bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of CsnR, the Transcriptional Repressor of the Chitosanase Gene,
csnA
, of Streptomyces lividans
Authors: Dubeau Marie-Pierre , Poulin-Laprade Dominic , Ghinet Mariana Gabriela , Brzezinski Ryszard
Published: March 2011

A palindromic sequence is present in the intergenic region preceding the chitosanase gene
csnA
(SSPG_06922) of
Streptomyces lividans
TK24. This sequence was also found in front of putative chitosanase genes in several other actinomycete genomes and upstream genes encoding putative transcriptional regulators of the ROK family, including
csnR
(SSPG_04872) in
S. lividans
. The latter was examined as a possible transcriptional regulator (CsnR) of chitosanase gene expression.
In vitro
, purified CsnR bound strongly to the palindromic sequences of the
csnA
and
csnR
genes (equilibrium dissociation constant [

K
D

] = 0.032 and 0.040 nM, respectively). Binding was impaired in the presence of chitosan oligosaccharides and
d
-glucosamine, and chitosan dimer was found to be the best effector, as determined by an equilibrium competition experiment and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) determination, while glucose,
N
-acetyl-glucosamine, and galactosamine had no effect.
In vivo
, comparison of the
S. lividans
wild type and ΔCsnR strains using β-lactamase reporter genes showed that CsnR represses the expression of
csnA
and of its own gene, which was confirmed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). CsnR is localized at the beginning of a gene cluster, possibly an operon, the organization of which is conserved through many actinomycete genomes. The CsnR-mediated chitosanase regulation mechanism seems to be widespread among actinomycetes.
Functional Analysis of the Holin-Like Proteins of Mycobacteriophage Ms6
Authors: Catalão Maria João , Gil Filipa , Moniz-Pereira José , Pimentel Madalena
Published: March 2011

The mycobacteriophage Ms6 is a temperate double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) bacteriophage which, in addition to the predicted endolysin (LysA)-holin (Gp4) lysis system, encodes three additional proteins within its lysis module: Gp1, LysB, and Gp5. Ms6 Gp4 was previously described as a class II holin-like protein. By analysis of the amino acid sequence of Gp4, an N-terminal signal-arrest-release (SAR) domain was identified, followed by a typical transmembrane domain (TMD), features which have previously been observed for pinholins. A second putative holin gene (
gp5
) encoding a protein with a predicted single TMD at the N-terminal region was identified at the end of the Ms6 lytic operon. Neither the putative class II holin nor the single TMD polypeptide could trigger lysis in pairwise combinations with the endolysin LysA in
Escherichia coli
. One-step growth curves and single-burst-size experiments of different Ms6 derivatives with deletions in different regions of the lysis operon demonstrated that the gene products of
gp4
and
gp5
, although nonessential for phage viability, appear to play a role in controlling the timing of lysis: an Ms6 mutant with a deletion of
gp4
(Ms6

Δ
gp4

) caused slightly accelerated lysis, whereas an Ms6

Δ
gp5

deletion mutant delayed lysis, which is consistent with holin function. Additionally, cross-linking experiments showed that Ms6 Gp4 and Gp5 oligomerize and that both proteins interact. Our results suggest that in Ms6 infection, the correct and programmed timing of lysis is achieved by the combined action of Gp4 and Gp5.
Chemoreceptors and Flagellar Motors Are Subterminally Located in Close Proximity at the Two Cell Poles in Spirochetes
Authors: Xu Hongbin , Raddi Gianmarco , Liu Jun , Charon Nyles W. , Li Chunhao
Published: March 2011

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions, immunofluorescence microscopy, and cryo-electron tomography revealed that the chemoreceptors of the Lyme disease spirochete
Borrelia burgdorferi
form long, thin arrays near both cell poles. These arrays are in close proximity to the flagellar motors. This information provides a basis for further understanding motility, chemotaxis, and protein localization in spirochetes.
Understanding Barrett's columnar lined oesophagus from the patients' perspective: qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews with patients
Authors: Griffiths Helen , Davies Ruth
Published: March 2011

Objectives

To explore patients' views and perspectives on their experience of living with Barrett's columnar lined oesophagus (CLO) and being part of an endoscopic surveillance programme.

Design

Qualitative semistructured interviews.

Setting

District General Hospital.

Subjects

22 men with diagnosis of Barrett's CLO between the ages of 50 and 70 years.

Results

All subjects had received some information about Barrett's CLO and had a heightened awareness of the cancer risk. However, many had misinterpreted or poorly assimilated the information and overall health literacy levels were low. From their stories a ‘Model of Uncertainty’ in Barrett's surveillance was developed as a focus for healthcare professionals to ensure that the service users' perspective is considered in future service development.

