bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interband electronic transitions and phase transformation of multiferroic Bi1−xLaxFe1−yTiyO3 ceramics revealed by temperature-dependent spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Xu L. P. , Zhang L. L. , Jiang P. P. , Yu J. , Duan Z. H. , Hu Z. G. , Zhu Z. Q. , Chu J. H.
Published: December 2013

Optical properties and phase transition of Bi1−xLaxFe1−yTiyO3 (BLFTO) ceramics with different composition (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.10, 0.01 ≤ y ≤ 0.06) have been investigated by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) in the temperature range of −70–450 °C. The real part of the complex dielectric function ε1 increases with the temperature. Meanwhile, the imaginary part ε2 in the low-energy region decreases with the temperature and has an opposite trend in the high-energy side. Four typical interband transitions (Ea ∼ 2.50 eV, Eb ∼ 2.70 eV, Ec ∼ 3.60 eV, and Ed ∼ 4.25 eV) can be observed from the second derivative of the complex dielectric functions with aid of the standard critical point model. The critical point (CP) transition becomes broadening and shifts to a lower energy side as La and Ti compositions increase. Moreover, the CP transition energies show a red-shift trend with increasing the temperature until 320 °C, due to the lattice thermal expansion and electron-phonon interaction. The typical interband transitions and partial spectral weight present anomalies in the proximity of antiferromagnetic transition owing to the coupling between magnetic and ferroelectric order parameters and spin-lattice coupling for BLFTO multiferroic materials. It was found that the Néel temperature of BLFTO ceramics decreases from 364 to 349 °C with increasing doping composition of La and Ti elements. These phenomena can be attributed to the modification of electronic structure and magnetic order because the differences of electronegativity and ionic radii between Bi and La, Fe and Ti induce the variations on the bond angle and bond length between cations and anions. Moreover, the substitution for magnetic Fe3+ ions with nonmagnetic Ti4+ ions can reduce the exchange interaction between adjacent magnetic moments. Therefore, SE technique can be sensitive for detecting the phase/structural transitions of multiferroic oxides.
A transition in mechanisms of size dependent electrical transport at nanoscale metal-oxide interfaces
Authors: Hou Jiechang , Nonnenmann Stephen S. , Qin Wei , Bonnell Dawn A.
Published: December 2013

As device miniaturization approaches nanoscale dimensions, interfaces begin to dominate electrical properties. Here the system archetype Au/SrTiO3 is used to examine the origin of size dependent transport properties along metal-oxide interfaces. We demonstrate that a transition between two classes of size dependent electronic transport mechanisms exists, defined by a critical size ε. At sizes larger than ε an edge-related tunneling effect proportional to 1/D (the height of the supported Au nanoparticle) is observed; interfaces with sizes smaller than ε exhibit random fluctuations in current. The ability to distinguish between these mechanisms is important to future developments in nanoscale device design.
Random quasi-phase-matched nonlinear optical conversion of supercontinuum to the ultraviolet
Authors: Aleksandrovsky A. S. , Vyunishev A. M. , Zaitsev A. I. , Slabko V. V.
Published: December 2013

Conversion of fs supercontinuum to the ultraviolet (UV) range from 260 to 305 nm in nonlinear photonic crystal of strontium tetraborate is obtained. Spectral shape of generated UV radiation is governed by the shape of supercontinuum spectrum, focusing conditions and phase mismatch in the material of nonlinear photonic crystal. Maximum integral UV power of 2.6 μW was obtained in the case of weaker focusing, and peaks with the spectral width 1–3 nm dominate in the spectrum. Using tight focusing, broadband radiation in the range 265–300 nm was obtained.
Effect of dipole layer on the density-of-states and charge transport in organic thin film transistors
Authors: Li Ling , Lu Nianduan , Liu Ming
Published: December 2013

The effect of dipole layer on the density-of-states distribution and charge transport in organic thin film transistors is investigated theoretically. It is shown that dipole layer changes the energy of every localized state, which further increases the energy disorder and reveals a deviation from a simple Gaussian distribution of the transport density of states. A model of hopping transport under the influence of dipole layer is suggested, based on this model, the effect of dipole layer on the field effect mobility and transistor characteristics is also discussed.
Ionic liquid gated electric-double-layer transistors based on Mg-doped InN epitaxial films
Authors: Chen Z. Y. , Yuan H. T. , Wang X. Q. , Ma N. , Zhang Y. W. , Shimotani H. , Qin Z. X. , Shen B. , Iwasa Y.
Published: December 2013

Taking advantages of broad tunability of carrier density in electric-double-layer transistors (EDLTs) with ionic-liquid gating, we demonstrate evidence of parallel conduction from both p-type bulk and n-type surface in Mg-doped InN EDLTs by comparing their transport properties, especially Hall effect, with those in non-doped InN. Large anomalous oscillation in Hall coefficients with decreasing gate bias was observed in Mg-doped samples, which can be well simulated by two-carrier model. Our results provide the proof for the p-type bulk conduction in Mg-doped InN by showing its prominent effects on electrical transport.
Measurement of thin films using very long acoustic wavelengths
Authors: Clement G. T. , Nomura H. , Adachi H. , Kamakura T.
Published: December 2013

