bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Synthesis of Perfluoro1,4-benzoquinones by Anodic Oxidation
Authors: Nishiguchi Ikuzo , Mineyama Kenji , Akiyama Shoichi , Yamamoto Yoshimasa , Maekawa Hirofumi
Published: November 2008

Anodic oxidation of polyfluorinated benzene and naphthalene derivatives(1) bearing 1,4-difluoro groups in a mixed solvent of trifluoroacetic acid and methylene dichloride brought about facile and selective formation of the corresponding polyfluoro-1,4- benzoquinones or polyfluoro-1,4-naphthoquinone, respectively, which may be useful as a novel synthetic method of fluorinated organic functional chemicals such as pharmaceutical drugs, electronic information materials, optical materials, and surfactants.
Development of Novel Phosphonium Ionic Liquid for Grignard Reaction: Iron Salt-catalyzed Rapid Homocoupling Reaction of Aryl Grignard Reagents
Authors: Itoh Toshiyuki , Kude Keisuke , Ishioka Akihiko , Hayase Shuichi , Kawatsura Motoi
Published: November 2008

Design of novel phosphonium ionic liquids that are compatible with Grignard reagents has been investigated; methoxyethyl(tri-n-butyl)phosphonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide has thus been developed and very rapid iron salt-catalyzed homocoupling reaction of aryl Grignard reagents has been achieved in this liquid.
Electrochemistry in Aqueous Solutions of Isomeric Benzenedicarboxaldehydes
Authors: Zuman Petr , Salem Nuha , Kulla Eliona
Published: November 2008

The equilibria in aqueous solutions of orthophthalaldehyde were studied by polarography and spectrophotometry. At 25 C the dialdehyde is present in about 20% in the unhydrated form, in about 8% in a hydrated acyclic form and in about 72% in a cyclic hemiacetal form. The rate determining step of the hydration is the general acid-base catalyzed addition of water, that of the dehydration the specific acid catalyzed ring opening.
Synthesis of Heterocyclic Compounds by Radical Electrochemical Approach in Environentally Friendly Media
Authors: Dunach Elisabet , Esteves Ana P. , Neves Cristina , Medeiros Maria J.
Published: November 2008

Radical cyclisation is rapidly becoming an important method for the formation of cyclic systems. Hence, some electrochemical results obtained in the study of electroreductive intramolecular cyclisation of ethyl 2-bromo-3-(3',4'-methylenedioxophenyl)-3-(propargyloxy)propanoate (1a), [1-bromo-2-methoxy-2-(prop-2'-ynyloxy) ethyl] benzene (1b) and 1-[2-bromo-2-phenyl-1-(prop-2'-ynyloxy)ethyl]-4-methoxybenzene (1c) promoted by (1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetra-decane)nickel(I), [Ni(tmc)]+, electrogenerated at glassy carbon cathodes in ethanol, ethanol / water and microemulsions made with cationic and anionic surfactants are presented. The results obtained indicate that the reaction proceeds via cleavage of the carbon-bromine bond to form a radical intermediate that undergoes cyclization on the unsaturated C-C bond to afford the substituted tetrahydrofurans.
The Relation of Cell Chemistry to the Size of Batteries for Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Albertus Paul , Couts Jeremy , Srinivasan Venkat , Newman John
Published: November 2008

We develop two models to better understand capacity use and battery size in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The first is a simple model that examines the effect of the shape and magnitude of the pulse-power capability on battery size and capacity use. This model shows a flat pulse-power capability curve increases capacity use and decreases battery size, and other important variables for battery design include (U-Vmin)Vmin/R, which reflects the maximum pulse-power capability, and Q, which reflects the battery energy. The second model combines a detailed battery model with a vehicle model, and we run it through a basic urban drive cycle. The detailed model again shows that a flat pulse-power capability increases capacity use and decreases size, but that a flat-potential system does not always lead to a flat pulse-power system. The simple model is able to elucidate trends shown by the detailed model.
A New Synthetic Route for Preparing Carbon-Rich LiFePO4
Authors: Cheng Chong , Zhu Wei
Published: November 2008

Pure olivine LiFePO4 can be successfully prepared with a conventional solid-state reaction. Improvement in electrochemical performance has been achieved by using sucrose as the carbon sources for the as-prepared materials. Because the poor conductivity of the powders can be improved by synthesizing small and homogeneous powders with coatings of electronically conductive materials. The resultant LiFePO4/C composite with carbon scaffold and LiFePO4 embedded can achieve high specific capacity (151 mAh g−1) with 0.2C charge/discharge rate at 25°. The powders were just calcined for 6h at 650°. It can make the process cost cheaper than other synthesized methods.
In-Situ Measurement of the Relative Thermal Contributions of Chemical Reactions and Ions During Plasma Etching
Authors: Tesauro Mark R. , Roche Greg
Published: November 2008

Plasma etch behavior is often explained in terms of "physical" and "chemical" components: both critically related to surface temperatures generated during plasma etching. In an attempt to measure the chemical etch rate component, a specially prepared, 300mm autonomous temperature sensor wafer was used to simultaneously record dynamic surface temperature during plasma etching of photo resist coated and bare silicon surfaces. Data for N2 / H2, Ar / O2, O2 and Cl2 etching chemistries were then compared with measured resist etch rates and RF sensor wafer data. Although insulation of the temperature sensors from the plasma by the 3 micron resist coating prevented calculation of the etch rate chemical component, the capability of this methodology with resist coatings < 500nm was shown. In addition the use of both RF and temperature sensor wafers to quickly identify and correct semiconductor etch process development issues related to isotropic etch non-uniformity was shown.
Cylinder Materials of Construction for Ultra-High Purity HBr in Advanced Semiconductor Etch Processes
Authors: Seymour Adam J. , Wyse Carrie , Yao Jianlong , Jha P. , Olsen E. W. , Raynor Mark , Torres Robert
Published: November 2008

