bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural surfactant combined with beclomethasone decreases oxidative lung injury in the preterm lamb
Authors: Dani Carlo , Corsini Iuri , Burchielli Silvia , Cangiamila Valentina , Longini Mariangela , Paternostro Ferdinando , Buonocore Giuseppe , Rubaltelli Firmino F.
Published: November 2009

We performed a randomized study in preterm lambs to assess the hypothesis that the treatment with natural surfactant combined with beclomethasone might decrease pulmonary oxidative stress in an animal model of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Animals received 200 mg/kg of porcine natural surfactant or 200 mg/kg of natural surfactant combined with 400 or 800 µg/kg of beclomethasone. Lung tissue oxidation was studied by measuring total hydroperoxide (TH), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and non‐protein bound iron (NPBI) in bronchial aspirate samples. In addition, lung mechanics was evaluated. TH was lower in the groups treated with surfactant plus 400 or 800 µg/kg of beclomethasone than in the surfactant group; AOPP was lower in the group treated with surfactant plus 800 µg/kg of beclomethasone than in the other groups; NPBI was similar in all groups. Surfactant treatment was followed by a sustained improvement of tidal volume (TV) and airway resistance, while dynamic compliance did not vary. However, the mean airway pressure needed to obtain similar values of TV was lower in the group treated with surfactant plus 800 µg/kg of beclomethasone than in other groups. We concluded that natural surfactant combined with beclomethasone at 800 µg/kg is effective in reducing the oxidative lung stress and improving the respiratory function in an animal model of RDS. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:1159–1167. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interaction among variant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor in relation to prostate cancer risk
Authors: VanCleave Tiva T. , Moore Jason H. , Benford Marnita L. , Brock Guy N. , Kalbfleisch Ted , Baumgartner Richard N. , Lillard James W. , Kittles Rick A. , Kidd La Creis R.
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and mortality are disproportionately high among African‐American (AA) men. Its detection and perhaps its disparities could be improved through the identification of genetic susceptibility biomarkers within essential biological pathways. Interactions among highly variant genes, central to angiogenesis, may modulate susceptibility for prostate cancer, as previous demonstrated. This study evaluates the interplay among three highly variant genes (i.e., IL‐10, TGFβR‐1, VEGF), their receptors and their influence on PCa within a case‐control study consisting of an under‐served population.

METHODS

This study evaluated single gene and joint modifying effects on PCa risk in a case‐control study comprised of 859 AA men (193 cases and 666 controls) using TaqMan qPCR. Interaction among polymorphic IL‐10, TGFβR‐1 and VEGF was analyzed using conventional logistic regression analysis (LR) models, multi‐dimensionality reduction (MDR) and interaction entropy graphs. Symbolic modeling allowed validation of gene–gene interaction findings identified by MDR.

RESULTS

No significant single gene effects were demonstrated in relation to PCa risk. However, carriers of the VEGF 2482T allele had a threefold increase in the risk of developing aggressive PCa. The presence of VEGF 2482T combined with VEGFR IVS6 + 54 loci were highly significant for the risk of PCa based on MDR and symbolic modeling analyses. These findings were substantiated by 1,000‐fold cross validation permutation testing (P = 0.04), respectively.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest the inheritance of VEGF and VEGFR IVS6 + 54 sequence variants may jointly modify PCa susceptibility through their influence on angiogenesis. Larger sub‐population studies are needed to validate these findings and evaluate whether the VEGF‐VEGR axis may serve as predictors of disease prognosis and ultimately clinical response to available treatment strategies. Prostate 70: 341–352, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FT‐Raman characterization of the antipodal bis‐adduct of C60 and anthracene
Authors: Pfeiffer Rudolf , Kramberger Christian , Peterlik Herwig , Kuzmany Hans , Kräutler Bernhard , Melle‐Franco Manuel , Zerbetto Francesco
Published: November 2009

We studied the mono‐ and the antipodal bis‐adduct of C60 and anthracene with FT‐Raman spectroscopy. Due to the reduced symmetry, the adducts have a much larger number of Raman‐active modes than C60 with its icosahedral symmetry. Especially interesting is the fact that in the region of the C60 pentagonal pinch mode (PPM) the adducts show two strong peaks, of which the higher one is almost at the same frequency as the C60 mode and the lower one is downshifted by 5.4 and 10.5 cm−1 for the mono‐ and bis‐adduct, respectively. The higher frequency peak could be explained by a degradation of the adducts into C60. However, calculated Raman spectra of the pure adducts also show two strong peaks in the PPM region, of which the higher frequency one is not PPM related. Finally, the C–H vibrations are the only clear evidence for anthracene in the adduct spectra.
Calculation of curvature effects and hybridization in zigzag carbon nanotubes
Authors: László I. , Zsoldos I.
Published: November 2009

We have studied the hybridization and curvature effects of zigzag nanotubes in the framework of π‐tight‐binding (πTB) approximation. Three parameters were used for the first neighbor interactions. By adjusting the hoping parameters to the results calculated in all‐valence tight‐binding (AVTB) method we could obtain metallic electronic structure for the (5,0) nanotube.
Towards electron spin resonance of mechanically exfoliated graphene
Authors: Ćirić Luka , Sienkiewicz Andrzej , Náfrádi Bálint , Mionić Marijana , Magrez Arnaud , Forró László
Published: November 2009

