bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the pinning strengths in polycrystalline MgB2
Authors: Obaidat I. M. , Albiss B. A. , Gharaibeh M. , Hasan M. K. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe dependence of the critical current density, Jc, on the gamma irradiation dose in MgB2 polycrystalline superconducting specimens has been studied. The MgB2 samples were irradiated with 10 MR and 20 MR doses of γ‐rays. The critical current density, Jc was found to be enhanced almost at all temperatures after irradiation. The enhancement of Jc was found to be linear with the irradiation dose at all temperatures. We also report on the correlation between the superconducting transition temperature and the residual resistivity ratio. Most of our results agree with the Testardi and Mooij rules which suggest that the dominant pairing mechanism of MgB2 is the phonon‐mediated interaction. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The influence of melt stirring intensity on the axial impurity distribution in proustite single crystals grown by the Stockbarger method using ACRT
Authors: Distanov V. E. , Kirdyashkin A. G. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe influence of modulated crucible rotation on the axial distribution of Cu, Mg and Si impurities in proustite single crystals grown by the Stockbarger method using ACRT is studied in a wide range of Taylor numbers (1.9·105 < Ta < 7.12·107). The impurity content in the upper part and in the tail portion of the grown crystals is measured using X‐ray‐phase analysis. Micro and macrostriations are observed in the grown crystals. The wavelengths of impurity content fluctuations have been determined. The microfluctuations of axial impurity content are caused by modulated crucible rotation. The studies have revealed that the ACRT provides an effective removal of impurities from the main part of the grown crystal at high intensity of melt stirring, and consequently, the ACRT can be applied validly to decrease the impurity content during the growing of high‐quality proustite single crystals. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The heterotrimeric G‐protein α‐subunit Gαq regulates TCR‐mediated immune responses through an Lck‐dependent pathway
Authors: Ngai Jacob , Methi Trond , Andressen Kjetil Wessel , Levy Finn Olav , Torgersen Knut Martin , Vang Torkel , Wettschureck Nina , Taskén Kjetil 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHere, we examined the functional involvement of heterotrimeric G‐proteins in TCR‐induced immune responses. TCR/CD3 crosslinking resulted in activation of both Gαq and Gαs, but not Gαi‐2. Targeting of Gαs, Gαi‐2 and Gαq using siRNA demonstrated a specific role of Gαq in TCR signaling. Jurkat TAg T cells with Gαq knockdown displayed reduced activation of Lck and LAT phosphorylation, but paradoxically showed sustained ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increased NFAT‐AP‐1‐reporter activity implicating Gαq in the negative control of downstream signaling and IL‐2‐promoter activity. Primary T cells isolated from Gαq‐deficient mice had a similar TCR signaling response with reduced proximal LAT phosphorylation, sustained ERK1/2 phosphorylation and augmented immune responses including increased secretion of IL‐2, IL‐5, IL‐12 and TNF‐α. The effects on NFAT‐AP‐1‐reporter activity were sensitive to the Src family kinase inhibitor PP2 and were reversed by transient expression of constitutively active Lck. Furthermore, expression of constitutively active Gαq Q209L elevated Lck activity and Zap‐70 phosphorylation. Together these data argue for a role of Gαq in the fine‐tuning of proximal TCR signals at the level of Lck and a negative regulatory role of Gαq in transcriptional activation of cytokine responses.
A Griscelli syndrome type 2 murine model of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
Authors: Pachlopnik Schmid Jana , Ho Chen‐Hsuan , Diana Julien , Pivert Gérard , Lehuen Agnès , Geissmann Frédéric , Fischer Alain , de Saint Basile Geneviève 
Published: November 2008

AbstractGriscelli syndrome type 2 is caused by mutations in the RAB27A gene and is a rare and potentially fatal immune disorder associated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Animal models could provide assistance for better understanding the mechanisms and finding new treatments. Rab27a‐deficient (ashen) mice do not spontaneously develop HLH. When injected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) strain WE, Rab27a‐deficient C57BL/6 mice developed wasting disease, hypothermia, splenomegaly, cytopenia (anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia), hypertriglyceridemia and increased levels of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, GM‐CSF, IL‐12, CCL5 and IL‐10. Activated macrophages with hemophagocytosis were found in liver sections of these mice. Compared with perforin‐deficient mice, LCMV‐infected Rab27a‐deficient mice showed a substantially better survival rate and slightly higher viral doses were needed to trigger HLH in Rab27a‐deficient mice. This study demonstrates that LCMV‐infected Rab27a‐deficient C57BL/6 mice develop features consistent with HLH and, therefore, represent a murine model of HLH in human Griscelli syndrome type 2.
