bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Hydrogen Effusion from the Si-H Bonds in Si Rich Silicon Oxynitride Films for Nanocrystalline Silicon Based Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Sarikov Andrey , Voitovych M. , Lisovskyy Igor , Naseka V. , Hartel A. , Hiller D. , Gutsch S. , Zacharias M.
Published: November 2013

This work is devoted to determination of characteristics of hydrogen effusion from SiH bonds in Si rich silicon oxynitride (SRON) films, obtained by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, as a result of thermal anneals at temperatures from 400 to 800°C. The values of the concentrations of SiH bonds in HSi (Si3nOn) (0 n 3) complexes contributing to the structure of SRON films are obtained from the analysis of infrared absorption spectra in the range of 2000-2400 cm1. The kinetics of the decrease of SiH concentrations as a result of anneals is described in the framework of a model with distributed activation energy of hydrogen emission. The median value and the mean-square deviation of this distribution as well as the attempt frequencies of SiH bond breaks are determined from the comparison of experimental and calculated SiH concentrations in SRON films. These characteristics are compatible with such characteristics found for the case of the depassivation of PbH centers at the Si/SiO2 interfaces. Obtained results are useful for the controlled formation of the layers of Si nanocrystals in dielectric matrix for Si based tandem solar cells applications.
Reliability-Based Optimization of Spin-Transfer Torque Magnetic Tunnel Junction Implication Logic Gates
Authors: Mahmoudi Hiwa , Windbacher T. , Sverdlov V. , Selberherr S.
Published: November 2013

Recently, magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ)-based implication logic gates have been proposed to realize a fundamental Boolean logic operation called material implication (IMP). For given MTJ characteristics, the IMP gate circuit parameters must be optimized to obtain the minimum IMP error probability. In this work we present the optimization method and investigate the effect of MTJ device parameters on the reliability of IMP logic gates. It is shown that the most important MTJ device parameters are the tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio and the thermal stability factor Δ. The IMP error probability decreases exponentially with increasing TMR and Δ.
High-Resolution Strain Mapping Through Time-of-Flight Neutron Transmission Diffraction
Authors: Tremsin Anton S. , McPhate Jason B. , Vallerga John V. , Siegmund Oswald H.W. , Kockelmann Winfried , Paradowska Anna , Zhang Shu Yan , Kelleher Joe , Steuwer Axel , Feller W. Bruce
Published: November 2013

The spatial resolution of time of flight neutron transmission diffraction was recently improved by the extension of photon/electron counting technology to imaging of thermal and cold neutrons. The development of novel neutron sensitive microchannel plates enables neutron counting with spatial resolution of ~55 um and time-of-flight accuracy of ~1 us, with efficiency as high as 70% for cold and ~40% for thermal neutrons. The combination of such a high resolution detector with a pulsed collimated neuron beam provides the opportunity to obtain a 2-dimensional map of neutron transmission spectra in one measurement. The results of our neuron transmission measurements demonstrate that maps of strains integrated along the beam propagation direction can be obtained with ~100 microstrain accuracy and spatial resolution of ~100 um providing there are sufficient neutron events collected. In this paper we describe the capabilities of the MCP neutron counting detectors and present the experimental results of 2-dimensional strain maps within austenitic steel compact tension (CT) crack samples measured at the ENGIN-X beamline of the ISIS pulsed neutron source.
Hydrogen Interaction with Residual Stresses in Steel Studied by Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction
Authors: Dabah Eitan , Kannengiesser Thomas , Eliezer Dan , Boellinghaus Thomas
Published: November 2013

The residual stress state in a material has an important role in the mechanism of cracking, induced or assisted by hydrogen. In this contribution, the beamline EDDI in BESSY II instrument in Berlin was used in order to investigate the influence of hydrogen upon the residual stresses state existing in a Supermartensitic stainless steel sample. The method used for investigating the residual stresses is the “sinus square ψ” method. This method involves the usage of high energy X-ray diffraction in order to measure the residual stress state and magnitude. It was found that hydrogen presence has a significant influence upon the magnitude of the residual stresses, as its value decreases with high hydrogen content. This effect is reversible, as hydrogen desorbs from the sample the residual stress magnitude gains its initial value before hydrogen charging.
The Transcription Factor E74-like Factor 4 Suppresses Differentiation of Proliferating CD4+ T Cells to the Th17 Lineage
Authors: Lee Ping-Hsien , Puppi Monica , Schluns Kimberly S. , Yu-Lee Li-Yuan , Dong Chen , Lacorazza H. Daniel
Published: November 2013