Conclusion

Patients' assimilation of information should not be assumed by healthcare professionals but rather should be verified for individual patients. The model developed highlights the factors found to influence patients' knowledge and understanding of Barrett's CLO.
TonB or not TonB: is that the question?This paper is one of a selection of papers published in a Special Issue entitled CSBMCB 53rd Annual Meeting — Membrane Proteins in Health and Disease, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Krewulak Karla D. , Vogel Hans J.
Published: March 2011

Bacteria are able to survive in low-iron environments by sequestering this metal ion from iron-containing proteins and other biomolecules such as transferrin, lactoferrin, heme, hemoglobin, or other heme-containing proteins. In addition, many bacteria secrete specific low molecular weight iron chelators termed siderophores. These iron sources are transported into the Gram-negative bacterial cell through an outer membrane receptor, a periplasmic binding protein (PBP), and an inner membrane ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter. In different strains the outer membrane receptors can bind and transport ferric siderophores, heme, or Fe3+as well as vitamin B12, nickel complexes, and carbohydrates. The energy that is required for the active transport of these substrates through the outer membrane receptor is provided by the TonB/ExbB/ExbD complex, which is located in the cytoplasmic membrane. In this minireview, we will briefly examine the three-dimensional structure of TonB and the current models for the mechanism of TonB-dependent energy transduction. Additionally, the role of TonB in colicin transport will be discussed.
Nucleoside transporter gene expression in wild-type and mENT1 knockout miceThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in a Special Issue entitled CSBMCB 53rd Annual Meeting — Membrane Proteins in Health and Disease, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Graham Kathryn , Yao Sylvia , Johnson Lorelei , Mowles Delores , Ng Amy , Wilkinson Jodi , Young James D. , Cass Carol E.
Published: March 2011

Owing to the overlapping and redundant roles of the seven mammalian nucleoside transporters (NTs), which belong to two protein families (ENTs and CNTs), the physiological importance of individual NTs has been difficult to assess. Mice that have NT genes knocked out can be a valuable tool in gaining an understanding of the NT proteins. We have generated a strain of mice that is homozygous for a disruption mutation between exons 2 and 3 of the mouse equilibrative nucleoside transporter, mENT1. We have undertaken a quantitative survey of NT gene expression in 10 tissues, as well as microarray analysis of heart and kidney, from wild-type and mENT1 knockout mice. Rather than a consistent change in expression of NT genes in all tissues of mENT1 knockout mice, a complex pattern of changes was found. Some genes, such as those encoding mCNT1 and mCNT3 in colon tissue, exhibited increased expression, whereas other genes, such as those encoding mCNT2 and mENT4 in lung tissue, exhibited decreased expression. Although mCNT3 has been shown to be important in human and rat kidney tissue, we were unable to detect mCNT3 transcripts in the kidney of either the wild-type or mENT1 knockout mice, suggesting differences in renal nucleoside resorption between species.
Mis-trafficking of bicarbonate transporters: implications to human diseasesThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in a Special Issue entitled CSBMCB 53rd Annual Meeting — Membrane Proteins in Health and Disease, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Almomani Ensaf Y. , Chu Carmen Y.S. , Cordat Emmanuelle
Published: March 2011

Bicarbonate is a waste product of mitochondrial respiration and one of the main buffers in the human body. Thus, bicarbonate transporters play an essential role in maintaining acid-base balance but also during fetal development as they ensure tight regulation of cytosolic and extracellular environments. Bicarbonate transporters belong to two gene families, SLC4A and SLC26A. Proteins from these two families are widely expressed, and thus mutations in their genes result in various diseases that affect bones, pancreas, reproduction, brain, kidneys, eyes, heart, thyroid, red blood cells, and lungs. In this minireview, we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the effect of SLC4A and SLC26A mutants, with a special emphasis on mutants that have been studied in mammalian cell lines and how they correlate with phenotypes observed in mice models.
Analysis of recombinant tagged equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) expressed inE. coliThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in a Special Issue entitled CSBMCB 53rd Annual Meeting — Membrane Proteins in Health and Disease, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Reyes German , Nivillac Nicole M.I. , Chalsev Maria , Coe Imogen R.
Published: March 2011

Nucleoside transporters (NTs) are integral membrane proteins necessary for the cellular entry of nucleoside analog drugs used in chemotherapeutic treatment of conditions such as cancer and viral or parasitic infections. NTs are also the targets of certain drugs used in the treatment of various cardiovascular conditions. Because of the importance of NTs in drug uptake, determination of the three-dimensional structure of these proteins, particularly hENT1, has the potential to improve these treatments through structure-based design of more specifically targeted and transported drugs. In this paper, we use NMR spectroscopy to investigate the structure of the large intracellular loop between transmembrane domains 6 and 7 and we also describe a method for the successful overexpression of full-length hENT1 in a bacterial system. Recombinant tandem histidine-affinity (HAT) and 3×FLAG tagged hENT1 was overexpressed in E. coli, affinity purified, and functionally characterized by nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI) binding. Anti-3×FLAG immunodetection confirmed the expression of N-HAT-3×FLAG-hENT1, while increased NBTI binding (3.2-fold compared with controls) confirmed the conformational integrity of the recombinant hENT1 within the bacterial inner membrane. Yields of recombinant hENT1 using this approach were ∼15 µg/L of bacterial culture and this approach provides a basis for large-scale production of protein for a variety of purposes.
Structural comparison of substrate entry gate for rhomboid intramembrane peptidasesThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in a Special Issue entitled CSBMCB 53rd Annual Meeting — Membrane Proteins in Health and Disease, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Lazareno-Saez Christelle , Brooks Cory L. , Lemieux M. Joanne
Published: March 2011