We have attempted to prepare graphene samples by mechanical exfoliation of HOPG (highly oriented pyrolytic graphite) using scotch tape. Random testing of the flakes by AFM has shown in majority single layer graphene. Nevertheless, the presence of ultrathine graphite cannot be excluded in the large assembly of flakes needed for electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements. Graphene flakes sitting on ESR‐silent scotch tapes were stacked parallel to form a multilayer sandwich. The ESR measurements performed in the 4–300 K range yielded narrow Lorentzian line. The spin susceptibility was decreasing linearly with decreasing temperature as expected for the conical band dispersion of graphene. Below 70 K the spin susceptibility started to deviate from the linear temperature dependence and a Curie‐like behavior was observed. This contribution to the susceptibility is due to the existence of defects or impurities, which are in strong exchange coupling limit with conduction electrons. The temperature dependence of the linewidth suggests Elliott's mechanism for spin relaxation in graphene flakes.
High quality SWCNT synthesis in the presence of NH3 using a vertical flow aerosol reactor
Authors: Susi Toma , Nasibulin Albert G. , Ayala Paola , Tian Ying , Zhu Zhen , Jiang Hua , Roquelet Cyrielle , Garrot Damien , Lauret Jean‐Sébastien , Kauppinen Esko I.
Published: November 2009

High quality single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were synthesized in the presence of ammonia (NH3) using a vertical flow aerosol reactor and collected directly from the gas phase in a simple continuous process. The morphology of the carbon network and the quality of the SWCNTs was investigated combining local and overall probes such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), Raman, and optical absorption.

magnified image

Representative STM image of a SWCNT synthesized by aerosol CVD (8 × 2 nm2, measured at a bias of 1 V and a tunneling current of 0.2 nA).
Deuterium accumulation within nano‐structured layers in Si:He upon plasma treatment
Authors: Misiuk Andrzej , Ulyashin Alexander , Barcz Adam , Romanowski Przemyslaw , Bak‐Misiuk Jadwiga
Published: November 2009

Silicon implanted with He+ ions (Si:He, energy of He+ equal to 300 keV, dose 5x1015 cm‐2), and subsequently processed at up to 1270 K (HT), also under hydrostatic pressure (HP) up to 1.1 GPa, accumulates deuterium from RF deuterium plasma (3x102 Pa, treatment for 1 h). As determined by AFM, X‐Ray and SIMS measurements, Si:He,D containing buried nano‐structured spongy‐like layer is produced in effect of such processing. Depending on HT and HP, local concentration of deuterium in Si:He,D after plasma treatment can reach 1019 cm‐3. Deuterium forms bonds with silicon and gettered oxygen. Subsequent annealing of Si:He,D at 723 K leads to specific structure‐dependent release and redistribution of deuterium. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of field plate on buffer trapping in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs
Authors: Nakajima Atsushi , Itagaki Keiichi , Horio Kazushige
Published: November 2009

Two‐dimensional transient analysis of field‐plate AlGaN/GaN HEMTs is performed in which a deep donor and a deep acceptor are considered in a semi‐insulating buffer layer. It is shown that drain lag is reduced by introducing a field plate, because the buffer‐trapping effects are reduced. It is also shown that buffer‐related lag phenomena and current collapse are also reduced in the field‐plate structure. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Anticonvulsant Activity of Ringed Enaminones: A QSAR Study
Authors: Martinez Juan C. Garro , Duchowicz Pablo R. , Estrada Mario R. , Zamarbide Graciela N. , Castro Eduardo
Published: November 2009

The formalism of the QSAR Theory is employed to establish mathematical relationships that link the molecular structure of ringed enaminones to their observed antiepileptic activity. The design of predictive linear regression models, solely based on the available experimental information, involved the simultaneous analysis of 1312 theoretical descriptors calculated with Dragon software. This QSAR study that is based both on classic antiepileptics and second‐generation anticonvulsant drugs, including compounds of the enaminone type, allowed the proposal of novel ringed enaminone derivatives as possible antiepileptic agents, posing a similar or even better predicted biological activity when compared to other commonly used drugs.
Nanolocomotion—Catalytic Nanomotors and Nanorotors
Authors: Mirkovic Tihana , Zacharia Nicole S. , Scholes Gregory D. , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: November 2009

Nature's nanomachines, built of dynamically integrated biochemical components, powered by energy‐rich biochemical processes, and designed to perform a useful task, have evolved over millions of years. They provide the foundation of all living systems on our planet today. Yet synthetic nanomotors, driven by simple chemical reactions and which could function as building blocks for synthetic nanomachines that can perform useful tasks, have been discovered only in the last few years. Why did it take so long to power‐up a myriad of synthetic nanostructures from their well‐known static states to new and exciting dynamic ones of the kind that abound in nature? This article will delve into this disconnect between the world of biological and abiological nanomotors, then take a look at some recent developments involving chemically powered nanoscale motors and rotors, and finally try to imagine: what's next for nanolocomotion?
Activated Local Immunity by CC Chemokine Ligand 19-Transduced Embryonic Endothelial Progenitor Cells Suppresses Metastasis of Murine Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hamanishi Junzo , Mandai Masaki , Matsumura Noriomi , Baba Tsukasa , Yamaguchi Ken , Fujii Shingo , Konishi Ikuo
Published: November 2009

