bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural elucidation of lipopolysaccharide core oligosaccharides from lic1 and lic1/lic2 mutants of Haemophilus influenzae type b strain Eagan
Authors: Masoud Hussein , Moxon E. Richard , Richards James C.
Published: February 2010

The structures of lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) of lic1 and lic1/lic2 mutants from Haemophilus influenzae type b strain Eagan (RM153) were investigated using methylation analysis, electrospray ionization – mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy on O-deacylated, O- and N-deacylated core oligosaccharide (OS); and deacylated, dephosphorylated, and terminally reduced samples. The backbone OS derived from the major LPS glycoforms were determined to consist of the inner-core triheptosyl unit, l-α-d-Hepp-(1-2)-l-α-d-Hepp-(1-3)-l-α-d-Hepp-(1-, common to all H. influenzae strains investigated to date that is linked to the lipid A region of the molecule via a Kdo residue to which β-d-Glcp and β-d-Galp residues are attached in 1,4 and 1,2 linkages to the proximal (HepI) and distal (HepIII) heptose residues, respectively. It was found that the lic1 mutant predominately elaborates the Hex4 LPS glycoforms previously identified in the parent strain where a β-d-Glcp-(1-4)-α-d-Glcp unit is linked in a 1,3 linkage to the central heptose (HepII) of the triheptosyl moiety. The lic1 locus consists of 4 genes (lic1A to lic1D) in a single transcriptional unit that directs phase variable expression of phosphocholine. The lic1A gene is phased off in the RM153 isolate of strain Eagan. LPS from the double mutant, lic1/lic2 had a similar structure to that of lic1 mutant except that there was no chain extension from the central heptose in the inner core (HepII). The lic2 locus consists of 4 genes (lic2A to lic2D). Our structural data were consistent with the proposed function of lic2C, providing the first definitive evidence for its role as the glycosyltransferase required for chain initiation from HepII. The presence of an O-acetyl group at O-3 of the distal heptose (HepIII) was elucidated by 1H NMR on the mild acid liberated core OS samples.
Short-term temporal dynamics of yeast abundance on the tall fescue phylloplane
Authors: Nix Shannon S. , Burpee Leon L. , Jackson Kimberly L. , Buck James W.
Published: February 2010

Six replicate trials were conducted to determine the short-term temporal dynamics and the effects of foliar applications of nutrients on the phylloplane yeast community of tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). In each trial, 2% sucrose + 0.5% yeast extract solution or sterile deionized water (control) was applied to the experiment plots. Twelve hours post-treatment (at 0600 hours), leaf samples were collected and yeast colony-forming units (cfu) were enumerated by dilution plating. This process was repeated at 1200, 1800, and 2400 hours in each trial. Significant differences were observed between the number of yeast cfu and the time at which the samples were collected. On average, the number of yeast cfu recovered was significantly less at 1800 hours and significantly greatest at 2400 hours when compared with all other sampling times. Averaged over all time intervals, we observed a trend of increased yeast abundance in turf treated with the nutrient solution compared with control treatments. In a separate investigation, atmospheric yeast abundance above the canopy of tall fescue was assessed in the morning (0900) and in the afternoon (1500) using a Thermo Andersen single stage viable particle sampler. In 5 of the 6 trials of this experiment, atmospheric yeast abundance was significantly greater in the morning than in the afternoon. Results suggest the following colonization model: phylloplane yeasts on tall fescue reproduce during the late evening and early morning, stabilize during the late morning and early afternoon through exchange of immigrants and emigrants, and decline during the late afternoon and (or) early evening.
Properties of an alginate-degrading Flavobacterium sp. strain LXA isolated from rotting algae from coastal China
Authors: An Qing-Da , Zhang Gong-Liang , Wu Hai-Tao , Zhang Zhen-Cheng , Zheng Guo-Shuang , Zhang Ying-Li , Li Xian-Zhen , Murata Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2010

A novel bacterium exhibiting alginolytic activity was isolated from rotten algae. The alginate-degrading activity was detected in the culture supernatant by measuring the decrease in alginate viscosity or the increase in reducing sugars. Basic characterization showed that it was gram negative, rod shaped, yellow pigmented, and positive for oxidase and catalase, with a DNA G+C content of 35.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that this strain is related to members of the genus Flavobacterium . Sequence similarity values with their nearest phylogenetic neighbours ranged from 95.9% to 96.7%. Genotypic results, together with phenotypic characteristics, differentiated this species from related Flavobacterium organisms with validly published names, which suggests that the organism should be a new species of the genus Flavobacterium tentatively named as Flavobacterium sp. strain LXA.
A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial of "Feiji Recipe" on Quality of Life of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Tian Jian-Hui , Liu Ling-Shuang , Shi Zhi-Ming , Zhou Zhi-Yi , Wang Lin
Published: February 2010

In order to pilot a study observing the feasibility of applying the Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) version 2.0 to assess the quality of life (QOL) of patients with NSCLC treated with Feiji Recipe, a randomized, parallel controlled clinical trial was conducted in the university-affiliated hospital. Seventy inpatients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into the study, and 60 cases were available as subjects for QOL data analysis. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the Feiji Recipe group (A); the Feiji Recipe combined with chemotherapy group (B); and the chemotherapy group (C) in which the patients were treated with vinorelbine plus cisplatin (NP) or gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP). QOL was assessed with the Chinese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30. Sixty cases that finished the questionnaires were analyzed, and we found that patients who received chemotherapy had low QOL, in terms of their global health, role, emotional, social, economic status and symptom burden including fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea, loss of appetite and abnormal bowel movements. Simultaneous treatment with Feiji Recipe and chemotherapy was able to prevent the worsening of function in terms of role, social, fatigue and global health. The Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) version 2.0 can be used to evaluate the QOL of patients with NSCLC treated by Chinese herbal medicine. Feiji Recipe might partially improve the QOL of NSCLC patients when administered alone or in combination with chemotherapy. No unexpected side effects were observed. However, further double-blinded placebo controlled studies are strongly recommended.
Differences in Individual Efficacy of Two Sairei-to Preparations (Sojyutu-Sairei-to and Byakujyutu-Sairei-to) on Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions of Autoimmune Etiologies Evaluated by Antinuclear Antibody and Anticardiolipin Antibody Titers
Authors: Kano Takashi , Shimizu Masahiko , Kanda Takayoshi
Published: February 2010

