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A triple-stimuli responsive polymer, poly(3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid)-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PAAPBA-b-PNIPAM), has been synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. Temperature, pH, and fructose induced micellization and dissociation transition of block copolymer was investigated by a combination of static and dynamic laser light scattering. PAAPBA-b-PNIPAM copolymer self-assembles into micelles with PAAPBA block as core and PNIPAM as shell in lower pH aqueous solution at room temperature. Increasing the temperature causes the micelle to shrink due to the dehydration of PNIPAM segments at pH 6.2. After the elevation of solution pH from 6.2 to 10.0, the increase in the hydrophilicity of PAAPBA block leads to an expulsion of unimers from micelles. In addition, the fructose addition further enhances the dissociation of micelles. Our experiments demonstrate that the micelle to unimer transition process proceeds via the step-by-step sequential expulsion of individual chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sc-Zn system has been critically reviewed and assessed by means of CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagram) approach. By means of first-principles calculation, the enthalpies of formation at 0 K for the ScZn, ScZn2, Sc17Zn58, Sc3Zn17 and ScZn12 have been computed with the desire to assist thermodynamic modeling. A set of self-consistent thermodynamic parameters for the Sc-Zn system is then obtained. The calculated phase diagram and thermodynamic properties agree well with the experimental data and first-principles calculations, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure of the S= 1/2kagome system Cs2ZrCu3F12has been determined at both 295 and 125 K via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A first-order structural phase transition is seen near 225 K, confirmed by variable-temperature synchrotron powder diffraction studies, in which the structure transforms from rhombohedral (R3̅m) to monoclinic (P21/m). A corresponding abrupt change in dielectric constant is observed near the same temperature. The phase transition is driven by a dramatic change in coordination around the Zr site, which changes from regular octahedral in the rhombohedral phase to a seven-coordinate environment in the monoclinic phase. This leads to a severe buckling of the copper fluoride kagome layers and significant changes in the geometry around the Cu sites, which correlates with both the observed dielectric anomaly and a previously observed anomaly in magnetic susceptibility. It is suggested that this structural phase transition ultimately permits long-range antiferromagnetic ordering in Cs2ZrCu3F12, contrasting markedly with the behavior of the analogue Rb2SnCu3F12, which exhibits a “pinwheel” valence-bond-solid ground state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a photolithographic process for micropatterning of two-component biomolecules on a transparent organic film via lateral functional polymer brushes of poly(sodium acrylate) (P(AA)) and poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (P(GMA)). The pattern of binary polymer brushes were prepared via consecutive UV-initiated grafting processes, under the assistance of the in situ formed poly (4,4′-bi[N-(4-vinylbenzyl) pyridinium]) (P(BVV)) photomask. The epoxy groups of the P(GMA) microdomains can be aminated for covalently coupling biotin, while the P(AA) microdomains were used for immobilizing immunoglobulin (IgG). The resulting biotin- and IgG-coupled microdomains interact specifically with their corresponding target proteins, avidin and anti-IgG, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A physical model, previously developed by one of the authors, has been extended to cover thermal conductivity degradation owing to the uni-axial stress–strain response of aligned groups of fibres or tows found in ceramic matrix composites. Both the stress–strain and thermal models, together with their coupling, have been shown to predict known composite behaviour qualitatively. The degradation of longitudinal thermal properties is shown to be driven by strain-controlled fibre failure; while the degradation of transverse thermal properties is because of the growth of fibre–matrix interface wake-debonded cracks, coupled with strain-driven fibre failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper mainly reports an experimental investigation on the residual mechanical and fracture properties of normal and high-strength concrete (HSC) with and without fly ash after exposure to high temperatures ranging from 200 to 600°C. The fracture behaviour of concrete was investigated using the three-point bending notched beam test, according to RILEM recommendations. The effects of concrete strength, temperature level and the presence of fly ash on the fracture and mechanical properties of concrete were investigated. Some studies on the aggregate-cement paste transition zone have been made by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mechanical properties of concrete specimens significantly decreased with increase in temperature level, the extent of which depended on the presence of fly ash in the mix. In general, fly ash concrete performed better in residual mechanical and fracture properties especially at relatively high temperature levels than concretes without fly ash. Also, fewer and finer microcracks were identified in fly ash concrete under the SEM study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  On 24 September 2008, 72 debris flows were triggered by heavy rainfall in the central part of the area affected by the Wenchuan Earthquake. This paper describes the process of debris-flow initiation and transport in the study areas and presents field observations on the roles of rainfall, lithology and the presence of faults. It is likely that following the ground shaking, the critical amount of accumulated precipitation and the hourly rainfall