bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LYK4, a Lysin Motif Receptor-Like Kinase, Is Important for Chitin Signaling and Plant Innate Immunity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wan Jinrong , Tanaka Kiwamu , Zhang Xue-Cheng , Son Geon Hui , Brechenmacher Laurent , Nguyen Tran Hong Nha , Stacey Gary
Published: June 2012

Chitin is commonly found in fungal cell walls and is one of the well-studied microbe/pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Previous studies showed that lysin motif (LysM)-containing proteins are essential for plant recognition of chitin, leading to the activation of plant innate immunity. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the LYK1/CERK1 (for LysM-containing receptor-like kinase1/chitin elicitor receptor kinase1) was shown to be essential for chitin recognition, whereas in rice (Oryza sativa), the LysM-containing protein, CEBiP (for chitin elicitor-binding protein), was shown to be involved in chitin recognition. Unlike LYK1/CERK1, CEBiP lacks an intracellular kinase domain. Arabidopsis possesses three CEBiP-like genes. Our data show that mutations in these genes, either singly or in combination, did not compromise the response to chitin treatment. Arabidopsis also contains five LYK genes. Analysis of mutations in LYK2, -3, -4, or -5 showed that LYK4 is also involved in chitin signaling. The lyk4 mutants showed reduced induction of chitin-responsive genes and diminished chitin-induced cytosolic calcium elevation as well as enhanced susceptibility to both the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 and the fungal pathogen Alternaria brassicicola, although these phenotypes were not as dramatic as that seen in the lyk1/cerk1 mutants. Similar to LYK1/CERK1, the LYK4 protein was also localized to the plasma membrane. Therefore, LYK4 may play a role in the chitin recognition receptor complex to assist chitin signal transduction and plant innate immunity.
Two (E)-2-({[4-(dialkylamino)phenyl]imino}methyl)-4-nitrophenols
Authors: Valkonen Arto , Kolehmainen Erkki , Grzegórska Aleksandra , Ośmiałowski Borys , Gawinecki Ryszard , Rissanen Kari
Published: June 2012

The slow evaporation of analytical NMR samples resulted in the formation of crystals of (E)-2-({[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]imino}methyl)-4-nitrophenol, C15H15N3O3, (I), and (E)-2-({[4-(diethylamino)phenyl]imino}methyl)-4-nitrophenol, C17H19N3O3, (II). Despite the small structural difference between these twoN-salicylideneaniline derivatives, they show different space groups and diverse molecular packing. The molecules of both compounds are close to being planar due to an intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond. The 4-alkylamino-substituted benzene ring is inclined at an angle of 13.44 (19)° in (I) and 2.57 (8)° in (II) with respect to the 4-nitro-substituted phenol ring. Only very weak intermolecular π–π stacking and C—H...O interactions were found in these structures.
A new potential NLO compound with a supramolecular layered structure: aqua(hexamethylenetetramine-κN)(iminodiacetato-κ3O,N,O′)copper(II)
Authors: He Jiao-Jiao , Chai Wen-Xiang , Song Li , Niu Feng , Fang Xiao-Bin
Published: June 2012

In the noncentrosymmetric title compound, [Cu(C4H5NO4)(C6H12N4)(H2O)] or [Cu(IDA)(HMTA)(H2O)], where IDA is iminodiacetate and HMTA is hexamethylenetetramine, the asymmetric unit consists of a whole mononuclear neutral molecule, where the CuIIcation is coordinated by two carboxylate O atoms and one N atom from the IDA ligand, by one N atom from the HMTA ligand and by the O atom of the coordinated water molecule, giving rise to a CuN2O3distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry. The IDA and HTMA ligands adopt terminal tri- and monocoordinated modes, respectively. All adjacent molecules within theacplane are connected to each otherviatwo pairs of O—H...O and one N—H...O hydrogen bond, forming a (4,4) supramolecular two-dimensional network. In the unit cell, these layers stack alternately in an …ABABAB… sequence along thebaxis. The optical absorption properties of this compound have been studied on powder samples, which had previously been examined by powder X-ray diffraction.
Meta‐analysis: the impact of IL28B polymorphisms on rapid and sustained virological response in HCV‐2 and ‐3 patients
Authors: Schreiber J. , Moreno C. , Garcia B. Garcia , Louvet A. , Trepo E. , Henrion J. , Thabut D. , Mathurin P. , Deltenre P.
Published: June 2012

Background

Recent studies suggested that IL28B polymorphisms may affect rapid and sustained virological response rates in HCV patients infected with genotype 2 or 3.

Aim

To assess the role of IL28B polymorphisms on the virological response in HCV‐2 and ‐3 patients.

Methods

We performed meta‐analysis of studies evaluating the impact of rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphisms on rapid and sustained virological response in HCV‐2 or ‐3 patients.

Results

Twenty‐three studies involving 3042 patients were included. The first meta‐analysis evaluated the impact of rs12979860 polymorphism and included 1963 patients. When compared with rs12979860 CT/TT patients, CC patients had a higher rapid virological response rate (mean difference: 12.9%, 95% CI: 6.5–19.4%, P < 0.001) and a higher sustained virological response rate (mean difference: 4.9%, 95% CI: 0.1–9.8%, P = 0.046). The second meta‐analysis evaluated the impact of rs8099917 polymorphism and included 2246 patients. When compared with rs8099917 TG/GG patients, TT patients had a higher rapid virological response rate (mean difference: 14.8%, 95% CI: 7.2–22.4%, P < 0.001) and a higher sustained virological response rate (mean difference: 5.5%, 95% CI: 0.4–10.6%, P = 0.033). When considering only patients treated for 24 weeks, results were unchanged. No potential sources of between‐study heterogeneity were identified.

