bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary instability in the near-wake past two tandem square cylinders
Authors: Choi Choon-Bum , Jang Yong-Jun , Yang Kyung-Soo
Published: February 2012

Floquet stability analysis has been carried out to detect the onset of the secondary instability in the laminar flow past two identical square cylinders in tandem. Presence of a neighbouring cylinder alters flow topology, leading to change of stability characteristics. A parametric study has been performed with the gap between the two square cylinders as the key parameter. Three distinct patterns of base flow are found depending on the gap, and distinctive modes of the secondary instability are identified for each pattern of the base flow. The modes exhibit either odd reflection-translation symmetry or even RT symmetry. The critical Reynolds number and the corresponding dominant spanwise wavelength are presented for a wide range of the gap. Temporal and spatial characteristics of the dominant Floquet modes are described in detail. A hysteresis is also noticed in a certain range of the gap. Neutral stability curves are presented for some selected values of the gap. The averaged in-plane vorticity of the dominant normalized Floquet mode is depicted as a function of the downstream distance from the rear face of the cylinder that sheds vortices. Comparison of stability characteristics is also made between the current flow and the flow past two circular cylinders in tandem arrangements.
Symmetry-breaking diffraction and dynamic self-trapping in optically induced hexagonal photonic lattices
Authors: Liu Sheng , Hu Yi , Zhang Peng , Gan Xuetao , Lou Cibo , Song Daohong , Zhao Jianlin , Xu Jingjun , Chen Zhigang
Published: February 2012

We demonstrate both experimentally and numerically linear symmetry-breaking diffraction and nonlinear dynamic self-trapping of an optical beam in hexagonal photonic lattices. We show that a stripe multivortex beam undergoes asymmetric linear diffraction, but evolves into a moving self-trapped beam under a self-defocusing nonlinearity. Fine features of symmetry-breaking in diffraction of elliptical multivortex beams are also observed and discussed.
Dopant effects on solid phase epitaxy in silicon and germanium
Authors: Johnson B. C. , Ohshima T. , McCallum J. C.
Published: February 2012

The kinetics of dopant-enhanced solid phase epitaxy (SPE) are studied in amorphous silicon (a-Si) and germanium (a-Ge) layers formed by ion implantation. Implanted Sb dopants into a-Ge up to a concentration of 1 × 1020 cm−3 are considered and compared to As implanted layers at similar concentrations. Although an active Sb concentration above the solubility limit is achieved, a significant portion of the implanted atoms are not. P, As, and B enhanced SPE rates in Si from the literature are also considered. The relative velocities of P and As in Si is similar to that of As and Sb in Ge. Theoretical predictions using a simple form of the generalized Fermi level shifting model, which incorporates both dopant and dopant-induced stress effects, is shown to agree well with the data. A single set of two parameters are determined, which describe the dopant enhanced SPE data well independent of dopant species and concentration.
On flavor symmetry in lattice quantum chromodynamics
Authors: Saidi El Hassan
Published: February 2012

Using a well established method to engineer non-abelian symmetries in superstring compactifications, we study the link between the point splitting method of Creutz et al. [PoS: Lattice 2010, 078 (2010) and Creutz et al. JHEP 041, 1012 (2010)] for implementing flavor symmetry in lattice QCD; and singularity theory in complex algebraic geometry. We show amongst others that Creutz flavors for naive fermions are intimately related with toric singularities of a class of complex Kahler manifolds that are explicitly built here. In the case of naive fermions of QCD2N, Creutz flavors are shown to live at the poles of real 2-spheres and carry quantum charges of the fundamental of [SU(2)]2N. We show moreover that the two Creutz flavors in Karsten-Wilczek model, with Dirac operator in reciprocal space of the form \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$i\mathbf {\gamma }_{1}\mathrm{F}_{1}+i\mathbf {\gamma }_{2}\mathrm{F}_{2}+ i\mathbf {\gamma }_{3}\mathrm{F}_{3}+ \frac{i}{\sin \alpha }\mathbf {\gamma }_{^{4}}\mathrm{F}_{4}$\end{document}iγ1F1+iγ2F2+iγ3F3+isinαγ4F4, are related with the small resolution of conifold singularity that live at sin α = 0. Other related features are also studied.
The two-dimensional Euler-Poisson system with spherical symmetry
Authors: Jang Juhi
Published: February 2012

This article concerns the global-in-time existence of smooth solutions with small amplitude to two space dimensional Euler-Poisson system. The main difficulty lies in the slow time decay (1 + t)−1 of the linear system. Inspired by the work of Ozawa et al., [“Global existence and asymptotic behavior of solutions for the Klein-Gordon equations with quadratic nonlinearity in two space dimensions,” Math. Z. 222, 341–362 (1996)10.1007/BF02621870; “Remarks on the Klein-Gordon equation with quadratic nonlinearity in two space dimensions,” in Nonlinear Waves, Gakuto International Series: Mathematical Sciences and Applications Vol. 10 (Gakkotosho, Tokyo, 1997), pp. 383–392,] we show that such smooth solutions exist for radially symmetric flows.
A note on the first integrals of the ABC system
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Valls Clàudia
Published: February 2012

