bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequence of a Duck Hepatitis A Virus 1 Isolated from a Pigeon in China
Authors: Shi Shaohua , Chen Hongmei , Chen Zhen , Fu Guanghua , Wan Chunhe , Huang Yu , Lin Su , Cheng Longfei , Fu Qiuling , Lin Jiansheng , Lin Fang
Published: July 2013

We report here the complete genome sequence of a duck hepatitis A virus 1 (DHAV-1), strain FJ1220, isolated from a dead pigeon in eastern China. DHAV-1 FJ1220 has high homology of up to 99.6% to the DHAV-1 strain Du/CH/LGD/111238 but relatively low homology to strains FFZ05 and FZ05. An amino acid hypervariable region in the VP1 protein of FJ1220 has the motif
180
TPSGR
184
replaced by
180
ALSRG
184
compared to strains FFZ05 and FZ05.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Frankia
sp. Strain BMG5.12, a Nitrogen-Fixing Actinobacterium Isolated from Tunisian Soils
Authors: Nouioui Imen , Beauchemin Nicholas , Cantor Michael N. , Chen Amy , Detter J. Chris , Furnholm Teal , Ghodhbane-Gtari Faten , Goodwin Lynne , Gtari Maher , Han Cliff , Han James , Huntemann Marcel , Hua Susan Xinyu , Ivanova Natalia , Kyrpides Nikos , Markowitz Victor , Mavrommatis Kostas , Mikhailova Natalia , Nordberg Henrik P. , Ovchinnikova Galina , Pagani Ioanna , Pati Amrita , Sen Arnab , Sur Saubashya , Szeto Ernest , Thakur Subarna , Wall Luis , Wei Chia-Lin , Woyke Tanja , Tisa Louis S.
Published: July 2013

Members of the actinomycete genus
Frankia
form a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with 8 different families of actinorhizal plants. We report a draft genome sequence for
Frankia
sp. strain BMG5.12, a nitrogen-fixing actinobacterium isolated from Tunisian soils with the ability to infect
Elaeagnus angustifolia
and
Myrica gale
.
Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus sakei subsp.
sakei
LS25, a Commercial Starter Culture Strain for Fermented Sausage
Authors: McLeod Anette , Brede Dag Anders , Rud Ida , Axelsson Lars
Published: July 2013

Lactobacillus sakei
is a lactic acid bacterium associated primarily with fermented meat and fish. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
L. sakei
subsp.
sakei
strain LS25, a commercial starter culture strain for fermented sausage.
Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus gastricus PS3, a Strain Isolated from Human Milk
Authors: Martín Virginia , Cárdenas Nivia , Jiménez Esther , Maldonado Antonio , Rodríguez Juan Miguel , Fernández Leonides
Published: July 2013

Lactobacillus gastricus
is a mostly unknown lactobacilli species associated with mucosal surfaces. We present the draft annotated genome sequence of
L. gastricus
strain PS3, isolated from a human milk sample, to provide new insights into its biology and to characterize those genes related to advantageous technological and beneficial properties.
Comparing two types of macrolide antibiotics for the purpose of assessing population-based drug interactions
Authors: Fleet Jamie L , Shariff Salimah Z , Bailey David G , Gandhi Sonja , Juurlink David N , Nash Danielle M , Mamdani Muhammad , Gomes Tara , Patel Amit M , Garg Amit X
Published: July 2013

Objective

Clarithromycin strongly inhibits enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4, preventing the metabolism of some other drugs, while azithromycin is a weak inhibitor. Accordingly, blood concentrations of other drugs increase with clarithromycin coprescription leading to adverse events. These macrolide antibiotics also differ on other properties that may impact outcomes. In this study, we compared outcomes in two groups of macrolide antibiotic users in the absence of potentially interacting drugs.

Design

Population-based retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Ontario, Canada, from 2003 to 2010.

Patients

Patients (mean 74 years) prescribed clarithromycin (n=52 251) or azithromycin (referent group, n=46 618).

Main outcomes

The primary outcomes were hospital admission within 30 days of a new antibiotic prescription with any of the 12 conditions examined separately (acute kidney injury, acute myocardial infarction, neuroimaging (proxy for delirium), hypotension, syncope, hyperkalaemia, hyponatraemia, hyperglycaemia, arrhythmia, ischaemic stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding and sepsis). The secondary outcome was mortality.

Results

The baseline characteristics of the two groups, including patient demographics, comorbid conditions, infection type and prescribing physician specialty, were nearly identical. The median daily dose was 1000 mg for clarithromycin and 300 mg for azithromycin and the median duration of dispensing antibiotics was 10 and 5 days, respectively. There was no difference between the groups in the risk of hospitalisation for any condition studied (relative risk ranged from 0.67 to 1.23). Compared with azithromycin, clarithromycin was associated with a slightly higher risk of all-cause mortality (0.46% vs 0.37%, relative risk 1.25, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.52).