A procedure for measuring material thickness by means of necessarily long acoustic wavelengths is examined. The approach utilizes a temporal phase lag caused by the impulse time of wave momentum transferred through a thin layer that is much denser than its surrounding medium. In air, it is predicted that solid or liquid layers below approximately 1/2000 of the acoustic wavelength will exhibit a phase shift with an arctangent functional dependence on thickness and layer density. The effect is verified for thin films on the scale of 10 μm using audible frequency sound (7 kHz). Soap films as thin as 100 nm are then measured using 40 kHz air ultrasound. The method's potential for imaging applications is demonstrated by combining the approach with near-field holography, resulting in reconstructions with sub-wavelength resolution in both the depth and lateral directions. Potential implications at very high and very low acoustic frequencies are discussed.
Far off-resonant coupling between photonic crystal microcavity and single quantum dot with resonant excitation
Authors: Banihashemi Mehdi , Nakamura Tatsuya , Kojima Takanori , Kojima Kazunobu , Noda Susumu , Ahmadi Vahid
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate that with sub-nanowatt coherent s-shell excitation of a single InAs quantum dot, off-resonant coupling of 4.1 nm is possible between L3 photonic crystal microcavity and the quantum dot at 50 K. This resonant excitation reduces strongly the effect of surrounding charges to quantum dot, multiexciton complexes and pure dephasing. It seems that this far off-resonant coupling is the result of increased number of acoustical phonons due to high operating temperature of 50 K. The 4.1 nm detuning is the largest amount for this kind of coupling.
High-Q silicon-on-insulator slot photonic crystal cavity infiltrated by a liquid
Authors: Caër Charles , Le Roux Xavier , Cassan Eric
Published: December 2013

We report the experimental realization of a high-Q slot photonic crystal cavity in Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) configuration infiltrated by a liquid. Loaded Q-factor of 23 000 is measured at telecom wavelength. The intrinsic quality factor inferred from the transmission spectrum is higher than 200 000, which represents a record value for slot photonic crystal cavities on SOI, whereas the maximum of intensity of the cavity is roughly equal to 20% of the light transmitted in the waveguide. This result makes filled slot photonic crystal cavities very promising for silicon-based light emission and ultrafast nonlinear optics.
Nonvolatile “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT” Boolean logic gates based on phase-change memory
Authors: Li Y. , Zhong Y. P. , Deng Y. F. , Zhou Y. X. , Xu L. , Miao X. S.
Published: December 2013

Electronic devices or circuits that can implement both logic and memory functions are regarded as the building blocks for future massive parallel computing beyond von Neumann architecture. Here we proposed phase-change memory (PCM)-based nonvolatile logic gates capable of AND, OR, and NOT Boolean logic operations verified in SPICE simulations and circuit experiments. The logic operations are parallel computing and results can be stored directly in the states of the logic gates, facilitating the combination of computing and memory in the same circuit. These results are encouraging for ultralow-power and high-speed nonvolatile logic circuit design based on novel memory devices.
Impact of laser power density on tribological properties of Pulsed Laser Deposited DLC films
Authors: Gayathri S. , Kumar N. , Krishnan R. , AmirthaPandian S. , Ravindran T. R. , Dash S. , Tyagi A. K. , Sridharan M.
Published: December 2013

Fabrication of wear resistant and low friction carbon films on the engineered substrates is considered as a challenging task for expanding the applications of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films. In this paper, pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique is used to deposit DLC films on two different types of technologically important class of substrates such as silicon and AISI 304 stainless steel. Laser power density is one of the important parameter used to tailor the fraction of sp2 bonded amorphous carbon (a-C) and tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) made by sp3 domain in the DLC film. The I(D)/I(G) ratio decreases with the increasing laser power density which is associated with decrease in fraction of a-C/ta-C ratio. The fraction of these chemical components is quantitatively analyzed by EELS which is well supported to the data obtained from the Raman spectroscopy. Tribological properties of the DLC are associated with chemical structure of the film. However, the super low value of friction coefficient 0.003 is obtained when the film is predominantly constituted by a-C and sp2 fraction which is embedded within the clusters of ta-C. Such a particular film with super low friction coefficient is measured while it was deposited on steel at low laser power density of 2 GW/cm2. The super low friction mechanism is explained by low sliding resistance of a-C/sp2 and ta-C clusters. Combination of excellent physical and mechanical properties of wear resistance and super low friction coefficient of DLC films is desirable for engineering applications. Moreover, the high friction coefficient of DLC films deposited at 9GW/cm2 is related to widening of the intergrain distance caused by transformation from sp2 to sp3 hybridized structure.
Governing Sustainability: Rio+20 and the Road beyond
Authors: Bulkeley Harriet , Jordan Andrew , Perkins Richard , Selin Henrik
Published: December 2013