intensity necessary to initiate debris flow was reduced compared with values before the earthquake. A case study in the Xishanpo gully is presented; the debris flow from which caused a thick accumulation in the already devastated city of Beichuan. It is concluded that the whole of the area shaken by the Wenchuan Earthquake is now more susceptible to debris flows, which may be initiated by localized heavy rainfall. Care must be taken to properly assess this new type of geo-hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to assess whether or not changes in genomic expression of cyclooxygenases (COX-1, COX-2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and prostanoid synthases in the endothelium and of prostanoid receptors in vascular smooth muscle contribute to the occurrence of endothelium-dependent contractions during aging and hypertension. Gene expression was quantified by real-time PCR using isolated endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells (SMC) from the aorta of Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Genes for all known prostanoid synthases and receptors were present in endothelial cells and SMC, respectively. Aging caused overexpression of eNOS, COX-1, COX-2, thromboxane synthase, hematopoietic-type prostaglandin D synthase, membrane prostaglandin E synthase-2, and prostaglandin F synthase in endothelial cells and COX-1 and prostaglandin E2(EP)4receptors in SMC. Hypertension augmented the expression of COX-1, prostacyclin synthase, thromboxane synthase, and hematopoietic-type prostaglandin D synthase in endothelial cells and prostaglandin D2(DP), EP3, and EP4receptors in SMC. The increase in genomic expression of endothelial COX-1 explains why in aging and hypertension the endothelium has greater propensity to release cyclooxygenase-derived vasoconstrictive prostanoids. The expression of prostacyclin synthase was by far the most abundant, explaining why the majority of the COX-1-derived endoperoxides are transformed into prostacyclin, substantiating the role of prostacyclin as an endothelium-derived contracting factor. The expression of thromboxane synthase was increased in the cells of aging or hypertensive rats, explaining why the prostanoid can contribute to endothelium-dependent contractions. It is uncertain whether the gene modifications caused by aging and hypertension directly contribute to endothelium-dependent contractions or rather to vascular aging and the vascular complications of the hypertensive process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  A 20-year field trial was conducted to study the effects of ecological factors and fertilization on phosphorus characteristics of fertile Udic Mollisols under three ecosystems: (1) bare land ecosystem with no vegetation or fertilizers (BE), (2) natural ecosystem with native grasses but no fertilizers (NE) and (3) agroecosystem with a rotation of wheat–soybean–corn. The agroecosystem had received N and P fertilizers during 1985–1993 and had received no fertilizers (CK), N and P fertilizers (NP) or N and P fertilizers along with pig manure (NPM) during 1994–2005. While there was no P input or removal in the BE and NE, the CK had a net P loss of 174 kg ha−1, whereas the NP had a net gain of 96 kg/ha and the NPM 504 kg ha−1. Increasing net P input increased both Olsen P and total P in the 0–20-cm soil. The amounts of NaHCO3-extractable (Ca2–P) and NH4Ac-extractable P fractions (Ca8–P) were in an order of NPM > NP > CK > NE > BE. The H2SO4-extractable fraction (Ca10–P) was lowest in the BE and highest in the NPM but was similar in the other treatments. The CK had the least, and the NPM had the highest amounts of NH4F-extractable (Al–P) and NaOH–Na2CO3-extractable fractions (Fe–P). Among the inorganic P, the percentage of Ca2–P, Ca8–P and Al–P increased, whereas that of Fe–P, occluded P and Ca10–P decreased with increasing P input into the system. Soil P adsorption was in an order of CK > NE > NP > BE > NPM, whereas P release was in an order of NPM ≫ NP > CK > NE > BE. The study concluded that soil P can be sustained under the natural ecosystem while annual applications of chemical fertilizers and animal manure increased both labile and non-labile P pools in the agroecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aurora kinases are emerging as key regulators of centrosome function, chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. We previously isolated Aurora-C (Aie1), a third type of Aurora kinase, in a screen for kinases expressed in mouse sperm and eggs. Currently, we know very little about the precise localization and function of Aurora-C. Immunofluorescence analysis of ectopically expressed GFP-Aurora-C has revealed that Aurora-C is a new member of the chromosomal passenger proteins localizing first to the centromeres and then to the central spindles during cytokinesis. In order to study the potential role of Aurora-C, we examined the effects of a kinase-deficient (KD) mutant (AurC-KD) in HeLa Tet-Off cells under tetracycline control. Our results showed that overexpression of AurC-KD causes defects in cell division and induces polyploidy and apoptosis. Interestingly, AurC-KD overexpression also inhibits centromere/kinetochore localization of Aurora-B, Bub1, and BubR1, reduces histone H3 phosphorylation, and disrupts the association of INCENP with Aurora-B. Together, our results showed that Aurora-C is a chromosomal passenger protein, which may serve as a key regulator in cell division. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnancy is a known risk factor for stroke, but relatively few studies have been conducted in Asian populations to document the risk. This study aimed to analyze the incidence and etiologies of stroke occurring during pregnancy and puerperium in Taiwanese women. Methods: From 1984 to 2002, female patients 15 through 40 years of age with first-ever stroke during pregnancy or within 6 weeks of delivery were recruited. Stroke was classified as ischemic stroke (IS), cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The incidence, time of stroke onset (1st through 3rd trimester or puerperium), and etiologies of different stroke subtypes were analyzed. Results: Of 402 young female stroke patients, 49 had stroke during pregnancy and puerperium, including 16 with IS, 11 with CVT, 19 with ICH and 3 with SAH. After excluding referral patients, the incidences of pregnancy-related stroke were 46.2 (95% CI 30.7–69.5) per 100,000 pregnancies. 