Anhydrous HBr used in etch processing for the semiconductor industry requires strict impurity control. However, the gas cylinder material of construction plays a critical role in controlling and maintaining purity levels of the delivered HBr process gas and must be carefully selected. In this work Ni-lined AISI 4130 Cr-Mo steel cylinders are compared against the gas industry standard AISI 4130 Cr-Mo steel cylinders with regard to (a) surface roughness/area and oxide layer thickness after exposure to HBr and (b) the concentration of moisture in delivered HBr gas. Over the period of a year, the surface roughness increase of the polished Cr-Mo steel package doubles that of the Ni-lined package and the penetration of the oxide layer into the metal for the Cr-Mo steel is over 10 times that for the Ni surface. Finally the more inert surface of the Ni lining is shown to lower the moisture concentration in the HBr gas by ~4 times. These findings demonstrate that Ni-lined AISI 4130 Cr-Mo steel provides a superior package for Ultra High Purity HBr storage and delivery.
Electricity Generation from Organic Wastewater Using a Continuous-Flow Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Zuo Jiane , Deng Qian , Cui Longtao , Sun Yujiao , Li Xinyang
Published: November 2008

A continuous Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell (SC-MFC) was investigated systemically in this study. When fed by synthetic wastewater, with a 400mg/l COD concentration the maximum power density of the MFC was 71.5mW/m2 (at 0.8 A/m2). With a NaCl concentration of 0.1M put into the influent, it increased from 42.0 mW/m2 (at 0.25 A/m2) to 141.7mW/m2 (at 1.1A/m2), and the internal resistance also decreased significantly from 300Ω to 77Ω. The optimal operation temperature was 30oC, with a power density of 140.7mW/m2 (at 1.0 A/m2). When fed by starch processing wastewater, the average power density of the MFC was 100mW/m2, while fed by the effluent from an anaerobic reactor treating the starch wastewater; it was 90mW/m2. Different substrates resulted in significant influence on microbial community on the anode of the MFC, while the anode connected into the circuit or not did not cause obvious difference in the microbial community structure.
The Predicted Effects of Anode Microstructure on SOFC Overpotentials
Authors: DeCaluwe Steven , Zhu Huayang , Jackson Gregory S.
Published: November 2008

A one-dimensional SOFC model with button-cell geometry has been developed to explore the impact of electrode microstructure on overpotentials. The model couples porous media transport with charge transport and detailed electrochemical kinetics. Exploration of microstructural parameters over a range of values shows that model results are most sensitive to variations in tortuosity, porosity, pore radius, and length of three-phase boundary. In order to explore the relation of these parameters to one another and the coupling between microstructure and performance in experimental results, modeling efforts focus on humidified H2 fuel with Ni/YSZ anodes and LSM/YSZ cathodes. To match experimental results from Zhao & Virkar (1), it is shown that simulations must include correlation between porosity, tortuosity, and the thickness of the electrochemically active region in the anode. These results indicate the importance of models that allow electrochemical reactions to occur throughout the depth of the electrode.
RF-Sputtering Deposition of Gadolinia Doped Ceria Films for IT-SOFCs Applications
Authors: Barison Simona , Fabrizio Monica , Mortalò Cecilia , Chiodelli Gaetano , Malavasi Lorenzo , Roncari Edoardo , Sanson Alessandra
Published: November 2008

Solid oxide fuel cell technology offers substantial advantages for clean and efficient power generation. However, the high working temperatures impose severe restrictions on the materials selection. The key to prolong the stack lifetime, widen the selection of materials and reduce the costs lies in lowering the working temperature. Two main approaches have been applied for this purpose: testing materials based on Gd doped CeO2, having higher ionic conductivity at lower temperatures, and decreasing the electrolyte thickness. At present, different methods have been studied for the deposition of fully dense thin coatings. Among them, the radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique is a powerful and versatile tool to deposit mixed oxide thin films in a wide thickness range (100 nm÷10 μm). In this report, the results about the deposition by RF magnetron sputtering of 1÷5 μm GDC films on anodic substrates will be presented.
Exhaust Gas Electrochemical Sensors with a Nb2O5 Sensing Electrode
Authors: Chevallier Laure , Di Bartolomeo Elisabetta , Traversa E.
Published: November 2008

Electrochemical planar sensors using Nb2O5 powders to fabricate sensing electrodes were tested both in laboratory and "in-situ", i.e. downstream a three-way catalytic converter of a FIAT fire 1242 c.c. spark ignition engine. Two cell configurations were compared, one with and the other without Pt paste under the metal oxide electrode. The best sensing performance both in laboratory and at the engine bench was obtained for the Pt | YSZ | Nb2O5 cell, without Pt below the oxide electrode. For this sensor configuration, very large EMF response values were obtained for hydrocarbon exposure, even at temperatures as high as 700{degree sign}C.
Faradaic and Non-Faradaic Reaction Mechanisms in Carbon-iodine Nanocomposites Electrodes for Asymmetric Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Barpanda Prabeer , Fanchini Giovanni , Amatucci Glenn G
Published: November 2008

