bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic and metabolomic shifts in rice roots in response to Cr (VI) stress
Authors: Dubey Sonali , Misra Prashant , Dwivedi Sanjay , Chatterjee Sandipan , Bag Sumit K , Mantri Shrikant , Asif Mehar H , Rai Arti , Kumar Smita , Shri Manju , Tripathi Preeti , Tripathi Rudra D , Trivedi Prabodh K , Chakrabarty Debasis , Tuli Rakesh
Published: November 2010

Background

Widespread use of chromium (Cr) contaminated fields due to careless and inappropriate management practices of effluent discharge, mostly from industries related to metallurgy, electroplating, production of paints and pigments, tanning, and wood preservation elevates its concentration in surface soil and eventually into rice plants and grains. In spite of many previous studies having been conducted on the effects of chromium stress, the precise molecular mechanisms related to both the effects of chromium phytotoxicity, the defense reactions of plants against chromium exposure as well as translocation and accumulation in rice remain poorly understood.

Results

Detailed analysis of genome-wide transcriptome profiling in rice root is reported here, following Cr-plant interaction. Such studies are important for the identification of genes responsible for tolerance, accumulation and defense response in plants with respect to Cr stress. Rice root metabolome analysis was also carried out to relate differential transcriptome data to biological processes affected by Cr (VI) stress in rice. To check whether the Cr-specific motifs were indeed significantly over represented in the promoter regions of Cr-responsive genes, occurrence of these motifs in whole genome sequence was carried out. In the background of whole genome, the lift value for these 14 and 13 motifs was significantly high in the test dataset. Though no functional role has been assigned to any of the motifs, but all of these are present as promoter motifs in the Database of orthologus promoters.

Conclusion

These findings clearly suggest that a complex network of regulatory pathways modulates Cr-response of rice. The integrated matrix of both transcriptome and metabolome data after suitable normalization and initial calculations provided us a visual picture of the correlations between components. Predominance of different motifs in the subsets of genes suggests the involvement of motif-specific transcription modulating proteins in Cr stress response of rice.
Computational prediction of the Crc regulon identifies genus-wide and species-specific targets of catabolite repression control in Pseudomonas bacteria
Authors: Browne Patrick , Barret Matthieu , O'Gara Fergal , Morrissey John P
Published: November 2010

Background

Catabolite repression control (CRC) is an important global control system in Pseudomonas that fine tunes metabolism in order optimise growth and metabolism in a range of different environments. The mechanism of CRC in Pseudomonas spp. centres on the binding of a protein, Crc, to an A-rich motif on the 5' end of an mRNA resulting in translational down-regulation of target genes. Despite the identification of several Crc targets in Pseudomonas spp. the Crc regulon has remained largely unexplored.

Results

In order to predict direct targets of Crc, we used a bioinformatics approach based on detection of A-rich motifs near the initiation of translation of all protein-encoding genes in twelve fully sequenced Pseudomonas genomes. As expected, our data predict that genes related to the utilisation of less preferred nutrients, such as some carbohydrates, nitrogen sources and aromatic carbon compounds are targets of Crc. A general trend in this analysis is that the regulation of transporters is conserved across species whereas regulation of specific enzymatic steps or transcriptional activators are often conserved only within a species. Interestingly, some nucleoid associated proteins (NAPs) such as HU and IHF are predicted to be regulated by Crc. This finding indicates a possible role of Crc in indirect control over a subset of genes that depend on the DNA bending properties of NAPs for expression or repression. Finally, some virulence traits such as alginate and rhamnolipid production also appear to be regulated by Crc, which links nutritional status cues with the regulation of virulence traits.

Conclusions

Catabolite repression control regulates a broad spectrum of genes in Pseudomonas. Some targets are genus-wide and are typically related to central metabolism, whereas other targets are species-specific, or even unique to particular strains. Further study of these novel targets will enhance our understanding of how Pseudomonas bacteria integrate nutritional status cues with the regulation of traits that are of ecological, industrial and clinical importance.
DPI-ELISA: a fast and versatile method to specify the binding of plant transcription factors to DNA in vitro
Authors: Brand Luise H , Kirchler Tobias , Hummel Sabine , Chaban Christina , Wanke Dierk
Published: November 2010

Background

About 10% of all genes in eukaryote genomes are predicted to encode transcription factors. The specific binding of transcription factors to short DNA-motifs influences the expression of neighbouring genes. However, little is known about the DNA-protein interaction itself. To date there are only a few suitable methods to characterise DNA-protein-interactions, among which the EMSA is the method most frequently used in laboratories. Besides EMSA, several protocols describe the effective use of an ELISA-based transcription factor binding assay e.g. for the analysis of human NFκB binding to specific DNA sequences.