Conclusions

Clarithromycin can be used to assess drug interactions in population-based studies with azithromycin serving as a control group. However, any differences in mortality observed between the two antibiotic groups in the setting of other drug use may be partially attributable to factors beyond the inhibition of drug metabolising enzymes and transporters, as the difference for this outcome was significant.
Population genetic structure and genetic diversity of soybean aphid collections from the USA, South Korea, and Japan
Authors: Jun Tae-Hwan , Michel Andrew P. , Wenger Jacob A. , Kang Sung-Taeg , Mian M.A. Rouf
Published: July 2013

Following its recent invasion of North America, the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) has become the number one insect pest of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) in the north central states of the USA. A few studies have been conducted on the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of the soybean aphid and the source of its invasion in North America. Molecular markers, such as simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are very useful in the evaluation of population structure and genetic diversity. We used 18 SSR markers to assess the genetic diversity of soybean aphid collections from the USA, South Korea, and Japan. The aphids were collected from two sites in the USA (Indiana and South Dakota), two sites in South Korea (Yeonggwang district and Cheonan city), and one site in Japan (Utsunomiya). The SSR markers were highly effective in differentiating among aphid collections from different countries. The level of differentiation within each population and among populations from the same country was limited, even in the case of the USA where the two collection sites were more than 1200 km apart.
FLUX DETECTION BY USING IMPULSIVE OBSERVER FOR WIND ENERGY APPLICATION
Authors: WANG PENG , WANG HAN , CAI XU , Han Zhengzhi
Published: July 2013

This paper deals with the flux detection of squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG) in wind power. A novel observer named impulsive observer is presented to estimate the states of SCIG. Conditions for the existence of the impulsive observer are established by using linear matrix inequalities. A realization for the observer in SCIG is proposed. Simulation results are provided to show the validation of the proposed method.
NONLINEARITIES IN THE QUANTUM MULTIVERSE
Authors: BERTOLAMI ORFEU , HERDEIRO VICTOR
Published: July 2013

It has been recently proposed that the multiverse of eternal inflation, string landscape and the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics can be identified, yielding a new view on the measure and measurement problems. In the present note, we argue that a nonlinear evolution of observables in the quantum multiverse would be an obstacle for such a description and that these nonlinearities are expected from quite general arguments.
THEORETICAL STUDY OF MACROSCOPIC OPTICAL NONLINEARITIES OF "PARALLEL CONNECTION" CHROMOPHORES CONTAINING PNA UNITS
Authors: ZHANG CHAO-ZHI , CAO HUI , GUO ZHAO-BING
Published: July 2013

The semi-empirical method ZINDO was employed to study relationship between macroscopic optical nonlinear parameter μβ/MW (where μ is the dipole moment, β is the first hyperpolarizability, and MW is molecular weight) and the number of parallel non-conjugated D-π-A units in a chromophore. The computational results show that macroscopic optical nonlinear parameter μβ/MW value increases remarkably from 1.64 to 2.53 with increasing the number of parallel and non-conjugated p-Nitroaniline (PNA) units in a chromophore from 1 to 3. Then the μβ/MW value decreases rapidly from 2.53 to 0.43 with increasing the number of PNA units in a chromophore from 3 to 5. It suggests that design of chromophores containing two or three parallel non-conjugated D-π-A units would be an effective strategy for increasing the first hyperpolarizability and macroscopic optical nonlinearity of designed NLO materials.
ENERGY EXCHANGE IN COLLISIONS BETWEEN TWO DISSIPATIVE OPTICAL BULLETS
Authors: ZENG XIANG , TANG BING , WANG LIANG , KONG PENG , TANG YI
Published: July 2013

By using the three-dimensional complex cubic-quintic Ginzburg-Landau equation, the energy transfer process is investigated numerically for collisions of two dissipative optical bullets in a dissipative system. For high energy solitons, as a result of energy transfer, one soliton gains energy to generate a double bullet complex, and the other one loses energy can survive in collisional process. In addition, we find that the variations of the bullets velocity show regular properties during mutiple collisions with phase difference.
QUANTUM CATALOGUING VIA ATOM INTERFERENCE
Authors: EL ALLATI A. , HASSOUNI Y. , SAIF F.
Published: July 2013

A quantum cataloguing scheme to identify any unknown quantized cavity field state using the atom interference is proposed. The scheme consists of sending a two-level state atom through two cavities, with Bragg and Raman-Nath regimes, respectively. We inveterate the atom interference from the second cavity to achieve different interference patterns which depend on the photons statistics.
MULTIWAVELENGTH BRILLOUIN-ERBIUM FIBER LASER GENERATION WITH DOUBLE-BRILLOUIN-FREQUENCY SPACING IN A RING CAVITY
Authors: PARVIZI R. , HARUN S. W.
Published: July 2013

We propose and demonstrate the most compact and stable multiwavelength Brillouin Erbium Fibre Laser (MBEFL) by incorporating a 10-km long nonzero dispersion shifted fiber (NZ-DSF) acting as a Brillouin gain medium. This proposed configuration with only a single ring cavity is able to produce odd-order Brillouin Stokes waves appear in the backward direction with the line spacing 0.16nm (~20GHz). Brillouin pump and the even Stokes orders act as a Brillouin pump in the forward direction using a pre-amplified Brillouin power approach in a ring cavity. Up to 12 odd-order Brillouin Stokes lines are observed with the Brillouin pump power of around 8 dBm at injected 980 nm pump power of 125 mW. The anti-Stokes lines are also obtained due to four wave mixing and bidirectional operation.
MODEL REDUCTION WITH GEOMETRIC STIFFENING NONLINEARITIES FOR DYNAMIC SIMULATIONS OF MULTIBODY SYSTEMS
Authors: WANG FENGXIA
Published: July 2013

This work investigates the implementation of nonlinear model reduction to flexible multibody dynamics. Linear elastic theory will lead to instability issues with rotating beam-like structures, due to the neglecting of the membrane-bending coupling on the beam cross-section. During the past decade, considerable efforts have been focused on the derivation of geometric nonlinear formulation based on nodal coordinates. In order to reduce the computation cost in flexible multibody dynamics, which is extremely important for complex large system simulations, modal reduction is usually implemented to a rotating flexible structure with geometric nonlinearities retained in the model.