Microporous carbon based carbon-iodine nanocomposite materials have been fabricated. The morphology and chemical bonding in this iodine-modified carbon have been studied to describe carbon-iodine interaction. Further, the non-faradaic and faradaic reaction mechanisms of iodated carbons have been described focusing on possible charge transfer reactions and evolution of a distinct 3.1 V faradaic pseudocapacitive reaction.
Oxygen Reduction Reaction on a Pt Monolayer on a Pd2Co(111) Single Crystal Surface
Authors: Zhou Wei-Ping , Vukmirovic Miomir , Sasaki Kotaro , Adzic Radoslav
Published: November 2008

We studied the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on bare and Pt monolayer-covered single crystal Pd2Co(111) surfaces in 0.1 M HClO4 solution. A reversible hydrogen adsorption/desorption between 0.05 V and 0.40 V with the charge density of 210 µC cm-2 is observed on the Pd2Co(111) surface, which is not seen with Pd bulk crystals. The annealed Pd2Co(111) surface shows very stable i-E curves after numbers of cycles between 0.04 V and 0.97 V at rooms temperature. The Pt monolayer was placed on the annealed Pd2Co(111) surface by galvanic replacement of the Cu upd adlayer. The order of the surface activity for the ORR at room temperature in 0.1 M HClO4 solution is PtML/ Pd2Co(111) > Pt(111) > Pd2Co(111).
Insertion of Lithium into Nanosized Lithium Titanate
Authors: Rubacek Lukas , Sedlarikova Marie , Jirak Tibor , Duchon Jiri , Vondrak Jiri
Published: November 2008

The insertion of lithium into Li4Ti5O12 in aprotic electrolytes was investigated. Average capacity 100 to 130 mAh/g and potential range 1.2 to 1.5 V (vss. Li) were found. The insertion of litium yielded in extended decrease of material resistivity and was accompanied by coloration of the material from white to deep blue. Both changes were reversible
Group 4 and 5 Oxide-Based Compounds as New Cathodes without Platinum Group Metals for PEFC
Authors: Ota Ken-ichiro , Mitsushima Shigenori , Ishihara Akimitsu
Published: November 2008

A partially oxidized TaC0.58N0.42 has been investigated as a new cathode for polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) significantly depended on the oxidation state of the TaC0.58N0.42. TaC0.58N0.42 and Ta2O5 had a poor catalytic activity for the ORR. The onset potential on the partially oxidized TaC0.58N0.42 for the ORR had a maximum value of 0.9 V vs. RHE in 0.1 mol dm-3 H2SO4 at 30oC. XRD analysis showed that the specimens, which had a definite catalytic activity for the ORR, had both TaCxNy and Ta2O5 peaks. This result indicated that an appropriate oxidation of the TaC0.58N0.42 was essential to enhance the catalytic activity for the ORR.
Balance of S1P1and S1P2signaling regulates peripheral microvascular permeability in rat cremaster muscle vasculature
Authors: Lee Jen-Fu , Gordon Sharon , Estrada Rosendo , Wang Lichun , Siow Deanna L. , Wattenberg Binks W. , Lominadze David , Lee Menq-Jer
Published: November 2008

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) regulates various molecular and cellular events in cultured endothelial cells, such as cytoskeletal restructuring, cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and intercellular junction interactions. We utilized the venular leakage model of the cremaster muscle vascular bed in Sprague-Dawley rats to investigate the role of S1P signaling in regulation of microvascular permeability. S1P signaling is mediated by the S1P family of G protein-coupled receptors (S1P1-5receptors). S1P1and S1P2receptors, which transduce stimulatory and inhibitory signaling, respectively, are expressed in the endothelium of the cremaster muscle vasculature. S1P administration alone via the carotid artery was unable to protect against histamine-induced venular leakage of the cremaster muscle vascular bed in Sprague-Dawley rats. However, activation of S1P1-mediated signaling by SEW2871 and FTY720, two agonists of S1P1, significantly inhibited histamine-induced microvascular leakage. Treatment with VPC 23019 to antagonize S1P1-regulated signaling greatly potentiated histamine-induced venular leakage. After inhibition of S1P2signaling by JTE-013, a specific antagonist of S1P2, S1P was able to protect microvascular permeability in vivo. Moreover, endothelial tight junctions and barrier function were regulated by S1P1- and S1P2-mediated signaling in a concerted manner in cultured endothelial cells. These data suggest that the balance between S1P1and S1P2signaling regulates the homeostasis of microvascular permeability in the peripheral circulation and, thus, may affect total peripheral vascular resistance.
Chronic insulin treatment suppresses PTP1B function, induces increased PDGF signaling, and amplifies neointima formation in the balloon-injured rat artery
Authors: Pu Qinghua , Chang Yingzi , Zhang Chunxiang , Cai Yi , Hassid Aviv
Published: November 2008

We tested the hypothesis that hyperinsulinemia induces the suppression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) function, leading to enhanced PDGF receptor (PDGFR) signaling and neointimal hyperplasia. Rats were implanted with insulin-releasing pellets or sham pellets. Blood glucose levels, insulin levels, food and water intake, body weights, and blood pressures were measured. Neointimal hyperplasia was assessed by computerized morphometry 14 days after carotid balloon injury. PTP1B protein expression in injured arteries was determined via Western blot analysis, whereas PTP1B activity was determined via an immunophosphatase assay. Serum insulin levels were two- to threefold greater in hyperinsulinemic rats, whereas systolic blood pressures, food and water intake, serum triglyceride levels, plasma cortisol levels, and urinary catecholamine levels were not affected. Fourteen days after injury, neointima-to-media area ratios were 0.89 ± 0.23 and 1.35 ± 0.22 in control and hyperinsulinemic rats, respectively ( P < 0.01). PTP1B protein levels and total PTP1B activity in injured carotid arteries from the insulin-treated group were significantly decreased 7 or 14 days after injury, whereas PTP1B specific activity was decreased only 14 days after injury. These findings were associated with decreased PTP1B mRNA levels and increased PDGFR tyrosyl phosphorylation in insulin-treated rats. These observations support the hypothesis that hyperinsulinemia induces the suppression of PTP1B function, leading to enhanced PDGFR signaling and neointimal hyperplasia.
Na+/H+exchanger isoform 1 facilitates cardiomyocyte embryonic stem cell differentiation
Authors: Li Xiuju , Karki Pratap , Lei Lei , Wang Huayan , Fliegel Larry
Published: November 2008

