bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiparametric evaluation of the cytoprotective effect of the Mangifera indica L. stem bark extract and mangiferin in HepG2 cells
Authors: Tolosa Laia , Rodeiro Idania , Donato M Teresa , Herrera José A , Delgado René , Castell José V , Gómez-Lechón M José
Published: April 2013

Objective

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) stem bark extract (MSBE) is a natural product with biological properties and mangiferin is the major component. This paper reported the evaluation of the protective effects of MSBE and mangiferin against the toxicity induced in HepG2 cells by tert-butyl hydroperoxide or amiodarone.

Method

Nuclear morphology, cell viability, intracellular calcium concentration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured by using a high-content screening multiparametric assay.

Key findings

MSBE and mangiferin produced no toxicity below 500 mg/ml doses. A marked recovery in cell viability, which was reduced by the toxicants, was observed in cells pre-exposed to MSBE or mangiferin at 5–100 mg/ml doses. We also explored the possible interaction of both products over P-glycoprotein (P-gp). MSBE and mangiferin above 100 mg/ml inhibited the activity of P-gp in HepG2 cells.

Conclusions

MSBE and mangiferin showed cytoprotective effects of against oxidative damage and mitochondrial toxicity induced by xenobiotics to human hepatic cells but it seemed that other constituents of the extract could contribute to MSBE protective properties. In addition, the drug efflux should be taken into account because of the inhibition of the P-gp function observed in those cells exposed to both natural products.
Dust coma of comet C/2009 P1 (Garradd) by imaging polarimetry
Authors: Hadamcik E. , Sen A. K. , Levasseur‐Regourd A. C. , Roy Choudhury S. , Lasue J. , Gupta R. , Botet R.
Published: April 2013

Comet C/2009 P1 (Garradd) was observed by imaging polarimetry for nearly 5 months from October 2011 to March 2012, over an intermediate phase angle range (28°–35°). Two months before perihelion and one month after, dust particles seem to be ejected all around the optocenter and jets extend to distances greater than 40,000 km. An increase of activity is noticed in intensity and polarization after perihelion. Two months before perihelion and one month after, the dust emission seems to be all around the optocenter. Two and three months after perihelion the jets are mainly toward the solar direction with an extension of more than 20,000 km projected on the sky. The values of the aperture polarization are comparable to those of other comets. On the polarization maps in October 2011 and January 2012 the higher polarization zones extend in large regions perpendicularly to the solar direction where jets are also observed. In February and March 2012, the polarization in the jets is larger in the solar direction than in the surrounding coma. By its activity visible on intensity images and polarization maps at large distances from the nucleus, comet Garradd probably belongs to the high‐Pmax class of comets.
Nucleolar proteins regulate stage‐specific gene expression and ribosomal RNA maturation in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Schumann Burkard Gabriela , Käser Sandro , de Araújo Patrícia Rosa , Schimanski Bernd , Naguleswaran Arunasalam , Knüsel Sebastian , Heller Manfred , Roditi Isabel
Published: April 2013

Different life‐cycle stages of Trypanosoma brucei are characterized by stage‐specific glycoprotein coats. GPEET procyclin, the major surface protein of early procyclic (insect midgut) forms, is transcribed in the nucleolus by RNA polymerase I as part of a polycistronic precursor that is processed to monocistronic mRNAs. In culture, when differentiation to late procyclic forms is triggered by removal of glycerol, the precursor is still transcribed, but accumulation of GPEET mRNA is prevented by a glycerol‐responsive element in the 3′ UTR. A genome‐wide RNAi screen for persistent expression of GPEET in glycerol‐free medium identified a novel protein, NRG1 (Nucleolar Regulator of GPEET 1), as a negative regulator. NRG1 associates with GPEET mRNA and with several nucleolar proteins. These include two PUF proteins, TbPUF7 and TbPUF10, and BOP1, a protein required for rRNA processing in other organisms. RNAi against each of these components prolonged or even increased GPEET expression in the absence of glycerol as well as causing a significant reduction in 5.8S rRNA and its immediate precursor. These results indicate that components of a complex used for rRNA maturation can have an additional role in regulating mRNAs that originate in the nucleolus.
Expression pattern of synaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2) isoforms in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Crèvecœur J. , Kaminski R. M. , Rogister B. , Foerch P. , Vandenplas C. , Neveux M. , Mazzuferi M. , Kroonen J. , Poulet C. , Martin D. , Sadzot B. , Rikir E. , Klitgaard H. , Moonen G. , Deprez M.
Published: April 2013

Aims

Synaptic vesicle proteins 2 (SV2) are neuronal vesicles membrane glycoproteins that appear as important targets in the treatment of partial and generalized epilepsies. Therefore, we analysed the expression of SV2 isoforms in the hippocampus of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods

SV2A, SV2B and SV2C immunostaining and QuantiGene branched DNA assay were performed on biopsies from 31 consecutive TLE patients with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) and compared with 10 autopsy controls. SV2 expression was further compared with Timm's staining, and synaptophysin, Zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3), dynorphin, vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) and vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) expression.

Results

In TLE patients, SV2A and SV2B expression was decreased in areas of synaptic loss. SV2C, which is weakly expressed or absent in the hippocampus of controls, was overexpressed in 10/11 cases with classical MTS1A and mossy fibre sprouting but not in cases with other types of MTS. SV2C staining was located in the inner molecular layer of the dentate gyrus and colocalized with dynorphin, ZnT3 and VGLUT1, suggesting selective expression in presynaptic glutamatergic Zn2+‐rich terminals of abnormal sprouting fibres. SV2 expression patterns correlated with histological subtypes of MTS, but not with clinical features or therapeutic regimens in this patient cohort.