67% developed stroke in the 3rd trimester and puerperium, and 73% of CVT occurred in the puerperium period. Etiologies were well defined in 78% of patients. Eclampsia (37%) and arteriovenous malformation (26%) were the most important etiologies of ICH. For IS and CVT, rheumatic heart disease (44%) and coagulopathy (64%) were the major etiologies respectively. Conclusions: The incidence of stroke occurrence during pregnancy and puerperium in Taiwanese women is higher than that of Caucasian populations; the majority of strokes occurred in the 3rd trimester and puerperium, particularly CVT.Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA), originally described as a nuclear protein, is an essential component in the formation and maintenance of mitotic spindle poles. In this study, we analyze the expression pattern and function of NuMA in mouse oocytes and early embryos. In germinal vesicle-stage oocytes, NuMA was detected both at the centrosome and in the nucleus. However, after nuclear maturation and extrusion of the first polar body, NuMA was concentrated at the broad meiotic spindle poles and at cytasters (centers of cytoplasmic microtubule asters) of mature metaphase II oocytes. Cold-induced depolymerization of microtubules appeared to disassociate NuMA foci from the cytoplasmic cytasters. During fertilization, NuMA was relocated into the re-formed male and female pronuclei. Microinjection of anti-NuMA antibody into 1 of 2 cells of 2-cell-stage embryos inhibited normal cell division. These results suggest that NuMA might play an important role in cell division during early embryonic mitosis. Copyright © 2004 National Science Council, ROC and S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which proposed a shielding technique and a simple structure for printed-circuit board (PCB) transformers. Structures of the PCB transformers; Magnetic field analysis of PCB transformer with various kinds of shielding techniques; Efficiency comparison of PCB transformer with various kinds of shielding techniques.

Familiarity to the mother and the novelty afforded by the postnatal environment are two contrasting sources of neonatal influence. One hypothesis regarding their relationship is the maternal modulation hypothesis, which predicts that the same neonatal stimulation may have different effects depending on the maternal context. Here we tested this hypothesis using physical development, indexed by body weight, as an endpoint and found that, among offspring of mothers with a high initial swim-stress-induced corticosterone (CORT) response, neonatal novelty exposure induced an enhancement in early growth, and among offspring with mothers of a low initial CORT response, the same neonatal stimulation induced an impairment. At an older age, a novelty-induced increase in body weight was also found among offspring of mothers with high postnatal care reliability and a novelty-induced reduction found among offspring of mothers with low care reliability. These results support a maternal modulation of early stimulation effects on physical development and demonstrate that the maternal influence originates from multiple instead of any singular sources. These results (i) significantly extend the findings of maternal modulation from the domain of cognitive development to the domain of physical development; (ii) offer a unifying explanation for a previously inconsistent literature regarding early stimulation effects on body weight; and (iii) highlight the notion that the early experience effect involves no causal primacy but higher order interactions among the initial triggering events and subsequent events involving a multitude of maternal and nonmaternal influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain capillary telangiectasia (BCT) are usually small, solitary, benign in clinical manifestation, or found incidentally at autopsy. However, diffuse BCT are rarely reported. A 39-year-old woman had the first generalized seizure 10 years previously. Thereafter, she had sustained progressive spastic paraparesis and blurred vision. Computed tomography (CT) showed diffuse brain atrophy with numerous calcified spots. Contrast T1-weighted magnetic resonance images showed diffuse faintly enhancing lesions with stippled appearance in the whole brain. Cerebral angiography revealed multiple small nets of dilated capillaries and Xenon CT showed diffuse low cerebral blood flow in the resting and good cerebral reserve capacity in the acetazolamide challenge test. Therefore, diffuse BCT was diagnosed clinically. Although BCT are not rare, diffuse BCT with slowly progressive neurological symptoms had never been reported before. It causes global cerebral ischemia that lead to brain atrophy and a degenerative course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A time-delay perturbation (TDP) method is proposed to achieve the shifting of the stable resonant operating points of bifurcated inductive power transfer (IPT) systems. Theoretical analysis and experimental results have shown that the TDP method provides an effective way to shift the system operating point to any targeted stable point by simply specifying the corresponding control parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported that Xenopusegg extracts contain molecules that are capable of reprogramming mammalian somatic cells. The reprogrammed somatic cells, which are called extract treated cells (ETC), possess the potential for clinical therapy as embryonic stem (ES) cells do. Therefore, in addition to establishment of an efficient method to reprogram mouse NIH/3T3 cells by Xenopusegg extracts, the aim of this study was to select the ETC cells by the expression of Oct4. In Experiment 1, two methods, electroporation or permeabilization, were conducted to treat mouse NIH/3T3 cells with Xenopusegg extracts. 