bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental pressure sensing and technology of piezoelectric microwave/RF MEMS filters
Authors: Massaro Alessandro , Venanzoni Giuseppe , Farina Marco , Morini Antonio , Rozzi Tullio , Cingolani Roberto , Passaseo Adriana , De Vittorio Massimo 
Published: June 2011

In this work, we analyze the pressure sensing of a thin film molybdenum/aluminumnitride/molybdenum (Mo/AlN/Mo) microwave/RF MEMS filter fabricated by a simple technology. After an experimental characterization in a frequency range between 1 and 36 GHz, we focused on the piezoelectric effect due to the stress properties of the piezoelectric AlN layer by applying forces by means of weights. Variations in the bandpass region of the microwave/RF filter are observed by proving high sensitivity also for low applied weights. We check by a properly designed three-dimensional (3D) finite-element method (FEM) tool the pressure-sensing property of the proposed device. Finally, we analyze the bad gap property of a chip with central defect around 40 GHz.
Identification and characterization of interactions between abscisic acid and mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocators
Authors: Kharenko Olesya A. , Boyd Jason , Nelson Ken M. , Abrams Suzanne R. , Loewen Michele C. 
Published: June 2011

ABA (abscisic acid) is a plant hormone involved in important processes including development and stress responses. Recent reports have identified a number of plant ABA receptors and transporters, highlighting novel mechanisms of ABA action. In the present paper we describe application of a chemical proteomics approach leading to the identification of mitochondrial ANTs (adenine nucleotide translocators) as ABA-interacting proteins. Initial in vitro studies confirmed inhibition of ANT-dependent ATP translocation by ABA. Further analysis demonstrated ANT-dependent uptake of ABA into both recombinant Arabidopsis thaliana ANT2-containing proteoliposomes and native isolated spinach mitochondria; the latter with a Km of 3.5 μM and a Vmax of 2.5 nmol/min per g of protein. ATP was found to inhibit ANT-dependent ABA translocation. Specificity profiles highlight the possibility of mechanistic differences in translocation of ABA and ATP. Finally, ABA was shown to stimulate ATPase activity in spinach mitochondrial extracts. ABA concentrations in plant cells are estimated to reach the low micromolar range during stress responses, supporting potential physiological relevance of these in vitro findings. Overall, the present in vitro work suggests the possibility of as yet uncharacterized mechanisms of ABA action in planta related to inhibition of mitochondrial ATP translocation and functional localization of ABA in the mitochondrial matrix.
The RNA-binding protein HuR stabilizes survivin mRNA in human oesophageal epithelial cells
Authors: Donahue James M. , Chang Elizabeth T. , Xiao Lan , Wang Peng-Yuan , Rao Jaladanki N. , Turner Douglas J. , Wang Jian-Ying , Battafarano Richard J. 
Published: June 2011

Overexpression of survivin, a member of the IAP (inhibitor of apoptosis) family, has been correlated with poorer outcomes in multiple malignancies, including oesophageal cancer. The regulatory mechanisms, particularly at the post-transcriptional level, involved in survivin overexpression are not well understood. Previous work from our group has shown that the RNA-binding protein HuR (Hu antigen R), which is also overexpressed in several malignancies, stabilizes the mRNA of XIAP (X-linked IAP), another IAP family member. In the present study, we demonstrate the binding of HuR to a 288 bp fragment in the 3′-UTR (untranslated region) of survivin mRNA in human oesophageal epithelial cells. Unexpectedly, overexpression of HuR led to a decrease in survivin expression. This was associated with decreased survivin mRNA and promoter activity, suggesting a decrease in transcription. Levels of p53, a negative transcriptional regulator of survivin, increased following HuR overexpression, in conjunction with enhanced p53 mRNA stability. Silencing p53 prior to HuR overexpression resulted in increased survivin protein and mRNA stability. These results demonstrate that, in the absence of p53, HuR overexpression results in increased survivin mRNA stability and protein expression. This provides an additional explanation for the increased survivin expression observed in oesophageal cancer cells that have lost p53.
