bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A muscle resident cell population promotes fibrosis in hindlimb skeletal muscles of mdx mice through the Wnt canonical pathway
Authors: Trensz Frédéric , Haroun Sonia , Cloutier Alexandre , Richter Martin V. , Grenier Guillaume
Published: September 2010

Previous work has pointed to a role for the Wnt canonical pathway in fibrosis formation in aged skeletal muscles. In the present study, we studied the dystrophic mdx mouse, which displays skeletal muscle fibrosis. Our results indicated that the muscle resident stromal cell (mrSC) population in the muscles of dystrophic mice is higher than in the muscles of age-matched wild-type mice. Wnt3a promoted the proliferation of and collagen expression by cultured mrSCs but arrested the growth of and collagen expression by cultured myoblasts. Injections of Wnt3A in the tibialis anterior muscles of adult wild-type mice significantly enhanced the mrSC population and collagen deposition compared with the contralateral muscles. Conversely, an injection of the Wnt antagonist Dickkof protein (DKK1) into the skeletal muscles of mdx mice significantly reduced collagen deposition. These results suggested that the Wnt canonical pathway expands the population of mrSCs and stimulates their production of collagen as observed during aging and in various myopathies.
The water-absorption region of ventral skin of several semiterrestrial and aquatic anuran amphibians identified by aquaporins
Authors: Ogushi Yuji , Tsuzuki Azumi , Sato Megumi , Mochida Hiroshi , Okada Reiko , Suzuki Masakazu , Hillyard Stanley D. , Tanaka Shigeyasu
Published: September 2010

Regions of specialization for water absorption across the skin of Bufonid and Ranid anurans were identified by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, using antibodies raised against arginine vasotocin (AVT)-stimulated aquaporins (AQPs) that are specific to absorbing regions of Hyla japonica . In Bufo marinus , labeling for Hyla urinary bladder-type AQP (AQP-h2), which is also localized in the urinary bladder, occurred in the ventral surface of the hindlimb, pelvic, and pectoral regions. AQP-h2 was not detected in any skin regions of Rana catesbeiana , Rana japonica , or Rana nigromaculata . Hyla ventral skin-type AQP (AQP-h3), which is found in the ventral skin but not the bladder of H. japonica, was localized in the hindlimb, pelvic, and pectoral skins of Bufo marinus, in addition to AQP-h2. AQP-h3 was also localized in ventral skin of the hindlimb of all three Rana species and also in the pelvic region of R. catesbiana. Messenger RNA for AQP-x3, a homolog of AQP-h3, could be identified by RT-PCR from the hindlimb, pectoral, and pelvic regions of the ventral skin of Xenopus laevis, although AVT had no effect on water permeability. In contrast, 10−8M AVT-stimulated water permeability and translocation of AQP-h2 and AQP-h3 into the apical membrane of epithelial cells in regions of the skin of species where they had been localized by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Finally, water permeability of the hindlimb skin of B. marinus and all the Rana species was stimulated by hydrins 1 and 2 to a similar level as seen for AVT. The present data demonstrate species differences in the occurrence, distribution, and regulation of AQPs in regions of skin specialized for rapid water absorption that can be associated with habitat and also phylogeny.
Bolt-Grout Interactions in Elastoplastic Rock Mass Using Coupled FEM-FDM Techniques
Authors: Deb Debasis , Das Kamal C.
Published: September 2010

Numerical procedure based on finite element method (FEM) and finite difference method (FDM) for the analysis of bolt-grout interactions are introduced in this paper. The finite element procedure incorporates elasto-plastic concepts with Hoek and Brown yield criterion and has been applied for rock mass. Bolt-grout interactions are evaluated based on finite difference method and are embedded in the elasto-plastic procedures of FEM. The experimental validation of the proposed FEM-FDM procedures and numerical examples of a bolted tunnel are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method for practical applications.
Graves' Disease Associated with Cerebrovascular Disease and Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
Authors: Khochtali Ines , Hamza Nadia , Gassab Elyes , Baba Asma , Kacem Maha , Frih Mahbouba , Mahjoub Sylvia
Published: September 2010

Thyroid disorders are commonly associated with coagulopathy. Patients with hyperthyroidism have increased risk for developing thromboembolic accidents, which are favoured by a simultaneous presence of antiphospholipid antibodies syndrome. in this paper, we describe the case of a patient with Graves' disease, who developed strokes with antiphospholipid antibodies syndrome.
Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum from Running Sprints
Authors: Turban Joseph W.
Published: September 2010

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a fairly rare condition, caused by increased intrathoracic pressure, leading to free air in the mediastinal structures. Underlying lung conditions are associated with increased incidence of SPM, including asthma, interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, bullous lung, and radiation therapy for lung cancer. It is often preceded by Valsalva maneuvers, vomiting, coughing, asthma exacerbation, sneezing, childbirth, or intense physical activity. A case of SPM is presented in a 15-year-old male, who complained of throat pain and dyspnea while running sprints at football practice. Workup revealed SPM, and he was subsequently admitted and treated conservatively. His symptoms resolved in 2 days and he was discharged and suffered no further recurrences. In contrast to secondary pneumomediastinum, SPM is usually a benign condition although life-threatening conditions can rarely arise. Differentiating between these two conditions has important prognostic indications. There is a paucity of prospectively collected data regarding SPM, and considerable variation in recommendations concerning the extent of workup.
Local Settings and Biodiversity
Authors: Alphandéry Pierre , Fortier Agnès
Published: September 2010