Results

We provide a unified protocol for this type of ELISA analysis, termed DNA-Protein-Interaction (DPI)-ELISA. Qualitative analyses with His-epitope tagged plant transcription factors expressed in E. coli revealed that EMSA and DPI-ELISA result in comparable and reproducible data. The binding of At bZIP63 to the C-box and At WRKY11 to the W2-box could be reproduced and validated by both methods. We next examined the physical binding of the C-terminal DNA-binding domains of At WRKY33, At WRKY50 and At WRKY75 to the W2-box. Although the DNA-binding domain is highly conserved among the WRKY proteins tested, the use of the DPI-ELISA discloses differences in W2-box binding properties between these proteins. In addition to these well-studied transcription factor families, we applied our protocol to At BPC2, a member of the so far uncharacterised plant specific B asic P entac ysteine transcription factor family. We could demonstrate binding to GA/TC-dinucleotide repeat motifs by our DPI-ELISA protocol. Different buffers and reaction conditions were examined.

Conclusions

We successfully applied our DPI-ELISA protocol to investigate the DNA-binding specificities of three different classes of transcription factors from Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the analysis of the binding affinity of any DNA-binding protein to any given DNA sequence can be performed via this method. The DPI-ELISA is cost efficient, less time-consuming than other methods and provides a qualitative and quantitative readout. The presented DPI-ELISA protocol is accompanied by advice on trouble-shooting, which will enable scientists to rapidly establish this versatile and easy to use method in their laboratories.
Follistatin Regulates Germ Cell Nest Breakdown and Primordial Follicle Formation
Authors: Kimura Fuminori , Bonomi Lara M. , Schneyer Alan L.
Published: November 2010

Follistatin (FST) is an antagonist of activin and related TGFβ superfamily members that has important reproductive actions as well as critical regulatory functions in other tissues and systems. FST is produced as three protein isoforms that differ in their biochemical properties and in their localization within the body. We created FST288-only mice that only express the short FST288 isoform and previously reported that females are subfertile, but have an excess of primordial follicles on postnatal day (PND) 8.5 that undergo accelerated demise in adults. We have now examined germ cell nest breakdown and primordial follicle formation in the critical PND 0.5–8.5 period to test the hypothesis that the excess primordial follicles derive from increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis during germ cell nest breakdown. Using double immunofluorescence microscopy we found that there is virtually no germ cell proliferation after birth in wild-type or FST288-only females. However, the entire process of germ cell nest breakdown was extended in time (through at least PND 8.5) and apoptosis was significantly reduced in FST288-only females. In addition, FST288-only females are born with more germ cells within the nests. Thus, the excess primordial follicles in FST288-only mice derive from a greater number of germ cells at birth as well as a reduced rate of apoptosis during nest breakdown. These results also demonstrate that FST is critical for normal regulation of germ cell nest breakdown and that loss of the FST303 and/or FST315 isoforms leads to excess primordial follicles with accelerated demise, resulting in premature cessation of ovarian function.
Skeletal Muscle Mitochondria in Insulin Resistance: Differences in Intermyofibrillar Versus Subsarcolemmal Subpopulations and Relationship to Metabolic Flexibility
Authors: Chomentowski Peter , Coen Paul M. , Radiková Zofia , Goodpaster Bret H. , Toledo Frederico G. S.
Published: November 2010

abstract

Context:

Insulin resistance is accompanied by lower lipid oxidation during fasting and metabolic inflexibility. Whether these abnormalities correlate with mitochondrial content in skeletal muscle is unknown.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to investigate whether decreased fasting lipid oxidation, metabolic inflexibility, and impaired glucose disposal correlate with reduced mitochondrial content in intermyofibrillar vs. subsarcolemmal (SS) subpopulations.

Design:

Forty sedentary adults with a wide spectrum of insulin sensitivity were studied: insulin-sensitive lean subjects, insulin-resistant nondiabetic subjects, and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glucose disposal was measured by euglycemic clamp and [6,6-D2]-glucose methodology. Fuel oxidation and metabolic flexibility (during clamps) were assessed by indirect calorimetry. Maximum aerobic capacity was assessed by treadmill testing. Intermyofibrillar and SS mitochondrial content were measured by quantitative electron microscopy of muscle biopsy samples.

Results:

Intermyofibrillar mitochondrial content was lower in the insulin-resistant nondiabetic subjects and type 2 diabetes mellitus groups, significantly correlating with glucose disposal in both men (R = 0.72, P < 0.01) and women (R = 0.53, P < 0.01). In contrast, SS mitochondrial content was similar among groups. Lower intermyofibrillar mitochondrial content was not explained by mitochondrial size, altered fiber-type distribution, or differences in maximum aerobic capacity. Intermyofibrillar mitochondrial content was significantly correlated with fasting respiratory quotient (R = −0.46, P = 0.003) and metabolic flexibility (R = 0.38, P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

In obese-insulin-resistant subjects with or without diabetes, intermyofibrillar mitochondrial content is decreased. This is not entirely explained by fitness status or fiber-type composition. SS mitochondrial content is unaffected, suggesting independent mitochondrial pool regulation. Lower mitochondrial content correlates with lower fasting lipid oxidation and metabolic inflexibility, suggesting it may be intrinsically linked to abnormal fuel utilization patterns of obesity-associated insulin resistance.
Preparation of Pore-fill-type Palladium–Porous Alumina Composite Membrane for Hydrogen Separation
Authors: Nagata Kensuke , Miyamoto Manabu , Watabe Tsuyoshi , Fujioka Yuichi , Yogo Katsunori
Published: November 2010