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, more widely known as ‘Rio+20’, was a significant global political event, but it left many important questions relating to the future of sustainability governance unanswered. This paper introduces a theme issue on “Governing sustainability: Rio+20 and the road beyond”. It is organized around three themes which are addressed at greater detail in the different papers: (i) the current status of governance for sustainability in the aftermath of Rio+20; (ii) whether or not sustainable development still has political and institutional relevance; and (iii) institutional and political opportunities and obstacles for governing sustainability in the future. The paper argues that both sustainability governance and the sustainable development concept are under growing pressure amid a perceived failure to deliver change, but identifies three opportunities to advance sustainability: (i) by reframing the way in which problems of unsustainability are described and approached; (ii) via the formulation of effective sustainable development goals; and (iii) by identifying novel ways to open up the sustainable development debate to more actors and interests.
Breeding in wild populations of a small dasyurid marsupial, Planigale ingrami, in north-western Queensland using a novel method for collection of specimens
Authors: Woolley P. A. , Elliott C.
Published: December 2013

The reproductive biology of the long-tailed planigale (Planigale ingrami) is less well known than that of its congeners P. gilesi and P. tenuirostris. Aspects of the anatomy of reproductive structures and the pattern of reproduction of P. ingrami were established by examination of specimens extracted from the stomachs of feral cats shot in north-western Queensland. This species has an extended breeding season that commences in August and probably ends in December, and both males and females may live to breed in more than one season, providing support for the similarity of the reproductive strategies of these three species of Planigale. Females of P. ingrami have twelve nipples in the pouch, the form of which may differ from that of other planigales. Pouch morphology may prove useful in the identification of species of Planigale providing observations are made on the appearance of the pouch throughout the breeding cycle.
Differential physiological responses of different rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars to elevated night temperature during vegetative growth
Authors: Glaubitz Ulrike , Li Xia , Köhl Karin I. , van Dongen Joost T. , Hincha Dirk K. , Zuther Ellen
Published: December 2013

Global climate change is leading to asymmetric atmospheric warming with reduced temperature differences between day and night. This has an increasing influence on crop plants. However, little is known about the physiology of high night temperature (HNT) effects and natural variation in HNT susceptibility. Twelve rice cultivars were investigated under HNT (30°C day/28°C night) and control (28°C day/21°C night) conditions. Chlorosis was observed under HNT and used to classify relative sensitivity of cultivars. The resulting mean sensitivity rank correlated significantly with seed yield under HNT (r = –0.547). Wide variability in HNT tolerance led to an increase in shoot FW and DW in tolerant, but decreased plant growth in sensitive cultivars. Growth parameters correlated negatively with HNT sensitivity. Respiration rate was significantly increased under HNT at the end of night for several cultivars 34 DAS and 41 DAS and for all cultivars 66 DAS whereas photosynthetic quantum yield was not influenced. Negative correlations of sensitivity rank with respiration rate at two time points under HNT (r = –0.305; r = –0.265) exclude higher respiration rates in sensitive cultivars as a primary cause for HNT sensitivity. Monosaccharide and starch concentrations of leaves were increased after 16 days of HNT, while sucrose was not affected. Additionally tolerant cultivars showed a higher increase of monosaccharide concentrations during the day under HNT compared with control conditions. While HNT did not lead to carbon depletion in rice leaves, tolerant cultivars coped better with HNT, enabling them to accumulate more carbohydrates than sensitive cultivars with leaves affected by chlorosis.
Can small stores have a big impact? A qualitative evaluation of a store fruit and vegetable initiative
Authors: Gardiner Breeana , Blake Miranda , Harris Raeleigh , Gee Carena , Charaktis Stella , Choong Christine , Lade Rebecca , Duff Laura , Palermo Claire
Published: December 2013

Issue addressed

The aim of this evaluation was to explore the quality, barriers, enablers and outcomes of a retail fresh fruit and vegetable initiative in rural communities identified to have poor geographic access to healthy food.

Methods

A qualitative evaluation using in‐depth interviews was conducted with rural store retailers across Victoria involved in the implementation of a retail fruit and vegetable initiative. Data were analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

Six of the 13 store retailers that were engaged in the initiative identified a range of qualities, barriers, enablers and outcomes. They reported that effective communication is essential for engaging retailers and sustaining participation. The choice and use of retail incentives may influence the community's purchase of fruit and vegetables. The community's attitude to fruit and vegetables, the staff's ability to promote produce and the capacity of the store to stock and sell fresh fruit and vegetables influenced perceived success. Barriers included difficulties receiving a regular supply of fresh fruit and vegetables, time constraints and storage facilities.

Conclusions

This qualitative evaluation of a retail fruit and vegetable initiative found that effective leadership and communication from project workers, a range of retail incentives and the capacity of the store to promote, stock and sell fresh fruit and vegetables influenced perceived success.

So what?

Fruit and vegetable retail initiatives in small rural community stores may have a role in supporting consumption of fruit and vegetables.
The vocational education setting for health promotion: a survey of students’ health risk behaviours and preferences for help
Authors: Bonevski Billie , Guillaumier Ashleigh , Paul Christine , Walsh Raoul
Published: December 2013

Background

Adolescence and young adulthood is a time of risky health behaviour initiation and experimentation. Smoking, risky drinking, poor nutrition and physical activity, and a lack of sun protection behaviour, often become established in early adulthood. Levels of health risk behaviours occurring amongst tertiary education and training students and their preferences for types of oncampus health promotion programs were examined.