Embryonic stem cells provide one potential source of cardiomyocytes for cardiac transplantation; however, after differentiation of stem cells in vitro, cardiomyocytes usually account for only a minority of cells present. To gain insights into improving cardiomyocyte development from stem cells, we examined the role of the Na+/H+exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) in cardiomyocyte differentiation. NHE1 protein and message levels were induced by treatment of CGR8 cells to form embryoid bodies and cardiomyocytes. The NHE1 protein was present on the cell surface and NHE1 inhibitor-sensitive activity was detected. Inhibition of NHE1 activity during differentiation of CGR8 cells prevented cardiomyocyte differentiation as indicated by decreased message for transcription factors Nkx2-5 and Tbx5 and decreased levels of α-myosin heavy chain protein. Increased expression of NHE1 from an adenoviral vector facilitated cardiomyocyte differentiation. Similar results were found with cardiomyocyte differentiation of P19 embryonal carcinoma cells. CGR8 cells were treated to induce differentiation, but when differentiation was inhibited by dispersing the EBs, myocardial development was inhibited. The results demonstrate that NHE1 activity is important in facilitating stem cell differentiation to cardiomyocyte lineage. Elevated NHE1 expression appears to be triggered as part of the process that facilitates cardiomyocyte development.
Improvement in cardiac function after bone marrow cell thearpy is associated with an increase in myocardial inflammation
Authors: Sun Jie , Li Shu-Hong , Liu Shi-Ming , Wu Jun , Weisel Richard D. , Zhuo Yu-Feng , Yau Terrence M. , Li Ren-Ke , Fazel Shafie S.
Published: November 2008

The mechanisms for the beneficial impact of bone marrow cell (BMC) therapy after myocardial infarction (MI) are ill defined. We hypothesized that the implanted cells improve function by attenuating post-MI inflammation and repair. In mice, 3 × 105 fresh BMCs were implanted immediately after coronary ligation. Cardiac function was evaluated over time. Inflammatory cytokines and cells were measured, and their impacts on the (myo)fibroblastic repair response, angiogenesis, and scar formation were determined. All differences below had P values of <0.05. BMC implantation reduced the decline in fractional shortening and ventricular dilation. Invasive hemodynamics confirmed a difference in systolic function at day 7 and diastolic function at day 28 favoring the BMC group. Interestingly, BMC implantation caused a 1.6-fold increase in the number of macrophages infiltrating the infarct but did not affect neutrophils. This increase was associated with a 1.9-fold higher myocardial TNF-α level. The heightened inflammatory response was associated with a 1.4-fold induction of transforming growth factor-β and a 1.3-fold induction of basic fibroblast growth factor. These changes resulted in a 1.6-fold increase in α-smooth muscle actin and a 1.9-fold increase in total discoidin domain receptor 2-expressing cells in the BMC group. These two markers are expressed by cardiac (myo)fibroblasts. Capillary density in the border zone increased 2.0-fold. Consistent with a more robust repair-mediated scar “contracture,” the final scar size was 0.7-fold smaller in the BMC group. In conclusion, after MI, BMC therapy induced a more robust inflammatory response that improved the “priming” of the (myo)fibroblast repair phase. Enhancing this response may further improve the beneficial impact of cellular therapy.
NADPH oxidase has a directional response to shear stress
Authors: Godbole Anjali S. , Lu Xiao , Guo Xiaomei , Kassab Ghassan S.
Published: November 2008

Vessel regions with predilection to atherosclerosis have negative wall shear stress due to flow reversal. The flow reversal causes the production of superoxides (O2−), which scavenge nitric oxide (NO), leading to a decrease in NO bioavailability and endothelial dysfunction. Here, we implicate NADPH oxidase as the primary source of O2− during full flow reversal. Nitrite production and the degree of vasodilation were measured in 46 porcine common femoral arteries in an ex vivo system. Nitrite production and vasodilation were determined before and after the inhibition of NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase, or mitochondrial oxidase. NADPH oxidase inhibition with gp91ds-tat or apocynin restored nitrite production and vasodilation during reverse flow. Xanthine oxidase inhibition increased nitrite production at the highest flow rate, whereas mitochondrial oxidase inhibition had no effect. These findings suggest that the NADPH oxidase system can respond to directional changes of flow and is activated to generate O2− during reverse flow in a dose-dependent fashion. These findings have important clinical implications for oxidative balance and NO bioavailability in regions of flow reversal in a normal and compromised cardiovascular system.
Airway smooth muscle hyperplasia and hypertrophy correlate with glycogen synthase kinase-3β phosphorylation in a mouse model of asthma
Authors: Bentley J. Kelley , Deng Huan , Linn Marisa J. , Lei Jing , Dokshin Gregoriy A. , Fingar Diane C. , Bitar Khalil N. , Henderson William R. , Hershenson Marc B.
Published: November 2008

Increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass, a characteristic finding in asthma, may be caused by hyperplasia or hypertrophy. Cell growth requires increased translation of contractile apparatus mRNA, which is controlled, in part, by glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, a constitutively active kinase that inhibits eukaryotic initiation factor-2 activity and binding of methionyl tRNA to the ribosome. Phosphorylation of GSK-3β inactivates it, enhancing translation. We sought to quantify the contributions of hyperplasia and hypertrophy to increased ASM mass in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized and -challenged BALB/c mice and the role of GSK-3β in this process. Immunofluorescent probes, confocal microscopy, and stereological methods were used to analyze the number and volume of cells expressing α-smooth muscle actin and phospho-Ser9 GSK-3β (pGSK). OVA treatment caused a 3-fold increase in ASM fractional unit volume or volume density (Vv) (PBS, 0.006 ± 0.0003; OVA, 0.014 ± 0.001), a 1.5-fold increase in ASM number per unit volume (Nv), and a 59% increase in volume per cell (Vv/Nv) (PBS, 824 ± 76 μm3; OVA, 1,310 ± 183 μm3). In OVA-treated mice, there was a 12-fold increase in the Vv of pGSK (+) ASM, a 5-fold increase in the Nv of pGSK (+) ASM, and a 1.6-fold increase in Vv/Nv. Lung homogenates from OVA-treated mice showed increased GSK-3β phosphorylation and lower GSK-3β activity. Both hyperplasia and hypertrophy are responsible for increased ASM mass in OVA-treated mice. Phosphorylation and inactivation of GSK-3β are associated with ASM hypertrophy, suggesting that this kinase may play a role in asthmatic airway remodeling.
Metagenome Fragment Classification Using N‐Mer Frequency Profiles
Authors: Rosen Gail , Garbarine Elaine , Caseiro Diamantino , Polikar Robi , Sokhansanj Bahrad
Published: November 2008

A vast amount of microbial sequencing data is being generated through large‐scale projects in ecology, agriculture, and human health. Efficient high‐throughput methods are needed to analyze the mass amounts of metagenomic data, all DNA present in an environmental sample. A major obstacle in metagenomics is the inability to obtain accuracy using technology that yields short reads. We construct the unique N‐mer frequency profiles of 635 microbial genomes publicly available as of February 2008. These profiles are used to train a naive Bayes classifier (NBC) that can be used to identify the genome of any fragment. We show that our method is comparable to BLAST for small 25 bp fragments but does not have the ambiguity of BLAST′s tied top scores. We demonstrate that this approach is scalable to identify any fragment from hundreds of genomes. It also performs quite well at the strain, species, and genera levels and achieves strain resolution despite classifying ubiquitous genomic fragments (gene and nongene regions). Cross‐validation analysis demonstrates that species‐accuracy achieves 90% for highly‐represented species containing an average of 8 strains. We demonstrate that such a tool can be used on the Sargasso Sea dataset, and our analysis shows that NBC can be further enhanced.
Fabrication of Proton‐Exchange Waveguide Using Stoichiometric LiTaO3 for Guided Wave Electrooptic Modulators with Polarization‐Reversed Structure
Authors: Murata Hiroshi , Okamura Yasuyuki
Published: November 2008

Optical waveguides were fabricated on z‐cut stoichiometric LiTaO3 (SLT) by using the proton‐exchange method. The surface index change for the extraordinary ray on the SLT
substrate resulting from the proton exchange was 0.017, which coincided well with congruent
LiTaO3 substrates. The proton exchange coefficient in the SLT was
0.25 × 10−12 cm2/s. The application of the SLT waveguide to a quasi‐velocity‐matched travelling‐wave electrooptic modulator with periodically polarization‐reversed structure is also reported.
Enabling Cognitive Load‐Aware AR with Rateless Coding on a Wearable Network
Authors: Razavi R. , Fleury M. , Ghanbari M.
Published: November 2008

Augmented reality (AR) on a head‐mounted display is conveniently supported by a wearable wireless network. If, in addition, the AR display is moderated to take account of the cognitive load of the wearer, then additional biosensors form part of the network. In this paper, the impact of these additional traffic sources is assessed. Rateless coding is proposed to not only protect the fragile encoded video stream from wireless noise and interference but also to reduce coding overhead. The paper proposes a block‐based form of rateless channel coding in which the unit of coding is a block within a packet. The contribution of this paper is that it minimizes energy consumption by reducing the overhead from forward error correction (FEC), while error correction properties are conserved. Compared to simple packet‐based rateless coding, with this form of block‐based coding, data loss is reduced and energy efficiency is improved. Cross‐layer organization of piggy‐backed response blocks must take place in response to feedback, as detailed in the paper. Compared also to variants of its default FEC scheme, results from a Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1) wireless network show a consistent improvement in energy consumption, packet arrival latency, and video quality at the AR display.
Effects of D-Cycloserine Administration on Weekly Nonemotional Memory Tasks in Healthy Participants
Authors: Otto Michael W. , Basden Shawnee L. , McHugh R. Kathryn , Kantak Kathleen M. , Deckersbach Thilo , Cather Corinne , Goff Donald C. , Hofmann Stefan G. , Berry Angela C. , Smits Jasper A.J.
Published: November 2008