Design of allele‐specific primers and detection of the human ABO genotyping to avoid the pseudopositive problem
Authors: Yaku Hidenobu , Yukimasa Tetsuo , Nakano Shu‐ichi , Sugimoto Naoki , Oka Hiroaki 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPCR experiments using DNA primers forming mismatch pairing with template lambda DNA at the 3′ end were carried out in order to develop allele‐specific primers capable of detecting SNP in genomes without generating pseudopositive amplification products, and thus avoiding the so‐called pseudopositive problem. Detectable amounts of PCR products were obtained when primers forming a single or two mismatch pairings at the 3′ end were used. In particular, 3′ terminal A/C or T/C (primer/template) mismatches tended to allow PCR amplification to proceed, resulting in pseudopositive results in many cases. While less PCR product was observed for primers forming three terminal mismatch pairings, target DNA sequences were efficiently amplified by primers forming two mismatch pairings next to the terminal G/C base pairing. These results indicate that selecting a primer having a 3′ terminal nucleotide that recognizes the SNP nucleotide and the next two nucleotides that form mismatch pairings with the template sequence can be used as an allele‐specific primer that eliminates the pseudopositive problem. Trials with the human ABO genes demonstrated that this primer design is also useful for detecting a single base pair difference in gene sequences with a signal‐to‐noise ratio of at least 45.
DNA repair phenotype and cancer susceptibility—A mini review
Authors: Li Chunying , Wang Li‐E. , Wei Qingyi 
Published: November 2008

AbstractDNA repair is a complicated biological process, consisting of several distinct pathways, that plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of genomic integrity. The very important field of DNA repair and cancer risk has developed rapidly in the past decades. In this review of selected published data from our laboratory, we describe mostly our work on the study of phenotypic markers of nucleotide excision repair (NER), as measured by the benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE)/ultraviolet (UV)‐induced mutagen sensitivity assays, BPDE‐induced adduct assay, host cell reactivation (HCR)‐DNA repair capacity (DRC) assay, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay and reverse‐phase protein lysate microarray (RPP) assay, by using peripheral blood lymphocytes in a series of molecular epidemiological studies. Results of our studies suggest that individuals with reduced DRC have an elevated cancer risk. This finding needs additional validation by other investigators, and we also discussed issues in conducting this kind of research in the future. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low‐risk factor profile, estrogen levels, and breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women
Authors: Rod Naja Hulvej , Hansen Åse Marie , Nielsen Jens , Schnohr Peter , Grønbæk Morten 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObesity, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and postmenopausal hormone use are known modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. We aim to measure incidence rates of breast cancer for women with favorable levels on all 4 risk factors (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2, alcohol <1 drink/week, physically active and no current hormone use) and to evaluate their associations with estrogen. The 5,054 postmenopausal women in the Copenhagen City Heart Study were asked about risk factors at baseline in 1981–3 and were followed until 2002 in the Danish Cancer Registry, with <0.1% loss to follow‐up. Estradiol was measured in a subset of 1,042 women. During follow‐up, 263 women developed breast cancer. Twenty‐six percent of the women had a favourable risk factor profile, and their breast cancer rates were markedly lower (154 per 100,000 years) than women with 3+ risk factors (460 per 100,000 years). One, two and three risk factors were associated with hazard ratios of 1.38 (95% CI: 0.99; 1.92), 1.84 (1.26; 2.67) and 2.79 (1.59; 4.88) compared to women with a favourable profile. Each of the risk factors was associated with estrogen. In conclusion, the risk of breast cancer was markedly lower for women with a favourable risk profile than for other women and lower estrogen levels is a possible explanation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repression of NF‐κB and activation of AP‐1 enhance apoptosis in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Huang Xu , Olumi Aria F. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTNFα and TRAIL, 2 members of the tumor necrosis factor family, share many common signaling pathways to induce apoptosis. Although many cancer cells are sensitive to these proapoptotic agents, some develop resistance. Recently, we have demonstrated that upregulation of c‐Fos/AP‐1 is necessary, but insufficient for cancer cells to undergo TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Here we present a prostate cancer model with differential sensitivity to TNFα and TRAIL. We show that inhibition of NF‐κB or activation of AP‐1 can only partially sensitize resistant prostate cancer cells to proapoptotic effects of TNFα or TRAIL. Inhibition of NF‐κB by silencing TRAF2, by silencing RIP or by ectopic expression of IκB partially sensitized resistant prostate cancer. Similarly, activation of c‐Fos/AP‐1 only partially sensitized resistant cancer cells to proapoptotic effects of TNFα or TRAIL. However, concomitant repression of NF‐κB and activation of c‐Fos/AP‐1 significantly enhanced the proapoptotic effects of TNFα and TRAIL in resistant prostate cancer cells. Therefore, multiple molecular pathways may need to be modified, to overcome cancers that are resistant to proapoptotic therapies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automated compound verification using 2D‐NMR HSQC data in an open‐access environment
Authors: Keyes Philip , Hernandez Gonzalo , Cianchetta Giovanni , Robinson James , Lefebvre Brent 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSince the introduction of NMR prediction software, medicinal chemists have imagined submitting their compounds to corporate compound registration systems that would ultimately display a simplified pass/fail result. We initially implemented such a system based on HPLC and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) data that is embedded within our industry standard sample submission and registration process. By using gradient‐heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) experiments, we have extended this concept to NMR data through a comparison of experimentally acquired data against predicted 1H and 13C NMR data. Integration of our compound registration system with our analytical instruments now provides our chemists unattended and automated NMR verification for collections of submitted compounds. The benefits achieved from automated processing and interpretation of results produced enhanced confidence in our compound library and released the chemists from the tedium of manipulating large amounts of data. This allows scientists to focus more of their attention to the drug discovery process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma ADMA concentrations at birth and mechanical ventilation in preterm infants: A prospective pilot study
Authors: Richir Milan C. , van Leeuwen Paul A.M. , van den Berg Anemone , Wessels Ronni , Twisk Jos W.R. , Rauwerda Jan A. , Teerlink Tom , de Vries Theo P.G.M. , van Elburg Ruurd M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractRationaleNitric oxide (NO) produced in the lung is an important mediator of normal lung development, vascular smooth muscle relaxation, and ventilation perfusion matching. NO is synthesized from arginine by the action of NO‐synthase (NOS). Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous derivate of arginine, inhibits NOS and is thereby a determinant of NO synthesis. We compared ADMA and arginine levels in preterm infants requiring mechanical ventilation with preterm infants who did not require mechanical ventilation and determined the relation between ADMA and the length of mechanical ventilation in these infants.MethodsThirty preterm infants, mean (SD) gestational age 29.3 (1.7) weeks and birth weight 1,340 (350) gram, of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the VU University Medical Center were included. ADMA and arginine were measured in umbilical cord blood and the length of mechanical ventilation (days) was registered.ResultsGestational age and birth weight were significantly smaller in infants requiring mechanical ventilation, but were not significantly correlated with plasma ADMA concentration after birth. Plasma ADMA concentrations were significantly higher in infants who required mechanical ventilation than in infants who did not require mechanical ventilation (1.53 ± 0.23 and 1.37 ± 0.14 µmol/L, respectively; P = 0.036). ADMA concentration was significantly related to length of mechanical ventilation (B = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.1–5.6; P = 0.006), also after adjustment for gestational age (B = 2.3; 95% CI: 0.4–4.2; P = 0.024).ConclusionsPreterm infants who require mechanical ventilation have increased ADMA levels compared to non‐ventilated preterm infants. ADMA levels at birth are related to the length of mechanical ventilation. An increased ADMA concentration could reduce NO synthesis, which could lead to insufficient gas exchange and, consequently, a longer period of mechanical ventilation. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2008; 43:1161–1166. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A changing target language: trends in American English as viewed from the EFL perspective of China