2 × 105cells in 200 μL reprogramming mixture containing Xenopusegg extracts were stimulated by a direct current (DC) pulse (80 V mm-1for 3 msec) three times followed by a pause of incubation at 37°C for 5 min and a single DC pulse (170 V mm-1, for 0.4 msec) subsequently. The electroporated cells were then incubated at 22°C for 1 h. In the other treatment group, NIH/3T3 cells (5 × 105) were permeabilized by streptolysin O (SLO, 500 ng mL-1in PBS) for 50 min at 37°C before mixed with Xenopusegg extracts at 22°C for 2 h. Cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS for the first 4 days and then changed to ES medium (DMEM supplemented with 15% FBS, 0.1 mmβ-mercaptoethanol, 1000 unit mL-1mLIF, 0.5% nonessential amino acids, 2 mmL-glutamine) for the last 6 days after Xenopusegg extract treatment. Cell colonies were found in both treatment groups at the end of culture. Examination by immunocytochemical staining, results showed that the extract-treated cell colonies expressed pluripotent marker proteins, such as alkaline phosphatase, Oct4, Nanog and Sox2. In Experiment 2, an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression vector was constructed and EGFP was driven by Oct4 enhancer and promoter (Oct4-EGFP). Mouse NIH/3T3 cells were then transfected with Oct4-EGFP plasmids and selected for stable clone by G418 screening. After 6 passages, the NIH/3T3-Oct4-EGFP cells were treated with egg extracts to induce reprogramming as Experiment 1, and monitored pluripotency based on the expression of EGFP. Results showed that some of the cells or cell colonies expressed green fluorescence driven by Oct4 regulatory element at the 8th day of culture after extract treatment. Our results demonstrated that both methods of electroporation and reversible permeabilization could introduce reprogramming molecules in Xenopusegg extract to the mammalian somatic cells and generate ETCs cells in vitro. Also, with the establishment of NIH/3T3-Oct4-EGFP cell line, the potentially reprogrammed colonies could be easily selected by EGFP expression. The changes of epigenetic modifications in the ETC cells would be investigated in the short future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endogenous non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) of 18–25 nucleotides (nt) have been shown to involve in a wide variety of cellular processes as the posttranscriptional regulators by repression of translation or cleavage of mRNAs. In mammals, there are approximately 250 miRNAs that have been identified, and the cluster of miRNA-290 s (miR-290 s) has been demonstrated to express dramatically from the 2-cell to the 4-cell stage in mouse embryos examined from oocytes to the 8-cell stage. The association of miR-290 to 295 with pluripotency has been reported according to their specific expression in embryonic stem (ES) cells. It is interesting to explore the roles of these ES cell-specific miRNAs during the preimplantation stages and early differentiation at the blastocyst stage. Therefore, the objective of this study was to profile the expression pattern of ES cell-specific miRNAs (miR-291-5p, miR-293-3p, and miR-294-3p) from the 4-cell, 8- to 16-cell, morula, and blastocyst stages of mouse embryos. CD-1 F1 embryos at various developmental stages were collected from superovulated and naturally mated CD-1 mice. Total miRNAs of each stage analyzed were collected from 3 embryos for every replicate. Real-time RT-PCR was performed by using the specific stem-loop primers and the embryo lysate as template, which was prepared by heating in 4 μL of PBS at 95°C. Additionally, the in situ expressions of miR-291-5p, miR-293-3p, and miR-294-3p in mouse preimplantation embryos were confirmed by LNA™probes specific for individual miRNAs. The embryo was fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde for 2 h at room temperature, followed by 3 times wash in PBST (0.1% TritonX-100 in PBS). After hybridization with individual 5′-fluorescein-labeled LNA™probe, the embryo was washed with 0.1 × SSC, 2 × SSC, and TN buffer (0.1 mTris-HCl, pH 7.5, 0.15 mNaCl) subsequently. The in situexpressions of miRNAs were detected by immunocytochemical reaction. The results indicated that the expressions of miR-291-5p, miR-293-3p, and miR-294-3p were up-regulated from the 4-cell to the morula stage and then down-regulated afterwards. It was found that the signals of miR-293-5p in an expanded blastocyst were weaker than those at the early blastocyst stage. However, it showed that the intensity of expression at the morula stage was 2 to 4 folds higher compared to that at the 4-cell stage in each miRNA analyzed. Also, the result showed that the ES cell-specific miRNAs examined were expressed in all cells in a blastocyst, i.e. tropectoderm and inner cell mass. In conclusion, we have established the expression profile of ES cell-specific miRNAs during preimplantation stages in mouse embryos. The specific roles of these miRNAs would be further investigated in the short future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neural basis for the transition from preclinical to symptomatic Huntingtons disease (HD) is unknown. We used serial positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in preclinical HD gene carriers (p-HD) to assess the metabolic changes that occur during this period. Twelve p-HD subjects were followed longitudinally with [11C]-raclopride and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose PET imaging, with scans at baseline, 18 and 44 months. Progressive declines in striatal D2-receptor binding were correlated with concurrent changes in regional metabolism and in the activity of an HD-related metabolic network. We found that striatal D2 binding declined over time (P < 0.005). The activity of a reproducible HD-related metabolic covariance pattern increased between baseline and 18 months (P < 0.003) but