Conclusion

In classical MTS1A, the expression of SV2 isoforms is altered with a marked decrease of SV2A and SV2B paralleling synaptic loss and a selective increase of SV2C in sprouting mossy fibres. These findings suggest a different physiology of sprouting synapses and the possibility to target them with SV2C‐specific strategies.
A New Method for Automatic Large Scale Map Updating Using Mobile Mapping Imagery
Authors: Ou Jianliang , Qiao Gang , Bao Feng , Wang Weian , Di Kaichang , Li Rongxing
Published: April 2013

Land‐based mobile mapping system (MMS) technology provides an innovative way to update geospatial information, characterised by rapid data collection and direct georeferencing. This paper presents a new method for automatically updating large scale maps using sequential MMS imagery. A major component of the technique is the extraction of vertical lines from such imagery through an improved Hough transform and vanishing point classification. These lines are stereomatched using an epipolar constraint and random sample consensus (RANSAC) strategy, with object space positions obtained by photogrammetric intersection. Buildings are recognised based on these vertical lines in conjunction with basic polygon templates, allowing maps to be updated.
Laboratory variables for assessing iron deficiency in REDS‐II Iron Status Evaluation (RISE) blood donors
Authors: Kiss Joseph E. , Steele Whitney R. , Wright David J. , Mast Alan E. , Carey Patricia M. , Murphy Edward L. , Gottschall Jerry L. , Simon Toby L. , Cable Ritchard G. ,   NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II)
Published: April 2013

Background

Iron deficiency is common in regular blood donors. We evaluated the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of red blood cell (RBC) hematology analyzer indices to assess iron status as a part of donor management.

Study Design and Methods

A total of 1659 male and female donors from the Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II) Donor Iron Status Evaluation (RISE) study who were either first‐time/reactivated (FT/RA; no donations for 2 years) or frequent donors were recruited into a longitudinal study of regular donation of RBCs. Of these, 1002 donors returned 15 to 24 months later for a final assessment. Absent iron stores (AIS) was defined as plasma ferritin level of less than 12 μg/L. Logarithm of the ratio of soluble transferrin receptor to ferritin of at least 2.07 (≥97.5% in FT/RA males) was used to define iron‐deficient erythropoiesis (IDE). Receiver operating characteristics analysis was performed to assess selected RBC indices (e.g., percentage of hypochromic mature RBCs, proportion of hypochromic mature RBCs [HYPOm], and hemoglobin [Hb] content of reticulocytes [CHr]) in identifying AIS and IDE.

Results

HYPOm and CHr detected IDE with comparable sensitivity, 72% versus 69%, but differed in specificity: HYPOm 68% and CHr 53%. For detecting AIS, sensitivity was improved to 85% for HYPOm and 81% for CHr but specificity was reduced for both. Venous Hb had high specificity but poor sensitivity for IDE and AIS. A plasma ferritin level of less than 26.7 μg/L was a good surrogate for assessing IDE.

Conclusion

RBC indices correlate with AIS and IDE and are more informative than Hb measurement, but lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity to be used as diagnostic tools in blood donors at risk for iron deficiency.
Comparison of various solutions to dissolve critical care diet clots
Authors: Parker Valerie J. , Freeman Lisa M.
Published: April 2013

Background

Enteral feeding tubes are frequently placed in animals to provide assisted nutritional support; however, one major reported complication is clogging of the tubes. The goal of this study was to determine which solution is most effective at dissolving in vitro clots made using a veterinary canned critical care diet.

Methods

Various solutions were tested for their ability to dissolve enteral feed clots, including water, meat tenderizers in water, predetermined amounts of pancreatic enzymes (with and without sodium bicarbonate) in water, carbonated beverages, and cranberry juice.

Results

The solution that resulted in the greatest dissolution was ¼ teaspoon pancreatic enzymes and 325 mg sodium bicarbonate in 5 mL water, which was significantly better than all other solutions (water: P = 0.03; ¼ teaspoon pancreatic enzymes in water: P = 0.002; all others: P < 0.001). Water was significantly better than all carbonated beverages and cranberry juice (P < 0.001). The least successful solution was ½ teaspoon pancreatic enzymes and sodium bicarbonate in water.

Clinical Relevance

Despite anecdotal reports of using carbonated beverages, cranberry juice, and ½ teaspoon pancreatic enzymes to unclog feeding tubes, all were significantly less effective than water. In vivo studies to evaluate the effectiveness of methods to unclog feeding tubes are warranted to further investigate these findings.
Image‐guided method for TLD‐based in vivo rectal dose verification with endorectal balloon in proton therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Hsi Wen C. , Fagundes Marcio , Zeidan Omar , Hug Eugen , Schreuder Niek
Published: April 2013

Purpose:

To present a practical image‐guided method to position an endorectal balloon that improvesin vivo thermoluminiscent dosimeter (TLD) measurements of rectal doses in proton therapy for prostate cancer.