Since the UN Conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, preserving biodiversity has become a sine qua non of environmental management and part of official policy. The EC Habitats Directive (HD) was adopted in the same year, with the aim of creating a European network of sites rich in biodiversity, under the name Natura 2000. Following a period of controversy that in 1996 led to its application in France being frozen, the Ministry for the Environment opted for a process of consultation and discussion to determine how each site was to be managed. The resulting instrument, called the ‘document of objectives’ ( Docob), appears to be an example of procedural policy-making that provides a framework within which agreement between the various actors involved at local level may be achieved. Its aim is to encourage local actors to take upon themselves the task of preserving biodiversity. This article follows closely the interactions among the various participants, in those spaces for debate, or ‘local settings’ or ‘stages’. The thinking thus developed foregrounds the study of a policy ‘in progress’; it tries to characterize the status of local settings and to explain how they can be understood from a sociological point of view. It shows that provisionality and proliferation of procedures are necessary conditions for implementing this directive, and indicates a number of specific features of environmental politics. Lastly, it asks questions about establishing a new way of managing the natural environment
User testing of consumer medicine information in Australia
Authors: Jay Eleanor , Aslani Parisa , Raynor DK
Published: September 2010

Background: Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) forms an important basis for the dissemination of medicines information worldwide.

Methods: This article presents an overview of the design and development of Australian CMI, and discusses ‘user-testing’ as an iterative, formative process for CMI design.

Findings: In Australia, legislation and templates guide the creation of CMI by pharmaceutical manufacturers using principles of written health information design, giving consideration to both content and structure. Following these principles to the letter, however, does not always assure the creation of a useable document. A suggested method to gauge the usability of CMI is ‘user-testing’. The process, based on observing individuals using the CMI to answer specific questions, aims to identify areas of weakness in the document allowing targeted improvement. Each question identifies whether (a) the individual can find the relevant information and (b) they can understand it. It is an iterative process designed to be performed repeatedly until it results in a highly-useable CMI. Crucially, the revisions of this information between rounds of testing need to be based on principles of good writing and information design. Other methods of analysing CMI do not actively engage the target audience while simultaneously testing the usability of both content and structure. Although developed in Australia, user testing is not routinely performed on Australian CMI. This is despite the fact that user testing is a legal requirement for leaflets for all new medicines across the European Union (EU).

Conclusions: Given CMI’s role in empowering patients with information, it follows that every attempt should be made to ensure that they are consumer friendly and usable. There is a strong argument that user testing should be employed in writing medicine information.
Community in Cyberspace: Gender, Social Movement Learning, and the Internet
Authors: Irving Catherine J. , English Leona M.
Published: September 2010

Feminist nonprofit organizations are sites of informal and nonformal learning where citizens learn advocacy, literacy, and the practices of social democracy. With the growing use of information and communication technologies in the nonprofit sector, there are questions as to how well organizations are able to make use of this technology to further their goals of promoting social movement learning and activism. This article reports on a systematic analysis of 100 websites for feminist organizations in Canada. Websites are evaluated for content, currency, and maintenance to determine how well these sites contribute to the work of these organizations. Implications are drawn for learning and teaching in the community-based sphere.
Upward Influence in Contemporary Chinese Organizations: Explicating the Effects of Influence Goal Type and Multiple Goal Importance on Message Reasoning and Politeness
Authors: Shi Xiaowei , Wilson Steven R.
Published: September 2010

This study reports a goal-based analysis of how Chinese employees engage in upward influence with their supervisors. Results indicate that the types of influence goals (personal vs. organizational) must be studied in conjunction with the importance attributed to multiple goals (e.g., clarity, relationship maintenance) to explain message features. Chinese employees who recalled pursuing a personal upward influence goal placed greater importance on relationship goals, expressed more approval for their supervisor, and mixed personal- and work-focused reasons to a greater extent than did those who recalled pursuing an organizational goal. For both types of influence goals, relationship goal importance significantly predicted message politeness while clarity goal importance predicted number of reasons given. Future research exploring general and cultural-specific aspects of upward influence is proposed.
Queering anarchism in post-2001 Buenos Aires
Authors: Windpassinger Gwendolyn
Published: September 2010

This article deals with the emerging field of queer anarchism, with a particular focus on the characteristics of this emerging paradigm in Buenos Aires. It draws on recent theoretical connections between queer theory and anarchism in the work of Gavin Brown, Richard Cleminson and Jamie Heckert, as well as in the work of a queer anarchist group in Buenos Aires called Proyectil Fetal. Set in the context of its historical precedents in anarcha-feminism, Proyectil Fetal’s paradigm is illustrated with a variety of examples from their online publications, whilst also considering some of the critical reactions to their articles.
The “Multiracial” Option: Social Group Identity and Changing Patterns of Racial Categorization
Authors: Masuoka Natalie
Published: September 2010

