binding to c‐Myc and N‐Myc proteins.
ARTHROSCOPIC INTERPOSITION ARTHROPLASTY OF THE FIRST CARPOMETACARPAL JOINT
Authors: ADAMS J. E. , MERTEN S. M. , STEINMANN S. P.
Published: February 2007

First carpometacarpal joint arthritis is a common condition encountered by hand surgeons. Traditionally, surgical approaches have included arthrodesis, trapeziectomy or reconstructive arthroplasty techniques. Previously, we described a technique for arthroscopic debridement and interposition arthroplasty of the first carpometacarpal joint. Patients with Eaton stages II and III symptomatic first carpometacarpal joint arthritis recalcitrant to >6 months of non-operative therapy underwent arthroscopic debridement of the first carpometacarpal joint with interposition of an acellular dermal matrix allograft (GRAFTJACKET™). In this paper, we describe outcomes following this procedure. Postoperatively, all patients reported symptomatic relief and 94% stated that they were partially, or completely, satisfied. More than 70% of patients reported no to mild difficulty in performing activities of daily living (average grip strength = 18.5 kg, pinch strength = 3.9 kg). Complications were minimal. Outcomes from this study compare favourably to those of other series, demonstrating that this technique is a viable option for treatment of Eaton stages II and III first carpometacarpal arthritis.
WOUND HEALING AFTER HAND SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS—A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 41 OPERATIONS IN 19 PATIENTS
Authors: TÄGIL M. , DIETERICH J. , KOPYLOV P.
Published: February 2007

This retrospective study evaluates the results of 41 consecutive hand and forearm operations in 19 patients with systemic sclerosis performed between 1985 and 2000. The mean age of the patients was 50 (14–84) years. Twenty-seven operations were elective and 14 were acute, carried out for skin breakdown and/or skin necrosis. One minor wound healing problem occurred in the elective group. In the acute group, seven of 14 operations healed uneventfully. Four patients had necrosis/infections after surgery, which required further surgery. Two patients had repeated wound infections. Another patient only healed after he stopped smoking. In systemic sclerosis, surgery performed electively does not seem to have increased difficulty with wound healing. Even larger operations, such as wrist arthrodesis or wrist replacement, can be performed safely. In acute cases with spontaneous skin breakdown and/or necrosis and/or critically ischaemic fingers, wound healing is more precarious and several procedures may be necessary to achieve skin healing.
The 8.2-ka abrupt climate change event in Brown's Lake, northeast Ohio
Authors: Lutz Brian , Wiles Gregory , Lowell Thomas , Michaels Joshua
Published: February 2007

Many Northern Hemisphere paleoclimatic records, including ice cores, speleothems, lake sediments, ocean cores and glacier chronologies, indicate an abrupt cooling event about 8200 cal yr BP. A new well-dated series of sediment cores taken from Brown's Lake, a kettle in Northeast Ohio, shows two closely spaced intervals of loess deposition during this time period. The source of loess is uncertain; however, it is likely from an abandoned drainage and former glacial lake basin located to the north of the stagnant ice topography that gave rise to the kettle lake. Strong visual stratigraphy, loss on ignition data and sediment grain size analyses dated with 3 AMS radiocarbon dates place the two intervals of loess deposition between 8950 and 8005 cal yr BP. The possibility of a two-phase abrupt climate change at this time is a finding that has been suggested in other research. This record adds detail to the spatial extent and timing as well as possible structure of the 8.2-ka abrupt climate change event.
Characteristics of the wind drift layer and microscale breaking waves
Authors: SIDDIQUI M. H. KAMRAN , LOEWEN MARK R.
Published: February 2007

