bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative DNA damage in osteoarthritic porcine articular cartilage
Authors: Chen Antonia F. , Davies Catrin M. , De Lin Ming , Fermor Beverley
Published: August 2008

Osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species. This study investigated if increased oxidative DNA damage accumulates in OA articular cartilage compared with non‐OA articular cartilage from pigs with spontaneous OA. Additionally, the ability of nitric oxide (NO) or peroxynitrite (ONOO−) induced DNA damage in non‐OA chondrocytes to undergo endogenous repair was investigated. Porcine femoral condyles were graded for the stage of OA, macroscopically by the Collins Scale, and histologically by the modified Mankin Grade. Levels of DNA damage were determined in non‐OA and OA cartilage, using the comet assay. For calibration, DNA damage was measured by exposing non‐OA chondrocytes to 0–12 Gray (Gy) of X‐ray irradiation. Non‐OA articular chondrocytes were treated with 0–500 µM of NO donors (NOC‐18 or SIN‐1), and DNA damage assessed after treatment and 5 days recovery. A significant increase (P < 0.01) in oxidative DNA damage occurred in OA chondrocytes in joints with Mankin Grades 3 or greater, compared to non‐OA chondrocytes. The percentage of nuclei containing DNA damage increased significantly (P < 0.001) from early to late grades of OA. An increase of approximately 0.65–1.7 breaks/1,000 kb of DNA occurred in OA, compared to non‐OA nuclei. NOC‐18 or SIN‐1 caused significant DNA damage (P < 0.001) in non‐OA chondrocytes that did not undergo full endogenous repair after 5 days (P < 0.05). Our data suggest significant levels of oxidative DNA damage occur in OA chondrocytes that accumulates with OA progression. Additionally, DNA damage induced by NO and ONOO− in non‐OA chondrocytes does not undergo full endogenous repair. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 828–833, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thinking straight: New strategies are needed for ethical leadership
Authors: Marcy Richard T. , Gentry William A. , McKinnon Rob
Published: August 2008

After all the high‐profile examples of ethical transgressions by top leaders in recent years, why do some leaders continue to make ethical mistakes? New research suggests that there is a pronounced disconnect between what leaders say they would do when faced with an ethical dilemma and what they might actually do. It also suggests that only when leaders begin to use specific strategies aimed directly at addressing certain biases and situational pressures will they be able to avoid ethical problems.
Selling your ideas: Giving some wattage to those lightbulbs
Authors: Scharlatt Harold
Published: August 2008

When you want your organization to buy into your ideas, there are two important things to consider. The first is scanning your organization's environment to determine such things as how well each idea fits with the organization's goals and what level of support you'll need from key people. The second is collecting a set of tactics you can use to begin communicating and implementing your ideas. Doing these two things will improve your chances of accomplishing your objective—solving a problem or making an improvement for the benefit of everyone.
Selenoprotein deficiency enhances radiation‐induced micronuclei formation
Authors: Baliga Manjeshwar S. , Diwadkar‐Navsariwala Veda , Koh Timothy , Fayad Raja , Fantuzzi Giamila , Diamond Alan M.
Published: August 2008

The availability of selenium and the levels of specific selenoproteins might affect cancer risk by influencing the ability of DNA damaging agents to cause genomic instability and mutations. Transgenic mice that express reduced levels of selenoproteins and previously shown to be more susceptible to pathology associated with cancer development were used to study this possibility. These mice were exposed to X‐rays and DNA damage assessed in the erythrocytes, where micronuclei formation was higher compared to the same cells obtained from irradiated wild‐type controls. To determine whether the selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase‐1 (GPx‐1) might be involved in this protection, its levels were reduced by siRNA targeting in LNCaP human prostate cells. UV‐induced micronuclei frequency was higher in these cells compared to control‐transfected cells. These results indicate a role for selenoproteins in protecting DNA from damage and support human data implicating GPx‐1 as a possible target of the chemoprotective effect of selenium.
A comparison of FE–BE coupling schemes for large‐scale problems with fluid–structure interaction
Authors: Brunner Dominik , Junge Michael , Gaul Lothar
Published: August 2008

To predict the sound radiation of structures, both a structural problem and an acoustic problem have to be solved. In case of thin structures and dense fluids, a strong coupling scheme between the two problems is essential, since the feedback of the acoustic pressure onto the structure is not negligible. In this paper, the structural part is modeled with the finite element (FE) method. An interface to a commercial FE package is set up to import the structural matrices. The exterior acoustic problem is efficiently modeled with the Galerkin boundary element (BE) method. To overcome the well‐known drawback of fully populated system matrices, the fast multipole method is applied. Different coupling formulations are investigated. They are either based on the Burton–Miller approach or use a mortar coupling scheme. For all cases, iterative solvers with different preconditioners are used. The efficiency with respect to their memory consumption and computation time is compared for a simple model problem. At the end of the paper, a more complex structure is simulated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient out‐of‐core multifrontal solver for large‐scale unsymmetric element problems
Authors: Reid J. K. , Scott J. A.
Published: August 2008