This article focuses on a new and growing trend in the United States: multiracial (or mixed race) identification. Multiracial self-identification forces us to consider that the norms of racial identification are shifting in which Americans perceive greater individual agency in how they choose to racially identify compared to the choices offered in the past. Given this, is the willingness to identify as multiracial a proxy for changing political attitudes about American race relations? Using a unique data set that includes multiple measures of racial identification, this article examines the individual-level determinants that predict who is willing to self-identify as multiracial and the political consequences of this identity. This research demonstrates the complexity of racial identification today as well as the need to reconsider how race is measured in public opinion surveys. Most importantly, the data demonstrate that those who self-identify as multiracial hold different racial attitudes than those who do not.
Heat transfer in fractal channel network of wool fibre
Authors: Fan J. , Liu Y.
Published: September 2010

Wool keratin fibre possesses an optimal configuration with tree-like hierarchical structure and with fractional dimensions of 1·618, the golden mean. Such hierarchical structure, compared with traditional parallel channel net, reveals excellent heat transfer capability.
Effect of gas oxynitrocarburising on properties of medium carbon railway axle steel
Authors: Zhang J W , Lu L T , Cui G D , Shen X L , Yi H F , Zhang W H
Published: September 2010

In order to investigate the effect of the gas oxynitrocarburising on the properties of the medium carbon railway axle steel, the steel was gas oxynitrocarburised at five different temperatures for 2 h by applying a low temperature gas multielement penetrating system. The results show that the compound layer composed of γ′-Fe4N and ϵ-Fe2–3N and the oxide layer consisting of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 are formed on the surface after treatment. The thickness of the compound layer increases with increasing temperature; however, the case depth decreases when the temperature is above the temper temperature of the origin material. The increase in treatment temperature resulted in an increase in the surface roughness. The properties of wear and corrosion resistance are improved, and the fatigue limit of the specimen treated at the optimum temperature, which is 570°C, improves largely compared to that of the untreated one and the one treated by microshot peening.
NOX-free inflammasome activation
Authors: Latz Eicke
Published: September 2010

In this issue of Blood, Meissner and colleagues discover that immune cells from CGD patients that have defective phagocyte oxidases show hyperactive inflammasome activation. These findings implicate that ROS down-regulate rather than enable caspase-1 activation and identify anti–IL-1 strategies as a potential therapy for the disproportionate inflammatory responses associated with CGD.
Deregulated expression of hnRNP A/B proteins in human non-small cell lung cancer: parallel assessment of protein and mRNA levels in paired tumour/non-tumour tissues
Authors: Boukakis Georgios , Patrinou-Georgoula Meropi , Lekarakou Maria , Valavanis Christos , Guialis Apostolia
Published: September 2010

Background

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) of the A/B type (hnRNP A1, A2/B1, A3) are highly related multifunctional proteins participating in alternative splicing by antagonising other splicing factors, notably ASF/SF2. The altered expression pattern of hnRNP A2/B1 and/or splicing variant B1 alone in human lung cancer and their potential to serve as molecular markers for early diagnosis remain issues of intense investigation. The main objective of the present study was to use paired tumour/non-tumour biopsies from patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to investigate the expression profiles of hnRNP A1, A2/B1 and A3 in conjunction with ASF/SF2.

Methods

We combined western blotting of tissue homogenates with immunohistochemical examination of fixed tissue sections and quantification of mRNA expression levels in tumour versus adjacent normal-looking areas of the lung in the same patient.

Results

Our study, in addition to clear evidence of mostly uncoupled deregulation of hnRNPs A/B, has revealed hnRNP A1 to be the most deregulated protein with a high frequency of over-expression (76%), followed by A3 (52%) and A2/B1 (43%). Moreover, direct comparison of protein/mRNA levels showed a lack of correlation in the case of hnRNP A1 (as well as of ASF/SF2), but not of A2/B1, suggesting that different mechanisms underlie their deregulation.

Conclusion

Our results provide strong evidence for the up-regulation of hnRNP A/B in NSCLC, and they support the existence of distinct mechanisms responsible for their deregulated expression.
CXCL9 and CXCL11 Chemokines Modulation by Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-α Agonists Secretion in Graves’ and Normal Thyrocytes
Authors: Antonelli Alessandro , Ferrari Silvia Martina , Frascerra Silvia , Pupilli Cinzia , Mancusi Caterina , Metelli Maria Rita , Orlando Claudio , Ferrannini Ele , Fallahi Poupak
Published: September 2010

Context: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α has been shown to exert immunomodulatory effects in autoimmune disorders. However, until now, no data were present in the literature about the effect of PPARα activation on CXCL9 and CXCL11 chemokines in general or on secretion of these chemokines in thyroid cells.

Objective and Design: The presence of PPARα and PPARγ has been evaluated by real-time-PCR in Graves’ disease (GD) and control cells in primary culture. Furthermore, we have tested the role of PPARα and PPARγ activation on CXCL9 and CXCL11 secretion in GD and control cells after stimulation of these chemokines secretion with IFNγ and TNFα.

Results: This study shows the presence of PPARα and PPARγ in GD and control cells. A potent dose-dependent inhibition by PPARα-agonists was observed on the cytokines-stimulated secretion of CXCL9 and CXCL11 in GD and control cells. The potency of the PPARα agonists used was maximum on the secretion of CXCL9, reaching about 90% of inhibition by fenofibrate and 85% by ciprofibrate. The relative potency of the compounds was different with each chemokine; for example, gemfibrozil exerted a 55% inhibition on CXCL11, whereas it had a weaker activity on CXCL9 (40% inhibition). PPARα agonists were stronger (ANOVA, P < 0.001) inhibitors of CXCL9 and CXCL11 secretion in thyrocytes than PPARγ agonists.