Method

A cross‐sectional pen‐and‐paper classroom survey was conducted at one Sydney‐based TAFE New South Wales Institute campus in May 2010. The survey assessed demographics, smoking, alcohol use, sun protection, nutrition, physical activity and health promotion program preferences.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐four students participated (97% consent); the majority were aged 16–24 years (59%) and female (51%). Current smoking (35%), risky drinking (49%) and inadequate physical activity (88%) rates were high. Adequate vegetable intake (3.6%) and sun protection behaviours (5.4%) were low and 33% of students were overweight or obese. Popular health promotion programs included food and activity subsidies, practical skills classes and social outings.

Conclusion

Participation in health risk behaviours among this sample was high. The setting of tertiary education and workplace training represents an opportunity for early intervention into risky health behaviours among young people.

So what?

This study is the first to provide information on the prevalence of health risk behaviours and preferences for types of health promoting programs among students of an Australian community college. The results show that young adults regularly participate in multiple health risk behaviours, such as smoking, drinking, poor nutrition, physical activity and lack of sun protection.
Academic and personal problems among Australian university students who drink at hazardous levels: web‐based survey
Authors: Hallett J. , Howat P. , McManus A. , Meng R. , Maycock B. , Kypri K.
Published: December 2013

Issue addressed

Australian university students consume large amounts of alcohol. There is little published information about personal and academic problems associated with this behaviour. We sought to estimate the prevalence, and identify variables associated with, alcohol‐related problems among undergraduate hazardous drinkers.

Methods

The control group members (942 undergraduates, 53.3% male, mean age 19.4 years) of an internet‐based intervention trial, who scored !8 on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, completed two validated questionnaires about their experience of alcohol‐related problems in the preceding 4 weeks. Regression models were used to identify associations between individual characteristics and alcohol‐related problems.

Results

One‐quarter of participants had missed a class (25.6%) and/or had been unable to concentrate in class (25.7%), and 45% reported that their drinking had impacted negatively on their learning or grades. The most frequent non‐academic problems were hangovers (74.8%), blackouts (44.8%), emotional outbursts (30.5%), vomiting (28.1%), arguments (20.2%) and drink‐driving (23.2%). Male gender, lower age, being a smoker, being in the Faculty of Health (versus Humanities) and living in shared housing (versus with parents/guardians) were each associated with alcohol‐related problems, whereas year of study had no association.

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of preventable alcohol‐related problems among undergraduates drinking at hazardous levels and a need for restriction of the availability and promotion of alcohol as well as intervention for individuals at high risk.

So what?

Universities have a duty of care to large populations of young people drinking at hazardous levels and should make greater efforts to address hazardous alcohol consumption.
Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids during gestation and lactation to a vitamin B12-deficient or -supplemented diet improves pregnancy outcome and metabolic variables in Wistar rats
Authors: Khaire Amrita , Rathod Richa , Kemse Nisha , Kale Anvita , Joshi Sadhana
Published: December 2013

Maternal vitamin B12 deficiency leads to an adverse pregnancy outcome and increases the risk for developing diabetes and metabolic syndrome in mothers in later life. Our earlier studies have demonstrated that vitamin B12 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are interlinked in the one carbon cycle. The present study for the first time examines the effect of maternal n-3 PUFA supplementation to vitamin B12 deficient or supplemented diets on pregnancy outcome, fatty-acid status and metabolic variables in Wistar rats. Pregnant dams were assigned to one of the following groups: control, vitamin B12 deficient, vitamin B12 supplemented, vitamin B12 deficient + n-3 PUFA or vitamin B12 supplemented + n-3 PUFA. The amount of vitamin B12 in the supplemented group was 0.50 μg kg–1 diet and n-3 PUFA was alpha linolenic acid (ALA) 1.68, eicosapentaenoic acid 5.64, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 3.15 (g per 100 g fatty acids per kg diet). Our findings indicate that maternal vitamin B12 supplementation did not affect the weight gain of dams during pregnancy but reduced litter size and weight and was ameliorated by n-3 PUFA supplementation. Vitamin B12 deficiency or supplementation resulted in a low percentage distribution of plasma arachidonic acid and DHA. n-3 PUFA supplementation to these diets improved the fatty-acid status. Vitamin B12 deficiency resulted in higher homocysteine and insulin levels, which were normalised by supplementation with either vitamin B12 or n-3 PUFA. Our study suggests that maternal vitamin B12 status is critical in determining pregnancy outcome and metabolic variables in dams and that supplementation with n-3 PUFA is beneficial.
What determines soil organic carbon stocks in the grazing lands of north-eastern Australia?
Authors: Allen D. E. , Pringle M. J. , Bray S. , Hall T. J. , O'Reagain P. O. , Phelps D. , Cobon D. H. , Bloesch P. M. , Dalal R. C.
Published: December 2013

