bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing Ag nanoparticle surface oxidation in contact with (in)organics: an X-ray scattering and fluorescence yield approach
Authors: Levard Clement , Michel F. Marc , Wang Yingge , Choi Yongseong , Eng Peter , Brown Gordon E.
Published: October 2011

Characterizing interfacial reactions is a crucial part of understanding the behavior of nanoparticles in nature and for unlocking their functional potential. Here, an advanced nanostructure characterization approach to study the corrosion processes of silver nanoparticles (Ag-Nps), currently the most highly produced nanoparticle for nanotechnology, is presented. Corrosion of Ag-Nps under aqueous conditions, in particular in the presence of organic matter and halide species common to many natural environments, is of particular importance because the release of toxic Ag+from oxidation/dissolution of Ag-Nps may strongly impact ecosystems. In this context, Ag-Nps capped with polyvinolpyrrolidone (PVP) in contact with a simple proxy of organic matter in natural waters [polyacrylic acid (PAA) and Cl−in solution] has been investigated. A combination of synchrotron-based X-ray standing-wave fluorescence yield- and X-ray diffraction-based experiments on a sample consisting of an approximately single-particle layer of Ag-Nps deposited on a silicon substrate and coated by a thin film of PAA containing Cl revealed the formation of a stable AgCl corrosion product despite the presence of potential surface stabilizers (PVP and PAA). Diffusion and precipitation processes at the Ag-Nps–PAA interface were characterized with a high spatial resolution using this new approach.
Dermoscopic detection of nail fold capillary abnormality in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: OHTSUKA Tsutomu
Published: October 2011

The diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is often difficult. The purpose of the present study was to find the distribution of nail fold capillary abnormality in SSc. Sixty‐two patients with SSc (male : female = 7:55, age 21–86 years, mean 60.1) admitted to the outpatient clinics were studied. Eighteen age‐ and sex‐matched normal subjects, 28 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 10 with dermatomyositis (DM) were also studied. Nail fold capillary loops were observed under immersion oil at a magnification of ×40 with a light microscope. Dilated capillaries, nail fold bleeding and avascular areas were found by dermoscopic observation. The distribution of dilated capillaries, nail fold bleeding and avascular areas in normal controls showed in one (5.6%), one (5.6%) and four cases (22.2%), respectively. The distribution of dilated capillaries, nail fold bleeding and avascular area in SSc patients showed in 27 cases (43.5%), eight cases (12.9%) and 16 cases (25.8%), respectively. The distribution of dilated capillaries and/or nail fold bleeding in SSc patients (29/62, 46.8%) was significantly elevated than that of normal controls (2/18, 11.1%) (P < 0.01). The distribution of overall abnormality in SSc (30/62, 48.4%) showed no significant difference compared with that of normal controls (4/18, 22.2%). Sensitivity and specificity for dilated capillaries and/or nail fold bleeding and overall nail fold abnormality in SSc patients compared with normal controls was calculated as 40.8% and 93.5%, 34.8% and 88.2%, respectively. Dermoscopic observation of dilated capillaries and/or nail fold bleeding is a sensitive and specific method for the detection of SSc.
Assessment of indicator species of butterfly assemblages in coffee–banana farming system in central Uganda
Authors: Munyuli Théodore
Published: October 2011

Butterflies are believed to be important pollinators because they are nectar/pollen feeders of both wild and cultivated plant species occurring in natural and managed systems. However, there exist very little knowledge about their spatio‐temporal distribution and diversity in agricultural systems of Sub‐Sahara Africa and in Uganda. There are no protocols to monitor the status of good pollinator species in these systems. The main aim of this study was to collect baseline information about indicator species of butterfly community in coffee–banana farming systems of central Uganda. Data were collected for 1 year (2006) using banana fruit‐bait traps, transect walk‐and‐counts and hand‐nets sampling methods. Indicator species of farmland habitats were identified using indicator value method. Species that emerged as significant (P < 0.05) suitable indicators were Catopsilia florella, Junonia sophia, Bicyclus safitza, Acraea acerata, Eurema hecabe, Ypthima albida, Zizula hylax, Acraea ventura, Eurema brigitta, Neptidopsis ophione, Junonia eonone, Zizeeria kynsna, Cupidopsis cissus, Junonia chorimene and Acrae uvui. These ubiquitous species were recommended to monitoring programmes as indicator species of butterfly communities delivering pollination services to cultivated and wild plants in farmland environments of central Uganda. Transect count was proposed as the best sampling technique to monitor butterfly species that may be involved in successful pollination activities in farmlands. There is a need to develop strategies to protect linear and nonlinear natural and semi‐natural habitats to offer sufficient refugia and breeding sites to butterflies inhabiting farmlands.
Association of MSX1 799 G>T variant with nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate in South Indian adolescent patients
Authors: SINGH VARUN P. , RAMU DINESH
Published: October 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 228–231

Background.  Nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate (NSCLP) is a common congenital anomaly with significant medical, psychological, social, and economic ramifications. It is an example of complex genetic trait. There is sufficient evidence to hypothesise that disease locus for this condition can be identified by candidate genes. The purpose of this study was to test whether MSX1 (799 G>T) gene variant was involved in the aetiology of NSCLP.

