bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New high-pressure phase and equation of state of Ce2Zr2O8
Authors: Errandonea D. , Kumar R. S. , Achary S. N. , Gomis O. , Manjón F. J. , Shukla R. , Tyagi A. K.
Published: March 2012

In this paper we report a new high-pressure rhombohedral phase of Ce2Zr2O8 observed in high-pressure angle-dispersive x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy studies up to nearly 12 GPa. The ambient-pressure cubic phase of Ce2Zr2O8 transforms to a rhombohedral structure beyond 5 GPa with a feeble distortion in the lattice. The pressure evolution of the unit-cell volume showed a change in compressibility above 5 GPa. The unit-cell parameters of the high-pressure rhombohedral phase at 12.1 GPa are ah = 14.6791(3) Å, ch = 17.9421(5) Å, and V = 3348.1(1) Å3. The structure relations between the parent cubic (P213) and rhombohedral (P32) phases were obtained via group-subgroup relations. All the Raman modes of the cubic phase showed linear evolution with pressure, with the hardest one at 197 cm−1. Some Raman modes of the high-pressure phase have a non-linear evolution with pressure, and softening of one low-frequency mode with pressure is found. The compressibility, equation of state, and pressure coefficients of Raman modes of Ce2Zr2O8 are also reported.
Secondary electron image formation of a freestanding α-Si3N4 nanobelt
Authors: Kumagai Kazuhiro , Suzuki Makoto , Sekiguchi Takashi
Published: March 2012

This paper presents the secondary electron (SE) image formation of freestanding insulating nanobelts of α-Si3N4 in scanning electron microscopy. These nanobelts in SE image appear transparent or opaque depending on the observing condition. We investigated the variation in the SE image of the nanobelt with accelerating voltage and scan rate. The behavior of the SE emission was analyzed by considering the amount of transmitting electrons and charging effect. We revealed that the SEs from both front and back side of the nanobelt and those from the specimen holder affect the image formation. The contribution of these SEs to the image was confirmed by using Monte Carlo simulation.
Energy exchange between a vortex ring and an ionic polymer metal composite
Authors: Peterson Sean D. , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: March 2012

In this letter, we study the transient response of a cantilevered ionic polymer metal composite impacted by a self-propagating vortex ring in an otherwise quiescent fluid. Experiments are performed using time-resolved particle image velocimetry to elucidate the flow physics during the vortex ring propagation and subsequent interaction with the cantilever. Images from these experiments are analyzed to extract the vibration of the structure, which is used to estimate the energy transferred from the vortex ring. A small fraction of this energy is further transduced into an electrical signal by the chemoelectromechanical behavior of the ionic polymer metal composite.
Low temperature processing solid-state dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Jiang C. Y. , Koh W. L. , Leung M. Y. , Chiam S. Y. , Wu J. S. , Zhang J.
Published: March 2012

A study on low temperature processed solid state dye sensitized solar cell (LT-SDSC) is reported. The LT-SDSC uses a photoelectrode with a mesoporous TiO2 (mp-TiO2) film fabricated from a binder-free nanoparticle-TiO2 paste at room temperature, and a blocking layer of an amorphous TiO2 thin film deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) at 150 °C. A power conversion efficiency of 1.30% is obtained from the LT-SDSC with 0.9 μm mp-TiO2 layer and 20 nm ALD-TiO2 blocking layer, in cooperating with organic indoline dyes and a hole conductor, 2,2′,7,7′-Tetrakis-(N,N-di-4-methoxyphenylamino)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD). The lower electron conductivity of the low-temperature-processed mp-TiO2 film and the amorphous blocking layer is equilibrated by using smaller thicknesses of the films. Ways to further boost the LT-SDSC performance are proposed. These LT-SDSC are potentially compatible with low cost plastic substrates and show promising manufacturing potential for low cost flexible SDSCs.
Theoretical prediction of mechanical stability of ferromagnetic fcc Fe-Cu alloys from first principles
Authors: Wen Y. F. , Sun J.
Published: March 2012

The mechanical and magnetic properties of fcc Fe-Cu alloys were investigated theoretically by first-principles method based on the special quasi-random structures. The calculated results showed that the mechanical stability of ferromagnetic fcc Fe-Cu alloys is a highly nonlinear concentration dependence, and the theoretical phase boundary of metastable fcc Fe-Cu alloys is about 30 at. % Cu concentration. The ferromagnetic fcc phase stability of Fe-Cu alloys increases with decreasing the magnetic moment, and the maximum magnetic moment was predicted to be about 1.73 μB/atom for metastable fcc Fe-Cu alloys.
Enhanced surface-enhanced Raman scattering performance by folding silver nanorods
Authors: Zhou Qin , Zhang Xian , Huang Yu , Li Zhengcao , Zhao Yiping , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: March 2012