A method for formation of the palladium layer in a thermally stable porous substrate was studied. A composite membrane with Pd layer encapsulated in a porous α-alumina substrate (Pd/Al2O3(PF)) was successfully prepared by a new seeding technique and electroless plating. From SEM–EDX, the Pd layer was observed only in the porous substrate at a depth of 10 µm from the top surface. This membrane showed extremely high H2 permselectivity (α H_2/N_2 > 10000) at 773 K and good stability.
Comparison of Vibrational Circular Dichroism between the Langmuir–Blodgett Films and Gels of 12-Hydroxyoctadecanoic Acid
Authors: Sato Hisako , Sakurai Takara , Yamagishi Akihiko
Published: November 2010

Vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy is applied to the gels and Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of R- and S-12-HOA deposited on glass substrates (50 X-type layers) in the wavenumber region of 2700–3400 cm−1, revealing that no long sequence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding was formed in the LB films at C12 position in contrast with the gels of the same compounds.
Expansion of Intertubular Mesopores of Imogolite Nanotubes by Thermal Decomposition of an Imogolite–Poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) Composite
Authors: Kuroda Yoshiyuki , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: November 2010

Intertubular mesopores of imogolite nanotubes were enlarged by using poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) as an expander. The polyanion was bound electrostatically on the positively charged imogolite nanotubes to form an intertwined composite, which provided expanded intertubular mesopores after heat treatment. The expanded intertubular mesopores are expected to contribute to efficient diffusion.
Diabetic retinopathy screening using tele-ophthalmology in a primary care setting
Authors: Andonegui José , Serrano Luis , Eguzkiza Aitor , Berástegui Lara , Jiménez-Lasanta Laura , Aliseda Daniel , Gaminde Idoia
Published: November 2010

We evaluated tele-ophthalmology for diabetic retinopathy screening in a primary care setting. Four general practitioners (GPs) were taught to assess non-mydriatic retinography images of patients with diabetes. After training, a total of 1223 patients were screened using this method: 926 (76%) did not have diabetic retinopathy and 297 (24%) were referred for an ophthalmologic assessment. Of the 297 patients, 186 (15%) did not have diabetic retinopathy and were considered to be false positives, 85 (7%) had diabetic retinopathy and in 26 cases (2%) the retinography images were unreadable. The specificity of GPs for detecting diabetic retinopathy by non-mydriatic retinography was 83%. Ophthalmologists also assessed 120 patients who had been diagnosed as normal to detect false negatives. Ten patients (8.3%) had mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with small isolated retinal hemorrhages. Only one patient (0.8%) had treatable diabetic retinopathy with hard exudates and microaneurysms. The sensitivity of GPs for detecting diabetic retinopathy was 90.9%; the sensitivity for detecting treatable lesions was 99.2%. We concluded that adequately trained GPs can screen for treatable lesions of diabetic retinopathy with a very high level of reliability using non-mydriatic retinography.
Paediatric health calls to Swedish telenurses: a descriptive study of content and outcome
Authors: Kaminsky Elenor , Carlsson Marianne , Höglund Anna T , Holmström Inger
Published: November 2010

We collected data about telephone triage calls concerning children in Sweden. A sample of 110 paediatric calls were recorded. The transcribed data were analysed regarding word count, reasons for calling, results of calls, ages and gender of children, and gender of parents. The median call length was 4.4 min and the median child's age was 3.5 years. Mothers made 73% of calls, but mothers and fathers called to the same extent about daughters and sons, and regardless of age. The most common reasons for calls were ear problems, rash/wound or fever. In nearly half the calls, the telenurses provided self-care advice. Call length, word count or caller's part of word count did not differ according to gender of parents or children. However, mothers were more likely to receive self-care advice while fathers were more often referred to other health services by the telenurses. Telenurses might need to improve their gender competence, and more male telenurses in the service would potentially be beneficial to callers.
Tailored mobile phone text messages as an adjunct to obesity treatment for adolescents
Authors: Woolford Susan J , Clark Sarah J , Strecher Victor J , Resnicow Kenneth
Published: November 2010

We examined the use of tailored messages sent to the mobile phones of obese adolescents enrolled in a weight-management programme, as a means of increasing adherence. The feasibility study was conducted in three phases: (1) a library of 90 messages was developed about five weight-related behaviours; (2) a computer application was developed to tailor these messages to participants' characteristics; the SMS messages (text and images) were sent to mobile phones daily; (3) a three-month trial of the intervention was performed with 20 adolescents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess the participants' perceptions of the intervention and the participants', providers' and computer consultants' reports about technology performance. These interviews revealed that participants were enthusiastic about the intervention and most found the messages to be personally relevant. The favourite messages were meal suggestions and recipe ideas. The computer tailoring application performed faultlessly and messages were delivered on schedule and in the desired sequence. Computerized tailored text messaging is a feasible adjunct to multidisciplinary obesity treatment and is acceptable to adolescents as an enjoyable means of improving their adherence to healthy lifestyle practices.
A systematic review of the reliability of screening for cognitive impairment in older adults by use of standardised assessment tools administered via the telephone
Authors: Martin-Khan Melinda , Wootton Richard , Gray Len
Published: November 2010