Conclusions: Our study shows the presence of PPARα in GD and control thyrocytes. PPARα activators are potent inhibitors of the secretion of CXCL9 and CXCL11, suggesting that PPARα may be involved in the modulation of the immune response in the thyroid.
Cytidine—Ag+—Purine Base Complexes as Studied by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Frańska Magdalena
Published: September 2010

The complexes of cytidine (C) with Ag+ and adenosine (A), guanosine (G), inosine (In) and caffeine (Caf) were studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Both collision-induced dissociation (CID) “in-source” and CID MS/MS experiments were performed. The stability of [C+G+Ag]+ and [C+In+Ag]+ ions in the gas phase was found to be much higher than that of [C+A+Ag]+ and [C+Caf+Ag]+ ions. It is reasonable to conclude that guanosine and inosine form bidentate complexes with the silver cation, by the N7 atom and O=C6 oxygen atom, whereas adenosine and caffeine form monodentate complexes, by the N3 atom of adenine and the N9 atom of caffeine.
Midregional Pro–Atrial Natriuretic Peptide for the Diagnosis of Cardiac-Related Dyspnea according to Renal Function in the Emergency Department: A Comparison with B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and N-Terminal ProBNP
Authors: Chenevier-Gobeaux Camille , Guerin Sylvie , André Stéphanie , Ray Patrick , Cynober Luc , Gestin Stéphanie , Pourriat Jean-Louis , Claessens Yann-Erick
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND

Although renal dysfunction influences the threshold values of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) in diagnosis of cardiac-related dyspnea (CRD), its effects on midregional pro–atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) threshold values are unknown. We evaluated the impact of renal function on MR-proANP concentrations and compared our results to those of BNP and NT-proBNP.

METHODS

MR-proANP, BNP, and NT-proBNP concentrations were measured in blood samples collected routinely from dyspneic patients admitted to the emergency department. Patients were subdivided into tertiles based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR, in mL · min−1 · (1.73 m2)−1]: tertiles 1 (<44.3), 2 (44.3–58.5), and 3 (≥58.6).

RESULTS

Of 378 patients studied, 69% (n = 260) had impaired renal function [<60 mL · min−1 · (1.73 m2)−1] and 30% (n = 114) had CRD. MR-proANP, BNP, and NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly increased in patients with impaired renal function. In each tertile, all peptides remained significantly increased in CRD patients by comparison with non-CRD patients. By ROC analysis, MR-proANP, BNP, and NT-proBNP threshold values for the diagnosis of CRD increased as eGFR decreased from tertile 3 to tertile 1. Areas under the ROC curve for all peptides were significantly lower in tertile 1. Using adapted thresholds, MR-proANP, BNP, and NT-proBNP remained independently predictive of CRD, even in tertile 1 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal function influences optimum cutoff points of MR-proANP for the diagnosis of CRD. With use of an optimum threshold value adapted to the eGFR category, MR-proANP remains as effective as BNP and NT-proBNP in independently predicting a diagnosis of CRD in the emergency department.
Excitation functions of nuclear reactions leading to the soft-radiation emitting radionuclides45Ca,49V and204Tl in beam collimator materials used in proton therapy
Authors: Qaim Syed M. , Kettern K. , Shubin Yu. N. , Sudár S. , Coenen Heinz H.
Published: September 2010

Summary. Cross sections of nuclear reactions leading to the formation of the soft-radiation emitting radionuclides45Ca (T1/2=163 d; β−=260 keV),49V (T1/2=330 d;Kα=4.51 keV) and204Tl (T1/2=3.78 a; β−=763 keV) in proton induced reactions on titanium and lead, respectively, often used as collimators in proton therapy facilities, were measured for the first time over the energy range extending up to 200 MeV. Use was made of the stacked-foil technique. Elaborate radiochemical separations were performed and the radioactivity of the products was determinedviaanticoincidence beta counting, liquid scintillation counting or X-ray spectrometry. The experimental data were compared with the results of nuclear model calculations using the codes ALICE-IPPE and TALYS. In general good agreement was obtained. In the case of204Tl, however, the calculated values from ALICE-IPPE in the energy region above 80 MeV deviated considerably from the experimental data, possibly due to strong contributions of multiple particle emission reactions.
X-Parameter: Das neue Paradigma zur Beschreibung nichtlinearer HF- und Mikrowellenbauelemente
Authors: Root David E. , Horn Jason , Betts Loren , Gillease Chad , Gross Wolfgang , Verspecht Jan
Published: September 2010

Zur Beschreibung nichtlinearer hochfrequenter Bauelemente wie Mischer oder Verstärker reichen herkömmliche Größen wie S-Parameter nicht aus. Wir zeigen, wie sich das Großsignalverhalten solcher Bauelemente, die Arbeitspunktabhängigkeit ihrer Eigenschaften und ihre Erzeugung neuer Frequenzanteile mit Hilfe so-genannter X-Parameter wiedergeben lassen. Das Verfahren wird an mehreren Beispielen demonstriert.
Embodied Meter: Hierarchical Eigenmodes in Music-Induced Movement
Authors: Toiviainen Petri , Luck Geoff , Thompson Marc R.
Published: September 2010