Binding of chloroplast signal recognition particle to a thylakoid membrane protein substrate in aqueous solution and delineation of the cpSRP43–substrate interaction domain
Authors: Cain Peter , Holdermann Iris , Sinning Irmgard , Johnson Arthur E. , Robinson Colin 
Published: June 2011

A cpSRP [chloroplast SRP (signal recognition particle)] comprising cpSRP54 and cpSRP43 subunits mediates the insertion of light-harvesting proteins into the thylakoid membrane. We dissected its interaction with a full-length membrane protein substrate in aqueous solution by insertion of site-specific photo-activatable cross-linkers into in vitro-synthesized Lhcb1 (major light-harvesting chlorophyll-binding protein of photosystem II). We show that Lhcb1 residues 166–176 cross-link specifically to the cpSRP43 subunit. Some cross-link positions within Lhcb1 are in the ‘L18’ peptide required for targeting of cpSRP substrates, whereas other cross-linking positions define a new targeting signal in the third transmembrane span. Lhcb1 was not found to cross-link to cpSRP54 at any position, and cross-linking to cpSRP43 is unaffected by the absence of cpSRP54. cpSRP43 thus effectively binds substrates autonomously, and its ability to independently bind an extended 20+-residue substrate region highlights a major difference with other SRP types where the SRP54 subunit binds to hydrophobic target sequences. The results also show that cpSRP43 can bind to a hydrophobic, three-membrane span, substrate in aqueous solution, presumably reflecting a role for cpSRP in the chloroplast stroma. This mode of action, and the specificity of the cpSRP43–substrate interaction, may be associated with cpSRP's unique post-translational mode of action.
Effects of alagebrium, an advanced glycation endproduct breaker, on exercise tolerance and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Hartog Jasper W.L. , Willemsen Suzan , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Posma Jan L. , van Wijk Leen M. , Hummel Yoran M. , Hillege Hans L. , Voors Adriaan A. ,   for the BENEFICIAL investigators
Published: June 2011

AimsAdvanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) have been associated with the development and progression of chronic heart failure (CHF). Advanced glycation endproducts‐crosslink breakers might be of benefit in HF, but only small‐scale and uncontrolled data are available. Our aim was to conduct a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study to examine the effects of the AGE‐breaker alagebrium on exercise capacity and cardiac function in patients with HF.Methods and resultsOne hundred and two patients with HF (78% male, aged 62 ± 11 years), and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤0.45, were randomized to either 200 mg alagebrium twice daily or placebo. After 36 weeks, the primary efficacy end‐point peak VO2 had changed by (mean ± SEM) −2.1 ± 0.5 mL/min/kg in alagebrium vs. −0.5 ± 0.7 mL/min/kg in placebo‐treated patients (P= 0.06). No significant changes were observed in a number of secondary end‐points, including diastolic function (mean E′: P= 0.32; E/E′: P= 0.81), systolic function (LVEF: P= 0.43), AGE accumulation (skin‐autofluorescence: P= 0.42), N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide, P= 0.20); New York Heart Association functional class (P= 0.73), patient global assessment (P= 0.32), physicians global assessment (P= 0.76), and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score (P= 0.38). Overall alagebrium was reasonably well tolerated.ConclusionIn the present proof‐of‐concept study, the AGE‐breaker alagebrium did not improve exercise tolerance in patients with HF and systolic dysfunction, and no changes were observed in a number of secondary endpoints. The present data therefore do not support earlier data which suggested a beneficial effect of alagebrium in systolic HF.Clinical Trial Registration Information: NCT00516646 (http://clinicaltrials.gov)
Light History Influences the Response of the Marine CyanobacteriumSynechococcussp. WH7803 to Oxidative Stress
Authors: Blot Nicolas , Mella-Flores Daniella , Six Christophe , Le Corguillé Gildas , Boutte Christophe , Peyrat Anne , Monnier Annabelle , Ratin Morgane , Gourvil Priscillia , Campbell Douglas A. , Garczarek Laurence 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMarine Synechococcus undergo a wide range of environmental stressors, especially high and variable irradiance, which may induce oxidative stress through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). While light and ROS could act synergistically on the impairment of photosynthesis, inducing photodamage and inhibiting photosystem II repair, acclimation to high irradiance is also thought to confer resistance to other stressors. To identify the respective roles of light and ROS in the photoinhibition process and detect a possible light-driven tolerance to oxidative stress, we compared the photophysiological and transcriptomic responses of Synechococcus sp. WH7803 acclimated to low light (LL) or high light (HL) to oxidative stress, induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or methylviologen. While photosynthetic activity was much more affected in HL than in LL cells, only HL cells were able to recover growth and photosynthesis after the addition of 25 μm H2O2. Depending upon light conditions and H2O2 concentration, the latter oxidizing agent induced photosystem II inactivation through both direct damage to the reaction centers and inhibition of its repair cycle. Although the global transcriptome response appeared similar in LL and HL cells, some processes were specifically induced in HL cells that seemingly helped them withstand oxidative stress, including enhancement of photoprotection and ROS detoxification, repair of ROS-driven damage, and regulation of redox state. Detection of putative LexA binding sites allowed the identification of the putative LexA regulon, which was down-regulated in HL compared with LL cells but up-regulated by oxidative stress under both growth irradiances.