Methods.  Blood samples were collected with informed consent from 25 subjects having NSCLP and 25 controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples, polymerase chain reaction was performed (PCR), and digestion products were evaluated.

Results.  The Results showed a positive correlation between MSX1 (799 G>T) gene variant and NSCLP patients.

Conclusion.  MSX1 (799 G>T) gene variants may be a good screening marker for NSCLP.
Environmental, maternal, and child factors which contribute to early childhood caries: a unifying conceptual model
Authors: KIM SEOW W.
Published: October 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 157–168

Objectives.  Although the general pathways connecting the external social environment and child risk factors of early childhood caries (ECC) have been previously identified, the maternal and other links to ECC are not well understood.

The aim of this paper is to propose a unifying conceptual model that ties together the broad social environmental, maternal, and child factors that are commonly associated with ECC.

Methods.  The aetiological factors of ECC are first reviewed individually to demonstrate their connections with ECC risk followed by presentation of the unifying conceptual model.

Results.  In severe ECC cases, there is usually a background of social disadvantage associated with low socioeconomic status, ethnicity or immigrant status, and low maternal educational level. These factors are commonly associated with economic and familial stresses which may in turn result in maternal psychological distress. The distress may be compounded by difficult temperaments of the children and can lead to dysfunctional parenting behaviours that place a child at risk for ECC.

Conclusions.  The proposed conceptual model provides a framework that connects the social, psychological, and behavioural mediating factors involved in ECC. It demonstrates that the causative pathways involved are best explored using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research.
Tongue–pressure and hyoid movement timing in healthy liquid swallowing
Authors: Steele Catriona , Sasse Caroline , Bressmann Tim
Published: October 2011

It was hypothesized that tongue–palate pressure generation might directly facilitate hyoid movement in swallowing through the anatomical connections of the extrinsic tongue muscles. If true, non‐invasive measures of tongue–palate pressure timing might serve as a proxy measure of hyoid excursion. The timing relationships between events in the tongue–palate pressure and hyoid movement profiles during water and nectar‐thick liquid swallowing in healthy adults were explored. Concurrent intra‐oral manometry and submental B‐mode midsagittal ultrasound were recorded. It was determined that there is no obligate sequence in the onsets, or offsets, of tongue–palate pressures and hyoid excursion. Timing lags (either of hyoid movement lagging tongue–palate pressures or vice versa) fell within 0.5 s, on average. It is concluded that tongue–palate pressure generation and hyoid movement are separate phenomena in the swallowing sequence and that non‐invasive measures of tongue–pressure timing cannot be used reliably as proxy measures of hyoid movement timing.
Current evaluation of upper oesophageal sphincter opening in dysphagia practice: an international SLT survey
Authors: Regan Julie , Walshe Margaret , McMahon Barry P.
Published: October 2011

Background: The assessment of adequate upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) opening during swallowing is an integral component of dysphagia evaluation.

Aims: To ascertain speech and language therapists’ (SLTs) satisfaction with current methods for assessing UOS function in people with dysphagia and to identify challenges encountered by SLTs with UOS evaluation.

Methods & Procedures: A survey was disseminated to 82 SLT managers in Ireland; to two dysphagia Special Interest Groups in the UK; and to the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists’Bulletin periodical. A survey link was also posted on the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) Division 13 (Dysphagia) web forum.

Outcomes & Results: Surveys from 224 SLTs with active dysphagia caseloads were included in data analysis. Only 17.9% (40/224) of SLTs were satisfied with the accuracy and reliability of UOS evaluations currently being employed in dysphagia practice. Satisfaction with current UOS evaluation was not associated with the level of clinical experience (r= 0.078; p= 0.246). Eighty‐seven per cent (195/224) of SLTs working with dysphagia experience challenges in UOS evaluation. Challenges reported include lack of resources/equipment (55.9%), limited quantitative information (45.6%), lack of training (41%) and knowledge (39%) in UOS function, and limited multidisciplinary team involvement (34%).

Conclusions & Implications: SLTs across all levels of clinical experience are not satisfied with current UOS evaluation in dysphagia practice. Based on the specific challenges identified, recommendations to progress SLT evaluation of UOS function in people with dysphagia are proposed.
Agricultural Exports and Food Insecurity in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Qualititative Configurational Analysis
Authors: Brigham Anne Margrethe
Published: October 2011

Export of agricultural products is increasingly seen as one of the few viable instruments to solve the problem of food insecurity in developing countries. Using the configurative comparative method to study 17 countries in sub‐Saharan Africa, this article argues that increasing agricultural export is only beneficial for certain types of developing countries. Before agricultural exports are encouraged, food availability, agricultural labour productivity, the share of agriculture in total GDP, the amount of staple food imports, and the share of investment goods in total imports should be considered.
IMPERFECT SUBSTITUTES FOR PERFECT COMPLEMENTS: SOLVING THE ANTICOMMONS PROBLEM
Authors: Alvisi Matteo , Carbonara Emanuela
Published: October 2011