Folding straight Ag nanorods into zig-zag structures could generate corners or bends that become potential hot spots for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Using a dynamic shadowing growth method, zig-zag silver nanorod arrays of different bending number N with a fixed total rod length are fabricated, and their SERS performance are measured and compared using the Raman probe Rhodamine 6G. The SERS intensity increases with N when N < 4 and decreases when N > 4. The results suggest that folding silver nanorods into three-dimensional structures is a promising way to design highly sensitive SERS substrates.
Tactile Perception of Nonpainful Unpleasantness in Relation to Perceived Roughness: Effects of Inter-Element Spacing and Speed of Relative Motion of Rigid 2-D Raised-Dot Patterns at Two Body Loci
Authors: Kitada Ryo , Sadato Norihiro , Lederman Susan J
Published: March 2012

Rigid surfaces consisting of spatially jittered 2-D raised-dot patterns with different inter-element spacings were moved back and forth across the skin at three different speeds (10-fold range). Within each psychophysical experiment, participants numerically estimated the perceived magnitude of either unpleasantness (nonpainful) or roughness of 2-D raised-dot surfaces applied to two stationary body sites (experiment 1: fingers; experiment 2: forearm). The psychophysical functions for the two types of perceptual judgment were highly similar at both body loci; more specifically, the perceived magnitude of unpleasantness and roughness both increased monotonically as a power function of increasing inter-element spacing, with the rate of growth declining at the upper end of the continuum. These results suggest that inter-element spacing is a critical determinant of the perceived magnitude of unpleasantness (nonpainful), as well as of roughness. Each perceptual judgment also increased as a function of increasing relative speed at both body loci. However, the magnitude of this effect was significantly greater for perceived unpleasantness than for perceived roughness; conversely, the speed effect was significantly greater on the forearm than on the fingers. Several possible explanations for these findings are considered.
Synthesis and Structures of Halo-Substituted Aroylhydrazones with Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Zhang Mei , Xian Dong-Mei , Li Hai-Hua , Zhang Ji-Cai , You Zhong-Lu
Published: March 2012

A series of new halo-substituted aroylhydrazones have been prepared and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and IR spectra, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas fluorescence) and antifungal (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) activities by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) method. Among the tested compounds, N′-(2-chloro-5-nitrobenzylidene)-2-fluorobenzohydrazide showed the most effective antimicrobial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 0.82, 2.5, 1.7, 15.2, and 37.5 μg mL–1 against B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, P. fluorescence, and C. albicans, respectively. The biological assay indicated that the presence of the electron-withdrawing groups in the aroylhydrazones improved their antimicrobial activities.
Corrigendum to: A new Australian genus Androcalva separated from Commersonia (Malvaceae s.l. or Byttneriaceae)
Authors: Wilkins C .F. , Whitlock B. A.
Published: March 2012

A new genus, Androcalva C.F.Wilkins & Whitlock, is here described and includes 22 species previously described as Commersonia, four species formerly described as Rulingia and seven new species, including A. aphrix C.F.Wilkins, A. perlaria C.F.Wilkins, A. bivillosa C.F.Wilkins, A. adenothalia C.F.Wilkins, A. fragifolia C.F.Wilkins, A. incilis C.F.Wilkins and A. lachna C.F.Wilkins. Rulingia pauciflora Turcz. is here placed in synonymy with C. gaudichaudii J.Gay as A. gaudichaudii. Recognition of Androcalva is supported by the results of a previous molecular phylogenetic analysis demonstrating that neither Rulingia nor Commersonia as previously circumscribed is monophyletic. Species of Androcalva share characters of extrorse anther dehiscence and glabrous central staminodes. In contrast, species in the redefined Commersonia have anthers with sublatrorse dehiscence and hairy central staminodes. Taxonomic descriptions, a key, distribution maps, conservation status and illustrations are presented.
Fuel age, weather and burn probability in Portugal
Authors: Fernandes Paulo M. , Loureiro Carlos , Magalhães Marco , Ferreira Pedro , Fernandes Manuel
Published: March 2012

The relative influence of the factors acting on burn probability, namely fuel and weather, is not well understood, especially in Europe. We use a digital fire atlas (1975–2008) and apply survival analysis to individual fires (1998–2008) to describe how burn probability changes with fuel age in Portugal. The typical fire return interval and median fire-free interval vary regionally from 23 to 52 and 18 to 47 years. Increase of the hazard of burning with time is generally near-linear, denoting moderate fuel-age dependency, as in some other shrub-dominated Mediterranean environments. Analysis of complete fire intervals resulted in shorter fire return interval and higher fuel-age dependency of burn probability than findings that included censored observations. Increasingly severe weather conditions either expressed through fire size or by extreme fire danger concurrently decreased fuel-age dependency and selected older fuels. The results are discussed from the viewpoints of fire suppression and fuel treatments.
Improving bioethanol production by increasing sugar beet crop yield.
Authors: Belboom S. , Léonard A.
Published: March 2012