Altering Trehalose-6-Phosphate Content in Transgenic Potato Tubers Affects Tuber Growth and Alters Responsiveness to Hormones during Sprouting
Authors: Debast Stefan , Nunes-Nesi Adriano , Hajirezaei Mohammad R. , Hofmann Jörg , Sonnewald Uwe , Fernie Alisdair R. , Börnke Frederik 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) is a signaling metabolite that regulates carbon metabolism, developmental processes, and growth in plants. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), T6P signaling is, at least in part, mediated through inhibition of the SNF1-related protein kinase SnRK1. To investigate the role of T6P signaling in a heterotrophic, starch-accumulating storage organ, transgenic potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants with altered T6P levels specifically in their tubers were generated. Transgenic lines with elevated T6P levels (B33-TPS, expressing Escherichia coli osmoregulatory trehalose synthesis A [OtsA], which encodes a T6P synthase) displayed reduced starch content, decreased ATP contents, and increased respiration rate diagnostic for high metabolic activity. On the other hand, lines with significantly reduced T6P (B33-TPP, expressing E. coli OtsB, which encodes a T6P phosphatase) showed accumulation of soluble carbohydrates, hexose phosphates, and ATP, no change in starch when calculated on a fresh weight basis, and a strongly reduced tuber yield. [14C]Glucose feeding to transgenic tubers indicated that carbon partitioning between starch and soluble carbohydrates was not altered. Transcriptional profiling of B33-TPP tubers revealed that target genes of SnRK1 were strongly up-regulated and that T6P inhibited potato tuber SnRK1 activity in vitro. Among the SnRK1 target genes in B33-TPP tubers, those involved in the promotion of cell proliferation and growth were down-regulated, while an inhibitor of cell cycle progression was up-regulated. T6P-accumulating tubers were strongly delayed in sprouting, while those with reduced T6P sprouted earlier than the wild type. Early sprouting of B33-TPP tubers correlated with a reduced abscisic acid content. Collectively, our data indicate that T6P plays an important role for potato tuber growth.
Alcohol use, heavy episodic drinking and subsequent problems among adolescents in 23 European countries: does the prevention paradox apply?
Authors: Danielsson Anna‐Karin , Wennberg Peter , Hibell Björn , Romelsjö Anders 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTAims  According to the prevention paradox, a majority of alcohol‐related problems in a population can be attributed to low to moderate drinkers simply because they are more numerous than heavy drinkers, who have a higher individual risk of adverse outcomes. We examined the prevention paradox in annual alcohol consumption, heavy episodic drinking (HED) and alcohol‐related problems among adolescents in 23 European countries.Design and setting  Survey data from the 2007 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Drugs (ESPAD) among 16‐year‐old students were analysed.Participants  A total of 38 370 alcohol‐consuming adolescents (19 936 boys and 18 434 girls) from 23 European countries were included.Measurements  The upper 10% and the bottom 90% of drinkers by annual alcohol intake, with or without HED, and frequency of HED, were compared for the distribution of 10 different alcohol‐related problems.Findings  Although the mean levels of consumption and alcohol‐related problems varied largely between genders and countries, in almost all countries the heavy episodic drinkers in the bottom 90% of consumers by volume accounted for most alcohol‐related problems, irrespective of severity of problem. However, adolescents with three or more occasions of HED a month accounted for a majority of problems.Conclusions  The prevention paradox, based on measures of annual consumption and heavy episodic drinking, seems valid for adolescent European boys and girls. However, a minority with frequent heavy episodic drinking accounted for a large proportion of all problems, illustrating limitations of the concept. As heavy episodic drinking is common among adolescents, our results support general prevention initiatives combined with targeted interventions.