The differentiation of CD4+ T cells into different Th lineages is driven by cytokine milieu in the priming site and the underlying transcriptional circuitry. Even though many positive regulators have been identified, it is not clear how this process is inhibited at transcriptional level. In this study, we report that the E-twenty six (ETS) transcription factor E74-like factor 4 (ELF4) suppresses the differentiation of Th17 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Culture of naive Elf4−/− CD4+ T cells in the presence of IL-6 and TGF-β (or IL-6, IL-23, and IL-1β) resulted in increased numbers of IL-17A–positive cells compared with wild-type controls. In contrast, the differentiation to Th1, Th2, or regulatory T cells was largely unaffected by loss of ELF4. The increased expression of genes involved in Th17 differentiation observed in Elf4−/− CD4+ T cells suggested that ELF4 controls their programming into the Th17 lineage rather than only IL-17A gene expression. Despite normal proliferation of naive CD4+ T cells, loss of ELF4 lowered the requirement of IL-6 and TGF-β signaling for IL-17A induction in each cell division. ELF4 did not inhibit Th17 differentiation by promoting IL-2 production as proposed for another ETS transcription factor, ETS1. Elf4−/− mice showed increased numbers of Th17 cells in the lamina propria at steady state, in lymph nodes after immunization, and, most importantly, in the CNS following experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induction, contributing to the increased disease severity. Collectively, our findings suggest that ELF4 restrains Th17 differentiation in dividing CD4+ T cells by regulating commitment to the Th17 differentiation program.
TRAF5 Negatively Regulates TLR Signaling in B Lymphocytes
Authors: Buchta Claire M. , Bishop Gail A.
Published: November 2013

The cytoplasmic adaptor proteins TNFR-associated factor (TRAF)3 and TRAF6 are important mediators of TLR signaling. To our knowledge, we show in this study for the first time that another TRAF family member, TRAF5, is a negative regulator of TLR signaling. B lymphocytes from TRAF5−/− mice produced more IL-6, IL-12p40, IL-10, TNF-α, and IgM than did wild-type B cells after TLR stimulation. Consistent with these data, exogenous overexpression of TRAF5 in B cells inhibited TLR-mediated cytokine and Ab production. TLR stimulation of TRAF5-deficient B cells did not affect cell survival, proliferation, or NF-κB activation but resulted in markedly enhanced phosphorylation of the MAPKs ERK1/2 and JNK. TRAF5 negatively regulated TLR signaling in a cell-specific manner, because TRAF5−/− macrophages and dendritic cells showed less dramatic differences in TLR-mediated cytokine production than B cells. Following TLR stimulation, TRAF5 associated in a complex with the TLR adaptor protein MyD88 and the B cell–specific positive regulator of TLR signaling TAB2. Furthermore, TRAF5 negatively regulated the association of TAB2 with its signaling partner TRAF6 after TLR ligation in B cells. To our knowledge, these data provide the first evidence that TRAF5 acts as a negative regulator of TLR signaling.
Molecular Differences and Similarities between Alzheimer's Disease and the 5XFAD Transgenic Mouse Model of Amyloidosis
Authors: Maarouf Chera L. , Kokjohn Tyler A. , Whiteside Charisse M. , Macias MiMi P. , Kalback Walter M. , Sabbagh Marwan N. , Beach Thomas G. , Vassar Robert , Roher Alex E.
Published: November 2013

Transgenic (Tg) mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been extensively used to study the pathophysiology of this dementia and to test the efficacy of drugs to treat AD. The 5XFAD Tg mouse, which contains two presenilin-1 and three amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutations, was designed to rapidly recapitulate a portion of the pathologic alterations present in human AD. APP and its proteolytic peptides, as well as apolipoprotein E and endogenous mouse tau, were investigated in the 5XFAD mice at 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months. AD and nondemented subjects were used as a frame of reference. APP, amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, APP C-terminal fragments (CT99, CT83, AICD), β-site APP-cleaving enzyme, and APLP1 substantially increased with age in the brains of 5XFAD mice. Endogenous mouse tau did not show age-related differences. The rapid synthesis of Aβ and its impact on neuronal loss and neuroinflammation make the 5XFAD mice a desirable paradigm to model AD.
Nitrogen form, time and rate of application, and nitrification inhibitor effects on crop production
Authors: Karamanos R. E. , Hanson K. , Stevenson F. C.
Published: November 2013

Karamanos, R., Hanson, K. and Stevenson, F. C. 2014. Nitrogen form, time and rate of application, and nitrification inhibitor effects on crop production. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 425–432. Nitrogen management options for anhydrous ammonia (NH3) and urea were compared in a barley–wheat–canola–wheat cropping sequence (2007–2010) at Watrous and Lake Lenore, SK. The treatment design included a factorial arrangement of N fertilizer form (NH3versus urea), nitrification inhibitor application, time of N application (mid-September, mid- to late October, and spring) and four N fertilizer rates (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha−1). Anhydrous ammonia applications at 40 kg N ha−1in 2008 (fall) and in 2010 (all times of application) resulted in wheat yield reductions relative to the same applications for urea. For wheat years, yield was reduced for both fall versus spring N fertilizer applications, when no nitrification inhibitor was applied and the inclusion of nitrification inhibitor maintained wheat yield at similar levels across all times of N fertilizer applications, regardless of form. Protein concentration was approximately 2 g kg−1greater with urea compared with NH3at both sites in 2008 and only at Watrous in 2010. Also, early versus late fall N fertilizer applications consistently increased N concentration of grain only for the 40 and/or 80 kg N ha−1rates. Effects of nitrification inhibitor on N concentration were not frequent and appeared to be minimal. Urea had greater agronomic efficiency (AE) than NH3at the lower N fertilizer rates. The nitrification inhibitor had a positive effect on wheat AE only for early fall N fertilizer applications. It can be concluded that for maximum yields NH3or urea will be suitable if applied at rates of 80 kg N ha−1and greater. If N fertilizer is applied at 40 kg N ha−1, especially in fall without inhibitor, urea is better. In terms of protein concentration for wheat, urea seemed to better than NH3and fall was better than spring application.
On geodesic homotopies of controlled width and conjugacies in isometry groups
Authors: Kokarev Gerasim
Published: November 2013

