bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of radiation damage and disordering in MgAl2O4 under swift heavy ion irradiation
Authors: Yasuda Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Tomokazu , Etoh Motoki , Kawasoe Shinji , Matsumura Syo , Ishikawa Norito
Published: September 2011

Accumulation and recovery of radiation-induced damage with swift heavy ions in stoichiometric magnesium aluminate spinel, MgAl2O4, has been investigated. Microstructural change and atomic disordering was examined through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, with bright-field (BF) and high-resolution (HR) TEM images, and high angular resolution electron channelling X-ray spectroscopy (HARECXS), for single crystal MgAl2O4 irradiated with 200 MeV Xe, and 340 or 350 MeV Au ions. The density of core damage region, detected by BFTEM with Fresnel-contrast, increased proportionally with ion fluence at the early stage of accumulation and saturated at a fluence higher than 1016 ions m2. This result is discussed with a balance between the formation and recovery of the core damage region under irradiation, and the influence region to induce the recovery was evaluated to be 7 – 9 nm in radius. HARECXS and electron diffraction analysis revealed that cations at tetrahedral sites preferentially occupy octahedral sites to transform to defective rock-salt structure. The structure of the core damage region is found from HR and BFTEM images to be a columnar vacancy-rich region with a low atomic density.
The origin and development of the P{011}<111> orientation during recrystallization of particle-containing alloys
Authors: Schäfer Carmen , Gottstein Günter
Published: September 2011

During annealing of particle-containing aluminum alloys, very often the development of the so-called P {011}<111>-texture and ND-rotated Cube {001}<310>-texture components are observed. The present paper focuses on the origin of the P-component near particles in an Al-1.1 wt.% Mn alloy and its further evolution during annealing. It is shown that the occurrence of these components depends on the annealing treatment rather than on the absolute annealing temperature.
Dislocationless sliding in a polycluster glass
Authors: Lazarev Nikolai , Bakai Alexander
Published: September 2011

At low temperature, T → 0, the yield stress of a perfect crystal is equal to its so called theoretical strength. The yield stress of imperfect crystals is controlled by the stress threshold of dislocation mobility. A non-crystalline solid has neither the ideal structure nor gliding dislocations. Its yield stress depends on the distribution of local critical stresses attributed to each atomic site at which the local inelastic deformation occurs. We describe the exactly solvable model of planar layer strength and sliding with an arbitrary homogeneous distribution of local critical stresses. The kinetics of thermally-activated creep of the sliding layer is described. The sliding activation volume scales with the applied external stress as ∼ωe
-β, where β < 1.

The proposed model accounts for mechanisms of the low temperature deformation of polycluster metallic glasses, since intercluster boundaries of a polycluster metallic glass are natural sliding layers of the described type. We also discuss applicability of the model to the low temperature plastic deformation of nano-crystalline materials.
Evaluation of Vacuum Venting for Micro-injection Molding
Authors: Yoon S.-H. , Padmanabha P. , Cha N.-G. , Mead J. L. , Barry C. M. F.
Published: September 2011

While the effect of vacuum venting has been reported for injection molding of micro and nanoscale features, the limited research has produced conflicting results. To clarify the positive effect of vacuum venting on replication of microscale features, this work focused on the interactions between vacuum venting and (1) feature size, (2) material type in terms of melt viscosity and wettability, and (3) injection velocity and mold temperature. A metal-polymer hybrid tooling with a range of positive microscale features was employed to mold polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate parts. Overall, vacuum venting always effective in feature definition (sharpness of edges) enhancement, but provided increases in depth ratio that depended on material (melt viscosity and wettability) and processing conditions (i.e., injection velocity, and mold temperature).
Preparation of Poly(acrylic acid)-Poly(ethylene oxide) Nanofibers via Electrospinning and Investigation of Their Morphology
Authors: Shami Z. , Sharifi-Sanjani N.
Published: September 2011

The poly(acrylic acid)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PAA/PEO) blend nanofibers at 100/0, 80/20, 50/50, 20/80 and 0/100 weight ratios were obtained via electrospinning process. Intermolecular interactions, miscibility and compatibility of polymer blends were studied by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and UV-visible spectrophotometer. The results suggest that intermolecular interactions have occurred between pure PAA and PEO in PAA/PEO blend. These interactions made PAA/PEO blend miscible at above-mentioned weight ratios. Additionally, the morphology and the fibers diameter were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, which indicated beadless fibers with diameter range of about 120 to 300 nm. It was observed that the homogenous nanofibers with the smaller diameter were obtained in PAA/PEO blend with PAA dominant content. Finally, SEM results suggest that the formation of pure PAA nanofibers with concentration of 5.0 wt.% would not occur. Whereas, in the same concentration, pure PEO and PAA/PEO blend nanofibers with no bead defects were obtained. However, in higher pure PAA concentrations electrospun fibers were formed.
Influence of Processing Conditions on Productivity, Thermal and Rheological Properties of Reprocessed Low Density Polyethylene
Authors: Pistor V. , Chiesa A. , Ornaghi H. L. , Fiorio R. , Zattera A. J.
Published: September 2011