In many applications where the efficient solution of large sparse linear systems of equations is required, a direct method is frequently the method of choice. Unfortunately, direct methods have a potentially severe limitation: as the problem size grows, the memory needed generally increases rapidly. However, the in‐core memory requirements can be limited by storing the matrix and its factors externally, allowing the solver to be used for very large problems. We have designed a new out‐of‐core package for the large sparse unsymmetric systems that arise from finite‐element problems. The code, which is called HSL_MA78, implements a multifrontal algorithm and achieves efficiency through the use of specially designed code for handling the input/output operations and efficient dense linear algebra kernels. These kernels, which are available as a separate package called HSL_MA74, use high‐level BLAS to perform the partial factorization of the frontal matrices and offer both threshold partial and rook pivoting. In this paper, we describe the design of HSL_MA78 and explain its user interface and the options it offers. We also describe the algorithms used by HSL_MA74 and illustrate the performance of our new codes using problems from a range of practical applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Migration and surface modification in polypropylene (PP)/polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane (POSS) nanocomposites
Authors: Tang Yong , Lewin Menachem
Published: August 2008

This paper reports on the migration of POSS‐based nanocomposites both by annealing the melt and by heating the solid blend in the microwave oven. The migration proceeds to all surfaces of the sample as verified by ATR‐FTIR spectra of the bottom and top surfaces. Concentrations of POSS on the surface, exceeding 50%, are obtained. Polarity of the matrix increases POSS migration. During annealing at 190°C, a sublimation of POSS from the upper surface occurs. In air, sublimation is decreased by oxidizing the organic side groups of POSS and the PP to non‐volatile moieties. No sublimation occurs below 100°C. The AFM and SEM‐EDAX verified the high POSS concentration on the surface and indicated very pronounced roughness of the surface of the sample. The static contact angle measurements reveal very high hydrophobicity as well as low surface free energy (SFE) of the surface of the sample, which is close to that of Teflon and of pristine POSS. The migration of POSS is due to its lower surface tension, the entropy considerations, its lower cohesive energy with the matrix chains as compared to the cohesion energy between the chains, and the density and temperature fluctuations of the matrix chains which upon relaxation repulse and propel POSS to the surfaces. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrafast photoluminescence of nanocrystalline diamond films
Authors: Preclíková J. , Trojánek F. , Kromka A. , Rezek B. , Dzurňák B. , Malý P.
Published: August 2008

We report on ultrafast photoluminescence of nanocrystalline diamond membranes and films on silicon and fused silica glass measured by femtosecond upconversion technique. The nanodiamond samples were prepared by microwave plasma enhanced CVD technique. Photoluminescence with very fast non‐exponential decay with the effective time of about 1 ps was observed in the investigated spectral interval 1.8–2.8 eV. The decay was spectrally dependent being faster at higher photon energies. We have found that the photoluminescence dynamics are affected by temperature and ambient pressure. We interpret the photoluminescence dynamics in terms of charge‐carrier relaxation via the continuum of the nanocrystal surface‐related energy states lying energetically below the diamond band‐gap energy. The results can be explained by the spectral dependence of the density of these states and its changes due to ambient conditions. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The influence of thermal annealing on the electronic defect states in nanocrystalline CVD diamond films
Authors: Remes Z. , Kromka A. , Potmesil J. , Vanecek M.
Published: August 2008

The photosensitive, nominally undoped nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films were grown on insulating substrates at a relatively low temperature below 600 °C. The NCD films were exposed to the hydrogen plasma and then briefly to the oxide plasma. This treatment significantly reduced the surface conductivity and enhanced the bulk photosensitivity. The broad optical spectral range (200–2000 nm) photocurrent and optical absorption spectra were measured by the dual‐beam photoconductivity (DBP), Fourier‐transform photocurrent spectroscopy (FTPS) in amplitude modulated step scan mode, optical transmittance and reflectance and photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS). The photoionization cross section spectrum of our NCD films is dominated by the non‐diamond phase with the photo‐ionization threshold energy at about 1 eV. At 350 °C the thermal annealing increased the concentration of defects related to the non‐diamond phase and deteriorated the UV photosensitivity. The significant increase of the optical absorption was observed after annealing at 500 °C. The hydrogenation can reduce to some extend the defects created by the thermal annealing. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Detonation nanodiamond and onion‐like carbon: applications in composites
Authors: Shenderova O. , Jones C. , Borjanovic V. , Hens S. , Cunningham G. , Moseenkov S. , Kuznetsov V. , McGuire G.
Published: August 2008

Several properties and envisioned related applications in structural and functional composites of nanodiamond (ND) and their derivatives, onion‐like carbon (OLC) are reported. The electromagnetic radiation shielding properties of the OLC‐polyurethane composites had been characterized in the 120–165 GHz spectral range for 1–15 wt% OLC loading. It was also demonstrated that nanodiamond particles embedded to a polymer matrix attain photoluminescent properties when irradiated with a flux of MeV protons. This suggests an application of the ND‐polymer coatings as fluorescence‐induced indicators of a proton dose acquired by a spacecraft vehicle. Finally, we report on the fabrication of novel composites of carbon nanotubes incorporated into a nanodiamond matrix obtained by electrophoretic codeposition of these two strongest nanocarbon components. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chemical and morphological aspects of diamond film oxidation and regeneration
Authors: Shpilman Z. , Gouzman I. , Grossman E. , Akhvlediani R. , Hoffman A.
Published: August 2008