Listening to music often is associated with spontaneous body movements frequently synchronized with its periodic structure. The notion of embodied cognition assumes that intelligent behavior does not emerge from mere passive perception, but requires goal-directed interactions between the organism and its environment. According to this view, one could postulate that we may use our bodily movements to help parse the metric structure of music. The aim of this study was to investigate how pulsations on different metrical levels manifest in music-induced movement. Musicians were presented with a piece of instrumental music in 4/4 time, played at four different tempi ranging from 92 to 138 bpm. Participants were instructed to move to the music, and their movements were recorded with a high quality optical motion capture system. Subsequently, signal processing methods and principal components analysis were applied to extract movement primitives synchronized with different metrical levels. We found differences between metric levels in terms of the prevalence of synchronized eigenmovements. For instance, mediolateral movements of arms were found to be frequently synchronized with the tactus level pulse, while rotation and lateral flexion of the upper torso were commonly found to exhibit periods of two and four beats, respectively. The results imply that periodicities on several metric levels are simultaneously present in music-induced movement. This could suggest that the metric structure of music is encoded in these movements.
Ageing of Standard PV Module when Integrated in a V-trough Concentration System
Authors: Reis Filipa , Brito Miguel Centeno , Corregidor Victoria , Wemans João , Sorasio Gianfranco
Published: September 2010

Concentration photovoltaic (CPV) systems are seen as a shortcut to achieve lower photovoltaic (PV) electricity costs/kWh. Within the available CPV configurations, V-trough systems are likely to succeed in the short term since they are less demanding in terms of tracking accuracy and due to their ability to make use of standard PV modules, a well-known and developed technology. However, silicon standard modules were initially designed to operate under 1 sun conditions, facing some challenges when integrated in CPV systems. The present work aims to demonstrate that such application is efficient up to a few suns and also to analyze possible accelerated modules degradation rates. For such analysis we have used a prototype based on the DoubleSun® technology: a 1.9x concentration V-trough system, integrating 2-axis tracking system and making use of conventional silicon modules.
Cost-benefit Photovoltaics by Hybridization of Dye-anchored Nano-crystalline TiO2 and p-Type Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Yanagida Shozo
Published: September 2010

Cost benefit analysis (CBA) and energy profit ratio (EPR) indicate that third generation PV should be high-throughput ones with higher efficiency than CdTe PV. The polymer photovoltaics (OPV) such as PCBM/P3HT, and the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC), i.e. TiO2/dyes/iodide-iodine-electrolytes will be reviewed as printable PV to cope in near future with environmentally benign PV demand. The recent progress of OPV and DSC will be discussed in terms of diffusion length, and our recent studies on iodine-free DSC. The OPV-DSC-hybridized PV exemplified by solid-state Dye/TiO2/P3HT will become hopeful as printed thin-film solar cells, in particular when the conversion efficiency is further enhanced more than 10%.
The effect of molybdenum trioxide inter-layer between indium tin oxide (ITO) and organic semiconductor on the energy level alignment
Authors: Irfan Irfan , Ding Huanjun , Gao Yongli , Kim Do Yang , Subbiah Jegadesan , So Franky
Published: September 2010

We investigated 0 to 300 Å thick stepped molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) inter-layer between in-situ oxygen plasma treated conducting indium tin oxide (ITO) and chloro-aluminum pthalocyanine (AlPc-Cl) layer-by-layer evaporated up to 228 Å, with ultra-violet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) and inverse photoemission spectroscopy (IPES). The MoO3 inter-layers were observed to increase the surface workfunction. The workfunction increase was observed to saturate at 20 Å of MoO3 coverage. The increased surface workfunction causes hole accumulation and band bending in the subsequently deposited AlPc-Cl. A possible explanation of reduction in series resistance by the insertion of the MoO3 insulating layer is discussed based on these observations and energy level alignment.
Influence of the Film Thickness on the Optical and Electrical Properties of ITO
Authors: Fung Man Kin , Cheung Kai-Yin , Sun Ye Chuan , Djurišić Aleksandra B. , Chan Wai-Kin
Published: September 2010

Indium tin oxide (ITO) is widely used for opto-electronic products such as organic light-emitting diodes, organic photovoltaic devices and liquid crystal displays due to its high transparency and electrical conductivity. Since there is a trade-off between the conductivity and transparency of ITO, it is necessary to optimize performances of opto-electronic products by balancing the sheet resistance and transmittance. Both sheet resistance and transmittance are affected by a number of factors such as working temperature, working pressure, oxygen-to-argon ratio during the fabricating process, and thickness. In our study, ITO thin films were deposited on glass substrates by dc sputtering. Effects of ITO with different thicknesses, sheet resistances, and transmission spectra on the performance of bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices were investigated.
Local electromechanical properties of ZnO thin films and micro crystals
Authors: Bdikin Igor , Silibin Maxim , Ayouchi Rachid , Schwarz R , Gavrilov Sergei , Gracio Jose , Kholkin Andrei L.
Published: September 2010

