bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of proteomic changes in contrasting flax cultivars upon cadmium exposure
Authors: Hradilová Jana , Řehulka Pavel , Řehulková Helena , Vrbová Miroslava , Griga Miroslav , Brzobohatý Břetislav
Published: January 2010

Cadmium (Cd) is classified as a serious pollutant due to its high toxicity, high carcinogenicity, and widespread presence in the environment. Phytoremediation represents an effective low‐cost approach for removing pollutants from contaminated soils, and a crop with significant phytoremediation potential is flax. However, significant differences in Cd accumulation and tolerance were previously found among commercial flax cultivars. Notably, cv. Jitka showed substantially higher tolerance to elevated Cd levels in soil and plant tissues than cv. Tábor. Here, significant changes in the expression of 14 proteins (related to disease/defense, metabolism, protein destination and storage, signal transduction, energy and cell structure) were detected by image and mass spectrometric analysis of two‐dimensionally separated proteins extracted from Cd‐treated cell suspension cultures derived from these contrasting cultivars. Further, two proteins, ferritin and glutamine synthetase (a key enzyme in glutathione biosynthesis), were only up‐regulated by Cd in cv. Jitka, indicating that Cd tolerance mechanisms in this cultivar may include maintenance of low Cd levels at sensitive sites by ferritin and low‐molecular weight thiol peptides binding Cd. The identified changes could facilitate marker‐assisted breeding for Cd tolerance and the development of transgenic flax lines with enhanced Cd tolerance and accumulation capacities for phytoremediating Cd‐contaminated soils.
Analysis of nucleotide variation within the triose‐phosphate isomerase gene ofGiardia duodenalisfrom sheep and its zoonotic implications
Authors: Nolan Matthew J. , Jex Aaron R. , Pangasa Aradhana , Young Neil D. , Campbell Angus J. , Stevens Melita , Gasser Robin B.
Published: January 2010

This study explored the genetic composition ofGiardiain fecal samples from 284 individual lambs on pasture‐based sheep farms in three regions of Victoria, Australia. An approach, combining targeted sequencing, phylogenetic analysis and PCR‐coupled restriction endonuclease fingerprinting, was used to identify and genetically categorizeGiardiapresent in 43 (15.1%) of the 284 samples and to infer their zoonotic potential. The specific identity and genetic classification were based on the phylogenetic analysis of sequence data for a portion of the triose‐phosphate isomerase gene. Fourteen different sequence variants (including seven sequences that contained between one and five polymorphic sites) representing two distinct assemblages ofGiardia(recognized in the current literature) were defined, of which 13 were new records. One dominant sequence type (with accession no. GQ444447, representing a genotype within assemblage A) has been detected previously in humans and is thus considered to be of zoonotic potential. (Nucleotide sequences reported in this article are available in the GenBank database under accession nos. GQ444447–GQ444451 and GQ444454–GQ444462).
Thermophoresis of single stranded DNA
Authors: Reineck Philipp , Wienken Christoph J. , Braun Dieter
Published: January 2010

The manipulation and analysis of biomolecules in native bulk solution is highly desired; however, few methods are available. In thermophoresis, the thermal analog to electrophoresis, molecules are moved along a microscopic temperature gradient. Its theoretical foundation is still under debate, but practical applications for analytics in biology show considerable potential. Here we measured the thermophoresis of highly diluted single stranded DNA using an all‐optical capillary approach. Temperature gradients were created locally by an infrared laser. The thermal depletion of oligonucleotides of between 5 and 50 bases in length were investigated by fluorescence at various salt concentrations. To a good approximation, the previously tested capacitor model describes thermophoresis: the Soret coefficient linearly depends on the Debye length and is proportional to the DNA length to the power of 0.35, dictated by the conformation‐based size scaling of the diffusion coefficient. The results form the basis for quantitative DNA analytics using thermophoresis.
Self‐centering structural systems with combination of hysteretic and viscous energy dissipations
Authors: Kam Weng Yuen , Pampanin Stefano , Palermo Alessandro , Carr Athol J.
Published: January 2010

This paper presents an innovative set of high‐seismic‐resistant structural systems termed Advanced Flag‐Shaped (AFS) systems, where self‐centering elements are used with combinations of various alternative energy dissipation elements (hysteretic, viscous or visco‐elasto‐plastic) in series and/or in parallel. AFS systems is developed using the rationale of combining velocity‐dependent with displacement‐dependent energy dissipation for self‐centering systems, particularly to counteract near‐fault earthquakes. Non‐linear time‐history analyses (NLTHA) on a set of four single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) systems under a suite of 20 far‐field and 20 near‐fault ground motions are used to compare the seismic performance of AFS systems with the conventional systems. It is shown that AFS systems with a combination in parallel of hysteretic and viscous energy dissipations achieved greater performance in terms of the three performance indices. Furthermore, the use of friction slip in series of viscous energy dissipation is shown to limit the peak response acceleration and induced base‐shear. An extensive parametric analysis is carried out to investigate the influence of two design parameters, λ1 and λ2 on the response of SDOF AFS systems with initial periods ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 s and with various strength levels when subjected to far‐field and near‐fault earthquakes. For the design of self‐centering systems with combined hysteretic and viscous energy dissipation (AFS) systems, λ1 is recommended to be in the range of 0.8–1.6 while λ2 to be between 0.25 and 0.75 to ensure sufficient self‐centering and energy dissipation capacities, respectively. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional sloshing: A consistent finite element approach
Authors: Krishna Kishor D. , Gopalakrishnan S. , Ganguli Ranjan
Published: January 2010