Although tumor microenvironments play a key role in successful tumor immunotherapy, effective manipulation of local immunity is difficult because of the lack of an appropriate target system. It is well known that bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are actively recruited during tumor angiogenesis. Using this feature, we attempted to establish a novel therapeutic modality that targets tumor vessels of multiple metastases using embryonic endothelial progenitor cells (eEPCs) transduced with an immune-activating gene. The eEPCs were retrovirally transduced with the mouse CC chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19) gene, a lymphocyte-migrating chemokine. The mouse ovarian cancer cell line OV2944-HM-1 (HM-1) was inoculated subcutaneously into B6C3F1 mice, along with CCL19-tranduced eEPCs (eEPC-CCL19), resulting in immunologic activity and tumor-inhibitory effects. In this model, eEPC-CCL19 showed tumor repression accompanied by increased tumor-infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes compared with the control group. In contrast, no tumor repression was observed when the same experiment was done in immunodeficient (SCID) mice, suggesting a crucial role of T-cell function in this system. Next, we established a lung metastasis model by injecting HM-1 cells or B16 melanoma cells via the tail vein. Subsequent intravenous injection of eEPC-CCL19 leads to a decrease in the number of lung metastasis and prolonged survival. Antitumor effects were also observed in a peritoneal dissemination model using HM-1. These results suggest that systemic delivery of an immune-activating signal using EPCs can alter the tumor immune microenvironment and lead to a therapeutic effect, which may provide a novel strategy for targeting multiple metastases of various malignancies.
First‐trimester fetal nasal bone audit: evaluation of a novel method of image assessment
Authors: McLennan A. , Schluter P. J. , Pincham V. , Hyett J.
Published: November 2009

Objectives

Absence of the nasal bone has been recognized to be a strong ultrasound marker for Down syndrome and its inclusion in combined first‐trimester screening would increase the sensitivity and specificity of this test. We describe the development of a method of image scoring that should allow reliable assessment of practitioners submitting themselves to peer review for nasal bone imaging.

Methods

Twenty sonographers submitted 20 images demonstrating the presence of the nasal bone for quality assurance audit. Image quality was compared with the criteria described by The Fetal Medicine Foundation. Three raters scored the images on four separate occasions. On the first two occasions all 400 images were assessed qualitatively and given a simple pass/fail score. On the third and fourth occasions, five images from each of the 20 sets were scored objectively for five criteria by each of the three raters, with a cut‐off applied to the scores generated. The reliability of these image assessment techniques was compared statistically.

Results

Through quantitative assessment, 84% of images were judged in the same manner by three raters on two separate occasions and in 94% of cases five of these six ratings drew the same conclusion. Rates of intrarater and inter‐rater agreement were significantly better using quantitative rather than qualitative techniques.

Conclusions

This study has shown that clearly defined assessment criteria together with a quantitative scoring method improve the reliability of expert peer review. The quantitative method is recommended as the basis for future nasal bone image audit. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation and characterization of Candida kefyr orotidine‐5′‐phosphate decarboxylase (URA3) gene
Authors: Tsang Paul Wai‐Kei , Wong Kin‐Sing , Chu Jennifer Ka‐Man
Published: November 2009

Candida kefyr is a common yeast species that can be found in fermented milk and cheeses. As a first step to developing a gene transfer system for C. kefyr, the orotidine‐5′‐phosphate decarboxylase (URA3) gene was cloned, using degenerate PCR and genome walking. The uninterrupted open reading frame of the C. kefyr URA3 gene spans 801 bp, corresponding to 267 amino acid residues. The functionality of the gene was confirmed by complementation of ura3 auxotrophs of C. albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Phylogenetic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence indicated that it shares a high degree of homology with other Candida URA3 homologues. The GenBank Accession No. of the C. kefyr URA3 gene is FJ914763. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advanced Trauma Operative Management Course: Participant Survey
Authors: Jacobs Lenworth , Burns Karyl , Luk Stephen , Hull Stephanie
Published: November 2009

Background

The Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM) course uses standardized porcine simulation to teach the repair of penetrating trauma. It is offered in 26 sites in the United States, Canada, Africa, the Middle East, and Japan. The purpose of the present study was to query ATOM participants regarding their perceptions of the value and influence of the ATOM course on knowledge, confidence, and skill to repair penetrating injuries.

Methods

An anonymous, voluntary survey was posted on the Internet at surveymonkey.com. E‐mail notification was sent to all 1,001 ATOM participants through May 2008. Items requested agreement/disagreement on a 5‐point Likert scale and space for comments. Agreement indicated positive perceptions of ATOM.