Background: The application of weekly doses of D-cycloserine (DCS) to the enhancement of exposure-based treatments has been a particular achievement of translational research. It is not known, however, whether this enhancement effect can be extended to other forms of learning. In this study, we investigated the relative benefit of DCS versus placebo for enhancing nonemotional verbal and nonverbal memory across weekly trials. Methods: We randomized healthy participants to weekly doses of 50 mg DCS or placebo, with 33 participants completing a 5-week protocol. Participants completed baseline neuropsychological evaluation and then 4 subsequent weeks of repeated learning tasks. Results: No improvement was found in immediate or delayed memory following single doses of DCS for the memory tasks repeated on a weekly basis. Trends for an advantage of DCS were evident for novel word lists given each week. Conclusions: The learning tasks in our study were particularly distinct from the extinction learning paradigms that have shown strong DCS effects, and we were unable to demonstrate useful DCS effects with these nonemotional stimuli. Additional research is needed to elucidate the bounds of DCS augmentation effects on therapeutic learning.
Comparison of the Efficacies of Antibiotic-Impregnated and Silver-Impregnated Ventricular Catheters on the Prevention of Infections
Authors: Secer Halil Ibrahim , Kural Cahit , Kaplan Metin , Kilic Abdullah , Duz Bulent , Gonul Engin , Izci Yusuf
Published: November 2008

Background and Objective: Infection of the cerebrospinal fluid is a life-threatening condition which is usually treated with systemic antibiotics and continued ventricular drainage in children. The aim of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial activities of two antimicrobial-agent-impregnated ventricular catheters and to compare their efficacies on the bacterial cultures. Methods: Antibiotic-impregnated (clindamycin and rifampicin), silver-impregnated, and standard ventricular catheters were used in this study. The experiment was performed in 2 steps. In the first step, small pieces of the catheters were cut and incubated. Then, they were washed and placed in agar medium. Finally, the number of colonies was counted. In the second step, the pieces of catheters were placed on agar plates containing Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The plates were incubated, and then, the inhibition zone for each catheter was measured. Results: An inhibition zone was observed only in the plates for antibiotic-impregnated catheters. In the other plates, no inhibition zone was detected. The number of colonies was lowest in the plate with the silver-impregnated catheter, followed by the antibiotic-impregnated and standard catheters. Conclusion: The antibiotic-impregnated catheter seems more effective for antimicrobial treatment. Although no inhibition zone was found in the plates for silver-impregnated catheters, these catheters allow the lowest bacterial colonization in agar.
Study on the Pathomorphology of Myelodysplasia
Authors: Wang Dawei , Bai Xiaohui , Sun Daqing , Han Ke , Li Jinliang
Published: November 2008

Objective: To study the clinical pathomorphology of myelodysplasia and research its relationship with the neurological defect of myelodysplasia. Methods: 184 patients with myelodysplasia were diagnosed and evaluated depending on patient history, physical examination, imaging, voiding cystourethrogram and urodynamic tests. 182 patients underwent surgical management. The intraspinal anomalies and their relationships with the spinal cords were observed and recorded during operations. The pathological tissues which were resected during the operations were examined postoperatively. Results: Myelodysplasia was divided into 6 types depending on the intraspinal pathomorphology: type I (tethered spinal cord with morbid terminal filum), type II (tethered spinal cord with fibrous adhesion), type III (lipoma on the spinal cord), type IV (intraspinal cyst), type V (split cord malformations), and type VI (defect of spinal cords and/or nerve roots). Conclusions: Theneurological defect of myelodysplasia results from its intraspinal anomaly and the morphological change of the spinal cord. It should be actively diagnosed and surgically treated to improve the prognosis.
The Influence of Dietary Intake on Endogenous Acid Production
Authors: Chan James C.M.
Published: November 2008

The body regulates acid and base within a definite and very precise range; any excess of either will cause disturbances in enzymatic reaction, body maturation and growth. The kidneys play a prominent role in the excretion of acid. Recently developed methods permitting the quantitative measurement of endogenous acid production from food metabolism, skeletal growth, etc. are evaluated. The clinical application of such principles to the study of the acidogenic properties of milk formulae, amino acid infusates etc. are also reviewed, together with comments on the limitations of such balance methods.
Protein Nutrition and Calcium Absorption
Authors: Shenolikar I.S.
Published: November 2008

Calcium absorption was investigated in young rats maintained on either high or low levels of protein in the diet and in adult rats, maintained on adequate diet to start with and then switching some on to a low-protein diet, employing in vivo and in vitro techniques. Results of the three techniques employed-(1) serum radioactivity after 1 h of gavage feeding 45CaCl2 solution, (2) 45Ca uptake by duodenal slices after 1 h incubation in the medium containing 45Ca, and (3) everted gut sac technique – indicated that the capacity of the intestine for calcium absorption in rats was not influenced by the level of protein in the diet.
Effect of Dietary Vitamin B Level on Fat Storage, Adipose Tissue Cellularity and Energy Expenditure in Rats and Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Lemonnier D. , de Gasquet P. , Griglio S. , Naon R. , Reynouard F. , Trémolières J.
Published: November 2008

Obesity was produced in mice and rats with high-fat diets containing various vitamin B levels (thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, Ca-pantothenate, and niacin). Enlargement of fat depots, when compared with control animals fed a low fat diet, is a function of increasing quantities of these vitamins. The variations of fat storage proceeded by increasing the fat cell number in the perirenal adipose tissue of the rat. There was no difference in the resting energy expenditure of rats fed on the diets tested regardless ofwhether the obesity was nutritionally induced or not.
Comparative Studies on Composition of Liver Phospholipids from Rats Fed Oleic or Elaidic Acid
Authors: Guo L.S.S. , Alexander J.C.
Published: November 2008