This paper presents a new computational methodology based on Legendre's polynomials to predict the slosh and acoustic motion in nearly incompressible fluids in both rigid and flexible structures with free surface. Here, we have used a finite element formulation based on Lagrangian frame of reference to model the fluid motion derived using Hamiltonian equation of the fluid system. We formulated three hexahedral finite elements based on strain fields expressed in terms of extended Legendre's polynomials. Sloshing and acoustic motion of liquid is investigated using these newly formulated elements and inf–sup test is performed on these new elements to check the performance of these elements in modeling sloshing under two severe constraints, namely incompressibility and irrotationality. Comparisons of slosh and acoustic frequencies, and mode shapes with exact solutions are given. Dynamic analysis with earthquake and harmonic kind of forcing function is carried out to validate the formulated hexahedral elements to analyze the sloshing response. Numerical results obtained with these new finite elements, and with the present finite element formulation of the mathematical model agree well with the exact solution and as well as with published experimental literature. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shaping an Australian nursing and midwifery specialty framework for workforce regulation: criteria development
Authors: King Susan Jane , Ogle Kaye Robyn , Bethune Elizabeth
Published: January 2010

One of the biggest obstacles identified in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) was the lack of available qualified health personal to meet the health needs of the global population. With nurses being the main workforce component in health systems, the human resource challenge for most countries is to address the reported shortage of nurses. Skill mix is one suggestion.

In Australia, workforce projections indicated a shortage of 40,000 nurses by 2010. Toward the reform of the Australian health workforce, one project aimed to develop a nationally consistent framework for nursing and midwifery specialization based on knowledge and skills to generate the first national database iteration for designated specialties. A literature review looked at the way nursing specialty practices were defined in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Canada. Three international and three national sources of criteria for specialty nursing practice were mapped against each other. The result was six criteria synthesized to define nursing practice groups as Australian nursing specialties. Each criterion was operationalized with criteria indicators to meet Australian expectations. The nurses in Australia commented on the criteria before they were finalized. An audit of national workforce databases identified nursing practice groups. The criteria were applied to identify nursing specialties and practice strands that would form a national nursing framework. This paper reports on the criteria developed to assess specialty practice at a national level in Australia. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal programming and fetal psychology
Authors: Ellison Peter T.
Published: January 2010

The introduction of the ‘fetal programming hypothesis’, first in epidemiology, subsequently in a broad range of disciplines concerned with developmental biology, has generated new interest in phenotypic plasticity, the mechanisms that govern it, and its place in evolutionary biology. A number of epidemiological studies link small size at birth, assumed to be a consequence of constrained prenatal energy availability, with adverse effects on the risk of chronic diseases later in life. The cluster of chronic diseases associated with the metabolic syndrome and alterations of glucose metabolism are particularly implicated. Recent evidence suggests that epigenetic modification of gene expression affecting the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis may be involved in these effects. In animal studies epigenetic alteration of HPA axis activity and responsiveness is associated with changes in adult behaviour and stress responsiveness. The potential for similar effects to contribute to psychological and psychiatric outcomes in humans has been explored in a number of contexts, including famine exposure, observed covariance with birth weight, and prenatal dexamethasone treatment of fetuses at risk of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. While fetal programming effects have now been widely demonstrated across species and human populations, the adaptive significance of these effects is still a matter of debate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological and psychophysiological considerations regarding the maternal–fetal relationship
Authors: DiPietro Janet A.
Published: January 2010

The earliest relationship does not begin with birth. Pregnant women construct mental representations of the fetus, and the feelings of affiliation or ‘maternal–fetal attachment’ generally increase over the course of gestation. While there is a fairly substantial literature on the development and moderation of psychological features of the maternal–fetal relationship, including the role of ultrasound imaging, relatively little is known about the manner in which maternal psychological functioning influences the fetus. Dispositional levels of maternal stress and anxiety are modestly associated with aspects of fetal heart rate and motor activity. Both induced maternal arousal and relaxation generate fairly immediate alterations to fetal neurobehaviors; the most consistently observed fetal response to changes in maternal psychological state involves suppression of motor activity. These effects may be mediated, in part, by an orienting response of the fetus to changes in the intrauterine environment. Conversely, there is evidence that fetal behaviors elicit maternal physiological responses. Integration of this finding into a more dynamic model of the maternal–fetal dyad, and implications for the postnatal relationship are discussed. Research on the period before birth affords tremendous opportunity for developmental scientists to advance understanding of the origins of the human attachment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some societal and historical scientific considerations regarding the mother–fetus relationship and parenthood
Authors: Van den Bergh Bea R. H.
Published: January 2010