We give an analytical proof of the Poincaré-type inequalities for widths of geodesic homotopies between equivariant maps valued in Hadamard metric spaces. As an application we obtain a linear bound for the length of an element conjugating two finite lists in a group acting on an Hadamard space.
Filling inequalities for nilpotent groups through approximations
Authors: Young Robert
Published: November 2013

We bound the higher-order Dehn functions and other filling invariants of certain Carnot groups using approximation techniques. These groups include the higher-dimensional Heisenberg groups, jet groups, and central products of 2-step nilpotent groups. Some consequences of this work are a construction of groups with arbitrarily large nilpotency class that have Euclidean
n
-dimensional filling volume functions, and a proof of part of a conjecture of Gromov on the higher-order filling functions of the higher-dimensional Heisenberg groups.
Análisis enfermero de la presencia de la técnica del ojal en las unidades de hemodiálisis Españolas
Authors: González Molina Julian , Momblanch Amorós Mª Trinidad , Moreno Aliaga Carme , Sanz Escriva Antonio , Navarro Daudén Laura , Marti i Monros Anna Mireía , Muñoz Izquierdo Amparo
Published: November 2013

El uso de la Técnica Buttonhole o Técnica del Ojal como abordaje para la punción del acceso vascular en Unidades de Hemodiálisis en España, está sien-o lento e inferior a su implantación en otros países europeos. Nuestra experiencia con la técnica del ojal tanto en la potenciación del autocuidado en pacientes en hemodiálisis domiciliaria y en centro, como en el rescate de fístulas arteriovenosas difíciles, ha sido altamente positiva, tanto en pacientes como en profesionales.Los objetivos de nuestro estudio se basan en:• Conocer el grado de presencia de la técnica del ojal para punción del acceso vascular en las unidades de hemodiálisis españolas.• Identificar los elementos relacionados con su escasa presencia.• Proponer estrategias enfermeras para aumentar su presencia.Se trata de un estudio descriptivo transversal. La población estudiada son las unidades de hemodiáli-sis españolas. Para desarrollar el estudio se creó un cuestionario semicerrado (se enviaron a 436 unidades de hemo-diálisis, y se obtuvo 135 respuestas: tasa de respuesta > 31 % de las enviadas, lo que valida las mismas). El análisis de los datos se realizó con el programa estadístico SPSS 17.0. Se analizaron las frecuencias relativas de las variables cualitativas estudiadas, así como las frecuencias absolutas, de las variables con una población inferior a 10 casos.Tras los resultados obtenidos podemos concluir, que existe una gran diferencia entre las unidades de hemodiálisis españolas que dicen conocer la técnica y las que la utilizan, esto nos hace pensar que el conocimiento podría etiquetarse como “por referen-cias” pero no en profundidad; que el conocimiento de la técnica es teórico pero no lo suficiente para su implementación; que a pesar de ser una técnica de enfermería, su utilización está parcialmente condicionada por la opinión y/o conocimiento que de la misma tienen los nefrólogos; por último afi rmar, que para aumentar la utilizac ión de la técnica del ojal, sería necesario programar talleres prácticos sobre la misma y abordar los problemas logísticos
Consulta de enfermería interdisciplinar de enfermedad renal crónica avanzada:apuntes para un modelo integral de cuidados
Authors: García-Llana Helena , Rodríguez-Rey Rocío , Trocolí González Filomena , Celadilla Díez Olga , Rodríguez Gonzálvez Carmen , Arranz Sánchez María , Bajo Rubio Mª Auxiliadora , Sánchez Villanueva Rafael , Del Peso Gilsanz Gloria , González García Elena , Selgas Gutiérrez Rafael
Published: November 2013

La consulta de enfermería de Enfermedad Renal Cróni-ca Avanzada (ERCA) constituye un escenario especialmente complejo(1,2) tanto para el paciente como para los profesionales. Por este motivo, y con el objetivo principal de ofrecer apoyo al personal de enfermería durante estas consultas, en la Unidad de ERCA del Servicio de Nefrología del Hospital Universitario La Paz, se en-cuentra dentro del protocolo de actuación la posibilidad de que el psicólogo este físicamente presente en esta consulta. Esta modalidad de actuación está en línea con la evidencia de que un equipo interdisciplinar es necesario para mejorar la comprensión de la enfermedad renal, y con ello la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) de los pacientes con ERCA(3). Este protocolo ha sido publicado como carta al director en la revista Nefrología(4), aunque en la presente versión hacemos énfasis en aspectos diferenciales, principalmente en las funciones específi cas de la enfermería en la consulta de ERCA y la defi nición del perfi l de paciente ante el cual activar este protocolo. El objetivo de promover la difusión del mismo en las distintas sociedades científicas de la especialidad es recordarnos que en el abordaje integral del enfermo renal es mucho más lo que nos une que lo que nos separa.
Comparison of the Antibacterial Efficacy of Tea Tree Oil with 3% Sodium Hypochlorite and 2% Chlorhexidine against E. faecalis: An in vitro Study
Authors: Sheth Hina , Kamath Uday , Ramesh Sai , Singla Keshav
Published: November 2013

Background and objectives

Among the bacterial species which most often cause endodontic failure,Enterococcus faecalisis the most important. This study compared the antibacterial efficacy of tea tree oil with 3% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine as a root canal irrigant, againstE. faecalis

Materials and Methods

Normal saline, tea tree oil, 3% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine and fresh stains ofE. faecaliswere used. Four round wells, 4 mm deep and 8 mm diameter, were punched using sterile cork borer in blood agar plates and divided into four groups: group A: normal saline (control), group B: 3% sodium hypochlorite, group C: 2% chlorhexidine and group D: tea tree oil. Agar well diffusion method was performed to compare the antibacterial efficacy of tea tree oil, 3% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine.