We conducted a systematic review to identify the extent to which the process of screening for cognitive impairment in older adults has been validated for administration by telephone. A search of electronic databases and a handsearch of relevant journals and reference lists were carried out for studies published between 1966 and 2008. The database search identified 411 studies and handsearching found another seven. Fourteen studies were finally identified as relevant to the review: three concerned a modified telephone version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); five concerned the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status; one study tested a telephone-administered Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire; four studies tested the validity of newly developed tools; and the remaining study considered the Confusion Assessment Method as a means of diagnosing delirium. The quality of the reference standard varied among the papers reviewed. The limited number of high quality studies with suitable reference standards makes it difficult to recommend a specific tool which should be used to assess the cognition of older adults by telephone. In advance of further studies, the 22-item MMSE is simple to administer and was shown to correlate well with the face-to-face MMSE. It appears to be a useful technique for telephone screening for cognitive impairment or delirium, if used in conjunction with the Delirium Symptom Interview.
The chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency syndrome
Authors: Zamboni P , Galeotti R
Published: November 2010

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a syndrome characterized by stenosies of the internal jugular and/or azygous veins (IJVs-AZ) with opening of collaterals and insufficient drainage proved by reduced cerebral blood flow and increased mean transit time in cerebral MRI perfusional study. The present review is aimed to give a comprehensive overview of the actual status of the art of the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. As far as the origin of venous narrowing is concerned, phlebographic studies of the IJVs and AZ systems demonstrated that venous stenoses were likely to be truncular venous malformations; mostly, they are intraluminal defects such as malformed valve, septa webs. CCSVI condition has been found to be strongly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), a disabling neurodegenerative and demyelinating disease considered autoimmune in nature. In several epidemiological observations performed at different latitudes on patients with different genetic backgrounds, the prevalence of CCSVI in MS ranges from 56% to 100%. To the contrary, by using venous MR and/or different Doppler protocols, CCSVI was not detected with the same prevalence. Two pilot studies demonstrated the safety and feasibility in Day Surgery of the endovascular treatment of CCSVI by means of balloon angioplasty (PTA). It determines a significant reduction of postoperative venous pressure. Restenosis rate was found out elevated in the IJVs, but negligible in the AZ. However, PTA seems to positively influence clinical and QoL parameters of the associated MS and warrants further randomized control trials.
The patient's burden of chronic venous disorders: construction of a questionnaire
Authors: Guex J-J , Rahhali N , Taïeb C
Published: November 2010

Aims

On the one hand, the survey aims at the development and validation of an auto-administered questionnaire designed to measure the everyday burden caused by chronic venous disorders (CVDs). On the other hand, it aims at reporting initial epidemiological and demographic data in CVD patients and their correlations.

Materials and methods

After identification of 66 possible items, the elimination of redundant and less relevant questions left a questionnaire of 36 simple items, the Assessment of Burden in Chronic–Venous Disease (ABC-V) that has been applied prospectively and consecutively to a population of 328 actual chronic venous disorder (CVD) patients in eight vein-specialized centres in France. Questionnaires were completed by patients at home and returned by mail (free return envelopes).

Results

Significant correlation has been found between ABC-V, the Specific Quality of life & Outcomes Response – Venous (SQOR-V) and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), demonstrating the validity of the concept. ABC-V has been found increased by age ( P = 0.0127) and body mass index ( P < 0.001), not by gender ( P = 0.8758).

Conclusion

ABC-V is a first tool to assess the burden of CVDs, it provides with individual data and will help, for instance, determining the weight of the coefficient used in the disability-adjusted life year and quality-adjusted life year formulas, thus ensuring an accurate evaluation of the Global Burden of Chronic Venous Disorders.
Estimating the Operational Impact of Container Inspections at International Ports
Authors: Bakshi Nitin , Flynn Stephen E. , Gans Noah
Published: November 2010

A U.S. law mandating nonintrusive imaging and radiation detection for 100% of U.S.-bound containers at international ports has provoked widespread concern that the resulting congestion would hinder trade significantly. Using detailed data on container movements, gathered from two large international terminals, we simulate the impact of the two most important inspection policies that are being considered. We find that the current inspection regime being advanced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security can only handle a small percentage of the total load. An alternate inspection protocol that emphasizes screening—a rapid primary scan of all containers, followed by a more careful secondary scan of only a few containers that fail the primary test—holds promise as a feasible solution for meeting the 100% scanning requirement.