Pregnancy includes the mother–fetus relationship, the father–fetus relationship and the transition to parenthood; it is an important phase in the life of the couple. However, pregnancy cannot be studied in isolation as influences from society and science and their interaction need to be taken into account. To begin with, some societal considerations on the maternal–fetal relationship and the transition to motherhood are described, namely, in what way ideas about the Right Way to mother and societal ambivalence regarding motherhood/parenthood may influence the experience of being pregnant and becoming/being a parent. Next, looking back over 100 years of study of fetal behaviour gives rise to questions such as what was/is the right time to ask/answer scientific questions about fetal behaviour and whether maternal emotions can affect the fetus? We conclude that although significant progress has been made in the study of fetal psychology, much basic empirical work still needs to be done before we have a more complete understanding of the complex interactions between the pregnant woman and her fetus. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal learning: a critical review
Authors: James David K.
Published: January 2010

Learning is defined as a change in behaviour that occurs as a result of experience. It is clear that the fetus can learn by means of habituation, classical conditioning and exposure learning. These types of learning will be discussed in relation to learning in the womb and the memory of learned material after birth. Furthermore, the potential function of learning prenatally is explored in terms of its relevance for perinatal development. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a new study on associative learning in human fetuses: fetal associative learning in primates
Authors: Kawai Nobuyuki
Published: January 2010

Research has revealed that fetuses can learn from events in their environment. The most convincing evidence for fetal learning is habituation to vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS) in human fetuses and classical conditioning in rat fetuses. However, these two research areas have been independent of each other. There have been few attempts at classical conditioning in human fetuses, and little evidence that non‐human animals can learn from events if they remain, untouched within the uterus. When the conditioned chimpanzee infant was tested at 1 and 2 months after birth, she responded to the CS+, but not the CS− presentations, suggesting that her memory persisted for at least 2 months. This study provides a new technique that can be applied to humans for the study of long‐lasting learning in the fetuses. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the relationship between fetal heart rate and cognition
Authors: Kisilevsky Barbara S. , Hains Sylvia M. J.
Published: January 2010

A relationship between fetal heart rate (HR) and cognition is explored within the context of infant, child and adult studies where the association is well established. Lack of direct access to the fetus and maturational changes limit research paradigms and response measures for fetal studies. Nevertheless, neural regulation of HR shows a number of parallels with adult regulation, albeit immature. Discrimination, habituation and learning of auditory stimuli provide evidence of a relationship between fetal HR and cognition. Fetuses discriminate speech sounds, demonstrating a HR decrease to a stimulus change, indicating attention/orienting. They show habituation, a novelty response and dishabituation of a HR response to complex sounds and faster habituation over intervals of 10 min and 24 h, indicating memory. Differential HR response to the familiar mother's versus a novel stranger's voice and to a familiar versus novel passage demonstrate learning, suggesting that neural networks sensitive to the properties of ubiquitous environmental sounds are being formed before birth. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human fetal heart rate: a unique opportunity to assess the fetal programming hypothesis
Authors: Sandman Curt A.
Published: January 2010

The study of the human fetus presents several unique challenges. Methods of the measurement and procedures for exploring the functional capability of the fetus coupled with the perceived fragility of the maternal/fetal dyad have been barriers for the study of the human fetus. The studies reported here by Kisilevesky and Hains (2009) and those conducted by others indicate that the psychology of the human fetus is not only important, but also clearly feasible. Kisilevsky and Hains (2009) provide compelling evidence from their own well‐designed studies and the growing number of studies from other investigators that by the middle of the second trimester the human fetus is able to detect ex utero stimulation and by the early third trimester can discriminate and learn associations. The review provides important technical information and physiological rationale for measuring human fetal heart rate as an index of cognition. Other measures of fetal behavior are only briefly discussed. Some, such as MEG and MRI are dismissed as impractical and only feasible near term. Other measures that can be used to assess fetal cognition, such as fetal movement and the elegant studies of fetal movement patterns Salisbury et al. (2005) are not discussed but see articles by Di Pietro, van den Bergh, James, Kawai, Sheridan et al., Huoutilainen, Hata et al. and Emory (this issue). This commentary will focus on the application of the human fetal heart rate measures that both support and broaden the conclusions of Kisilevsky and Hains (2009). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal magnetoencephalography—achievements and challenges in the study of prenatal and early postnatal brain responses: a review
Authors: Sheridan Carolin J. , Matuz Tamara , Draganova Rossitza , Eswaran Hari , Preissl Hubert
Published: January 2010