Methods:

TLDs were combined with endorectal balloons to measure dose at the anterior rectal wall during daily proton treatment delivery. Radiopaque metallic markers were employed as surrogates for balloon position reproducibility in rotation and translation. The markers were utilized to guide the balloon orientation during daily treatment employing orthogonal x‐ray image‐guided patient positioning. TLDs were placed at the 12 o'clock position on the anterior balloon surface at the midprostatic plane. Markers were placed at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions on the balloon to align it with respect to the planned orientation. The balloon rotation along its stem axis, referred to as roll, causes TLD displacement along the anterior‐posterior direction. The magnitude of TLD displacement is revealed by the separation distance between markers at opposite sides of the balloon on sagittal x‐ray images.

Results:

A total of 81in vivo TLD measurements were performed on six patients. Eighty‐three percent of all measurements (65 TLD readings) were within +5% and −10% of the planning dose with a mean of −2.1% and a standard deviation of 3.5%. Examination of marker positions with in‐room x‐ray images of measured doses between −10% and −20% of the planned dose revealed a strong correlation between balloon roll and TLD displacement posteriorly from the planned position. The magnitude of the roll was confirmed by separations of 10–20 mm between the markers which could be corrected by manually adjusting the balloon position and verified by a repeat x‐ray image prior to proton delivery. This approach could properly correct the balloon roll, resulting in TLD positioning within 2 mm along the anterior‐posterior direction.

Conclusions:

Our results show that image‐guided TLD‐basedin vivo dosimetry for rectal dose verification can be perfomed reliably and reproducibly for proton therapy in prostate cancer.
Estimation of optimal margin for intrafraction movements during frameless brain radiosurgery
Authors: Kang Ki Mun , Chai Gyu Young , Jeong Bae Kwon , Ha In‐Bong , Lee Sangbong , Park Kyung Bum , Jung Jin‐Myung , Lim Young Kyung , Yoo Seung Hoon , Jeong Hojin
Published: April 2013

Purpose:

To examine the dosimetric effect of intrafraction movements occurred during image‐guided frameless brain radiosurgery and to derive the optimal margin recipe to compensate the movement.

Methods:

The patients’ movements during image‐guided radiosurgeries were measured using skull‐tracking method incorporated in the CyberKnife system. The dosimetric changes with the movements were computed using the six different dynamic‐arc treatment plans based on the dose‐grid analysis method. The authors extensively searched the proper relationship between the dose variations and the intrafraction geometric errors. The optimal margin for intrafraction movement was estimated via statistical analysis of the dosimetric changes with 262 actual patients’ data.

Results:

The overall geometric effect of intrafraction movements was approximated as 1.0, where are the average and standard deviation of the movements, respectively. The authors computed the required margins to compensate the movements with various confidence levels and with various estimated times for completing the treatments. The computed optimal margins were calculated as 2.1, 3.2, and 4.2 mm at 90% confidence level when the authors assumed the estimated treatment times of 10, 20, and 30 min, respectively.

Conclusions:

The authors provide a quantitative relationship for dosimetric change with the intrafraction movement and derived appropriate margin recipes to ensure the prescribed dose delivery to targeted area for frameless brain radiosurgery.
Structure of RSV Fusion Glycoprotein Trimer Bound to a Prefusion-Specific Neutralizing Antibody
Authors: McLellan Jason S. , Chen Man , Leung Sherman , Graepel Kevin W. , Du Xiulian , Yang Yongping , Zhou Tongqing , Baxa Ulrich , Yasuda Etsuko , Beaumont Tim , Kumar Azad , Modjarrad Kayvon , Zheng Zizheng , Zhao Min , Xia Ningshao , Kwong Peter D. , Graham Barney S.
Published: April 2013

Building Better Vaccines

Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to protect against infectious diseases. Unfortunately, vaccines for diseases with the highest global health burdens, such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, are not yet available.

Koff
et al.

(p.
1064
) review the latest advances in vaccine development and why these particular diseases remain such a challenge. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in infants and young children worldwide. Although a prophylactic antibody is available for children at high risk, a vaccine is much needed. As a potential step toward this goal,

McLellan
et al.

(p.
1113
, published online 25 April) solved the cocrystal structure of a neutralizing antibody (D25) bound to the prefusion F protein of RSV. Knowledge of the structure of the prefusion protein should help to guide vaccine design and the development of additional therapeutics.
Coupling a Single Trapped Atom to a Nanoscale Optical Cavity
Authors: Thompson J. D. , Tiecke T. G. , de Leon N. P. , Feist J. , Akimov A. V. , Gullans M. , Zibrov A. S. , Vuletić V. , Lukin M. D.
Published: April 2013

Trapped and Coupled

Trapped single atoms are ideal for storing and manipulating quantum information.

Thompson
et al.

(p.
1202
, published online 25 April; see the Perspective by

Keller

) were able to control single atoms interacting coherently with a field mode of a photonic crystal cavity. An optical tweezer was used to trap the single atom, which enabled positioning of the atom in close proximity to the photonic crystal waveguide, coupling the atom to the optical mode of the cavity. Such coupling should prove useful in quantum measurement, sensing, and information processing.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Geobacillus
sp. Strain GHH01, a Thermophilic Lipase-Secreting Bacterium
Authors: Wiegand Sandra , Rabausch Ulrich , Chow Jennifer , Daniel Rolf , Streit Wolfgang R. , Liesegang Heiko
Published: April 2013