This review presents a summary of published papers on the improvement of sugar beet yield and its transformation into bioethanol. After describing the current political and economic context of sugar beet production, the influence of factors during crop growth is considered. The main factor influencing the crop yield and consequently the bioethanol yield is weather variability. Other parameters such as climate change, fertilizer and crop management are noted and explained in further paragraphs. Irrigation is required in semi-arid countries and plays a role in the different results achieved. After the overview of the crop growth conditions, sugar beet transformation into bioethanol is outlined with reference to the most critical steps, the different raw materials derived from sugar beet and the optimal parameters for obtaining the highest possible yield in terms of bioethanol. With regard to the economics on bioenergy production, the goal is to obtain the highest yield possible in terms of sugar beet, sugar and then bioethanol. Some savings can be made via energy reduction during the fermentation or distillation steps. There is no single way to reach this goal because of the variability of the parameters, depending on the location and on the variability of weather.
Transgenesis in animal agriculture and zoonotic disease resistance.
Authors: Greger M.
Published: March 2012

In 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released guidelines for the commercialization of genetically engineered (GE) farm animals. Numerous applications for approval of transgenic species are currently pending. Anthropocentric concerns raised to date have tended to neglect the impact of the physiological trade-off between production efficiency and immune function. Given animal agriculture's track record of prioritizing productivity - even at the expense of animal health - the incorporation of biotechnological tools to further stress production towards biological limits may continue to undermine immunocompetence. Regulatory schemata to avert adverse public health outcomes are discussed. Given the rising incidence of zoonotic disease associated with livestock industry intensification noted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, increased scrutiny should be given to any technology that may further erode farm animal disease resistance.
Teachers as mediators: an exploration of situated English teaching
Authors: Kelly Peter , Hohmann Ulrike , Pratt Nick , Dorf Hans
Published: March 2012

Within the context of lower secondary English teaching in South West England, this study identifies in broad terms the competing goals between which English teachers mediate and the explicit and hidden tensions that result. To understand the interactions of competing goals, teachers' goal‐oriented behaviours are referenced to a set of idealised ‘role types’ based on the dimensions of goals, norms, discourses and practices. It is asserted that competing goals, significant to particular educational circumstances, emanate from various sometimes contradictory local, national and perhaps broader social and cultural influences on practice. Yet the teachers observed moved smoothly between goal‐oriented behaviours in a continuous and comfortable style, easily and without reflecting any tensions between them. Thus, this article elaborates an account of situated English teaching.
Pathology of Ocular Lesions Associated with Gas Supersaturation in White Seabass
Authors: Smiley Jeffrey E. , Okihiro Mark S. , Drawbridge Mark A. , Kaufmann Ronald S.
Published: March 2012

Cultured juvenile white seabass Atractoscion nobilis (WSB) can suffer from intraocular emphysemas and exophthalmia in the hatchery environment. To identify the cause, two size-groups of WSB were exposed to five gas saturation levels, ranging from 98% to 122% total gas pressure (TGP), over a 96-h exposure period in 18°C and 23°C seawater. Histological examination revealed that the gross and subgross lesions associated with gas supersaturation included corneal and orbital emphysema, along with subretinal, optic nerve, and iridial hemorrhage. Corneal emphysema was the most prominent gross lesion, with the severity and prevalence increasing between size-groups and water temperatures as TGP increased. Following the same pattern was orbital emphysema, which affected more than 93% of the fish examined and caused hemorrhage in the subretinal space, around the optic nerve, in the iris, or a combination thereof. Iridial hemorrhage occurred in 91% of the fish examined and decreased significantly with fish size. The prevalence and severity of hemorrhage in the subretinal space increased significantly with TGP and fish size but not with temperature. Optic nerve hemorrhage was absent in small fish exposed at 18°C but increased significantly with temperature and fish size. The reverse was true for the large fish.

Received January 28, 2011; accepted October 16, 2011
New approach for sustaining energetic, efficient and scalable non-equilibrium plasma in water vapours at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Malik Muhammad Arif , Schoenbach Karl H
Published: March 2012

Energetic and scalable non-equilibrium plasma was formed in pure water vapour at atmospheric pressure between wire-to-strip electrodes on a dielectric surface with one of the electrodes extended forming a conductive plane on the back side of the dielectric surface. The energy deposition increased by an order of magnitude compared with the conventional pulsed corona discharges under the same conditions. The scalability was demonstrated by operating two electrode assemblies with a common conductive plane between two dielectric layers. The energy yields for hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide generation were measured as ∼1.2 g H2/kWh and ∼4 g H2O2/kWh.
Porous ZnO nanonetworks grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Lee W C T , Kendrick C E , Millane R P , Liu Z , Ringer S P , Washburn K , Callaghan P T , Durbin S M
Published: March 2012

Plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy was employed to create porous nanonetworks of ZnO directly on GaN epilayers without the use of catalysts or templates. Detailed analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of both as-grown and etched samples reveals that the typical porous nanonetwork structure is multilayered, and suggests that dislocations originating at the GaN/sapphire heterointerface and/or defects characterizing an unusually rough GaN surface are responsible. The pore size distribution of the nanonetwork was measured using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) cryoporometry. A bimodal pore size distribution centred at 4 nm and 70 nm, respectively, was observed, consistent with the existence of small nanoscale pores in the bulk of the sample, and large open pores on the surface of the porous nanonetwork as observed by SEM.
Hexagonal boron nitride nanowalls: physical vapour deposition, 2D/3D morphology and spectroscopic analysis
Authors: BenMoussa B , D'Haen J , Borschel C , Barjon J , Soltani A , Mortet V , Ronning C , D'Olieslaeger M , Boyen H-G , Haenen K
Published: March 2012