Fetal magnetoencephalography (fMEG) is the only non‐invasive method for investigating evoked brain responses and spontaneous brain activity generated by the fetus in utero. Fetal auditory as well as visual‐evoked fields have been successfully recorded in basic stimulus–response studies. Moreover, paradigms investigating precursors for cognitive development, such as habituation and mismatch response have been applied successfully with fMEG. These and other studies have shown that the prenatal stage of life could be an important indicator for later cognitive development. This review addresses the achievements of fMEG and constructively discusses its challenges. It concludes with proposals for future studies as well as with designated new applications. Fetal MEG is a promising, and to date it is the only non‐invasive approach for the prenatal assessment of precursors for cognitive development. Future fMEG studies might even enable the diagnosis of developmental delays. Furthermore, fMEG could be critical for the implementation and evaluation of fetal intervention programmes in at‐risk populations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal influence on the response of the somatotropic axis to nutrient restriction and re‐alimentation in captive Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus)
Authors: Richmond Julie P. , Jeanniard du Dot Tiphaine , Rosen David A.S. , Zinn Steven A.
Published: January 2010

Fluctuations in availability of prey resources can impede acquisition of sufficient energy for maintenance and growth. By investigating the hormonal mechanisms of the somatotropic axis that link nutrition, fat metabolism, and lean tissue accretion, we can assess the physiological impact of decreased nutrient intake on growth. Further, species that undergo seasonal periods of reduced intake as a part of their normal life history may have a differential seasonal response to nutrient restriction. This experiment evaluated the influence of season and age on the response of the somatotropic axis, including growth hormone (GH), insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I, and IGF‐binding proteins (BP), to reduced nutrient intake and re‐alimentation in Steller sea lions. Eight captive females (five juveniles, three sub‐adults) were subject to 28‐day periods of food restriction, controlled re‐feeding, and ad libitum recovery in summer (long‐day photoperiod) and winter (short‐day photoperiod). Hormone concentrations were insensitive to type of fish fed (low fat pollock vs. high fat herring), but sensitive to energy intake. Body mass, fat, and IGF‐I declined, whereas GH and IGFBP‐2 increased during feed restriction. Reduced IGF‐I and IGFBP with increased GH during controlled re‐feeding suggest that animals did not reach positive energy balance until fed ad libitum. Increased IGF‐I, IGFBP‐2, IGFBP‐3, and reduced GH observed in summer reflected seasonal differences in energy partitioning. There was a strong season and age effect in the response to restriction and re‐alimentation, indicating that older, larger animals are better able to cope with stress associated with energy deficit, regardless of season. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:144–156, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scientific rotoscoping: a morphology‐based method of 3‐D motion analysis and visualization
Authors: Gatesy Stephen M. , Baier David B. , Jenkins Farish A. , Dial Kenneth P.
Published: January 2010

Three‐dimensional skeletal movement is often impossible to accurately quantify from external markers. X‐ray imaging more directly visualizes moving bones, but extracting 3‐D kinematic data is notoriously difficult from a single perspective. Stereophotogrammetry is extremely powerful if bi‐planar fluoroscopy is available, yet implantation of three radio‐opaque markers in each segment of interest may be impractical. Herein we introduce scientific rotoscoping (SR), a new method of motion analysis that uses articulated bone models to simultaneously animate and quantify moving skeletons without markers. The three‐step process is described using examples from our work on pigeon flight and alligator walking. First, the experimental scene is reconstructed in 3‐D using commercial animation software so that frames of undistorted fluoroscopic and standard video can be viewed in their correct spatial context through calibrated virtual cameras. Second, polygonal models of relevant bones are created from CT or laser scans and rearticulated into a hierarchical marionette controlled by virtual joints. Third, the marionette is registered to video images by adjusting each of its degrees of freedom over a sequence of frames. SR outputs high‐resolution 3‐D kinematic data for multiple, unmarked bones and anatomically accurate animations that can be rendered from any perspective. Rather than generating moving stick figures abstracted from the coordinates of independent surface points, SR is a morphology‐based method of motion analysis deeply rooted in osteological and arthrological data.J. Exp. Zool. 313A:244–261, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Injection site‐dependent induction of immune response by DNA vaccine: comparison of skin and spleen as a target for vaccination
Authors: Guan Xin , Nishikawa Makiya , Takemoto Seiji , Ohno Yuji , Yata Tomoya , Takakura Yoshinobu
Published: January 2010

Background

The antigen‐specific immune response is dependent not only on the properties of the antigens, but also on their encounter with antigen‐presenting cells. A previous study showed that the spleen produced a large amount of transgenes after direct tissue injection of plasmid DNA. In addition, the spleen is the largest organ in the lymphatic system and contains a variety of types of immune cells, including lymphocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. Thus, it can be a promising target for DNA vaccination.

Methods

Tissue‐dependent properties of transgene expression were examined using a plasmid vector expressing firefly luciferase. Mice received injections of pCMV‐Luc into the dorsal skin or spleen followed by electroporation, and the luciferase activity was measured 6 h after injection. Then, plasmids expressing a model antigen ovalbumin (pCMV‐OVA) or its typical major histocompatibility complex class I‐restricted epitope SIINFEKL (pPep‐ER) were injected into C57BL/6 mice twice at an interval of 1 week. Seven days after the second immunization, OVA‐specific humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated.