Without loss of generality the ABC systems reduce to two cases: either A = 0 and B, C ⩾ 0, or A = 1 and 0 < B, C ⩽ 1. In the first case it is known that the ABC system is completely integrable, here we provide its explicit first integrals. In the second case Ziglin [“Dichotomy of the separatrices and the nonexistence of first integrals in systems of differential equations of Hamiltonian type with two degrees of freedom,” Izv. Akad. Nauk SSSR, Ser. Mat. 51, 1088 (1987)] proved that the ABC system with 0 < B < 1 and C > 0 sufficiently small has no real meromorphic first integrals. We improve Ziglin's result showing that there are no C1 first integrals under convenient assumptions.
Thermodynamic, Raman and electrical switching studies on Si15Te85-xAgx (4 ≤ x ≤ 20) glasses
Authors: Rao Gunti Srinivasa , Asokan Sundarrajan
Published: February 2012

We have investigated thermal properties of bulk Si15Te85-xAgx (4 ≤ x ≤ 20) glasses in detail, through alternating differential scanning calorimetry experiments. The composition dependence of thermal parameters reveal the signatures of rigidity percolation and chemical threshold at compositions x = 12 and x = 19, respectively. The stability and glass forming ability of these glasses have also been determined using the data obtained from different thermodynamic quantities and it is found that the Si15Te85-xAgx glasses in the region 12 ≤ x ≤ 17 are more stable when compared to other glasses of the same series. Further, the blueshift observed in Raman spectroscopy investigations, in the composition range 12 ≤ x ≤ 13, support the occurrence of stiffness threshold in this composition range. All Si15Te85-xAgx (4 ≤ x ≤ 20) glasses are found to exhibit memory type switching (for sample thickness 0.25 mm) in the input current range 3–9 mA. The effect of rigidity percolation and chemical thresholds on switching voltages are observed at x = 12 and 19, respectively.
The role of structure in the nonlinear mechanics of cross-linked semiflexible polymer networks
Authors: Kurniawan Nicholas Agung , Enemark Søren , Rajagopalan Raj
Published: February 2012

The microstructural basis of the characteristic nonlinear mechanics of biopolymer networks remains unclear. We present a 3D network model of realistic, cross-linked semiflexible fibers to study strain-stiffening and the effect of fiber volume-occupancy. We identify two structural parameters, namely, network connectivity and fiber entanglements, that fully govern the nonlinear response from small to large strains. The results also reveal distinct deformation mechanisms at different length scales and, in particular, the contributions of heterogeneity at short length scales.
Activation of water on the TiO2 (110) surface: The case of Ti adatoms
Authors: Miao Meng , Liu Yingchun , Wang Qi , Wu Tao , Huang Liping , Gubbins Keith E. , Nardelli Marco Buongiorno
Published: February 2012

Using first-principles calculations we have studied the reactions of water over Ti adatoms on the (110) surface of rutile TiO2. Our results provide fundamental insights into the microscopic mechanisms that drive this reaction at the atomic level and assess the possibility of using this system to activate the water dissociation reaction. In particular, we show that a single water molecule dissociates exothermically with a small energy barrier of 0.17 eV. After dissociation, both H+ and OH− ions bind strongly to the Ti adatom, which serves as an effective reactive center on the TiO2 surface. Finally, clustering of Ti adatoms does not improve the redox activity of the system and results in a slightly higher energy barrier for water dissociation.
Fullerene acceptor for improving open-circuit voltage in inverted organic photovoltaic devices without accompanying decrease in short-circuit current density
Authors: Matsuo Yutaka , Hatano Junichi , Kuwabara Takayuki , Takahashi Kohshin
Published: February 2012

A poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)-based inverted organic photovoltaic (OPV) device with a fullerene electron acceptor, (dimethyl(o-anisyl)silylmethyl)(dimethylphenylsilylmethyl)[60]fullerene (SIMEF2), exhibited 2.9% power conversion efficiency (PCE; JSC = 7.9 mA/cm2, VOC = 0.66 V, and FF = 0.56) in the device configuration, indium tin oxide/ZnO/P3HT:SIMEF2/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)/Au under AM1.5 G illumination at 100 mW/cm2. Through a comparison with a [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester-based device (PCE = 2.4%, JSC = 7.8 mA/cm2, VOC = 0.56 V, and FF = 0.55), SIMEF2 was found to give higher VOC without a decrease in JSC. This result marks progress toward overcoming the trade-off relationship between VOC and JSC in the development of highly efficient OPV devices.
Thermally stable, sub-nanometer equivalent oxide thickness gate stack for gate-first In0.53Ga0.47As metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors
Authors: El Kazzi M. , Czornomaz L. , Rossel C. , Gerl C. , Caimi D. , Siegwart H. , Fompeyrine J. , Marchiori C.
Published: February 2012

Metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors were fabricated by depositing composite 2 nm HfO2/1 nm Al2O3/1 nm a-Si gate stacks on p-In0.53Ga0.47As/InP (001) substrates. Thanks to the presence of the Al2O3 barrier layer, a minimum amount of the a-Si passivating layer is oxidized during the whole fabrication process. The capacitors exhibit excellent electrical characteristics with scaled equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of 0.89 nm and mid-gap interface state density of 5 × 1011 eV−1 cm−2 upon post-metallization anneal up to 550 °C. Gate-first, self-aligned MOS field-effect-transistors were fabricated with a similar 5 nm HfO2/1 nm Al2O3/1 nm a-Si gate stack and raised source and drain (600 °C for 30 min). Owing to the excellent thermal stability of the stack, no degradation of the gate stack/semiconductor interface is observed, as demonstrated by the excellent capacitance vs voltage characteristics and the good mobility values (peak at 1030 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 740 cm2 V−1 s−1 at carrier density of 6.5 × 1012 cm−2) for a 1.3 nm EOT.
Highly piezoelectric biocompatible and soft composite fibers
Authors: Morvan J. , Buyuktanir E. , West J. L. , Jákli A.
Published: February 2012