This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
A Tactical Planning Model for Railroad Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Authors: Verma Manish , Verter Vedat , Gendreau Michel
Published: November 2010

Railroad transportation of hazardous materials did not receive as much attention as highway transportation in the academic literature, although comparable volumes are shipped via these two transport modes in North America and Europe. In this paper, we present an optimization methodology for the railroad tactical planning problem with risk and cost objectives. We determine the routes to be used for each shipment, the yard activities, and the number of trains of different types needed in the network. The transport risk assessment component of our model incorporates the differentiating characteristics of railroad operations. We develop a memetic algorithm-based solution methodology, which combines genetic and local searches, to solve the biobjective model. The railroad infrastructure in the midwestern United States is used as a basis for generating problem instances of the size encountered in real life. Our analyses of the solutions of instances indicate that it is possible to achieve significant reductions in population exposure without incurring unacceptable increases in operational costs.
Multicomponent synthesis of polysubstituted γ-butyrolactones under Barbier-like conditions
Authors: Le Floch Camille , Le Gall Erwan , Léonel Eric
Published: November 2010

The one-pot, three-component synthesis of 2,3-di- and 2,2,3-trisubstituted-3-methoxycarbonyl-γ-butyrolactones starting from aryl bromides, dimethyl itaconate, and aldehydes or ketones is described. The cobalt-catalyzed domino process formally involves the in situ metallation of an aromatic bromide, a conjugate addition onto dimethyl itaconate, an aldolization reaction with a carbonyl compound, and a final cyclization into a five-membered ring lactone. This procedure is applied to the concise synthesis of a range of polyfunctionalized γ-butyrolactones displaying a paraconic acid methyl ester subunit.
Dynamic Characteristics of a Recoil System When Firing Projectiles with Mach 4.4 Muzzle Velocity from a 105 mm Cannon
Authors: Wu Y. C. , Chang H. , Tsung T. T.
Published: November 2010

This paper discusses the dynamic characteristics of a recoil system when firing armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot projectiles. They are fired with a muzzle velocity of Mach 4.4 from a 105 mm caliber cannon either equipped with a multi-perforated muzzle brake (MPMB) or with a bare muzzle. In the recoil system, the MPMB moderates the recoil velocity and prolongs the time of resistance to the propellant gases’ force, thereby reducing the inner pressure of the cradle, which possesses both functions of the recoil cylinder and the elevating center, and attenuating the recoil force on the trunnions. The reasons for the formation of each of the dynamic characteristics are discussed. All measurements in this study can be a significant reference for developing guns, tanks, or the chassis of fighting vehicles.
Vibrotactile Perception at Glabrous and Nonglabrous Skin of Fingers: Repeatability of Measurements and Changes Induced by Acute Vibration Exposure
Authors: Mahbub MH , Ohnari Hiroto , Tanigawa Kazuko , Hiroshige Kenichi , Takahashi Yukio , Togari Taisuke , Harada Noriaki
Published: November 2010

Vibrotactile Perception at Glabrous and Nonglabrous Skin of Fingers: Repeatability of Measurements and Changes Induced by Acute Vibration Exposure: MH Mahbub, et al. Department of Hygiene, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine—

Objectives

We sought to determine the within‐session and between‐session repeatability of vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) measurements and the response patterns in VPT induced by acute exposure to short‐term vibration from grasping a vibrating handle, at both glabrous and nonglabrous skin of ingers.

Methods

Baseline VPT was recorded twice at glabrous and nonglabrous side of ingers in the righthand of eight healthy volunteers. Then, the subjects were exposed to three exposure conditions (vibration at 31.5 Hz and 250 Hz, and no vibration), from gripping a vertical handle by the right hand, conducted on 3 different days at an interval of 1–3 wk. After exposure, the subjects released the hand and further VPT measurements at each location were made.

Results

Compared to the nonglabrous side, VPT measurements at the glabrous side demonstrated better within‐session and between‐session repeatability with lower coefficient of repeatability and higher intraclass correlation coefficient. After exposure, a significant increase in VPT was noted under both 31.5 Hz and 250 Hz (p<0.05– 0.001) exposure conditions in the glabrous inger. In the nonglabrous inger, a pronounced increase in VPT was revealed under 250 Hz exposure condition (p=0.05).

Conclusions

While measuring VPT at glabrous and/ or nonglabrous ingers, the importance of the site of measurement should be considered; the repeatability for such measurements appears to be better at the glabrous site. At high frequency, vibrotactile perception appears to be affected in both glabrous and nonglabrous skin from acute vibration exposure.
Helicobacter pylori – 2010
Authors: Buzás György Miklós
Published: November 2010