High-resolution piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) was used to measure the out-of-plane (effective longtitudinal) and in-plane (effective shear) piezoresponse of zinc oxide films and microrods. Thin films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and micro rods formed from solution. Measurements of three components of piezoresponse, one out-of-plane (OPP) and two in-plane (IPP) signals, allowed the construction of 3D piezoelectric maps reflecting the polycrystalline nature of the films. Both the IPP and OPP piezoresponse signal distributions are analyzed based on the particular texture of the films. It was observed that the central part of microrods contains polarization inversion with head-to-head ferroelectric-like domains. The as-grown domain boundaries were always parallel to the (0001) basal plane. Analysis of the PFM piezoresponse images was done based on the hexagonal structure of ZnO and topographic features along the hexagonal axis.
Synthesis of Complex-oxide Nanorods via Pulsed-laser Deposition
Authors: Mathis John E , Eres Gyula , Cantoni Claudia , Kim Kyunghoon , Christen Hans
Published: September 2010

Nanorods composed of complex oxides have been synthesized using hydrothermal and sol-gel methods, but pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) provides precise, layer-by-layer control of growth, and is the method of choice for synthesizing complex structures. However, producing complex-oxide nanorods by PLD has proved elusive.

Here we report on our efforts to produce nanorods composed of the best-understood complex oxide, strontium titanate (STO). The results suggest it is indeed possible to produce STO nanorods via PLD by using a template of MgO nanorods.
Effect Co- and Sc- Doping on the Functional Properties of Nanocrystalline Powders and Thin Films of ZnO
Authors: Galvez Marco A , Perales-Perez Oscar , Singh Surinder P
Published: September 2010

A modified sol-gel approach to synthesize well-crystallized pure and doped ZnO nanocrystalline powders and thin films has been developed. The attachment of ZnO films onto quartz substrates was optimized by selecting suitable organic agents to control the viscosity of precursor solutions. Thermo-gravimetric analyses on pure and doped precursor solids suggested the need for annealing temperatures above 400 °C to assure the effective crystallization of the oxide phase. The average crystallite size in powders and thin films varied from 25.9 nm to 33.7 nm when pure ZnO films were annealed for 1 hour in the 450 °C - 600 °C range. The average crystallite size ranged between 30 nm and 33 nm in the presence of cobalt (5 at%) and decreased from 33.7 nm to 21.1 nm when scandium ions was used in the 0.0 at% - 10 at% range under similar annealing conditions. UV-vis measurements showed a sharp exciton peak centered at 370 nm whereas photoluminescence analyses detected the characteristic ZnO emission band in the UV region. No photoluminescence band in the visible region, usually attributed to defect states in ZnO, was observed in our measurements. Magnetization measurements revealed a weak ferromagnetism in Co-doped ZnO whereas a clear diamagnetism was evident in the Sc-doped sample.
Electrolyte and Cathode Studies for Micro-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Yan Yan , Conde Janine , Muralt Paul
Published: September 2010

Sputter deposited YSZ thin films were studied for the application as electrolyte membrane in micro solid oxide fuel cells. A new micro-machined test structure was developed to test 200 μm fuel cell membranes that are integrated onto silicon substrates. The membranes are liberated by means of deep silicon dry etching from the backside, and both contacts are situated on the front side of the wafer. Annular Pt electrodes provide contacts to specific anode and cathode layers. Preliminary tests are reported for the situation without specific electrodes. At 450 °C, an OCV of 570 mV, and a maximal power of about 0.55 mW/cm2 is obtained. LaSrMnO electrodes deposited by pulsed laser deposition were evaluated by electrical impedance spectroscopy. The dense films yielded too high ASR values. Interestingly, these could be reduced by applying a DC bias voltage.
Community structure of the ichthyofauna associated with seagrass beds ( Halodule wrightii) in Formoso River estuary - Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Pereira Pedro H.C. , Ferreira Beatrice P. , Rezende Sérgio M.
Published: September 2010

Seagrass beds are used by juvenile fishes in different ways, generally as nursery sites, shelter from predators, reducing competition and increasing availability of food resources, thus establishing a relationship of connectivity with other ecosystems. In the present study, the community structure of the ichthyofauna associated with seagrass beds on the Formoso River (Pernambuco - Brazil) was evaluated during the winter of 2008. Twenty-seven manual trawls (15 daytime and 12 nighttime) were performed, and a total of 358 fishes belonging to 18 families, 21 genus and 25 species were collected. The Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) by trawling average was 13.5 and 4.95 individuals per species per trawl. The most abundant families were Scaridae (n = 111), Tetraodontidae (n = 63), Lutjanidae (n = 56), Mullidae (n = 39) and Engraulidae (n = 19). Ecological indices for dial changes were always higher for the night period, confirming that such areas are used more frequently during this period. The need for measures to conserve these areas is emphasized, by its importance and vulnerability to human impacts.
Feeding habits of coypu (Myocastor coypus Molina 1978) in the wetlands of the Southern region of Brazil
Authors: Colares Ioni G. , Oliveira Raquel N. V. , Liveira Rafael M. , Colares Elton P.
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the diet of coypu (Myocastor coypus) in two areas (Santa Isabel do Sul wetlands - Area 1, and Santa Marta Farm - Area 2) in the Southern region of Brazil, using microhistological analyses of feces. Twenty-four plant species were identified from collected feces samples. Among the identified species, nine are common in the animals' diet in both areas; the presence of Oriza sativa was not detected in any of the samples. Among the identified species, 84% and 54% of the coypu's diet from Areas 1 and 2, respectively, are aquatic plants. Poaceae family was most common, being found in 82% of the samples from both areas. Paspalum disthichum (Area 1) and Panicum tricholaenoides (Area 2) were the most frequent species on the coypu's diet. The diet comparison for both areas indicates that feeding habits vary depending on the type of habitat, environmental conditions and food availability. The absence of rice in our analysis may be an indication for the preservation of native areas around watercourses, so as to prevent coypu from invading irrigated crops.
Characterization of DNA polymorphisms in Caryocar brasiliense (Camb.) in populations with and without thorn at the endocarp by RAPD markers
Authors: Londe Luciana N. , Ueira-Vieira Carlos , Kerr Warwick E. , Bonetti Ana Maria
Published: September 2010