The differences in individual efficacy of two Sairei-to preparations (Sojyutu-Sairei-to and Byakujyutu-Sairei-to) on antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anticardiolipin antibody (ACLA) positive recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) was analyzed in 52 patients (a total of 61 treatment sessions). Patients who failed to respond to initial treatment with Sojyutu-Sairei-to were additionally treated with Byakujyutu- Sairei-to, and the time course of ANA and ACLA titers in these patients was analyzed. ACLA titers were decreased significantly by the treatment of Byakujyutu-Sairei-to, however, the percentage of successfully prevented abortion cases did not differ significantly between the Sojyutu-Sairei-to treatment group and the Byakujyutu-Sairei-to treatment group. ACLA titer was decreased in all 10 cases where abortion was successfully prevented by the treatment with Sojyutu-Sairei-to or Byakujyutu-Sairei-to. In the cases where both ANA and ACLA were decreased following treatment with Sojyutu-Sairei-to or Byakujyutu-Sairei-to, the percentage of cases rated as "Kyo" and "Rikan" were significantly higher in the Byakujyutu-Sairei-to group. These results indicate that Byakujyutu-Sairei-to is effective against ACLA positive RSA through the antibody-reducing activity, which differs from that of Sojyutu-Sairei-to in individual cases. On the basis of these results, Sairei-to therapy, which is superior to aspirin and heparin in terms of efficacy and safety, is recommended as the first-line therapy for RSA of autoimmune etiologies. Furthermore, to elevate the percentage of successfully prevented abortions, it is advisable to select one of the two Sairei-to preparations (Sojyutu-Sairei-to and Byakujyutu-Sairei-to) on the basis of differential diagnosis using the methods of Oriental medicine.
Stachydrine, a Major Constituent of the Chinese Herb Leonurus Heterophyllus Sweet, Ameliorates Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Injury Induced by Anoxia-Reoxygenation
Authors: Yin Jun , Zhang Ze-Wen , Yu Wen-Jun , Liao Jing-Yuan , Luo Xin-Guo , Shen You-Jin
Published: February 2010

Stachydrine is a major constituent of Chinese herb leonurus heterophyllus sweet, which is used in clinics to promote blood circulation and dispel blood stasis. Our study aimed to investigate the role of stachydrine in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury induced by anoxia-reoxygenation. Cultured HUVECs were divided randomly into control group, anoxia-reoxygenation (A/R) group and 4 A/R+stachydrine groups. HUVECs in the control group were exposed to normoxia for 5 hours, while in all A/R groups, HUVECs underwent 3 hours anoxia followed by 2 hours reoxygenation, and HUVECs in the 4 A/R+stachydrine groups were treated with 10-8 M, 10-7 M, 10-6 M and 10-5 M (final concentration) of stachydrine respectively. After anoxia-reoxygenation, tissue factor (TF) was over-expressed, cell viability and the concentrations of SOD, GSH-PX and NO were declined, while LDH, MDA and ET-1 were over-produced (p < 0.05 to 0.001 vs. the control group). However, in stachydrine treated groups, TF expression was inhibited at both mRNA and protein levels, while the declined cell viability and SOD, GSH-PX, NO as well as the enhanced LDH, MDA and ET-1 levels occurred during anoxia-reoxygenation were ameliorated and reversed effectively (p < 0.05 to 0.01 versus A/R group). Consequently, our findings indicate that TF plays an important role in the development of anoxia-reoxygenation injury of HUVECs, stachydrine ameliorates HUVECs injury induced by anoxia-reoxygenation and its putative mechanisms are related to inhibition of TF expression.
DELAYED FEEDBACK $\mathcal{H}_{\infty}$ SYNCHRONIZATION FOR TIME-DELAYED CHAOTIC SYSTEMS BASED ON T–S FUZZY MODEL
Authors: AHN CHOON KI , PARK JUNG HUN
Published: February 2010

In this letter, we propose a new [Formula: see text] synchronization method, called a delayed feedback fuzzy [Formula: see text] synchronization (DFFHS) method, for time-delayed chaotic systems with external disturbance. Based on Lyapunov–Krasovskii theory, T–S fuzzy model, and delayed feedback control scheme, the DFFHS controller is presented to not only guarantee aymptotical synchronization but also reduce the effect of external disturbance to an [Formula: see text] norm constraint. The proposed controller can be obtained by solving the linear matrix inequality (LMI) problem. A numerical example for time-delayed Lorenz system is presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed DFFHS method.
THE THEORY OF FIELD PARAMETERS FOR HELMHOLTZ COIL
Authors: WANG JIN , LI GUOFENG , LIANG KE , GAO XIANHU
Published: February 2010

In this paper, the field parameters for the magnetic field of a Helmholtz coil is defined, as predicted by the theory of magnetic multipolar fields. In accordance with Biot–Savart law, eleven series of field parameters for the Helmholtz coil are calculated and the effect of each parameter thoroughly analyzed. This is then shown to provide a theoretical basis for obtaining a uniform magnetic field.
LAMB WAVE TRANSMISSION THROUGH ONE-DIMENSIONAL THREE-COMPONENT FIBONACCI COMPOSITE PLATES
Authors: CHEN JIU-JIU , WANG QIONG , HAN XU
Published: February 2010