Rhomboids are intramembrane serine peptidases conserved in all kingdoms of life. Their general role is to cleave integral membrane proteins to release signalling molecules. These signals, when disrupted, can contribute to various diseases. Crystal structures of H. influenzae (hiGlpG) and E. coli GlpG (ecGlpG) rhomboids have revealed a structure with six transmembrane helices and a Ser–His catalytic dyad buried within the membrane. One emerging issue was the identification of the mobile element in the protein that allows substrate docking. It has been proposed that the substrate entry gate is composed of helix 5 and loop 5. The present review studies the structures of these two orthologs. In ecGlpG structures, different conformations of loop 5 and helix 5 are observed. Open and closed conformations of ecGlpG structures are compared with each other and with hiGlpG, surveying differences in hydrophobic interactions within loop 5 and helix 5. Furthermore, a comparison of the ecGlpG and hiGlpG structures reveals differences in loop 4. Overall, less variation is observed in loop 4, suggesting this region acts as an anchor for the substrate gate. Functional and regulatory implications of these variations are discussed.
Episodes of Injuries and Frequent Usage of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Taiwanese Elite Wrestling Athletes
Authors: Lin Zen-Pin , Chen Yi-Hung , Chia Fan , Wu Huey-June , Lan Lawrence W. , Lin Jaung-Geng
Published: March 2011

Wrestling normally places extreme demands on the body and thus may cause various kinds of injuries. An in-depth understanding of the episodes of injured sites, types, timings, and treatment modalities would help participants be aware of wrestling-related injury occurrences so as to develop effective preventive measures. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the gender-specific injuries among elite wrestling athletes.

Subjects were selected from the 2009 Taiwanese National Wrestling Sport Championship. Participants were adolescent wrestling athletes, ages 16–18, who must have received at least one bronze medal at national level tournaments in 2008. A total of 118 respondents, 96 males and 22 females, completed and returned the questionnaire in which demographic data and information about the types, sites, and timings of injuries suffered and treatment modalities adopted were elicited. The data were analyzed with independent t-tests.

The questionnaire results revealed a significantly higher injury rate for males than for females. The top three injured sites for males were waist (11.1%), ankle joint (10.1%) and finger (9.6%); while for females were ankle joint (13.6%), knee (12.5%) and waist (11.3%). Contusions were the most frequent type of injury: for males (73.5%) and for females (70.6%); followed by tendon inflammation for males (10.7%) and accumulated injuries for females (15.2%). During training and matching periods, the frequency of injuries for males (69.0%) is lower than that for females (81.8%). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with acupuncture and moxibustion was the most common treatment modalities used for males (51.8%) and for females (68.0%); followed by orthopedics: for males (29.5%) and for females (18.0%).

The present study contributed as the first effort to reveal the potency of using TCM with acupuncture and moxibustion in wrestling competitions. To prevent possible brain and body injuries in wrestling, safety education, skills and rules, and scoring systems may require further revision. Increased training of wrestling health professionals and advanced research and development of auxiliary training devices and protective equipment for wrestling athletes are also recommended.
Application of Sphygmography to Detection of Dyspepsia and the Rhinitis
Authors: Huang Chin-Ming , Chang Hsien-Cheh , Kao Shung-Te , Li Tsai-Chung , Liao Yin-Tzu , Wei Ching-Chuan , Chen Chiachung
Published: March 2011

Diagnosis by radial arterial pulse is very important in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of detection time and position on the parameters of time- and frequency-domain of radial pulse wave and to differentiate between Dyspepsia and Rhinitis by the statistical analysis of two signal types. A sphygmograph was developed to record radial pressure pulse for spectral analysis. The measurements were expressed as the pressure wave and its frequency. In this study, 135 subjects including the controls, Dyspepsias and Rhinitis were enrolled in this study. The signals were taken from three diagnosis positions of both wrists. Seven parameters of pressure wave and two parameters of spectrum analysis were evaluated by ANOVA test and Tukey's test. The results showed that the effects of detection time and position on the parameters taken from pulse wave were inconsistent. No regular rules or relationship could be established. The power spectra of 10–50 Hz and 13–50 Hz from sphygmography revealed a significant effect of health status, position and their interaction. There was a significant difference in the power spectra of 13–50 Hz between the control and Rhinitis, as well as between the control and Dyspepsia at right Guan position. The results of this study strongly suggest that the spectrum of sphygmogram might be more helpful than the pressure wave signals for detection of Dyspepsia and Rhinitis.
Effect of Acupuncture on Rats with Acute Gouty Arthritis Inflammation: A Metabonomic Method for Profiling of Both Urine and Plasma Metabolic Perturbation
Authors: Wen Si-Lan , Liu Yu-Jie , Yin Hai-Lin , Zhang Liu , Xiao Jin , Zhu Hong-Yuan , Xue Jin-Tao , Ye Li-Ming
Published: March 2011