An experimental study, investigating the mean flow and turbulence in the wind drift layer formed beneath short wind waves was conducted. The degree to which these flows resemble the flows that occur in boundary layers adjacent to solid walls (i.e. wall-layers) was examined. Simultaneous DPIV (digital particle image velocimetry) and infrared imagery were used to investigate these near-surface flows at a fetch of 5.5 m and wind speeds from 4.5 to 11 m s−1. These conditions produced short steep waves with dominant wavelengths from 6 cm to 18 cm. The mean velocity profiles in the wind drift layer were found to be logarithmic and the flow was hydrodynamically smooth at all wind speeds. The rate of dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy was determined to be significantly greater in magnitude than would occur in a comparable wall-layer. Microscale breaking waves were detected using the DPIV data and the characteristics of breaking and non-breaking waves were compared. The percentage of microscale breaking waves increased abruptly from 11% to 80% as the wind speed increased from 4.5 to 7.4 m s−and then gradually increased to 90% as the wind speed increased to 11 m s−. At a depth of 1 mm, the rate of dissipation was 1.7 to 3.2 times greater beneath microscale breaking waves compared to non-breaking waves. In the crest–trough region beneath microscale breaking waves, 40% to 50% of the dissipation was associated with wave breaking. These results demonstrated that the enhanced near-surface turbulence in the wind drift layer was the result of microscale wave breaking. It was determined that the rate of dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy due to wave breaking is a function of depth, friction velocity, wave height and phase speed as proposed by Terrayet al. (1996). Vertical profiles of the rate of dissipation showed that beneath microscale breaking waves there were two distinct layers. Immediately beneath the surface, the dissipation decayed as ζ−0.7and below this in the second layer it decayed as ζ−2. The enhanced turbulence associated with microscale wave breaking was found to extend to a depth of approximately one significant wave height. The only similarity between the flows in these wind drift layers and wall-layers is that in both cases the mean velocity profiles are logarithmic. The fact that microscale breaking waves were responsible for 40%–50% of the near-surface turbulence supports the premise that microscale breaking waves play a significant role in enhancing the transfer of gas and heat across the air–sea interface.
Droplet–particle collision mechanics with film-boiling evaporation
Authors: GE YANG , FAN L.-S.
Published: February 2007

A three-dimensional numerical model is developed to simulate the process of collision between an evaporative droplet and a high-temperature particle. This phenomenon is of direct relevance to many engineering process operations, such as fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), polyethylene synthesis, and electronic materials coating. In this study, the level-set method and the immersed-boundary method are combined to describe the droplet–particle contact dynamics in a fixed Eulerian grid. The droplet deformation is captured by one level-set function while the solid–fluid boundary condition is imposed on the particle surface through the immersed-boundary method involving another level-set function. A two-dimensional vapour-layer model is developed to simulate the vapour flow dynamics. Equations for the heat transfer characteristics are formulated for each of the solid, liquid and gas phases. The incompressible flow-governing equations are solved using the finite-volume method with the ALE (arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian) technique. The simulation results are validated through comparisons with experimental data obtained from the new experimental set-up designed in this study. An important feature of the droplet impacting on a particle with film boiling is that the droplet undergoes a spreading, recoiling and rebounding process, which is reproduced by the numerical simulation based on the model. Details of the collision such as spread factor, contact time and temperature distribution are provided. Simulations are also conducted to examine the effects of the particle size and the collision velocity. Although the value for the maximum spread factor is larger for a higher impact velocity and for a smaller particle, the contact time is independent of the impact velocity and particle size. Both the normal collision and the oblique collision are considered in this study.
A double-helix laminar dynamo
Authors: ZABIELSKI L. , MESTEL A. J.
Published: February 2007

It has recently been shown that laminar, pressure-driven flow of a conducting fluid in a helical pipe can generate a dynamo. Geometrical constraints have hitherto required a relatively small Reynolds number, and a much larger magnetic Reynolds number, Rm. Here, a configuration with two interwoven helical pipes is considered which is shown to drive a dynamo at a Reynolds number of a few hundred and Rm > 30. Various computer animations of the dynamo are available with the online version of the paper. It is found that hydrodynamic instabilities may inhibit the dynamo, but may also be regularized by it. It is also shown that a dynamo pump is possible, with flow down one pipe generating a field which drives flow in the second. Movies are available with the online version of the paper.
Electrophysiological evidence of the motivational salience of drug cues in opiate addiction
Authors: LUBMAN DAN I. , ALLEN NICHOLAS B. , PETERS LESLEY A. , DEAKIN J. F. WILLIAM
Published: February 2007

Background

Drug-related stimuli reliably induce craving in experimental paradigms, yet are rarely cited by drug users as major precipitants of relapse. We examined the motivational significance of drug cues in opiate dependence, by exploring their impact on central attentional processes.