Results

The spleen produced a larger amount of transgenes than the skin after direct tissue injection of plasmid DNA. However, intradermal injection of plasmid DNA resulted in a larger amount of OVA‐specific antibodies and a greater cytotoxic T lymphocyte response compared to intrasplenic injection. In addition, intradermal immunization with either pCMV‐OVA or pPep‐ER generated more protective effects against EG7‐OVA tumor challenge.

Conclusions

The results obtained in the present study indicate that the spleen is unlikely to be a good target for immunization despite the presence of a large number of lymphocytes and efficient production of transgenes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confirming the lattice contraction in CdSe nanocrystals grown in a glass matrix by Raman scattering
Authors: Neto E. S. F. , Dantas N. O. , da Silva S. W. , Morais P. C. , Pereira da Silva M. A.
Published: January 2010

This work gives the evidence of the lattice contraction in CdSe nanocrystals (NCs) grown in a glass matrix. The CdSe NCs were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical absorption (OA), and Raman spectroscopy. The average size of CdSe NCs can be estimated by AFM images. Using the OA spectra and the effective‐mass approximation, it was also possible to estimate the average sizes of CdSe NCs, which agree very well with the AFM data. These results showed that the CdSe NCs grow with increasing time of heat treatment. The blue shift of the longitudinal optical (LO) modes and surface optical (SO) phonon modes with an increase in the average radius of the NCs, shown in the Raman spectra, was explained by the lattice contraction in CdSe NCs caused by thermodynamic interactions at the interface with the host glass matrix. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐site analysis of Limoges enamels from sixteenth to nineteenth centuries: an attempt to differentiate between genuine artefacts and copies
Authors: Kırmızı Burcu , Colomban Philippe , Blanc Monique
Published: January 2010

A selection of 15 painted enamels, most of which belong to Limoges productions, from 1500 to 1900 A.D., has been studied on‐site in the storage rooms of musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris. The Raman signatures of the transparent and/or opacified glass matrix are discussed and compared with those which were previously recorded on glazed pottery, enamelled and stained glasses as well as Chinese cloisonné enamels. Analysed enamels mostly belong to soda‐lime‐based glass. Three types of compositions such as soda‐lime (fifteenth to sixteenth century), soda‐rich (fifteenth, sixteenth/nineteenth centuries) and lead‐potash‐lime (sixteenth and nineteenth centuries) are identified on the basis of the Raman signature of the glaze according to the wavenumber maxima of the SiO stretching and bending multiplets. The pigment signatures are similar to those recorded on ceramic glazes and glass enamels, which proves the similarity of the technologies. Cassiterite as an opacifier and hematite red and Naples yellow pigment variations give characteristic Raman signatures. The presence of lead arsenate as a pigment opacifier in nineteenth‐century samples is confirmed. Attempts are made to establish tools for the differentiation between genuine artefacts and nineteenth‐century restoration or fakes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Raman spectroscopy of indium‐based hydrotalcites of formula Mg6In2(CO3)(OH)16· 4H2O
Authors: Frost Ray L. , Palmer Sara J. , Grand Laure‐Marie
Published: January 2010

Insight into the unique structure of layered double hydroxides has been obtained using a combination of X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Indium‐containing hydrotalcites of formula Mg4In2(CO3)(OH)12· 4H2O [2:1 In‐LDH (layered double hydroxides)] through to Mg8In2(CO3)(OH)18· 4H2O (4:1 In‐LDH) with variation in the Mg : In ratio have been successfully synthesized. The d(003) spacing varied from 7.83 Å for the 2:1 LDH to 8.15 Å for the 3:1 indium‐containing layered double hydroxide. Raman spectroscopy complemented with selected infrared data has been used to characterize the synthesized indium‐containing layered double hydroxides of formula Mg6In2(CO3)(OH)16· 4H2O. Raman bands observed at around 1058, 1075 and 1115 cm−1 are attributed to the symmetric stretching modes of the CO32− units. Multiple ν3 CO32− antisymmetric stretching modes are found at around 1348, 1373, 1429 and 1488 cm−1 in the infrared spectra. The splitting of this mode indicates that the carbonate anion is in a perturbed state. Raman bands observed at 690 and 700 cm−1 assigned to the ν4 CO32− modes support the concept of multiple carbonate species in the interlayer. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SERS EM field enhancement study through fast Raman mapping of Sierpinski carpet arrays
Authors: Hsu Keng H. , Back Ju H. , Fung Kin‐Hung , Ferreira Placid M. , Shim Moonsub , Fang Nicholas X.
Published: January 2010