Acute gouty arthritis is a common inflammation model with multiple pathogenic mechanisms seen in clinical practice, for which acupuncture may potentially be an alternative therapy. To investigate the effect of acupuncture on acute gouty arthritis and search for its mechanism, a metabonomic method was developed in this investigation. Acute gouty arthritis model rats were induced by monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. The urine and plasma samples were collected at several time points and the endogenous metabolites were analyzed by an ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Data were analyzed using principal components analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) analysis to compare metabolic profiles of MSU crystal-induced acute gouty arthritis rats with MSU crystal-induced acute gouty arthritis, treated with acupuncture rats. The results showed that acupuncture could restore the metabolite network that disturbed by MSU administration. Our study indicates that UPLC-MS-based metabonomics can be used as a potential tool for the investigation of biological effect of acupuncture on acute gouty arthritis.
Hepatoprotective Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Flemingia macrophylla on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Hepatotoxicity in Rats Through Anti-Oxidative Activities
Authors: Hsieh Po-Chow , Ho Yu-Ling , Huang Guan-Jhong , Huang Ming-Hsing , Chiang Ying-Chen , Huang Shyh-Shyun , Hou Wen-Chi , Chang Yuan-Shiun
Published: March 2011

This study investigated the protective effect of the aqueous extract of Flemingia macrophylla (AFM) against hepatic injury induced by CCl4. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were detected as biomarkers in the blood to indicate hepatic injury. Product of lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents were evaluated for oxidative stress in hepatic injury. Moreover, histopathological observation was assayed for the degree of hepatic injury. After oral administration of AFM, 0.5 g/kg and 1.0 g/kg doses significantly decreased ALT and AST, attenuated the histopathology of hepatic injury, ameliorated oxidative stress in hepatic tissue, and increased the activities of CAT, SOD and GSH-Px. The hepatoprotective effect of daidzein and genistein were consistent to that of AFM. This study demonstrated for the first time that AFM has hepatoprotective effect on acute liver injuries induced by CCl4, and the results suggested that the effect of AFM against CCl4-induced liver damage was related to antioxidant properties.
Molecular Analysis of Leonurus Species in China Based on ITS and matK Sequences
Authors: Yang Zhi-Ye , Pan Sheng-Li , Huo Ke-Ke , Wu Bing-Yi , Chao Zhi
Published: March 2011

The genus Leonurus has long been recognized as a natural group, but its interspecific relationship has not yet been studied in the light of sequence data. The ITS regions and matK sequences of all subgenera of Leonurus in China were amplified, sequenced and investigated. Phylogenies generated by maximum parsimony and neighbor-joining methods and division of the genus into two major clades. The phylogenetic results indicated that L. chaituroides has the very close phylogenetic relationship with Subg. Cardiochilium and supported the notion that L. macranthus acts as the bridge between Subg. cardiochilium and Subg. Leonurus. According to the analysis of information given by ITS and matK sequences, we suggest that ITS sequences would be more suitable to serve as markers for authentication of Herba Leonuri than matK does.
NUCLEAR RADII OF UNSTABLE NUCLEI
Authors: ALKHAZOV G. D. , NOVIKOV I. S. , SHABELSKI Yu. M.
Published: March 2011

In the presented review we discuss the problem of extracting the parameters of nuclear matter and charge distribution in stable and unstable isotopes. A substantial amount of information on the nuclear radii and other distribution parameters in light exotic nuclei has been obtained from experiments on intermediate-energy nucleus–nucleus collisions. The analyses of these experiments are usually performed with the help of the Glauber theory. We review the main assumptions of the Glauber theory and show how this theoretical approach is used to calculate reaction and interaction cross-sections. We also show how radii of nuclear matter can be obtained from the analysis of the experimental data on reaction cross-sections. In the provided analysis reaction cross-sections were calculated in optical and rigid approximations of the Glauber theory as well as using explicit expressions. Numerical calculations of Glauber's explicit expressions for reaction cross-sections were done using Monte Carlo technique. Recent results of the precise measurements of charge radii of light exotic nuclei which were done using the laser-spectroscopy technique as well as the method of the investigation of the nuclear matter distributions in proton elastic scattering experiments in inverse kinematics are also discussed.
REACTION MECHANISMS IN 12C+93Nb SYSTEM: EXCITATION FUNCTIONS AND RECOIL RANGE DISTRIBUTIONS BELOW 7 MeV/u
Authors: AHMAD TAUSEEF , RIZVI I. A. , AGARWAL AVINASH , KUMAR RAKESH , GOLDA K. S. , CHAUBEY A. K.
Published: March 2011

The experiments were performed to study excitation functions (EFs) of evaporation residues (ERs), i.e. 103,102,101Ag, 101,100,99Pd, 101,100Rh, 97Ru, 96Tc, 95Tc, 94Tc, 93Mo m , 92Nb m populated in the reactions induced by 12C on 93Nb for exploring the reaction dynamics involved at energies ≈ 47–75 MeV. The activation technique followed by offline γ-ray spectrometry has been employed to measure EFs. These measurements were simulated with other reported values available in literature as well as with theoretical predictions based on computer code PACE-2. The effect of variation of level density parameter involved in this code has also been studied. An excellent agreement was found between theoretical and experimental values in some of the fusion evaporation channels. However, significant enhancement of cross-section as observed in α-emission channels may be due to incomplete fusion (ICF) process and/or direct reaction process. To confirm the aforesaid reaction mechanism, Recoil Range Distributions (RRDs) of various ERs have been measured at ≈ 80 MeV. Moreover, an attempt is made to separate the percentage relative contributions of complete and incomplete fusion components from the analysis of the measured RRDs data. Further, the relative percentage ICF fraction, also estimated from EFs data, was found to be sensitive with the projectile energy.
THE DENSITY-DEPENDENT Av18 EFFECTIVE INTERACTION AND GROUND STATE OF CLOSED SHELL NUCLEI
Authors: MODARRES M. , RASEKHINEJAD N. , MARIJI H.
Published: March 2011