We report the fabrication of highly piezoelectric biocompatible soft fibers containing barium titanate ferroelectric ceramic particles dispersed in electrospun poly lactic acid (PLA). These fibers form mats that have two orders of magnitude larger piezoelectric constant per weight than single crystal barium titanate films. We propose that the observed apparent piezoelectricity results from the electrospinning induced polar alignment of the ferroelectric particles that pole the fibers similar to ferroelectret polymer foams that are poled by corona discharge. Due to the biocompatibility of PLA that encases the ferroelectric particles, these mats can be used in biological applications such as bio-sensors, artificial muscles, and energy harvesting devices.
ZnO based quantum dot sensitized solar cell using CdS quantum dots
Authors: Singh Neetu , Mehra R. M. , Kapoor Avinashi , Soga T.
Published: February 2012

This paper reports the fabrication of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) based quantum dot sensitized solar cell using Cadmium Sulphide (CdS) quantum dots (QDs) capped by poly vinyl alcohol (PVA). Chemical route was used to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) as well as CdS QDs. The crystallite size of ZnO NPs was obtained to be 28 nm at 7 pH. The size of QDs decreased from 5.6 to 2.6 nm with increase in the PVA concentration from 2 to 10 wt. %. There is a blue shift in the band gap of QDs with increase in the concentration of PVA. Current-Voltage characteristic of the cell was obtained and various solar cell parameters were estimated. The efficiency of quantum dot sensitized solar cells was found to be 1.3% at AM 1.5.
Near-infrared nano-spectroscopy of semiconductor quantum dots using a phase-change mask layer
Authors: Tsumori N. , Takahashi M. , Kubota R. , Regreny P. , Gendry M. , Saiki T.
Published: February 2012

We propose a technique that uses an optical mask layer of a phase-change material (PCM), which is used for rewritable optical recording media, to achieve highly sensitive near-field imaging spectroscopy of single semiconductor quantum constituents at optical telecommunication wavelengths. An amorphous nanoaperture allows imaging spectroscopy with a high spatial resolution and high collection efficiency. This is due to the large optical contrast between the crystalline and amorphous phases of the phase-change material at visible wavelengths and its high transparency at near-infrared wavelengths. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the method by numerical simulations and photoluminescence measurements of InAs/InP quantum dots.
Optimizing conversion efficiency and reducing ion energy in a laser-produced Gd plasma
Authors: Cummins Thomas , Otsuka Takamitsu , Yugami Noboru , Jiang Weihua , Endo Akira , Li Bowen , O’Gorman Colm , Dunne Padraig , Sokell Emma , O’Sullivan Gerry , Higashiguchi Takeshi
Published: February 2012

We have demonstrated an efficient extreme ultraviolet (EUV) source at 6.7 nm by irradiating Gd targets with 0.8 and 1.06 μm laser pulses of 140 fs to 10 ns duration. Maximum conversion efficiency of 0.4% was observed within a 0.6% bandwidth. A Faraday cup observed ion yield and time of flight signals for ions from plasmas generated by each laser. Ion kinetic energy was lower for shorter pulse durations, which yielded higher electron temperatures required for efficient EUV emission, due to higher laser intensity. Picosecond laser pulses were found to be the best suited to 6.7 nm EUV source generation.
Manifestation of quantum disordered wave functions with weak localization from conical second harmonic generation in ferroelectric crystal
Authors: Yu H. H. , Zhang H. J. , Wang Z. P. , Xu H. H. , Wang Y. C. , Wang J. Y. , Petrov V.
Published: February 2012

The spatial structure of two-dimensional quantum disordered wave functions with weak localization (WL) is experimentally observed using a calcium barium niobate Ca0.28Ba0.72Nb2O6 (CBN-28) ferroelectric crystal illuminated by a pulsed laser beam. Non-collinear phase-matching in CBN-28 produces conical second harmonic pattern in the far-field. The probability density distribution of the experimental near-field pattern agrees very well with the theoretical predictions. The localization degree, within the error limits, is the same at different transverse positions due to the periodicity of the crystal and the eigenfunctions are degenerated. We conclude that a ferroelectric crystal represents an ideal model system for investigation of WL.
Horizontally aligned ZnO nanowire transistors using patterned graphene thin films
Authors: Kim Hwansoo , Park Ji-Hoon , Suh Misook , Real Ahn Joung , Ju Sanghyun
Published: February 2012

Here we report the directed growth of ZnO nanowires on multilayer graphene films (MGFs) without the use of metal seed materials. The ZnO source substance was diffused onto the MGF surface, where nanowires tended to grow in the high surface energy sites. This property was exploited to fabricate top-gate structural nanowire transistors with ZnO nanowires grown in the direction of the exposed sides of 6 × 4 μm patterned MGFs with a SiO2 capping layer. The devices showed an on-current of 160 nA, a threshold voltage of −2.27 V, an on-off current ratio of 3.98 × 105, and a field effect mobility of ∼41.32 cm2/V·s.
Cellular and molecular responses of Neurospora crassa to non-thermal plasma at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Park Gyungsoon , Ryu Young H. , Hong Young J. , Choi Eun H. , Uhm Han S.
Published: February 2012