Hot Filament – CVD diamond films with sub‐micron grain size have been exposed to atomic oxygen (AO) and annealed in ultra‐high vacuum at 700 °C. After oxidation, the surface was exposed in‐situ to thermally activated hydrogen or ex‐situ to hydrogen MW plasma in order to assess the surface regeneration mechanism. The morphological effects of hydrogen plasma were compared to the effects of oxygen plasma exposure. High Resolution Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (HREELS) was used to evaluate the surface bonding states, while tapping mode Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measurements were used to visualize surface morphology and to identify the preferential etching sites. Atomic oxygen exposure results in a very low erosion yield of the CVD diamond films, but significantly affects chemical composition of the upper surface layer. The main constituents of the surface after exposure to AO are saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon species and oxygen‐bonded fragments. The diamond optical phonon (OP) overtones are absent indicating on a non‐diamond top layer. Gradual annealing and exposure to thermally activated hydrogen leads to a removal of hydrocarbons and oxygen containing species, and emergence of the diamond OP overtones. However, regeneration of diamond surface was not complete. On the other hand, the MW‐hydrogen treatment of the AO exposed sample fully regenerates chemical composition of diamond surface. Changes of the diamond surface morphology after exposure to AO are mild. The thermally activated hydrogen does not affect the surface morphology, while hydrogen MW plasma treatment severely damages the surface, resulting in selective etching of certain diamond facets. Oxygen plasma also leads to severe morphological damage, but in this case the damage was uniform, creating a dense granular phase on top of the diamond film. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Radiation detector performances of nitrogen doped HPHT diamond films
Authors: Schirru F. , Kupriyanov I. , Marczewska B. , Nowak T.
Published: August 2008

The remarkable physical properties of diamond such as tissue equivalence (atomic number Z = 6, close to that of human tissue), radiation and mechanical hardness and a wide band gap (5.5 eV) make it an ideal material for the fabrication of detectors for radiotherapy applications. However, the response to the radiation of such a kind of detector strongly depends on the bulk structure and in particular on the different impurities concentration inside the material.

In the present paper we investigated the detector performances of two nitrogen doped HPHT synthetic diamonds grown at the IGM using a split‐sphere type high‐pressure apparatus. The samples were characterized using two different types of contacts: Au and Ti/Pt/Au configuration. The fabricated devices, studied as active detectors, presented totally different current response when they were exposed to the Co‐60 gamma irradiation. One sample in particular showed under irradiation strong value of current for which the photoconductive gain was found to be as high as 105. A model of trap‐induced sensitizing is suggested in order to explain the very high photoconductive gain obtained. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dependence of CVD diamond growth rate on substrate orientation as a function of process parameters in the high microwave power density regime
Authors: Brinza O. , Achard J. , Silva F. , Bonnin X. , Barroy P. , Corte K. De , Gicquel A.
Published: August 2008

The use of diamond as a material for high power electronics requires high‐purity monocrystalline thick diamond films. Hence it is extremely important to have perfect control of the morphology during the entire growth process, so that the useable surface be maximized and residual stresses (which may cause cracking of the sample during the growth process) be limited. To assist in this work, a 3D geometric growth model has been recently developed, taking into account the growth rate of the different crystallographic planes: {100}, {110}, {111}, and {113}. The knowledge of the growth rate along the different directions as a function of growth parameters (substrate temperature, methane concentration, and nitrogen content in the gas phase) was the missing link between simulations and effective thick film processing. This knowledge is here embodied in the measurements displayed in this paper. In particular, we report on a way of limiting the occurrence of specific facets with deleterious effects on stress and crystal cracking probability. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of ECR etching conditions of (100)Ib diamond substrates on homoepitaxial low boron doped diamond layer quality
Authors: Volpe Pierre‐Nicolas , Muret Pierre , Omnes Franck
Published: August 2008

The effect of oxygen electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) microwave plasma etching on the crystallinity of low boron doped thin diamond films grown on Ib (100)‐oriented diamond substrates by MPCVD has been investigated with respect to the main experimental conditions: microwave power and O2 pressure at a constant DC bias. The substrates were exposed to ECR oxygen plasma to remove from 0.8 μm to 3.5 μm (depending on the value of the microwave power). The optimization of these two parameters has been performed in order to get the lowest surfaces roughness. This study aims also at demonstrating that oxygen ECR plasma etching is a powerful tool to remove surface and subsurface defects of diamond substrates as polishing grooves, subsurface damaged zone (polishing process induced defects) and various substrate roughness according to the observed growth sector. Low boron doped layers ([acceptors] = 4 × 1016 atoms/cm3) were grown by MPCVD on either O2 ECR plasma etched or merely chemically prepared (100) Ib diamond substrates. Cathodoluminescence analysis showed, for specific substrate etching conditions, a decrease of the band A emission (2.8 eV) in a low boron doped layer deposited on an etched substrate compared to a layer grown on a chemically prepared one. The FWHM of the FETO excitonic line of all theses layers is comprised between 16 meV and 13 meV for the best ones at 5 K. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and characterisation of NCD films on 10 × 10 mm2 and deposition on 2 inch wafer using rotating substrate‐holder set‐up
Authors: Saada S. , Arnault J. C. , Rocha L. , Bazin B. , Bergonzo P.
Published: August 2008