In this work, a standard model reduction process based on matrix operation is developed, and the essential geometric stiffening nonlinearities are retained in the reduced model. The time responses of a tip point on a rotating Euler–Bernoulli blade are calculated based on two nonlinear reduced models. The first reduced model is derived by the standard matrix operation from a full finite element model and the second reduced model is obtained via the Galerkin method. The matrix operation model reduction process is validated through the comparison of the simulation results obtained from these two different reduced models.

An interesting phenomenon is observed in this work: In the nonlinear model, if only quadratic geometric stiffing term is retained, the two reduced models converge to the full finite element model with only one bending mode and two axial modes. While if both quadratic and cubic geometric stiffing terms are retained in the nonlinear equation, the modal-based reduced model will not converge to the finite element model unless all eigenmodes are retained, that is the reduced model has no degree of freedom reduction at all.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL PERISTALTIC FLOW OF A WILLIAMSON FLUID IN A RECTANGULAR CHANNEL HAVING COMPLIANT WALLS
Authors: ELLAHI R. , RIAZ ARSHAD , NADEEM S.
Published: July 2013

In this study, the mathematical observations for the peristaltic flow of a Williamson fluid model (e.g., chyme) in a cross-section of a rectangular duct having compliant walls were considered. The flow was assumed incompressible and unsteady. The constitutive equations were reduced under the assumptions of low Reynolds number and long wavelength approximations. The resulting dimensionless governing equations were solved using the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) and eigenfunction expansion method. The results obtained were explained graphically. The velocity distribution was plotted for physical parameters both in two and three dimensions. The streamline graphs are presented in the end, which explain the trapping bolus phenomenon. All theoretical and graphical results are then discussed simultaneously.
KACZMARZ ALGORITHM AND FRAMES
Authors: CZAJA WOJCIECH , TANIS JAMES H.
Published: July 2013

Sequences of unit vectors for which the Kaczmarz algorithm always converges in Hilbert space can be characterized in frame theory by tight frames with constant 1. We generalize this result to the context of frames and bases. In particular, we show that the only effective sequences which are Riesz bases are orthonormal bases. Moreover, we consider the infinite system of linear algebraic equations Ax = b and characterize the (bounded) matrices A for which the Kaczmarz algorithm always converges to a solution.
R&D EXPENDITURE VOLATILITY AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: ORGANIZATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXTS
Authors: SWIFT TIM
Published: July 2013

A common view is that organizational slack diminishes firm performance by providing management the opportunity to invest in pet projects or to engage in empire-building. An opposing perspective argues that organizational slack enhances innovation by enabling firms to invest in promising new R&D projects as soon as they are discovered, or to maintain R&D during operating shortfalls. In this paper, we identify empirically a context within which organizational slack enhances firm performance. Recent research indicates that firms that proactively manage their R&D functions by frequently and substantially modifying R&D expenditure over time are superior performers. I find that higher levels of organizational slack increase the positive relationship between R&D expenditure volatility and firm performance. Evidence presented herein suggests that firms with superior access to discretionary funds held as slack use these resources to fund nascent R&D projects and to mitigate uncertainty, thus driving more commercially valuable innovation. This is one of the few studies providing empirical evidence of the practical value of organizational slack.
MCD spectroscopy and TD-DFT calculations of low-symmetry acenaphthoporphyrins with dual fluorescence
Authors: Mack John , Nakamura Jun , Okujima Tetsuo , Yamada Hiroko , Uno Hidemitsu , Kobayashi Nagao
Published: July 2013

Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy and TD-DFT calculations are used to analyze the electronic structure and optical properties of low-symmetry acenaphthoporphyrins with AAAB, ABAB and AABB structures. Evidence for dual fluorescence caused by tautomerism has been identified in the emission spectra of the AAAB and ABAB compounds. The sign sequences observed for the Q and B bands in the MCD spectra have been used to validate the results of the TD-DFT calculations. An anomalous +/- sign sequence is observed in the B band region with ascending energy similar to that reported previously for metal tetraphenyltetraacenaphthoporphyrin complexes.
Ground penetrating radar use in three contrasting soil textures in southern Ontario
Authors: Lowe A. C. , Beresford D. V. , Carter D. O. , Gaspari F. , O’Brien R. C. , Forbes S. L.
Published: July 2013

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-invasive, geophysical tool that can be used for the identification of clandestine graves. GPR operates by detecting density differences in soil by the transmission of high frequency electromagnetic waves from an antenna. Domestic pig (
Sus scrofa domesticus
) carcasses were clothed in 100% cotton t-shirts and 50% cotton/50% polyester briefs, and buried at a consistent depth at three field sites of contrasting soil texture (silty clay loam, fine sand and fine sandy loam) in southern Ontario. GPR was used to detect and monitor the graves for a period of 14 months post-burial. Analysis of collected data revealed that GPR had applicability in the identification of clandestine graves in silty clay loam and fine sandy loam soils, but was not suitable for detection in the fine sandy soil studied. The results of this research have applicability within forensic investigations involving decomposing remains by aiding in the location of clandestine graves in loam soils in southern Ontario through the use of GPR.
Cytoskeletal Dynamics in Caenorhabditis elegans Axon Regeneration
Authors: Chisholm Andrew D.
Published: July 2013