Authors: Xianlong Fan 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTChanging trends in colloquial American English from the viewpoint of a visitor and their implications for teaching of English in China. Knowing that language changes and an appreciation of current changes is of great importance for foreign-language learners as it helps enable them to have a good command of the current language so as to strengthen their ability to communicate with native speakers with facility. The reality Chinese learners of English face is, however, that they hardly have opportunities to be exposed to natural spoken forms of the target language around them, let alone access to its current changing trends. This paper aims to present such information. Based on the investigation I made among native English-speaking Americans, it tries, from a descriptive pragmatic point of view, to give an account of some salient trends of American English in daily communication. It takes everyday spoken American English as the object of study, for it is the kernel part of the language for social interaction. It is this part of the language that first undergoes changes in response to various social events, and that, having much to do with the study of language use, deserves our special attention.
On predicting phonological difficulty in second language acquisition
Authors: Eckman Fred R. 
Published: November 2008

The amount of influence that a learner's native language has on the acquisition of a second language is an issue which has received considerable attention in research on second language acquisition. The thesis of this paper is that, within the context of the Interlanguage Hypothesis (Selinker 1972) and the Markedness Differential Hypothesis (Eckman 1977), some important properties of a learner's interlanguage (IL) can be predicted.More specifically, it is shown that speakers of Cantonese and Japanese internalize different IL rules in attempting to deal with English word-final voice contrasts. Whereas speakers of Cantonese devoice word-final obstruents in the target language, Japanese speakers insert a word-final schwa after the voiced obstruent. However, each of these rules can be correlated with facts about the phonology of the native language, supporting the conclusion that some important aspects of ILs can be predicted on the basis of a comparison of the native and target languages.
The Relationship Between Conceptual Level and Communicative Competence in French
Authors: Horwitz Elaine K. 
Published: November 2008

This study explored the relationship between conceptual level a social cognitive variable and second language communicative competence. Conceptual level indexes both cognitive complexity and interpersonal maturity which have been related to first language communicative abilities. The research hypotheses stated that conceptual level was related to the development of communicative competence while foreign language aptitude was related to linguistic competence (mastery of the structural components of a second language).Conceptual level was found to be related to both communicative and linguistic competence(r = .54, p < .001;r = .48, p < .001)as was foreign language aptitude(r = .40, p < .01; r = .41, p < .01). However, foreign language aptitude was not found to be related to linguistic competence when conceptual level was statistically controlled (r = .20, p < .135). Conceptual level, on the other hand, was found to be related to communicative competence when foreign language aptitude was statistically controlled (r = .42, p < .01). Thus, conceptual level appears to be an important individual variable in second language learning.
Getting the Subtle Distinctions: Should versus Had Better
Authors: Altman Roann 
Published: November 2008

Careful observation of the speech of even advanced learners of English often reveals usage that deviates in some way from the target language. One area of difficulty appears to be the system of modality that includes such forms as must, have to, should, had better, can, and may, among others. Some errors are purely grammatical in nature. For example:
(1) (a) In fact, they musted to return back home.(b) Perhaps if I went to France maybe I can do it.Others are not so much ungrammatical as inappropriate. For example,
(2) (a) Should I give you the receipt for this?
uttered by a bank teller should actually have been shall, since the teller was not really asking me for my advice but was trying to find out whether I wanted the receipt. In (2b),
(2) (b) I should take this English class.the student was actually trying to ascertain which section of a class to sign up for, and really needed to convey that he was required to take that particular class. In order to ascertain the possible cause for these persistent misuses of the modals, several measures of modal usage were developed and administered to groups of native and non-native speakers. The results showed that the understanding non-natives have of expressions of modality is qualitatively different from the understanding of natives. Some possible causes for this discrepancy in understanding are suggested along with possible solutions for remedying the problem.