A 27 éve felfedezettHelicobacter pyloriaz eltelt évtizedekben a földkerekség leggyakoribb fertőzése maradt. A szerző feltételezi, hogy a peptikus fekély gyakoriságának XIX–XX. századi emelkedését a gyomorszondázás széles körű elterjedése segíthette elő, amelynek során a baktérium iatrogén átvitelével a patogén törzsek terjedhettek el. Új virulenciatényezőket mutattak ki: aHelicobacter pyloritörzsek membránfehérjéket (outer membrane protein, OMP), valamint dupA (duodenal ulcer promoting) fehérjét kódoló géneket tartalmaznak, amelyek egyrészt proinflammatorikus citokinek termeléséhez vezetnek, másrészt a jövőben terápiás célpontok lehetnek. A fertőzés első vonalbeli kezelésében ideális módszer nincs, szakértők szerint ezek hatékonysága az utóbbi években elfogadhatatlan szintre csökkent, bár ez a jelenség a szerző adatai szerint multifaktoriális és nem általánosítható. Alternatív kezelésként a levofloxacin, furazolidon és rifabutin hatékonyságát metaanalízisek igazolták. A szekvenciális és a bizmutmentes négyes kezelés nemzetközileg még nem terjedt el. A fertőzés rekurrenciájának aránya 2,67%/év a fejlett és 13,0%/év a fejlődő országokban. Gyermekekben 8–20%-ban, felnőttekben 5–11%-ban spontán eradikáció lép fel. A clarithromycinrezisztencia gyakorisága világszerte növekedőben van, hazai adatok szerint országosan vidéki nagyvárosokban 10,9%, Budapest IX. kerületében 2005–2009 között 16–22% között volt, növekedési tendencia nélkül. Új terápiás célpontként a rezisztenciát nem okozó enzimgátlók (ureáz, karboanhidráz és gamma-glutamil-transzpeptidáz), módosított antibiotikum és effluxpumpagátlók kifejlesztése van folyamatban: emberi alkalmazásra még egyik sem került. Orv. Hetil., 2010,49,2003–2010.
Spectroscopic analysis of tungsten oxide thin films
Authors: Manciu Felicia S. , Enriquez Jose L. , Durrer William G. , Yun Young , Ramana Chintalapalle V. , Gullapalli Satya K.
Published: November 2010

We present a detailed study of the morphology and composition of tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films, grown by radio frequency magnetron reactive sputtering at substrate temperatures varied from room temperature (RT) to 500 °C, using infrared (IR) absorption, Raman spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This work includes valuable new far-IR results about structural changes in microcrystalline WO3. Both IR absorption and Raman techniques reveal an amorphous sample grown at RT and initial crystallization into monoclinic structures for samples grown at temperatures between 100 and 300 °C. The Raman spectra of the samples grown at high temperatures indicate, apart from the monoclinic structure, a strain effect, with a distribution revealed by confocal Raman mapping. XPS indicates that the film surface maintains the stoichiometry WOx, with a value of x slightly greater than 3 at RT due to oxygen contamination, which decreases with increasing temperature.
Enhanced hardness of CrAlSiN/W2N superlattice coatings deposited by direct current magnetron sputtering
Authors: Tsai Y.Z. , Duh J.G.
Published: November 2010

CrAlSiN/W2N nanolayered coatings were prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering. The modulation periods of multilayer coatings were controlled in the range from 3 to 20 nm. From the low angle x-ray diffraction and high angle x-ray diffraction (XRD) satellite peaks, the superlattice structure of these coatings was evidenced. The modulation periods of multilayer coatings were obtained precisely by the low angle XRD and high angle XRD satellite peaks methods. The detailed layered structure was further investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Because of the dense and smooth nanolayered microstructure, the CrAlSiN/W2N multilayer films exhibited excellent microhardness. With an appropriate modulation period of 8 nm, the hardness reached a maximum around 40 GPa. The hardness enhancement is attributed to the large lattice mismatch and strengthening of superlattice structure, which is confirmed by XRD and transmission electron microscopy.
Preparation of CuIn(SxSe1–x)2 thin films with tunable band gap by controlling sulfurization temperature of CuInSe2
Authors: Wang Guangjun , Cheng Gang , Hu Binbin , Wang Xiaoli , Wan Shaoming , Wu Sixin , Du Zuliang
Published: November 2010

In this paper, polycrystalline CuIn(SxSe1–x)2 thin films with tunable x and Eg (band gap) values were prepared by controlling the sulfurization temperature (T) of CuInSe2 thin films. X-ray diffraction indicated the CuIn(SxSe1–x)2 films exhibited a homogeneous chalcopyrite structure. When T increases from 150 to 500 °C, x increases from 0 to 1, and Eg increases from 0.96 to 1.43 eV. The relations between x and Eg and the sulfurization process of CuIn(SxSe1–x)2 thin films have been discussed. This work provides an easy and low-cost technique for preparing large area absorber layers of solar cell with tunable Eg.
Transition from a punched-out dislocation to a slip dislocation revealed by electron tomography
Authors: Tanaka Masaki , Liu Grace S. , Kishida Tomonobu , Higashida Kenji , Robertson Ian M.
Published: November 2010

Punched-out dislocations emitted from an octahedral oxide precipitate in single-crystal silicon were investigated using high-voltage electron microscopy and tomography (HVEM-tomography) to understand the mechanism of softening caused by the oxide precipitates. In the present paper, direct evidence of the transition of a punched-out prismatic dislocation loop to a slip dislocation is presented. The punched-out dislocation grows into a large matrix dislocation loop by absorption of interstitial atoms, which were produced during oxide precipitation.
Determining engineering stress–strain curve directly from the load–depth curve of spherical indentation test
Authors: Xu Baoxing , Chen Xi
Published: November 2010