Method

Fourteen methadone-maintained subjects and 14 matched controls were studied. Subjects performed a novel active visual oddball task, consisting of opiate-related and matched neutral pictures, some of which (the oddballs) included a white cup. Subjects were fitted with a 32-channel electrode cap. The P300 for each stimulus category was identified using temporal principal components analysis.

Results

The P300 elicited by opiate stimuli was significantly larger than that elicited by neutral stimuli in the methadone-maintained group but not in the controls. There was also a non-significant trend for the opiate stimuli to elicit larger P300s than the oddball stimuli in the addicted group.

Conclusions

These results suggest that drug cues acquire motivational salience and automatically capture attentional resources in opiate addicts, even when engaged in a non-drug-related task. Enhanced P300s to drug cues may provide an important biological marker of crucial psychological mechanisms relevant to addiction.
Incidence of bacterial meningitis in Asia using enhanced CSF testing: polymerase chain reaction, latex agglutination and culture
Authors: KENNEDY W. A. , CHANG S-J. , PURDY K. , LE T. , KILGORE P. E. , KIM J. S. , ANH D. D. , HUONG P. L. T. , DONG B. Q. , TAN D. M. , CLEMENS J. D. , WARD J. I.
Published: February 2007

To enhance the detection of bacterial meningitis in an East Asian surveillance study, we employed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bacterial culture, latex agglutination (LA) and polymerase chain reaction–enzyme immunoassay (PCR–EIA) testing forHaemophilus influenzaetype b (Hib) andStreptococcus pneumoniae(Sp). The sensitivity and specificity of CSF PCR–EIA testing was compared to LA and culture. A meningitis case was defined by one positive result for any of the three tests. The sensitivity ofH. influenzaeCSF PCR–EIA, LA, and culture was 100%, 40% and 57·5% respectively; and for Sp CSF PCR–EIA, LA and culture, the sensitivity was 100%, 58·3% and 66·7%, respectively. Hib and Sp specificity was 100% by each method. CSF PCR–EIA was more sensitive than culture or LA for the detection of Hib and Sp meningitis cases increasing their incidence by 74% and 50% compared to culture respectively. CSF PCR–EIA should be included for the detection of bacterial meningitis in surveillance studies.
Outbreak ofSalmonellaBraenderup infections associated with Roma tomatoes, northeastern United States, 2004: a useful method for subtyping exposures in field investigations
Authors: GUPTA S. K. , NALLUSWAMI K. , SNIDER C. , PERCH M. , BALASEGARAM M. , BURMEISTER D. , LOCKETT J. , SANDT C. , HOEKSTRA R. M. , MONTGOMERY S.
Published: February 2007

SalmonellaBraenderup is an uncommon serotype in the United States. In July 2004, a multistate outbreak ofSalmonellaBraenderup diarrhoeal infections occurred, with 125 clinical isolates identified. To investigate, we conducted a case-control study, enrolling 32 cases and 63 matched controls. Cheese, lettuce and tomato eaten at restaurants all appeared to be associated with illness. To further define specific exposures, we conducted a second study and asked managers of restaurants patronized by patients and controls about cheese, lettuce and tomato varieties used in dishes their patrons reported consuming. This information was obtained for 27 cases and 29 controls. Roma tomatoes were the only exposure significantly associated with illness (odds ratio 4·3, 95% confidence interval 1·2–15·9). Roma tomatoes from two restaurants were traced back to a single tomato packing house. The methods used in this field investigation to define specific exposures may be useful for other foodborne outbreaks.
DIAGNOSTIC MARKERS IN NEONATAL SEPSIS
Authors: LAM HUGH S. , NG PAK C
Published: February 2007