Conclusions

Favourable IL28B polymorphisms are associated with higher rapid and sustained virological response rates in HCV‐2 and ‐3 patients. However, as the impact on a sustained response is very limited, it is unlikely that IL28B polymorphisms provide additional predictive value when considering other predictors of a sustained response.
Baseline corticosterone is positively related to juvenile survival in a migrant passerine bird
Authors: Rivers James W. , Liebl Andrea L. , Owen Jennifer C. , Martin Lynn B. , Betts Matthew G.
Published: June 2012

1. Glucocorticoid hormones are an integral part of the vertebrate stress response, and theoretical models argue for a link between glucocorticoid levels and individual fitness. The cort‐fitness hypothesis posits that elevated levels of baseline glucocorticoids are reflective of an individual in poor condition and with a reduced likelihood of survival. Surprisingly, this hypothesis remains virtually untested for the juvenile life‐history stage, a period that is often characterized by high mortality rates.

2. To address this issue, we explored whether glucocorticoid levels just prior to fledging were related to survival during the juvenile period in the Swainson's thrush (Catharus ustulatus), a short‐lived, temperate‐breeding passerine bird. Over 2 years, we blood‐sampled nestling thrushes to quantify glucocorticoid levels and then used radio telemetry to assess whether individuals died or survived to emigrate from the study area. Finally, we measured vegetation characteristics at the nest and at locations used by individuals during the juvenile period to quantify the relative importance of habitat features and glucocorticoid levels on survival.

3. Predation was the leading cause of death, and overall juvenile survival rate was 34·6%. We found that survival was positively associated with baseline corticosterone and, to a lesser extent, size‐corrected body mass and date of fledging. Contrary to expectations, we found no evidence that the amount of vegetative cover at the nest site or at locations used during the juvenile period was associated with survival.

5. Although we cannot completely rule out the cort‐fitness hypothesis, our data appear to support the cort‐activity hypothesis and suggest that elevated baseline corticosterone levels in juvenile thrushes may be linked to enhanced post‐fledging survival via increased locomotor activity that promotes foraging, more effective escape from predators or both.
Diversity of non‐structural carbohydrates in grasses (Poaceae) from Brazil
Authors: Moraes M. G. , Chatterton N. J. , Harrison P. A. , Filgueiras T. S. , Figueiredo‐Ribeiro R. C. L.
Published: June 2012

Non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) are the primary energy available for growth and dry‐mass production in forage grasses. They are also associated with tolerance to environmental stresses, including drought. Soluble carbohydrates, especially fructans of temperate forage grasses, have been extensively studied; however, little is known about NSC of tropical grasses. These plants are abundant in the Cerrado, a savanna‐like vegetation with a definite seasonality in rainfall distribution. Such an environment presents an ideal condition for the occurrence of fructans. However, the present analysis of carbohydrates in aerial parts of twenty‐four tropical grass species, mainly from the Panicoideae subfamily in the Cerrado, shows a distinctively different NSC profile when compared with temperate grasses. Free glucose and starch are common NSC found in most plant organs. However, free fructose and sucrose‐based oligosaccharides were only found in very low amounts. Sucrose was detected in higher amounts only in stems. A linear series of malto‐oligosaccharides was found in leaf blades, sheaths and stems of most of the Cerrado grasses, except for those from the Andropogoneae tribe. These results indicate a diversity of regulatory pathways of NSC metabolism in tropical forage grasses from the Cerrado.
Mutation spectrum and inhibitor risk in 100 Korean patients with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Kim H.‐J. , Chung H.‐S. , Kim S. K. , Yoo K.Y. , Jung S.‐Y. , Park I.‐A. , Lee K.‐O. , Kim S.‐H. , Kim H.‐J.
Published: June 2012

Haemophilia A (HA) is an X‐linked recessive bleeding disorder caused by defects in the F8 gene encoding the coagulation factor VIII. Mutation analysis in HA is important to confirm the diagnosis, genotype‐phenotype correlations and for genetic counselling and family study. The aim of this study was to detect causative mutations of F8 in severe HA patients in Korea and to correlate the mutation type with the risk of inhibitor development. A total of 100 unrelated Korean patients with severe HA were enrolled for this study. The Nijeman modification of the Bethesda assay was used to determine the presence of inhibitor. Molecular analysis of F8 was performed using a combination of molecular techniques, including long‐distance polymerase chain reaction, direct sequencing and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA). We identified causative mutations in 98% of severe HA patients (98/100). Inv22 and Inv1 mutations were detected in 30 patients and one patient, respectively. A total of 59 unique mutations were identified in 69 non‐inversion patients, including 24 novel mutations. The overall prevalence of inhibitor was 26%. Inhibitor risk was highest in patients with large deletion mutations identified using MLPA (100%). Among those with point mutations, the prevalence of inhibitor was highest when the mutation occurred in the A3 and C2 domains (60% and 50%, respectively). The molecular diagnostic strategy involving multiplex PCR, sequencing and dosage analyses identified causative mutations in most cases of severe HA. The high inhibitor risk was associated with large deletion mutations and point mutations in A3 and C2 domains.
Immunohistological study of a pediatric patient with plasma cell‐rich acute rejection
Authors: Chikamoto Hiroko , Sugawara Noriko , Akioka Yuko , Shimizu Tomokazu , Horita Shigeru , Honda Kazuho , Moriyama Takahito , Koike Junki , Yamaguchi Yutaka , Hattori Motoshi
Published: June 2012