The market for recycled thermoplastic polymers is undergoing a sharp increase, although recyclate polymers are regarded as materials with inferior properties when compared to the virgin material. This study investigates the behavior of non-contaminated scraps of low density polyethylene (LDPE) from the plastic packaging industry after single processing stage, in terms of the productivity and the thermal and rheological properties. The LDPE used was reprocessed on a single-screw extruder (Miotto) of 90 mm screw diameter and L/D = 25. Three screw speeds (80, 90 and 100 min−1) were investigated at three processing temperatures (200, 250 and 300°C). The reprocessed materials were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis TGA, parallel plates rheometry and productivity. The results obtained by TGA showed a typical range of polyolefin degradation (350 to 450°C). The viscoelastic properties did not show significant changes in relation to the rheological behavior. Increasing the temperature and screw speed promoted a productivity gain of approximately 30%. This suggests that under the conditions studied it is possible to reprocess this material with good productivity ensuring its thermal, mechanical and rheological properties.
Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide for Physical Foaming of Advanced Polymer Materials
Authors: Wolff F. , Zirkel L. , Betzold S. , Jakob M. , Maier V. , Nachtrab F. , Nicolat B. Ceron , Fey T. , Münstedt H.
Published: September 2011

Foams from high performance polymers find more and more interest. The processes to generate them can be difficult, however. It is shown how physical foaming with CO2can be used as a first step to assess the potentials of such materials. For investigations of such kind an autoclave on a laboratory scale which allows pressure variations up to 300 bars and temperatures up to 300°C was set up. The samples are saturated with supercritical carbon dioxide (s.c. CO2) which acts as a foaming agent. Depending on the process and material parameters different foam characteristics and cell morphologies were obtained and characterised. The potential of this method is demonstrated for two different classes of advanced polymer materials, thermoplastic fluoropolymers (FEP), and a silicone resin. In the case of the fluoropolymer, previously prepared films were foamed and the effects of various process parameters on the foam characteristics were investigated. Besides the general potential of foams from fluoropolymers, they are candidates for polymeric piezoelectric materials with a relatively high temperature stability. Silicone polymers possess some properties superior to common organic polymers. First results on the foaming behaviour of a silicone resin are presented.
The Physics of Life and Quantum Complex Matter: A Case of Cross-Fertilization
Authors: Poccia Nicola , Bianconi Antonio
Published: September 2011

Progress in the science of complexity, from the Big Bang to the coming of humankind, from chemistry and biology to geosciences and medicine, and from materials engineering to energy sciences, is leading to a shift of paradigm in the physical sciences. The focus is on the understanding of the non-equilibrium process in fine tuned systems. Quantum complex materials such as high temperature superconductors and living matter are both non-equilibrium and fine tuned systems. These topics have been subbjects of scientific discussion in the Rome Symposium on the “Quantum Physics of Living Matter”.
Effect of EtOH/MgCl2 Molar Ratios on the Catalytic Properties of MgCl2-SiO2/TiCl4 Ziegler-Natta Catalyst for Ethylene Polymerization
Authors: Patthamasang Supanan , Jongsomjit Bunjerd , Praserthdam Piyasan
Published: September 2011

MgCl2-SiO2/TiCl4 Ziegler-Natta catalysts for ethylene polymerization were prepared by impregnation of MgCl2 on SiO2 in heptane and further treatment with TiCl4. MgCl2·nEtOH adduct solutions were prepared with various EtOH/MgCl2 molar ratios for preparation of the MgCl2-supported and MgCl2-SiO2-supported catalysts in order to investigate the effect on polymerization performance of both catalyst systems. The catalytic activities for ethylene polymerization decreased markedly with increased molar ratios of [EtOH]/[MgCl2] for the MgCl2-supported catalysts, while for the bi-supported catalysts, the activities only decreased slightly. The MgCl2-SiO2-supported catalyst had relatively constant activity, independent of the [EtOH]/[MgCl2] ratio. The lower [EtOH]/[MgCl2] in MgCl2-supported catalyst exhibited better catalytic activity. However, for the MgCl2-SiO2-supported catalyst, MgCl2 can agglomerate on the SiO2 surface at low [EtOH]/[MgCl2] thus not being not suitable for TiCl4 loading. It was found that the optimized [EtOH]/[MgCl2] value for preparation of bi-supported catalysts having high activity and good spherical morphology with little agglomerated MgCl2 was 7. Morphological studies indicated that MgCl2-SiO2-supported catalysts have good morphology with spherical shapes that retain the morphology of SiO2. The BET measurement revealed that pore size is the key parameter dictating polymerization activity. The TGA profiles of the bi-supported catalyst also confirmed that it was more stable than the mono-supported catalyst, especially in the ethanol removal region.
Pathogens: A New Open Access Journal Serving All Those Interested in Infectious Disease
Authors: Young Lawrence S.
Published: September 2011