Geobacillus
sp. strain GHH01 was isolated during a screening for producers of extracellular thermostable lipases. The completely sequenced and annotated 3.6-Mb genome encodes 3,478 proteins. The strain is genetically equipped to utilize a broad range of different substrates and might develop natural competence.
Draft Genome Sequence of Biocontrol Bacterium Brevibacillus brevis Strain FJAT-0809-GLX
Authors: Che Jianmei , Liu Bo , Lin Yingzhi , Tang Weiqi , Tang Jianyang
Published: April 2013

Brevibacillus brevis
strain FJAT-0809-GLX had significant inhibition on many plant and animal pathogens. The draft genome sequence of
B. brevis
FJAT-0809-GLX is 6 Mb in size and consists of 5,677 genes (protein-coding sequences [CDS]), with an average length of 933 bp and a G+C content of 47.30%. Compared with the published
B. brevis
strain NBRC 100599, 618 specific genes were identified in the strain FJAT-0809-GLX.
Vesicocutaneous fistula following adjuvant radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Hennessey Derek Barry , Bolton Eva , Thomas Arun Z , Lynch Thomas H
Published: April 2013

Vesicocutaneous fistulas (VCF) are a rare complication of radical radiotherapy to the pelvis. Timely diagnosis and management are often difficult and complex. We report the unusual case of a 64-year-old gentleman who presented to the emergency department with worsening sepsis and profuse discharge from a cutaneous opening in the left groin. This presentation was 6 weeks following the completion of external beam radiotherapy for apical margin-positive prostate cancer (pT3a). A diagnosis of a VCF was confirmed after CT scanning of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast. Urinary diversion was achieved by a temporary urethral catheter insertion. Full resolution of this gentleman's symptoms was accomplished. In this article, we present a non-invasive approach to the management of VCF. This case raises intricate management issues in the atypical development of an early urinary tract fistula postradiotherapy.
Resolution of trigeminal neuralgia by coil embolization of a persistent primitive trigeminal artery aneurysm
Authors: Ladner Travis R , Ehtesham Moneeb , Davis Brandon J , Khan Imad S , Ghiassi Mayshan , Ghiassi Mahan , Singer Robert J
Published: April 2013

The persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PTA) is a rare anastomosis between the carotid artery and basilar artery. While most PTAs are asymptomatic, lateral variants can occasionally compress the trigeminal nerve and precipitate trigeminal neuralgia. Aneurysms of the PTA are exceptionally rare in the literature and have not previously been associated with trigeminal neuralgia. We present the first case of an aneurysm of the PTA causing trigeminal neuralgia. The patient underwent coil embolization of the aneurysm which relieved her symptoms. We propose embolization as a viable therapeutic option for the resolution of trigeminal neuralgia when the condition is secondary to irritation by the high velocity pulsatile flow of an aneurysm.
Critical factors for the prevention of low back pain in elite junior divers
Authors: Narita Takaya , Kaneoka Koji , Takemura Masahiro , Sakata Yoshihiro , Nomura Takamichi , Miyakawa Shumpei
Published: April 2013

Background/Aim

During competitive diving, divers jump up from 1 to 3 m springboards or 5 to 10 m platforms and dive into the water. The impact forces are very large in the water entry phase, and, as such, microtraumatic injuries are common due to the tremendous physical stress placed on the diver. Low-back pain (LBP) is the most frequently reported symptom in divers. This study aimed to extract possible risk factors related to LBP from physical and technical characteristics in Japanese elite junior divers.

Methods

Eighty-three elite junior divers (42 men and 41 women) in Japan were included in this study. LBP was assessed by a questionnaire, interview and physical examination during a national training camp. Morphological data, physical fitness and diving skills were also evaluated. The factors related to LBP were extracted by using logistic-regression analysis and the forward-selection method (likelihood ratio).

Results

A total of 37.3% (31 reports) of back pain occurred in the lumbar region. Shoulder flexibility (OR 0.919; 95% CI 0.851 to 0.992) and age (OR 0.441; 95% CI 0.239 to 0.814) were recognised as factors related to LBP in male-elite junior divers, whereas only age (OR 0.536; 95% CI 0.335 to 0.856) was a factor in female-elite junior divers.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that shoulder flexibility is important for preventing LBP in elite-male junior divers, since they require full shoulder flexion during the water entry phase. Limited shoulder flexibility could cause lumbar hyperextension when adjusting for the angle of water entry.
Speaking the same language? International variations in the safety information accompanying top-selling prescription drugs
Authors: Kesselheim Aaron S , Franklin Jessica M , Avorn Jerry , Duke Jon D
Published: April 2013

Background

The official prescribing information document distributed with a prescription drug is a key source of safety information, but it may include excessive or insufficient details.

Objectives

To compare prescribing information approved by the US Food and Drug Administration with the UK, Canada and Australia to identify content differences in safety warnings.

Methods

For 20 top-selling prescription drugs, we used an automated natural language processing tool to calculate the number and severity of reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs). We fit hierarchical Poisson models and included fixed effects for other prescribing information characteristics. Separately, we analysed the appearance and content of ‘black box’ warnings.

Results

There was substantial variation in safety content of approved prescribing information. Canada had the highest median ADRs per drug (138 (IQR 86–234)) and the UK had the lowest (84 (IQR 51–111)). The number of ADRs reported was on average 50% higher in Canada compared with the USA (ratio of ADRs/document: 1.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 1.6, p<0.001). By contrast, there were on average 15% fewer ADRs listed in the UK compared with the USA (ratio of ADRs/document 0.85 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.93, p<0.001), and 21% fewer ADRs listed in Australia compared with the USS (ratio of ADRs/document 0.79, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.85, p<0.001). There were no variations in ADR severity. The presence and qualitative content of boxed warnings also showed substantial diversity.