An integrated monopoly, where two complements forming a composite good are offered by a single firm, is typically welfare superior to a complementary monopoly. This is ‘the tragedy of the anticommons’. We analyse the robustness of such result when competition is introduced for one or both complements. Particularly, competition in only one of the two markets may be welfare superior to an integrated monopoly if and only if the substitutes differ in their quality so that, as their number increases, average quality and/or quality variance increases. Then, absent an adequate level of product differentiation, favouring competition in some sectors while leaving monopolies in others may be detrimental for consumers and producers alike. Instead, competition in both markets may be welfare superior if goods are close substitutes and their number in each market is sufficiently high, no matter the degree of product differentiation.
Loops of Energy Bands for Bloch Waves in Optical Lattices
Authors: Coles Matt , Pelinovsky Dmitry
Published: October 2011

We consider stationary Bloch waves in a Bose–Einstein condensate placed in a periodic potential for varying strengths of inter‐atomic interactions. Bifurcations of the stationary states are known to occur in this context. These bifurcations generate loops in the energy bands of the Bloch waves near the ends and the center of the Brillouin zone. Using the method of Lyapunov–Schmidt reductions, we show that these bifurcations are of the supercritical pitchfork type. We also characterize the change in stability of the stationary states across the bifurcation point. Analytical results are illustrated by numerical computations.
Use of an Emergency Preparedness Disaster Simulation With Undergraduate Nursing Students
Authors: Kaplan Barbara G. , Connor Ann , Ferranti Erin P. , Holmes Leslie , Spencer Linda
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT This is a report of an educational strategy to prepare nursing students to respond to disasters. The strategy includes an emergency preparedness disaster simulation (EPDS) implemented in a school of nursing simulation lab using patient simulators, task trainer mannequins, and live actors. The EPDS immerses student groups into a “tornado ravaged assisted‐living facility” where the principles of emergency preparedness can be employed. A total of 90 B.S.N. students participated in the EPDS in the final semester of their senior year. Student post‐simulation survey responses were overwhelmingly positive, with mean scores of 4.65 (on a 5‐point Likert scale) reported for the EPDS “increasing understanding of emergency preparedness” and “well organized.” Mean scores were over 4.40 for “scenario believability, increasing knowledge base, increasing confidence in working in teams, ability to handle emergency preparedness situations and to work more effectively in hospital or clinic.” The lowest mean score of 4.04 was for “prompting realistic expectations.” Owing to the effectiveness of this educational strategy, the EPDS has been incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum.
Orphans and Political Instability
Authors: Breuning Marijke , Ishiyama John
Published: October 2011

Objective

This study investigates the security implications of growing orphan populations, particularly in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Little has been written about the security implications of this especially vulnerable group of children. Are growing orphan populations associated with increases in political instability as has been suggested?

Method

Using data from several sources, we employ regression analysis to test whether Sub‐Saharan African countries with larger proportions of orphans and those with increasing orphan populations experience higher rates of political instability.

Results

We find that the increase in the orphan population is related to an increasing incidence of civil conflict, but do not find a similar relationship for the proportion of orphans. In addition, we find that the causes of orphanhood matter.

Conclusions

We conclude that increases in orphan populations (rather than simple proportions) are destabilizing. We suggest possible avenues for mediating the security risks posed by growing orphan populations.
MMP‐8 ‐799 C>T genetic polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility to chronic and aggressive periodontitis in Taiwanese
Authors: Chou Yu‐Hsiang , Ho Ya‐Ping , Lin Ying‐Chu , Hu Kai‐Fang , Yang Yi‐Hsin , Ho Kun‐Yen , Wu Yi‐Min , Hsi Edward , Tsai Chi‐Cheng
Published: October 2011

Aim

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8 is a protease that degrades numerous extracellular molecules and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Polymorphism in the MMP‐8 could affect the susceptibility to disease. Our aim was to evaluate the association between periodontitis and MMP‐8 ‐799 C>T polymorphism.

Material and methods

Genomic DNA was obtained from 361 chronic periodontitis patients (CP), 96 aggressive periodontitis patients (AgP), and 106 periodontally healthy controls (HC). MMP‐8 ‐799 C>T polymorphism was determined using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP).

Results

The frequencies of genotypes in diseased groups were similar but were significantly different from those in the HC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, gender and smoking indicated that increased risks of AgP and CP were associated with the ‐799 T allele (in AgP, adjusted OR = 1.99, p = 0.04; in CP, adjusted OR = 1.87, p = 0.007). To avoid the confounded effect of smoking on MMP‐8 polymorphism to periodontitis, the analysis was conducted on non‐smokers and the associations were significant.

Conclusions

These results suggested that non‐smoking Taiwanese with the MMP‐8 ‐799 T allele were associated with the risks of both CP and AgP. Further studies in other ethnic populations are necessary.
Climate change could alter the distribution of mountain pine beetle outbreaks in western Canada
Authors: Sambaraju Kishan R. , Carroll Allan L. , Zhu Jun , Stahl Kerstin , Moore R. Dan , Aukema Brian H.
Published: October 2011