Results

The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Tea tree oil showed comparable inhibition of bacterial growth with sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine. No zone of inhibition was shown by normal saline (control).

Interpretation and conclusion

Tea tree oil showed statistically significant antimicrobial activity againstEnterococcus faecalis, which is very much similar to sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine.

Abbreviations

CHX: Chlorhexidine;E. faecalis: Enterococcus faecalis; NaOCl: Sodium hypochlorite.

How to cite this article

Kamath U, Sheth H, Ramesh S, Singla K. Comparison of the Antibacterial Efficacy of Tea Tree Oil with 3% Sodium Hypochlorite and 2% Chlorhexidine againstE. faecalis: An in vitroStudy. J Contemp Dent 2013; 3(3):117-120.
Method development estimating ambient oxidized mercury concentration from monitored mercury wet deposition
Authors: Chen S. , Qiu X. , Zhang L. , Yang F. , Blanchard P.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. To quantify mercury dry deposition, the Atmospheric Mercury Network (AMNet) of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) was established recently to monitor the speciated atmospheric mercury (i.e. gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) and particulate-bound mercury (PBM)). However, the spatial coverage of AMNet is far less than the long-established Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) for wet deposition monitoring. The present study describes the first attempt linking ambient concentration of the oxidized mercury (GOM + PBM) with wet deposition aiming to estimate GOM + PBM roughly at locations and/or times where such measurement is not available but where wet deposition is monitored. The beta distribution function is used to describe the distribution of GOM + PBM and is used to predict GOM + PBM from monitored wet deposition. The mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and skewness of the fitted beta distribution parameters were generated using data collected in 2009 at multiple monitoring superstations. The established beta distribution function from the 2009 GOM + PBM data is used to construct a model that predicts GOM + PBM from wet deposition data. The model is validated using 2010 data at multiple stations, and the predicted monthly GOM + PBM concentrations agree reasonably well with measurements. The model has many potential applications after further improvements and validation using different data sets.
Ley Especial que Regula el Plebiscito y Referendo
Authors: Editora La
Published: November 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/lrd.v30i0.1238 Revista de Derecho, Vol. 30, No. 1, año 2009; 221-233
Effect of black polyethylene shade covers on the evaporation rate of agricultural reservoirs
Authors: Martínez Álvarez V. , Baille A. , Molina Martínez J.M. , González Real M.M.
Published: November 2013

The potential use of shade covers to reduce evaporation from agricultural reservoirs motivated this study on the effect of black polyethylene shade on the evaporation rate from a small water body (Class-A pan) and of its driving variables. Evaporation was measured hourly in two pans during the summer in Cartagena (Spain), along with the measurements of air temperature and humidity, water temperature, solar radiation and wind speed. The first pan was uncovered whereas the second pan was covered with black polyethylene shade as either a single or double-layer. The main factors influencing reduced evaporation (mass transfer coefficient and surface-to-air vapour pressure deficit) were analyzed, focusing on the changes in the uncovered pan. In the shaded pan there was a decrease in daily evaporation of 75 and 83% for single and double-layer shade respectively. Condensation on the shade was considerable and was 14 and 21% of the daily evaporation losses for the single and double-layer shade respectively. It was concluded that (1) black polyethylene shade appears to be an efficient way to reduce evaporative loss from agricultural reservoirs, and (2) an economic analysis of their implementation under the current scarce water supply, for agriculture, in southern Spain justified their use.
Predicting the energy consumption of heated plastic greenhouses in South-Eastern Spain
Authors: López J.C. , Baille A. , Bonachela S. , González Real M.M. , Pérez-Parra J.
Published: November 2013

Measurements of heat consumption in a parral type greenhouse, equipped with an air-heating system, were carried out in South-Eastern Spain (Almería) during the 1998/99 winter. From the daily values of heat consumption (Qd, MJ m-2 d-1) recorded in five identical greenhouses heated to different night temperature set-points (Tc), and data of minimum outside air temperature (Te,min), relationships between Qd and the temperature difference (DeltaT min = Tc  Te,min) were established. Linear regressions between Qd and DeltaT min gave satisfactory fits (R2 ranging from 0.75 to 0.83), considering that Te,min was the only input data for the model. When all data were pooled, the correlation was curvilinear, the best fit to a 2nd order polynomial being Qd = 0.049 DeltaT min sup(2)  0.001 DeltaT min + 1.107 (R2 = 0.89). Validation of this model was performed using data obtained during other years, giving a fair agreement at the daily (R2 = 0.86), 10-day (R2 = 0.95) and yearly (R2 = 0.99) time scales. This simple model could be of interest to growers for decision-making related to the choice of set-point temperature and crop planning in heated greenhouses.
Methodologies for transferring DNA into eukaryotic microalgae: a review
Authors: Coll J.M.
Published: November 2013