Filamentous fungi have been rarely explored in terms of plasma treatments. This letter presents the cellular and molecular responses of the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa to an argon plasma jet at atmospheric pressure. The viability and cell morphology of N. crassa spores exposed to plasma were both significantly reduced depending on the exposure time when treated in water. The intracellular genomic DNA content was dramatically reduced in fungal tissues after a plasma treatment and the transcription factor tah-3 was found to be required for fungal tolerance to a harsh plasma environment.
Note: A signal-to-noise ratio enhancement based on wafer light irradiation system for optical modulation spectroscopy measurement
Authors: Chouaib H. , Kelly P. V.
Published: February 2012

We have recently found that the magnitude of the photoreflectance (PR) signal ΔR/R on silicon wafers depends on the duration of continuous probe or pump beams irradiation. This temporal behavior of the ΔR/R signal is attributed to the defects related electronic states at the Si/ SiO2 interface, which could be modified by the optical irradiation. Prior to the actual measurement, an optical irradiation of the silicon on insulator or ion implanted Si wafer can significantly enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of the PR intensity and, therefore, improve the goodness of fit. Such phenomena can be exclusively seen using a rapid detection system. A new design of the method is reported.
Selection and characterisation of sugarcane mutants with improved resistance to brown rust obtained by induced mutation
Authors: Oloriz María I. , Gil Víctor , Rojas Luis , Veitía Novisel , Höfte Monica , Jiménez Elio
Published: February 2012

The brown rust susceptible sugarcane genotype B4362 was subjected to in vitro tissue culture and physical and chemical mutation induction procedures. Five brown rust resistant mutants with hypersensitive response to Puccinia melanocephala were selected out of a total population of 11 167 regenerated plants. High selection frequency was obtained with both mutagenic treatments, although chemical mutagenesis (NaN3) resulted in higher selection frequencies for brown rust resistance than gamma irradiation (60Co). The brown rust resistant mutants showed variations in molecular, morphological, and agronomic traits. Traits such as internode shape, bud shape, leaf sheath hairiness, outer auricule shape, intensity of flowering, stool growth habit, number of stalks per stool, and smut susceptibility were modified in brown rust resistant mutants. In addition, sugar yield was improved in two mutants with increments in stalk length, stalk number, and stalk diameter. Mutation induction proved to be suitable for the generation of new sources of brown rust resistance in sugarcane.
Ecotypic responses of switchgrass to altered precipitation
Authors: Hartman Jeffrey C. , Nippert Jesse B. , Springer Clint J.
Published: February 2012

Anthropogenic climate change is projected to alter precipitation patterns, resulting in novel environments for plants. The responses of dominant plant species (e.g. Panicum virgatum L. (switchgrass)) to climate changes can drive broader ecosystem processes such as primary productivity. Using a rainfall mesocosm facility, three ecotypes of P. virgatum (collected from Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, USA) were subjected to three precipitation regimes (average, –25%, +25%) to determine the physiological and growth responses to altered precipitation in a common garden setting. Results showed mean maximum photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, transpiration, midday water potential and dark-adapted chlorophyll fluorescence were lowest in the Kansas ecotypes. Increased precipitation treatments raised the mean midday water potentials and lowered water-use efficiency. Aboveground biomass responded positively to changes in precipitation, but flowering initiation was later and rates were lower for Texas ecotypes. In general, ecotype origin was a better predictor of differences in physiological responses and flowering, whereas the precipitation treatments had greater control over biomass production. Depending on the growth variable measured, these results show responses for P. virgatum are under varying ecotypic or environmental control with few interactions, suggesting that future predictions to climate change need not inherently consider localised adaptations in this economically important and widely distributed species.
Melatonin effects on Fundulus heteroclitus reproduction
Authors: Lombardo Francesco , Giorgini Elisabetta , Gioacchini Giorgia , Maradonna Francesca , Ferraris Paolo , Carnevali Oliana
Published: February 2012

This study aimed to investigate the effects of two different doses (100 nM (M1) and 1 µM (M2)) of exogenous melatonin on the reproductive capacity of Fundulus heteroclitus. Eight days of melatonin exposure significantly increased the fecundity and embryo survival of F. heteroclitus only in the M2 group compared with the control; the hatching rate was unaffected. Moreover, increases in the local expression of the melatonin receptor (mtnr) gene during follicle maturation were found; however, there were no differences between the experimental groups. Furthermore, in vitro melatonin-treated follicles showed a significantly higher germinal vesicle break down percentage compared with the control, while SDS–PAGE showed no difference in the electrophoretic pattern of the major yolk proteins. Nevertheless, densitometry revealed a greater intensity of the 118-, 95- and 40-kDa components in groups treated with melatonin. Finally, Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy was applied to classify the different stages of oocyte development (Stages I–II, III and IV) on the basis of their macromolecular composition. The effects induced by melatonin on oogenesis were investigated by comparing vibrational spectra of females exposed to melatonin with those of controls. Changes to the Amide I band, corresponding to an increase in β-structure, were found in oocytes of females exposed to the highest melatonin dose. These results highlight the positive role of melatonin, which is able to enhance the reproductive capacity of F. heteroclitus. Further studies are in progress to better explain the molecular mechanisms by which melatonin treatment affects reproduction in this marine species.
Intratumoral heterogeneity of receptor tyrosine kinases EGFR and PDGFRA amplification in glioblastoma defines subpopulations with distinct growth factor response
Authors: Szerlip Nicholas J. , Pedraza Alicia , Chakravarty Debyani , Azim Mohammad , McGuire Jeremy , Fang Yuqiang , Ozawa Tatsuya , Holland Eric C. , Huse Jason T. , Jhanwar Suresh , Leversha Margaret A. , Mikkelsen Tom , Brennan Cameron W.
Published: February 2012