Axon regeneration after damage is widespread in the animal kingdom, and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has recently emerged as a tractable model in which to study the genetics and cell biology of axon regrowth in vivo. A key early step in axon regrowth is the conversion of part of a mature axon shaft into a growth cone–like structure, involving coordinated alterations in the microtubule, actin, and neurofilament systems. Recent attention has focused on microtubule dynamics as a determinant of axon-regrowth ability in several organisms. Live imaging studies have begun to reveal how the microtubule cytoskeleton is remodeled after axon injury, as well as the regulatory pathways involved. The dual leucine zipper kinase family of mixed-lineage kinases has emerged as a critical sensor of axon damage and plays a key role in regulating microtubule dynamics in the damaged axon.
Equity Impacts of Environmental Policy
Authors: Bento Antonio M.
Published: July 2013

This article surveys recent literature on the equity impacts of environmental policy. We focus on studies that look at the distribution of costs and benefits of alternative environmental policies. We also examine potentially important trade-offs between efficiency and equity that arise in the context of environmental policy, as well as transition effects. In many of the applications surveyed here, environmental policies can be regressive. Strategies are discussed to reduce this regressivity through the use of revenues from certain policy instruments. With regard to the distribution of the benefits of environmental policy, we conclude that there is a need for more spatially disaggregated studies that simultaneously capture the spatial and socioeconomic impacts of environmental policy.
Studies of SDX on the Boundary Resistance between Aluminum Current Collectors and Cathode Active Material Layers
Authors: Arai Yoshikazu , Kunisawa Masatoshi , Yamaguchi Tomofumi , Yokouchi Hitoshi , Matsuo Akira , Ohmori Masahiro
Published: July 2013

We have developed SDX, aluminum foil with a conductive carbon layer, to reduce cell resistance. SDX also showed high rate performances. To reveal that mechanism, we prepared aluminum foil with various chemical forming layers for studying of resistance and compared to two famous theories about conductive mechanism of carbon particles and aluminum foil.
Characterization of Cycle-Life Aging in Automotive Lithium-Ion Pouch Cells
Authors: Marcicki James , Bartlett Alex , Canova Marcello , Conlisk A. Terrence , Rizzoni Giorgio , Guezennec Yann , Yang Xiao Guang , Miller Ted
Published: July 2013

Lithium-ion battery electrodes utilizing mixtures of active materials have seen increased attention in recent years. These cells have merit for electric vehicle applications due to the potential for improved cycle life and increased performance. An aging campaign has been conducted with 15 Ah automotive pouch cells to quantify the relationship between a set of severity factors and the aging process for cells using composite electrodes, where aging is represented by capacity fade. A simplified electrochemical model which postulates that the materials within the composite electrode operate as parallel paths for current is used to interpret trends in the aging data. Using the model, loss of active material from individual components of the composite positive electrode can be simulated, as well as loss of cyclable lithium. Comparison with differential capacity data allows an assessment of the most likely degradation mechanism for the initial capacity fade.
In Situ Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction Study of Prototype LiMnO4- and LiFePO4-Based Coin Cell Batteries
Authors: Liang Gan , Croft Mark , Zhong Zhong
Published: July 2013

This in-situ study demonstrates the feasibility of using energy dispersive x-ray diffraction (EDXRD) to characterize the internal structure and chemical composition of coin cell type Li-ion batteries. CR2032 coin cell batteries containing Li1-3xCrxFePO4 (with x = 0.015) or LixMn1.42Ni0.42Co0.16O4 cathode were studied by EDXRD measurement. EDXRD patterns with 50 to 70 scans were made between top and bottom of charged or discharged coin cells of about 3.2 mm thickness. The seven different layers of materials contained in the Li1-3xCrxFePO4 coin cell can be clearly identified from the measured 50 in-situ EXRD patterns. For the LixMn1.42Ni0.42Co0.16O4 cell, the Bragg lines shift to higher energy in the charged cathode consistent with a lattice contraction with decreased Li content. The charged spectrum Bragg lines are broadened due to two phase behavior. The detailed electrochemical phases of the cathode materials and other layers of materials in this prototype LiMn2O4-based coin cell have been profiled, using EDXRD, as a function of state of charge and as a function of z-position in the interior of the cell. Our results demonstrate that in-situ EDXRD characterization of the crystal structures and phase distribution of coin cell batteries in space and time is feasible under different charge/discharge conditions.
Could This Fuel Replace Gasoline
Authors: Bockris John O'Mara
Published: July 2013