Climate change can markedly impact biology, population ecology, and spatial patterns of eruptive insects due to the direct influence of temperature on insect development and population success. The mountain pine beetle Dendroctonus ponderosae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a landscape‐altering insect that infests forests of North America. Abundant availability of host trees due to altered disturbance regimes has facilitated an unprecedented, landscape‐wide outbreak of this pest in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, during the past decade. A previous outbreak in the 1980s, in central British Columbia, collapsed due to host depletion and extreme cold weather events. Despite the importance of such extreme weather events and other temperature‐related signals in modulating an outbreak, few landscape‐level models have studied the associations of extreme cold events with outbreak occurrences. We studied the individual associations of several biologically‐relevant cold temperature variables, and other temperature/degree‐day terms, with outbreak occurrences in a spatial‐temporal logistic regression model using data from the current outbreak. Timing, frequency, and duration of cold snaps had a severe negative association with occurrence of an outbreak in a given area. Large drops in temperature (>10°C) or extreme winter minimum temperatures reduced the outbreak probability. We then used the model to apply eight different climate change scenarios to the peak year of the current outbreak. Our scenarios involved combinations of increasing annual temperature and different variances about this trend. Our goal was to examine how spatial outbreak pattern would have changed in the face of changing thermal regime if the underlying outbreak behaviour remained consistent. We demonstrate that increases in mean temperature by 1°C to 4°C profoundly increased the risk of outbreaks with effects first being manifested at higher elevations and then at increasing latitudes. However, increasing the variance associated with a mean temperature increase did not change the overall trend in outbreak potential.
ANALYSIS OF VARIOUS SWEETENERS IN PETIT SUISSE CHEESE: DETERMINATION OF THE IDEAL AND EQUIVALENT SWEETNESS
Authors: DE SOUZA VANESSA RIOS , PINHEIRO ANA CARLA MARQUES , CARNEIRO JOÃO DE DEUS SOUZA , PINTO SANDRA MARIA , ABREU LUÍZ RONALDO , MENEZES CAMILA CARVALHO
Published: October 2011

For a sweetener to successfully replace sucrose in food formulations, studies must first determine the necessary concentration of the sweetener to be used and its equivalent sweetness to sucrose. In this study, we verified both the equivalent sweetness and the magnitude of sweetness of processed cheese sweetened with different sweeteners and combinations of sweeteners. A total of four formulations were evaluated: sucralose, sucralose/acesulfame‐K (4:1), thaumatin/sucralose (2:1) and cyclamate/saccharin (1:1). First, the sweetness was determined using the ideal scale. Next, we determined the equivalent sweetness compared to sucrose (considered to be ideal in terms of sweetness) for each sweetener studied and evaluated its sweetness through the magnitude estimation method. The concentration of sucrose considered ideal in strawberry petit suisse was 17%. To promote a sweetness equivalent to the ideal (17% sucrose) sucralose, sucralose/acesulfame‐K (4:1), thaumatin/sucralose (2:1) and cyclamate/saccharin (1:1) sweeteners should be added to processed cheese at concentrations of 0.065%, 0.066%, 0.108% and 0.349%, respectively.

PRACTICAL APLICATIONS

The purpose of this work is to study the use of sweeteners, including thaumatin in petit suisse. The study of sweeteners in this product is important because currently consumers yearn for more healthy products and the fact of not having many studies related to this product. Therefore, this work supports the development of a new product, with more consumer desires and contributing to the competitiveness of the market.
Worldwide Inflation and International Monetary Reform: Exchange Rates or Interest Rates?
Authors: McKinnon Ronald
Published: October 2011

The international dollar standard is malfunctioning. Near‐zero US short‐term interest rates launch massive hot money outflows into emerging markets (EM) in Asia and Latin America. Each EM central bank buys dollars to prevent its currency from appreciating but loses monetary control. Despite some appreciation, average inflation in EMs is now much higher than in the old industrial economies and world commodity prices are bid up sharply. This inflation on the dollar's periphery only registers in the US CPI with a long lag. However, the more immediate effect of the Fed's zero interest rate is to upset the process of bank intermediation within the American economy. Bank credit continues to decline while employment languishes. Therefore, constructive international monetary reform calls for the Fed to abandon its zero‐interest rate policy, which is best done in cooperation with the European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan, and the Bank of England also abandoning their ultra low interest rates.
China's Economic Growth: International Spillovers
Authors: Arora Vivek , Vamvakidis Athanasios
Published: October 2011

China's economic development since 1978 is one of the most significant events in recent history. Many aspects of this development have been extensively analyzed in the published literature. However, the implications of China's growth for other countries have been relatively neglected. The present paper attempts to fill this gap in the literature. The paper first presents some facts on China's role in the world economy, and then measures the impact of China's growth on growth in the rest of the world in both the short term and the long term. Short‐run estimates based on vector autoregression and error correction models suggest that spillover effects of China's growth have increased in recent decades. Long‐term spillover effects, estimated through growth regressions based on panel data, are also significant and have extended in recent decades beyond Asia. The estimates are robust to the effects of global and regional shocks, changes in model specification, and sample period.
Inflation and Economic Growth in China: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Hwang Jen‐Te , Wu Ming‐Jia
Published: October 2011