Breakthroughs in the management of sick newborns, including exogenous surfactant therapy, advance ventilation techniques, inhaled nitric oxide, and use of antenatal corticosteroids have led to substantial improvements in the survival of vulnerable preterm infants. Neonatal clinicians now have access to an ever increasing armament of antimicrobial agents to help combat infections. However, even with the support of such advanced therapeutic modalities, strict infection control measures and low thresholds for use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the threat of bacterial infections especially in the most susceptible group of preterm, very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have persisted. A recent survey suggests that a significant proportion of VLBW infants (21%) have at least one episode of late-onset culture proven sepsis during their stay in the neonatal unit. Infected infants require longer hospital stay and have higher risk of developing complications, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and adverse long-term neurodevelopment. Neonates with infection often present with subtle and non-specific signs of sepsis. Some may be asymptomatic at the initial stages of infection. Even those infants with signs may not be clinically distinguishable from patients suffering from transient tachypnoea of the newborn, respiratory distress syndrome, apnoea of prematurity or acute exacerbation of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, during early phases of the disease. Such presentations can lead to both delayed treatment of genuinely infected infants and indiscriminate use of antibiotics in non-infected cases, resulting in acceleration of emergence of bacterial resistance, alteration of patterns of bacterial infection, and inefficient treatment of septicaemia. Both early and late-onset infections are important causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Methods to assist neonatal clinicians diagnose infants in the early stages of infection are, therefore, highly desirable.
The use of radiation in the elderly
Authors: Schnaper L. A. , Hughes K. S.
Published: February 2007

Despite the fact that breast cancer is predominantly a disease of postmenopausal women, there have been no uniform recommendations for both locoregional and systemic therapy for women over 70. Until recently, older women have been excluded from clinical trials. This study is the first randomized trial that addresses the use of radiation therapy following lumpectomy in a favorable cohort of elderly women.
Experimental evaluation of in situ CO2‐water‐rock reactions during CO2 injection in basaltic rocks: Implications for geological CO2 sequestration
Authors: Matter Juerg M. , Takahashi Taro , Goldberg David
Published: February 2007

Deep aquifers are potential long‐term storage sites for anthropogenic CO2 emissions. The retention time and environmental safety of the injected CO2 depend on geologic and physical factors and on the chemical reactions between the CO2, the aquifer water, and the host rocks. The pH buffer capacity of the aquifer water and the acid neutralization potential of the host rocks are important factors for the permanent stabilization of the injected CO2. Mafic rocks, such as basalt, which primarily consists of Ca, Mg silicate minerals, have a high acid neutralization capacity by providing alkaline earth elements that form stable carbonate minerals. The carbonate minerals formed thus sequester CO2 in a chemically stable and environmentally benign form. In this study, we present results from a small‐scale CO2 injection test in mafic and metasedimentary rocks. The injection test was conducted using a single‐well push‐pull test strategy. CO2 saturated water (pH = 3.5) was injected into a hydraulically isolated and permeable aquifer interval to study the acid neutralization capacity of Ca, Mg silicate rocks and to estimate in situ cation release rates. Release rates for Ca, Mg, and Na were calculated by use of solute compositions of water samples retrieved after the CO2 injection, the incubation time of the injected solution within the aquifer, and geometric estimates of the reactive surface area of the host rocks. Our results confirm rapid acid neutralization rates and water‐rock reactions sufficient for safe and permanent storage of CO2. Carbonic acid was neutralized within hours of injection into a permeable mafic aquifer by two processes: mixing between the injected solution and the aquifer water, and water‐rock reactions. Calculated cation release rates decrease with increasing pH that is confirmed by laboratory‐based experiments. Large differences between release rates obtained from the field and laboratory experiments may be mainly due to uncertainties in the estimation of the reactive surface area in the field experiment and in hydrological and geological factors. Our results underscore the importance of defining bulk rock dissolution rates under in situ conditions in order to evaluate target formations for permanent mineral sequestration of carbon dioxide.
Estimation of interannual and interdecadal variations of typhoon‐induced primary production: A case study for the outer shelf of the East China Sea
Authors: Siswanto Eko , Ishizaka Joji , Yokouchi Katsumi , Tanaka Katsuhisa , Tan Chun Knee
Published: February 2007