Glioblastoma (GBM) is distinguished by a high degree of intratumoral heterogeneity, which extends to the pattern of expression and amplification ofreceptor tyrosine kinases(RTKs). Although most GBMs harbor RTK amplifications, clinical trials of small-molecule inhibitors targeting individual RTKs have been disappointing to date. Activation of multiple RTKs within individual GBMs provides a theoretical mechanism of resistance; however, the spectrum of functional RTK dependence among tumor cell subpopulations in actual tumors is unknown. We investigated the pattern of heterogeneity of RTK amplification and functional RTK dependence in GBM tumor cell subpopulations. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas GBM dataset identified 34 of 463 cases showing independent focal amplification of two or more RTKs, most commonly platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRA) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed on eight samples withEGFRandPDGFRAamplification, revealing distinct tumor cell subpopulations amplified for only one RTK; in all cases these predominated over cells amplified for both. Cell lines derived from coamplified tumors exhibited genotype selection under RTK-targeted ligand stimulation or pharmacologic inhibition in vitro. Simultaneous inhibition of both EGFR and PDGFR was necessary for abrogation of PI3 kinase pathway activity in the mixed population. DNA sequencing of isolated subpopulations establishes a common clonal origin consistent with late or ongoing divergence of RTK genotype. This phenomenon is especially common among tumors withPDGFRAamplification: overall, 43% ofPDGFRA-amplified GBM were found to have amplification ofEGFRor the hepatocyte growth factor receptor gene (MET) as well.
Small molecule antagonist reveals seizure-induced mediation of neuronal injury by prostaglandin E2 receptor subtype EP2
Authors: Jiang Jianxiong , Ganesh Thota , Du Yuhong , Quan Yi , Serrano Geidy , Qui Min , Speigel Iris , Rojas Asheebo , Lelutiu Nadia , Dingledine Raymond
Published: February 2012

With interest waning in the use of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors for inflammatory disease, prostaglandin receptors provide alternative targets for the treatment of COX-2–mediated pathological conditions in both the periphery and the central nervous system. Activation of prostaglandin E2 receptor (PGE
2
) subtype EP2 promotes inflammation and is just beginning to be explored as a therapeutic target. To better understand physiological and pathological functions of the prostaglandin EP2 receptor, we developed a suite of small molecules with a 3-aryl-acrylamide scaffold as selective EP2 antagonists. The 12 most potent compounds displayed competitive antagonism of the human EP2 receptor with
K
B
2–20 nM in Schild regression analysis and 268- to 4,730-fold selectivity over the prostaglandin EP4 receptor. A brain-permeant compound completely suppressed the up-regulation of COX-2 mRNA in rat cultured microglia by EP2 activation and significantly reduced neuronal injury in hippocampus when administered in mice beginning 1 h after termination of pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. The salutary actions of this novel group of antagonists raise the possibility that selective block of EP2 signaling via small molecules can be an innovative therapeutic strategy for inflammation-related brain injury.
Controlling the NO production of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Pipa A V , Reuter S , Foest R , Weltmann K-D
Published: February 2012

The production of NO radicals by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet has been investigated by means of absorption spectroscopy in the mid-infrared region (IR) and optical emission spectroscopy (OES) in the ultraviolet (UV) part of the spectrum. The plasma jet investigated here operates in argon with air admixtures up to 1%. The study shows that OES can be used to characterize the relative NO production at small air admixtures. The Production of NO radicals can be controlled by variation of air admixture. Important to note—especially for operation in ambient conditions—is that a small addition of water vapour strongly affects the production of NO radicals especially at higher air admixtures (greater than 0.2%).
Numerical study of combustion initiation in a supersonic flow of H2–air mixture by resonance laser radiation
Authors: Bezgin L V , Kopchenov V I , Kuleshov P S , Titova N S , Starik A M
Published: February 2012

A comparative analysis of the efficiency of approaches based on the exposure of reacting gas to resonance laser radiation to enhance combustion in a supersonic flow of H2–air mixture is conducted. The kinetic processes responsible for the intensification of chain reactions in premixed and non-premixed H2–air flows upon photodissociation of O2 molecules by 193.3 nm laser radiation, excitation of these molecules to the singlet sigma state by laser photons with 762.346 nm wavelength and heating the mixture by laser radiation are analysed in a detailed manner. It is shown that both photochemical methods, photodissociation and excitation of O2 molecules, are much more effective in shortening the ignition delay length than merely heating the mixture. For the premixed flow, the photodissociation of O2 molecules ensures a slightly higher reduction in the ignition delay than the laser-induced excitation of molecular oxygen to the singlet sigma state. However, in the non-premixed flow the situation is inverted. The analysis shows that both photochemical methods make it possible to raise the efficiency of conversion of reactant chemical energy to thermal energy released during combustion compared with the method of heating the mixtures.
Explanations for the Restrained Development of the Dutch Cinema Market in the 1930s
Authors: Sedgwick John , Pafort-Overduin Clara , Boter Jaap
Published: February 2012