Results

A total of 962 surgeons received the request to complete the survey; 444 ATOM participants from 36 states and 17 countries participated, for a response rate of 46%. Range of agreement with all of the items was 75.4–99.0%. Results include the following: 78.9% (95% CI, 74.7–82.6%) can identify injuries more quickly; 80.7% (95% CI, 76.6–84.3%) have a more organized operative approach; 81.1% (95% CI, 77.0–84.6%) can control bleeding more quickly; 86.1% (95% CI, 82.4–89.2%) can control injuries more effectively; 86.4% (95% CI, 82.7–89.4%) are more competent trauma surgeons; 87.0% are more confident (95% CI, 83.4–89.9%), and 89.2% are more knowledgeable (95% CI, 85.8–91.8%) about repairing penetrating injuries; 99% (95% CI, 97.4–99.7%) said ATOM is worthwhile. Overall, 87.4% of the comments were positive.

Conclusions

Participants worldwide perceive that ATOM is worthwhile and helps surgeons improve knowledge, confidence, and skill in repairing penetrating injuries.
Middle pancreatectomy for pancreatic neoplasms
Authors: Hirono Seiko , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: November 2009

Background

A middle pancreatectomy (MP) is a parenchyma‐preserving procedure for benign or low‐malignant neoplasms in the neck or body of the pancreas that reduces long‐term endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. MP requires the handling of 2 (distal and proximal) pancreatic remnants, and therefore, the higher rates of pancreatic fistula and morbidity may occur after MP rather than after standard pancreatectomies, such as for a pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy. Though there have so far been few reports regarding a high number of series in MP as opposed to standard pancreatic resections, recently reports describing more than 50 case outcomes of MP were published.

Methods

A literature search, which examined articles related to MP, was performed using the PubMed database. Data were compiled to generate conglomerate results of mortality and morbidity rates, and the long‐term pancreatic functional insufficiency and recurrence after MP.

Results

The mortality rates varied from 0 to 3%, and the morbidity from 13 to 62%. The rates of pancreatic fistula in more than 50 cases of MP varied from 8 to 30%. The rates of endocrine and exocrine insufficiency were very low (range, 0–9% and 0–8%, respectively).

Conclusions

MP is a safe procedure for the treatment of benign or low‐grade malignant neoplasms in the pancreatic neck or body, and in this procedure, the postoperative endocrine and exocrine functions are well preserved.
Moving Toward Comprehensiveness and Sustainability in a Social Ecological Approach to Youth Violence Prevention: Lessons from the Asian/Pacific Islander Youth Violence Prevention Center
Authors: Umemoto Karen , Baker Charlene K. , Helm Susana , Miao Tai-An , Goebert Deborah A. , Hishinuma Earl S.
Published: November 2009

Youth violence is a serious public health problem affecting communities across the United States. The use of a social ecological approach has helped reduce its prevalence. However, those who have put the approach into practice often face challenges to effective implementation. Addressing social ecology in all its complexity presents one obstacle; the ability of private non‐profit and public agencies to sustain such comprehensive efforts presents another. Here, we provide an example of our efforts to prevent youth violence. We worked with the Asian/Pacific Islander Youth Violence Prevention Center (APIYVPC) and two communities on Oahu. We provide a case example from the Asian/Pacific Islander Youth Violence Prevention Center (APIYVPC) of our work, in collaboration with two communities on Oahu, to develop and implement a youth violence prevention initiative that is becoming both comprehensive and sustainable. We illustrate the incremental nature of what it means to be comprehensive and we underscore the importance of reaching sustainability as the project unfolds.
3D Simulation of Nano-Imprint Lithography
Authors: Marín Jose Manuel Román , Rasmussen Henrik Koblitz , Hassager Ole
Published: November 2009

A proof of concept study of the feasibility of fully three-dimensional (3D) time-dependent simulation of nano-imprint lithography of polymer melt, where the polymer is treated as a structured liquid, has been presented. Considering the flow physics of the polymer as a structured liquid, we have followed the line initiated by de Gennes, using a Molecular Stress Function model of the Doi and Edwards type. We have used a 3D Lagrangian Galerkin finite element methods implemented on a parallel computer architecture. In a Lagrangian techniques, the node point follows the particle movement, allowing for the movement of free surfaces or interfaces. We have extended the method to handle the dynamic movement of the contact line between the polymer melt and stamp during mold filling.
Profile Prediction and Fabrication of Wet-Etched Gold Nanostructures for Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Zhou Xiaodong , Zhang Nan , Tan Christina
Published: November 2009

Dispersed nanosphere lithography can be employed to fabricate gold nanostructures for localized surface plasmon resonance, in which the gold film evaporated on the nanospheres is anisotropically dry etched to obtain gold nanostructures. This paper reports that by wet etching of the gold film, various kinds of gold nanostructures can be fabricated in a cost-effective way. The shape of the nanostructures is predicted by profile simulation, and the localized surface plasmon resonance spectrum is observed to be shifting its extinction peak with the etching time.