A reliable graph that shows temperature against time is shown in figure one. The temperature was irregular before the First World War but after WWII, the temperature takes off in a steady rise of temperature as a function of time. The temperature after 1950 is rising exponentially. This has not been pointed out in earlier discussions. For those who worry about global warming, this is threatening. Unfortunately, from the point of view of a push from the public, the slow rise in temperature due to global warming has little effect. However, exponential of the graph suggests that the temperature will rise to a dangerous level. The future is what we are concerned about. A change in how we get our energy would take decades. Conventional thinking, particularly here in the USA, is to think of the future in terms of weeks or up to a year. When it becomes years, people forget it until the time is dangerously close. Although that is the way people think, it is not a good way because the decisions that have to be made will take many years to implement. Even if we get around the political problems and obtain agreement with the powerful groups who control our energy, the decision of what fuel will be used in the future needs to be decided upon NOW. Gasoline is out of the question because of the world temperature rise it is causing. All electric or nuclear futures are frequently suggested. Unacceptable global warming is a certainty if we go on using fossil fuels. By what time must the change to a zero carbon fuel source be in place? My estimate is 10 years if we choose the fuel now and get going on building our new world. To leave it until it becomes a crisis is unintelligent and would not be the most economical way. The decision should be implemented in a way it has been made in the past when we made the atom bomb and went to the moon. These were government funded and run programs with great success. For this kind of gigantic action throughout the country, it must be government supported. Of course, what the government will do is employ our companies to do the work - thus causing jobs for millions of new workers.
Surface Layers in Alkaline Media: Nickel Hydrides on Metallic Nickel Electrodes
Authors: Hall David S , Bock Christina , MacDougall Barry R
Published: July 2013

Hydrogen generation by water electrolysis is a renewable method of producing fuel and industrial feedstock. Ni-based H2-evolution catalysts in alkaline media are low-cost alternatives to the noble-metal-based electrode materials used in acidic media. However, Ni cathodes show a significant decrease in their hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity after several hours of electrolysis. We consider the source of electrode deactivation on smooth metallic Ni electrodes by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic and potentiostatic polarization, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Below the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) potential, H atoms incorporate deep into the electrode material. Under industrial conditions, i.e., concentrated NaOH/KOH solutions and large cathodic current densities, α-NiH
x
and β-NiH
x
can form at the electrode surface.
12 V / Kilo-Farad Range Lead-Carbon Hybrid Ultracapacitors and Their Envisaged Applications
Authors: Shukla Ashok Kumar , Banerjee Anjan , Jalajakshi Amulur , Ravikumar Musuwathi K.
Published: July 2013

12 V substrate-integrated lead-carbon hybrid ultracapacitors (HUCs) where in the conventional positive plates of lead-acid batteries are replaced with substrate-integrated PbO2 positive plates and the negative plates are replaced with carbon-coated graphitic electrodes, providing totally non-faradaic and corrosion-free electrodes, are developed and performance tested. Constant-current discharge data at varying load-currents, constant-power discharge data at varying power values, and the capacitance data at different temperature for a 12 V / kF range substrate-integrated lead-carbon HUC are described along with its resistance, leakage current, self-discharge and cycle-life characteristics.
(Invited) Applications of Porous Silicon to Multicrystalline Silicon Solar Cells: State of the Art
Authors: Lévy-Clément Claude
Published: July 2013

Porous Si is a potential candidate to be used as an antireflective coating or to texturize the front surface of multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) wafers. Mesoporous Si was used as an antireflective coating and macroporous Si exhibiting light trapping properties replaced the alkaline or acidic texturization used in the photovoltaic industry. Mesoporous Si was either formed electrochemically or by stain etching. Macroporous Si was formed electrochemically in HF/organic solution or by metal-assisted etching. The properties of mesoporous and macroporous Si were optimized for mc-Si wafers and evaluated in large size solar cells.
(Invited) Fabrication of Super-Oil-Repellent Surfaces by Two-Step Anodizing of Aluminum
Authors: Habazaki Hiroki , Fujii Takashi , Tsuji Etsushi , Aoki Yoshitaka
Published: July 2013

In this study, hierarchical dual pore surfaces have been developed by two-step anodizing of aluminum. The first anodizing has been carried out at 390 V in 2 wt% citric acid, and then, the resultant anodic film has been dissolved to disclose the scalloped aluminum substrate with a cell size of ~900 nm. Subsequently, the second anodizing has been carried out at 25 V in 0.3 mol dm-3 sulfuric acid electrolyte to generate smaller nanopores. The size of nanopores has been further controlled by pore-widening treatment in 5 wt% phosphoric acid at 303 K. After coating with a fluoroalkyl phosphate monolayer to reduce the surface energy, the dual pillar surfaces with enlarged nanopores show super-repellency even for rapeseed oil as well as for water.
(Invited) Nanostructure Modified Porous Interfaces for Enhanced Sensing and Directed Microcatalysis
Authors: Gole James , Laminack William
Published: July 2013

Gaseous analyte interactions on a metal oxide decorated n-type porous silicon interface show a dynamic electron transduction to and from the interface depending upon the relative strength of the gas and metal oxides. The dynamic interaction of NO with TiO2, SnO2, NiO CuxO, and AuxO, in order of decreasing acidity, demonstrates this effect. Surface interactions are also controlled by the in-situ nitridation of the oxide nanoparticles, enhancing the basicity of the decorated interface. This process changes the interaction of the interface with the analyte. The observed change to the more basic oxynitrides does not represent a simple increase in surface basicity but appears to involve a change in molecular electronic structure which is well explained by the IHSAB model.
Formation and Photoelectrical Measurements of Pt Schottky Interfaces on InP Porous Structures
Authors: Jinbo Ryohei , Kumazaki Yusuke , Yatabe Zenji , Sato Taketomo
Published: July 2013