We report here the case of a girl who developed plasma cell‐rich acute rejection (PCAR), a condition characterized by the presence of mature plasma cells infiltrating a renal allograft. The patient's creatinine level increased sharply to 4.3 mg/dL from 0.9 mg/dL at 19 months post‐renal transplantation. She showed no response to methylprednisolone pulse therapy at a dose of 500 mg for three d but did show an immediate clinical and histopathological response to muromonab‐CD3 (OKT3) administration. She had two episodes of PCAR recurrence and subsequently lost her graft. She had no evidences of antibody‐mediated rejection including C4d deposition in peritubular capillaries and donor‐specific antibodies during the entire follow‐up period. To elucidate the pathogenesis of PCAR, immunohistological examination of infiltrating cells was performed. CD3‐positive cells infiltration seemed to be associated with the CD138‐positive cells infiltration, and the number of CD3‐positive cells was increased preceding PCAR recurrence. Additionally, a rapid decrease in the number of CD138‐positive cells and CD3‐positive cells following the OKT3 administration was observed. This case suggests that T‐cell mediated immune mechanisms might play a role in the development of PCAR.
Pentraxin‐3 expression in acute renal allograft rejection
Authors: Imai Naofumi , Nishi Shinichi , Yoshita Kazuhiro , Ito Yumi , Osawa Yutaka , Takahashi Kaori , Nakagawa Yuki , Saito Kazuhide , Takahashi Kota , Narita Ichiei
Published: June 2012

Pentraxin‐3 (PTX3) is an acute phase reactant produced by a variety of cell types at sites of local inflammation. We examined by immunohistochemistry renal biopsies from patients with acute rejection (n = 10), protocol biopsies without rejection (n = 37), and peri‐operative donor biopsies of the same transplant patients (n = 94) for intra‐renal expression of PTX3, and its correlation with clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic parameters. PTX3 was mainly expressed in the interstitium of renal allograft. In the non‐rejection biopsies (pre‐ and post‐reperfusion and protocol biopsies), PTX3 expression area (PTX3%) was equally maintained at a low level, whereas in the rejection biopsies, PTX3% was significantly higher (p < 0.0001). Treatment of acute rejection resulted in a significant reduction of PTX3% (p < 0.0001). PTX3% positively correlated with the degree of allograft dysfunction and acute rejection scores of Banff classification (2009). This study suggests that PTX3% may be an available histological marker of acute renal allograft rejection.
A case of recurrent light chain deposition disease after living‐related renal transplantation – detailed process of the recurrence
Authors: Horike Keiji , Takeda Asami , Otsuka Yasuhiro , Inaguma Daijyo , Goto Norihiko , Watarai Yoshihiko , Uchida Kazuharu , Morozumi Kunio
Published: June 2012

A 53‐yr‐old woman with end‐stage renal disease was admitted for renal transplantation (RTX). About a decade ago, she had presented with urinary abnormalities. Monoclonal IgA lambda was detected. Renal biopsy showed nodular glomerulosclerosis, and an immunohistochemical study for lambda was negative. Fibrillary glomerulonephritis was suggested as the most likely diagnosis. RTX was successfully performed, and graft function was stable for the first half year. Graft biopsy was performed at one yr post‐transplant. Glomeruli showed nodular lesion similar to native kidney biopsy findings. Immunofluorescence microscopy (IF) indicated strong lambda staining along the glomerular basement membrane, the tubular basement membrane (TBM), and the peritubular capillary. The diagnosis of recurrent light chain deposition disease (LCDD) was confirmed. A series of biopsies are available to conduct studies on the recurrent process of LCDD. Light microscopy showed no remarkable changes up to six months post‐RTX. However, the IF study revealed evident granular depositions of lambda along the TBM only at the one‐h biopsy. Typical IF staining pattern of lambda and EDD compatible with LCDD were noted after six months post‐transplant. This is the first case report that elucidated the details of the recurrent process of LCDD at one yr after the operation.
No evidence of association between functional polymorphisms located within IL6R and IL6ST genes and systemic sclerosis
Authors: Cénit M. C. , Simeón C. P. , Fonollosa V. , Espinosa G. , Beltrán E. , Sáez‐Comet L. , Vicente‐Rabaneda E. , García‐Hernández F. J. , Martínez‐Estupiñán L. , Rodríguez‐Carballeira M. , Hernández V. , de la Peña P. G. , Fernández‐Castro M. , Narváez F. J. , Pros A. , Gallego M. , Ríos‐Fernández R. , Camps M. T. , Fernández‐Nebro A. , Egurbide M. V. , Carreira P. , González‐Gay M. A. , Martín J. ,   Spanish Scleroderma Group
Published: June 2012