In this study, we compare NCD films on 10 × 10 mm2 silicon substrates synthesised with high methane concentration and NCD films synthesised with prolongated bias during the growth step. Further, we performed in‐situ sequential XPS analysis (carbon binding state) using an UHV surface analysis system connected to the MPCVD reactor. AFM and HRSEM were used to characterize films morphology. Using the same substrate holder, NCD films have been deposited on silicon 2 in wafers. To improve the homogeneity, a rotating substrate‐holder set‐up enabling biasing and heating of the stage has been developed and coupled with computer control of the process for a better reproducibility. UV‐interferometry was performed to map the film thickness on 2 inches and quantify its thickness uniformity. Considering the symmetry of the system, AFM measurements were performed along the radius of the wafer to evaluate the surface homogeneity and its smoothness. The thickness uniformity of a NCD film of 1.6 µm deposited on 2 inch wafer is under 10% and the RMS roughness comprised between 13 and 14 nm. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A geometric confidence ellipse approach to the estimation of the ratio of two variables
Authors: Walter S. D. , Gafni A. , Birch S.
Published: August 2008

One is often interested in the ratio of two variables, for example in genetics, assessing drug effectiveness, and in health economics. In this paper, we derive an explicit geometric solution to the general problem of identifying the two tangents from an arbitrary external point to an ellipse. This solution permits numerical integration of a bivariate normal distribution over a wedge‐shaped region bounded by the tangents, which yields an evaluation of the tangent slopes as confidence limits on the ratio of the component variables. After suitable adjustment of the confidence coverage of the ellipse, these confidence limits are shown to be equivalent to those from Fieller's method. However, the geometric approach allows additional interpretation of the data through identification of the points of tangency, the ellipse itself, and expressions for the coverage probability of the confidence interval.

Numerical evaluations using the theoretical expressions for the geometric confidence intervals (but ignoring sample variation in the underlying parameters) suggested that they perform well overall and are slightly conservative. Simulations that do take account of sample variation in the underlying parameters again suggested that the intervals perform well overall, although here they are slightly anti‐conservative. Coverage probabilities for the confidence intervals were only weakly dependent on the distance and correlation of the ellipse, but there were asymmetries in the failure rates of the upper and lower confidence limits in some configurations. The probability of no real solution existing was also evaluated. These ideas are illustrated by a practical example. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Very low CD19+ B‐lymphocyte percentage is associated with high levels of academic stress among healthy graduate students
Authors: McGregor Bonnie A. , Antoni Michael H. , Ceballos Rachel , Blomberg Bonnie B.
Published: August 2008

Elevated chronic psychological stress is associated with weakened immune response to vaccines. B‐lymphocyte development may provide a pathway by which psychological stress can weaken immune response to vaccines. The current study examined the effect of chronic psychological stress on B‐ and T‐lymphocytes among doctoral students, after their qualifying exams, and matched community controls. Blood was drawn from 10 doctoral students immediately after their 3‐day qualifying exams and from 10 age‐ and gender‐matched community controls. B‐ (CD19+) and T‐ (CD3+) lymphocyte percentages were enumerated with flow cytometry. Psychological stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The mean PSS score was higher for the graduate students compared with the control group (p< 0.01). Mean CD19+ lymphocyte percentage for the students (5.82 per cent) was dramatically lower than the control group (15.32 per cent,p< 0.0001). CD3+ lymphocyte percentage did not differ between the two groups. There was a significant negative correlation between CD19+ lymphocyte percentage and PSS score (r= −0.60,p= 0.003). Chronic psychological stress is associated with significant reductions in B‐lymphocytes among doctoral students undergoing qualifying exams and community participants. B‐lymphocyte decrements are a potential mechanism linking psychological stress and reduced antibody response to vaccines. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extracellular dopamine induces the oxidative toxicity of SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Jiang Yuhua , Pei Lin , Li Shupeng , Wang Min , Liu Fang
Published: August 2008