Rats were fed diets containing either ethyl oleate or ethyl elaidate with and without supplementation of ethyl linoleate. Feeding elaidate increased the ratio of the phospholipids phosphatidylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine, and inhibited the formation of higher polyunsaturated fatty acids from linoleic as well as from oleic and palmitoleic acids. Elaidic acid was incorporated mainly in the phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine fractions and the level found was linoleate-independent. The 5-cis, 9-transoctadecadienoic acid was deposited only in the phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine fraction when linoleate was fed, but also in phosphaditylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine with a linoleate deficiency. In contrast to the trans monoene being predominantly in the α1 opposition of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, the cis, trans-diene was all in the β position of the phospholipids.
Application de la méthode des enregistrements continus de glycémie à l’étude de ľaction des substances hypoglycémiantes chez le diabétique
Authors: Drouin P. , Mejean L. , Guisard D. , Debry G.
Published: November 2008

The application of analytical methods to the curves of continuous recording of glycemia is discussed with reference to studies of the action of hypoglycemia-inducing substances. Although morphological analysis of the curve conveys knowledge of the type of action of the products used, mathematical analysis allows a very acurate appreciation of the diabetic equilibrium obtained and the quantification of the hypoglycemia-inducing effect of the substance.
Effect of Monosodium Glutamate on Fetus and Newborn Mouse
Authors: Semprini M.E. , D’Amicis A. , Mariani A.
Published: November 2008

Different levels of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in conjunction with vitamin levels have been studied in successive generations of mouse. At each vitamin level, 1 and 2%, the mice received diets which contained MSG 1%, 2%, no MSG (control group). Litters of the 1st and 2nd generation were studied for RNA, DNA, protein content, and the cellularity in the brain. The diets with MSG addition increase the percentage of rearing, and the average weight of the treated animals at weaning is higher than in controls. The data on the cellularity of the central nervous system show no significant difference between animals treated with high daily doses of MSG and control animals. This confirms that prolonged oral administration of MSG in successive generations does not have a negative effect on the development.
Insulin Sensitivity in Vitamin B6-Deficient Rats
Authors: Makris Anastasia , Gershoff Stanley N.
Published: November 2008

Increased insulin sensitivity of vitamin B6-deficient rat adipose tissue may be related in part to altered GH metabolism. The metabolism of glucose-U-14C in muscle and adipose tissue was determined in vivo as a function of insulin, GH and combined insulin-GH treatments. Vitamin B6-deficient rats were more sensitive to insulin and acute GH treatments, which exerted an insulin-like effect, than were ad libitum or pair-fed controls. Chronic GH treatment had an insulin-like effect on muscle and potentiated the action of insulin, while it inhibited the action of insulin in adipose tissue. The degree of response to chronic GH treatment was greatest in the vitamin B6-deficient rats. The data provide evidence that chronic GH treatment modified insulin sensitivity in vitamin B6-deficient rats.
Effect of Dietary Fructose on Free Fatty Acid Release from Adipose Tissue and Serum Free Fatty Acid Concentration in the Rat
Authors: Vrána A. , Fábry P. , Slabochová Z. , Kazdová L.
Published: November 2008

The administration of a diet, containing 70 cal% of fructose, increases in rats, as compared with a diet containing 70 cal% of glucose, the release of free fatty acids (FFA) from adipose tissue in vitro. Since the glycerol release from adipose tissue is not increased by the high fructose diet, it may be concluded that the enhanced FFA release in the fructose group is due to a reduced re-esterification of FFA in adipose tissue rather than to an enhanced hpolysis. The serum concentrations of FFA are increased by fructose intake temporarily (for the first week of the diet administration), the increased FFA release from adipose tissue being present up to 1 month after starting the diet. The reduced re-esterification of FFA in fructose-fed rats is probably connected with the reduced glucose utilization in adipose tissue. None of the described effects of the fructose diet seems to result from insulin deficiency since no difference was found in the serum insulin concentrations between the groups on the fructose and glucose diet. It is speculated whether the enhanced FFA release from adipose tissue in rats fed the fructose diet may participate in the mechanism of fructose-induced hypertriglyceridaemia.
Effects of Fasting on the Activity of Cytosol Factors Engaged in Protein Biosynthesis in Mouse Hepatocytes
Authors: Gamulin S. , Norman M.R.
Published: November 2008

The aminoacyl-tRNA and protein synthesizing activities of cell-free systems derived from the livers of mice fed ad libitum and mice fasted overnight were measured. The ‘pH 5 fractions’ from both groups of mice have a similar ability to acylate tRNA. Cell-free systems derived from fasted mice had a reduced protein synthetic activity, but in heterogenous cell-free systems the activity of polysomes from these animals was significantly increased by cytosol fractions from fed mice. These results indicate that fasting affects a factor or factors in the cytosol which are required for incorporation of aminoacyl-tRNA into protein.
Utilization of Rapeseed Oils of High and Low Erucic Acid Content
Authors: Vogtmann H. , Clandinin D.R. , Hardin R.T.
Published: November 2008