Using official provincial data for gross provincial product, consumer price index and other explanatory variables from 1986 to 2006, the present paper investigates the nonlinear effects of inflation on economic growth in China. The main finding of the study is that the inflation threshold effect is highly significant and robust in China. Above the 2.50 percent threshold, every 1‐percentage point increase in the inflation rate impedes economic growth by 0.61 percent; below this threshold, every 1‐percentage point increase in the inflation rate stimulates growth by 0.53 percent. This indicates that high inflation harms economic growth, whereas moderate inflation benefits growth. We suggest that China should maintain a moderate inflation rate for long‐run growth.
Intellectual Property Rights and Patenting in China's High‐technology Industries: Does Ownership Matter?
Authors: Yang Chih‐Hai , Kuo Chun‐Chien , Ramstetter Eric D.
Published: October 2011

This paper aims to systematically investigate the impacts of strengthening intellectual property rights on patenting in China's high‐technology industries and to explore the potential differences in response to patent reform by ownership. Empirical results show that the estimated patent elasticity of R&D is lower than that for OECD countries, indicating relatively low R&D productivity for China's high‐technology industries. The direct innovation effect of technology imports is negative, while the absorptive ability embodied in R&D helps in gaining external sources of knowledge, thus contributing to innovations. Specifically, strengthening intellectual property rights can induce more innovations in terms of patents in China's high‐technology industries and is particularly relevant to foreign‐owned high‐technology enterprises.
Improved Determination of d‐Glucosamine Hydrochloride in Health Foods by HPLC Using 7‐Fluoro‐4‐Nitrobenzo‐2‐Oxa‐l,3‐Diazole as a Derivative
Authors: Su Guanmin , Wang Xifeng , Chi Defeng , Li Lin , Shao Lihua
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  This article presents an improved method to detect d‐glucosamine hydrochloride in health foods. A simple precolumn derivatization procedure with 7‐flouro‐4‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD‐F) reagent was employed. The separation of the derivatized d‐glucosamine hydrochloride (NBD‐d‐glucosamine hydrochloride) was performed using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.01 mol/L), and trifluoroacetic acid (350:649.74:0.26, volume ratio) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with the column temperature 35 °C. Under the optimum chromatographic conditions, the peak area of NBD‐d‐glucosamine hydrochloride compared with its absolute value of the peak area of NBD‐d‐glucosamine hydrochloride in a standard solution concentration range from 1.0 to 500.0 mg/L showed a good linear calibration (R = 0.9999). Recoveries, at spiked concentrations of 10.0, 40.0, and 500.0 mg/L, varied between 97.2% and 102.6% with relative standard deviations ranging from 0.4% to 1.5%. The present method provides sufficient sensitivity as reflected by the values of limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). LOD was determined from the signal‐to‐noise ratios (S/N) of NBD‐d‐glucosamine hydrochloride peak of at least 3 in the recovery test at 0.02 mg/L, and the estimated LOQ was 0.06 mg/L (S/N = 10). The proposed method was successfully applicable to detect d‐glucosamine hydrochloride in health foods and drugs containing a variety of complex materials.
Comparative Study of the Hepatoprotective Efficacy of Artemisia iwayomogi and Artemisia capillaris on Ethanol‐Administered Mice
Authors: Lee Hae‐In , Seo Kyung‐Ok , Yun Kyeong Won , Kim Myung‐Joo , Lee Mi‐Kyung
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  We compared the effects of ethylacetate extracts from Artemisia iwayomogi (AIE) and Artemisia capillaris (ACE) on ethanol‐induced hepatic injury in mice. Ethanol (25% v/v, 5 g/kg body weight) was orally administered once a day for 6 wk. AIE or ACE was provided in the diet (0.05 g/100 g diet). AIE and ACE did not affect hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase activity but did significantly inhibit cytochrome P450 2E1 activity. Hepatic acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 activity significantly increased in the AIE group compared to the control group. AIE caused a significant decrease in plasma acetaldehyde levels and aspartate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, whereas ACE slightly decreased these values compared to the control. Hepatic catalase activity and glutathione levels were significantly increased by AIE and ACE supplements, whereas glutathione peroxidase activity was higher only in the AIE group compared to the control group. AIE and ACE supplements significantly lowered the plasma cholesterol concentration and increased the HDL‐cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio compared to the control group. Compared to the control, both AIE and ACE groups showed a significant decrease in hepatic triglyceride levels and an increase in fecal triglyceride excretion simultaneous with inhibition hepatic activities of fatty acid synthase, phosphatidate phosphohyrolase, fatty acid β‐oxidation, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase. AIE significantly lowered hepatic cholesterol levels and increased fecal cholesterol levels compared to the control. These results indicate that AIE and ACE exhibit hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic properties by enhancing hepatic alcohol, antioxidant, and lipid metabolism. AIE seemed to have more potent hepatoprotective effects than ACE.
Transverse Heterogeneity Effects in the Dissipation-Induced Instability of a Horizontal Porous Layer
Authors: Barletta A. , Celli M. , Kuznetsov A. V.
Published: October 2011

The linear stability of a parallel flow in a heterogeneous porous channel is analyzed by means of the Darcy law and the Oberbeck–Boussinesq approximation. The basic velocity and temperature distributions are influenced by the effect of the viscous dissipation, as well as, by the boundary conditions. A horizontal porous layer bounded by impermeable and infinitely wide walls is considered. The lower boundary is assumed to be thermally insulated, while the upper boundary is assumed to be isothermal. A transverse heterogeneity for the permeability and for the thermal conductivity is taken into account. The main task of this work is to investigate the role of this heterogeneity in changing the threshold for the onset of instability. A linear stability analysis by means of the normal modes method is performed. The onset of instability against oblique rolls is studied. The eigenvalue problem is solved numerically.
An Experimental Study of Natural Convection in Vertical, Open-Ended, Concentric, and Eccentric Annular Channels
Authors: Choueiri G. H. , Tavoularis S.
Published: October 2011