Dopamine‐induced neuronal cytotoxicity has been proposed as a leading pathological mechanism underlying many neuronal degenerative disorders including Parkinson disease. Various hypotheses have been proposed including oxidative stress and dopamine (DA)‐induced intracellular signal disorder via DA D1 and D2 receptors. The exact mechanism involved in this process is far from clear. In this study, employing a neuronal blastoma cell line, SH‐SY5Y, we tried to elucidate the roles of these different suggested mechanisms in this pathological process. The results showed that DA induced cell toxicity in a dose‐ and time‐dependent way. Selective D1 and D2 DA receptor antagonist could not block the cytotoxic effects, whereas reductive reagent ascorbic acid but not GSH could effectively rescue the cell death, suggesting that DA‐induced cell toxicity was caused by an extracellular oxidative stress. This was further supported by the enhancing effects of DA transporter blocker, GBR, which could increase the cell death when pretreated. Finally, ascorbic acid could also protect SY5Y cells from DA‐induced cellular apoptotic signal changes including PARP and P53. Our studies suggested that DA exerted its cytotoxic effects via an extracellular metabolism, whereas intracellular transportation could reduce its oxidative stress. Cytotoxicity effects induced by extracellular DA could be protected by reductive agents as ascorbic acid. These results help to broaden our understanding of the mechanisms of DA‐induced cell death and may provide potentially therapeutical alternative for the neurodegenerative disorders. Synapse 62:797–803, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phencyclidine and glutamate agonist LY379268 stimulate dopamine D2Highreceptors: D2 basis for schizophrenia
Authors: Seeman Philip , Guan Hong‐Chang
Published: August 2008

It has previously been reported that the glutamate ionotropic antagonist phencyclidine directly inhibits the release of prolactin in anterior pituitary cells in culture, suggesting that phencyclidine has a dopamine (DA)‐like action on prolactin‐releasing cells. It has also been reported that the glutamate metabotropic agonist LY379268 can stimulate the incorporation of [35S]GTP‐γ‐S into DA D2Long receptors. The present study was done to examine whether such glutamatergic drugs had similar actions on the DA D2Short receptor. The present results show that phencyclidine, ketamine, and LY379268 also stimulated the incorporation of [35S]GTP‐γ‐S into D2Short receptors. The proportion of D2Long and D2Short receptors existing in the high‐affinity state were both markedly reduced by NaCl. While phencyclidine and LY379268 each stimulated the incorporation of GTP‐γ‐S into D2Long and D2Short receptors, this stimulation was reduced by NaCl, with D2Short being much more sensitive than D2Long to the inhibition by NaCl. The binding of phencyclidine and LY379268 to D2Highreceptors in vivo was directly confirmed by the i.v. injection of phencyclidine and LY379268 in which 50% inhibited the binding of [3H]PHNO to the striatum ex vivo at 0.25 and 1.5 mg/kg, respectively. The results confirm that glutamate agonists and antagonists have a significant affinity for DA D2Highreceptors. The psychotogenic action of phencyclidine may stem from a combination or synergistic action of glutamate receptor antagonism and DA D2 agonism. In addition, the antipsychotic clinical action of LY379268 congeners such as LY404039 may be related to a combined or synergistic action of glutamate receptor stimulation together with a partial DA agonist action that reduces endogenous DA neurotransmission. Synapse 62:819–828, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective Growth of Vertical-aligned ZnO Nanorod Arrays on Si Substrate by Catalyst-free Thermal Evaporation
Authors: Wang H , Zhang ZP , Wang XN , Mo Q , Wang Y , Zhu JH , Wang HB , Yang FJ , Jiang Y
Published: August 2008

By thermal evaporation of pure ZnO powders, high-density vertical-aligned ZnO nanorod arrays with diameter ranged in 80–250 nm were successfully synthesized on Si substrates covered with ZnO seed layers. It was revealed that the morphology, orientation, crystal, and optical quality of the ZnO nanorod arrays highly depend on the crystal quality of ZnO seed layers, which was confirmed by the characterizations of field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence measurements. For ZnO seed layer with wurtzite structure, the ZnO nanorods grew exactly normal to the substrate with perfect wurtzite structure, strong near-band-edge emission, and neglectable deep-level emission. The nanorods synthesized on the polycrystalline ZnO seed layer presented random orientation, wide diameter, and weak deep-level emission. This article provides a C-free and Au-free method for large-scale synthesis of vertical-aligned ZnO nanorod arrays by controlling the crystal quality of the seed layer.
A Striking Parallel Between Cardiolipin Fatty Acid Composition and Phylogenetic Belonging in Marine Bivalves: A Possible Adaptative Evolution?
Authors: Kraffe E. , Grall J. , Le Duff M. , Soudant P. , Marty Y.
Published: August 2008

Thirty‐five species of marine mollusk bivalves were analyzed for their fatty acid (FA) composition of cardiolipin (Ptd2Gro). All species showed a Ptd2Gro with strong selectivity for only a few polyunsaturated fatty acids, but three characteristic FA profiles emerged, with clear parallels to bivalve phylogeny. A first group of 12 species belonging to the Eupteriomorphia subgroup (Filibranchia) was characterized by a Ptd2Gro almost exclusively composed of 22:6n‐3, whereas in the four Filibranchia Pteriomorph species analyzed, this FA was combined with substantial proportions of 18:2n‐6 and 18:3n‐3. Finally, a third group of 20 species, all belonging to the Heterodonta subclass, possessed Ptd2Gro containing predominantly both 22:6n‐3 and 20:5n‐3. Polyunsaturated FA moieties and arrangements in the Ptd2Gro of some marine species investigated in other classes of the mollusk phylum (Gastropoda, Polyplacophora) were found to be different. The present results suggest that the specific Ptd2Gro FA compositions in bivalves are likely to be controlled and conserved in species of the same phylogenetic group. Functional significances of the evolution of this mitochondrial lipid structure in bivalves are discussed.
Anti‐Nutritional Components, Fibre, Sinapine and Glucosinolate Content, in Australian Canola (Brassica napus L.) Meal
Authors: Mailer Rodney J. , McFadden Amanda , Ayton Jamie , Redden Bob
Published: August 2008