Agitation with glass beads, electroporation and microparticle bombardment are all used to transfer exogenous genes into unicellular eukaryotic algae (microalgae). For nuclear transformation most researchers use glass beads techniques or, to a lesser extent, electroporation, while for chloroplast transformation bombardment is often used. Glass bead agitation and electroporation require the removal of the cell wall while bombardment can be performed with intact microalgae. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been the microalga most commonly transformed, but success has also been reported with Volvox carteri, Chlorella spp., Dunaliella salina, Haematococcus pluvialis, Euglena gracilis, diatoms (Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Navicula saprophila, Cyclotella cryptica and Thalassiosira weissflogii), dinoflagellates (Amphidinium klebsii and Symbiodinium microadriaticum) and red algae (Porphyridium spp and Cyanidioschyzon merolae). The first C. reinhardtii transformants produced by making use of Agrobacterium tumefaciens have also been reported. A comparison of the above methods might help provide the information necessary to successfully transform further microalgal species.
Short communication. Cloning and sequencing of partial genomic DNA fragments corresponding to the S11 and S12 alleles of the Spanish almond cultivar ‘Marcona’
Authors: Kodad O. , Sánchez A. , Saibo N. , Alonso J. M. , Oliveira M. M. , Socias i Company R.
Published: November 2013

This paper reports the cloning and partial genomic DNA sequencing of two S-RNases (S11 and S12) of almond. DNA from the Spanish almond cultivar Marcona, the most highly appreciated in Spain, was amplified by PCR using the primer pair AS1II and AmyC5R designed for the conserved regions of almond S-alleles. The cloned and sequenced S11 allele of cv. Marcona appears to be identical to that of cvs. Rumbeta and Bertina (which have been previously cloned and sequenced). This is the first time, however, that S12 has been sequenced in almond. The amplified and cloned S12 allele fragment possessed 1080 bp corresponding to the second intron and 506 bp corresponding to the second and third exons. The product of PCR-specific amplification showed that cv. Marcona and the Portuguese cultivar Pestaneta carry the same S12 allele. Knowledge of the sequences of these alleles will be helpful in the design of specific primers for S11 and S12, and could be of use when employing antisense techniques in genetic engineering projects.
Molecular and ampelographic characterisation of Vitis vinifera L. "Albariño", "Savagnin Blanc" and "Caíño Blanco" shows that they are different cultivars
Authors: Santiago J.L. , Boso S. , Gago P. , Alonso-Villaverde V. , Martínez M.C.
Published: November 2013

The grapevine cultivar "Albariño" is one of the oldest grown in the vine-growing areas of North-Western Spain and Northern Portugal. Since recognition of Origin Denomination status for the Rías Baixas region (the coast of Western Galicia, Spain) in 1987, the economic importance of this cultivar has increased, and its grapes are now among the most expensive in Spain. The area occupied by "Albariño" vines in this region is increasing every year, and the wines made from its grapes are gaining international recognition. These events, plus the fact that "Albariño" was little known outside its traditional growing area, have led to speculation about its origin and the existence of synonyms. Misnames of "Albariño" have included "Savagnin Blanc" and "Caíño Blanco". The present work compares "Albariño", "Savagnin Blanc" and "Caíño Blanco" ampelographically (i.e., it compares shoot, leaf, grape cluster, berry and seed characteristics) and molecularly using microsatellite markers. The results show that they are in fact three different cultivars providing a complete description. For "Caíño Blanco", there is little previously reported information.
Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for plant structure, growth habit and yield in lentil
Authors: Fratini R. , Durán Y. , García P. , Pérez de la Vega M.
Published: November 2013

Lentil quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to plant structure (branches at first node, height of first node, total number of branches, plant height), growth habit (flowering time, pod dehiscence) and yield (number of seeds, seed weight, seed diameter) were located using a F2 population of 113 individuals derived from the intersubspecific cross of Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris and L. c. ssp. orientalis. Several traits were found to be significantly correlated. Using interval and composite interval mapping a total of 23 QTL for nine quantitative traits were located. No QTL was identified for the number of F3 seed produced. Six QTL were positioned respectively in linkage groups III and VI, and five QTL in linkage group I. Each remaining group included one or two QTL, except groups VII and IX where no QTL was found. The multiple QTL model explained more than 80% of the observed phenotypic variance with logarithm of the odds (LOD) scores above 10 for three of the quantitative traits analyzed (branches at first node, flowering time, and dehiscence). For the remaining traits the phenotypic variance explained was relatively low, between the 50% and 20%, and the LOD scores ranged between 4 and 8. The possible homology between some QTL and other previously described is discussed in relation to their chromosomal location.
Understanding structural adjustment in Spanish arable crop farms: policies, technology and multifunctionality
Authors: Moreno Pérez O.M. , Ortiz Miranda D.
Published: November 2013