(See supplementary material 1)
Speech delays and behavioral problems are the predominant features in individuals with developmental delays and 16p11.2 microdeletions and microduplications
Authors: Rosenfeld Jill A. , Coppinger Justine , Bejjani Bassem A. , Girirajan Santhosh , Eichler Evan E. , Shaffer Lisa G. , Ballif Blake C.
Published: November 2009

Microdeletions and microduplications encompassing a ~593-kb region of 16p11.2 have been implicated as one of the most common genetic causes of susceptibility to autism/autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We report 45 microdeletions and 32 microduplications of 16p11.2, representing 0.78% of 9,773 individuals referred to our laboratory for microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) testing for neurodevelopmental and congenital anomalies. The microdeletion was de novo in 17 individuals and maternally inherited in five individuals for whom parental testing was available. Detailed histories of 18 individuals with 16p11.2 microdeletions were reviewed; all had developmental delays with below-average intelligence, and a majority had speech or language problems or delays and various behavioral problems. Of the 16 individuals old enough to be evaluated for autism, the speech/behavior profiles of seven did not suggest the need for ASD evaluation. Of the remaining nine individuals who had speech/behavior profiles that aroused clinical suspicion of ASD, five had formal evaluations, and three had PDD-NOS. Of the 19 microduplications with parental testing, five were de novo, nine were maternally inherited, and five were paternally inherited. A majority with the microduplication had delayed development and/or specific deficits in speech or language, though these features were not as consistent as seen with the microdeletions. This study, which is the largest cohort of individuals with 16p11.2 alterations reported to date, suggests that 16p11.2 microdeletions and microduplications are associated with a high frequency of cognitive, developmental, and speech delay and behavior abnormalities. Furthermore, although features associated with these alterations can be found in individuals with ASD, additional factors are likely required to lead to the development of ASD.
Phase transitions with a minimal number of jumps in the singular limits of higher order theories
Authors: Plotnikov P.I. , Toland J.F.
Published: November 2009

For a smooth

W\::(0,\infty ) \times \mathbb{R}^{d}\rightarrow \mathbb{R}

and a family of

L

-periodic

W^{1,2}

-functions

\vartheta _{\epsilon }\::\mathbb{R}\rightarrow \mathbb{R}^{d}

with

\vartheta _{\epsilon }⇀\vartheta

, the basic problem is to understand the weak* limit as

\epsilon \rightarrow 0

of

L

-periodic minimizers of

\int \limits_{0}^{L}\left(\frac{\epsilon }{2}\varphi ^{′\:2} + W(\varphi ,\vartheta _{\epsilon })\right)\:ds.

It is assumed that

W(\phi ,\theta )\rightarrow \infty

as

\phi \rightarrow 0,\infty

, and that

W( \cdot ,\theta )

, which has no more than three critical points counting multiplicity depending on

\theta \in \mathbb{R}^{d}

, is of a type that arises in the Cahn–Hilliard theory of phase separations where

d = 1

. The limiting problem with

\epsilon = 0

is to minimize, over bounded

L

-periodic measurable functions

φ

,

\int \limits_{0}^{L}W\left(\varphi (s),\vartheta (s)\right)\:ds.

Minimizers of (‡) need not be unique (there may be uncountably many), they may be discontinuous and minimizers with only simple jumps may coexist with minimizers with much more complicated discontinuities. Weak* limits of minimizers of (†) as

\epsilon \rightarrow 0

are minimizers of the relaxation of (‡). However it is shown that if, for a sequence of minimizers of (†),

\limsup\limits_{k\rightarrow \infty }\sqrt{\epsilon _{k}}\int \limits_{0}^{L}\left|\varphi _{\epsilon _{k}}^{′}(s)\right|^{2}\:ds < \infty ,\:\epsilon _{k}\rightarrow 0,

then the weak* limit of any subsequence of

\{\varphi _{\epsilon _{k}}\}

is an actual minimizer of (‡) which is continuous except at a finite number of simple jumps. Moreover, for sequences

\epsilon _{k}\rightarrow 0

from a set of positive Lebesgue density, it is shown that the weak* limit of

L

-periodic minimizers of (†) is a minimizer of (‡) with a finite number of simple jumps. Under additional hypotheses it is shown that, for sequences from a set of full Lebesgue density, the weak* limits of

L

-periodic minimizers of (†) are minimizers of (‡) with a
minimal number of simple jumps
.
Distinct genetic code expansion strategies for selenocysteine and pyrrolysine are reflected in different aminoacyl‐tRNA formation systems
Authors: Yuan Jing , O'Donoghue Patrick , Ambrogelly Alex , Gundllapalli Sarath , Sherrer R. Lynn , Palioura Sotiria , Simonović Miljan , Söll Dieter
Published: November 2009

Selenocysteine and pyrrolysine, known as the 21st and 22nd amino acids, are directly inserted into growing polypeptides during translation. Selenocysteine is synthesized via a tRNA‐dependent pathway and decodes UGA (opal) codons. The incorporation of selenocysteine requires the concerted action of specific RNA and protein elements. In contrast, pyrrolysine is ligated directly to tRNAPyl and inserted into proteins in response to UAG (amber) codons without the need for complex re‐coding machinery. Here we review the latest updates on the structure and mechanisms of molecules involved in Sec‐tRNASec and Pyl‐tRNAPyl formation as well as the distribution of the Pyl‐decoding trait.
A positively charged amino acid at position 129 in nitrilase from Rhodococcus rhodochrous ATCC 33278 is an essential residue for the activity with meta‐substituted benzonitriles
Authors: Yeom Soo-Jin , Lee Jung-Kul , Oh Deok-Kun
Published: November 2009