Self‐similar Sierpinski carpet fractals were fabricated using a new nanopatterning technique, i.e. solid‐state superionic stamping (S4), to study the effect of feature size on plasmon‐enhanced Raman scattering. A real‐time Raman image showing electromagnetic (EM) field enhancement contrast is demonstrated. The effects were studied and explained in the context of modes of surface plasmon excitation. Additionally, we find that the EM field enhancement supported by the fractals extends further spatially as compared to continuous Ag surfaces. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐Raman mapping on polished cross sections: a tool to define the penetration depth of conservation treatment on cultural heritage
Authors: Conti C. , Colombo C. , Matteini M. , Realini M. , Zerbi G.
Published: January 2010

Nowadays, in order to preserve the surfaces of works of art, several organic and inorganic substances are used. To evaluate the penetration depth and the distribution of these substances inside the materials, it is essential to define the effectiveness of a conservative treatment. Owing to the ambiguous results obtained with the current analytical techniques, the achievement of this aim is critical. This study shows how micro‐Raman mapping on polished cross section is an effective tool capable of investigating the inner portions of the materials. A set of painted plasters has been treated with ammonium oxalate solutions, an inorganic substance widely used for conservation works of carbonatic materials. The micro‐Raman mapping of the lines of the newly formed calcium oxalate allowed correlation of the penetration depth and the distribution of the product inside the specimens with different conditions of treatment. Moreover, a good agreement between micro‐Raman spectroscopy and microscopic techniques has been obtained. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A stainless steel multi‐well plate (SS‐MWP) for high‐throughput Raman analysis of dilute solutions
Authors: Ryder Alan G. , Vincentis John De , Li Boyan , Ryan Paul W. , Sirimuthu Narayana M. S. , Leister Kirk J.
Published: January 2010

The use of Raman spectroscopy for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of dilute aqueous solutions is of interest to the biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector. However, the inherent weakness of the Raman effect, coupled with spectral variability due to spurious signals from sample holders, can produce significant problems for chemometric‐based high‐throughput assays. Therefore, there is a need for a multi‐well sample holder that ensures robust and repeatable measurements, in particular from dilute aqueous solutions such as cell culture media. Here we demonstrate the efficacy of a novel, electropolished, stainless steel multi‐well plate (SS‐MWP) sample holder with 96 wells for dilute aqueous solution analysis. A comprehensive study of the spectroscopic behaviour was carried out and comparisons made with multi‐well plates fabricated from polystyrene, polypropylene, and aluminium. A key factor in the validation studies is the use of intrinsically weak Raman scattering systems, e.g. water and dilute glucose solutions. The data collected show that the SS‐MWPs are much superior in terms of robustness, resistance to chemical attack, and measurement reproducibility and as such are the ideal sample holders for Raman analysis of dilute solutions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman studies on nanocomposite silicon carbonitride thin film deposited by r.f. magnetron sputtering at different substrate temperatures
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arnab Sankar , Mishra Suman Kumari
Published: January 2010

Raman studies of nanocomposite SiCN thin film by sputtering showed that with increase of substrate temperature from room temperature to 500 °C, a transition from mostly sp2 graphitic phase to sp3 carbon took place, which was observed from the variation of ID/IG ratio and the peak shifts. This process resulted in the growth of C3N4 and Si3N4 crystallites in the amorphous matrix, which led to increase in hardness (H) and modulus (E) obtained through nanoindentation. However, at a higher temperature of 600 °C, again an increase of sp2 C concentration in the film was observed but the H and E values showed a decrease due to increased growth of the graphitic carbon phase. The whole process got reflected in a modified four‐stage Ferrari–Robertson model of Raman spectroscopy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disorder‐induced Raman scattering effects in one‐dimensional ZnO nanostructures by incorporation and anisotropic distribution of Dy and Li codopants
Authors: Cheng Baochang , Sun Wei , Jiao Jin , Tian Baixiang , Xiao Yanhe , Lei Shuijin
Published: January 2010

In Dy3+ and Li+ codoped ZnO nanowires, the additives accumulate preferentially in {0001} planes, resulting in serious breakdown of the translational symmetry in ab plane and modification of the phonon oscillation field. Not only acoustic overtones, silent optical modes, surface optical (SO) phonon modes, and multi‐phonon processes can be effectively observed in the nonresonant Raman scattering (RS) and the Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, but the quasi‐LO and TO modes of mixed A1 and E1 symmetry also show a noticeable red shift from E1 symmetry (in ab plane) to A1 symmetry (along c axis). The presence of dislocations and internal strain at the surface layer rich in additives, coming from the segregation of additives, forms a quasi‐bilayer system, resulting in the appearance and enhancement of SO phonon modes in RS and FTIR spectra. The Fano interference, originating from the interaction between the discrete scattering from phonons and the continuum scattering from laser‐induced electrons in the doped nanostructures, leads to typical asymmetric lineshapes on the lower wavenumber sides. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of peptide for selective and sensitive detection of an Anthrax biomarker via peptide recognition and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Ryu Kyungtag , Haes Amanda J. , Park Hye‐Yeon , Nah Sanghee , Kim Joungmok , Chung Hoeil , Yoon Moon‐Young , Han Sung‐Hwan
Published: January 2010