The effects of eccentricity on the natural convection heat transfer from a vertical open-ended cylindrical annulus with diameter ratio of 1.63 and aspect ratio of 18:1 have been investigated experimentally. Within the range of present conditions, and with the possible exclusion of the highest eccentricities, it was found that the flow was thermally fully developed in a considerable section of the apparatus, as indicated by the linear variation of wall temperature with height. This made it possible to estimate the mass flow rate from the wall temperature gradient in the mid-section of the annulus, and use it to calculate the bulk Reynolds number, which was found to be weakly sensitive to eccentricity for a constant wall heat flux and to increase with increased wall heat flux. With the exception of the very low eccentricity range in which it was insensitive to eccentricity, the overall heat transfer rate diminished monotonically with increasing eccentricity. Plots of the local azimuthal variation of the Nusselt number showed that, at low eccentricities, the heat transfer rate increased near the wider gap but decreased near the narrower gap. The average Nusselt number was found to decrease measurably with increasing eccentricity and to increase slightly with increasing heat flux within the examined range. In contrast, the Grashof number was found to be much more sensitive to changes in heat flux and only had a weak dependence on eccentricity.
Systems Modeling of Chemical Hydride Hydrogen Storage Materials for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Brooks Kriston , Devarakonda Maruthi , Rassat Scot , Holladay Jamie
Published: October 2011

A fixed bed reactor was designed, modeled and simulated for hydrogen storage on-board the vehicle for PEM fuel cell applications. Ammonia borane was selected by DOE’s Hydrogen Storage Engineering Center of Excellence as the initial chemical hydride of study because of its high hydrogen storage capacity (up to ∼16% by weight for the release of ∼2.5 molar equivalents of hydrogen gas) and its stability under typical ambient conditions. The design evaluated consisted of a tank with eight thermally isolated sections in which H2 flows freely between sections to provide ballast. Heating elements are used to initiate reactions in each section when pressure drops below a specified level in the tank. Reactor models in Excel and COMSOL were developed to demonstrate the proof-of-concept, which was then used to develop systems models in Matlab/Simulink. Experiments and drive cycle simulations showed that the storage system meets thirteen 2010 DOE targets in entirety and the remaining four at greater than 60% of the target.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 4 October 2011
Authors: Levchenko Andre , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: October 2011

By working together, cells can overcome the loss of information as it flows through a signaling network.
Getting Choosy
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: October 2011

Distinct cytoplasmic receptors detect specific pathogen-associated molecules to confer inflammasomes with ligand specificity.
Neutrophil-Derived Cathelicidin Protects from Neointimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Soehnlein Oliver , Wantha Sarawuth , Simsekyilmaz Sakine , Döring Yvonne , Megens Remco T. A. , Mause Sebastian F. , Drechsler Maik , Smeets Ralf , Weinandy Stefan , Schreiber Fabian , Gries Thomas , Jockenhoevel Stefan , Möller Martin , Vijayan Santosh , van Zandvoort Marc A. M. J. , Agerberth Birgitta , Pham Christine T. , Gallo Richard L. , Hackeng Tilman M. , Liehn Elisa A. , Zernecke Alma , Klee Doris , Weber Christian
Published: October 2011

Cathelicidin-coated stents limit neointima formation.
Immunodiagnosis of Tuberculosis: a Dynamic View of Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Kunnath-Velayudhan Shajo , Gennaro Maria Laura
Published: October 2011

Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes a variety of clinical conditions ranging from life-long asymptomatic infection to overt disease with increasingly severe tissue damage and a heavy bacillary burden. Immune biomarkers should follow the evolution of infection and disease because the host immune response is at the core of protection against disease and tissue damage in M. tuberculosis infection. Moreover, levels of immune markers are often affected by the antigen load. We review how the clinical spectrum of M. tuberculosis infection correlates with the evolution of granulomatous lesions and how granuloma structural changes are reflected in the peripheral circulation. We also discuss how antigen-specific, peripheral immune responses change during infection and how these changes are associated with the physiology of the tubercle bacillus. We propose that a dynamic approach to immune biomarker research should overcome the challenges of identifying those asymptomatic and symptomatic stages of infection that require antituberculosis treatment. Implementation of such a view requires longitudinal studies and a systems immunology approach leading to multianalyte assays.
Novel Metabolic Attributes of the Genus
Cyanothece
, Comprising a Group of Unicellular Nitrogen-Fixing Cyanobacteria
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Anindita , Elvitigala Thanura , Welsh Eric , Stöckel Jana , Liberton Michelle , Min Hongtao , Sherman Louis A. , Pakrasi Himadri B.
Published: October 2011