Using the finite element method, we have calculated the transmission spectra of Lamb wave modes which propagate in one-dimensional three-component Fibonacci quasiperiodic composite plates made of three different materials, and analyzed the influence of filling fraction, the ratio of the thickness of the plates to the lattice period and especially the number of generations on the band gaps of Lamb wave modes. The band gap splitting depends on the number of generations which is different from those of one-dimensional two-component Fibonacci composite plates. Engineering band gaps can be obtained by turning different parameters and the number of generations.
SYNTHESIS AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF LARGE-SCALE ALIGNED ALUMINA NANOWIRE ARRAYS
Authors: XU JIE , LIU WEI , CHENG GUO-AN , ZHENG RUI-TING
Published: February 2010

Ordered large-scale alumina nanowire arrays on the surface of porous anodic alumina membranes (AAMs) have been synthesized by chemical etching. The analysis shows that amorphous alumina nanowires directly formed from AAMs have uniform size and shape. The mean length and mean diameter of alumina nanowires are about 6 μm and 24 nm, respectively. It is observed that chemical etching parameters affect the synthesis of alumina nanowires and preferable experimental conditions for the synthesis of alumina nanowire arrays. The intensity of photoluminescence excited from alumina nanowire is affected by post-annealing temperatures. The mechanisms for the synthesis and PL emission of alumina nanowires are discussed.
ASCENDING NUMBER OF KNOTS AND LINKS
Authors: OZAWA MAKOTO
Published: February 2010

We introduce a new numerical invariant of knots and links from the descending diagrams. It is considered to live between the unknotting number and the bridge number. Some fundamental results and an incomplete table of the invariant for knots with 8-crossings or less are given.
BOUNDARIES OF INCOMPRESSIBLE SURFACES IN GRAPH KNOT EXTERIORS
Authors: IKEDA TORU
Published: February 2010

We will study boundaries of incompressible surfaces properly embedded in graph knot exteriors. We will first show that any bounded two-sided surface is meridional or longitudinal. In particular, iterated torus knot exteriors contain no bounded two-sided essential surface which is meridional or preferred longitudinal but Seifert surfaces. Even if the surface is possibly one-sided, the boundary is not of type (2p, 2q + 1) for any integers p and q.
THE LINKING PROBABILITY FOR 2-COMPONENT LINKS WHICH SPAN A LATTICE TUBE
Authors: ATAPOUR M. , SOTEROS C. E. , ERNST C. , WHITTINGTON S. G.
Published: February 2010

We consider two self-avoiding polygons (2SAPs) each of which spans a tubular sublattice of ℤ3. A pattern theorem is proved for 2SAPs, that is any proper pattern (a local configuration in the middle of a 2SAP) occurs in all but exponentially few sufficiently large 2SAPs. This pattern theorem is then used to prove that all but exponentially few sufficiently large 2SAPs are topologically linked. Moreover, we also use it to prove that the linking number Lk of an n edge 2SAP Gnsatisfies limn→∞ℙ(|Lk(Gn)| ≥ f(n))=1 for any function [Formula: see text]. Hence the probability of a non zero linking number for a 2SAP approaches one as the size of the 2SAP goes to infinity. It is also established that, due to the tube constraint, the linking number of an n edge 2SAP grows at most linearly in n.
THE PROGNOSIS OF FASCIECTOMY FOR ABDUCTOR DIGITI MINIMI AND PRETENDINOUS CORDS IN DUPUYTREN'S DISEASE OF THE LITTLE FINGER
Authors: Walton M. J. , Pearson D. , Clark D. A. , Bhatia R. K.
Published: February 2010

Thirty-nine consecutive patients with little finger Dupuytren's contracture underwent open fasciectomy. Diseased abductor digiti minimi (ADM) pretendinous (PT) cords were identified. The mean pre-operative PIPJ contracture was 77° in the PT group and 66° in the ADM group. Mean residual deformity was 12° in the PT group and 9° in the ADM group. At six months, ten out of 27 patients had developed a recurrent deformity in the PT group (mean 24°) and seven out of 11 in the ADM group (mean 18°). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at any stage. Dupuytren's contracture of the little finger is as a result of an ADM cord in 29% of cases. In this series it led to an isolated contracture of the PIPJ in the majority of cases and rarely affected the MCPJ. Disease of the ADM cord was not associated with a difference in contracture or prognosis compared to a PT cord.
INVESTIGATION OF RADIOLUNATE RELATIONS IN NORMAL AND FRACTURED WRISTS
Authors: Broadbent M. R. , Stevenson I. , MacEachern C. , Johnstone A. J.
Published: February 2010

As the distal radius fracture is one of the most commonly encountered upper limb injuries, the aim of this study was to provide a quick and easy method to aid in the assessment of fractured wrists, both pre- and post-fixation, by utilising the relationship of the radial shaft and the lunate.

A retrospective analysis on 100 consecutive patients with normal wrist radiographs was performed. The results demonstrated that the variations of radiolunate anatomy followed a normal distribution. The normal anatomical relationship was then described.