A short 16‐amino acid peptide has been used in place of an antibody to selectively detect the specific Anthrax biomarker, protective antigen (PA), using surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Peptides are more stable than antibodies under various biological conditions and are easily synthesized for a specific target. A peptide that has high affinity to PA was conjugated onto gold nanoparticles along with a Raman reporter and then incubated in various concentrations of PA. Parallel studies in which the peptide sequence was replaced with an antibody were performed to compare the performance of the two methodologies. Both the peptide and antibody functionalized nanoparticles were able to specifically detect PA concentrations down to 6.1 fM. These results demonstrate that these short, robust peptides can be used in the place of traditional antibodies to specifically recognize target biomarkers in the field for the potential diagnosis of disease. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature‐dependent Raman scattering of KDP:Mn (0.9% weight of Mn) crystal
Authors: Remédios C. M. R. , Paraguassu W. , Saraiva G. D. , Pereira D. P. , de Oliveira P. C. , Freire P. T. C. , Mendes‐Filho J. , Melo F. E. A. , dos Santos A. O.
Published: January 2010

Low temperature polarized Raman scattering measurements of KDP:Mn (0.9% weight of Mn) were performed at temperatures ranging from 14 to 300 K, over the spectral range 50–1250 cm−1. In the present results we can see that the spectra of undoped and doped samples at room temperature are very different. Doped samples maintain the KDP structure as tetragonal, with the same factor group D2d but with a different class of the space group, different from the original 12. The results show that the crystal undergoes a phase transition at temperature between 115 and 97 K, which is much lower than the phase transition temperature of undoped KDP that occurs at 122 K, where the crystal changes from the para‐electric to the ferroelectric phase. Further, at very low temperature (14 K) we can see that the spectra of KDP:Mn (0.9% weight of Mn) present a behavior very different from the behavior presented by the spectra of KDP doped with low Mn concentration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Excitation energy dependence of Raman bands in multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Soin N. , Roy S. S. , Ray S. C. , McLaughlin J. A.
Published: January 2010

Vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were grown on 1‐ and 3‐nm cobalt (Co) films, at various growth times by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique and their microstructural properties were analyzed with the help of Raman spectra that were obtained from different sources of laser excitation energies (EL: 2.41, 1.96 and 1.58 eV). The variation of D and G band positions in MWCNTs grown on 1‐ and 3‐nm Co films follows a similar behavior, and an anomalous behavior was observed in the EL dependence of the D′‐band wavenumber. In the second‐order spectra, the G′ band varied strongly according to structure with the laser excitation energy (EL). The ID/IG ratio decreased with the increase of EL for all MWCNTs; however, for a fixed EL, the ID/IG dispersion is higher at lower EL. The crystallite sizes were estimated using IDIG and EL. We have shown that, for all MWCNTs, ID/IG ratio is inversely proportional to $E_{L}^{4}$. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman and IR spectra of noncentrosymmetric Bi0.21La0.91Sc2.88(BO3)4 single crystal with the huntite‐type structure
Authors: Ma̧czka M. , Pietraszko A. , Hanuza J. , Majchrowski A.
Published: January 2010

Single crystals of optical nonlinear borate, Bi0.21La0.91Sc2.88(BO3)4, were grown and polarized Raman and IR spectra were recorded for this material at room temperature. The spectra have been discussed on the factor group approach for the trigonal R32 (D37) space group with Z = 3. The assignment of the observed bands to the respective internal and lattice modes is proposed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The design of a peptide linker group to enhance the SERS signal intensity of an atto680 dye‐nanoparticle system
Authors: Drake Philip , Chang Hong‐Wen , Lin Yuh‐Jiuan
Published: January 2010

The Surface enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy (SERRS) spectra of three modified atto680 dyes were recorded using Au nanoparticles and an excitation laser operating at 670 nm. The dyes were modified with linker groups based on the small peptides, Cys, Cys–Gly and Cys–Gly–Gly. The Cys thiol group acted as the coupling point to the Au surface and the Gly NH2 group used to attach the dye. The maximum signal was recorded for the Cys–Gly linker. This gave a signal intensity for the 577 cm−1 Raman peak of the atto680 dye that was more than 27 times greater than the unmodified dye. The Au nanoparticles used had a diameter of 49.8 ± 1.2 nm and were synthesised by the citrate reduction method. The Raman dye‐AuNP probes were also used in an immunoassay to detect mouse IgG in the femto mole range. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Charge‐transfer behavior of polyaniline single wall carbon nanotubes nanocomposites monitored by resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: do Nascimento Gustavo M. , Silva Tilana B. , Corio Paola , Dresselhaus Mildred S.
Published: January 2010