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease which genetic component has not been yet completely understood. IL6 encodes a cytokine with a crucial role in the development of autoimmunity and fibrosis and its actions mainly are controlled by IL‐6 receptor (IL‐6R). We aimed to investigate whether the functional genetic variants rs8192284 and rs2228044 previously associated with several autoimmune diseases, located within the IL‐6 receptor (IL‐6R) subunits IL6R and IL6ST genes, respectively, are involved in the susceptibility to SSc and/or its major clinical subphenotypes. A Spanish cohort including 1013 SSc patients and 1375 controls was genotyped using the TaqMan® allelic discrimination technology. SSc patients were subdivided according to the major clinical forms, autoantibody status and presence of fibrotic lung affection. Our data showed no influence of the selected variants in global SSc susceptibility (rs8192284: P = 0.67, odds ratios (OR) = 0.98; rs2228044: P = 0.99, OR = 1.00). Similarly, the clinical/autoantibody subphenotype analyses did not yielded significant results. Our data suggest that the analyzed polymorphisms may not play a significant role in the SSc susceptibility.
Rosellinia necatrix attack according to soil features in the Mediterranean environment
Authors: Carlucci A. , Manici L. M. , Colatruglio L. , Caputo A. , Frisullo S.
Published: June 2012

A study was carried out on Rosellinia necatrix attack on young woody plants, as possibly affected by selected soil features under three water regimes. Six different soil systems representing five agro‐environments and one forest in the Puglia Region (southern Italy – Mediterranean climate) were compared. R. necatrix attack on sweet cherry trees was simulated using artificial inoculum and saplings of Prunus mahaleb, the most widely used rootstock of sweet and sour cherries, monitored during the spring period. Soil features significantly influenced disease score, which did not differ from one water regime to another, even though disease level in the different soils was affected by water content. Rosellinia mahaleb saplings grown in forest soil showed the highest disease score, which differed significantly from that observed in all the agricultural soils tested in this study. Amongst these, disease score was lower in sandy soils than in soils that were richer in loamy fraction.
Ontogeny and tissue differentiation of the pelvic girdle and hind limbs of anurans
Authors: Manzano Adriana , Abdala Virginia , Ponssa María L. , Soliz Mónica
Published: June 2012

We present the ontogeny of the integrated musculoskeletal complex that comprises the pelvic girdle and hind limbs of anurans. Our histological data show that the pelvic girdle originates from a single mesenchymatic condensation. The tissue differentiation sequence is cartilage, muscle and tendon. The intrusion of the ischiadic nerve into the limb bud is produced very early in ontogeny. The pre‐cartilage appears in the pre‐motile stage. Therefore, the nerve produces a movement analogous to the ‘embryonic motility’ that would induce the emergence of the pre‐cartilage. The acetabulum is the first of all cavitation processes to form, the second one being the knee. The acetabulum appears before the muscles are mature, although it has been stressed that the muscle contraction maintains joint progenitors committed to their fate. Our data indicate an explosive differentiation of all 11 muscular masses together. We provide three new characters that support the monophyly of Hyloides, Acosmanura and Neobatrachia.
The Stroop matching task presents conflict at both the response and nonresponse levels: An event‐related potential and electromyography study
Authors: Caldas A. L. , Machado‐Pinheiro W. , Souza L. B. , Motta‐Ribeiro G. C. , David I. A.
Published: June 2012

In the Stroop matching task, a Stroop word is compared to a colored bar. The origin of the conflict presented by this task is a topic of current debate. In an effort to disentangle nonresponse and response conflicts, we recorded electromyography (EMG) and event‐related potentials (ERPs) while participants performed the task. The N450 component was sensitive to the relationship of color surfaces, regardless of the response, suggesting the participation of nonresponse conflict. Incompatible arrays (e.g., incongruent Stroop stimuli during “same” responses) presented a substantial amount of double EMG activation and slower EMG latencies, suggesting the participation of response conflict. We propose that both response and nonresponse conflicts are sources of these effects. The combined use of the EMG and ERP techniques played an important role in elucidating the conflicts immersed in the Stroop matching task.
VFEND® (voriconazole)‐associated hypoglycaemia without identified drug interaction
Authors: Lyoen Marion , Rostain Florian , Grimault Aurélie , Minello Anne , Sgro Catherine
Published: June 2012

To report the first case of severe hypoglycaemia episodes related to voriconazole, involving neither over dosage nor any identified interaction with hypoglycaemic drugs. A 51‐year‐old man developed faints without loss of consciousness, with sweating in the morning for 3–4 days and low blood glucose, about 1 month after initiating voriconazole therapy. Hypoglycaemia was diagnosed and the patient required permanent intravenous glucose solutions for 8 days after voriconazole was stopped, after which glycaemia remained normal. A hyperinsulinaemia peak was observed, which disappeared when glycaemia normalized. Hypoglycaemia is known as a less common adverse event resulting from high voriconazole concentration and hepatic dysfunction. The mechanism of hypoglycaemia may be linked to insulinemia as its serum values are similar to glycaemia. Voriconazole may induce hypoglycaemia in patients without over dosage nor drug interaction.
Effects of exercise prescription on daily physical activity and maximal exercise capacity in coronary artery disease patients with and without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Karjalainen Jaana J. , Kiviniemi Antti M. , Hautala Arto J. , Niva Jarkko , Lepojärvi Samuli , Mäkikallio Timo H. , Piira Olli‐Pekka , Huikuri Heikki V. , Tulppo Mikko P.
Published: June 2012

Background

Promotion of and adherence to increased physical activity (PA) is an important part of the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). We hypothesized that individually tailored home‐based exercise prescriptions will increase long‐term PA and maximal exercise capacity among CAD patients without and with type 2 diabetes (CAD+T2D).