Hexagonal boron nitride nanowalls were synthesized using reactive radio-frequency magnetron sputtering in combination with a hexagonal BN target. The nanowall formation is purely governed by addition of hydrogen to the nitrogen/argon gas mixture, and leads to a decreased incorporation of carbon and oxygen impurities. The surface morphology is assessed with scanning electron microscopy, while stoichiometry and reduced impurity content of the material was evidenced using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the hexagonal nature of the nanowalls, whose luminescent properties are studied with cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, shedding more light on the location and nature of the excitonic emission and crystalline quality of the h-BN nanowalls.
Real-time PCR Detection of Rhodococcus fascians and Discovery of New Plants Associated with R. fascians in Pennsylvania
Authors: Nikolaeva Ekaterina V. , Kang Seogchan , Olson Tracey N. , Kim SeongHwan
Published: March 2012

Rhodococcus fascians is a gram-positive bacterium that causes bacterial fasciation on a wide range of ornamental plants. To address the need for a reliable, sensitive, and specific method for detecting R. fascians in infected plant materials, a real-time (RT) PCR assay was developed. The target for detection was fas-1, a plasmid-borne gene that is essential for virulence. DNAs from all confirmed pathogenic strains of R. fascians consistently tested positive, with detection limit of 30 fg of R. fascians DNA. In repeated PCR experiments with R. fascians pure culture, as few as 2.5 CFU were tested positive. Direct detection of R. fascians from clinical samples of Coreopsis was successful, whereas detection of R. fascians in Chrysanthemum, Pelargonium, Phlox, and Veronica required enrichment on modified D2 (mD2) medium. In the case of geraniums, as few as 102 CFU/100 mg plant tissues were successfully detected after 72 h enrichment on mD2. In total, 115 strains, isolated from 41 different kinds of flowering crops in Pennsylvania greenhouses during 1984-2010, were confirmed to be R. fascians by RT PCR. Geraniums and speedwell were the most frequently submitted clinical samples to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The following are the first report of plants associated with R. fascians in PA: Ajania pacifica, Anemone sp., Aruncus sp., Baptisia sp., Eutrochium maculatum, Helianthemum sp., Lewisia sp., Monarda sp., Osteospermum ecklonis, Rudbeckia nitida, and Saponaria ocymoides.

Accepted for publication 30 November 2011. Published 27 February 2012.
Peanut Genotype and Seeding Rate Effects on Spotted Wilt
Authors: Culbreath A. K. , Branch W. D. , Beasley J. P. , Tubbs R. S. , Holbrook C. C.
Published: March 2012

Establishing high plant populations helps suppress epidemics of spotted wilt, caused by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). However, seed costs make it desirable to minimize seeding rates used. To determine whether new resistant genotypes can allow use of reduced seeding rates, field experiments were conducted at Tifton, GA, in 2008-2009 in which seven genotypes were combined factorially with two seeding rates, 9.8 and 19.7 seed/m of row. Genotypes included three cultivars (Georgia Green, Georgia-01R, and Georgia-02C) and four advanced breeding lines (GA 052524, GA 052527, GA 052529, and C724-19-25). Across years and genotypes, final incidences of spotted wilt and standardized areas under the spotted wilt disease progress curves were lower, and yields were higher in all other cultivars and breeding lines than in the moderately TSWV-resistant cultivar Georgia Green. Final incidence of spotted wilt was lower in GA 052527 and GA 052529 than in any of the cultivar standards, and yields of all four breeding lines were higher than for any of the three cultivars. Across genotypes, final incidence of spotted wilt and standardized areas under the spotted wilt disease progress curves were lower and yield was higher for the 19.8 seed/m treatment than the 9.8 seed/m.

Accepted for publication 30 November 2011. Published 27 February 2012.
Twin-arginine-dependent translocation of folded proteins
Authors: Fröbel Julia , Rose Patrick , Müller Matthias
Published: March 2012

Twin-arginine translocation (Tat) denotes a protein transport pathway in bacteria, archaea and plant chloroplasts, which is specific for precursor proteins harbouring a characteristic twin-arginine pair in their signal sequences. Many Tat substrates receive cofactors and fold prior to translocation. For a subset of them, proofreading chaperones coordinate maturation and membrane-targeting. Tat translocases comprise two kinds of membrane proteins, a hexahelical TatC-type protein and one or two members of the single-spanning TatA protein family, called TatA and TatB. TatC- and TatA-type proteins form homo- and hetero-oligomeric complexes. The subunits of TatABC translocases are predominantly recovered from two separate complexes, a TatBC complex that might contain some TatA, and a homomeric TatA complex. TatB and TatC coordinately recognize twin-arginine signal peptides and accommodate them in membrane-embedded binding pockets. Advanced binding of the signal sequence to the Tat translocase requires the proton-motive force (PMF) across the membranes and might involve a first recruitment of TatA. When targeted in this manner, folded twin-arginine precursors induce homo-oligomerization of TatB and TatA. Ultimately, this leads to the formation of a transmembrane protein conduit that possibly consists of a pore-like TatA structure. The translocation step again is dependent on the PMF.
On the path to uncover the bacterial type II secretion system
Authors: Douzi Badreddine , Filloux Alain , Voulhoux Romé
Published: March 2012