Canola meal is highly regarded as a component of animal feed with a high protein content and a desirable amino acid profile. The presence of some components, in particular glucosinolates, sinapine and fibre, affects the value of the meal and reduces the amount that can be used in animal feed formulations. Glucosinolates in traditional cultivars (rapeseed) had very high amounts and this severely limited the usefulness of the meal. Canola breeding programs have successfully reduced glucosinolate content to trace amounts. However sinapine remains at levels sufficiently high to cause problems, particularly in poultry feed. The relatively high fibre level in canola also reduces the value of the product for animal feed. This study has determined the level of sinapine, glucosinolates and fibre in current cultivars of canola in Australia to illustrate advances made by breeding programs and limitations which still remain to raise the usefulness of a potentially valuable feedstock. Although glucosinolate levels in meal were shown to have been reduced to 11 μmol/g in some cases, sinapine remained at traditional levels of about 12–15 g/kg and neutral detergent fibre levels were about 30–40%. These issues are important priorities for canola breeders.
Determination of the Fatty Acid Composition of Acorn (Quercus), Pistacia lentiscus Seeds Growing in Algeria
Authors: Charef M. , Yousfi Mohamed , Saidi M. , Stocker P.
Published: August 2008

The fruits of two plants from Algeria (Quercus and Pistacia lentiscus) were investigated. The paper reports the chemical characteristics and the fatty acid composition of the oil extracts from the fruits. The black fruits of P. lentiscus has the highest crude fat of 32.8%, followed by the red fruits with 11.7%, and the lowest value of 9% in Quercus (acorn). The acid value was highest in red fruits of P. lentiscus oil (24.0 mg KOH/g), followed by the black fruits oil and lowest in acorn oil. The relatively high iodine value in the oils indicates the presence of many unsaturated bonds. Saponification value was highest in the Quercus ilex oil (166.7 mg KOH/g), while the lowest value was in the black fruits of P. lentiscus oil. Gas‐liquid chromatography revealed that the three dominant fatty acids found are: palmitic C16:0 (16.3–19.5%), oleic C18:1 (55.3–64.9%), linoleic C18:2 (17.6–28.4%). The oils contain an appreciable amount of unsaturated fatty acids (78.8–83.5%).
Establishment and characteristics of white ear lobe chicken embryo fibroblast line and expression of six fluorescent proteins in the cells
Authors: Wu Hongmei , Guan Weijun , Li Han , Ma Yuehui
Published: August 2008

A white ear lobe chicken embryo (WELCE) fibroblast cell bank, containing 322 tubes of frozen cells, was successfully established from primary explants of 57 embryo samples. The cells were morphologically consistent with fibroblasts, and the growth curve was sigmoidal with a population doubling time (PDT) of 48 h. Karyotyping and G‐banding indicated a total chromosome number of 2n = 78; the rate of diploidy in the cell bank was 97.62%. The cells were also free from bacterial, fungal, viral and mycoplasma contamination. Analysis of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) isoenzymes ruled out cross‐contamination between cells. In order to study exogenous gene expression, six fluorescent proteins were transfected into the WELCE cells. The transfection efficiency of these genes was between 10.1 and 41.9%. The corresponding fluorescence was distributed throughout the cytoplasm and nucleus 24 h after transfection. The results indicate that the quality of the cell line meet the quality requirements of the ATCC (American Type Culture Collection).
Can monitoring of intrathoracic impedance reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic heart failure? Rationale and design of the Diagnostic Outcome Trial in Heart Failure (DOT‐HF)☆
Authors: Braunschweig Frieder , Ford Ian , Conraads Viviane , Cowie Martin R. , Jondeau Guillaume , Kautzner Josef , Lunati Maurizio , Aguilera Roberto Munoz , Yu Cheuk Man , Marijianowski Monique , Borggrefe Martin , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. ,   DOT‐HF steering committee and investigators
Published: August 2008

Background:

Chronic heart failure is associated with frequent hospitalisations which are often due to volume‐overload decompensation. Monitoring of intrathoracic impedance, measured from an implanted device, can detect increases in pulmonary fluid retention early and facilitate timely treatment interventions.

Objective:

The DOT‐HF trial is designed to investigate if ambulatory monitoring of intrathoracic impedance together with other device‐based diagnostic information can reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic heart failure who are treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and/or an implantable defibrillator (ICD).