A second part to the study consisted of reviewing our method of radiocarpal analysis on a cohort of patients who had sustained a distal radius fracture. Carpal alignment pre- and post-fixation was measured, with the results demonstrating that by using this assessment method, it was possible with a quick glance of the radiograph, to determine whether satisfactory correction of the fracture had been achieved.
LENGTHENING THE LOCKING LOOP REPAIR FOR ZONE 2 FLEXOR TENDON LACERATION AND PARTIAL LATERAL RELEASE OF THE TENDON SHEATH
Authors: Hatanaka Hithoshi , Kojima Tetsuo , Miyagi Tomoyuki , Mizoguchi Tomoyuki , Ueshin Yoshifumi
Published: February 2010

The authors present the clinical outcomes of nine zone 2 flexor tendon repairs using a locking loop technique (i.e. the Modified Pennington technique). The locking loops were located approximately 10 mm away from the lacerated tendon ends to "lengthen" the locking loop repair, as experimentally and clinically recommended. The partial lateral release of the tendon sheath, including the A2 and/or A4 pulley, was performed not only to locate the sutures but also to allow a full range of motion of the repair without catching on the tendon sheath, as clinically recommended. All the patients were followed up for six months or more except for one. All digits were evaluated as excellent or good at the final follow-up by the original Strickland criteria. No rupture occurred and no bowstring of the flexor tendon was observed. The clinical outcomes of the current study indicate that "lengthening" the locking loop repair is effective for zone 2 flexor tendon repair and that the partial lateral release of the tendon sheath, including the A2 and/or A4 pulley, does not result in the bowstring of the flexor tendon.
AN UNCOMMON CAUSE FOR A COMMON COMPLAINT
Authors: Rust P. A. , Bennett T.
Published: February 2010

Infective tenosynovitis is an uncommon cause of a common condition namely carpal tunnel syndrome. Following an extensive review of the literature, we report what we understand to be the first published case of Mycobacterium kansasii (M. kansasii) causing tenosynovitis of flexor tendons resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome in Australia. Our case highlights the need for a high level of suspension, histology and appropriate culture with specific microbiological tests for atypical mycobacteria where tenosynovitis is present at carpal tunnel surgery, even in patients who do not appear to have risk factors.
NOVEL ANODE Li-ION SECONDARY BATTERIES DERIVED FROM NANOCRYSTALLINE Li4Ti5O12/POLYACENE MATERIALS
Authors: JALBOUT ABRAHAM F. , XIE HAI-MING , WANG RONG-SHUN , ZHANG LING-YUN , YU HAI-YING , YANG GUI-LING , PAN XIU-MEI , SU ZHONG-MIN , YING JIE-RONG
Published: February 2010

Spinel lithium titanate ( Li4Ti5O12 ), shown to be a superior anode material for energy storage battery, has attracted a great deal of attention because of the excellent Li-ion insertion and extraction reversibility. The high rate characteristics must be amplified before large scale production. A method to overcome this is to prepare electrode materials coated with carbon. A Li4Ti5O12 /Polyacene (PAS) composite were first prepared via an in situ carbonization of phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin route using TiO2 -anatase, Li2CO3 , and PF resin as precursors by a solid-state reaction. With increasing the current density, the sample still keeps the excellent cycle performance.
QUANTUM NANOTECHNOLOGY
Authors: TARASOV VASILY E.
Published: February 2010

Nanotechnology is based on manipulations of individual atoms and molecules to build complex atomic structures. Quantum nanotechnology is a broad concept that deals with a manipulation of individual quantum states of atoms and molecules. Quantum nanotechnology differs from nanotechnology as a quantum computer differs from a classical molecular computer. The nanotechnology deals with a manipulation of quantum states in bulk rather than individually. In this paper, we define the main notions of quantum nanotechnology. Quantum analogs of assemblers, replicators and self-reproducing machines are discussed. We prove the possibility of realizing these analogs. A self-cloning (self-reproducing) quantum machine is a quantum machine which can make a copy of itself. The impossibility of ideally cloning an unknown quantum state is one of the basic rules of quantum theory. We prove that quantum machines cannot be self-cloning if they are Hamiltonian. There exist quantum non-Hamiltonian machines that are self-cloning machines. Quantum nanotechnology allows us to build quantum nanomachines. These nanomachines are not only small machines of nanosize. Quantum nanomachines should use new (quantum) principles of work.
ZnO NANOPARTICLES PREPARED IN THE PRESENCE OF ADDITIVES BY THERMAL DECOMPOSITION METHOD
Authors: SALEM JAMIL K. , HAMMAD TALAAT M. , HARRISON ROGER G.
Published: February 2010

In this study, different additives such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), aluminum nitrate and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) are selected, respectively, to bind zinc acetate in order to investigate its role in the formation of ZnO nanoparticles. Accordingly, the morphology and size of produced ZnO nanoparticles are affected by existence of the additives through XRD analyses and TEM observations. The particle size was found to be 32, 14, 15, and 28 nm for pure zinc acetate, zinc acetate/TOPO, zinc acetate/CTAB, and zinc acetate/aluminum nitrate, respectively. It is observed that the TOPO and CTAB decrease the size of ZnO nanoparticles, while the doping of aluminum to the precursor has no effect on its particle size. The obtained ZnO nanoparticles exhibited the direct optical bandgap of about 3.40–3.45 eV and their photoluminescence spectrum has a UV emission peak at about 363 nm which is slightly blue-shifted due to the smaller particle size of the ZnO nanoparticles in the presence of TOPO and CTAB additives.
THE GROUND-STATE ENERGY OF STRONG-COUPLING POLARON IN QUANTUM ROD
Authors: WANG CUI TAO , ZHAO CUI LAN , XIAO JING LIN
Published: February 2010