The engineering stress–strain curve is one of the most convenient characterizations of the constitutive behavior of materials that can be obtained directly from uniaxial experiments. We propose that the engineering stress–strain curve may also be directly converted from the load–depth curve of a deep spherical indentation test via new phenomenological formulations of the effective indentation strain and stress. From extensive forward analyses, explicit relationships are established between the indentation constraint factors and material elastoplastic parameters, and verified numerically by a large set of engineering materials as well as experimentally by parallel laboratory tests and data available in the literature. An iterative reverse analysis procedure is proposed such that the uniaxial engineering stress–strain curve of an unknown material (assuming that its elastic modulus is obtained in advance via a separate shallow spherical indentation test or other established methods) can be deduced phenomenologically and approximately from the load–displacement curve of a deep spherical indentation test.
Inhibition of bacteria contaminating alcoholic fermentations by killer yeasts
Authors: Meneghin Maria Cristina , Reis Vanda Renata , Ceccato-Antonini Sandra Regina
Published: November 2010

The aim of this work was to study the in vitro antibacterial activity possessed by killer yeast strains against bacteria contaminating alcoholic fermentation (Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides), in cell X cell and cell X crude toxin preparations. The bacteria were not inhibited by any S. cerevisiae killer strains (5 out of 11). The inhibition caused by two crude toxin preparations (Trichosporon figueirae and Candida sp) against L. plantarum was surprisingly high but not in the same extent for B. subtilis, especially with three killer strains (Candida glabrata, Pichia anomala and Candida sp). L. mesenteroides and L. fermentum strains were neither inhibited in cell X cell nor crude toxin X cell tests. The results suggested that killer activity of yeasts might operate over bacteria and it could be used for the biocontrol of contaminating bacteria from alcoholic fermentation if additional tests on toxin application in fermentation shown to be successful. A wider panel of S. cerevisiae killer strains should be used to confirm that they were really unable to control the growth of these Gram-positive bacteria.
Life Beyond 80: A look at Conventional WAG Recovery Beyond 80% HCPV Injection in CO2 Tertiary Floods
Authors: Merchant D. H.
Published: November 2010

During the past 38 years, CO2 flood technology for Enhanced Oil Recovery projects evolved from a partially understood process filled with uncertainties to a process based on proven technology and experience. Many questions involved with CO2 flooding have been thoroughly analyzed and answered. This knowledge is currently being used by a limited number of companies that actually know how to design, implement, and manage a CO2 flood for long term profit. Unfortunately, this knowledge has not been disseminated to operating companies interested in EOR flooding or to CO2 Sequestration Communities interested in storing CO2 in EOR projects.

The primary objective of this report is to target "Conventional WAG Techniques" which have been used in over 90% of all the Enhanced Oil Recovery projects implemented in the Permian Basin in Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Over the years, oil companies have reported a wide range of values of Tertiary Oil Recovery, CO2 Utilization, and CO2 Retention, resulting in a wide range of variation and uncertainty. Many of the numbers reported to date are tied to a specific HCPV CO2 Injected based on some Economic Cut-off. This typically has been in the range of 30% to 80% HCPV Injected. The question becomes "What is life after 80% HCPV?" And "What effect does life after 80% HCPV have on Tertiary Oil Recovery, CO2 Utilization and CO2 Retention in different producing formations?" Results of this study show Tertiary Oil Recovery can be as high as 26% OOIP when slug sizes exceed 190% HCPV injected.
Evaluation of losses and group effective refractive index of Er3+:Ti:LiNbO3 optical waveguides
Authors: Vasile Georgiana , Puscas Niculae
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we report some experimental results concerning several types of loss measurements of Er3+:Ti:LiNbO3 optical waveguides by using optical methods. Using the Fabry-Pérot interferometry method, we evaluated the attenuation coefficient of an optical waveguide resonator for a laser radiation having λ = 1.55 µm. We also evaluated the insertion losses, polarization dependent losses, and coupling with external losses. Additionally, from the transmitted spectra of the symmetrical monomode Fabry-Pérot optical waveguide resonator, we were able to evaluate the value of the group effective refractive index.
Application of genetic programming for proton-proton interactions
Authors: El-Dahshan EL-Sayed
Published: November 2010

The aim of the present work is to use one of the machine learning techniques named the genetic programming (GP) to model the p-p interactions through discovering functions. In our study, GP is used to simulate and predict the multiplicity distribution of charged pions (P(n
ch)), the average multiplicity (〈n
ch〉) and the total cross section (σ
tot) at different values of high energies. We have obtained the multiplicity distribution as a function of the center of mass energy ($$
\sqrt s
$$) and charged particles (n
ch). Also, both the average multiplicity and the total cross section are obtained as a function of $$
\sqrt s
$$. Our discovered functions produced by GP technique show a good match to the experimental data. The performance of the GP models was also tested at non-trained data and was found to be in good agreement with the experimental data.
A short overview of vitamin C and selected cells of the immune system
Authors: Pavlovic Voja , Sarac M.
Published: November 2010