Using multiplatform satellite data and 13 typhoon passages from 1998 through 2004, an empirical relationship to assess typhoon‐forced primary production (PP) enhancement in the outer shelf of the East China Sea is introduced. The constructed relationship requires variables of typhoon maximum sustained wind, typhoon transit speed and bottom depth of the location below the typhoon track. As this relationship does not require ocean color data, it enabled us to reconstruct the interannual and interdecadal variations of typhoon‐forced PP enhancement from 2004 back to 1980. Typhoon‐forced PP enhancements and typhoon contributions to summer‐fall new production during El Niño years tended to be higher than those during La Niña years. Typhoon‐enhanced PP also has shown a tendency to be higher during the 1991–2004 period than during the 1980–1990 one. The method we detail in this study is applicable for other tropical cyclone trajectory basins.
A validation of the fractal dimension of cloud boundaries
Authors: Luo Zhexian , Liu Chongjian
Published: February 2007

In this paper the problem of the fractal dimension of the perimeter of self‐organized vortices is investigated. Results from two numerical models (using the quasi geostrophic vorticity equation and the system of barotropic primitive equations, respectively) with initial fields where the total number of initial small‐scale vortices is 72, and their intensities and locations are determined stochastically, indicate that the quasi‐final kinetic energy fields have a power spectrum of the form E (k) ∼ k−β, β ≈ 1.0, and the fractal dimension of the perimeter of self‐organized vortices falls near 4/3. An estimation of the fractal dimension using 77 cloud samples from cloud picture data is shown to be 1.30. The simulated fractal dimension here validates results previously computed based on satellite images (1.35), and is similar to results previously modeled by Large‐Eddy‐Simulation and indicated by the theory of relative turbulent diffusion.
Stable isotope ratios in atmospheric CH4: Implications for seasonal sources and sinks
Authors: Tyler Stanley C. , Rice Andrew L. , Ajie Henry O.
Published: February 2007

We report δD and δ13C measurements of atmospheric CH4 from air samples collected from two locations in the United States. They are the mid continental site Niwot Ridge, Colorado (40°N, 105°W), and a Pacific coastal site receiving strong westerlies, Montaña de Oro, California (35°N, 121°W). Data from multiyear approximately bimonthly sampling provide information relating seasonal cycling of CH4 sources and sinks in background air, record long‐term trends in CH4 mixing and isotope ratio related to the atmospheric CH4 loading, and may indicate regional CH4 sources. At Niwot Ridge, δD‐CH4 averaged −93.1 ± 3.0‰ from 1999 to 2001, while δ13C‐CH4 averaged −47.22 ± 0.13‰ from 1995 to 2001 with distinct seasonal cycles in both isotope ratios. At Montaña de Oro, atmospheric CH4 was observed to be more depleted in 13C and D: Measured δD‐CH4 averaged −97.3 ± 3.7‰ from 2000 to 2001, while δ13C‐CH4 averaged −47.26 ± 0.17‰ from 1996 to 2001, and seasonal cycles were larger than those observed at Niwot Ridge. Mixing ratios observed at Montaña de Oro were higher on average than at Niwot Ridge. At both sites, δ13C‐CH4 was found to correlate poorly with mixing ratio, an indication that varying CH4 sources are partly responsible for the δ13C‐CH4 seasonal signal. In contrast, a strong anticorrelation exists between δD‐CH4 and mixing ratio, with maxima and minima approximately 6 months out of phase, indicating a sensitivity of δD to sink processes. The dual isotopic constraint to atmospheric CH4 seasonality implies that these midlatitude sites are annually influenced by a 13C‐enriched CH4 source(s) seasonally increasing in late spring and a 13C‐depleted CH4 source(s) seasonally increasing in late summer or early fall.
Guide to Receptors and Channels, 2nd edition (2007 Revision)
Authors: Alexander S. P. H. , Mathie A , Peters J. A.
Published: February 2007