The ground state properties of light closed shell nuclei, i.e. 4He, 12C, 16O, 28Si, 32S, 40Ca and 56Ni are studied by using the channel-dependent effective two-body interactions (CDEI's). The CDEI's are generated through the lowest-order constrained variational (LOCV) calculation for asymmetric nuclear matter with the charge-dependent Av18 bare nucleon–nucleon potential. The work is performed on the harmonic oscillator basis, and the local density approximation is applied to create the relative and the center of mass dependent effective two-body potential. Unlike nuclear matter, and similar to our previous calculations with the Reid68 interaction, while the Av18 potential under binds above nuclei up J max = 2 channel, it gives ground state binding energies closer to the experimental data with respect to the Δ- Reid68 and the Reid68 potentials. There are not much difference between the results of Av18 interaction with J max = 5, and those of Reid68Day potential which has been define up to J max = 5. The different CDEI's up to J max = 5 are discussed and the results of our calculations are compared with the other theoretical approaches and experimental data. Finally, it is shown that the contributions of higher partial waves (J>2) are not very important and the two-body kinetic energy in J = 1 channel is roughly twice as that of J = 0 which is not the case for the two-body potential energy.
A QUANTUM THEORY OF GRAVITY BASED ON A COMPOSITE MODEL OF LEPTONS AND QUARKS
Authors: ROBSON B. A.
Published: March 2011

A quantum theory of gravity, based upon a composite model of leptons and quarks, is presented. The model treats leptons and quarks as composites of three kinds of spin-[Formula: see text] particles (rishons) and/or their antiparticles. A strong color force, mediated by massless hypergluons, binds rishons and/or antirishons together to form colorless leptons or colored quarks, the fundamental particles of the Standard Model. The new model provides a qualitative understanding of the mass hierarchy of the three generations of leptons and quarks. An earlier conjecture that the residual interaction of the strong color force acting between any two colorless particles be identified with the corresponding gravitational interaction, is shown to lead approximately to Newton's law of gravitation.
DATA EVALUATION ACQUIRED TALYS 1.0 CODE TO PRODUCE 111In FROM VARIOUS ACCELERATOR-BASED REACTIONS
Authors: ALIPOOR ZAHRA , GHOLAMZADEH ZOHREH , SADEGHI MAHDI , SEYYEDI SOLALEH , AREF MORTEZA
Published: March 2011

The Indium-111 physical-decay parameters as a β-emitter radionuclide show some potential for radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic purposes. Medical investigators have shown that 111 In is an important radionuclide for locating and imaging certain tumors, visualization of the lymphatic system and thousands of labeling reactions have been suggested. The TALYS 1.0 code was used here to calculate excitation functions of 112/114–118 Sn+p , 110 Cd +3 He , 109 Ag +3 He , 111–114 Cd+p , 110/111 Cd+d , 109 Ag +α to produce 111 In using low and medium energy accelerators. Calculations were performed up to 200 MeV. Appropriate target thicknesses have been assumed based on energy loss calculations with the SRIM code. Theoretical integral yields for all the latter reactions were calculated. The TALYS 1.0 code predicts that the production of a few curies of 111 In is feasible using a target of isotopically highly enriched 112 Cd and a proton energy between 12 and 25 MeV with a production rate as 248.97 MBq·μA-1 · h-1. Minimum impurities shall be produced during the proton irradiation of an enriched 111 Cd target yielding a production rate for 111 In of 67.52 MBq· μA-1 · h-1.
$n\bar{n}$ CONVERSION IN FINITE NUCLEI
Authors: NAZARUK V. I.
Published: March 2011

The [Formula: see text] transitions for the neutrons in bound state are studied. The |in〉-state of nucleus is described by single-particle shell model. The dynamical process part is calculated by means of field-theoretical approach with finite time interval. The results are the same as for nuclear matter.
NUCLEAR SUB-STRUCTURE IN 112–122Ba NUCLEI WITHIN RELATIVISTIC MEAN FIELD THEORY
Authors: BHUYAN M. , PATRA S. K. , ARUMUGAM P. , GUPTA RAJ K.
Published: March 2011

Working within the framework of relativistic mean field theory, we study for the first time the clustering structure (nuclear sub-structure) of 112–122 Ba nuclei in an axially deformed cylindrical coordinate. We calculate the individual neutrons and protons density distributions for Ba -isotopes. From the analysis of the clustering configurations in total (neutrons-plus-protons) density distributions for various shapes of both the ground and excited states, we find different sub-structures inside the Ba nuclei considered here. The important step, carried out here for the first time, is the counting of number of protons and neutrons present in the clustering region(s). 12 C is shown to constitute the cluster configuration in prolate-deformed ground-states of 112–116 Ba and oblate-deformed first excited states of 118–122 Ba nuclei. Presence of other lighter clusters such as 2 H , 3 H and nuclei in the neighborhood of N = Z, 14 N , 34–36 Cl , 36 Ar and 42 Ca are also indicated in the ground and excited states of these nuclei. Cases with no cluster configuration are shown for 112–116 Ba in their first and second excited states. All these results are of interest for the observed intermediate-mass-fragments and fusion–fission processes, and the so far unobserved evaporation residues from the decaying Ba * compound nuclei formed in heavy ion reactions.
RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT OF AXIALLY COMPRESSED COMPOSITE CYLINDRICAL SHELLS WITH RANDOM IMPERFECTIONS
Authors: BROGGI MATTEO , CALVI ADRIANO , SCHUËLLER GERHART I.
Published: March 2011