The vibrational frequency and the ground-state energy of strong-coupling polaron in quantum rod (QR), bounded in parabolic potential with ellipsoidal boundary condition, are respectively, obtained using the linear-combination operator and unitary transformation methods. Numerical results illustrate that the vibrational frequency will increase with decreasing the effective radii R0 of ellipsoidal parabolic potential and the aspect ratio e' of ellipsoid while with increasing electron-bulk longitudinal-optical (LO)-phonon coupling strength α, and that the ground-state energy will increase with decreasing R0 and α. Besides, the ground-state energy will decrease with e' increasing in 0 < e' < 1 area, get to minimum when e' = 1, and then increase with e' increasing in e' > 1 area.
RECONSTRUCTION OF PRESSURE–COMPOSITION–TEMPERATURE CURVES OFRNi5(R = La, Pr, Nd, and Sm) HYDROGEN STORAGE MATERIALS BY COMPUTER SIMULATION
Authors: TSEROLAS VASILEIOS , KATAGIRI MASAHIKO , ONODERA HIDEHIRO , OGAWA HIROSHI
Published: February 2010

RNi5-type metal hydride materials have been simulated by using a simple model. These materials have been thoroughly studied with respect to their physical and electrochemical performance. Examples of simulated P–C–T curves are drawn. The simulations demonstrate good agreement with the experimental data reported for various RNi5-type hydrogen storage materials. As expected, the plateau pressure increases with increasing temperatures. It also becomes more difficult to insert hydrogen atoms at higher temperatures, which is generally accepted to occur. Finally, limitations of the model are discussed and possible solutions to overcome these limitations are proposed.
MAGNETOPOLARON IN A CYLINDRICAL QUANTUM DOT
Authors: TCHOFFO M. , FAI L. C. , ISSOFA N. , KENFACK S. C. , DIFFO J. T. , MODY ASHOK
Published: February 2010

We examine the magnetopolaron state in a cylindrical quantum dot with a transverse parabolic potential and a high rectangular potential well in the longitudinal direction. The quadratic dependence of the magnetopolaron energy versus Fröhlich electron–phonon coupling constant for different cyclotron radii and constant structure radius is modulated by a logarithmic function seems to depend on the Fröhlich coupling constant. The same law is seen in the case of magnetopolaron energy versus Fröhlich electron–phonon coupling constant for different structure radii and constant cyclotron radius. The energies are seen to be lifted in different fashions in the case of the structure and cyclotron radii. The high degrees of confinement (or high magnetic field) lead to an enhancement in the effective electron–phonon coupling that in turn brings about the possibility that in spite of weak polar coupling as in GaAS say, the polaron problem may also have strong-coupling counterparts arising from confinement or magnetic field effects.

The polaron mass increases with increasing Fröhlich electron–phonon coupling constant. The dependence seems to be fourth-order law of the Fröhlich coupling constant modulated by a logarithmic function.
NEW TECHNIQUE TO DEPOSIT THIN FILMS OF CARBON NANOTUBES BASED ON ELECTROSTATIC CHARGE DEPOSITION AND THEIR APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOL DETECTION
Authors: BHATIA VASUDA , GAUR VIKESH , JAIN VINOD K.
Published: February 2010

A new technique based on an electrostatic-force-directed-self-assembly was developed to fabricate thin films of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on thin dielectric wires. This technique was further developed to achieve functionalization of the nanotubes via acid-free dry route in a few seconds. The functionalization was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopic measurements. The electrostatically self-assembled films provided significantly enhanced sensitivity for detection of alcohol vapors. Sensors were tested for response of alcohol concentrations as low as 200 ppm (parts per million) with a sensitivity of 4% and high repeatability. Recovery of sensors was observed to be within 200 s. Selectivity of the sensors for different organic vapors was defined based on the recovery time. Operation of sensors did not require high temperatures. It was realized that corona-based electrostatic self-assembly (CESA) pattering technique for batch fabrication of the sensors was fast, simple, low-cost, and required no specialized equipment.
POLYMERIC NANOMATERIALS IN BIOMINERALIZATION
Authors: KANAPATHIPILLAI MATHUMAI , MALLAPRAGADA SURYA
Published: February 2010

Hierarchical synthesis of well-defined nanoparticles and structures is one of the challenges in materials science. Conventional methods have limitations in controlling the size of the crystals as well as their orientation. Biominerals have inspired research to explore bottom-up approaches to the design of novel nanomaterials by utilizing polymeric nanomaterials as templates to synthesize nanoparticles with well-defined morphologies and structures. Here in this review, the role of synthetic and natural polymeric nanomaterials with controlled architecture and selected affinities in the design of biomimetic materials over the years are discussed.
PREPARATION OF CARBON NANOTUBES BY FLUIDIZED FLOATING CATALYST METHOD USING NATURAL SOURCE
Authors: AZIZ AZIRA ABD , ZAINAL NURUL FATAHAH ASHIQIN , SAMSUDIN NIK FARHANA , SOGA TETSUO , ABDULLAH SAIFOLLAH , RUSOP MOHAMAD
Published: February 2010

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been successfully prepared at a low temperature of 650°C by using fluidized floating catalyst method. Optimum concentration for Fe/Ni/Mg (molar ratio of Fe:Ni:Mg = 1:1:1 ) has been found to be around 2.133% for the best yield. CNTs are produced from the evaporation of the precursor (camphor oil) which decomposes in situ and aggregates on the metal alloy catalyst particles present in the evaporating boat. Since the metallic alloy was obtained by calcining the respective nitrates, it is expected to have residual of entrapped nitrogen which may bond with the depositing CNT. This result demonstrates that fluidized floating catalyst method is suitable for effective formation of CNTs with average size ~ 11 nm. The morphological studies support "tip growth mechanism" for the growth of the CNTs in our case. The as-grown CNTs were characterized by FESEM and FTIR spectroscopy. FTIR spectra confirm the presence of nitrogen in the prepared CNTs which is embedded on the carbon surface in the form of C–N bonding instead of intercalating within the nanotubes. Results from XRD analysis indicate the existence of improved in-plane (cylindrical layer) and interlayer graphitic structure.
Differential Effects of Reflex Blinks on Saccade Perturbations in Humans
Authors: Goossens H.H.L.M. , Van Opstal A. J.
Published: February 2010