Gram-negative bacteria have evolved several secretory pathways to release enzymes or toxins into the surrounding environment or into the target cells. The type II secretion system (T2SS) is conserved in Gram-negative bacteria and involves a set of 12 to 16 different proteins. Components of the T2SS are located in both the inner and outer membranes where they assemble into a supramolecular complex spanning the bacterial envelope, also called the secreton. The T2SS substrates transiently go through the periplasm before they are translocated across the outer membrane and exposed to the extracellular milieu. The T2SS is unique in its ability to promote secretion of large and sometimes multimeric proteins that are folded in the periplasm. The present review describes recently identified protein–protein interactions together with structural and functional advances in the field that have contributed to improve our understanding on how the type II secretion apparatus assembles and on the role played by individual proteins of this highly sophisticated system.
Assembly and mechanisms of bacterial type IV secretion machines
Authors: Zechner Ellen L. , Lang Silvia , Schildbach Joel F.
Published: March 2012

Type IV secretion occurs across a wide range of prokaryotic cell envelopes: Gram-negative, Gram-positive, cell wall-less bacteria and some archaea. This diversity is reflected in the heterogeneity of components that constitute the secretion machines. Macromolecules are secreted in an ATP-dependent process using an envelope-spanning multi-protein channel. Similar to the type III systems, this apparatus extends beyond the cell surface as a pilus structure important for direct contact and penetration of the recipient cell surface. Type IV systems are remarkably versatile in that they mobilize a broad range of substrates, including single proteins, protein complexes, DNA and nucleoprotein complexes, across the cell envelope. These machines have broad clinical significance not only for delivering bacterial toxins or effector proteins directly into targeted host cells, but also for direct involvement in phenomena such as biofilm formation and the rapid horizontal spread of antibiotic resistance genes among the microbial community.
Structural biology of type VI secretion systems
Authors: Cascales Eric , Cambillau Christian
Published: March 2012

Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are transenvelope complexes specialized in the transport of proteins or domains directly into target cells. These systems are versatile as they can target either eukaryotic host cells and therefore modulate the bacteria–host interaction and pathogenesis or bacterial cells and therefore facilitate access to a specific niche. These molecular machines comprise at least 13 proteins. Although recent years have witnessed advances in the role and function of these secretion systems, little is known about how these complexes assemble in the cell envelope. Interestingly, the current information converges to the idea that T6SSs are composed of two subassemblies, one resembling the contractile bacteriophage tail, whereas the other subunits are embedded in the inner and outer membranes and anchor the bacteriophage-like structure to the cell envelope. In this review, we summarize recent structural information on individual T6SS components emphasizing the fact that T6SSs are composite systems, adapting subunits from various origins.
Protein secretion and surface display in Gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Schneewind Olaf , Missiakas Dominique M.
Published: March 2012

The cell wall peptidoglycan of Gram-positive bacteria functions as a surface organelle for the transport and assembly of proteins that interact with the environment, in particular, the tissues of an infected host. Signal peptide-bearing precursor proteins are secreted across the plasma membrane of Gram-positive bacteria. Some precursors carry C-terminal sorting signals with unique sequence motifs that are cleaved by sortase enzymes and linked to the cell wall peptidoglycan of vegetative forms or spores. The sorting signals of pilin precursors are cleaved by pilus-specific sortases, which generate covalent bonds between proteins leading to the assembly of fimbrial structures. Other precursors harbour surface (S)-layer homology domains (SLH), which fold into a three-pronged spindle structure and bind secondary cell wall polysaccharides, thereby associating with the surface of specific Gram-positive microbes. Type VII secretion is a non-canonical secretion pathway for WXG100 family proteins in mycobacteria. Gram-positive bacteria also secrete WXG100 proteins and carry unique genes that either contribute to discrete steps in secretion or represent distinctive substrates for protein transport reactions.
Dolphinfish Bycatch in Spanish Mediterranean Large Pelagic Longline Fisheries, 2000–2010
Authors: Macías David , Báez José C. , García-Barcelona Salvador , Ortiz de Urbina José M.
Published: March 2012