The genus
Cyanothece
comprises unicellular cyanobacteria that are morphologically diverse and ecologically versatile. Studies over the last decade have established members of this genus to be important components of the marine ecosystem, contributing significantly to the nitrogen and carbon cycle. System-level studies of
Cyanothece
sp. ATCC 51142, a prototypic member of this group, revealed many interesting metabolic attributes. To identify the metabolic traits that define this class of cyanobacteria, five additional
Cyanothece
strains were sequenced to completion. The presence of a large, contiguous nitrogenase gene cluster and the ability to carry out aerobic nitrogen fixation distinguish
Cyanothece
as a genus of unicellular, aerobic nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria.
Cyanothece
cells can create an anoxic intracellular environment at night, allowing oxygen-sensitive processes to take place in these oxygenic organisms. Large carbohydrate reserves accumulate in the cells during the day, ensuring sufficient energy for the processes that require the anoxic phase of the cells. Our study indicates that this genus maintains a plastic genome, incorporating new metabolic capabilities while simultaneously retaining archaic metabolic traits, a unique combination which provides the flexibility to adapt to various ecological and environmental conditions. Rearrangement of the nitrogenase cluster in
Cyanothece
sp. strain 7425 and the concomitant loss of its aerobic nitrogen-fixing ability suggest that a similar mechanism might have been at play in cyanobacterial strains that eventually lost their nitrogen-fixing ability.

IMPORTANCE
The unicellular cyanobacterial genus
Cyanothece
has significant roles in the nitrogen cycle in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Cyanothece
sp. ATCC 51142 was extensively studied over the last decade and has emerged as an important model photosynthetic microbe for bioenergy production. To expand our understanding of the distinctive metabolic capabilities of this cyanobacterial group, we analyzed the genome sequences of five additional
Cyanothece
strains from different geographical habitats, exhibiting diverse morphological and physiological attributes. These strains exhibit high rates of N
2
fixation and H
2
production under aerobic conditions. They can generate copious amounts of carbohydrates that are stored in large starch-like granules and facilitate energy-intensive processes during the dark, anoxic phase of the cells. The genomes of some
Cyanothece
strains are quite unique in that there are linear elements in addition to a large circular chromosome. Our study provides novel insights into the metabolism of this class of unicellular nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria.
Disruptive selection for sternopleural bristle phenotypes inDrosophila ananassae
Authors: Nanda Punita , Singh Bashisth N.
Published: October 2011

Disruptive selection is potentially critical in maintaining variation and initiating speciation and plays an important role in the organization of genetic variability in natural populations. It occurs when extreme phenotypes have a fitness advantage over intermediate phenotypes. Disruptive selection for high and low numbers of sternopleural bristles in Drosophila ananassae was applied for 12 generations to test its effect in induction of behavioural isolation. Pattern of mating between flies of high and low lines was tested in an Elens–Wattiaux mating chamber by using a multiple-choice technique after G5and G12. Data was analyzed by calculating χ2under the assumption of random mating to test the difference between homo- and heterogamic matings, and sexual isolation was tested by calculating the isolation estimate. The results show that there is no evidence for sexual isolation in G5and G12. The realized heritability, standard error of regression coefficient, and t values suggest that disruptive selection for sternopleural bristle phenotypes was effective, but it does not lead to behavioral isolation in D. ananassae. Rather, it induces differences in mating propensity, which is influenced by sternopleural bristle phenotypes.
A multi-proxy record of the Latest Danian Event at Gebel Qreiya, Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Sprong J. , Youssef M. A. , Bornemann A. , Schulte P. , Steurbaut E. , Stassen P. , Kouwenhoven T. J. , Speijer R. P.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The Latest Danian Event (LDE) is a proposed early Palaeogene transient warming event similar to the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum, albeit of smaller magnitude. The LDE can be correlated with a carbon isotope excursion (‘CIE-DS1’) at Zumaia, Spain, and the ‘top Chron C27n event’ defined recently from ocean drilling sites in the Atlantic and Pacific, supporting a global extent. Yet, records of environmental change during the LDE (e.g. warming and sea-level fluctuations) are still rare. In this study, we focus on the micropalaeontology (calcareous nannofossils and benthic foraminifera), mineralogy and trace element geochemistry of the LDE in the Qreiya 3 section from the southern Tethyan margin in Egypt. In this section, the LDE is characterized by the occurrence of anomalous beds intercalated within upper Danian shales and marls. The event beds of the LDE are situated above an unconformity on top of a shallowing-upwards sequence deposited in a well-oxygenated outer neritic to upper bathyal marine palaeoenvironment. The lower LDE bed is barren of benthic foraminifera, but contains pyrite and fish remains, and is interpreted as an anoxic level formed during rapid relative sea-level rise. Incursion of a Neoeponides duwi (Nakkady, 1950) benthic assemblage in LDE bed II is interpreted as repopulation of the seafloor after anoxia. The sea-level cycle associated with the LDE is estimated at about 50 m maximum in the Qreiya 3 section. The environmental changes at Qreiya 3 are of supra-regional extent, since a similar sequence of events has been observed at other southern Tethyan locations.
Impacts of Metal Impurities on Recombination Properties at Small Angle Grain Boundaries in Multicrystalline Silicon for Solar Cells
Authors: Sameshima Takashi , Tsuchiya Yuki , Miyazaki Naoto , Tachibana Tomihisa , Ohshita Yoshio , Arafune Koji , Ogura Atsushi
Published: October 2011