A positively charged amino acid (Arg, Lys, or His) at position 129 in Rhodococcus rhodochrous ATCC 33278 nitrilase is essential for the activity of aromatic nitriles. The wild‐type enzyme containing Arg129 was active only for meta‐ and para‐substituted benzonitriles with a methyl or amino group, but the R129K and R129H mutant enzymes were active only for meta‐substituted benzonitriles. The lack of activity of the mutants for para‐substituted benzonitriles may be attributable to steric hindrance between the para‐substituent and the side chain of Lys or His.
c‐Abl and Src‐family kinases cross‐talk in regulation of myeloid cell migration
Authors: Baruzzi Anna , Iacobucci Ilaria , Soverini Simona , Lowell Clifford A. , Martinelli Giovanni , Berton Giorgio
Published: November 2009

MINT‐7296608: Integrin beta‐1 (uniprotkb:P09055) physically interacts (MI:0914) with Hck (uniprotkb:P08103), Abl (uniprotkb:P00520) and Fgr (uniprotkb:P14234) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006) MINT‐7296596: Integrin beta‐1 (uniprotkb:P09055) physically interacts (MI:0914) with Fgr (uniprotkb:P14234) and Abl (uniprotkb:P00520) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Systems biology from a yeast omics perspective
Authors: Snyder Michael , Gallagher Jennifer E.G.
Published: November 2009

Systems biology represents a paradigm shift from the study of individual genes, proteins or other components to that of the analysis of entire pathways, cellular, developmental, or organismal processes. Large scale studies, primarily initiated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, have allowed the identification and characterization of components on an unprecedented level. Large scale interaction, transcription factor binding and phosphorylation data have enabled the elucidation of global regulatory networks. These studies have helped provide an understanding of cellular pathways and processes at a global and systems level.
tRNAs: Cellular barcodes for amino acids
Authors: Banerjee Rajat , Chen Shawn , Dare Kiley , Gilreath Marla , Praetorius-Ibba Mette , Raina Medha , Reynolds Noah M. , Rogers Theresa , Roy Hervé , Yadavalli Srujana S. , Ibba Michael
Published: November 2009

The role of tRNA in translating the genetic code has received considerable attention over the last 50 years, and we now know in great detail how particular amino acids are specifically selected and brought to the ribosome in response to the corresponding mRNA codon. Over the same period, it has also become increasingly clear that the ribosome is not the only destination to which tRNAs deliver amino acids, with processes ranging from lipid modification to antibiotic biosynthesis all using aminoacyl‐tRNAs as substrates. Here we review examples of alternative functions for tRNA beyond translation, which together suggest that the role of tRNA is to deliver amino acids for a variety of processes that includes, but is not limited to, protein synthesis.
“The way that can be told of is not an unvarying way”: Cultural impacts on Operations Management in Asia
Authors: Metters R. , Zhao X. , Bendoly E. , Jiang B. , Young S.
Published: November 2009

This special issue is dedicated to Operations Management (OM) in Asia. A requirement for the special issue articles is that they have content related to the effects of national culture on OM. Here, the OM literature is combined with work from Anthropology and Women's Studies to provide a wide view of the effects of various Asian cultures on OM. The basic premise is that OM decisions may need to take culture into account: some OM practices are altered or precluded by culture, while others are more effective in some cultures than others. Numerous examples are provided involving quality management, shift scheduling, revenue management, facility location, layout, supply chain strategies, and other areas.
The globalization of operations in Eastern and Western countries: Unpacking the relationship between national and organizational culture and its impact on manufacturing performance
Authors: Naor Michael , Linderman Kevin , Schroeder Roger
Published: November 2009

Understanding national and organizational culture becomes increasingly important in the era of transnational manufacturing. As the world becomes flat and boundaries break down, manufacturers need to understand the proper role of culture in order to obtain competitive advantage. Thus, the current study conducts a multilevel investigation of the impact of eight national and organizational culture dimensions (according to GLOBE framework) on manufacturing performance. An ANOVA comparison of 189 manufacturing plants between Eastern (Japan and South Korea) and Western (Germany, United States, Finland, and Sweden) countries indicates that organizational culture inside plants differs in three dimensions (power distance, future orientation, and performance orientation). Hierarchical Linear Modeling analysis further suggests that organizational culture has more of an effect on manufacturing performance than national culture or the fit between them. In addition, Country Developmental Indexes, both Economic and Infrastructural, do not impact manufacturing performance, reinforcing our conclusion about the weak influence of the national level factors on manufacturing performance. In an era of globalization, these results have practical implications for organizations expanding across national boundaries by developing an internal organizational culture consistent with high performance manufacturing.
The cultural characteristic of individualism/collectivism: A comparative study of implications for investment in operations between emerging Asian and industrialized Western countries
Authors: Power Damien , Schoenherr Tobias , Samson Danny
Published: November 2009