This study aimed to unravel the effects of climate, topography, soil, and grazing management on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in the grazing lands of north-eastern Australia. We sampled for SOC stocks at 98 sites from 18 grazing properties across Queensland, Australia. These samples covered four nominal grazing management classes (Continuous, Rotational, Cell, and Exclosure), eight broad soil types, and a strong tropical to subtropical climatic gradient. Temperature and vapour-pressure deficit explained >80% of the variability of SOC stocks at cumulative equivalent mineral masses nominally representing 0–0.1 and 0–0.3 m depths. Once detrended of climatic effects, SOC stocks were strongly influenced by total standing dry matter, soil type, and the dominant grass species. At 0–0.3 m depth only, there was a weak negative association between stocking rate and climate-detrended SOC stocks, and Cell grazing was associated with smaller SOC stocks than Continuous grazing and Exclosure. In future, collection of quantitative information on stocking intensity, frequency, and duration may help to improve understanding of the effect of grazing management on SOC stocks. Further exploration of the links between grazing management and above- and below-ground biomass, perhaps inferred through remote sensing and/or simulation modelling, may assist large-area mapping of SOC stocks in northern Australia.
Invariant natural killer T cells are depleted in renal impairment and recover after kidney transplantation
Authors: Peukert Konrad , Wingender Gerhard , Patecki Margret , Wagner Stephan , Schmitt Roland , Ge Shuwang , Schwarz Anke , Kronenberg Mitchell , Haller Hermann , von Vietinghoff Sibylle
Published: December 2013

Background

Altered immune function in patients with renal failure results in both susceptibility to infection and increased inflammatory response. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a conserved, immunoregulatory T lymphocyte subset that responds to lipid antigens with near-immediate cytokine production and cytotoxicity. iNKT cells are required for the antibacterial host response. Whether renal failure and renal replacement therapy alter iNKT cell abundance or phenotype has not been investigated.

Methods

iNKT cells were studied by flow cytometry in the peripheral blood of patients with acute renal failure, chronic haemo- and peritoneal dialysis (PD), chronic kidney disease and after renal transplantation.

Results

A very marked reduction in iNKT lymphocytes was found in acute renal failure before the first haemodialysis (HD) session. iNKT cells were depleted in end-stage renal disease patients receiving either HD or PD. iNKT cell depletion was accentuated after an HD session. Lesser degrees were observed in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease. CD56 and CD161 NK cell marker expression was decreased in renal impairment. CD56+ and CD161+iNKT cells produced more interferon-γ than negative cells of the same donor. Within the first year after kidney transplantation, the decrease in iNKT cells and their NK cell markers was reverted.

Conclusions

We describe for the first time that iNKT lymphocytes are reduced in end-stage renal disease and further depleted by HD. iNKT cells are important for early host response including activation of other immune cells and their depletion may contribute to immune dysfunction in renal disease.
Results of Endoscopic Radial Artery Harvesting in 1577 Patients
Authors: Dimitrova Kamellia R. , Dincheva Gabriela R. , Hoffman Darryl M. , DeCastro Helbert , Geller Charles M. , Tranbaugh Robert F.
Published: December 2013

Objective

We reviewed 1577 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using endoscopic harvesting of the radial artery (RA) to define our current results.

Methods

Since 2000, we have performed endoscopic RA harvest on 1577 consecutive patients; 1476 patients had isolated CABG, and 101 patients had CABG and other procedures. The mean ± SD age was 59.4 ± 9.0 years; 80.2% were men and 40% had diabetes mellitus. All data were prospectively collected. All-cause mortality was determined using the Social Security Death Index.

Results

There were nine in-hospital or 30-day deaths, for an operative mortality of 0.57%: mortality was 0.34% in isolated CABG and 3.85% in CABG/combined procedures. The overall estimated Kaplan-Meier survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 99%, 95%, and 88%. In 37 patients, the RAs were not harvested or were not used for grafting because of a positive Allen test, extensive calcification or dissection, intramural hematoma, and scarring from previous arterial lines or catheterization. During postoperative follow-up, five patients (0.32%) were treated for incisional infection, and there were no ischemic hand complications. Three patients had a perioperative myocardial infarction in the RA graft distribution, and 15 patients had a coronary artery reintervention in the RA graft distribution. Two other patients had a percutaneous coronary intervention of their RAs. The overall RA patency at 10 years was 82%.

Conclusions

Endoscopic harvest of the RA is an excellent minimally invasive conduit harvesting technique with minimal morbidity.
Surgical Minimally Invasive Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Lone Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: De Maat Gijs E. , Pozzoli Alberto , Scholten Marcoen F. , Hillege Hans L. , Van Gelder Isabelle C. , Alfieri Ottavio R. , Benussi Stefano , Mariani Massimo A.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Minimally invasive surgical pulmonary vein isolation (SMI-PVI) is an emerging therapy for the treatment of symptomatic drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, the midterm and long-term results of SMI-PVI remain unknown. The aim of this retrospective multicenter study was to report on midterm efficacy and safety of SMI-PVI.

Methods

The study design was retrospective, multicentric, and observational. From July 2005 to November 2011, a total of 86 patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal or persistent AF underwent SMI-PVI in three centers. Patients were eligible for SMI-PVI if they had symptomatic, drug-refractory AF or after failed transcatheter pulmonary vein isolation. Success was defined as absence of AF on 24- or 96-hour Holter monitoring during follow-up, in the absence of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs).