Conclusions

International variations exist in the presentation of safety data in drug prescribing information, which may have important implications for patient safety. Better international coordination is necessary to enhance use of this information for patient decision-making.
Pitfalls in outcome prediction of breast cancer
Authors: Rakha Emad A
Published: April 2013

Breast cancer represents a heterogeneous group of diseases with varied presentation, morphological and biological features, behaviour, and response to therapy. Management of breast cancer relies on availability of robust predictive and prognostic factors to support decision making. Identifying and validating the prognostic and predictive value of a given marker is based on studying its association with clinical outcome with or without consideration for therapy, respectively. In the field of cancer research, clinical outcome is determined by assessing certain time-dependent events: ‘endpoints’ such as tumour progression, recurrence and patient mortality. Guidelines for reporting tumour markers have been published and there is a perception that outcome determination in breast cancer is well documented. However, reviewing the literature has highlighted the varied use of definitions used in clinical outcome measures and there are pitfalls in outcome analysis. This may have contributed to the discrepancies in the literature and to the inconsistent conclusions seen in published studies assessing the same markers. Identification of these pitfalls is expected to improve prognostic and predictive marker assessment. Here issues related to outcome determination in breast cancer including definitions and pitfalls and some critical views are presented.
Deep ion sequencing of amplicon adapter ligated libraries: a novel tool in molecular diagnostics of formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tissues
Authors: Becker Kerstin , Vollbrecht Claudia , Koitzsch Ulrike , Koenig Katharina , Fassunke Jana , Huss Sebastian , Nuernberg Peter , Heukamp Lukas C , Buettner Reinhard , Odenthal Margarete , Altmueller Janine , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine
Published: April 2013

Due to the advanced progress in personalised therapy concepts for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we applied the ion semiconductor sequencing (ISS) approach to molecular diagnosis of NSCLC, analysing a set of therapy relevant gene loci. DNA from macrodissected tumour samples of formalin fixed biopsies was used for PCR amplification ofEGFRexons 18, 19, 21 andKRASexon 1. A total of 128 PCR products were analysed by conventional termination sequencing as well as by ISS. Sensitivity of ISS was additionally determined using 100–10 000 copies of reference mutants. All somatic mutations detected by direct Sanger sequencing were also identified by ISS. No additional mutants were detected. Running samples with limited copies of mutated alleles revealed high sensitivity, detecting less than 10% (2500 copies) mutants in a human wild type background. In conclusion, multiplexed mutation analyses by ISS is an efficient technology that can easily be linked to existing PCR approaches in molecular pathology.
Regulation of three genes encoding cell-wall-degrading enzymes ofTrichoderma aggressivumduring interaction withAgaricus bisporus
Authors: Abubaker Kamal S. , Sjaarda Calvin , Castle Alan J.
Published: April 2013

Members of the genus Trichoderma are very effective competitors of a variety of fungi. Cell-wall-degrading enzymes, including proteinases, glucanases, and chitinases, are commonly secreted as part of the competitive process. Trichoderma aggressivum is the causative agent of green mould disease of the button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. The structures of 3 T. aggressivum genes, prb1 encoding a proteinase, ech42 encoding an endochitinase, and a β-glucanase gene, were determined. Promoter elements in the prb1 and ech42 genes suggested that transcription is regulated by carbon and nitrogen levels and by stress. Both genes had mycoparasitism-related elements indicating potential roles for the protein products in competition. The promoter of the β-glucanase gene contained CreA and AreA binding sites indicative of catabolite regulation but contained no mycoparasitism elements. Transcription of the 3 genes was measured in mixed cultures of T. aggressivum and A. bisporus. Two A. bisporus strains, U1, which is sensitive to green mould disease, and SB65, which shows some resistance, were used in co-cultivation tests to assess possible roles of the genes in disease production and severity. prb1 and ech42 were coordinately upregulated after 5 days, whereas β-glucanase transcription was upregulated from day 0 with both Agaricus strains. Upregulation was much less pronounced in mixed cultures of T. aggressivum with the resistant strain, SB65, than with the sensitive strain, U1. These observations suggested that the proteins encoded by these genes have roles in both nutrition and in severity of green mould disease.
Triassic pterosaurs
Authors: Vecchia Fabio M. Dalla
Published: April 2013

Pterosaurs are a clade of highly specialized, volant archosauromorphs recorded from the Upper Triassic to the uppermost Cretaceous. Problematic remains referred to the Pterosauria are reported from the Triassic of Europe and both North and South America, but unequivocal pterosaur specimens are only known from the Alps (Italy, Austria and Switzerland:
Preondactylus buffarinii
,
Austriadactylus cristatus
,
Peteinosaurus zambellii
,
Eudimorphodon ranzii
,
Carniadactylus rosenfeldi
,
Caviramus schesaplanensis
and
Raeticodactylus filisurensis
) and Greenland (‘
Eudimorphodon’ cromptonellus
). Pterosaurs are diagnosed mostly by features associated with the advent of powered flight. They are generally considered to be archosaurians more closely related to dinosaurs than to crocodilians, but non-archosaurian positions have also been proposed. There is a lack of general agreement about ingroup relationships, particularly among the basal pterosaurs. Triassic pterosaurs differ from other non-pterodactyloid pterosaurs in features of the dentition and caudal vertebral column. A ‘Big Bang’ model for their early history fits better with the fossil record: the earliest unequivocal pterosaurs show a sudden and geographically limited appearance in the fossil record, as well as a relatively high burst of diversity and considerable morphologic disparity. Absence of pterosaur remains from deposits where they are expected to be found suggests that they had not yet evolved in pre-Norian times.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ti Doped Lithium Iron Phosphate
Authors: Fang Hui , Liang Gan , Zhao Liang , Wallace Timothy , Arave Hanu , Zhang Lu-Lu , Ignatov Alexander , Croft Mark C
Published: April 2013