declined at 44 months (P < 0.04). These network changes coincided with progressive declines in striatal and thalamic metabolic activity (P < 0.01). Striatal metabolism was abnormally low at all time points (P < 0.005). By contrast, thalamic metabolism was elevated at baseline (P < 0.01), but fell to subnormal levels in the p-HD subjects who developed symptoms. These findings were confirmed with an MRI-based atrophy correction for each individual PET scan. Increases in network expression and thalamic glucose metabolism may be compensatory for early neuronal losses in p-HD. Declines in these measures may herald the onset of symptoms in gene carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated ambient temperature has been known to be deleterious to the developmental competence of mammalian oocytes and embryos, although the mechanism is still unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of heat shock (HS) on the alteration of intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) of matured pig oocytes by two different calcium releasing agents. Porcine cumulus–oocyte complexes were aspirated from the follicles (3–6 mm) and subjected to standard in vitro maturation procedure for 42 h. Matured oocytes were then randomly allocated to different heat treatments at 41.5°C for 0 (Control, C0h), 1 (HS1h), 2 (HS2h), or 4 h (HS4h). An additional control group was cultured for 4 h without heat shock (C4h). Oocytes were incubated with 2 µM fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (AM) and 0.02% pluronic F-127 in Ca2+-free PBS (40 min) following heat shock, and then washed with Ca2+-free PBS (30 min) for detection of [Ca2+]i. Fluorescent images were captured with alternative excitation wavelengths at 340/380 nm by a rotating chopper disk equipped with an Axon imaging system. Data from both experiments were analyzed by ANOVA using the General Linear Model (GLM) of the SAS (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA). In Experiment 1, matured oocytes were activated by 200 mM thimerosal (10 min) following heat treatment. The maximal [Ca2+]i in the HS2h group was the highest among all treatment groups. The lowest maximal peak of [Ca2+]i was observed in the HS4h group, but it was still higher than that in the C4h group (P < 0.05). The total amount of Ca2+ release represented by the total area of the peaks in C4h was lower than in any other groups except HS4h (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, each matured oocyte was injected with approximately 10 pL of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3, 0.5 mM); the Ca2+ transient was recorded as described in the previous experiment. The maximal value of [Ca2+]i in the C4h group was still the lowest among the heat-shocked and C0h groups (P < 0.05). The total Ca2+ release in the HS2h group was the highest among all treatment groups, but only significantly higher than the HS1h and C4h groups (P < 0.05). A similar pattern of Ca2+ release in HS-oocytes was induced by thimerosal and IP3 stimulations. These results indicate that Ca2+ releasing capacity of matured pig oocytes is enhanced by a shorter duration of heat shock, but declines after prolonged exposure of heat shock and/or in vitro culture. The differential Ca2+ releasing capacity of heat-shocked oocytes prior to fertilization revealed physiological changes of pig oocytes after heat shock. This finding provides further insight for the low fertilization and developmental competence that occurs in farm species during hot seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implantation of mammalian embryos occurs only during a restricted narrow window. The endometrium becomes highly receptive for the embryos during this period of time. The objective of this study was to establish an in vitro culture system for pre- and post-implantation mouse embryos. In Experiment 1, mouse uterine horns were excised at Day 3.5 post-coitus. After being washed with Dulbecco''s phosphate-buffered solution (DPBS), the uterine horns were cut open and incubated with 0.05% trypsin in DPBS at 4C for 2 h. After trypsinization, the tissues were incubated at 37C for an additional 30 min. The solution containing epithelial cell suspension was recovered after 30 s of vortexing. The trypsinized uterine horns were then cut into 1-mm3 pieces and digested with collagenase (type I, 1 mg mL-1 in DPBS) at 37C for 3 h with vigorous shaking. At the end of digestion, the solution was filtered through 40-m nylon mesh and the flowthrough containing stromal cells was collected. The isolated epithelial and stromal cells were characterized by their morphology and immunocytochemistry. Both types of cells showed positive immunocytochemical reaction with desmin antibody. The cultured epithelial cells formed polyhedral shapes, and more than 95% expressed epithelium-specific protein, cytokeratin-18. On the other hand, most of the spindle-like stromal cells had no signal for cytokeratin-18 expression, although a few scattered cells were positively labeled. In Experiment 2, for construction of the 3-dimensional culture system, epithelial cells obtained by the method described in Experiment 1 were seeded on an artificial basal membrane (ECMatrixTM; Millipore/Upstate/Chemicon, Temecula, CA, USA) with underlying stromal cells embedded in the type I collagen matrix. The whole system was settled in a Millicell (Millipore) hanging in a 24-well culture plate, and immersed in DMEM medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 20 ng mL-1 epidermal growth factor, 63.5 nmol progesterone, and 7.14 nmol 17?