Cinemagoing in the Netherlands during the 1930s appears to have been much less intense than in the English-speaking world. To support this assertion we examine film attendance and diffusion in the Dutch market by recourse to a new large dataset, and contrast it with observations drawn from recent research on the Anglo-Saxon countries (United States, United Kingdom, and Australia). In setting down the economic principles behind the organisation of the film industry that best describe the Anglo-Saxon model, we show how the Dutch experience differed in scale, but not in type. To investigate the reasons for this, we examine the idea that film consumption in the Netherlands was constrained through the operation of informal institutional pressures. In particular, we investigate the influence that the vertical stratification of Dutch society into distinct religious and ideological strands may have had on the filmgoing appetites of the Dutch people. A further investigation looks at the combination of exhibitors and distributors into a single industry cartel and its impact upon prices and cinema building. The paper concludes that a complex mixture of cultural, economic, institutional, and social factors were at play, causing the Dutch people to be an outlier as far as film provision and consumption was concerned.
Elevated expression of angiomodulin (AGM/IGFBP‐rP1) in tumor stroma and its roles in fibroblast activation
Authors: Komiya Eriko , Furuya Momoko , Watanabe Naoko , Miyagi Yohei , Higashi Shouichi , Miyazaki Kaoru
Published: February 2012

Angiomodulin (AGM/IGFBP‐rP1), a glycoprotein of about 30 kDa, is overexpressed in tumor vasculature as well as some human cancer cell lines, but it has been suggested to be a tumor suppressor. To elucidate roles of angiomodulin (AGM) in tumor progression, we here examined distribution of AGM in three types of human cancer tissues by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that AGM was overexpressed in the stroma as well as the vasculature surrounding tumor cells in the human cancer tissues. AGM and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) as an activated fibroblast marker were often colocalized in cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In vitro analysis indicated that transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 might be an important inducer of AGM in normal human fibroblasts. AGM strongly stimulated the expression of fibronectin and weakly that of α‐SMA in normal fibroblasts. AGM significantly stimulated the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts. The AGM‐induced expression of fibronectin and α‐SMA was blocked by a TGF‐β signal inhibitor but neither the stimulation of cell growth nor migration. These results imply that AGM activates normal fibroblasts by TGF‐β‐dependent and independent mechanisms. These findings also suggest that AGM and TGF‐β1 cooperatively or complementarily contribute to the stromal activation and connective tissue formation in human cancer tissues, contributing to tumor progression. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 691–699)
Overexpression of the DNA sensor proteins, absent in melanoma 2 and interferon‐inducible 16, contributes to tumorigenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma with p53 inactivation
Authors: Kondo Yuudai , Nagai Kentaro , Nakahata Shingo , Saito Yusuke , Ichikawa Tomonaga , Suekane Akira , Taki Tomohiko , Iwakawa Reika , Enari Masato , Taniwaki Masafumi , Yokota Jun , Sakoda Sumio , Morishita Kazuhiro
Published: February 2012

The development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a multistep process that requires the accumulation of genetic alterations. To identify genes responsible for OSCC development, we performed high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis and genome‐wide gene expression profiling on OSCC tumors. These analyses indicated that the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) gene and the interferon‐inducible gene 16 (IFI16) mapped to the hematopoietic interferon‐inducible nuclear proteins. The 200‐amino‐acid repeat gene cluster in the amplified region of chromosome 1q23 is overexpressed in OSCC. Both AIM2 and IFI16 are cytoplasmic double‐stranded DNA sensors for innate immunity and act as tumor suppressors in several human cancers. Knockdown of AIM2 or IFI16 in OSCC cells results in the suppression of cell growth and apoptosis, accompanied by the downregulation of nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells activation. Because all OSCC cell lines have reduced p53 activity, wild‐type p53 was introduced in p53‐deficient OSCC cells. The expression of wild‐type p53 suppressed cell growth and induced apoptosis via suppression of nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells activity. Finally, the co‐expression of AIM2 and IFI16 significantly enhanced cell growth in p53‐deficient cells; in contrast, the expression of AIM2 and/or IFI16 in cells bearing wild‐type p53 suppressed cell growth. Moreover, AIM2 and IFI16 synergistically enhanced nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells signaling in p53‐deficient cells. Thus, expression of AIM2 and IFI16 may have oncogenic activities in the OSCC cells that have inactivated the p53 system. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 782–790)
Coexpression of MUC16 and mesothelin is related to the invasion process in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shimizu Atsushi , Hirono Seiko , Tani Masaji , Kawai Manabu , Okada Ken‐Ichi , Miyazawa Motoki , Kitahata Yuji , Nakamura Yasushi , Noda Tetsuo , Yokoyama Shozo , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: February 2012