ALEXANDER, S.P.H., MATHIE, A. & PETERS, J.A. (2007). Guide to Receptors and Channels (GRAC), 2nd edition (2007 revision). Br. J. Pharmacol., 150 (Suppl. 1), S1–S168.
7TM Receptors
Authors: Alexander S. P. H. , Mathie A , Peters J. A.
Published: February 2007

ALEXANDER, S.P.H., MATHIE, A. & PETERS, J.A. (2007). Guide to Receptors and Channels (GRAC), 2nd edition (2007 revision). Br. J. Pharmacol., 150 (Suppl. 1), S1–S168.
Transmitter‐Gated Channels
Authors: Alexander S. P. H. , Mathie A , Peters J. A.
Published: February 2007

ALEXANDER, S.P.H., MATHIE, A. & PETERS, J.A. (2007). Guide to Receptors and Channels (GRAC), 2nd edition (2007 revision). Br. J. Pharmacol., 150 (Suppl. 1), S1–S168.
Catalytic Receptors
Authors: Alexander S. P. H. , Mathie A , Peters J. A.
Published: February 2007

ALEXANDER, S.P.H., MATHIE, A. & PETERS, J.A. (2007). Guide to Receptors and Channels (GRAC), 2nd edition (2007 revision). Br. J. Pharmacol., 150 (Suppl. 1), S1–S168.
Cell‐Surface Transmitter Transporters
Authors: Alexander S. P. H. , Mathie A , Peters J. A.
Published: February 2007

ALEXANDER, S.P.H., MATHIE, A. & PETERS, J.A. (2007). Guide to Receptors and Channels (GRAC), 2nd edition (2007 revision). Br. J. Pharmacol., 150 (Suppl. 1), S1–S168.
Role of valence-band Co 3d states on ferromagnetism in Zn1−xCoxO nanorods
Authors: Chiou J. W. , Tsai H. M. , Pao C. W. , Krishna Kumar K. P. , Chen J. H. , Ling D. C. , Chien F. Z. , Pong W. F. , Tsai M.-H. , Wu J. J. , Yang M.-H. , Liu S. C. , Hong I.-H. , Chen C.-H. , Lin H.-J. , Lee J. F.
Published: February 2007

This work investigates the electronic and ferromagnetic properties of Zn1−xCoxO nanorods using x-ray absorption, x-ray magnetic circular dichroism, and scanning photoelectron microscopy methods. The magnetic moment of Co ions in Zn1−xCoxO nanorods is found greatly reduced relative to that of the Co metal. The intensities of valence-band features near the valence-band maximum/Fermi level (EF) of ferromagnetic nanorods are substantially larger than those of weaker ferromagnetic nanorods, suggesting that the occupation of near-EF valence-band Co 3d states is important in determining the ferromagnetic behavior in Zn1−xCoxO nanorods.
Comment on “Spin-cluster effect and lattice-deformation-induced Kondo effect, spin-glass freezing, and strong phonon scattering in La0.7Ca0.3Mn1−xCrxO3” [J. Appl. Phys. 97, 103908 (2005)]
Authors: Rozenberg E.
Published: February 2007

In a recent paper Wu et al. [J. Appl. Phys. 97, 103908 (2005)] reported on characteristic features of the temperature (T) dependence of electrical resistivity (ρ) in polycrystalline La0.7Ca0.3Mn1−xCrxO3 (x=0.05 and 0.1) manganites. In particular, a shallow minimum at T<50K and coexisting two maxima were observed in ρ(T) curves. Wu et al. claimed that these features appear due to the single-impurity Kondo effect and its competition with the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction. In this Comment it is shown that such interpretation is very questionable and that a much simpler reason for the appearance of both, the low temperature minimum and splitted maximum on ρ(T) curve, is the well known grain boundary effects.
Ultrahigh frequency magnetic susceptibility of Co and Fe cylindrical films deposited by pulsed laser ablation
Authors: Vergara J. , Favieres C. , Madurga V.
Published: February 2007