-estradiol. The morphology of epithelial cells on the matrix became cuboidal after 48 h of culture. Additionally, the columnar cells with a basal nucleus were observed on the paraffin wax sections. In Experiment 3, mouse E3.5 embryos were recovered and cultured in this established culture system. Normal hatching and/or attachment of the blastocysts were observed after 2 days of culture. In conclusion, our results showed that epithelial cells formed morphologically columnar monolayers and apparently interacted with blastocyst embryos. Successful construction of this model system would facilitate the study of early embryo development through the implantation stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue addressed: This study aimed to examine the participation of Australian Chinese in cardiovascular risk factor and cancer screening. Methods: A telephone survey of a random sample of Chinese in New South Wales, Australia, was conducted. The presence of, and participation in screening for, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes were ascertained. Additionally, women were surveyed regarding breast cancer and cervical cancer screening. Results: Five hundred and fifty-five subjects were interviewed. Generally, Australian Chinese were as likely to participate in health screening activities as the general population. However, Chinese with poor English-speaking ability were less likely to have had recent lipid testing (85.4% vs 91.2%, p=0.01) or mammography (63.2% vs 92.6%, p=0.01) than those who were proficient in English (adjusted for age and gender). Those not in employment were less likely to have had lipid testing (86.9% vs 88.4%, p=0.04), mammography (61.1% vs 93.5%, p=0.04) or Pap tests (64.7% vs 85.0%, p<0.01) than those in employment. Chinese who had been in Australia for less than 10 years were also less likely to undergo Pap tests (68.7% vs 79%, p=0.03). Conclusions: Overall, participation of Australian Chinese in health screening is within the community norm. However, those with poor English-speaking skills, who are not employed, or who had been resident in Australia for a shorter duration are less likely to undergo some of these health activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  This paper presents a case study of water inrush on a mine working face from roof strata. The flow-rock failure process analysis (F-RFPA2D) code with an improved flow-stress-damage (FSD) model was adopted to perform the failure and coupling analysis. The improved FSD model was used to represent the permeability variation at the four stages (elastic, damaged, cracked, and crack closure) of the rock failure process. The fracture initiation, propagation, and coalescence in the stressed strata and the seepage field evolution in the stress field are represented visually during the whole process of water inrush. The failure zone with high permeability induced by mining disturbance becomes the water-conducting zone after full excavation of the coal seam. The height of the water-conducting zone obtained in this study is in reasonable accordance with that predicted by an empirical formula. It is definitely clarified that the water inrush from the roof strata is induced by the failure zone full of vertical coalesced mine fractures. It is unlikely that roof accidents resulting in water inrush would occur if the water-conducting zone does not grow upwards into the aquifer. The main task for mine extraction under a confined aquifer is to locate the aquifer and find the maximum height of the water-conducting zone, which is very important for mine construction and support design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sol–gelchemistry is a powerful tool for the synthesis ofporous or nanocrystalline structures of a wide range of materials.The morphology and composition of the final product can be stronglydependent on the mechanism that operates during the heating step,as has been demonstrated in many investigations of binary, ternary,and quaternary metal oxides. We demonstrate the complex phase transformationsoccurring in a transition-metal carbide (Fe3C, cementite)synthesis using in situsynchrotron X-ray diffraction.Our new study proves the existence of multiple intermediate phasesand elucidates how oxide–nitride and nitride–carbidephase transformations can occur. This is particularly important asmany transition-metal nitrides and carbides are metastable, whichrenders their stability windows sensitive to small changes in sol–gelmethodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A robust binary hydrogen-bonded supramolecular organic framework (SOF-7) has been synthesized by solvothermal reaction of l,4-bis-(4-(3,5-dicyano- 2,6-dipyridyl)dihydropyridyl)benzene (l) and 5,5'-bis- (azanediyl)-oxalyl-diisophthalic acid (2). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that SOF-7 comprises 2 and l,4-bis-(4-(3,5-dicyano-2,6-dipyridyl)pyridyl)benzene (3); the latter formed in situ from the oxidative dehydrogenation of 1. SOF-7 shows a three-dimensional four-fold interpenetrated structure with complementary O—H…N hydrogen bonds to form channels that are decorated with cyano and amide groups. SOF-7 exhibits excellent thermal stability and solvent and moisture durability as well as permanent porosity. The activated desolvated material SOF-7a shows high CO2 adsorption capacity and selectivity compared with other porous organic materials assembled solely through hydrogen bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bi-M (M = Ti, Cr, V) systems have been critically reviewed and modeled by means of the CALPHAD technique. All the intermetallics (BiTi3, BiTi2 Bi9Ti8, Bi3Ti2 and Bi2Ti) were treated as stoichiometric compounds. The enthalpy of formation at 0 K for BiTi2, was computed via first-principles calculations to assist the thermodynamic modeling. The gas phases for the Bi-Cr and Bi-V systems were treated as ideal gas. A set of self consistent thermodynamic parameters has been finally obtained for each of these binary systems. Comparisons between the calculated and measured phase diagrams as well as first-principles calculations show that most of experimental data can be satisfactorily reproduced by the present thermodynamic descriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centriole duplication begins with the formation of a single procentriole next to a preexisting centriole. CPAP (centrosomal protein 4.1-associated protein) was previously reported to participate in centriole elongation. Here, we show that CEP120 is a