This study provides insight into the importance of national culture, investment in operations, and performance in the context of emerging Asian economies with a collectivist orientation, which are compared to industrialized Western nations with an individualist orientation. Hypotheses are developed and tested based on the cultural concept of individualism/collectivism, the theory of performance frontiers, and the extent of economic development. More specifically, data collected from 639 manufacturing plants in nine countries are used to first assess the influence of the cultural trait of individualism/collectivism on the extent of investment in structural assets (specifically: physical and capital‐based) and infrastructural assets (specifically: team‐based methods and improvement programs). Second, the influence of the extent of economic development on these investment factors is measured. Third, evidence is provided supportive of the theory of performance frontiers, and the nature of resource investments in the context of the cultural construct of individualism/collectivism. And fourth, support is provided for the efficacy of this theory, as well as for its compatibility and association with the resource‐based view of the firm. Overall, this study makes important contributions to both theory and practice, and provides evidence for the role played by the cultural characteristic of individualism/collectivism in determining plant level investment outcomes in emerging Asian economies.
Quality management effectiveness in Asia: The influence of culture
Authors: Kull Thomas J. , Wacker John G.
Published: November 2009

Globalization forces managers to utilize manufacturing capabilities from countries with different cultures than their own, particularly from Asia. Yet quality problems in China have raised concerns among managers and researchers as to how to assure product quality from Asian facilities. Implementing quality management practices may accomplish this, but such practices assume specific cultural values exist in certain Asian cultures. Using global manufacturing and cultural data, this study examines if cultural values in Asian and non‐Asian countries moderate how effective quality management practices are at improving quality performance. Through the use of multilevel modeling, differences in quality management effectiveness are found among the East Asian cultures of China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Moreover, this study finds that specific cultural dimensions are statistically related to quality management effectiveness. The results of this study will assist managers in devising plans to assure higher quality from East Asian facilities and in predicting where problems may occur in other countries around the world.
Antecedents to supplier integration in the automotive industry: A multiple‐case study of foreign subsidiaries in China
Authors: Lockström Martin , Schadel Joachim , Harrison Norma , Moser Roger , Malhotra Manoj K.
Published: November 2009

Supplier integration has become an important concept for improving supply chain performance. The aim of this paper is to identify factors that facilitate and inhibit supplier integration in the context of the Chinese automotive industry. An inductive approach based on grounded theory was chosen as the research methodology, where data was collected through 30 detailed case interviews with subsidiaries of foreign automotive companies operating in China. The results indicate that buyer‐side leadership is an important antecedent for building motivation, trust, and commitment among suppliers and for shaping their mindsets. This, in turn, facilitates strategic alignment and enables suppliers to build collaborative capabilities, which are finally shown to be a key enabler for successful supplier integration.
Implementing supply chain information integration in China: The role of institutional forces and trust⋆
Authors: Cai Shaohan , Jun Minjoon , Yang Zhilin
Published: November 2009

This study investigates the effects of Chinese companies’ institutional environment on the development of trust and information integration between buyers and suppliers. Three aspects of China's institutional environment are salient: legal protection, government support, and the importance of guanxi (interpersonal relationships). This study uses structural equation modeling to analyze data collected from 398 Chinese manufacturing companies. Government support and importance of guanxi significantly affect trust, which subsequently influences two elements of information integration, namely, information sharing and collaborative planning. Furthermore, the importance of guanxi has a direct, positive impact on information sharing, and government support has a direct, positive effect on both information sharing and collaborative planning.
Erosional Effects on Terrestrial Resources over the last Millennium in Reykjanes, Southwest Iceland
Authors: Gísladóttir Guðrún , Erlendsson Egill , Lal Rattan , Bigham Jerry
Published: November 2009

The study presents the effect of soil erosion on vegetation, soil accumulation (SA), SA rate (SAR), soil quality, soil mass, and the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool in Brown Andosols and Histosols in a 24-km area in southwest Iceland. Undisturbed prehistoric soils were distinguished from disturbed historic soils using tephrochronology. Soil erosion has been severe during historic time (last 1135 yr), resulting in the increase of the soil mass deposited in soils covered by vegetation by a factor of 7.3–9.2 and net loss of soil in unvegetated areas. The SAR correlated positively with SOC sequestration. SOC is easily transported and given the extensive accumulation of soil, the net effect of burial and subsequent reduction in decomposition is to increase SOC storage. Nevertheless, the increased accumulation and soil depletion has decreased soil quality, including the SOC, and reduced soil resistance to erosion with the depleted SOC contributing to enrichment of atmospheric CO2. The initial terrestrial disturbance was triggered by anthropogenic land use during the Medieval Warm Period, followed by volcanic activity approximately three centuries later. The combination of harsh climate during the Little Ice Age and drastic anthropogenic perturbations has led to land degradation at a catastrophic scale.
Anthropogenic hillslope terraces and swidden agriculture in Jiuzhaigou National Park, northern Sichuan, China
Authors: Henck Amanda , Taylor James , Lu Hongliang , Li Yongxian , Yang Qingxia , Grub Barbara , Breslow Sara Jo , Robbins Alicia , Elliott Andrea , Hinckley Tom , Combs Julie , Urgenson Lauren , Widder Sarah , Hu Xinxin , Ma Ziyu , Yuan Yaowu , Jian Daijun , Liao Xun , Tang Ya
Published: November 2009