The invasion process is a crucial step for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); however, the genes related to invasion remain unclear. To identify specific genes for the invasion process, we compared microarray data for infiltrating cancer and PanIN‐3, which were harvested from an individual PDAC patient by microdissection. Furthermore, immunohistochemical, coimmunoprecipitation and invasion analyses were performed to confirm the biologic significance of molecules identified by expression profile. In the present study, we focused on MUC16 and mesothelin among 87 genes that were significantly upregulated in infiltrating components compared to PanIN‐3 in all PDAC patients, because MUC16 was the most differently expressed between two regions, and mesothelin was reported as the receptor for MUC16. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that MUC16 and mesothelin were expressed simultaneously only in infiltrating components and increased at the invasion front, and binding of MUC16 and mesothelin was found in PDAC by immunoprecipitation assay. The downregulation of MUC16 by shRNA and the blockage of MUC16 binding to mesothelin by antibody inhibited both invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cell line. MUC16 high/mesothelin high expression was an independent prognostic factor for poor survival in PDAC patients. In conclusion, we identified two specific genes, MUC16 and mesothelin, associated with the invasion process in patients with PDAC. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 739–746)
Brain metastases after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with stage III lung adenocarcinoma: Carcinoembryonic antigen as a potential predictive factor
Authors: Horinouchi Hidehito , Sekine Ikuo , Sumi Minako , Ito Yoshinori , Nokihara Hiroshi , Yamamoto Noboru , Ohe Yuichiro , Tamura Tomohide
Published: February 2012

The predictive factors for the development of brain metastases in patients with stage III non‐small‐cell lung cancer receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy remain unclear. Several studies have suggested adenocarcinoma as a predictive factor of brain relapses. In the current analysis, we tried to identify the factors associated with brain metastases in stage III lung adenocarcinoma. The demographic and clinical characteristics, site and date of recurrence, and date of death were reviewed in patients with unresectable stage III lung adenocarcinoma who underwent concurrent platinum‐based chemoradiotherapy. In total, 116 patients were identified with a median (range) age of 57 (35–74) years. Of these, 86 (74%) were men, all patients had platinum‐based chemotherapy, and 100 (86%) received a total dose of 60 Gy in 30 fractions as definitive thoracic radiotherapy. Of the 95 patients with disease progression or recurrence, 19 (16%) developed brain metastases as the sole site of initial recurrence. A total of 43 (37%) patients developed brain metastases at some time during follow‐up. Time to brain metastases was significantly associated with the pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) value, with a hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.64 (1.39–5.02, P = 0.003). Patients who developed brain metastases as the first recurrent site had marginally better survival (log–rank test, P = 0.066) than those with metastases other than brain. In conclusion, stage III lung adenocarcinoma patients with an elevated CEA value before treatment had a higher risk of developing brain metastases after chemoradiotherapy. Further effort is mandatory to control brain metastases in this patient population by a therapeutic strategy based on the tumor histology and pretreatment CEA value. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 756–759)
Silencing of connexin 43 suppresses invasion, migration and lung metastasis of rat hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Ogawa Kumiko , Pitchakarn Pornsiri , Suzuki Shugo , Chewonarin Teera , Tang MingXi , Takahashi Seishiro , Naiki‐Ito Aya , Sato Shinya , Takahashi Satoru , Asamoto Makoto , Shirai Tomoyuki
Published: February 2012

To reduce cancer mortality, understanding of mechanisms of cancer metastasis is crucial. We have established six rat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, which exhibit differing metastatic potential to the lung after inoculation into the tail veins of nude mice. In the present experiment, we investigated the process of cell attachment to metastatic sites and possible regulating factors. One hour after inoculation, two of two HCC cell lines with high metastatic potential and one of two HCC cell lines with low metastatic potential exhibited many attached cells in the lung. One day after inoculation, lung metastatic foci were observed only with highly‐metastatic cells with elevated connexin 43 (Cx43) expression as assessed by cDNA array analysis. Furthermore, 24 or 48 h after transfection of an siRNA targeting Cx43, in vitro invasion and migration were suppressed by 68% (P < 0.001) and 36% (P < 0.05) compared with control‐siRNA transfected cells, despite no differences in cellular morphology, cell proliferation or apoptotic activity. Moreover, the number of metastatic nodules per lung area in nude mice was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced. In conclusion, suppression of Cx43 expression in tumor cells reduced in vitro migration and invasion capacity and in vivo metastatic ability so that Cx43 has potential as a molecular target for prevention of cancer metastasis with Cx43 overexpressing tumors. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 860–867)
Novel method to measure serum levels of des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients taking warfarin: A preliminary report
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Osaki Yukio , Tada Toshifumi , Kaneoka Yuji , Maeda Atsuyuki
Published: February 2012