In an experiment involving 4-week-old chickens the effects of feeding different levels of rapeseed oils of high and low erucic acid content on the weight, lipid content and fatty acid composition of various tissues was studied. The results obtained indicated that: (1) On the average, the kind of oil or fat fed did not appear to influence heart-to-body-weight ratio. Only regular rapeseed oil increased liver-to-body-weight ratio by more than 10 %. The data also show that the feeding of rations containing regular rapeseed oil or Canbra oil (a low erucic type) produced the smallest spleens while feeding rations containing soybean oil or lard resulted in the highest spleen-to-body-weight ratios. (2). The total lipid content of the heart of chickens fed regular rapeseed oil and Canbra oil-containing diets was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower than those receiving Span oil, soybean oil or lard-containing diets. The total lipid content of liver or spleen was not influenced by the kind of oil or fat included in the ration. (3). The fatty acid composition of the feed fats altered the fatty acid pattern of the total lipids of heart, liver, spleen and breast muscle. Feeding the rapeseed oil-containing diets led to a decrease in the concentration of saturated fatty acids in the organs with increasing additions of oil to the diets, whereas the concentration of mono-unsaturated fatty acids increased. This increase was mainly due to increases in the concentration of eicosenoic (C 20:1) and erucic (C 22:1) acids in tissue lipids. Addition of the low erucic acid rapeseed oils (Canbra and Span) to the rations led to similar but smaller changes in the composition of the tissue lipids of the chickens. Feeding increasing levels of soybean oil in the diet led to an increase in the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the total lipids of liver, spleen and breast muscle, whereas with feeding of increasing levels of lard in the diet the concentration of saturated fatty acids in these tissue lipids tended to increase.
Amino Acid Tablet-Substituted Diets in the Management of Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Lee H.A. , Down P.F. , Fowell E. , Hyne B.E.H.
Published: November 2008

Low protein Giovannetti diets in three patients with chronic renal failure have been compared with isonitrogenous, iso-caloric amino acid tablet-substituted regimes. Another patient has been managed on such a regime after regular haemodialysis treatment had to be suspended. The amino acid diets proved palatable and were effective in maintaining nitrogen balance when the caloric supply was adequate. Improved nitrogen balance correlated with diminished faecal nitrogen excretion and falling or stable blood urea levels implying improved urea nitrogen re-utilization. It is suggested that when the caloric supply is adequate for generation of sufficient α-ketonic acid derivatives, ammonia nitrogen is preferentially utilized for the synthesis of non-essential amino acids rather than more urea formation. Metabolic acidosis is a potential hazard of such regimes.
Ovarian, Adrenal and Litter Restriction Effects on Fetal and Placental Development
Authors: van Marthens E. , Grauel L.
Published: November 2008

Surgical litter restriction to one to five fetuses per rat, results in highly significant increases in fetal body and placental weight. Intrauterine crowding, competition, and the amount of nutrients available per fetus appear to be the limiting factors controlling fetal development. The interaction of ovarian and adrenal hormones was investigated by surgical removal of ovarian and adrenal tissue during litter restriction. Increased intrauterine growth does not appear to be directly controlled by the amount of ovarian and/or adrenal tissue per fetus.
Myocardial Alteration in Rats Fed Rapeseed Oils Containing High or Low Levels of Erucic Acid
Authors: Beare-Rogers J.L. , Nera E.A. , Heggtveit H.A.
Published: November 2008

Mature male rats fed rapeseed oil for 16 weeks had a higher incidence of cardiac lesions than did control rats fed a mixture of lard and corn oil. Both high-erucic and low-erucic rapeseed oils were associated with cardiac necrosis and fibrosis. A dose response in the incidence of such lesions was obtained after 16 weeks of feeding various levels of Span oil (B. campestris, 2.7-percent erucic acid), but with Oro oil (B. napus, 0.6-percent erucic acid) an increased incidence of lesions occurred only at the top levels. Zephyr oil (B. napus, 0.3–0.7-percent erucic acid) and a ‘deodorizer condensate’ diluted in olive oil were also associated with a high incidence of cardiac lesions. The refining of oil appeared not to change its nutritional properties, but partial hydrogenation of Zephyr oil decreased the cardiopathogenic effect.
Efficiency of Converting Food Iron into Hemoglobin by the Anemic Rat
Authors: Mahoney Arthur W. , VanOrden Claudia C. , Hendricks Deloy G.
Published: November 2008

The bioavailability of iron in dried whole egg, ground beef, whole-wheat flour, enriched flour and FeSO4 was evaluated in terms of hemoglobin regeneration. Sixty weanling male rats were made anemic by feeding a semi-purified basal diet containing 7.8 p.p.m. iron. They were divided into six groups to be fed the basal diet or the basal diet substituted with appropriate amounts of each iron source for 3 weeks. It was calculated that the milligrams of iron converted to hemoglobin per 100 mg of iron consumed was 51 for the iron in FeSO4 diet, 45 for the iron in egg diet, 43 for the iron in beef diet, 33 for the iron in whole-wheat flour diet and 24 for the iron in enriched flour diet. The efficiency of converting iron in FeSO4 diets to hemoglobin iron is linear over a wide range of iron intakes between experiments and among laboratories.
Effects of Fructose on Ferric and Ferrous Iron Absorption in Man
Authors: Heinrich H.C. , Gabbe E.E. , Brüggemann J. , Oppitz K.H.
Published: November 2008

Even at a molar ratio fructose:Fe = 106:1, fructose did not improve the poor bioavailability of ferric iron and had no effect on the better absorption of ferrous iron from therapeutic doses of 50 mg Fe. This was demonstrated for subjects with normal and depleted iron stores by intraindividual comparison of the whole-body retention of the absorbed 59 Fe. It is concluded that fructose complexes of ferric and ferrous iron are of no value in oral iron therapy.
Primary Systemic Amyloidosis with Bone Lesions Presenting as Hyperlipoproteinemia
Authors: Birchwood B.
Published: November 2008

A 45-year-old lady presented with obesity and slightly elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. Her obesity responded to a calorie-restricted diet but her lipids had increased markedly. Investigation in hospital revealed the source of hyperlipoproteinemia to be nephrotic syndrome secondary to primary systemic amyloidosis.