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential water-soluble nutrient that primarily exerts its effect on a host defense mechanisms and immune homeostasis and is the most important physiological antioxidant. Stable intake of vitamin C is essential for life in humans because the body does not synthesize it. Even the numerous studies have demonstrated that vitamin C supplementation stimulates the immune system, prevents DNA damage and significantly decreases the risk of a wide range of pathologies; the potential protective mechanisms are still largely unknown. This review summarizes the recently known facts about the role of vitamin C on the selected cells of the immune system and potential molecular mechanisms involved. Further, in this review, many new data about the positive effects of vitamin C on the immune system, potential toxicological effects, vitamin C supplementation in disease development, as well as some proposed mechanisms of vitamin C activity, are discussed.
Relativistic effects in atomic and molecular properties
Authors: Iliaš Miroslav , Kellö Vladimír , Urban Miroslav
Published: November 2010

Relativistic effects in atomic and molecular properties

We present an overview of basic principles and methods of the relativistic quantum chemistry. Practical aspects of different methods will be discussed stressing their capability of providing accurate predictions of molecular properties, particularly in species containing a heavy metal element. We will present a series of examples showing the importance of relativistic effects in a variety of molecular properties including electron affinities, ionization potentials, reaction and dissociation energies, electric, spectroscopic and other properties. It is possible to recognize a link between these properties and behaviour of materials in some cases. Particular attention is paid to relativistic calculations of the nuclear quadrupole moments for which accurate theoretical electric field gradient is combined with data from the microwave spectra. Important aspect of the present paper is understanding of trends in electronically related atoms throughout the Mendeleev Periodic Table rather than focusing on highly accurate numbers. We will show that relativistic effects represent an unavoidable instrument for explaining some unexpected properties of heavy metal containing compounds. We will also discuss an interplay between the many-electron correlation and relativistic effects.
Light front field theory: An advanced Primer
Authors: Martinovič L'ubomír
Published: November 2010

Light front field theory: An advanced Primer

We present an elementary introduction to quantum field theory formulated in terms of Dirac's light front variables. In addition to general principles and methods, a few more specific topics and approaches based on the author's work will be discussed. Most of the discussion deals with massive two-dimensional models formulated in a finite spatial volume starting with a detailed comparison between quantization of massive free fields in the usual field theory and the light front (LF) quantization. We discuss basic properties such as relativistic invariance and causality. After the LF treatment of the soluble Federbush model, a LF approach to spontaneous symmetry breaking is explained and a simple gauge theory - the massive Schwinger model in various gauges is studied. A LF version of bosonization and the massive Thirring model are also discussed. A special chapter is devoted to the method of discretized light cone quantization and its application to calculations of the properties of quantum solitons. The problem of LF zero modes is illustrated with the example of the two-dimensional Yukawa model. Hamiltonian perturbation theory in the LF formulation is derived and applied to a few simple processes to demonstrate its advantages. As a byproduct, it is shown that the LF theory cannot be obtained as a "light-like" limit of the usual field theory quantized on an initial space-like surface. A simple LF formulation of the Higgs mechanism is then given. Since our intention was to provide a treatment of the light front quantization accessible to postgradual students, an effort was made to discuss most of the topics pedagogically and a number of technical details and derivations are contained in the appendices.
Macroscopic quantum electrodynamics - Concepts and applications
Authors: Scheel Stefan , Buhmann Stefan
Published: November 2010

Macroscopic quantum electrodynamics - Concepts and applications

In this article, we review the principles of macroscopic quantum electrodynamics and discuss a variety of applications of this theory to medium-assisted atom-field coupling and dispersion forces. The theory generalises the standard mode expansion of the electromagnetic fields in free space to allow for the presence of absorbing bodies. We show that macroscopic quantum electrodynamics provides the link between isolated atomic systems and magnetoelectric bodies, and serves as an important tool for the understanding of surface-assisted atomic relaxation effects and the intimately connected position-dependent energy shifts which give rise to Casimir—Polder and van der Waals forces.
Breaking of ocean surface waves
Authors: Babanin A.
Published: November 2010

Breaking of ocean surface waves
Recent trends in SCADA Power Distribution Automation Systems
Authors: Naidu Hari Kumar , Thanushkodi K
Published: November 2010

The objective of the study in this paper is to evaluate the advances in telecommunication, Information Technology and networking which offer SCADA Power supply Distribution automation as a solution to improve power distribution efficiencies. This paper also discusses the result of the indigenously developed prototype hardware and software model utilising the latest embedded technology innovation for SCADA Power Distribution Automation Systems for reliable performance of power system. Keywords: SCADA; Distribution management system; GIS, Distribution automation; Embedded system. DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i3.1531Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(3), 205-218, 2010