Methods

Physical activity of patients with CAD (n = 44) and CAD+T2D (n = 39), matched by age, sex and ejection fraction, was measured over 5 days with an accelerometer pre‐ and postexercise prescription. PA was assessed as the average time per day of moderate (METs = 2–5) and high (METs > 5) intensities. Six‐month exercise prescriptions were introduced based on individual maximal heart rate reserve.

Results

At the baseline, patients with CAD+T2D engaged in less moderate‐intensity PA (2:40 ± 1:23 versus 3:24 ± 1:17 h, P = 0·014) and exhibited a non‐significant trend to reduced high‐intensity PA (2:08 ± 2:57 versus 5:02 ± 9:19 min, P = 0·091) compared with patients with CAD. High‐intensity PA increased markedly in CAD (5:02 ± 9:19 versus 9:59 ± 15:03 min) and patients with CAD+T2D (2:08 ± 2:57 versus 6:14 ± 10:18 min) after exercise prescription (main effect for time P = 0·001). Also maximal exercise capacity increased in both groups (main effect for time P<0·001).

Conclusion

Patients with CAD with T2D are physically less active than CAD patients without diabetes in their daily life. Individually tailored home‐based exercise prescriptions are an effective way to promote more active lifestyles and improve fitness in both patient groups.
Evaluation of the cellulite using a thermal infra‐red camera
Authors: Nkengne A. , Papillon A. , Bertin C.
Published: June 2012

Background

Cellulite is usually related to alterations of the microcirculation. Measuring the skin temperature is a mean to assess the skin microvascular plexus.

Objectives

A three‐step clinical study was performed in order to develop and to validate the use of an infrared thermal camera for measuring cellulite severity.

Methods

Thermal images of the thigh were recorded and processed to quantify the thermal homogeneity. The proposed protocol was then validated in three steps. Firstly, the parameters which could influence the skin temperature were identified throw a design of experiment. Secondly, the repeatability and reproducibility of the method was estimated (five subjects, four investigators and five experiments). Finally, thermal images and clinical grading of cellulite was performed on 39 women (21–68 years old), and the correlation between these methods was assessed.

Results

All parameters describing the thermal homogeneity were found repeatable and reproducible. The strongest correlation between thermal results and the clinical assessment were observed for Sa (R = 0.53, P < 0.05), Sz (R = 0.53, P < 0.05), Sq (R = 0.54, P < 0.05) and the surface of hot pixels (R = 0.42, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results show that the thermal camera imaging is a repeatable and reproducible method that can be used to assess the severity of cellulite.
Fabrication of Metallodielectric Photonic Crystals to Exhibit Perfect Millimeter Wave Band Gaps
Authors: Kirihara Soshu , Takinami Youhei , Tasaki Satoko
Published: June 2012

Metallodielectric photonic crystals with periodic arrangements of dielectric ceramics and conductive metals were fabricated in submillimeter–order sizes to control millimeter waves. Polyester resins with titania particle dispersions were injected into inverse sphere structures with body‐ and face‐centered cubic lattices formed by laser scanning stereolithography. The transmission properties of the millimeter waves passing through the crystals were measured using time domain spectroscopy and simulated using transmission line modeling. Photonic band gaps could be opened for all crystal directions to totally reflect the incident waves by spatial Bragg diffraction. Modified crystals with compressed lattice spacings were processed to modulate the diffraction wavelengths.
Dispersion and Gelcasting of Zirconium Diboride through Aqueous Route
Authors: Yin Jie , Liu Xuejian , Zhang Hui , Yan Yongjie , Huang Zhengren , Yang Yong , Jiang Dongliang
Published: June 2012

The dispersion of highly concentrated Zirconium diboride (ZrB2) suspension in aqueous media was investigated in terms of zeta potential and rheological measurements, with a salt of polyacrylate polymer (SD‐07) as dispersant. The adsorption behavior of SD‐07 on ZrB2 particle surface was also studied. Results showed that acid cleaning improved the fluidity of aqueous ZrB2 slurry. Concentrated (up to 50 vol%) and well‐stabilized suspension was obtained in the alkaline pH region, with 0.60 mg/m2 SD‐07. On this basis, 50 vol% ZrB2 gelcasting slurry was prepared. The linear shrinkage and flexural strength of as‐casted green body were (3.42 ± 0.13)% and (9.4 ± 0.3) MPa, respectively.
The effect of creatine supplementation on myocardial function, mitochondrial respiration and susceptibility to ischaemia/reperfusion injury in sedentary and exercised rats
Authors: Webster I. , Du Toit E. F. , Huisamen B. , Lochner A.
Published: June 2012

Aim

To investigate the effects of dietary creatine supplementation alone and in combination with exercise on basal cardiac function, susceptibility to ischaemia/reperfusion injury and mitochondrial oxidative function. There has been an increase in the use of creatine supplementation among sports enthusiasts, and by clinicians as a therapeutic agent in muscular and neurological diseases. The effects of creatine have been studied extensively in skeletal muscle, but not in the myocardium.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were swim‐trained for 8 weeks, 5 days per week. Hearts were excised and either freeze‐clamped for biochemical analysis or perfused on the isolated heart perfusion system to assess function and ischaemia/reperfusion tolerance. Mechanical function was documented in working heart and retrograde mode. The left coronary artery was ligated and infarct size determined. Mitochondrial oxidative capacity was quantified.