Caryocar brasiliense (pequi), is one of the main species at the biome of the Brazilian savannah due to its use in culinary, popular medicine, industry in general, and iron and steel industry. At São José do Xingu (MT), a tree of C. brasiliense without thorn at the endocarp was found, which enables the improvement of C. brasiliense not only for consumption but also to the high appreciation it already has. To detect the existing differences between the pequi with and without the thorn at the endocarp, RADP markers were used. The generated polymorphisms were cloned and sequenced in order to identify the sequences that are responsible for the fenotypical alteration. It was observed that the pequi without thorn is genetically isolated from the other populations of pequi with thorn at the endocarp, proving that this characteristic is related to the genetic divergence of the species. Analysis in BLASTn evidenced the similarity of the Dof1 genes of Zea mays to its gene of phosphinotricin acetyl transferase. In the analysis of BLASTx, the similarity was verified to the proteins responsible for the deficiency in ferric reductase 4, and catalase.
Evaluation of Helicobacter pylory colonization by serologic test (IgG) and dyspepsia in volunteers from the countryside of Monte Negro, in the Brazilian western Amazon region
Authors: Ribeiro Rafael Bernardon , Martins Herlon Saraiva , Santos Vera Aparecida dos , Khouri Marcelo el , Duarte Leandro Savoy , Burattini Marcelo Nascimento , Cordeiro Quirino , Camargo Luiz Marcelo Aranha , Corbett Carlos Eduardo Pereira
Published: September 2010

The present study intended to analyze the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori, IgG, and its relation to dyspepsia in a population from the western Amazon region. During the "Projeto Bandeira Científica", a University of São Paulo Medical School program, in Monte Negro's rural areas, state of Rondônia, 266 blood samples were collected from volunteers. The material was tested for IgG antibodies anti-Helicobacter pylori by ELISA method and the participants were also interviewed on dyspepsia, hygiene and social aspects. Participants aged between five and 81 years old (34 years on average), 149 (56%) were female and 117 (44%) male. We found 210 (78.9%) positive, 50 (18.8%) negative and six (2.3%) undetermined samples. Dyspeptic complaints were found in 226 cases (85.2%). There was no statistical association between dyspepsia and positive serology for H. pylori. We concluded that the seroprevalence in all age categories is similar to results found in other studies conducted in developing countries, including those from Brazil. On the other hand, the seroprevalence found in Monte Negro was higher than that reported in developed countries. As expected, there was a progressive increase in the positivity for H. pylori in older age groups.
Current distribution of Achatina fulica, in the State of São Paulo including records of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda) larvae infestation
Authors: Ohlweiler Fernanda Pires , Guimarães Marisa Cristina de Almeida , Takahashi Fernanda Yoshika , Eduardo Juliana Manas
Published: September 2010

The currently known distribution range of Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, is presented. The record of A. fulica naturally infested with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae (Railliet, 1898) (Nematoda: Metastrongylidae) can be found in the city of Guaratinguetá. It was found A. fulica with Metastrongylidae larvae without known medical and veterinary importance in the cities of Carapicuíba, Embu-Guaçu, Itapevi, São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo and Taboão da Serra.
Antimicrobial efficacy of chemical disinfectants on contaminated full metal crowns
Authors: Orsi Iara Augusta , Villabona Camilo Andrés , Kameoka Eliana , Ferreira Marly Christiènne C.G. , Ito Izabel Yoko , Saravia Marta Estela
Published: September 2010

Prosthetic restorations that have been tried in the patient's mouth are potential sources of infection. In order to avoid cross-infection, protocols for infection control should be established in dental office and laboratory. This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of disinfectants on full metal crowns contaminated with microorganisms. Full crowns cast in a Ni-Cr alloy were assigned to one control group (n=6) and 5 experimental groups (n=18). The crowns were placed in flat-bottom glass balloons and were autoclaved. A microbial suspension of each type of strain - S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. mutans, E. faecalis and C. albicans- was aseptically added to each experimental group, the crowns being allowed for contamination during 30 min. The contaminated specimens were placed into recipients with the chemical disinfectants (1% and 2% sodium hypochlorite and 2% glutaraldehyde) for 5, 10 and 15 min. Thereafter, the crowns were placed into tubes containing different broths and incubated at 35ºC. The control specimens were contaminated, immersed in distilled water for 20 min and cultured in Thioglycollate broth at 35ºC. Microbial growth assay was performed by qualitative visual examination after 48 h, 7 and 12 days. Microbial growth was noticed only in the control group. In the experimental groups, turbidity of the broths was not observed, regardless of the strains and immersion intervals, thus indicating absence of microbial growth. In conclusion, all chemical disinfectants were effective in preventing microbial growth onto full metal crowns.
Behaviors and hygiene habits of complete denture wearers
Authors: Peracini Amanda , Andrade Ingrid Machado de , Paranhos Helena de Freitas Oliveira , Silva Cláudia Helena Lovato da , Souza Raphael Freitas de
Published: September 2010