Soft magnetic Co and Fe films were deposited by pulsed laser ablation on Cu wires. The circular magnetic susceptibility of the cylindrical films was measured by applying an ac circular magnetic field at frequencies up to 6GHz. The measured ferromagnetic resonance frequency of the Co films was 2.5GHz, and the real part of the magnetic susceptibility at the lowest frequency of our measurements was 150. These results were explained as solutions of the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, taking into account that the easy magnetization direction of the Co films was along the wire axis. Further measurements with an axial external magnetic field were consistent with this view. In contrast, for the Fe films, significant values of the circular magnetic susceptibility were measured only in the presence of external magnetic fields applied along the wire axis. This result indicated that the easy magnetization direction of the Fe films was not along the Cu wire axis. The magnetic anisotropy of both Co and Fe cylindrical films might originate from magnetoelastic effects, resulted from built-in stress. The different behaviors of the Co and Fe cylindrical films would then be attributable to the different signs of their magnetostriction constants λs.
Importance of controlling oxygen incorporation into HfO2∕Si∕n-GaAs gate stacks
Authors: Zhang M. H. , Oye M. , Cobb B. , Zhu F. , Kim H. S. , Ok I. J. , Hurst J. , Lewis S. , Holmes A. , Lee J. C. , Koveshnikov S. , Tsai W. , Yakimov M. , Torkanov V. , Oktyabrsky S.
Published: February 2007

The interfacial change of HfO2∕Si∕n-GaAs gate stacks after high temperature annealing has been characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL), and capacitance-voltage measurement. The properties of the interface are sensitive to the amount of incorporated oxygen. XPS measurement shows the formation of gallium and arsenic oxides with increasing annealing temperature. A PL emission from the Si interfacial passivation layer was observed after 900°C annealing. With more oxygen incorporation, this PL emission was quenched. The measurement of the interface state density proved the generation of deep traps with too much oxygen incorporation. Depletion-mode metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors using postdeposition annealing at 600°C with and without post-metal-annealing at 900°C have also been fabricated and characterized. Too much oxygen incorporation resulted into the degradation of mobility, subthreshold swing, and transconductance. The interfacial gallium and arsenic oxides might act as deep traps.
Monte Carlo ray trace simulation for micro-ball-lens-integrated high-speed InGaAs p-i-n photodiodes
Authors: Yang Chih-Chao , Huang Yun-Hsun , Peng Te-Chin , Wu Meng-Chyi , Ho Chong-Long , Hong Chao-Chi , Liu I-Ming , Tsai Yao-Tsong
Published: February 2007

To widen the alignment tolerance of a 10Gbytes∕s InGaAs p-i-n photodiode, which typically only has an optical coupling aperture of 30μm in diameter, we have developed a self-positioning ball-lens-on-chip scheme for enlarging the effective coupling aperture. According to the measured results, the 4.5- and 5.3-fold improvements along the transverse and optical axes, respectively, in alignment tolerance have been demonstrated without sacrificing the diode efficiency as a commercially available ruby micro-ball-lens (MBL) with a 300μm lens diameter integrated on the high-speed photodiode. To further explore the aperture enlargement capability and optimize the structural design, we have constructed a ray trace model based on the Monte Carlo method for the optical coupling system as well. Using this well-constructed simulation model, we further predict that, by integrating a 250μm diametric ruby MBL on the photodiode with a 20μm high lens socket, the alignment tolerance can have 7.1- and 10-fold improvements along the transverse and optical axes, respectively. Such a large alignment tolerance permits the usage of conventional passive scheme for photodiode package.