The objective of this paper is to analyse the process of adjustment for arable crop farms on the inland plains of Spain from the early 1990s, as well as the implications of this adjustment in terms of multifunctionality. This paper first aims, through farm-level analysis, to break down the process of adjustment by isolating the main stylised facts. The second aim of this paper is to re-construct the process around three elements: policies, technology and its relationships with the surrounding rural setting. Results from the research show that the impact of policies stems not only from the level of support, but also from the specific tools through which this support operates and their effects over land tenancy regimes. Technological change has played a key role during the process, since the search for economies of scale is one of the driving forces for farmers who are expanding in an effort to overcome the price/cost squeeze. In addition, structural adjustment has had implications on the "territorial integration" of this agriculture, as well as on its environmental effects.
Effects of extra feeding during mid-pregnancy on gilts productive and reproductive performance
Authors: Cerisuelo A. , Sala R. , Gasa J. , Chapinal N. , Carrión D. , Coma J. , Baucells M.D.
Published: November 2013

The effects of a supplemental feeding strategy during mid-gestation on lean gilts body reserves, productive and reproductive performance were assessed. A total of 90 gilts were allocated into two treatments (Control, C, and Supplemented, S). Control sows (n = 43) were fed according to the level routinely used on farm (2.5-3.0 kg/d, 2.9 Mcal metabolizable energy/kg feed and 0.6% of lysine) throughout gestation, and S sows (n = 47) received 50% more feed from day 45 to day 85 of gestation. Body weight (BW) and sows body condition [backfat (BF), loin depth and body condition score] were recorded on days 40 and 80 of gestation, at farrowing and at weaning. Litter performance at birth and on day 18 +/- 1 of lactation was registered at first and second parities. Although no differences in backfat levels were found at weaning, a higher proportion of S sows stayed within the target backfat interval both at farrowing (17-21 mm) and at weaning (> 14 mm). No differences were found in BW and body reserves losses during lactation between treatment groups. Litter weight at birth tended to be higher in the S group of sows, consistently, in the first and second parities (P < 0.10), compared to the C group. Thus, providing an extra feed allowance during mid-gestation has beneficial effects on gilts' body fat reserves at weaning (higher proportion of sows in the optimum BF interval) and slight advantages on productive output, although probably not high enough to justify the extra feed wastage.
Influence of acorn size on growth performance, carcass quality and fatty acid composition of subcutaneous and intramuscular fat from Iberian pigs fattened in confinement
Authors: Daza A. , Rey A.I. , López Carrasco C. , López Bote C.J.
Published: November 2013

The main objective of this experiment was to asses the effect of acorn size consumed during the fattening period (90.1-137.9 kg) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and fat quality from Iberian pigs. Two groups of eight barrows were located in individual cages and fed ad libitum with acorns in confinement. One group of pigs received acorns of large size (average weight 4.26 g) and the other one acorns of small size (2.49 g). The pigs that received small acorns had lower average daily intake (5.5 kg) than those pigs given large acorns (5.7 kg) and consequently, weight average daily gain and carcass weight were significantly lower (0.7 vs 0.6 kg and 111.1 vs 106.2 kg respectively). The acorn size had not significant influence on major fatty acids proportions contained in subcutaneous fat and intramuscular Longissimus dorsi muscle.
Short communication. Inbreeding and homozygosity in Iberian pigs
Authors: Alves E. , Barragán C. , Toro M.A.
Published: November 2013

Genetic markers could provide a tool to estimate inbreeding in absence of known pedigree. In the present work, 62 individuals from two related strains of Iberian pigs (32 from Guadyerbas and 30 from Torbiscal), with a deeply known pedigree, have been genotyped for 49 microsatellite loci. The inbreeding values, calculated from pedigree, have been compared to the molecular inbreeding values or homozygosity, calculated from molecular markers. Simulations were also carried out to facilitate the interpretation of the results. The correlation between genealogical and molecular inbreeding was negative for the Guadyerbas (0.32), low for the Torbiscal (0.19) and substantial for all the animals together (0.69). In conclusion, it seems preferable to use pedigree information whenever available, and limiting the use of markers to verify, correct, complete or even implement pedigree recording.
Experimental results and modelling of humidity control strategies for greenhouses in continental and coastal settings in the Mediterranean region. II: Modelling of strategies
Authors: Perdigones A. , Valiño V. , García J. L. , Baptista F. , Montero J. I. , Benavente R. M. , De la Plaza S.
Published: November 2013

Strategies for humidity control —with and without heating— were evaluated via simulations performed with apreviously developed model (see accompanying paper, this issue, part I). With heating, the best strategy combined theuse of a humidity setpoint with step control of the roof window, increasing the ventilation in line with the outsidetemperature. Without heating, the best strategy again combined the use of a humidity setpoint with step control of theroof window, but required ventilation to be increased in line with the inside air temperature
Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy as the initial presentation of metastatic prostate cancer: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Chan Garson , Domes Trustin
Published: November 2013

Prostate cancer usually metastasizes to the regional lymph nodes, and distal metastases to supraclavicular lymph nodes are rarely reported, especially as an initial presentation. Limited case reports describe cervical lymphadenopathy as the initial presentation of metastatic prostate cancer, and often with widely disseminated disease. Patients with this initial presentation rarely undergo digital rectal examination or serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level measurement as part of their initial investigations. A high index of suspicion is necessary to make the diagnosis of prostate cancer in this clinical setting. We present a rare case of prostate carcinoma presenting with supraclavicular lymph node enlargement at the initial diagnosis. A review of the relevant literature is provided.
Primary renal angiosarcoma: Case report and literature review
Authors: Chaabouni Ahmed , Rebai Nouri , Chabchoub Kamel , Fourati Mohamed , Bouacida Mahdi , Slimen Mourad Hadj , Bahloul Ali , Mhiri Mohamed Nabil
Published: November 2013