In this study, a questionnaire was applied to patients from Ribeirão Preto Dental School, University of São Paulo, Brazil, to evaluate the hygiene methods and habits concerning the use of complete dentures, the age of dentures, and whether patients have been instructed on how to clean their dentures. The mean age of patients was 63.35 years, and most of them were females (82.08%). The results showed that 62.26% of the respondents had been using the same maxillary complete denture for more than 5 years, and 49.06% used the same mandible complete denture for more than 5 years. Of the patients interviewed, 58.49% slept with the dentures. Mechanical brushing was the most used cleaning method by the patients (100%), using water, dentifrice and toothbrush (84.91%). Most patients (51.89%) reported never having been instructed by their dentists as to how to clean their dentures. Based on the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the patients interviewed had limited knowledge about prosthetic hygiene and oral care. The method more used by patients was the mechanical method of brushing, most patients used the same complete dentures for more than 5 years and slept with the dentures.
Exigências térmicas de Doru lineare Eschs. e Doru luteipes Scudder em laboratório
Authors: Pasini Amarildo , Parra José Roberto Postali , Nava Dori Edson , Butnariu Alessandra Regina
Published: September 2010

Algumas espécies de tesourinhas (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) são importantes predadoras da lagarta-do-cartucho do milho Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Neste trabalho, avaliou-se o efeito de temperaturas constantes no desenvolvimento de Doru luteipes (Scudder) e Doru lineare (Eschs.). D. luteipes não completou seu desenvolvimento nas temperaturas de 30 e 32°C, enquanto D. lineare não completou apenas na temperatura de 32°C. O período de incubação variou de 8,0 (25°C) a 17,2 dias (18°C) e de 4,6 (30°C) a 14,5 dias (18°C), para D. luteipes e D. lineare, respectivamente. A duração do período ninfal variou de 30,4 dias (25°C) a 63,6 dias (18°C), para D. luteipes, e de 20,4 dias (30°C) a 60,5 dias (18°C), para D. lineare. A duração do ciclo biológico (ovo-adulto) variou de 38,4 (25°C) a 80,8 dias (18°C), para D. luteipes, e de 25 (30°C) a 75 dias (18°C), para D. lineare. Portanto, as temperaturas elevadas foram desfavoráveis para ambas as espécies, observando-se que D. luteipes é mais susceptível à elevação térmica.
Controle da utilização de ingredientes não cárneos para injeção e marinação de carnes
Authors: Daguer Heitor , Assis Michel Tavares Quinteiro Milcent , Bersot Luciano dos Santos
Published: September 2010

O crescimento da produção e consumo de carne têm sido acompanhados da diversificação de produtos processados, com maior elaboração de itens de conveniência, praticidade e valor agregado, em detrimento da comercialização de cortes in natura. Fosfatos e proteínas não cárneas, sobretudo as da soja e do soro de leite, figuram entre os ingredientes mais usados para marinar carnes, melhorando sua textura e promovendo a retenção de líquidos que podem trazer aumento do rendimento de fabricação e benefícios sensoriais para o consumidor. Nessa tecnologia, os principais processos empregados são a injeção e o massageamento da carne. No entanto, práticas abusivas devem ser coibidas pela fiscalização, impondo limites à incorporação de água pelo produto final e à utilização de ingredientes não cárneos. No presente artigo, são revisados aspectos da utilização desses ingredientes, ressaltando a importância da disponibilidade de técnicas analíticas adequadas ao controle de produtos injetados e marinados.
Aplicação foliar de molibdênio durante a maturação de sementes de soja
Authors: Milani Gustavo Lima , Oliveira João Almir , Pereira Elise de Matos , Carvalho Bruno Oliveira , Oliveira Gustavo Evagelista , Costa Ricardo Resende
Published: September 2010

A aplicação foliar, objetivando o acúmulo do nutriente na semente, é uma tecnologia recente e, por isso, pouco se sabe sobre o seu efeito na qualidade fisiológica e a influência da sua aplicação sobre a produtividade das plantas. Neste Trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a produtividade das plantas que receberam a aplicação de Mo via foliar em diferentes doses, e a qualidade fisiológica das sementes provenientes dessas plantas. A fonte de molibdênio usada foi o molibdato de sódio (39% Mo). As sementes receberam o Mo por meio de aplicações foliares durante o processo de maturação, em aplicação única e parcelada em duas vezes, feitas entre os estágios R5.2 e R5.4, em dois ensaios, em Lavras e Ituiutaba, MG. Os tratamentos para os dois ensaios foram: aplicação de 1000g, de 800g, 600g, de 400g, 2 aplicações de 500g, de 400g, de 300g, de 200g por hectare e 0g (testemunha). Os ensaios foram instalados em DBC, com quatro repetições. Avaliou-se o teor de Mo na semente, a produtividade das plantas que receberam a aplicação foliar e a qualidade fisiológica nos testes de germinação, IVE, teste de frio e condutividade elétrica. O teor de Mo nas sementes de soja é crescente com a dose aplicada nas plantas e independe da aplicação em dose única ou parcelada. O acúmulo de Mo nas sementes não interfere na produtividade e na qualidade fisiológica das sementes soja.