Results

Aortic output recovery of hearts from the sedentary controls (CSed) was significantly higher than those from creatine‐supplemented sedentary (CrSed), creatine‐supplemented exercised (CrEx) as well as control exercised (CEx) groups. Ischaemic contracture of hearts from CrEx was significantly higher than that of CSed. There were no differences in infarct size and mitochondrial oxygen consumption.

Conclusion

This study suggests that creatine supplementation has no effects on basal cardiac function but reduces myocardial tolerance to ischaemia in hearts from exercise‐trained animals, by increasing the ischaemic contracture and decreasing reperfusion aortic output. Exercise training alone also significantly decreased aortic output recovery. However, the exact mechanisms for these adverse myocardial effects are unknown and need further investigation.
Sexual dysfunction and its determinants in Malaysian women with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shahar Mohammad A. , Hussein Heselynn , Sidi Hatta , Shah Shamsul A. , Mohamed Said Mohd S.
Published: June 2012

Aim

To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (FSD) among women with rheumatoid arthritis attending the Rheumatology Clinic in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) and Hospital Putrajaya, Malaysia, and to determine its associations with potential clinical and disease activity factors.

Method

This was a cross‐sectional study involving women with rheumatoid arthritis between the ages of 20 and 60 years. A validated Malay Version Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSFI) was administered to diagnose FSD. Sociodemographic and disease activity profiles were obtained and those who had and did not have FSD were compared.

Results

Among 63 respondents, 51 patients were included in the analysis for FSD. The prevalence of FSD in women with rheumatoid arthritis attending UKMMC and Hospital Putrajaya Rheumatology Clinic was 29.4%. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28‐ESR) correlates with MVFSFI score with r = −0.364 (P = 0.009) and r = −0.268 (P = 0.057), respectively. Sociodemographic factors that correlate with MVFSFI score were: patient's age (r = 0.520, P < 0.001); duration of marriage (r = −0.355, P = 0.001); husband's age (r = −0.460, P = 0.001); age of oldest child (r = −0.449, P = 0.001); and age of youngest child (r = −0.627, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We found in this study that the prevalence of FSD in rheumatoid arthritis in our centers was 29.4%. Age and family dynamics appear to be more important predictors compared to disease activity.
Serum leptin, resistin and TNF‐α levels in patients with systemic sclerosis: the role of adipokines in scleroderma
Authors: Pehlivan Yavuz , Onat Ahmet Mesut , Ceylan Nurdan , Turkbeyler Ibrahim Halil , Buyukhatipoglu Hakan , Comez Gazi , Babacan Taner , Tarakcioglu Mehmet
Published: June 2012

Aim

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic fibrotic collagen tissue disease. Leptin's role in regulating immune and inflammatory response has become increasingly evident. Resistin has pro‐inflammatory properties and also is associated with inflammatory markers in some rheumatologic diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine serum leptin, resistin and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) in SSc patients and evaluate their association with other frequently used laboratory and clinic findings.

Method

Sixteen patients were compared with 30 healthy women of similar age and body mass index. Serum leptin, resistin and TNF‐α levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and results were assessed by Mann–Whitney
U
‐test and Spearman's correlation test.

Results

Leptin levels were significantly increased in the SSc group compared to controls (7789.43 ± 1180.72 pg/mL, 1790.55 ± 333.68 pg/mL, P < 0.0001). TNF‐α was significantly elevated in patients and it was also positively correlated with leptin (25.30 ± 2.16 pg/mL, 20.95 ± 0.30 pg/mL, P = 0.001), (P = 0.002, r = 0.523). There was no association between leptin, resistin, TNF‐α levels and skin score, activity score and disease duration in the SSc patients (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Leptin, resistin and TNF‐α levels were found to be higher in SSc in contrast to the control group. These adipokines may have differentiating roles in the pathogenesis of SSc. In order to verify these findings, further clinical studies are needed with larger patient groups.
Effect of Pressure and Oil Mist on Windage Power Loss of a Shrouded Spiral Bevel Gear
Authors: Simmons Kathy , Johnson Graham , Wiedemann Nikolas
Published: June 2012

In many aeroengines the accessory power offtake is achieved using a spiral bevel gear set running off one of the main shafts. The crown and bevel gears are housed in an internal gearbox and there is significant heat generation within this chamber, some of which is attributed to windage power loss (WPL) generated by the gear. Over the past few years the University of Nottingham Technology Centre (UTC) in Gas Turbine Transmissions has been researching spiral bevel gear windage power loss, both computationally and experimentally, using a purpose-built test rig at the UTC. In this study the test rig has been adapted such that chamber pressures up to 8 bar can be generated. Test data has been obtained that shows the effect on the WPL of chamber pressure, advancing understanding of the relationship between data obtained at ambient and pressurized conditions. Three configurations have been studied: unshrouded gear, a gear with 360 deg shroud and a shrouded crown and pinion meshing pair. Furthermore, the effect of oil mist within the chamber on the WPL has been studied. An oil mist generation system was developed for introducing a fine mist into the chamber and results are presented for varying mist flowrates. A mist measurement system was developed to sample mist mass fraction within the chamber and the data obtained is used to calculate an effective (oil/gas mixture) chamber density. Increasing chamber pressure increases the Reynolds number, moving the system behavior further along the moment coefficient-Reynolds number correlation. The Cm-Re correlation is similar in form to that for a shrouded cone, showing transitional behavior around ReÃÂ =ÃÂ 2 × 106. Beyond this transition, Cm decreases with increasing Re. Introducing an oil spray has two effects: a reduction in chamber temperature and an increase in the effective density of the chamber fluid. Both effects can be accounted for by calculating Re and Cm based on mixture properties but it seems highly likely that the properties of the fluid under the shroud differ from those of the fluid in the external chamber.
Numerical-Experimental Comparison in the Simulation of Rotor/Stator Interaction Through Blade-Tip/Abradable Coating Contact
Authors: Batailly Alain , Legrand Mathias , Millecamps Antoine , Garcin François
Published: June 2012