Studies in both humans and monkeys have indicated that blinks affect the central programming of saccades. In this study, we compared the influence of two types of reflex blinks on the trajectories and kinematics of memory-guided saccades in human subjects. We found that electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve shortly before or during a saccade briefly halts or decelerates the eye in midflight. After this short interruption, the eye always resumed its course and reached the target location in the absence of visual feedback. Air puff stimuli produced significant decreases in mean eye velocity too, but in addition to these changes in saccade kinematics, they produced much larger and more variable perturbations of the two-dimensional saccade trajectories. Even so, the endpoints of blink-perturbed saccades obtained under both test conditions remained as accurate and as precise as those observed in the control condition. We hypothesize that the reduction in mean eye velocity is not caused by a trigeminal reactivation of brain stem omnipause neurons but could instead arise from a trigeminal transient inhibition of saccade-related activity in the midbrain superior colliculus (SC). These findings support the theory that blink-perturbed saccades are programmed as slow, but straight, saccades onto which blink-related eye movements are superimposed. This linear superposition occurs downstream from the SC.
Determining the Levels of Volatile Organic Pollutants in Urban Air Using a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method
Authors: Nicoara Simona , Tonidandel Loris , Traldi Pietro , Watson Jonathan , Morgan Geraint , Popa Ovidiu
Published: February 2010

The paper presents the application of a method based on coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, using an isotopically labelled internal standard for the quantitative analysis of benzene (B), toluene (T), ethyl benzene (E), and o-, m-, p-xylenes (X). Their atmospheric concentrations were determined based on short-term sampling, in different sites of Cluj-Napoca, a highly populated urban centre in N-W Romania, with numerous and diversified road vehicles with internal combustion engines. The method is relatively inexpensive and simple and shows good precision and linearity in the ranges of 7–60μg/m3(B), 13–90μg/m3(T), 7–50μg/m3(E), 10–70μg/m3(X-m,p), and 20–130μg/m3(X-o). The limits of quantitation/detection of the method LOQ/LOD are of 10/5μg/m3(Xo), 5/3μg/m3(B, E, X-m,p), and of 3/1μg/m3(T), respectively.
Purification of an Exopolygalacturonase fromPenicillium viridicatum RFC3Produced in Submerged Fermentation
Authors: Gomes Eleni , Leite Rodrigo Simões Ribeiro , da Silva Roberto , Silva Dênis
Published: February 2010

An exo-PG obtained fromPenicillium viridicatumin submerged fermentation was purified to homogeneity. The apparent molecular weight of the enzyme was 92 kDa, optimum pH and temperature for activity were pH 5 and 50–55∘C. The exo-PG showed a profile of an exo-polygalacturonase, releasing galacturonic acid by hydrolysis of pectin with a high degree of esterification (D.E.). IonsCa2+enhanced the stability of enzyme and its activity by 30%. TheKmwas 1.30 in absence ofCa2+and 1.16 mgmL−1in presence of this ion. In relation to theVmaxthe presence of this ion increased from 1.76 to 2.07 μmolmin−1mg−1.
Rottlerin Inhibits ROS Formation and Prevents NFκB Activation in MCF‐7 and HT‐29 Cells
Authors: Maioli Emanuela , Greci Lucedio , Soucek Karel , Hyzdalova Martina , Pecorelli Alessandra , Fortino Vittoria , Valacchi Giuseppe
Published: February 2010

Rottlerin, a polyphenol isolated from Mallotus Philippinensis, has been recently used as a selective inhibitor of PKC δ, although it can inhibit many kinases and has several biological effects. Among them, we recently found that Rottlerin inhibits the Nuclear Factor κB (NFκB), activated by either phorbol esters or H2O2. Because of the redox sensitivity of NFκB and on the basis of Rottlerin antioxidant property, we hypothesized that Rottlerin could prevent NFκB activation acting as a free radicals scavenger, as other natural polyphenols. The current study confirms the antioxidant property of Rottlerin against the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) in vitro and against oxidative stress induced by H2O2 and by menadione in culture cells. We also demonstrate that Rottlerin prevents TNFα‐dependent NFκB activation in MCF‐7 cells and in HT‐29 cells transfected with the NFκB‐driven plasmid pBIIX‐LUC, suggesting that Rottlerin can inhibit NFκB via several pathways and in several cell types.
Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation with ABO-Incompatible Grafts: A German Single Center Experience
Authors: Goralczyk Armin D. , Obed Aiman , Schnitzbauer Andreas , Doenecke Axel , Tsui Tung Yu , Scherer Marcus N. , Ramadori Giuliano , Lorf Thomas
Published: February 2010

Adult living donor liver transplantations (ALDLTs) across the ABO blood group barrier have been reported in Asia, North Americas, and Europe, but not yet in Germany. Several strategies have been established to overcome the detrimental effects that are attached with such a disparity between donor and host, but no gold standard has yet emerged. Here, we present the first experiences with three ABO-incompatible adult living donor liver transplantations in Germany applying different immunosuppressive strategies. Four patient-donor couples were considered for ABO-incompatible ALDLT. In these patients, resident ABO blood group antibodies (isoagglutinins) were depleted by plasmapheresis or immunoadsorption and replenishment was inhibited by splenectomy and/or B-cell-targeted immunosuppression. Despite different treatments ALDLT could safely be performed in three patients and all patients had good initial graft function without signs for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). Two patients had long-term graft survival with stable graft function. We thus propose the feasibility of ABO-incompatible ALDLT with these protocols and advocate further expansion of ABO incompatible ALDLT in multicenter trials to improve efficacy and safety.
On Subclass of Analytic Univalent Functions Associated with Negative Coefficients
Authors: Al-Abbadi Ma′moun Harayzeh , Darus Maslina
Published: February 2010