Schottky interfaces were formed on InP porous structures by the electrodeposition of Pt films. The coverage of the Pt film and its optical reflectance depended largely on the surface morphology of the porous structure. Removal of the irregular top layer formed at the initial stage of the pore formation effectively improved the coverage of the Pt film inside pores. According to I-V measurements, the Pt/porous InP showed higher photocurrents with lower dark currents than those of a reference planar sample.
Scan Rate and Fluoride Concentration Effect on the Anodic Growth of Self-Aligned Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes in Phosphates
Authors: Krasicka-Cydzik Elzbieta , Kaczmarek Agnieszka , Glazowska Izabela , Bialas Heltowski Krzysztof
Published: July 2013

Formation of titania nanotubes at different scan rates of polarization during the first stage of anodizing titanium in 1M H3PO4 with the addition of various amounts of HF (0.2–0.4 wt.%) which consisted of a potential ramp to 20V with a scan rates of 400-600 mV/s. Insight into current/voltage curves allowed to identify the incubation of nanotubes by examination of current transient slope changes. The lowest values of the oxide layer breakdown time tbreak were observed at 500mV/s and 0.3%wt.HF, when the most homogenous titania nanotube, as observed with SEM and EDS, were obtained. Also the concentrations of phosphates and fluorine in titania nanotubes (XPS) were the highest for that conditions. These results suggest that to reach the equilibrium between oxidation/dissolution processes, transport of fluorides in oxide may be crucial.
Pitting Corrosion Behavior and Grain Evolution of Shot Peened Type 304 Stainless Steel
Authors: Widodo Teguh Dwi , Noda Kazuhiko
Published: July 2013

This paper report the pitting corrosion behavior and grainsevolution of shot peened 304 type stainless steel. Polarization testswere conducted in 3.5%wt NaCl to reveal corrosion behaviors ofthe samples. The measurements were carried at room temperaturewith Ag/AgCl/KCl as reference electrode and Pt as counterelectrode. The optical microscope was employed to characterizethe grain evolution of the samples. In this study, the transformationof pitting corrosion behavior and grain evolution is observed.There are grains refinement on the shot peened samples. Thepitting corrosion is dependent upon grain evolution due to shotpeening processes. The pitting corrosion resistance increase insmaller grains, although the corrosion potential shifted to lessnoble and passive current increased.
Elucidation of Novel Structural Scaffold in Rohu TLR2 and Its Binding Site Analysis with Peptidoglycan, Lipoteichoic Acid and Zymosan Ligands, and Downstream MyD88 Adaptor Protein
Authors: Sahoo Bikash Ranjan , Basu Madhubanti , Swain Banikalyan , Dikhit Manas Ranjan , Jayasankar Pallipuram , Samanta Mrinal
Published: July 2013

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play key roles in sensing wide array of microbial signatures and induction of innate immunity. TLR2 in fish resembles higher eukaryotes by sensing peptidoglycan (PGN) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) of bacterial cell wall and zymosan of yeasts. However, in fish TLR2, no study yet describes the ligand binding motifs in the leucine rich repeat regions (LRRs) of the extracellular domain (ECD) and important amino acids in TLR2-TIR (toll/interleukin-1 receptor) domain that could be engaged in transmitting downstream signaling. We predicted these in a commercially important freshwater fish species rohu (Labeo rohita) by constructing 3D models of TLR2-ECD, TLR2-TIR, and MyD88-TIR by comparative modeling followed by 40 ns (nanosecond) molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) for TLR2-ECD and 20 ns MDS for TLR2-TIR and MyD88-TIR. Protein (TLR2-ECD)–ligands (PGN, LTA, and zymosan) docking in rohu by AutoDock4.0, FlexX2.1, and GOLD4.1 anticipated LRR16–19, LRR12–14, and LRR20-CT as the most important ligand binding motifs. Protein (TLR2-TIR)—protein (MyD88-TIR) interaction by HADDOCK and ZDOCK predicted BB loop,αB-helix,αC-helix, and CD loop in TLR2-TIR and BB loop,αB-helix, and CD loop in MyD88-TIR as the critical binding domains. This study provides ligands recognition and downstream signaling.
Probiotics as Additives on Therapy in Allergic Airway Diseases: A Systematic Review of Benefits and Risks
Authors: Das Rashmi Ranjan , Naik Sushree Samiksha , Singh Meenu
Published: July 2013

Background. We conducted a systematic review to find out the role of probiotics in treatment of allergic airway diseases.  Methods. A comprehensive search of the major electronic databases was done till March 2013. Trials comparing the effect of probiotics versus placebo were included. A predefined set of outcome measures were assessed. Continuous data were expressed as standardized mean difference with 95% CI. Dichotomous data were expressed as odds ratio with 95% CI.Pvalue < 0.05 was considered as significant.Results. A total of 12 studies were included. Probiotic intake was associated with a significantly improved quality of life score in patients with allergic rhinitis (SMD −1.9 (95% CI −3.62, −0.19);P= 0.03), though there was a high degree of heterogeneity. No improvement in quality of life score was noted in asthmatics. Probiotic intake also improved the following parameters: longer time free from episodes of asthma and rhinitis and decrease in the number of episodes of rhinitis per year. Adverse events were not significant.Conclusion. As the current evidence was generated from few trials with high degree of heterogeneity, routine use of probiotics as an additive on therapy in subjects with allergic airway diseases cannot be recommended.
Undertaking Cancer Research in International Settings: Report from the American Society for Preventive Oncology Special Interest Group on International Issues in Cancer
Authors: Wernli Karen J. , Kitahara Cari M. , Tamers Sara L. , Al-Temimi Mohammed H. , Braithwaite Dejana
Published: July 2013