Cylindrical shells under axial compression are susceptible to buckling and hence require the development of enhanced underlying mathematical models in order to accurately predict the buckling load. Imperfections of the geometry of the cylinders may cause a drastic decrease of the buckling load and give rise to the need of advanced techniques in order to consider these imperfections in a buckling analysis. A deterministic buckling analysis is based on the use of the so-called knockdown factors, which specifies the reduction of the buckling load of the perfect shell in order to account for the inherent uncertainties in the geometry. In this paper, it is shown that these knockdown factors are overly conservative and that the fields of probability and statistics provide a mathematical vehicle for realistically modeling the imperfections. Furthermore, the influence of different types of imperfection on the buckling load are examined and validated with experimental results.
NORMAL PAIRS WITH ZERO-DIVISORS
Authors: DOBBS DAVID E. , SHAPIRO JAY
Published: March 2011

Results of Davis on normal pairs (R, T) of domains are generalized to (commutative) rings with nontrivial zero-divisors, particularly complemented rings. For instance, if T is a ring extension of an almost quasilocal complemented ring R, then (R, T) is a normal pair if and only if there is a prime ideal P of R such that T = R[P], R/P is a valuation domain and PT = P. Examples include sufficient conditions for the "normal pair" property to be stable under formation of infinite products and ⋈ constructions.
TILTING MUTATION FOR m-REPLICATED ALGEBRAS
Authors: LV HONGBO , ZHANG SHUNHUA
Published: March 2011

Let A be a finite-dimensional hereditary algebra over an algebraically closed field k, A(m)be the m-replicated algebra of A and [Formula: see text] be the m-cluster category of A. In this paper, we introduce the notion of mutation team in mod A(m), and prove that each faithful almost complete tilting module over A(m)has a mutation team by showing that the sequence of the complements satisfies the properties of the mutation team. We also prove that for each partial mutation team in the m-left part of mod A(m), there exists a faithful almost complete tilting module having the partial mutation team as the set of indecomposable complements. As an application, we prove that m-cluster mutation in [Formula: see text] can be realized as tilting mutation in mod A(m), and we also give the relationship between connecting sequences in mod A(m)and higher AR-angles in the m-cluster category [Formula: see text].
ON THE STRUCTURE OF SOLUBLE GRADED LIE ALGEBRAS
Authors: SHUMYATSKY PAVEL , SICA CARMELA
Published: March 2011

Let A be the elementary group of order 2n and L an A-graded Lie algebra with L0 = 0. Assume that L is soluble with derived length k. It is proved that L has a series of ideals of length n all of whose quotients are nilpotent of {k, n}-bounded class.
ON THE SPECTRALIFICATION OF A HEMISPECTRAL SPACE
Authors: ECHI OTHMAN , ABDALLAHI MOHAMED OUELD
Published: March 2011

An open subset U of a topological space X is called intersection compact open, or ICO, if for every compact open set Q of X, U ∩ Q is compact. A continuous map f of topological spaces will be called spectral if f-1 carries ICO sets to ICO sets. Call a topological space Xhemispectral, if the intersection of two ICO sets of X is an ICO. Let HSPEC be the category whose objects are hemispectral spaces and arrows spectral maps. Let SPEC be the full subcategory of HSPEC whose objects are spectral spaces. The main result of this paper proves that SPEC is a reflective subcategory of HSPEC. This gives a complete answer to Problem BST1 of "O. Echi, H. Marzougui and E. Salhi, Problems from the Bizerte–Sfax–Tunis seminar, in Open Problems in Topology II, ed. E. Pearl (Elsevier, 2007), pp. 669–674."
UNUSUAL LASER-INDUCED ABSORPTIONS OF Ca+-FORMALDEHYDE: MOLECULAR ORBITAL INTERACTION
Authors: JIN BING , WANG DONGSHENG , LIU JIANYONG
Published: March 2011

We have theoretically studied the photodissociation spectroscopy of Ca +-formaldehyde complex using the TD-B2-PLYP method. The SDD pseudopotential and basis sets for Ca and 6-31++G (2df, 2pd) basis sets for C , H , and O atoms were employed in all calculations. In this way, we have reassigned the photodissociation spectroscopy of this complex. All experimentally observed spectral features can be well explained by our calculation. Besides the charge–dipole interaction, a strong molecule–orbital interaction also exists in the excited states and plays an important role in photoexcitation of the Ca+–CH2O complex.
PHOTON-NUMBER CORRELATION OF A CLASSICAL EXOTIC STATE IN THE MESOSCOPIC REGIME
Authors: ALLEVI ALESSIA , BEDUINI FEDERICA A. , BONDANI MARIA , ANDREONI ALESSANDRA
Published: March 2011