The correlation between recombination properties and detailed misorientation angles at small angle grain boundaries SA-GBs in multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) after metal contamination were evaluated. After metal contamination, EBIC contrast enhancements at > 1.5o SA-GBs were on the order of Fe/1000 oC > Ni/1000 oC > Ni/600 oC, while at < 1.5o SA-GBs they were seldom different from any contamination. These results might be attributed to Fe and Ni atoms forming different energy levels in recombination centers and the getting abilities of SA-GBs depending on misorientation angles, i.e., dislocation density at SA-GBs. Many dark spots were observed after Ni/600 oC. After Secco etching, we confirmed that the dark spots corresponded to etch pits. Denuded zones at vicinity of SA-GBs were observed after only Fe/1000 oC. The gettering ability of SA-GBs depends on dislocation density and the difference in recombination properties after metal contamination was affected by the types of metal impurities.
Sensitization of Porous Silicon with Germanium Quantum Dots for Up-Conversion of Low Energy Photons via Intermediate Band for Third Generation Solar Cells
Authors: Karoui Abdennaceur , Kechiantz Ara
Published: October 2011

Incorporation of germanium quantum dots (QDs) in porous silicon (PS) promises foundation of efficient intermediate band (IB) within the bandgap of the host material. We have developed the idealized model for such material system intended to be used for third generation solar cells. We solved Schrodinger equation for a chain of Ge nanodots embedded in a pore of columnar porous silicon material. We have shown that holes induce narrow energy band lined up with the forbidden band gap of Si and spreads over some distance from the chain into Si. The last feature is very desirable for efficient operation of IB structure associated with PS solar cells.
Density Functional Investigation of Charge Transfer in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Pujari Bhalchandra S. , Gusarov Sergey , Brett Michael , Kovalenko Andriy
Published: October 2011

We study the ground state and excited state geometry, and detailed electronic structure of the germafluorene based polymer PGFDTBT and C70 interface. The charge transfer is studied by analyzing the charge densities of individual orbitals near the HOMO and LUMO. Our results indicate that the charge transfer at the ground state of Polymer:C70 interface is negligible, while the efficient charge transfer from polymer to C70 takes place upon excitation. The transfer is enabled by a "bridging state" which is energetically in between the "hole state" and the "charge separated" state.
Low Cost Hybrid Solar Cell Integration on Wall Tiles
Authors: Reyes Tolosa Maria D. , Orozco Messana Javier , Hernández Fenollosa M. Angeles , Camaratta Rubens , Niedersberg Alvaro , Bolink H.J , Soriano Alejandra , Brine Hicham
Published: October 2011

On this paper the first Building Integrated Hybrid Photovoltaic (BIHPV) cell obtained on a commercial tile is presented. The experimental techniques used allow a future low cost development of these cells for its massive use on facades for buildings. The basic concept includes a metal projected layer as back contact with an electron injection layer of electrodeposited ZnO, an organic PBCBM/P3HT photovoltaic cell with a closing TCO thin film on top. Integration with the substrate problems have been solved and allow further work on cell performance and durability.
Effect of [Zn2+] Concentration on the Formation of Zinc Sulfide Film as a Buffer Layer of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Zhong Zhao-Yang , Li Zhao-Hui , Cho Eou-Sik , Kwon Sang Jik
Published: October 2011

ZnS buffer layer thin films for Cn(In, Ga)Se2 solar cells have been prepared by chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique with the bath temperature of 80ºC. Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4•7H2O), thiourea (CS(NH2)2) and ammonia (NH4OH) solutions were used to deposit ZnS film onto ITO/Glass. The [Zn2+] (ZnSO4) concentration was varied from 0.006 to 0.04 M, while CS(NH2)2 and NH4OH concentrations were fixed at 0.2 M and 1.5 M respectively. And the thickness and transmittance of different ZnS films were measured and the band gap (Eg) was calculated. The results showed that the thickness and the deposition rate increased as increasing the [Zn2+] concentration. The surface morphology was also analyzed. More ZnS grains were generated and deposited on the substrate so that more ZnS films were covered on the surface of the substrate. However, the optical band gap slightly decreased from 3.87 to 3.85 eV when the [Zn2+] concentration increased.
Improved Off-State Stress Critical Voltage on AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors Utilizing Pt/Ti/Au Based Gate Metallization
Authors: Lo Chien-Fong , Liu Lu , Kang Tsung-Sheng , Davies Ryan , Gila Brent P. , Pearton S. J. , Kravchenko I. I. , Laboutin Oleg , Cao Yu , Johnson Wayne , Ren F.
Published: October 2011

The critical voltage for degradation of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) employed with the Pt/Ti/Au gate metallization instead of the commonly used Ni/Au was significantly increased during the off-state stress. The typical critical voltage for HEMTs with Ni/Au gate metallization was around -60V. By sharp contrast, no critical voltage was observed for the HEMTs with Pt/Ti/Au gate metallization, even up to -100V, which was the instrumental limitation in this experiment. Both Schottky forward and reverse gate characteristics of the Ni/Au degraded once the gate voltage passed the critical voltage of around -60V. There was no degradation exhibited for the HEMTs with Pt-gated HEMTs.