The mission of the American Society for Preventive Oncology Special Interest Group in International Issues in Cancer is to serve as a worldwide cancer prevention resource. At the 2013 annual meeting, we presented three early career investigators who conducted research with international collaborators as part of postdoctoral studies. We present a synopsis of each of the scientific presentations. The investigators also highlight useful strategies to encourage a more successful international collaboration, including seeking out existing collaborations between colleagues and international researchers, maintaining awareness and sensitivity of cultural norms, establishing clear communication about investigator roles and expectations, and persevering in the face of potential challenges due to the nature of these collaborations. Incorporation of these key elements could prove useful for researchers interested in pursuing cross-country projects. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(9); 1638–41. ©2013 AACR.
GKN1–miR-185–DNMT1 Axis Suppresses Gastric Carcinogenesis through Regulation of Epigenetic Alteration and Cell Cycle
Authors: Yoon Jung Hwan , Choi Yoo Jin , Choi Won Suk , Ashktorab Hassan , Smoot Duane T. , Nam Suk Woo , Lee Jung Young , Park Won Sang
Published: July 2013

Purpose: Gastrokine 1 (GKN1) functions to protect the gastric antral mucosa and promotes healing by facilitating restoration and proliferation after injury. GKN1 is downregulated in Helicobacter pylori–infected gastric epithelial cells and loss of GKN1 expression is closely associated with gastric carcinogenesis, but underlying mechanisms of the tumor-suppressing effects of GKN1 remain largely unknown.

Experimental Design: AGS, MKN1, MKN28 gastric cancer cells and HFE-145 immortalized non-neoplastic gastric mucosal cells were transfected with GKN1 or shGKN1. We conducted molecular and functional studies of GKN1 and miR-185 and investigated the mechanisms of alteration. We also analyzed epigenetic alterations in 80 gastric cancer tissues.

Results: Restoration of GKN1 protein suppressed gastric cancer cell growth by inducing endogenous miR-185 that directly targets epigenetic effectors DNMT1 and EZH2 in gastric cancer cells. In addition, ectopic expression of GKN1 upregulated Tip60 and downregulated HDAC1 in an miR-185–independent manner, thereby inducing cell-cycle arrest by regulating cell-cycle proteins in gastric cancer cells. Notably, GKN1 expression was inversely correlated with DNMT1 and EZH2 expression in a subset of 80 gastric cancer tissues and various gastric cancer cell lines. Interestingly, it was found that GKN1 exerted a synergistic anti-cancerous effect with 5-fluorouracil on tumor cell growth, which suggests a possible therapeutic intervention method for gastric cancer.

Conclusion: Our results show that GKN1 has an miR-185–dependent and -independent mechanism for chromatic and DNA epigenetic modification, thereby regulating the cell cycle. Thus, the loss of GKN1 function contributes to malignant transformation and proliferation of gastric epithelial cells in gastric carcinogenesis. Clin Cancer Res; 19(17); 4599–610. ©2013 AACR.
Fine-Needle Aspiration of Primary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of the Thyroid Gland, a Potential Mimic of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Pusztaszeri Marc P. , Sauder Kenan J. , Cibas Edmund S. , Faquin William C.
Published: July 2013

Background: The clinical presentation of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) as a primary solitary nodule in the thyroid gland is rare. As a result, there are few reports of its cytologic features in thyroid aspirates where it can pose a diagnostic pitfall. Case and Conclusion: To foster familiarity with its cytomorphology, we report the fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) findings of 3 specimens from 2 patients with LCH presenting as a solitary thyroid nodule. All aspirates contained numerous dispersed cells with prominent nuclear grooves, and the background showed a mixed pattern of chronic inflammation including scattered eosinophils. The aspirate from patient 1 raised a differential diagnosis that included chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and a thyroglossal duct cyst, while the aspirate from patient 2 was interpreted as ‘suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma'. The diagnosis of LCH was confirmed in both patients after lobectomy and immunohistochemical studies that revealed positive reactivity for CD1a and S-100. LCH of the thyroid gland is rare and can pose significant diagnostic challenges, but increased familiarity with its characteristic cytomorphology can help in avoiding diagnostic pitfalls.
BRAF Test and Cytological Diagnosis with a Single Fine Needle Cytology Sample
Authors: Di Benedetto Giuseppe , Fabozzi Alessio , Rinaldi Carmine , Rinaldi Ciro Roberto
Published: July 2013