Higher aircraft energy efficiency may be achieved by minimizing the clearance between the rotating blade tips and respective surrounding casing. A common technical solution consists in the implementation of an abradable liner which improves both the operational safety and the efficiency of modern turbomachines. However, unexpected abradable wear removal mechanisms were recently observed in experimental set-ups as well as during maintenance procedures. Based on a numerical strategy previously developed, the present study introduces a numerical-experimental comparison of such occurrence. Attention is first paid to the review and analysis of existing experimental results. Good agreement with numerical predictions is then illustrated in terms of critical stress levels within the blade as well as final wear profiles of the abradable liner. Numerical results suggest an alteration of the abradable mechanical properties in order to explain the outbreak of a divergent interaction. New blade designs are also explored in this respect and it is found that the interaction phenomenon is highly sensitive to (1) the blade geometry, (2) the abradable material properties, and (3) the distortion of the casing.
In situ laser processing in a scanning electron microscope
Authors: Roberts Nicholas A. , Magel Gregory A. , Hartfield Cheryl D. , Moore Thomas M. , Fowlkes Jason D. , Rack Philip D.
Published: June 2012

Laser delivery probes using multimode fiber optic delivery and bulk focusing optics have been constructed and used for performing materials processing experiments within scanning electron microscope/focused ion beam instruments. Controlling the current driving a 915-nm semiconductor diode laser module enables continuous or pulsed operation down to sub-microsecond durations, and with spot sizes on the order of 50 μm diameter, achieving irradiances at a sample surface exceeding 1 MW/cm2. Localized laser heating has been used to demonstrate laser chemical vapor deposition of Pt, surface melting of silicon, enhanced purity, and resistivity via laser annealing of Au deposits formed by electron beam induced deposition, and in situ secondary electron imaging of laser induced dewetting of Au metal films on SiOx.
Effect of In-Ga-Zn-O active layer channel composition on process temperature for flexible oxide thin-film transistors
Authors: Bak Jun Yong , Yoon Sung Min , Yang Shinhyuk , Kim Gi Heon , Ko Park Sang-Hee , Hwang Chi-Sun
Published: June 2012

In-Ga-Zn-O (IGZO)-channel oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated on flexible polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrates. A lamination and delamination procedure was established that allowed easy handling of the PEN substrate during fabrication. In order to fabricate high-performance flexible IGZO TFTs at lower than normal process temperatures, a 2:1:2 (In:Ga:Zn) IGZO channel composition was proposed. The field-effect mobility, threshold voltage, and subthreshold swing of the fabricated IGZO TFTs were found to be approximately 7.83 cm2 V−1 s−1, 1.93 V, and 0.24 V/decade, respectively, even when a final heat treatment was conducted at a temperature as low as 150  °C. The stability characteristics of the devices were also examined under gate bias stress and constant current stress conditions.
Nanofabricated quantum dot array formation through annealing of nano-patterned planar InAs
Authors: Eyink Kurt G. , Grazulis Lawrence , Mahalingam Krishnamurthy , Shoaf Jodie , Hart Veronica , Esposito Daniel , Hoelscher John , Twyman Marlon , Tomich David H.
Published: June 2012

Quantum dots (QDs) are typically formed using a self-assembly process that results in random placement and size distributions, thus limiting their applicability for many devices. In this work, we report a process which uses nano-patterned planar InAs and subsequent annealing under As stabilized conditions to produce QDs with uniform placement and size distribution. The authors demonstrate the ability to form ordered QD arrays with a density of 3 × 1010 dots/cm2 and QD base widths of <30 nm. The authors achieved photoluminescence from the patterned area at a temperature below 100 K.
Monochromatic electron-emission from planar AlN/GaN multilayers with carbon nanotube gate electrode
Authors: Yilmazoglu Oktay , Considine Laurence , Joshi Ravi , Mimura Hidenori , Pavlidis Dimitris , Hartnagel Hans L. , Schneider Jörg J. , Evtukh Anatoli , Semenenko Mykola , Litovchenko Vladimir
Published: June 2012

Polarized multilayer AlN/GaN heterostructures were grown, processed and characterized for resonant electron emission. Diodes of this type have extremely high resonant tunneling voltages of >5 V, which is important for a vacuum independent (up to atmosphere) electron emission over the surface vacuum barrier at ultralow bias voltages. The surface gate electrode consists of laterally oriented conductive carbon nanotubes with large effective open areas. Monochromatic electron emission can find applications in technology such as high-resolution electron microscopy, electron beam lithography, and a number of high-performance vacuum microelectronic devices.
First-principles study of the growth thermodynamics of Pt on SrTiO3 (001)
Authors: Seo Hosung , Posadas Agham B. , Demkov Alexander A.
Published: June 2012