M. H. Al‐Abbadi and M. Darus (2009) recently introduced a new generalized derivative
operator , which generalized many well‐known operators studied earlier
by many different authors. In this present paper, we shall investigate a new
subclass of analytic functions in the open unit disk U = {z ∈ ℂ : |z| < 1} which is defined by new generalized derivative operator. Some results on coefficient inequalities, growth and distortion theorems, closure theorems, and extreme points of analytic functions belonging to the subclass are obtained.
The Roles of Motilin and Ghrelin in Gastrointestinal Motility
Authors: Ohno Tetsuro , Mochiki Erito , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: February 2010

In structure, ghrelin resembles motilin. The two peptides are considered to be members of the motilin-ghrelin peptide family. Motilin is considered to be an endocrine regulator of the interdigestive migrating contractions, the fasted motor pattern in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It has been reported that ghrelin stimulates GI motility. The gastrokinetic capacity of ghrelin has been well documented in the rodent. However, there have been few positive reports of the gastrokinetic capacity of ghrelin in dogs. Some reports with human subjects have shown that an i.v. ghrelin injection accelerated gastric emptying of a meal and improved meal-related symptoms. These results suggest that ghrelin has potential as a prokinetic. However, it seems unlikely that plasma ghrelin would play a physiological role in these digestive physiological events and stimulate gastric emptying, as these outcomes would appear to be in contradiction with the suppression of the endogenous release of ghrelin after eating. The physiological roles of ghrelin need to be clarified.
A Patient with Unilateral Tibial Aplasia and Accessory Scrotum: A Pure Coincidence or Nonfortuitous Association?
Authors: Gucev Zoran , Castori Marco , Tasic Velibor , Popjordanova Nada , Hasani Arijeta
Published: February 2010

Tibial aplasia is an uncommon lower limb malformation that can occur isolated or be part of a more complex malformation pattern. We describe a 9-year-old boy born after uneventful pregnancy and delivery. Family history was negative for maternal diabetes and other malformations. The patient presented with left tibial aplasia and homolateral prexial foot polydactyly. He also displayed enamel dysplasia and bifid scotum with cryptorchidism. Literature review failed to identify a significant syndromic association between lower limb defects of the tibial type and the genital anomalies reported here. The combination of tibial aplasia with midline genital malformations further supports the hypothesis that the tibial ray development mirrors the morphogenetic process of the radial structures. Accordingly, the malformation pattern observed in the present patient may be pathogenetically explained by an insult occurring during late blastogenesis.
Nitric Oxide and Respiratory Helminthic Diseases
Authors: Muro Antonio , Pérez-Arellano José-Luís
Published: February 2010

Nitric oxide (NO) is a very simple molecule that displays very important functions both in helminths (mainly those involved in respiratory pathology) and in mammalian hosts. In this paper we review four issues related to interaction of NO and lung helminthic diseases. Firstly, we evaluated data available on the NO synthesis and release by helminths and their biological role. Next, we summarized the effect of antigens obtained from different phases of the biological cycle on NO production by host mammalian cells (mainly from human sources). Thirdly, we revised the evaluation of NO on the biological activities and/or the viability of respiratory helminths. Lastly, the deleterious consequences of increased production of NO during helminthic human infection are detailed.
The Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Tumor Suppressor Controls Cell Growth by Regulating Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 Activity In vitro and In vivo
Authors: Banerjee Sutapa , Byrd Jonathan N. , Gianino Scott M. , Harpstrite Scott E. , Rodriguez Fausto J. , Tuskan Robert G. , Reilly Karlyne M. , Piwnica-Worms David R. , Gutmann David H.
Published: February 2010

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common cancer predisposition syndrome in which affected individuals develop benign and malignant nerve tumors. The NF1 gene product neurofibromin negatively regulates Ras and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, prompting clinical trials to evaluate the ability of Ras and mTOR pathway inhibitors to arrest NF1-associated tumor growth. To discover other downstream targets of neurofibromin, we performed an unbiased cell-based high-throughput chemical library screen using NF1-deficient malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) cells. We identified the natural product, cucurbitacin-I (JSI-124), which inhibited NF1-deficient cell growth by inducing apoptosis. We further showed that signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), the target of cucurbitacin-I inhibition, was hyperactivated in NF1-deficient primary astrocytes and neural stem cells, mouse glioma cells, and human MPNST cells through Ser727 phosphorylation, leading to increased cyclin D1 expression. STAT3 was regulated in NF1-deficient cells of murine and human origin in a TORC1- and Rac1-dependent manner. Finally, cucurbitacin-I inhibited the growth of NF1-deficient MPNST cells in vivo. In summary, we used a chemical genetics approach to reveal STAT3 as a novel neurofibromin/mTOR pathway signaling molecule, define its action and regulation, and establish STAT3 as a tractable target for future NF1-associated cancer therapy studies. Cancer Res; 70(4); 1356–66
Prolactin Inhibits BCL6 Expression in Breast Cancer through a Stat5a-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Tran Thai H. , Utama Fransiscus E. , Lin Justin , Yang Ning , Sjolund Ashley B. , Ryder Amy , Johnson Kevin J. , Neilson Lynn M. , Liu Chengbao , Brill Kristin L. , Rosenberg Anne L. , Witkiewicz Agnieszka K. , Rui Hallgeir
Published: February 2010