Objective: Recently, fine needle cytology (FNC) of the thyroid has been combined with biomolecular analysis. In particular, there has been detailed study of the V600E-BRAF mutation. The aim of our study is to demonstrate that with a single thyroid sample it is possible to obtain enough cellular material for both cytological diagnosis and a V600E-BRAF molecular test. Study Design: FNC was carried out under ultrasound guidance aided by an echographist and cytopathologist. We acquired one biopsy for each nodule with a 23-gauge needle without suction. The preparations were smeared by the pathologist onto one glass slide, air dried and stained with Diff-Quick. Cell adequacy was evaluated for each patient. The needle was washed by aspirating 2 ml of physiologic solution which was collected into a tube. The material was collected for molecular testing. Results: The following cytological diagnoses were made: not neoplastic, Tir2 (n = 227); indeterminate, Tir3 (n = 15); suspicious, Tir4 (n = 4), and malignancy, Tir5 (n = 12). The V600E-BRAF mutation was found in 0 of 227 Tir2 specimens, 2 of 15 (13.3%) Tir3 specimens, 2 of 4 (50%) Tir4 specimens and 9 of 12 (75%) Tir5 specimens. Conclusions: Our data showed that, in a routine clinical setting, FNC specimens can be handled properly to provide both morphological and molecular information. In fact, our tests show that with a single specimen it is possible to set up a slide for the cytological diagnosis and to obtain enough residual cellular material for DNA extraction (>70 ng) and for the identification of the V600E-BRAF mutation.
Cytologic Features during Intraoperative Assessment of Central Neurocytoma: A Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hernández-Martínez Silvia J. , De Leíja-Portilla Julia O. , Medellín-Sánchez Roberto
Published: July 2013

Background: Central neurocytomas (CNs) are infrequent intraventricular tumors with features of neuronal differentiation that affect young adults and have an excellent prognosis after total resection. The main differential intraoperative diagnoses are oligodendrogliomas, ependymomas and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas; therefore, an accurate and precise intraoperative diagnosis is essential, making the cytologic features the hallmark for cytopathologists, surgical pathologists and neurosurgeons alike. Seven previous reports have described 18 cases of CNs and have addressed the cytodiagnostic criteria during intraoperative assessment in the English medical literature. Cases: Three patients (23 years old/male, 29 years old/female and 28 years old/male) were evaluated during intraoperative assessment as CNs. They showed intraventricular tumors that measured 6.5, 3.5 and 6.6 cm, respectively. The cytologic features common in these cases were: (1) monotonous or isomorphic round cells, (2) small nuclei with stippled or granular chromatin, and (3) acellular fibrillary areas or neuropil (islands). Other cytologic features often encountered were: rosette-like structures, micronucleoli, perinuclear haloes, well-formed capillary-sized vessels and calcifications. Conclusion: Differential diagnosis of CNs can be a diagnostic challenge. The integration of radiologic imaging and touch preparations taking into account specific cytologic features and frozen sections is necessary for an optimal intraoperative assessment.
Interactions of Actinomyces-Like Organisms with Host Cells: Light Microscopic Examination
Authors: Akyüzlü Dilek Kaya , Demirezen Şayeste , Beksaç M. Sinan
Published: July 2013

Objective: To determine the interactions of Actinomyces-like organisms (ALOs) with host cells, including vaginal epithelial cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) and erythrocytes, using Pap smear microscopy and based on their light microscopic appearances. Study Design: Cervicovaginal samples obtained from 200 patients were examined by both Pap smear microscopy and anaerobic culturing. Since the results obtained by these methods were not concordant for diagnosis of genital Actinomyces, the results of Pap smear microscopy were used as a reference, and the smears with ALOs were carefully screened with regard to interactions of ALOs with host cells. Results: ALOs were detected as attached to vaginal epithelial cells, PMNLs and erythrocytes via their filament-like structures. At some attachment sites, the epithelial cell membrane and filaments of ALOs were almost fused with each other. A group of PMNLs surrounded the ALOs. However, ALOs were observed to form colonies to evade phagocytosis by PMNLs. At the connection points between erythrocytes and ALOs, the findings of interest were the changes in the shapes of the erythrocytes and filament-like structures of the ALOs on the erythrocyte membrane. Conclusions: The adhesiveness of ALOs can be observed in routine Papanicolaou-stained cervicovaginal smears at light microscopic level.
A Pilot Study Evaluating Liquid-Based Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Breast Lesions: A Cytomorphological Comparison of SurePath® Liquid-Based Preparations and Conventional Smears
Authors: Ryu Han Suk , Park In Ae , Park So Yeon , Jung Yoon Yang , Park Sung Hee , Shin Hee-Chul
Published: July 2013

Objective: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is recommended by the World Health Organization as a diagnostic method for breast lesions. The morphological interpretation of liquid-based preparations (LBPs) remains a diagnostic challenge due to considerably altered cytomorphology. The aim of the current study was to compare cytomorphological characteristics of SurePath® (SP)-based LBP and conventional smear (CS) in breast FNACs. Study Design: The study included 77 benign and 60 malignant breast FNACs obtained by both SP and CS, all with tissue confirmation. Cases analyzed with both preparations were reviewed and compared, focusing on 10 cytomorphological features. Results: SP aspirates demonstrated notable cytomorphological alterations. Among them, a prominent three-dimensional configuration of cell clusters and frequent and conspicuous nucleoli were the most prominent characteristics of SP compared with CS. Overall diagnostic performances were comparable but were slightly lower for SP than CS (diagnostic accuracy of two reviewers; 87.6 and 90.5% for SP vs. 91.2 and 92.7% for CS, respectively). Conclusion: Although the reviewer should be aware of distinctive cytomorphological alterations, the SP technique is reliable for the evaluation of breast lesions with the advantage of easy interpretation and a diagnostic accuracy equivalent to CS.