We demonstrate that by using a pair of hybrid photodetectors, it is possible to quantify the photon-number correlation coefficient between the components of a classical state described by non-trivial statistics and by a non-Gaussian Wigner function. The measurements, performed in the quite unexplored mesoscopic domain (up to 100 photons incident onto the detector), are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions, and thus open the possibility of performing further tests on this exotic state for its application in the field of quantum information.
BYPASSING STATE INITIALIZATION IN HAMILTONIAN TOMOGRAPHY ON SPIN-CHAINS
Authors: DI FRANCO C. , PATERNOSTRO M. , KIM M. S.
Published: March 2011

We provide an extensive discussion on a scheme for Hamiltonian tomography of a spin-chain model that does not require state initialization [Phys. Rev. Lett.102 (2009) 187203]. The method has spurred the attention of the physics community interested in indirect acquisition of information on the dynamics of quantum many-body systems and represents a genuine instance of a control-limited quantum protocol.
CONCATENATION OF ERROR AVOIDING WITH ERROR CORRECTING QUANTUM CODES FOR CORRELATED NOISE MODELS
Authors: CAFARO CARLO , MANCINI STEFANO
Published: March 2011

We study the performance of simple error correcting and error avoiding quantum codes together with their concatenation for correlated noise models. Specifically, we consider two error models: (i) a bit-flip (phase-flip) noisy Markovian memory channel (model I); (ii) a memory channel defined as a memory degree dependent linear combination of memoryless channels with Kraus decompositions expressed solely in terms of tensor products of X-Pauli (Z-Pauli) operators (model II). The performance of both the three-qubit bit flip (phase flip) and the error avoiding codes suitable for the considered error models is quantified in terms of the entanglement fidelity. We explicitly show that while none of the two codes is effective in the extreme limit when the other is, the three-qubit bit flip (phase flip) code still works for high enough correlations in the errors, whereas the error avoiding code does not work for small correlations. Finally, we consider the concatenation of such codes for both error models and show that it is particularly advantageous for model II in the regime of partial correlations.
LASER CONTROL OF OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF TWO-LEVEL ATOMS EMBEDDED IN A PHOTONIC CRYSTAL
Authors: RADEONYCHEV Y. V. , GELMAN A. J.
Published: March 2011

A method of laser control of absorption and dispersion of two-level quantum system (atoms, ions, quantum dots) embedded into photonic band gap (PBG) material via variation of intensity and frequency of an external laser field is proposed. It is shown that in order to provide an effective control, the frequency of atomic transition should be located at the photonic band edge near the bottom of the PBG. The method is based on the laser induced Mollow splitting of the atomic energy levels and strong dependence of the decay rates of the so-called dressed states on the frequency of the Mollow splitting due to photonic band edge. This enables us to control absorption and dispersion of a signal laser field, which is near-resonant to the quantum transition of dopant.
SEPARABILITY: A NEW APPROACH FROM THE CONIC STRUCTURE OF POSITIVE OPERATORS
Authors: SALGADO D. , SÁNCHEZ-GÓMEZ J. L. , FERRERO M.
Published: March 2011

We exploit the cone structure of unnormalized quantum states to reformulate the separability problem. Firstly a convex combination of every quantum state ρ in terms of a state Cρ with the same rank and another one Eρ with lower rank is perfomed, with weights 1 − λρ and λρ, respectively. Secondly a scalar [Formula: see text] is computed. Then ρ is separable if, and only if, [Formula: see text]. The computation of [Formula: see text] has been undergone under the simplest choice for Cρ as a product matrix and Eρ being a pure state, valid for any bipartite and multipartite system in arbitrary dimensions. A necessary condition is also formulated when Eρ is not pure in the bipartite case.
FACTORIZATION OF INTEGERS WITH MULTI-PATH OPTICAL INTERFERENCE
Authors: TAMMA VINCENZO , ZHANG HEYI , HE XUEHUA , GARUCCIO AUGUSTO , SHIH YANHUA
Published: March 2011

We introduce a new factorization algorithm based on the optical computation by multi-path interference of the periodicity of a "factoring" function given by exponential sums at continuous arguments. We demonstrate that this algorithm allows, in principle, the prime number decomposition of several large numbers by exploiting a remarking rescaling property of this periodic function. Such a function is recorded by measuring optical interferograms with a multi-path Michelson interferometer, a polychromatic light source and a spectrometer. The information about factors is encoded in the location of the inteferogram maxima.
Regional spatial variations in rockslide distribution from structural geology ranking: an example from Storfjorden, western Norway
Authors: Henderson Iain H. C. , Saintot Aline
Published: March 2011

Structural geology has recently become a key topic in landslide research. However, the link between regional structures, their cumulative contribution to rockslide development and their significance in a spatial framework is uncertain. We examine the influence of structures on rockslide susceptibility in the Storfjorden area, a 900 km
2
fjord complex in western Norway that includes the monitored rockslide sites of Åknes and Heggursaksla. We have newly identified 52 potential rockslide sites from aerial photographs. The structural features critical for the development of large rockslides (fjord-dipping foliation, basal shear plane and breccia, extensional fracture and transfer fault) have a spatial bias in orientation. Rockslides are more likely to develop in specific fjord orientations that have favourably oriented structures. Therefore, the development of rockslides has a marked spatial distribution that we describe qualitatively with an inventory of structural features. Sites with the full plethora of features display the most movement, the largest volumes and are already under the closest scrutiny with regard to monitoring. These sites are also spatially biased, the largest clustering occurring in west Sunnylyvsfjorden. The utilization of structural criteria can show trends in spatial distribution of rockslide potential and on a regional scale can be an important tool in susceptibility analysis.
Structural analysis of Turtle Mountain: origin and influence of fractures in the development of rock slope failures
Authors: Pedrazzini Andrea , Jaboyedoff Michel , Froese Corey R. , Langenberg C. Willem , Moreno Francisco
Published: March 2011