Using density functional theory, we investigate the growth mode of Pt (001) on SrTiO3 (001) (STO) and explore the thermodynamic wetting conditions at this interface. The authors calculate the surface energy of Pt (001) to be 2.45 J/m2 and that of TiO2-terminated STO (001) to range from 1.30–2.06 J/m2, depending on the chemical environment. The calculated interface energy is 0.37 J/m2 higher than that of the STO (001) surface across the entire thermodynamically allowed range, suggesting that Pt (001) would grow on the STO (001) surface as Volmer–Weber three-dimensional islands. Using Young’s equation, we calculate the contact angle between a Pt (001) island and STO (001) to be between 98.7° and 100.6°.
Interplay of native point defects with ZnO Schottky barriers and doping
Authors: Brillson Leonard J. , Dong Yufeng , Tuomisto Filip , Svensson Bengt G. , Kuznetsov Andrei Yu. , Doutt Daniel , Mosbacker H. Lee , Cantwell Gene , Zhang Jizhi , Song Jin Joo , Fang Z.-Q. , Look David C.
Published: June 2012

A combination of depth-resolved electronic and structural techniques reveals that native point defects can play a major role in ZnO Schottky barrier formation and charged carrier doping. Previous work ignored these lattice defects at metal–ZnO interfaces due to relatively low point defect densities in the bulk. At higher densities, however, they may account for the wide range of Schottky barrier results in the literature. Similarly, efforts to control doping type and density usually treat native defects as passive, compensating donors or acceptors. Recent advances provide a deeper understanding of the interplay between native point defects and electronic properties at ZnO surfaces, interfaces, and epitaxial films. Key to ZnO Schottky barrier formation is a massive redistribution of native point defects near its surfaces and interfaces. It is now possible to measure the energies, densities, and in many cases the type of point defects below the semiconductor-free surface and its metal interface with nanoscale precision. Depth-resolved cathodoluminescence spectroscopy of deep level emissions calibrated with electrical techniques show that native point defects can (1) increase by orders of magnitude in densities within tens of nanometers of the semiconductor surface, (2) alter free carrier concentrations and band profiles within the surface space charge region, (3) dominate Schottky barrier formation for metal contacts to ZnO, and (4) play an active role in semiconductor doping. The authors address these issues by clearly identifying transition energies of leading native point defects and defect complexes in ZnO and the effects of different annealing methods on their spatial distributions on a nanoscale. These results reveal the interplay between ZnO electronic defects, dopants, polarity, and surface nanostructure, highlighting new ways to control ZnO Schottky barriers and doping.
Current–voltage–time characteristics of the reactive Ar/O2 high power impulse magnetron sputtering discharge
Authors: Magnus Fridrik , Tryggvason Tryggvi K. , Olafsson Sveinn , Gudmundsson Jon T.
Published: June 2012

The discharge current–voltage–time waveforms are studied in the reactive Ar/O2 high power impulse magnetron sputtering discharge with a titanium target for 400 μs long pulses. The discharge current waveform is highly dependent on both the pulse repetition frequency and discharge voltage and the current increases with decreasing frequency or voltage. The authors attribute this to an increase in the secondary electron emission yield during the self-sputtering phase of the pulse, as an oxide forms on the target.
SU‐C‐211‐03: Using OVH and IMRT Plan Data to Automate VMAT Planning: A Head‐And‐Neck Study
Authors: Wu B , Pang D , Sanguineti G , Taylor R , McNutt T
Published: June 2012

Purpose: Although VMAT is widely used, VMAT planning faces challenges similar to those of IMRT planning, particularly with respect to planning efficiency and plan quality. The study is to investigate whether VMAT planning efficiency and quality can be improved through an overlap volume histogram (OVH)‐driven, automated planning application using an IMRT database. Methods: Based on comparable dosimetric results between planner‐generated head‐and‐neck VMAT and IMRT plans, an in‐house developed OVH‐driven, automated planning application containing a database of 182 prior clinical head‐and‐neck IMRT plans manually created by dosimetrists is built into Pinnacle SmartArc to automate VMAT planning on an Elekta Infinity Linac. The only required inputs to the application are the contours of the CTVs and OARs delineated on a patient's planning CT. All the planning tasks are fully automatically executed by the application without any user intervention. Double arcs, 2 degree sampling frequency of gantry, 180 s/arc maximum delivery time, 45 degree collimator angle and 0.25 cm/deg constrain leaf motion are used in VMAT planning. VMAT plans of 4 oropharynx, 4 nasopharynx and 4 larynx patients are fully automatically generated and compared with corresponding clinical IMRT plans in the database. Efficiency is evaluated by the number of optimization rounds required for a complete plan. Results: All VMAT plans are automatically generated in two optimization rounds, while the average optimization rounds in clinical IMRT oropharynx, larynx and nasopharynx planning are 28, 36 and 67 respectively. In VMAT plans, significant dose reductions (p<0.05) to the cord+4mm (D0.1cc: 3.7 Gy), brainstem (DO.1cc: 4.9 Gy), brachial plexus (D0.1cc: 1.6 Gy), larynx (V(50 Gy): 5.3%) and inner ear (mean dose: 4.4 Gy) with a slight degradation in low‐level PTV coverage (V95: 0.3%; p=0.25) are observed. Conclusions: IMRT‐data‐ driven VMAT planning is an efficient and effective way to automate VMAT planning.