Angiosarcoma is a rare malignant tumour occurring in less than 2% of soft tissue sarcomas. Angiosarcoma involving the kidney usually represents metastasis from skin or visceral primary lesions, while angiosarcoma primarily occurring in the kidney is a very rare neoplasm. We report a case of angiosarcoma of the right kidney in a 59-year-old male. The computed tomography scan showed a solid tumour with a low increased density after administration of contrast medium. Histological examination of the piece of nephrectomy confirmed the diagnosis.
The effectiveness of continuing medical education for specialist recertification
Authors: Ahmed Kamran , Wang Tim T. , Ashrafian Hutan , Layer Graham T.
Published: November 2013

Evolving professional, social and political pressures highlight the importance of lifelong learning for clinicians. Continuing medical education (CME) facilitates lifelong learning and is a fundamental factor in the maintenance of certification. The type of CME differs between surgical and non-surgical specialties. CME methods of teaching include lectures, workshops, conferences and simulation training. Interventions involving several modalities, instructional techniques and multiple exposures are more effective. The beneficial effects of CME can be maintained in the long term and can improve clinical outcome. However, quantitative evidence on validity, reliability, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of various methods is lacking. This is especially evident in urology. The effectiveness of CME interventions on maintenance of certification is also unknown. Currently, many specialists fulfil mandatory CME credit requirements opportunistically, therefore erroneously equating number of hours accumulated with competence. New CME interventions must emphasize actual performance and should correlate with clinical outcomes. Improved CME practice must in turn lead to continuing critical reflection, practice modification and implementation with a focus towards excellent patient care.
Clinical, dermoscopic and histopathologic findings of retiform hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Mota Amanda , Argenziano Giuseppe , Zalaudek Iris , Piana Simonetta , Longo Caterina , Moscarella Elvira , Lallas Aimilios
Published: November 2013

Retiform hemangioendothelioma (RH) is an uncommon vascular neoplasm of borderline malignancy that clinically develops as a solitary, gradually enlarging exophytic mass, nodule or plaque, most often on the lower limbs, upper limbs and trunk. Clinical recognition of RH is troublesome because of its non-specific appearance, with differential diagnosis comprising a variety of benign and malignant tumors clinically presenting as reddish nodules. In this article we describe the clinical, dermoscopic and histopathologic findings in a case of RH developing on the flank of a 26-year-old woman, and discuss the possible role of dermoscopy in facilitating the clinical recognition of this rare tumor.
Palinologia dos carvões paleozóicos do Estado de São Paulo: II - o carvão de Monte Mor
Authors: Souza Paulo Alves de , Saad Antônio Roberto , Lima Murilo Rodolfo de
Published: November 2013

Este trabalho se constitui na segunda contribuição a partir do desenvolvimento dos estudos palinológicos dos carvões paleozóicos do Estado de São Paulo, que inclui os carvões de Buri, Monte Mor e Cerquilho. Os resultados das análises palinológicas do carvão de Monte Mor são apresentados, com a descrição de vinte e seis táxons, dos quais dois são inéditos para a Bacia do Paraná (Punctatisporites resolutus Playford, 1971 e Apiculiretusispora cf. A. coalescens Menéndez & Azcuy, 1973). A maioria dos táxons descritos ocorrem, também, em Buri e em Araçoiaba da Serra, permitindo assim a correlação palinológica com as associações ali apresentadas e, conseqüentemente, sua correlação estratigráfica. Uma idade westphaliana é sugerida para o carvão de Monte Mor, assim como já fôra proposto para Buri e Araçoiaba da Serra; referiveis ao intervalo bioestratigráfico informal "Pré-G". Fora do Brasil, a única possibilidade de correlação é com as biozonas westphalianas da Bacia de Paganzo, Argentina. As informações paleoambientais são apresentadas com base na freqüência dos morfogrupos palinológicos considerados e os contextos geológico e estratigráfico são discutidos
Processos geocriogênicos quaternários nas cimeiras da Mantiqueira, com considerações climáticas
Authors: Modenesi-Gauttieri May Christine , Nunes Lucí Hidalgo
Published: November 2013

Possíveis efeitos de eventos tipo El Niño nos climas pretéritos das cimeiras da Mantiqueira são aqui considerados, a partir de evidências paleoclimáticas e dados da análise do clima atual dos planaltos de Campos do Jordão e Itatiaia. Um aparente paralelismo entre o comportamento atual do clima e as evidências paleoclimáticas parece reforçar as possibilidades de maior interferência dos processos geocriogênicos na evolução quatemária do planalto do Itatiaia.
Participação das depressões periféricas e superfícies aplainadas na compartimentação do planalto brasileiro: considerações finais e conclusões
Authors: Ab'Sáber Aziz Nacib
Published: November 2013