cell cycle-regulated protein that directly interacts with CPAP and is required for centriole duplication. CEP120 levels increased gradually from early S to G2/M and decreased significantly after mitosis. Forced overexpression of either CEP120 or CPAP not only induced the assembly of overly long centrioles but also produced atypical supernumerary centrioles that grew from these long centrioles. Depletion of CEP120 inhibited CPAP-induced centriole elongation and vice versa, implying that these proteins work together to regulate centriole elongation. Furthermore, CEP120 was found to contain an N-terminal microtubule-binding domain, a C-terminal dimerization domain, and a centriolar localization domain. Overexpression of a microtubule binding-defective CEP120-K76A mutant significantly suppressed the formation of elongated centrioles. Together, our results indicate that CEP120 is a CPAP-interacting protein that positively regulates centriole elongation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on investigations into the fundamental surface emission parameters, the geometric field enhancement factor (β) and the work function (ϕ), by making both field emission and Schottky-enabled photoemission measurements. The measurements were performed on a copper surface in the Tsinghua University S-band RF gun in two separate experiments. Fitting our data to the models for each experiment indicate that the traditionally assumed high value of β(≈ 50-500) does not provide a plausible explanation of the data, but incorporating a low value of ϕ at some sites does. In addition, direct measurements of the surface conducted after the experiment show that β is on the order of a few, consistent with our understanding of the electron emission measurements. Thus we conclude that the dominant source of electron emission in high gradient RF cavities is due to low ϕ sites, as opposed to the conventionally assumed high β sites. The origin of low ϕ at these sites is unclear and should be the subject of further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tetragonal tungsten bronze (TTB) structure multiferroicfluorideK0.58FeF3(alternatively K3–xFe5F15(x≈0.1)) has been studied using variable temperature high-resolutionsynchrotron powder X-ray diffraction. The as-made sample occurs asa mixture of two closely related TTB phases, one tetragonal (aTTB≈ 12.68 Å, cTTB≈ 3.98 Å) and one orthorhombic (a≈ 12.70 Å, b≈ 12.66Å, c≈ 3.98 Å). Heating above 340K produces a single metrically tetragonal phase, but the phase separationreproducibly reappears on cooling. Below 300 K the tetragonal phaseundergoes a structural phase transition to a second orthorhombic phase(with a≈ b≈ √2aTTB) and these two different orthorhombic phases continueto coexist down to at least 125 K. These results are discussed inthe context of previous studies, which sometimes suggest conflictingstructural details within this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaction of blue crystalline solid trans-[CuCl2(4-Clpy)2] 1(4-Clpy = 4-chloropyridine) with anhydrous HCl gas yields yellow crystalline salt (4-ClpyH)2[CuCl4] 2with quantitative conversion. The reaction has been followed in situby synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction using a specially designed gas-handling rig and demonstrates that the initial product is a C-centred monoclinic form of (4-ClpyH)2[CuCl4] (phase II), which then converts in the solid state to a primitive monoclinic form (phase I). The conversion has been quantified at each stage by mixed-phase Rietveld refinement of the powder diffraction data. The two polymorphic forms exhibit different patterns of N–HCl(Cu) hydrogen bonding and C–ClCl(Cu) halogen bonding. Evidence from solution-phase crystallisations of 2suggests that phase II is a kinetic product and phase I is the thermodynamic product. The salt 2can also be prepared mechanochemically, by grinding for 2 min green-blue solid CuCl2·2H2O with white solid [4-ClpyH]Cl in a 1 : 2stoichiometric ratio. The product was identified by powder diffraction as phase I of compound 2in 97.5% yield, with the remaining material being compound 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel High-Throughput Continuous Hydrothermal (HiTCH) flow synthesis reactor was used to make directly and rapidly a 66-sample nanoparticle library (entire phase diagram) of nanocrystalline CexZryYzO2−δin less than 12 h. High resolution PXRD data were obtained for the entire heat-treated library (at 1000 °C/1 h) in less than a day using the new robotic beamline I11, located at Diamond Light Source (DLS). This allowed Rietveld-quality powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data collection of the entire 66-sample library in <1 day. Consequently, the authors rapidly mapped out phase behavior and sintering behaviors for the entire library. Out of the entire 66-sample heat-treated library, the PXRD data suggests that 43 possess the fluorite structure, of which 30 (out of 36) are ternary compositions. The speed, quantity and quality of data obtained by our new approach, offers an exciting new development which will allow structure−property relationships to be accessed for nanoceramics in much shorter time periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a laser-patterned tape as a master for replica moulding microfluidics in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). Normally, a laser is applied to scribe microchannels directly on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates. This direct engraving usually offers a faster turn-around time than conventional soft lithography but generates rough surfaces which perform poorly under phase-contrast microscopy imaging. Using a laser-patterned tape as the master template for replica-moulding microfluidics in PDMS, we combine the rapid turn-around time of laser ablation and relatively smooth surface finish of soft lithography. Hence, microfluidic devices suitable for optical microscopy imaging can be obtained within several hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MSY2, a