Results

The mean ± SD age was 54 ± 11 years, and 78% were men. The median AF duration was 30 months (range, 2–203); paroxysmal AF was present in 86% of the patients, persistent in 14%. Fifteen patients (17%) underwent previous transcatheter ablations. After a median follow-up of 24 months (range, 6–78), 72% of all patients were free from atrial arrhythmias without the use of AADs. With AADs, this was 83%. Major perioperative adverse events occurred in 7 patients (8%).

Conclusions

This retrospective multicenter study shows that SMI-PVI is effective at a median follow-up of 24 months for the treatment of mostly paroxysmal drug-refractory AF. Perioperative adverse events do remain a point of caution.
Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass Using Internal Thoracic Arteries via a Left Minithoracotomy
Authors: Nambiar Pradeep , Mittal Chandermohan
Published: December 2013

Objective

Harvesting of the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) under direct vision, through a left minithoracotomy, without robotic or thoracoscopic assistance has never been done or described before. Bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITAs) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have shown greater survival and freedom from reintervention. The aim was to develop a multivessel minimally invasive CABG technique in which the BITAs are harvested under direct vision and complete revascularization of the myocardium is done by the off-pump method, using only BITAs (left internal thoracic artery [LITA]–RITAY) through a 2-in left minithoracotomy, without robotic/thoracoscopic assistance—the “Nambiar Technique.”

Methods

From August 2011 to December 2012, a total of 150 patients underwent off-pump minimally invasive multivessel CABG using BITAs, through a 2-in left minithoracotomy incision. Both internal thoracic arteries were harvested directly under vision, and complete revascularization of the myocardium was done using the LITA-RITAY composite conduit, followed by flow study of the grafts. Coronary artery stabilization for anastomoses was done by using epicardial stabilizers introduced through the minithoracotomy.

Results

One hundred fifty patients had minimally invasive total arterial myocardial revascularization using BITAs (LITA-RITA Y composite conduit) via a left minithoracotomy. The mean number of grafts was 2.8. A total of 81.6% of the patients had three grafts. Ejection fraction was 34.5 ± 5.2. There was one mortality but no major morbidity. The RITA and LITA harvest times were 39.5 ± 11.2 and 35.2 ± 8.6 minutes, respectively. The total time in the operating room (including extubation) was 331.5 ± 42.5 minutes, and operating time was 240.8 ± 24.6 minutes. One hundred twenty-six patients (87.7%) were extubated on the table. The mean hospital stay was 3.1 days. One patient (0.6%) had an elective conversion to sternotomy because the flow in the LITA-RITA Y composite conduit was inadequate and had saphenous vein grafts. Coronary angiograms were done in 37 patients (25%); and computed tomographic angiograms, in 33 patients (22%), and the grafts were patent. Stress test was done in 80 patients (53%), which had normal findings.

Conclusions

The Nambiar Technique encompassed using a 2-in left minithoracotomy incision through which the BITAs were conveniently harvested in a skeletonized manner under direct vision without robotic or thoracoscopic assistance. Multivessel total arterial revascularization was then done using the LITA-RITA Y composite conduit by the off-pump methodology. The early outcomes have been excellent, and coronary angiograms showed widely patent grafts. This technique is reproducible and can be done on an empty beating heart to aid in training.
Sphingomonas aerophila sp. nov. and Sphingomonas naasensis sp. nov., isolated from air and soil, respectively
Authors: Kim Soo-Jin , Moon Ji-Young , Lim Jun-Muk , Ahn Jae-Hyung , Weon Hang-Yeon , Ahn Tae-Young , Kwon Soon-Wo
Published: December 2013

Two strains, designated 5413J-26T and KIS18-15T, were isolated from the air and forest soil, respectively, in South Korea. Cells of the two strains were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, polar-flagellated and rod-shaped. According to the phylogenetic tree, strains 5413J-26T and KIS18-15T fell into the cluster of

Sphingomonas

sensu stricto. Strain 5413J-26T showed the highest sequence similarities with

Sphingomonas trueperi

LMG 2142T (96.6 %),

Sphingomonas molluscorum

KMM 3882T (96.5 %),

Sphingomonas azotifigens

NBRC 15497T (96.3 %) and

Sphingomonas pituitosa

EDIVT (96.1 %), while strain KIS18-15T had the highest sequence similarity with

Sphingomonas soli

T5-04T (96.8 %),

Sphingomonas pituitosa

EDIVT (96.6 %),

Sphingomonas leidyi

ATCC 15260T (96.6 %),

Sphingomonas asaccharolytica

NBRC 15499T (96.6 %) and

Sphingomonas koreensis

JSS26T (96.6 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strains 5413J-26T and KIS18-15T was 95.4 %. Ubiquinone 10 was the predominant respiratory quinone and homospermidine was the major polyamine. The major polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and several unidentified phospholipids and lipids. The main cellular fatty acids (>10 % of the total fatty acids) of strain 5413J-26T were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω7c), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and C14 : 0 2-OH, and those of strain KIS18-15T were summed feature 8 and C16 : 0. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, and physiological and biochemical characterization, two novel species with the suggested names Sphingomonas aerophila sp. nov. (type strain 5413J-26T = KACC 16533T = NBRC 108942T) and Sphingomonas naasensis sp. nov. (type strain KIS18-15T = KACC 16534T = NBRC 108943T) are proposed.
Jannaschia faecimaris sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat sediment
Authors: Jung Yong-Taek , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: December 2013