Aos poucos, vai se evidenciando que, para o estudo paleogeográfico dos diversos lapsos de tempo geológico que respondem pela gênese e evolução das terras brasileiras, toma-se imprescindível a aplicação de métodos específicos de trabalho, utilizados segundo um rumo e uma combinação de técnicas inteiramente distintas para cada um dos casos que se tenha em vista.
Microstructure evolution of SW/EPN composites during hot air aging
Authors: Xiao Hong‐Mei , Zhan Mao‐Sheng , Xu Wen , Ding Xiao‐jun
Published: November 2013

In this article, the hot air aging of high strength glass fiber fabric/epoxy novolac resin (SW/EPN) composites was investigated by the aid of the aging behavior of EPN, mainly focusing on the microstructure evolvement of SW/EPN composites. The aging mechanism and thermal mechanical properties of SW/EPN composites were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermo‐gravimetric analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The results showed that micro cracks initiated and propagated at the fiber–matrix interphase because of the heat and oxygen effect. After long‐time aging at elevated temperatures, delamination phenomenon was discovered in SW/EPN composites. The results of weight changes showed that the degradation of EPN played a major role in SW/EPN composites. Moreover, the degradation of EPN contained post‐curing, oxidation, and decomposition. The results also revealed that unaged EPN indicated two glass transition temperatures (Tg1 and Tg2). Tg1 increased for post curing while Tg2 decreased for oxidation with increasing of aging time and temperature. In the final period of aging at higher temperatures, only one Tg was observed because the formation of perfect crosslinked networks made EPN homogeneous. In addition, the relationship between Tg and chemical structure, as well as Tg and mass loss, confirmed that the variation of Tg depended on chemical changes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40128.
Biobased epoxy resin from canola oil
Authors: Omonov Tolibjon S. , Curtis Jonathan M.
Published: November 2013

Epoxidized canola oil (ECO)‐based thermoset epoxy resins were formulated with phthalic anhydride (PA) as the curing agent for different ratios of ECO to PA (1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2 mol/mol) at curing temperatures of 155, 170, 185, and 200°C. The gelation process of the epoxy resins and the viscoelastic properties of the systems during curing were studied by rheometry, whereas the dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of the cured resins were studied by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry. We found that the thermomechanical properties of the resins were not strongly dependent on the curing temperature of the resin, although elevated temperatures significantly accelerated the curing process. However, an increase in the curing agent (PA) amount significantly altered both the reaction rate and the thermomechanical properties of the final resin. Thus, in the ECO/PA system, the selection of the combination of the curing temperature and the molar ratios of the curing agent could be used to design thermoset resins with unique thermomechanical properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40142.
Coaxial electrospinning and release characteristics of cellulose acetate–gelatin blend encapsulating a model drug
Authors: Kiatyongchai Thitipun , Wongsasulak Saowakon , Yoovidhya Tipaporn
Published: November 2013

In order to minimize the degradation of encapsulated compounds in the harsh environment of release medium and to minimize bursting release, a model drug was encapsulated in a kernel of ultrafine cellulose acetate (CA) and gelatin (GL) blend fibers via coaxial electrospinning. The effects of the GL ratio on the properties of the shell solution were investigated, along with the core‐to‐shell ratio. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that core–shell coaxial fibers were fabricated successfully. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the average diameter of the fibers was 913 ± 180 nm. As the GL ratio was increased, the viscosity of the shell solution decreased. In addition, more pronounced shear thinning occurred, which resulted in coaxial fibers with thinner shells. Release characteristics of the encapsulated amoxicillin in pepsin‐containing simulated gastric fluid (SGF) with a pH of 1.2 were also investigated. It showed that the release of amoxicillin occurs owing to Fickian diffusion mechanism, with the release half‐time being approximately 5 h. Bursting release was not observed, and fibers exposed to the SGF remained intact even after 24 h. These core–shell fibers should be suitable for applications requiring the sustained release of compounds in the gastrointestinal tract. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40166.
Awn primordium to tipping is the most decisive developmental phase for spikelet survival in barley
Authors: Alqudah Ahmad M. , Schnurbusch Thorsten
Published: November 2013

In small-grain cereals, grain yield is closely associated with grain number. Improved spikelet survival is an important trait for increasing grain yield. We investigated spikelet number, spikelet survival and yield-related traits under greenhouse conditions, and pot- and soil-grown field conditions. Thirty-two spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) accessions (14 two- and 18 six-rowed accessions) were manually dissected to determine spikelet/floret number on the main culm spike (SNS) at awn primordium (AP), tipping (TIP), heading and anther extrusion. We observed a significant difference between two- and six-rowed barley for SNS and spikelet survival at all stages and growing conditions. Both traits were highly genetically controlled, with repeatability and broad-sense heritability values of 0.74–0.93. The rate of spikelet survival from AP to harvest was higher in two- (~70%) than in six-rowed (~58%) barley. Spikelet abortion, starting immediately after AP, was negatively affected by increased SNS and the thermal time required to reach the AP stage. The largest proportion of spikelet reduction happened during the AP–TIP phase, which was the most critical period for spikelet survival. The duration between AP and the end of stem elongation correlated better with spikelet survival and yield-related characters than the estimated duration of stem elongation using leaf height measurements. Our observations indicate that the main spike plays an important role in single-plant grain yield. Extending the length of the critical AP–TIP phase is promising for improving yield through increased spikelet development and survival. The results also demonstrate that greenhouse conditions are appropriate for studying traits such as phase duration and spikelet survival in barley.