Des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP) is a useful tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its utility is limited in patients taking vitamin K antagonists. We evaluated the NX‐DCP ratio, a newly developed method to measure serum DCP, for its ability to identify DCP elevation induced by HCC in this patient subpopulation. Conventional DCP measurements and the NX‐DCP ratio were compared in patients with and without HCC, all of whom were taking the vitamin K antagonist warfarin. We found no differences in conventional DCP measurements between patients with and without HCC due to warfarin treatment. In contrast, the NX‐DCP ratio was significantly higher in patients with HCC; the NX‐DCP ratio in all patients without HCC was <1.50. When the cut‐off was fixed at 1.50, sensitivity and specificity for HCC diagnosis were 60.0% and 100.0%, respectively, which are comparable to those of conventional DCP measurements in patients not taking warfarin. The novel NX‐DCP ratio identifies patients on warfarin with elevated DCP due to HCC and is useful as a tumor marker for HCC in this patient subpopulation. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 921–925)
Suppression of azoxymethane‐induced colonic preneoplastic lesions in rats by 1‐methyltryptophan, an inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase
Authors: Ogawa Kengo , Hara Takeshi , Shimizu Masahito , Ninomiya Soranobu , Nagano Junji , Sakai Hiroyasu , Hoshi Masato , Ito Hiroyasu , Tsurumi Hisashi , Saito Kuniaki , Seishima Mitsuru , Tanaka Takuji , Moriwaki Hisataka
Published: February 2012

The escape of preneoplastic cells from the immune system, which is caused by immune tolerance, occurs during the development of several types of tumors. Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) plays a critical role in the induction of immune tolerance. In the present study we investigated the effects of 1‐methyltryptophan (1‐MT), an IDO inhibitor, and (−1;)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major catechin in green tea, on the development of azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced colonic preneoplastic lesions by focusing on the inhibition of IDO. To induce colonic premalignant lesions, male F344 rats were injected with AOM (20 mg/kg body weight, s.c.) once a week for 2 weeks. They also received 0.2% 1‐MT or 0.1% EGCG in their drinking water for 4 weeks, starting 1 week before the first dose of AOM. Both 1‐MT and EGCG significantly decreased the total number of aberrant crypt foci and β‐catenin‐accumulated crypts, which overexpressed IDO protein. Treatment with EGCG decreased IDO mRNA expression in both the colonic epithelium and stroma of rats induced by AOM. The AOM‐induced increase in cyclooxygenase‐2 mRNA expression in the colonic stroma was significantly decreased by EGCG. Furthermore, AOM‐induced increases in IDO activity in the serum and stroma were significantly inhibited by 1‐MT and EGCG. Inhibition of IDO activity by 1‐MT and EGCG was also observed in cell‐free assays. These findings suggest that upregulation of IDO activity is observed in the early stages of colon carcinogenesis and that the use of IDO inhibitors, such as 1‐MT and EGCG, which suppress the occurrence of colonic preneoplastic lesions, could be a novel strategy for the chemoprevention of colon cancer. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 951–958)
Women ending marriage to a problem drinking partner decrease their own risk for problem drinking
Authors: Smith Philip H. , Homish Gregory G. , Leonard Kenneth E. , Cornelius Jack R.
Published: February 2012

Aims  Marital dissolution is associated with increased risk of problematic drinking. However, marriage to a problem drinker also increases this risk, and ending this type of relationship may actually decrease risk of problematic drinking. This study tested whether women ending their marriage to a problem drinker exhibited improvements in drinking.

Design  National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, a two‐wave nationally representative survey of the US adult population.

Setting  In‐person interviews conducted in US households.

Participants  Females married or living as if married at wave 1 at least 18 years of age.

Measurements  Socio‐demographics, drinking frequency, drinking quantity, alcohol use disorders, problem drinking, partner problem drinking and relationship dissolution.

Findings  Ending marriage to a non‐problem drinker predicted increased frequency of drinking [risk ratio (RR) = 1.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43, 1.67], heavier drinking (RR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.71, 1.45), more problematic drinking (RR = 2.45; 95% CI = 2.17, 2.77) and a greater likelihood of use disorder diagnosis [odds ratio (OR) = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.67, 2.91]. Ending a relationship with a problem drinker predicted less frequent drinking (RR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.90, 0.98), less heavy drinking (RR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.78, 0.90) and fewer alcohol‐related problems (RR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.62, 0.95).

Conclusions  Ending a marriage with a husband who drinks problematically may decrease risk of alcohol‐related problems among women, substantiating the need for alcohol treatments to address a problem drinking partner.
MoSwi6, an APSES family transcription factor, interacts with MoMps1 and is required for hyphal and conidial morphogenesis, appressorial function and pathogenicity of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: QI ZHONGQIANG , WANG QI , DOU XIANYING , WANG WEI , ZHAO QIAN , LV RUILI , ZHANG HAIFENG , ZHENG XIAOBO , WANG PING , ZHANG ZHENGGUANG
Published: February 2012

The Magnaporthe oryzae mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) MoMps1 plays a critical role in the regulation of various developmental processes, including cell wall integrity, stress responses and pathogenicity. To identify potential effectors of MoMps1, we characterized the function of MoSwi6, a homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Swi6 downstream of MAPK Slt2 signalling. MoSwi6 interacted with MoMps1 both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting a possible functional link analogous to Swi6–Slt2 in S. cerevisiae. Targeted gene disruption of MoSWI6 resulted in multiple developmental defects, including reduced hyphal growth, abnormal formation of conidia and appressoria, and impaired appressorium function. The reduction in appressorial turgor pressure also contributed to an attenuation of pathogenicity. The ΔMoswi6 mutant also displayed a defect in cell wall integrity, was hypersensitive to oxidative stress, and showed a significant reduction in transcription and activity of extracellular enzymes, including peroxidases and laccases. Collectively, these roles are similar to those of MoMps1, confirming that MoSwi6 functions in the MoMps1 pathway to govern growth, development and full pathogenicity.