Li1-4yTiyFePO4 (y = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, and 0.05) cathode materials were prepared by solid-state reaction. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, cyclic charge-discharge, cyclic voltammograms, and electrochemical impendence spectroscopy. The x-ray diffraction results indicate that the Ti4+ incorporates into the LiFePO4 lattice, but the XAS reveals that small amount of doped Ti can also form TiO2-anatase impurities. At 0.1 C rate, doping of Ti causes a decrease in charge and discharge capacities. However, at higher C rate, the charge/discharge capacities are improved. 1 at.% doping sample Li0.96Ti0.01FePO4 exhibits the optimized electrochemical performance.
LiFeTiO4 with Tunnel Structure as a Model System for Multiple Li Cycling Cathode Material
Authors: Bruno Shaun R. , Blakely Colin K. , Tenbusch Chad M. , Poltavets Viktor V.
Published: April 2013

The tunneled LiFeTiO4, with calcium ferrite structure type was investigated through chemical lithium intercalation and deintercalation to provide insight on the structural stability for multiple electron transfer. Structural stability on Li+ deintercalation indicate the feasibility of Fe3+/Fe4+ cathode materials. The tunnel LiFeTiO4 phase is metastable and transforms upon heating to the known polymorph with a spinel structure as determined by thermogravimetric analysis and powder X-ray diffraction methods.
Redox Shuttles for Overcharge Protection of Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Zhang Lu , Zhang Zhengcheng , Amine Khalil
Published: April 2013

Redox shuttle was proposed for overcharge protections of lithium-ion battery. Development of novel redox shuttles is in great needs since this method provides an economic and efficient way to make the cell system safer and does not require extra cost, weight, and volume. To accommodate different chemistry of lithium-ion battery, redox shuttles have to be versatile and tunable in terms of many properties, such as redox potential, electrochemical stability, and compatibility. A series of novel redox shuttles has been developed based on organic synthesis and delicate design, many of which were developed with intentional improvement, such as solubility in carbonate based electrolytes, elevated potentials, and better electrochemical stability. For instance, ANL-2 redox shuttle was developed with improved solubility in carbonate based electrolytes and excellent overcharge performance. The success of ANL-2 was based on the previous attempts using various design strategies to improve the solubility of DDB, including asymmetric ANL-1 redox shuttle, and DBMOEB (1,4-di-tert-butyl-2,5-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)methoxy-benzene). Other examples are ANL-3 and ANL-4 redox shuttles, with focus on increasing the redox potentials. ANL-3 is able to provide 4.8 V vs Li/Li+ oovercharge protection, highest ever reported in the literature. ANL-4, on the other hand, can deliver more than 90 cycles of overcharge protection for LMO cathode.
Overcharge Protection Effect of Cyclohexylbenzene and New Overcharge Protection Agent for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Iwayasu Norio , Takahashi Ko
Published: April 2013

We investigated the overcharge protection property of cyclohexylbenzene (CHB). CHB prevents overcharging by consuming the overcharge current through the electrochemical reaction of CHB. However, the CHB reactants do not increase resistance, and the overcharge reaction will restart after the CHB reaction has finished. A new overcharge protection agent (OPA) needed to be developed that has a shut-down function. We developed the new OPA, which consists of a polymer with an aromatic group and a high polar functional group. The new OPA forms a high-resistance film during overcharging, and its concept is validated.
Computational Modeling of Transport Limitations in Li-Air Batteries
Authors: Ryan Emily M , Ferris Kim , Tartakovsky Alexandre , Khaleel Mohammad
Published: April 2013

In this paper we investigate transport limitations in the electrodes of lithium-air batteries through computational modeling. We use meso-scale models to consider the effects of dendrites on the current and potential at the anode surface, and to investigate the effects of reaction and transport parameters on the formation of precipitates in the cathode. The formation of dendrites on the anode surface during cycling reduces the transport of ions and can lead to short circuits in the cell. Growth of precipitates in the cathode reduces the specific capacity of the cell due to surface passivation and pore clogging. Both of these degradation mechanisms depend on meso-scale phenomena, such as the pore-scale reactive transport in the cathode. To understand the effects of the meso-scale transport and precipitation on the performance and lifetime of Li-air batteries, meso-scale modeling is needed that is able to resolve the electrodes and their microstructures.
Thin-film Materials for Solid-State Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Ribeiro Joao Filipe Rodrigues , Sousa Rui , Silva Manuel , Gonçalves Luis , Silva Maria , Correia Jose
Published: April 2013