Highly dispersed nanocomposites of polyaniline(PANI) and oxidized single wall carbon nanotubes(SWNTs) have been prepared using dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid as dispersant. The materials were characterized via resonance Raman and electronic absorption spectroscopies. The behavior of the composites as a function of the applied potential was also investigated using in situ Raman electrochemical measurements. The results obtained at Elaser = 1.17 eV suggest that a charge‐transfer process occur between PANI and semiconducting nanotubes for samples where the metallic tubes are previously oxidized. The spectroelectrochemical data show that the presence of SWNTs prevents the oxidation of PANI rings. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polarized Raman mapping study of the microheterogeneity in 0.67PbMg1/3 Nb2/3O3‐0.33PbTiO3 single crystal
Authors: Yang Y. , Liu Y. L. , Zhang L. Y. , Zhu K. , Ma S. Y. , Siu G. G. , Xu Z. K. , Luo H. S.
Published: January 2010

Polarized micro‐Raman spectroscopy was carried out on the (001) face of a 0.67PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3‐33%PbTiO3 (PMN‐33%PT) single crystal. The Raman images revealed the spatial variations of the intensity of the Raman bands, suggesting that the structure in the PMN‐33%PT single crystal varied from one micro‐area to another. When changing the polarization direction of the incident light with respect to the selected crystalline axes, the intensities of the Raman modes varied periodically. According to the Raman selection rules (RSRs), the angular dependences of the Raman modes indicated that the PMN‐33%PT single crystal is in the monoclinic phase. Furthermore, the color patterns in the Raman images were associated with the coexistence of the MA‐ and MC‐type monoclinic phases in the PMN‐33%PT single crystal. Our results provide useful information for understanding the microheterogeneity of the relaxor PMN‐xPT single crystals with compositions near the morphotropic phase boundary region. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The performance of the Slovenian hotel industry: evaluation post‐privatisation
Authors: Assaf A. , Cvelbar Ljubica Knežević
Published: January 2010

This study analyses the technical efficiency of Slovenian hotels using the data envelopment analysis method. Multiple inputs and outputs are included in the analysis, ranging over the period 2005–2007. The results reveal an increase in efficiency over the period analysed. The results also confirm that factors such as the hotel's year in business, star rating and size are positively related to efficiency variations between hotels. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermosetting Maleimide/Isobutene Alternating Copolymer as a New Class of Transparent Materials
Authors: Takeda Kyota , Matsumoto Akikazu
Published: January 2010

We synthesized an alternating copolymer of N‐allylmaleimide (AMI) and isobutene (IB) [poly(AMI‐alt‐IB)] as a new class of thermosetting polymers by the free radical copolymerization process. The reactivity of the maleimide group of the AMI monomer was evaluated to be 103 times higher than that of the N‐allyl group based on the results for the ternary copolymerization system composed of N‐methylmaleimide (MMI), N‐allylphthalimide (AP), and IB. The maleimide moiety exclusively participated in the propagation during the copolymerization of AMI with IB, resulting in the formation of the soluble poly(AMI‐alt‐IB). The copolymer included an alternating repeating structure consisting of maleimide and IB units in the main chain and the unreacted allyl group in the side chain. The onset temperature of the decomposition for poly(AMI‐alt‐IB) was over 400 °C in a nitrogen stream. The transparent cast film of poly(AMI‐alt‐IB) was readily cured upon heating without any catalyst.

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Cornet‐Like Phosphotriazine/Diamine Polymers as Reductant and Matrix for the Synthesis of Silver Nanocomposites with Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Dallas Panagiotis , Zboril Radek , Bourlinos Athanasios B. , Jancik Dalibor , Niarchos Dimitrios , Panacek Ales , Petridis Dimitrios
Published: January 2010

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles attached on the surface of a hollow cornet‐like polymer matrix which served as a reductant and host matrix is described. This hybrid organic/inorganic macromolecular matrix is exhibiting anion‐exchange properties, porous structure and hollow morphologies, and absorptions in the visible light region. Due to the anion‐exchange property and the 3D orientation of the macromolecular chains the material is defining a new functional organic/inorganic hybrid. For the synthesis of nanoparticles, no other reducing agents were used and silver nanoparticles with a mean diameter of less than 20 nm were attached on the surface of the polymer, thus inheriting the composite with high antibacterial activity tested in bacterial strains and yeasts.

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SAXS Characterization of New Nanocomposites Based on Epoxy Resin/Siloxane/MMA/Acrylic Acid Hybrid Materials
Authors: Zaioncz Soraia , Dahmouche Karim , Soares Bluma G.
Published: January 2010

Epoxy anhydride networks were modified with Siloxane/PMMA hybrid materials, obtained from sol/gel method. The effects of thermal annealing of the Siloxane/PMMA hybrids and of the hybrid composition on the nanostructure of the epoxy network were investigated by means of SAXS. The composites containing Siloxane/PMMA materials with low amount of MMA present a hierarchical nanostructure whose first level is made of siloxane nanoparticles spatially correlated in the matrix forming larger secondary hybrid aggregates. Small amounts of hybrid material decrease the glass temperature of the composite, but increase the storage modulus, indicating its nanoreinforcing action.

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