The aim of this paper is to describe the dolphinfish bycatch rates in the longline fisheries of the Western Mediterranean and modelling the nominal bycatch abundance and distribution of dolphinfish from the Spanish Mediterranean as a function of technical, geographical, and seasonality factors. Our results indicate that the impact of the pelagic and semipelagic longline on the dolphinfish population is relatively low (1.083 fishes per 1000 hooks), in contrast with the greater effect on the target species population. We obtained a statistically significant logistic model, with the following factors: technical characteristics of the fishery, geographical location, and seasonality. Drifting surface longliners targeting albacore is the gear with the highest effect on Mediterranean dolphinfish population. The technical characteristics of the fishery and seasonality factors have an important role in explaining the absence or presence of dolphinfish bycatch in the different boat strata, gear types, and seasons. Moreover, sea surface temperature and lunar phases also present additional explanations. Lunar phase as SST has been frequently used as an explanatory variable affecting catch rates of dolphinfish.
Influence of the Flexible Liposomes on the Skin Deposition of a Hydrophilic Model Drug, Carboxyfluorescein: Dependency on Their Composition
Authors: Badran Mohamed , Shalaby Khaled , Al-Omrani Abdullah
Published: March 2012

This study focuses on the effect of different flexible liposomes containing sodium cholate, Tween 80, or cineol on skin deposition of carboxyfluorescein (CF). Size distribution, morphology, zeta potential, and stability of the prepared vesicles were evaluated. The influence of these systems on the skin deposition of CF utilizing rat skin as membrane model was investigated. Results showed that all of the investigated liposomes had almost spherical shapes with low polydispersity (PDI < 0.3) and particles size range from 83 to 175 nm. All liposomal formulations exhibited negative zeta potential, good drug entrapment efficiency, and stability.In vitroskin deposition data showed that flexible liposomes gave significant deposition of CF on the skin compared to conventional liposomes and drug solutions. This study revealed that flexible liposomes, containing cineole, were able to deliver higher amount of CF suggesting that the hydrophilic drugs delivery to the skin was strictly correlated to the vesicle composition.
Biomedical Evaluation of Cortisol, Cortisone, and Corticosterone along with Testosterone and Epitestosterone Applying Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography
Authors: Bączek Tomasz , Olędzka Ilona , Konieczna Lucyna , Kowalski Piotr , Plenis Alina
Published: March 2012

The validated micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) was proposed for the determination of five steroid hormones in human urine samples. That technique allowed for the separation and quantification of cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, testosterone, and epitestosterone and was sensitive enough to detect low concentrations of these searched steroids in urine samples at the range of 2–300 ng/mL. The proposed MEKC technique with solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure was simple, rapid, and has been successfully applied as a routine procedure to analyze steroids in human urine samples. The MEKC method offered a potential in clinical routine practice because of the short analysis time (8 min), low costs, and simultaneous analysis of five endogenous hormones. Due to its simplicity, speed, accuracy, and high recovery, the proposed method could offer a tool to determine steroid hormones as potential biomarkers in biomedical investigations, what was additionally revealed with healthy volunteers.
A Novel HPLC Method for the Concurrent Analysis and Quantitation of Seven Water-Soluble Vitamins in Biological Fluids (Plasma and Urine): A Validation Study and Application
Authors: Grotzkyj Giorgi Margherita , Howland Kevin , Martin Colin , Bonner Adrian B.
Published: March 2012

An HPLC method was developed and validated for the concurrent detection and quantitation of seven water-soluble vitamins (C, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, B12) in biological matrices (plasma and urine). Separation was achieved at 30°C on a reversed-phase C18-A column using combined isocratic and linear gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of 0.01% TFA aqueous and 100% methanol. Total run time was 35 minutes. Detection was performed with diode array set at 280 nm. Each vitamin was quantitatively determined at its maximum wavelength. Spectral comparison was used for peak identification in real samples (24 plasma and urine samples from abstinent alcohol-dependent males). Interday and intraday precision were <4% and <7%, respectively, for all vitamins. Recovery percentages ranged from 93% to 100%.
Technological Progress in Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Clinical Applications
Authors: Oh Seung-Ick , Lee Chang Kyu , Cho Kyung Jin , Lee Kyung-Ok , Cho Ssang-Goo , Hong Sunghoi
Published: March 2012

Reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is achieved by viral-mediated transduction of defined transcription factors. Generation of iPSCs is of great medical interest as they have the potential to be a source of patient-specific cells. For the eventual goal of clinical application, it is necessary to overcome the limitations of low reprogramming efficiency and chromosomal abnormalities due to viral DNA integration. In this paper, we summarize the current state of reprogramming technology for generation of iPSCs and also discuss potential approaches to the development of safe iPSCs for personalized cell-based replacement therapy.
Postcraniotomy Function of the Temporal Muscle in Skull Base Surgery: Technical Note Based on a Preliminary Study
Authors: Abdulazim Amr , Filis Andreas , Sadr-Eshkevari Pooyan , Schulte Fried , Sandu Nora , Schaller Bernhard
Published: March 2012