Thin-film materials for solid-state rechargeable lithium batteries were fabricated by physical vapor deposition. The cathode is a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) film, separated from the anode (metallic lithium) by an electrolyte of lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON). The LiCoO2 was deposited by RF sputtering, annealed after deposition and x-ray diffraction patterns showed higher crystallinity with 2 hours of annealing in vacuum with a temperature of 650 ºC. LiPON was deposited by reactive RF sputtering (nitrogen) and metallic lithium by thermal evaporation. Ionic conductivity of LiPON films was measured at room temperature of 26 ºC and 6.3x10E7 S.cm-1 obtained. Electrical resistivity of a 3 µm thickness lithium film was 7.6x10E8 §Ù.m, measured during deposition.
New Elements About Lead Dioxide/Lead(II) Cycling in Methanesulfonic Acid
Authors: Oury Alexandre , Kirchev Angel , Bultel Yann
Published: April 2013

This short study brings new elements to explain some of the features observed during lead dioxide/lead(II) cycling in methanesulfonic acid. It relies basically on microbalance and SEM analysis. On one hand, the findings lead to a brand new interpretation of the evolution of the electrode potential during cycling, which could be related to a change in the morphology of the PbO2 layer. On the other hand, the charge efficiency evolution during partial reduction cycling could be explained by the formation of a PbOx barrier within the layer.
Li-Ion Capacitors Using Carbon-Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Cao Wanjun , Zheng Jim P.
Published: April 2013

We demonstrate a Li-ion capacitor which is capable of achieving high energy density, long cycle life and high power density. The Li-ion capacitor consists of a battery electrode with Li intercalated hard carbon (HC) anode and a double-layer activated carbon (AC) cathode electrode with the open-circuit potential at or near the maximum potential when the cell is fully charged. The stabilized lithium metal powder (SLMP) was applied onto the surface of prefabricated hard carbon anode electrodes. The energy density of a punch cell was 22 Wh/kg.
Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene)-Graphene Composite Electrodes For Solid-State Supercapacitors with Ionic Liquid Gel Polymer Electrolyte
Authors: Pandey G. P. , Rastogi A.C.
Published: April 2013

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-graphene composite films are prepared by a novel ultrashort galvanic pulse electropolymerization technique for application in solid-state supercapacitors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies show that morphology of the composite films is significantly modified by in situ incorporation of graphene. Solid-state supercapacitor cells using PEDOT-graphene composite electrodes and ionic liquid gel polymer electrolyte were fabricated and characterized. The impedance spectroscopy studies show that the PEDOT-graphene composite electrodes have specific capacitance value of ~80 F g-1 as compared to ~72 F g-1 of PEDOT electrodes and a significantly lower ion diffusion related resistance. The PEDOT-graphene composite electrodes based cell shows specific energy ~4.1 Wh kg-1 and the corresponding specific power ~9.0 kW kg-1 in the solid-state design.
Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Kinetics and Durability in PEMFCs at 120{degree sign}C and Low Relative Humidity Using Silicotungstic Acid
Authors: Baker Phillip , Bonville Leonard J. , Kunz H. Russell
Published: April 2013

Silicotungstic acid (STA), a heteropolyacid, was added to the electrode of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and evaluated for increased performance at high temperature and low relative humidity (RHs). Activity at 120{degree sign}C/35%RH was shown to increase by as much as 36% for cells dipped in STA compared to cells dipped in deionized water. Additionally, membrane resistance was improved by 28%. The performance impact of STA was extended out to higher current densities showing a significant improvement in cell performance.
A Computational Study of Anomalous Cathode-Reference Voltages on Anode Supported Button SOFCs
Authors: Pakalapati Suryanarayana Raju , Celik Ismail B , Finklea Harry O , Escobar-Vargas Jose
Published: April 2013

The three-point electrode method is believed to be unsuitable for isolating the cathode or anode performance in electrode-supported button Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). Devising a strategy to use this technique in conjunction with simulations for fruitful testing of anode-supported button cells is a topic of ongoing research. In experiments with reference electrodes on the cathode side of anode-supported SOFCs, potential difference between cathode and reference electrode at open circuit is expected to be 0 mV. However, potential differences of 10 to 50 mV are consistently observed with two types of reference electrodes (silver, LSM/YSZ composite). In this study, two possible reasons are explored for this discrepancy: fuel leakage and double layer effects. Plausibility of the hypothesized causes is tested using numerical simulations of the test apparatus and potential distribution inside the button cell. Initial results show that a combination of these factors could be responsible for the observed anomalies.
Effect of Both Mn and Zn Partial Substitution on the Electrochemical Performance of LiFeSO4F
Authors: Barpanda Prabeer , Ati Mohamed , Melot Brent , Chotard Jean-Noel , Rousse Gwenaelle , Tarascon Jean-Marie
Published: April 2013

The tavorite structured LiFeSO4F forms a potential cathode with a competent mix of high redox voltage (ca 3.6 V) and reversible capacity (~140 mAh/g). It exists as a metastable phase, capable of showing polymorphism that can be triggered thermodynamically or chemically. Fluorosulphate (LiMSO4F) is a structurally diverse family of compounds. Here, we demonstrate the effect of Mn and Zn substitution into the structural and electrochemical properties of parent LiFeSO4F. Mn and Zn substitution into LiFeSO4F stabilizes triplite and sillimanite phases respectively, tuning the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox activity in the voltage range of 3.6~3.9 V. Notably, the polymorphism in LiFeSO4F leads to the realization of cathode material with the highest Fe2+/Fe3+ redox potential close to 4 V.
Ash-Free Coal as Fuel for Direct Carbon Fuel Cell
Authors: Jin Sunmi , Choi Hokyung , Chun Donghyuk , Lim Junghwan , Rhim Youngjun , Kim Sangdo , Lee Sihyun , Yoo Jiho
Published: April 2013