Small, irregular terraces on hillslopes, or terracettes, are common landscape features throughout west central China. Despite their prevalence, there is limited understanding of the nature of these topographic features, the processes that form them, and the role humans played in their formation. We used an interdisciplinary approach to investigate the geology, ecology, and cultural history of terracette development within Jiuzhaigou National Park, Sichuan Province, China. Terracettes occur on south facing, 20° slopes at 2500 m elevation, which appears to coincide with places people historically preferred to build villages. Ethnographic interviews suggest that traditional swidden agricultural cycles removed tree roots, causing the loess sediments to lose cohesion, slump, and the terrace risers to retreat uphill over time. This evidence is supported by landslide debris at terracette faces. Archaeological analysis of terracette sites reveal remains of rammed spread soil structures, bones, stone tools, and ceramics dating from at least 2200 years before present within a distinct paleosol layer. Radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence dating of terracette sediments ranged in age from between 1500 and 2000 14C yr BP and between 16 and 0.30"ka, respectively. These multiple lines of evidence indicate a long history of human habitation within Jiuzhaigou National Park and taken together, suggest strong links between terracette formation and human-landuse interactions.
Stanley “Tookie” Williams, Gangbanger Autobiography, and Warrior Tribes
Authors: BRUMBLE DAVID
Published: November 2009

There are three kinds of gangbanger autobiography: those told from inside the life, those told from outside the life, and those told by those who are outside the life but whose sense of self is still inextricably connected with gangbanger deeds and the respect/status won by those deeds. Stanley “Tookie” Williams's autobiographical writing provides a telling example of the third kind. To understand Williams's autobiographical writings we need to look at them in relation to the whole range of gangbanger autobiography – and the wide range of autobiographies that come to us from tribal warrior cultures.
CHILDHOOD EXPOSURE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS WIFE BEATING IN ADULT LIFE: A STUDY OF MEN IN INDIA
Authors: ZHU YING , DALAL KOUSTUV
Published: November 2009

This study examined men's justification of wife beating in relation to their perceived rights and autonomy using a nationally representative sample of 18,047 men in India with childhood exposure to parental violence. Five reasons for wife beating justification, four items of men's perceived rights, and five items of household autonomy were analysed using χ2 test and logistic regression. Among 18,047 participants, 67% justified wife beating. Low education, economic stress and being unmarried were generally more associated with justifying wife beating for all five reasons. Wife's refusal of sex and husband's final say on household autonomy are risk factors. Joint autonomy on household decision making and wife's autonomy on managing her own earnings are protective factors. Perceived relationship rights and autonomy are highly predictive of wife-beating justification for the men who have been exposed to parental violence during childhood. The study has significant implications for public health planners and education strategies.
Streaming potential generated by a drop moving along the centreline of a capillary
Authors: LAC ETIENNE , SHERWOOD J. D.
Published: November 2009

The electrical streaming potential generated by a two-phase pressure-driven Stokes flow in a cylindrical capillary is computed numerically. The potential difference ΔΦ between the two ends of the capillary, proportional to the pressure difference Δp for single-phase flow, is modified by the presence of a suspended drop on the centreline of the capillary. We determine the change in ΔΦ caused by the presence of an uncharged insulating neutrally buoyant drop at a small electric Hartmann number, i.e. when the perturbation to the flow field caused by electric stresses is negligible.

The drop velocity and deformation, and the consequent changes in the pressure difference Δp and streaming potential ΔΦ, depend upon three independent parameters: the size a of the undeformed drop relative to the radius R of the capillary; the viscosity ratio λ between the drop phase and the continuous phase; and the capillary number Ca which measures the ratio of viscous to capillary forces. We investigate how the streaming potential depends on these parameters: purely hydrodynamic aspects of the problem are discussed by Lac & Sherwood (J. Fluid Mech., doi:10.1017/S0022112009991212).

The potential on the capillary wall is assumed sufficiently small so that the electrical double layer is described by the linearized Poisson–Boltzmann equation. The Debye length characterizing the thickness of the charge cloud is taken to be small compared with all other length scales, including the width of the gap between the drop and the capillary wall. The electric potential satisfies Laplace's equation, which we solve by means of a boundary integral method. The presence of the drop increases |ΔΦ| when the drop is more viscous than the surrounding fluid (λ > 1), though the change in |ΔΦ| can take either sign for λ < 1. However, the difference between ΔΦ and Δp (suitably non-dimensionalized) is always positive. Asymptotic predictions for the streaming potential in the case of a vanishingly small spherical droplet, and for large drops at high capillary numbers, agree well with computations.
Phonetics and phonology of Cuzco Quechua declarative intonation: An instrumental analysis
Authors: O'Rourke Erin
Published: November 2009

This paper offers an analysis of Cuzco Quechua intonation using experimental techniques to examine one of the acoustic cues of pitch, the fundamental frequency or F0. While previous descriptions in the literature are based on auditory impression, in the present study recordings were made of read declaratives produced by native Quechua speakers in Cuzco, Peru. This paper provides an initial characterization of high and low tones with respect to the stressed syllable, as well as information regarding the height and alignment of these tones. In addition, the intonational marking of intermediate phrases within an utterance is discussed. Research on Quechua intonation can be used to begin to address several issues regarding the intonation of languages in contact, as well as to provide data for a future cross-linguistic analysis of indigenous language intonation features.