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod- or coccoid-shaped bacterial strain, designated HD-22T, belonging to the class

Alphaproteobacteria

, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment of the Yellow Sea, Korea, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain HD-22T grew optimally at pH 7.0–8.0, at 25 °C and in the presence of 2–3 % (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HD-22T fell within the clade comprising species of the genus

Jannaschia

, clustering with the type strains of

Jannaschia helgolandensis

,

Jannaschia donghaensis

and

Jannaschia rubra

, with which it exhibited highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.6–98.2 %). Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain HD-22T and the type strains of the other species of the genus

Jannaschia

were in the range 94.4–97.5 %. The DNA G+C content was 64.6 mol% and mean DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain HD-22T and the type strains of

J. helgolandensis

,

J. donghaensis

and

J. rubra

were 42.1, 40.1 and 27.0 %, respectively. Strain HD-22T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c) as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain HD-22T is distinguishable from recognized species of the genus

Jannaschia

. On the basis of the data presented, strain HD-22T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Jannaschia

, for which the name Jannaschia faecimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HD-22T ( = KCTC 32179T = CCUG 63415T).
Halorientalis persicus sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from a salt lake and emended description of the genus Halorientalis
Authors: Amoozegar Mohammad Ali , Makhdoumi-Kakhki Ali , Mehrshad Maliheh , Fazeli Seyed Abolhassan Shahzadeh , Spröer Cathrin , Ventosa Antonio
Published: December 2013

An extremely halophilic archaeon, strain D108T, was isolated from a brine sample of Aran-Bidgol salt lake in Iran. The novel strain was cream-pigmented, motile, pleomorphic rod-shaped and required at least 2.5 M NaCl but not MgCl2 for growth. Optimal growth was achieved with 4.3 M NaCl and 0.1 M MgCl2. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were pH 7.5 and 40 °C, respectively, and the strain was able to grow over a pH range of 6.5 to 9.0, and a temperature range of 30 to 50 °C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain D108T clustered with the type strain of the sole species of the genus

Halorientalis

,

Halorientalis regularis

TNN28T, with a sequence similarity of 98.8 %. The polar lipid pattern of strain D108T consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, one phosphoglycolipid and two glycolipids. The only quinone present was MK-8(II-H2). The DNA G+C content of strain D108T was 62.8 mol%. DNA–DNA hybridization studies (45 % with

Halorientalis regularis

IBRC-M 10760T), as well as biochemical and physiological characterization, allowed strain D108T to be differentiated from

Halorientalis regularis

. A novel species of the genus

Halorientalis

, Halorientalis persicus sp. nov., is therefore proposed to accommodate this strain. The type strain is D108T ( = IBRC-M 10043T = CECT 8375T). An emended description of the genus

Halorientalis

is also proposed.
Pontibacter ruber sp. nov. and Pontibacter deserti sp. nov., isolated from the desert
Authors: Subhash Y. , Sasikala Ch. , Ramana Ch. V.
Published: December 2013

Two strains of bacteria, JC213T and JC215T, were isolated from desert soil. Colonies were red to pink and cells Gram-stain-negative. Both strains were oxidase- and catalase-positive and hydrolysed casein. In both strains, phosphatidylethanolamine was the major polar lipid, iso-C15 : 0 was the major fatty acid and the bacteriohopane derivative, BHD1, was the major hopanoid. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains JC213T and JC215T were 52.7 and 46.3 mol%, respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons indicated that both strains belong to the genus

Pontibacter

within the family

Cytophagaceae

and the phylum

Bacteroidetes

. Strain JC213T showed the highest sequence similarity to

Pontibacter populi

HLY7-15T (96.6 %) and with other species of the genus

Pontibacter

sequence similarity was less than 96 %. Strain JC215T exhibited highest sequence similarity with

Pontibacter lucknowensis

DM9T (95.1 %) and shared 95 % or less sequence similarity with other species of the genus

Pontibacter

. The sequence similarity between strains JC213T and JC215T was 95.8 %. Distinct morphological, physiological and genotypic differences from previously described taxa support JC213T and JC215T being representatives of two novel species of the genus

Pontibacter

, for which the names Pontibacter ruber sp. nov. and Pontibacter deserti sp. nov. are proposed and the type strains are JC213T ( = KCTC 32442T = LMG 27669T) and JC215T ( = KCTC 32443T = LMG 27670T), respectively.
Selection signatures in worldwide sheep populations
Authors: Fariello Maria-Ines , Servin Bertrand , Tosser-Klopp Gwenola , Rupp Rachel , Moreno Carole , SanCristobal Magali , Boitard Simon ,   International Sheep Genomics Consortium
Published: December 2013