This work describes the performance of direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) fueled by an ash-free coal. Carbon is typically originated from coal that is readily available and economical. However, employing coal in DCFC has been excluded, mainly due to its left-behind ash after the cell reactions. In the study, carbonaceous ash-free component of coal was extracted using organic solvent, which was then evaluated as a DCFC fuel. An electrolyte-supported SOFC structure was adapted to build DCFC. When an ash-free coal was internally gasified to fuel gases, the power density was improved by more than 20%, compared to N2 environment. Both an ash-free coal and its reformed gases were found to take part in the electrochemical reactions.
(Invited) Controlled Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes with Nanoparticles Using Gas-Liquid Interfacial Discharge Plasmas
Authors: Kaneko Toshiro , Takahashi Shohei , Hatakeyama Rikizo
Published: April 2013

A periodic structure of gold (Au) nanoparticles is formed by reducing an aqueous solution of gold chloride using novel plasma techniques, where the Au nanoparticles are synthesized on the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) working as a template or a spatio-periodically generated plasma is transcribed to the Au nanoparticle structure formed on the liquid surface under the strong magnetic field. In addition, it is found that a ring-shaped nanoparticle structure is formed corresponding to the shape of a ring electrode inserted into the plasma, where the nanoparticles are synthesized at the position without plasma irradiation due to the shielding by the ring electrode.
Role of Nano-Porosity in Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition of Hermetic low-k a-SiOCN:H Dielectric Barrier Materials
Authors: King Sean , Gidley David
Published: April 2013

Critical thresholds for the diffusion of water through low-k a-SiOCN:H dielectrics were investigated using a combination of x-ray reflectivity (XRR) mass density and positronium annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) pore size metrologies. It was observed that hermetic low-k a-SiOCN:H dielectrics were achieved only at mass densities > 2.2 g/cm3 and when the PALS pore size is less than or equivalent to the molecular diameter of water.
N2O Plasma Treatment Suppressed Temperature-dependent Point Defects Formation with Amorphous Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Jhu Jhe-Ciou , Chang Ting-Chang , Chang Geng-Wei , Tsai Tsung-Ming , Syu Yong-En , Jian Fu-Yen , Chang Kuan-Chang , Tai Ya-Hsiang
Published: April 2013

The abnormal sub-threshold leakage current is observed at high temperature in amorphous Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide Thin Film Transistors (a-IGZO TFTs). To confirm this phenomenon dependence of the defects of a-IGZO active layer, the paper proposes the devices with N2O plasma treatment at a-IGZO film. This phenomenon only appears in the as-fabricated device, but not in the device with N2O plasma treatment, which is experimentally verified. N2O plasma treatment at a-IGZO TFTs enhances the thin film bonding strength which could suppress the formation of temperature-dependent point defects. The point defects could be generated from oxygen atoms have left their original sites above 400K. The N2O plasma treatment devices have better stability performance than as-fabricated devices. The results suggested that the density of point states for a-IGZO TFTs with N2O plasma treatment is much lower than that as-fabricated. The N2O plasma repairs the point defect to suppress temperature-dependent sub-threshold leakage current.
A Kinetic Model for Chemical-Vapor Deposition of Pure-Boron Layers from Diborane
Authors: Mohammadi Vahid , de Boer Wiebe , Scholtes Tom L.M. , Nanver Lis K.
Published: April 2013

In this paper, an analytical model is established to describe the deposition kinetics and the deposition chamber characteristics that determine the deposition rates of PureB-layers grown by chemical-vapor deposition (CVD) from diborane (B2H6) as gas source on a non-rotating silicon wafer. The model takes into consideration the diffusion mechanism of the diborane species through the stationary boundary layer over the wafer, the gas phase processes and the related surface reactions. This model is based on a wide range of input parameters, such as initial diborane partial pressure, total gas flow, axial position on the wafer, deposition temperature, activation energy of PureB deposition from diborane, surface H-coverage and reactor dimensions. The model's predictive capabilities have been verified by experiments performed at 700 ºC in these two different ASM CVD reactors.
What is the impact of inflammation on the critical interplay between mechanical signaling and biochemical changes in tendon matrix?
Authors: Kjaer Michael , Bayer Monika L. , Eliasson Pernilla , Heinemeier Katja M.
Published: April 2013

Mechanical loading can influence tendon collagen homeostasis in animal models, while the dynamics of the human adult tendon core tissue are more debatable. Currently available data indicate that human tendon adaptation to loading may happen primarily in the outer tendon region. A role of inflammation in this peritendinous adaptation is supported by a rise in inflammatory mediators in the peritendinous area after physiological mechanical loading in humans. This plays a role in the exercise-induced rise in tendon blood flow and peritendinous collagen synthesis. Although inflammatory activity can activate proteolytic pathways in tendon, mechanical loading can protect against matrix degradation. Acute tendon injury displays an early inflammatory response that seems to be lowered when mechanical loading is applied during regeneration of tendon. Chronically overloaded tendons (tendinopathy) do neither at rest nor after acute exercise display any enhanced inflammatory activity, and thus the basis for using anti-inflammatory medication to treat tendon overuse seems limited.