Purpose. Patients undergoing craniotomies necessitating preparation of the temporal muscle (TM) may experience postoperative functional impairment of the temporomandibular joint. This topic has not been thoroughly discussed in the literature so far. In the present study, the authors propose a questionnaire as an evaluation tool to assess to what degree different TM preparation techniques correlate with postoperative temporomandibular joint dysfunction.Materials and Methods. Between 2004 and 2006, 286 patients underwent either pterional or temporal craniotomies in the department of craniotomies at the University of Münster in Germany. Intraoperatively the TM was prepared either interfascial, submuscular, or subfascial. A patient-based questionnaire was designed and validated (Kendalls-τ= +1) in order to evaluate the patients’ postoperative temporomandibular functional outcome. Based on strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, 69 patients were eligible for the application of the questionnaire in this preliminary study.Results. Seventeen percent of the patients complained of either temporomandibular joint pain (3%) or restricted mouth opening (13%) postoperatively in a follow-up period between 3 and 12 months. In 92% postoperative complaints were reported within the first 3 months and in 58% of the patients with complaints the pain eased off. In 34% a therapy was required for the pain to be controlled. In one patient (8%) a postoperative arthroscopy has been necessary. Of the patients who experienced postoperative complaints, 67% had undergone temporal and 33% pterional craniotomy. In the group where postoperatively there were issues of temporomandibular pain/dysfunction, 42% had had the TM dissected, in 25% incised, and in 8% transected. For 25% of the patients, the type of intraoperative manipulation remained unknown.Conclusion. For postoperative quality control, the questionnaire showed to be a suitable evaluation tool. Concerning the different preparation techniques, subfascial preparation of the TM tends to result in less postoperative complaints and is thus recommended.
Bacterial Infections, DNA Virus Infections, and RNA Virus Infections Manifest Differently in Neutrophil Receptor Expression
Authors: Lilius Esa-Matti , Nuutila Jari
Published: March 2012

Treating viral illnesses or noninfective causes of inflammation with antibiotics is ineffective and contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance, toxicity, and allergic reactions, leading to increasing medical costs. A major factor behind unnecessary use of antibiotics is, of course, incorrect diagnosis. For this reason, timely and accurate information on whether the infection is bacterial in origin would be highly beneficial. In this paper we will present our recent studies on the expression of opsonin receptors on phagocytes. The analysis of the expression levels of FcγRI, CR1, and CR3, along with CRP and ESR data, provides a novel application to the diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory diseases. The best clinical benefit will be obtained when the individual variables are combined to generate the CIS point method for a bacterial infection marker, DNAVS point for differentiating between DNA and RNA virus infections, and CRP/CD11b ratio for a marker of Gram-positive sepsis.
Ranging Patterns of Critically Endangered Colobine,Presbytis chrysomelas chrysomelas
Authors: Ampeng Ahmad , Md-Zain Badrul Munir
Published: March 2012

Presbytis chrysomelas chrysomelasendemic only in Sarawak and Kalimantan was categorized by IUCN as a critically endangered primate that require special attention from research and conservation perspectives. A qualitative study on ranging patterns ofP. c. chrysomelaswas conducted in the Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak. The study was conducted over a period of 13 months from December 2004 to December 2005 with 213 days of observation. Behavioural observation covered 17 groups with special emphasis on two main groups and 1 subadult group. Scanning and focal sampling were employed as the observation methods. Results indicated thatP. c. chrysomelashad vertical, straight horizontal, and cross-horizontal types of movement patterns.P. c. chrysomelaswas recorded to have a short movement distance (31.8–54.3 m). Distribution, abundance types, and food resources might be the factors that shaped the patterns of movement and distance inP. c. chrysomelas.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Catalyzed Condensation Reaction of Isocoumarins and 1,7-Heptadiamine in the Formation of Bis-Isoquinolinones
Authors: Krishnakumar Varadhan , Mohan Kumar Kesarla , Mandal Badal Kumar , Khan Fazlur-Rahman Nawaz
Published: March 2012

The diversified bis-isoquinolinones were obtained in two steps, utilizing homophthalic acid and various acid chlorides providing 3-substituted isocoumarins in the first step which on further condensation with 1,7-heptadiamine involving C–N bond formation from the lactone in the presence of 10 mol% zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) (<150 nm) afforded the desired bis-isoquinolinones in high yield and purity. The synthesized compounds were then characterized using FTIR,1H NMR,13C NMR, and HRMS techniques.
Complications of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Urinary Stones: To Know and to Manage Them—A Review
Authors: D’Addessi Alessandro , Vittori Matteo , Racioppi Marco , Pinto Francesco , Sacco Emilio , Bassi PierFrancesco
Published: March 2012

To identify the possible complications after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and to suggest how to manage them, the significant literature concerning SWL treatment and complications was analyzed and reviewed. Complications after SWL are mainly connected to the formation and passage of fragments, infections, the effects on renal and nonrenal tissues, and the effects on kidney function. Each of these complications can be prevented adopting appropriate measures, such as the respect of the contraindications and the recognition and the correction of concomitant diseases or infection, and using the SWL in the most efficient and safe way, tailoring the treatment to the single case. In conclusion, SWL is an efficient and relatively noninvasive treatment for urinary stones. However, as with any other type of therapy, some contraindications and potential complications do exist. The strictness in following the first could really limit the onset and danger of the appearance of others, which however must be fully known so that every possible preventive measure be implemented.
Quality of Life in Menopausal Women: A Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Cervantes Scale
Authors: Lima José E. M. , Palacios Santiago , Wender Maria C. O.
Published: March 2012