BCL6 is a transcriptional repressor that recognizes DNA target sequences similar to those recognized by signal transducer and activator of transcriptions 5 (Stat5). BCL6 disrupts differentiation of breast epithelia, is downregulated during lactation, and is upregulated in poorly differentiated breast cancer. In contrast, Stat5a mediates prolactin-induced differentiation of mammary epithelia, and loss of Stat5 signaling in human breast cancer is associated with undifferentiated histology and poor prognosis. Here, we identify the mammary cell growth factor prolactin as a potent suppressor of BCL6 protein expression in human breast cancer through a mechanism that requires Stat5a, but not prolactin-activated Stat5b, MEK-ERK, or PI3K-AKT pathways. Prolactin rapidly suppressed BCL6 mRNA in T47D, MCF7, ZR75.1, and SKBr3 breast cancer cell lines, followed by prolonged reduction of BCL6 protein levels within 3 hours. Prolactin suppression of BCL6 was enhanced by overexpression of Stat5a but not Stat5b, was mimicked by constitutively active Stat5a, but did not require the transactivation domain of Stat5a. Stat5 chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated physical interaction with a BCL6 gene regulatory region, and BCL6 transcript repression required histone deacetylase activity based on sensitivity to trichostatin A. Functionally, BCL6 overexpression disrupted prolactin induction of Stat5 reporter genes. Prolactin suppression of BCL6 was extended to xenotransplant tumors in nude mice in vivo and to freshly isolated human breast cancer explants ex vivo. Quantitative immunohistochemistry revealed elevated BCL6 in high-grade and metastatic breast cancer compared with ductal carcinoma in situ and nonmalignant breast, and cellular BCL6 protein levels correlated negatively with nuclear Stat5a (r = −0.52; P < 0.001) but not with Stat5b. Loss of prolactin-Stat5a signaling and concomitant upregulation of BCL6 may represent a regulatory switch facilitating undifferentiated histology and poor prognosis of breast cancer. Cancer Res; 70(4); 1711–21
Efficient Tumor Targeting with High-Affinity Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins: Effects of Affinity and Molecular Size
Authors: Zahnd Christian , Kawe Martin , Stumpp Michael T. , de Pasquale Christine , Tamaskovic Rastislav , Nagy-Davidescu Gabriela , Dreier Birgit , Schibli Roger , Binz H. Kaspar , Waibel Robert , Plückthun Andreas
Published: February 2010

Slow-clearing, tumor-targeting proteins such as monoclonal antibodies typically exhibit high tumor accumulation but low tissue contrast, whereas intermediate-sized proteins such as scFvs show faster clearance but only moderate tumor accumulation. For both, tumor targeting does not seem to improve further above an optimal affinity. We show here that with very small high-affinity proteins such as designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins), these limits can be overcome. We have systematically investigated the influence of molecular mass and affinity on tumor accumulation with DARPins with specificity for HER2 in SK-OV-3.ip nude mouse xenografts. DARPins with a mass of 14.5 kDa and affinities between 270 nmol/L and 90 pmol/L showed a strong correlation of tumor accumulation with affinity to HER2, with the highest affinity DARPin reaching 8% ID/g after 24 hours and 6.5% ID/g after 48 hours (tumor-to-blood ratio >60). Tumor autoradiographs showed good penetration throughout the tumor mass. Genetic fusion of two DARPins (30 kDa) resulted in significantly lower tumor accumulation, similar to values observed for scFvs, whereas valency had no influence on accumulation. PEGylation of the DARPins increased the circulation half-life, leading to higher tumor accumulation (13.4% ID/g after 24 hours) but lower tumor-to-blood ratios. Affinity was less important for tumor uptake of the PEGylated constructs. We conclude that two regimes exist for delivering high levels of drug to a tumor: small proteins with very high affinity, such as unmodified DARPins, and large proteins with extended half-life, such as PEGylated DARPins, in which the importance of affinity is less pronounced. Cancer Res; 70(4); 1595–605
Epigenetic Downregulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase MKP-2 Relieves Its Growth Suppressive Activity in Glioma Cells
Authors: Waha Anke , Felsberg Jörg , Hartmann Wolfgang , von dem Knesebeck Anna , Mikeska Thomas , Joos Stefan , Wolter Marietta , Koch Arend , Yan Pearlly S. , Endl Elmar , Wiestler Otmar D. , Reifenberger Guido , Pietsch Torsten , Waha Andreas
Published: February 2010

Critical tumor suppression pathways in brain tumors have yet to be fully defined. Along with mutational analyses, genome-wide epigenetic investigations may reveal novel suppressor elements. Using differential methylation hybridization, we identified a CpG-rich region of the promoter of the dual-specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-2 gene (DUSP4/MKP-2) that is hypermethylated in gliomas. In 83 astrocytic gliomas and 5 glioma cell lines examined, hypermethylation of the MKP-2 promoter was found to occur relatively more frequently in diffuse or anaplastic astrocytomas and secondary glioblastomas relative to primary glioblastomas. MKP-2 hypermethylation was associated with mutations in TP53 and IDH1, exclusive of EGFR amplification, and with prolonged survival of patients with primary glioblastoma. Expression analysis established that promoter hypermethylation correlated with reduced expression of MKP-2 mRNA and protein. Consistent with a regulatory role, reversing promoter hypermethylation by treating cells with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine increased MKP-2 mRNA levels. Furthermore, we found that glioblastoma cell growth was inhibited by overexpression of exogenous MKP-2. Our findings reveal MKP-2 as a common epigenetically silenced gene in glioma, the inactivation of which may play a significant role in glioma development. Cancer Res; 70(4); 1689–99