germ-cell-specific member of the V-box family of DNA-I RNA-binding proteins, is proposed to function as a coactivator of transcription in the nucleus and to stabilize and store maternal and paternal mRNAs in the cytoplasm. In mice lacking Msy2, a normal Mendelian ratio is observed after matings between heterozygotes with equal numbers of phenotypically normal but sterile male and female homozygotes (Msy2-/-). Spermatogenesis is disrupted in postmeiotic null germ cells with many misshapen and multinucleated spermatids, and no spermatozoa are detected in the epididymis. Apoptosis is increased in the testes of homozygotes, and real-time RT-PCR assays reveal large reductions in the mRNA levels of postmeiotic male germ cell mRNAs and smaller reductions of meiotic germ cell transcripts. In females, there is no apparent decrease in either the number of follicles or their morphology in ovaries obtained from 2- and 8-day-old Msy2-/- mice. In contrast, follicle number and progression are reduced in 21-day-old Msy2-/- ovaries. In adult Msy2-/- females, oocyte loss increases, anovulation is observed, and multiple oocyte and follicle defects are seen. Thus, Msy2-/- represents one of a small number of germ-cell-specific genes whose deletion leads to the disruption of both spermatogenesis and oogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-crystalline Ge nanowires covered with amorphous carbon were synthesized by using GeO2 as the Ge source and reacting it with a mixed gas of C2H4 and NH3 at 750 °C. Electron microscopy studies show that the nanowires have a diameter distribution ranging from 15 to 50 nm and a length up to tens of micrometres. The growth mechanism of the Ge nanowires could be attributed to the well known vapour–liquid–solid (VLS) catalytic growth process promoted by nanoparticles attached at the end of the nanowires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells from the inner cell mass (ICM) of the blastocyst. They are capable of differentiating to various cell types, such as neural cells, cardiocytes, hepatic cells, and germ cells. The aim of this study was to establish rabbit ES cell lines as an animal model for human diseases. Blastocysts were collected from New Zealand White rabbits during Days 4 to 5 after breeding. After removal of the mucin coat and the zona pellucida by pronase, the embryos were directly cultured in ES cell medium on mitomycin C-treated mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) or STO feeder layers. In Experiment 1, the efficiencies of 2 different feeder layers, MEF and STO, in generating rabbit ES cell lines were compared. Six blastocysts were used for each STO and MEF feeder group. The primary ICM colonies were formed in 67% (4/6) of the cultures on the STO and 83% (5/6) on the MEF. Sixty percent of those primary colonies (3/5) were successfully grown into ES-like cell lines in the MEF feeder group. However, no cell lines were established on the STO feeder. In Experiment 2, whole blastocysts or ICMs isolated by immunosurgery were cultured to establish ES cell lines. A total of 21 blastocysts were recovered from 2 does. Eighteen whole blastocysts and 3 isolated ICMs were cultured on the MEF feeders. Twelve (67%) of the cultured whole blastocysts formed primary ICM colonies, of which 5 (42%) of the cultures continuously propagated and formed ES-like cell lines. In the immunosurgical group, 2 of the 3 isolated ICMs formed primary colonies but only 1 ES-like cell line was established. A total of 9 ES-like cell lines maintained morphological undifferentiation after 14 passages and expressed alkaline phosphatase activity. Seven of the 9 ES-like cells expressed Oct-4 and the stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4) as detected by immunocytochemical staining. Two cell lines were further induced to differentiate into embryoid bodies in suspension culture. Another 3 cell lines were injected into SCID mice and one of them formed a teratoma. The competence of generating chimeric rabbits and the teratogenicity of the established ES-like cell lines are under evaluation. In conclusion, rabbit ES-like cells were efficiently generated and whole-blastocyst culturing on the MEF feeder appeared to be a preferred method for the isolation and maintenance of rabbit ES-like cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current cosmological analyses, which use Type Ia supernova observations, combine supernova (SN) samples to expand the redshift range beyond that of a single sample and increase the overall sample size. The inhomogeneous photometric calibration between different SN samples is one of the largest systematic uncertainties of the cosmological parameter estimation. To place these different samples on a single system, analyses currently use observations of a small sample of very bright flux standards on the Hubble Space Telescope system. We propose a complementary method, called “Supercal,” in which we use measurements of secondary standards in each system, compare these to measurements of the same stars in the Pan-STARRS1 (PS1) system, and determine the offsets for each system relative to PS1, placing all SN observations on a single, consistent photometric system. PS1 has observed 3π of the sky and has a relative calibration of better than 5 mmag (for ∼15 < griz < 21 mag), making it an ideal reference system. We use this process to recalibrate optical observations taken by the following SN samples: PS1, Supernova Legacy Survey, SDSS, CSP, and CfA1-4. We measure discrepancies on average of 10 mmag, but up to 35 mmag, in various optical passbands. We find that correcting for these differences changes the recovered values for the dark energy equation of state parameter, w, by an average of 2.6%. This change is roughly half the size of current statistical constraints on w. The size of this effect strongly depends on the error in the B − V calibration of the low-z surveys. The Supercal method will allow future analyses to tie past samples to the best calibrated sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]