We present the translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Cervantes Scale to Brazilian Portuguese. The Cervantes Scale (CS) was originally described in Spanish, and is a tool to measure health-related quality of life in perimenopausal and menopausal women. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 180 women aged 45 to 64 years. In addition to the CS, the following questionnaires were applied: Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ) and abbreviated version of the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (Abbreviated WHOQOL-bref). In conclusion, the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CS is easy to apply and understand. The evaluation of its psychometric properties was satisfactory, and it can be applied to assess health-related QoL in Brazilian perimenopausal and menopausal women.
Levels of Heavy Metals in Popular Cigarette Brands and Exposure to These Metals via Smoking
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Waqar
Published: March 2012

The levels of selected heavy metals in popular cigarette brands sold and/or produced in Saudi Arabia were determined by graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Average concentrations of Cadmium and Lead in different cigarette brands were 1.81 and 2.46 μg g−1(dry weight), respectively. The results obtained in this study estimate the average quantity of Cd inhaled from smoking one packet of 20 cigarettes to be in the range of 0.22–0.78 μg. Results suggest that the quantity of Pb inhaled of smoking one packet of 20 cigarettes is estimated to be 0.97–2.64 μg. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in cigarettes were significantly different between cigarette brands tested. The results of the present study were compared with those of other regional and international studies.
New Synthetic Pyridine Derivate as Potential Elicitor in Production of Isoflavonoids and Flavonoids inTrifolium pratenseL. Suspension Culture
Authors: Kašparová Marie , Siatka Tomáš , Klimešová Věra , Dušek Jaroslav
Published: March 2012

The production of secondary metabolites inTrifolium pratenseL. suspension culture of the family of legume plants (Fabaceae) is low, and therefore there was an attempt to increase it by elicitation. New synthetic substance, 2-(2-fluoro-6-nitrobenzylsulfanyl)pyridine-4-carbothioamide, was tested as elicitor—a substance that showed the best elicitation effect after 48-hour application of 1 μmol L−1concentration. Maximum contents of genistin (11.60 mg g−1DW), daidzein (8.31 mg g−1DW), and genistein (1.50 mg g−1DW) were recorded, and the production of these isoflavonoids thus significantly increased, when compared with the control, by 152%, 151%, and 400%. The maximum content of flavonoids (5.78 mg g−1DW) and the increase in the production by 142%, when compared with the control, were induced by 6-hour application of 100 μmol L−1concentration. The tested substance showed to be an effective elicitor of phenylpropane metabolism.
Intra-Arterial Prostaglandin E1Infusion in Patients with Rest Pain: Short-Term Results
Authors: Chatziioannou A. , Dalakidis A. , Katsenis K. , Koutoulidis V. , Mourikis D.
Published: March 2012

Purpose. To present our results after short-term (1 month) intra-arterial infusion therapy of PGE1-alprostadil via a port system implanted in the ipsilateral external iliac artery (EIA) in patients with severe rest pain.Methods. Ten patients with severe rest pain were included. All patients showed extensive peripheral vascular disease below the knee. The tip of the catheter was introduced via a retrograde puncture in the ipsilateral external iliac artery (EIA). The patients received intraarterial infusion of PGE1, 20 mgr alprostadil daily, via the port catheter for 1 month.Results. Clinical success was evaluated according to subjective grading of pain (group A significant decrease, group B moderate decrease and group C no response). A significant decrease of rest pain was observed in 8 (group A, 80%) patients, a moderate decrease in 2 (Group B, 20%), whereas no patients demonstrated any significant response. Both patients of group B had Buergers' disease and continue to smoke during therapy. No peripheral thrombosis or clinical deterioration was noticed.Conclusion. Intraarterial infusion of PGE1alprostadil on a daily basis, using a port catheter into the ipsilateral EIA, in selected patients with severe rest pain, seems to be very effective, without any serious complications.
Sociodemographic Determinants of Nonattendance in a Population-Based Mammography Screening Program in the City of Manisa, Turkey
Authors: Dundar Pınar Erbay , Ozyurt Beyhan Cengiz , Erdurak Koray
Published: March 2012

Objectives. Community based breast cancer screening has decreased breast cancer mortality in women. This study examined the predictors of nonattendence for invitational breast cancer screening in relation to socioeconomic status in the city of Manisa, in western Turkey.Study Design. For the evaluation of the reasons for refusing to participate in the study, two districts were selected. 446 women aged between 50 and 69 years were selected from the program database by systematic random sampling.Methods. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic variables and the adapted version of Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. Univariete and multivariete logistic regression analysis were performed throughout the data analysis.Results. Being from an urban district and being from the western region were the risk factors for not participating in the screening program (, ). A statistical significance was found between mammography-benefit, mammography-barrier and program participation (, ). Although there were many more barriers for not participating in the screening program for the women of the slum district, the attendence rate of the slum district was higher than that of the urban district.Conclusions. Increased attendance may be achieved through enhancement of breast cancer awareness and by reducing some of the modifiable barriers.