The large‐scale dynamics of grain‐size variation in alluvial basins, 2: Application to syntectonic conglomerate
Authors: Heller Paul L. , Paola Chris 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThe concept of‘syntectonic’ conglomerate is based on the idea that gravel progradation is mainly generated by an increase in tectonic uplift and erosion of a source area with attendant increase in sediment flux supplied to a basin. However, other mechanisms, such as changes in basin subsidence rates, sorting of supplied sediment, and capability of transporting streams, can also lead to progradation and be difficult to distinguish from a syntectonic origin. Here we use our previously developed model to help understand the origin of gravel progradation in three Neogene alluvial basins ‐ the Bermejo Basin of Argentina, the Himalayan Foreland Basin, and the San Pedro Basin of southern Arizona ‐ all of which have available high‐resolution magnetostratigraphy. Interpretation of the origin of gravel progradation in these basins begins with calculation of basin equilibrium time, which is the time‐scale required for the streams to reach a steady‐state profile, assuming constant conditions.We then compare the time‐scale of the observed changes in the basin with the equilibrium time to determine if and how the model can be applied to the stratigraphic record. Most of the changes we have studied occur on time scales longer than the equilibrium time (‘slow variations’), in which case the key to interpretation is the relationship between overall grain‐size change and sedimentation rate in vertical sections.Of the three examples studied only one, the Bermejo Basin, is consistent with the traditional model of syntectonic progradation. Overall progradation in the two other basins is most consistent with a long‐term reduction in basin subsidence rates. In addition, short‐term variation in diffusivity or sediment flux, probably climatically driven, is the most likely control of small‐scale progradation of gravel tongues in the San Pedro Basin. These results, along with observations from other basins, suggest that subsidence is clearly an important control on clastic progradation on ‘slow’ time scales (i.e. generally a million years or more). If subsidence rates are directly linked to tectonic events, then subsidence‐driven progradation marks times of tectonic quiescence and is clearly not syntectonic in the traditional sense.These examples show that the model can be useful in interpreting the rock record, particularly when combined with other traditional basin‐analysis techniques. In particular, our results can be used to help discriminate between clastic progradation due to tectonic origin and progradation resulting from other mechanisms in alluvial basins.
Late Quaternary evolution of the Madeira Abyssal Plain, Canary Basin, NE Atlantic
Authors: Rothwell R. G. , Pearce T. J. , Weaver P. P. E. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThe deepest part of the Canary Basin, the Madeira Abyssal Plain, receives allochthonous sediments derived from a large drainage basin which, if its subaerial continuation is included, covers an area of 3.36 times 106 km2. An international research effort over the last 10 years has recovered over 160 sediment cores from the plain, and the development of a high‐resolution stratigraphy has enabled individual turbidites to be correlated layer by layer. Sedimentation on the Madeira Abyssal Plain during the late Quaternary is dominated by thick turbidite muds separated by thin pelagic intervals. The core density has allowed the mapping of each sedimentary unit throughout the abyssal plain, thus building up a layer by layer picture of sediment accumulation. Over the last 300 kyr, 600 km3 of turbidites compared to 60 km3 of pelagic sediments have been deposited on the plain. Sedimentary structures developed in the coarse basal facies of the larger turbidites are more complex than simple models predict due to surging flows, fluctuating flow velocities and reflection from adjacent high ground. Over the last 300 kyr, there has been a switching of entry points for turbidity currents entering the abyssal plain. From 300 ka to 200 ka, organic‐rich turbidites were emplaced predominantly from the south but around 200 ka this source switched off and subsequent organic‐ and volcanic‐rich turbidites, which included units deposited by giant, possibly hyperconcentrated flows, were emplaced from northern or eastern sources. Although restricted to the late Quaternary, the data presented provides a detailed case study of the evolution of an oceanic basin fill.