The isotropic scattering of radiation from a point source in a finite spheroidal atmosphere
Authors: Smith M. G. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe integral equation for the three-dimensional Fourier transform of the source function, derived in a previous paper, is applied to scattering in a spheroidal atmosphere. This problem is not amenable to solution by any of the general methods that have been successful for problems of finite atmospheres of a more regular shape.It is shown that if the dimensions of the spheroid are large the solution can he obtained by iteration as an expansion in powers of 1/R0, where R0 is a typical length. The leading term is shown to be that for the infinite atmosphere, which result would be anticipated on intuitive grounds.
Integral transforms based upon fractional integration
Authors: Fox Charles 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe theory of Fourier transformscan be developed from the functional equation K(s) K(1 – s) = 1, where K(s) is the Mellin transform of the kernel k(x).In this paper I show that reciprocities can be obtained which are analogous to the Fourier transforms above but which develop from the much more general functional equationThe reciprocities are obtained by using fractional integration. In addition to the reciprocities we have analogues of the Parseval theorem and of the discontinuous integrals usually associated with Fourier transforms.In order to simplify the analysis I confine myself to the case n = 1 and to L2 space.
The statistical distribution of the curvature of a random Gaussian surface
Authors: Longuet-Higgins M. S. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe distribution of the total (or ‘second’) curvature of a stationary random Gaussian surface is derived on the assumption that the squares of the surface slopes are negligible. The distribution is found to depend on only two parameters, derivable from the fourth moments of the energy spectrum of the surface. Each distribution function satisfies a linear differential equation of the third order, and the distribution is asymmetrical with positive skewness, in general. A special case of zero skewness occurs when the surface consists of two intersecting systems of long-crested waves.
Statistical mechanics of a one-dimensional Coulomb system with a uniform charge background
Authors: Baxter R. J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper obtains an exact description of the statistical mechanics of a one-dimensional system of charged particles moving in a uniform neutralizing background of positive charge. These results are compared with the behaviour of a one-dimensional system of equal numbers of positive and negative charged particles. Although the thermodynamics of the two systems do differ, the discrepancy is small enough to indicate that the assumption of a uniform background of positive charge, common in statistical mechanical treatments of a plasma in equilibrium, may provide a good approximation to a real system of discrete charges.
A note on analytic functions in the unit circle
Authors: Paley R. E. A. C. , Zygmund A. 
Published: November 2008

1. Letbe a function regular for |z| < 1. We say that u belongs to the class Lp (p > 0) ifIt has been proved by M. Riesz that, for p > 1, if u(r, θ) belongs to Lp, so does v (r, θ). Littlewood and later Hardy and Littlewood have shown that for 0 < p < 1 the theorem is no longer true: there exists an f(z) such that u(r, θ) belongs to every L1−ε and v(r, θ) belongs to no Lε(0 < ε < 1). The proof was based on the theorem (due to F. Riesz) that if, for an ε > 0, we havethen f(reiθ) exists for almost every θ.
On Herschel's Condition and the Optical Cosine Law
Authors: Steward G. C. 
Published: November 2008

§ 1. Sir John Herschel gave the condition which must be satisfied in order that a symmetrical optical system, free from spherical aberration for two conjugate axial points, may also be free from spherical aberration for two neighbouring and conjugate points upon the axis of the system; but Herschel's condition applies only to first order aberration, i.e. to aberration depending upon the cube of the inclination of the ray to the axis. Abbe shewed, later, that this condition could be included in a wider result, viz. that the spherical aberration, supposed zero, is stationary for axial variations provided that the incident and emergent rays for two conjugate axial points, associated with modified magnification m, satisfy the relationwhere θ and θ′ are their initial and final inclinations to the axis; and by ‘modified’ magnification is meant the ratio of the reduced sizes of the image and object.