The diversity of populations in domestic species offers great opportunities to study genome response to selection. The recently published Sheep HapMap dataset is a great example of characterization of the world wide genetic diversity in sheep. In this study, we re-analyzed the Sheep HapMap dataset to identify selection signatures in worldwide sheep populations. Compared to previous analyses, we made use of statistical methods that (i) take account of the hierarchical structure of sheep populations, (ii) make use of linkage disequilibrium information and (iii) focus specifically on either recent or older selection signatures. We show that this allows pinpointing several new selection signatures in the sheep genome and distinguishing those related to modern breeding objectives and to earlier post-domestication constraints. The newly identified regions, together with the ones previously identified, reveal the extensive genome response to selection on morphology, color and adaptation to new environments.
microRNA319a-Targeted Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis TCP Genes Modulate Head Shape in Chinese Cabbage by Differential Cell Division Arrest in Leaf Regions
Authors: Mao Yanfei , Wu Feijie , Yu Xiang , Bai Jinjuan , Zhong Weili , He Yuke
Published: December 2013

Leafy heads of cabbage (Brassica oleracea), Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) are composed of extremely incurved leaves. The shape of these heads often dictates the quality, and thus the commercial value, of these crops. Using quantitative trait locus mapping of head traits within a population of 150 recombinant inbred lines of Chinese cabbage, we investigated the relationship between expression levels of microRNA-targeted Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, cycloidea, and PCF transcription factor4 (BrpTCP4) genes and head shape. Here, we demonstrate that a cylindrical head shape is associated with relatively low BrpTCP4-1 expression, whereas a round head shape is associated with high BrpTCP4-1 expression. In the round-type Chinese cabbage, microRNA319 (miR319) accumulation and BrpTCP4-1 expression decrease from the apical to central regions of leaves. Overexpression of BrpMIR319a2 reduced the expression levels of BrpTCP4 and resulted in an even distribution of BrpTCP4 transcripts within all leaf regions. Changes in temporal and spatial patterns of BrpTCP4 expression appear to be associated with excess growth of both apical and interveinal regions, straightened leaf tips, and a transition from the round to the cylindrical head shape. These results suggest that the miR319a-targeted BrpTCP gene regulates the round shape of leafy heads via differential cell division arrest in leaf regions. Therefore, the manipulation of miR319a and BrpTCP4 genes is a potentially important tool for use in the genetic improvement of head shape in these crops.
Sterol-Dependent Induction of Plant Defense Responses by a Microbe-Associated Molecular Pattern from Trichoderma viride
Authors: Sharfman Miya , Bar Maya , Schuster Silvia , Leibman Meirav , Avni Adi
Published: December 2013

Plant-microbe interactions involve numerous regulatory systems essential for plant defense against pathogens. An ethylene-inducing xylanase (Eix) of Trichoderma viride is a potent elicitor of plant defense responses in specific cultivars of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We demonstrate that tomato cyclopropyl isomerase (SlCPI), an enzyme involved in sterol biosynthesis, interacts with the LeEix2 receptor. Moreover, we examined the role of SlCPI in signaling during the LeEix/Eix defense response. We found that SlCPI is an important factor in the regulation of the induction of defense responses such as the hypersensitive response, ethylene biosynthesis, and the induction of pathogenesis-related protein expression in the case of LeEix/Eix. Our results also suggest that changes in the sterol composition reduce LeEix internalization, thereby attenuating the induction of plant defense responses.
A Carbon-Nitrogen Lyase from Leucaena leucocephala Catalyzes the First Step of Mimosine Degradation
Authors: Negi Vishal Singh , Bingham Jon-Paul , Li Qing X. , Borthakur Dulal
Published: December 2013

The tree legume Leucaena leucocephala contains a large amount of a toxic nonprotein aromatic amino acid, mimosine, and also an enzyme, mimosinase, for mimosine degradation. In this study, we isolated a 1,520-bp complementary DNA (cDNA) for mimosinase from L. leucocephala and characterized the encoded enzyme for mimosine-degrading activity. The deduced amino acid sequence of the coding region of the cDNA was predicted to have a chloroplast transit peptide. The nucleotide sequence, excluding the sequence for the chloroplast transit peptide, was codon optimized and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant enzyme was used in mimosine degradation assays, and the chromatogram of the major product was found to be identical to that of 3-hydroxy-4-pyridone (3H4P), which was further verified by electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. The enzyme activity requires pyridoxal 5′-phosphate but not α-keto acid; therefore, the enzyme is not an aminotransferase. In addition to 3H4P, we also identified pyruvate and ammonia as other degradation products. The dependence of the enzyme on pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and the production of 3H4P with the release of ammonia indicate that it is a carbon-nitrogen lyase. It was found to be highly efficient and specific in catalyzing mimosine degradation, with apparent K  m and V  max values of 1.16 × 10−4  m and 5.05 × 10−5 mol s−1 mg−1, respectively. The presence of other aromatic amino acids, including l-tyrosine, l-phenylalanine, and l-tryptophan, in the reaction did not show any competitive inhibition. The isolation of the mimosinase cDNA and the biochemical characterization of the recombinant enzyme will be useful in developing transgenic L. leucocephala with reduced mimosine content in the future.