Approach to reticulate hyperpigmentation
Authors: Vachiramon V. 
Published: June 2011

Summary
Reticulate hyperpigmentation is a feature of a number of conditions, which differ in age of onset and distribution of the lesions. Associated clinical findings (e.g. hair, nail, teeth, systemic involvement), are used to differentiate between the conditions. Histopathological examination is useful in some disorders. Diagnosing the disorders is important, because the underlying causes may be treatable, and some of the disorders are associated with malignancies and life-threatening systemic involvement. In this review, I present a concise, systematic approach to the treatment of the patient with reticulate hyperpigmentation.
The influence of diel period on fish assemblage in the unstructured littoral of reservoirs
Authors: ŘÍHA M. , KUBEČKA J. , PRCHALOVÁ M. , MRKVIČKA T. , ČECH M. , DRAŠTÍK V. , FROUZOVÁ J. , HOHAUSOVÁ E. , JŮZA T. , KRATOCHVÍL M. , PETERKA J. , TUŠER M. , VAŠEK M. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract  Diel changes in littoral fish assemblage were studied in four reservoirs in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). The sampling was performed by beach seining in an unstructured littoral zone. Perch, Perca fluviatilis L., roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.), bream, Abramis brama (L.), carp, Cyprinus carpio L., ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernua (L.), pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.), eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.) and A. brama × R. rutilus hybrids exhibited higher densities at night. Only bleak, Alburnus alburnus (L.) exhibited higher densities during the day. The number of species was higher in night hauls, and mean body size of roach and bleak was also higher at night. Diel changes in fish densities resulted in the change in species composition between day and night. The study has implication for the sampling design to assess littoral fish assemblages using beach seine netting and recommends night sampling for a representative assessment or sampling during both diel periods for a robust assessment.
Impact of trehalose, sucrose and/or maltodextrin addition on aroma retention in freeze dried strawberry puree
Authors: Galmarini Mara V. , van Baren Catalina , Zamora María C. , Chirife Jorge , Di Leo Lira Paola , Bandoni Arnaldo 
Published: June 2011

SummaryTrehalose was studied as a drying aid to establish its impact on aroma retention in freeze dried strawberry puree. The evaluation was done by sensory analysis and headspace‐solid phase microextraction‐gas chromatography with a mass detector (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS); results were compared with those obtained using sucrose and maltodextrin (MD) as drying aids. The carbohydrate used significantly modified the type and concentration of volatiles retained during freeze drying. HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS outcomes showed that the use of trehalose (alone or with MD) resulted in the product with the chromatographic profile most similar to fresh strawberry puree, being different from sucrose and MD. Meanwhile, sensory analysis showed a similarity with the aromatic profiles when using trehalose or sucrose, remaining both different from MD. This study proved that the use of trehalose as a drying aid can be beneficial on volatile aroma retention and that different combinations of organic volatiles can lead to similar sensory profiles.
Optimisation of drying conditions for the extraction of β‐carotene, phenolic and ascorbic acid content from yellow‐fleshed sweet potato using response surface methodology
Authors: Ahmed Maruf , Akter Mst. Sorifa , Eun Jong‐Bang 
Published: June 2011

SummaryThe objective of this study was to optimise drying conditions for the extractions of β‐carotene, phenolic and ascorbic content from yellow‐fleshed sweet potato using response surface methodology. A face‐centred cubic was used to investigate the effects of three independent variables namely drying temperature 55–65 °C, citric acid concentration 1–3%w/v and soaking time 1–3 min. The optimal conditions for parameters were 55–62 °C, citric acid concentration 1.08–2.19% and soaking time 1.53–2.00 min. Under the above mentioned conditions, the experimental β‐carotene content was 14.61 mg g−1, total phenolic and ascorbic acid content were 4.0 and 17.53 mg g−1, respectively, which were close to the predicted values. Therefore, the results showed that optimise conditions could be used to enhance the antioxidant activities of functional foods.