Methods:

Approximately 2400 patients will be randomised in a 1:1 fashion to a management strategy with access to the diagnostic information from the implantable device (“access arm”), or a “control arm”, where this information is not made available. Study subjects fulfil standard indications for CRT and/or ICD as outlined in current guidelines. In the access arm, a fluid alert algorithm is used to give early warning of decreasing intrathoracic impedance indicating a high risk of an impending volume‐overload decompensation. The primary endpoint of DOT‐HF is the composite of all‐cause mortality or heart failure hospitalisation. Secondary and exploratory endpoints include all‐cause mortality, the impact on total health care utilization, quality of life and cost effectiveness. The study is expected to close recruitment during 2010 and to report in 2012.
Nutritional intervention in patients with periodontal disease: clinical, immunological and microbiological variables during 12 months
Authors: Jenzsch Axel , Eick Sigrun , Rassoul Fausi , Purschwitz Regina , Jentsch Holger
Published: August 2008

The role of nutrition in onset, progression and treatment of periodontitis has not been thoroughly evaluated. In the present prospective clinical study, we investigated the influence of a nutritional intervention on changes in clinical, microbiological and immunological periodontal variables during a period of 12 months in patients with the metabolic syndrome and chronic periodontitis. Twenty female subjects with the metabolic syndrome and mild to moderate chronic periodontitis participated in a guided nutritional intervention programme. Examinations were assessed before, and at 2 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after intervention. Clinical measurements included probing depth, Löe and Silness gingival index and Quigley–Hein plaque index. In gingival crevicular fluid, periodontopathogens, levels of IL-1β and IL-6 as well as the activity of granulocyte elastase were determined. In stimulated saliva, antioxidative and oxidative variables were measured. After 12 months the following significant changes could be observed: reduction of clinical probing depth (2·40v.2·20 mm;P < 0·001), reduction of gingival inflammation (gingival index 1·13v.0·9;P < 0·001), reduced concentrations of IL-1β (4·63v.1·10 pg/ml per site;P < 0·001) as well as IL-6 (1·85v.0·34 pg/ml per site;P = 0·022) in gingival crevicular fluid. Bacterial counts in gingival crevicular fluid as well as oxidative and antioxidative variables in saliva showed no significant changes. Only salivary catalase showed a tendency to lower values. These findings indicate that in patients with the metabolic syndrome wholesome nutrition might reduce inflammatory variables of periodontal disease and promote periodontal health.
Ganglioside composition of differentiated Caco-2 cells resembles human colostrum and neonatal rat intestine
Authors: Schnabl Kareena L. , Field Catherine , Clandinin M. T.
Published: August 2008

Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids found in cell membranes and human milk with important roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, adhesion, migration, signalling and apoptosis. Similar changes in ganglioside composition occur during embryonic development, lactation and cancer cell differentiation. It is not known, however, whether ganglioside compositional changes that occur in differentiating colon cancer cells reflect changes that occur during intestinal development. The Caco-2 cell line is commonly used to study physiological and pathophysiological processes in the small intestine and colon. Therefore, to examine this question, undifferentiated and differentiated Caco-2 cells were grown and total lipid was extracted from cell supernatant fractions using the Folch method. The upper aqueous phase containing gangliosides was collected and purified. Total gangliosides were measured as ganglioside-bound N-acetyl neuraminic acid, while individual ganglioside content was quantified via a colorimetric assay for sialic acid and scanning densitometry. The total ganglioside content of differentiated Caco-2 cells was 2·5 times higher compared with undifferentiated cells. Differentiated Caco-2 cells had significantly more (N-acetylneuraminyl) 2-galactosylglucosyl ceramide (GD3) and polar gangliosides, and a lower N-acetylneuraminylgalactosylglucosylceramide (GM3):GD3ratio than undifferentiated cells. The present study demonstrates that the total ganglioside content and individual ganglioside composition of differentiated Caco-2 cells are similar to those of human colostrum and neonatal rat intestine. Differentiated Caco-2 cells may therefore be an alternative model for studying physiological and pathological processes in the small intestine and colon, and may help to elucidate possible functions for specific gangliosides in development and differentiation. Further research using more sensitive techniques of ganglioside analysis is needed to confirm these findings.
Fault reactivation and pseudotachylite generation in the semi-brittle and brittle regimes: examples from the Gavilgarh–Tan Shear Zone, central India
Authors: CHATTOPADHYAY A. , KHASDEO L. , HOLDSWORTH R. E. , SMITH S. A. F.
Published: August 2008

In the sheared and foliated granitoids of the Proterozoic Gavilgarh–Tan Shear Zone (GTSZ) in central India, two types of pseudotachylite (Pt-M and Pt-C) are recognized. Pt-M layers are interbanded with mylonite and ultramylonite, show strong internal plastic deformation and buckle folding concurrent with the host rocks, and appear to have formed within the greenschist facies (300–400 °C) in the brittle–plastic transitional (semi-brittle) regime. Pt-C layers show sharp contacts with the host rock, exhibit abundant coeval cataclasis, preserve no evidence of subsequent plastic deformation, and formed at shallower depths, at temperature < 300 °C. Sulphide droplets and embayment of quartz grain margins in the pseudotachylite (Pt-C) matrix indicates a melt origin. Ductile shear sense criteria in the host mylonites are consistently sinistral, while those associated with the deformed pseudotachylite (Pt-M) layers are dextral. It appears therefore that the host mylonite/ultramylonite foliation experienced reactivated slip movement in the ‘semi-brittle’ zone when pseudotachylite was generated and subsequently ductilely deformed. The brittle pseudotachylite (Pt-C) layers were generated later at a shallower level, and at a lower temperature. They are spatially associated with a set of foliation-parallel brittle shears with sinistral-sense displacements. The multiple episodes of frictional melt generation within the Gavilgarh–Tan Shear Zone illustrate that it has a complex history of multiple reactivations. It therefore represents an important new area for the study of seismic behaviour of the upper crust along pre-existing structures and may facilitate a better geological understanding of the present seismic activity in the central Indian Shield.
Models and mechanisms of energy balance regulation in the young
Authors: Mercer Julian G.
Published: August 2008