Large slope failures in fractured rocks are often controlled by the combination of pre-existing tectonic fracturing and brittle failure propagation in the intact rock mass during the pre-failure phase. This study focuses on the influence of fold-related fractures and of post-folding fractures on slope instabilities with emphasis on Turtle Mountain, located in SW Alberta (Canada). The structural features of Turtle Mountain, especially to the south of the 1903 Frank Slide, were investigated using a high-resolution digital elevation model combined with a detailed field survey. These investigations allowed the identification of six main discontinuity sets influencing the slope instability and surface morphology. According to the different deformation phases affecting the area, the potential origin of the detected fractures was assessed. Three discontinuity sets are correlated with the folding phase and the others with post-folding movements. In order to characterize the rock mass quality in the different portions of the Turtle Mountain anticline, the geological strength index (GSI) has been estimated. The GSI results show a decrease in rock mass quality approaching the fold hinge area due to higher fracture persistence and higher weathering. These observations allow us to propose a model for the potential failure mechanisms related to fold structures.
Spontaneously diabetic Ins2+/Akita:apoE-deficient mice exhibit exaggerated hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis
Authors: Jun John Y. , Ma Zhexi , Segar Lakshman
Published: March 2011

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) increases the risk of adverse coronary events. Among risk factors, dyslipidemia due to altered hepatic lipoprotein metabolism plays a central role in diabetic atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, the likely alterations in plasma lipid/lipoprotein profile remain unclear, especially in the context of spontaneously developed T1D and atherosclerosis. To address this question, we generated Ins2+/Akita:apoE−/−mouse by cross-breeding Ins2+/Akitamouse (which has Ins2 gene mutation, causing pancreatic β-cell apoptosis and insulin deficiency) with apoE−/−mouse. Ins2+/Akita:apoE−/−mice developed T1D spontaneously at 4–5 wk of age. At 25 wk of age and while on a standard chow diet, diabetic Ins2+/Akita:apoE−/−mice exhibited an approximately threefold increase in atherosclerotic plaque in association with an approximatelty twofold increase in plasma non-HDL cholesterol, predominantly in the LDL fraction, compared with nondiabetic controls. To determine factors contributing to the exaggerated hypercholesterolemia, we assessed hepatic VLDL secretion and triglyceride content, expression of hepatic lipoprotein receptors, and plasma apolipoprotein composition. Diabetic Ins2+/Akita:apoE−/−mice exhibited diminished VLDL secretion by ∼50%, which was accompanied by blunted Akt phosphorylation in response to insulin infusion and decreased triglyceride content in the liver. Although the expression of hepatic LDL receptor was not affected, there was a significant reduction in the expression of lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR) by ∼28%. Moreover, there was a marked decrease in plasma apoB-100 with a significant increase in apoB-48 and apoC-III levels. In conclusion, exaggerated hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in spontaneously diabetic Ins2+/Akita:apoE−/−mice may be attributable to impaired lipoprotein clearance in the setting of diminished expression of LSR and altered apolipoprotein composition of lipoproteins.
Motor nucleus activity fails to predict extraocular muscle forces in ocular convergence
Authors: Miller Joel M. , Davison Ryan C. , Gamlin Paul D.
Published: March 2011

For a given eye position, firing rates of abducens neurons (ABNs) generally ( Mays et al. 1984 ), and lateral rectus (LR) motoneurons (MNs) in particular ( Gamlin et al. 1989a ), are higher in converged gaze than when convergence is relaxed, whereas LR and medial rectus (MR) muscle forces are slightly lower ( Miller et al. 2002 ). Here, we confirm this finding for ABNs, report a similarly paradoxical finding for neurons in the MR subdivision of the oculomotor nucleus (MRNs), and, for the first time, simultaneously confirm the opposing sides of these paradoxes by recording physiological LR and MR forces. Four trained rhesus monkeys with binocular eye coils and custom muscle force transducers on the horizontal recti of one eye fixated near and far targets, making conjugate saccades and symmetric and asymmetric vergence movements of 16–27°. Consistent with earlier findings, we found in 44 ABNs that the slope of the rate-position relationship for symmetric vergence ( kV) was lower than that for conjugate movement ( kC) at distance, i.e., mean kV/ kC = 0.50, which implies stronger LR innervation in convergence. We also found in 39 MRNs that mean kV/ kC = 1.53, implying stronger MR innervation in convergence as well. Despite there being stronger innervation in convergence at a given eye position, we found both LR and MR muscle forces to be slightly lower in convergence, −0.40 and −0.20 g, respectively. We conclude that the relationship of ensemble MN activity to total oculorotary muscle force is different in converged gaze than when convergence is relaxed. We conjecture that LRMNs with kV < kC and MRMNs with kV > kC innervate muscle fibers that are weak, have mechanical coupling that attenuates their effective oculorotary force, or serve some nonoculorotary, regulatory function.