The proportion of the child and adolescent population that is in appropriate
energy balance is declining throughout the developed world, and childhood
obesity is a particular problem in the UK relative to other northern European
countries. Assessment of the underlying causes of obesity, and the different
routes to its development, may assist in the definition of successful
intervention strategies. The network of peripheral and central
(brain) regulatory systems that underlie energy balance
and body weight and composition can, for the most part, only be approached
experimentally through the study of appropriate laboratory animal models. This
problem is particularly acute when the target is overweight and obesity in the
young. Some of the mechanisms underlying the development of energy imbalance and
specifically the onset of overweight and obesity in the young, and the metabolic
health consequences of obesity, can be addressed by examination of experimental
rodent models in which mutation of a single gene causes early-onset extreme
obesity, genetic susceptibility to obesity is revealed in an obesogenic
environment or early-life nutritional experience programmes susceptibility to
obesity or metabolic problems in later life. These studies highlight genes that
are essential to normal body-weight regulation in rodents and man, the impact of
diet and diet-induced obesity on regulatory systems in the young and the
potential sensitivity of developing regulatory systems to nutritional
experiences in utero and during early
life.
Session 1: Public health nutrition Breast-feeding practices in Ireland
Authors: Tarrant Roslyn C. , Kearney John M.
Published: August 2008

Breast-feeding is the superior infant feeding method from birth, with research consistently demonstrating its numerous short- and long-term health benefits for both mother and infant. As a global recommendation the WHO advises that mothers should exclusively breast-feed for the first 6-months of life, thus delaying the introduction of solids during this time. Historically, Irish breast-feeding initiation rates have remained strikingly low in comparison with international data and there has been little improvement in breast-feeding duration rates. There is wide geographical variation in terms of breast-feeding initiation both internationally and in Ireland. Some of these differences in breast-feeding rates may be associated with differing socio-economic characteristics. A recent cross-sectional prospective study of 561 pregnant women attending a Dublin hospital and followed from the antenatal period to 6 months post partum has found that 47% of the Irish-national mothers initiated breast-feeding, while only 24% were still offering ‘any’ breast milk to their infants at 6 weeks. Mothers' positive antenatal feeding intention to breast-feed is indicated as one of the most important independent determinants of initiation and ‘any’ breast-feeding at 6 weeks, suggesting that the antenatal period should be targeted as an effective time to influence and affect mothers' attitudes and beliefs pertaining to breast-feeding. These results suggest that the ‘cultural’ barrier towards breast-feeding appears to still prevail in Ireland and consequently an environment that enables women to breast-feed is far from being achieved. Undoubtedly, a shift towards a more positive and accepting breast-feeding culture is required if national breast-feeding rates are to improve.
Cognitive memory control in borderline personality disorder patients
Authors: Sala M. , Caverzasi E. , Marraffini E. , De Vidovich G. , Lazzaretti M. , d'Allio G. , Isola M. , Balestrieri M. , D'Angelo E. , Thyrion F. Zappoli , Scagnelli P. , Barale F. , Brambilla P.
Published: August 2008

Background

It has been demonstrated that the mechanism of cognitive memory control in humans is sustained by the hippocampus and prefrontal cortices, which have been found to be structurally and functionally abnormal in borderline personality disorder (BPD). We investigated whether the memory control mechanism is affected in BPD.

Method

Nineteen Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV BPD patients and 19 matched healthy controls (HC) performed a specific think/no-think paradigm exploring the capacity of remembering and suppressing pair of words previously learned. After the think–no think phase, the second member of each word pair has to be remembered either when subjects are presented with the cue word showed at the beginning of the test (Same Probe Test; SPT) or when they are presented with an extra-list categorical word (Independent Probe Test; IPT). We evaluated the effect of suppression and of retrieval activity on later retention of words.

Results

Both on the SPT and on the IPT, HC showed the expected improvement of memory retrieval on to-be-remembered words, unlike BPD patients. On the SPT, HC, but not BPD patients, correctly recalled significantly more words among remembered words (RW) than among suppressed words (SW). Similarly to HC, subjects with BPD without a history of childhood abuse showed a significantly higher percentage of correctly recalled words among RW than among SW.

Conclusions

The mechanism of active retrieval of memories and of improvement through repetition is impaired in BPD, particularly in those who experienced traumatic experiences. This impairment might play an important role, possibly resulting in the emergence of unwanted memories and dissociative symptoms.