Infection ranks alongside cardiovascular disease as the major cause of human death across the world. Word Health Organization data for 2002 shows that 26% of all deaths, almost 15 million in number, were due to infectious disease with HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria being the top three responsible infections. A significant proportion of these deaths were due to lower respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases in children. The worldwide morbidity associated with infectious disease is incalculable. When considered along with the consequences of infection in animals, it is hard to imagine any other disease that has such a significant impact on our lives―on health systems, on agriculture and on world economics.
Our understanding of the agents responsible for infections―bacteria, fungi, parasites, prions and viruses―has an interesting history that heralds the great developments in modern biology and demonstrates how an understanding of disease pathogenesis can lead to successful prophylactic and therapeutic interventions. Van Leeuwenhoek’s first observation of bacteria under the light microscope, John Snow’s investigations tracing the source of a cholera epidemic in Victorian London’s Soho and Pasteur’s vaccines for rabies and anthrax contributed to an acceptance of the germ theory of disease and to the rational, scientific application of this knowledge to develop innovative disease control measures ranging from hygienic practices to antibiotics. [...]
A Game Theory-Based Obstacle Avoidance Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Guan Xin , Wu Huayang , Bi Shujun
Published: September 2011

The obstacle avoidance problem in geographic forwarding is an important issue for location-based routing in wireless sensor networks. The presence of an obstacle leads to several geographic routing problems such as excessive energy consumption and data congestion. Obstacles are hard to avoid in realistic environments. To bypass obstacles, most routing protocols tend to forward packets along the obstacle boundaries. This leads to a situation where the nodes at the boundaries exhaust their energy rapidly and the obstacle area is diffused. In this paper, we introduce a novel routing algorithm to solve the obstacle problem in wireless sensor networks based on a game-theory model. Our algorithm forms a concave region that cannot forward packets to achieve the aim of improving the transmission success rate and decreasing packet transmission delays. We consider the residual energy, out-degree and forwarding angle to determine the forwarding probability and payoff function of forwarding candidates. This achieves the aim of load balance and reduces network energy consumption. Simulation results show that based on the average delivery delay, energy consumption and packet delivery ratio performances our protocol is superior to other traditional schemes.
PDR with a Foot-Mounted IMU and Ramp Detection
Authors: Jiménez Antonio R. , Seco Fernando , Zampella Francisco , Prieto José C. , Guevara Jorge
Published: September 2011

The localization of persons in indoor environments is nowadays an open problem. There are partial solutions based on the deployment of a network of sensors (Local Positioning Systems or LPS). Other solutions only require the installation of an inertial sensor on the person’s body (Pedestrian Dead-Reckoning or PDR). PDR solutions integrate the signals coming from an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which usually contains 3 accelerometers and 3 gyroscopes. The main problem of PDR is the accumulation of positioning errors due to the drift caused by the noise in the sensors. This paper presents a PDR solution that incorporates a drift correction method based on detecting the access ramps usually found in buildings. The ramp correction method is implemented over a PDR framework that uses an Inertial Navigation algorithm (INS) and an IMU attached to the person’s foot. Unlike other approaches that use external sensors to correct the drift error, we only use one IMU on the foot. To detect a ramp, the slope of the terrain on which the user is walking, and the change in height sensed when moving forward, are estimated from the IMU. After detection, the ramp is checked for association with one of the existing in a database. For each associated ramp, a position correction is fed into the Kalman Filter in order to refine the INS-PDR solution. Drift-free localization is achieved with positioning errors below 2 meters for 1,000-meter-long routes in a building with a few ramps.
Distance dependence of near-field fluorescence enhancement and quenching of single quantum dots
Authors: Walhorn Volker , Paskarbeit Jan , Frey Heinrich Gotthard , Harder Alexander , Anselmetti Dario
Published: September 2011

In fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy, energy transfer processes between single fluorophores and fluorophore quencher pairs play an important role in the investigation of molecular distances or orientations. At distances larger than about 3 nm these effects originate predominantly from dipolar coupling. As these experiments are commonly performed in homogenous media, effects at the interface boundaries can be neglected. Nevertheless, the combination of such assays with single-molecule manipulation techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) requires a detailed understanding of the influence of interfaces on dipolar coupling effects. In the presented work we used a combined total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM)–AFM setup to elucidate this issue. We measured the fluorescence emission emanating from single quantum dots as a function of distance from the apex of a gold-coated cantilever tip. As well as fluorescence quenching at close proximity to the tip, we found a nonlinear and nonmonotonic distance dependence of the fluorescence emission. To confirm and interpret our findings we performed calculations on the basis of a simplified multiple multipole (MMP) approach, which successfully supports our experimental data. Moreover, we revealed and quantified the influence of interfering processes such as field enhancement confined at interface boundaries, mirror dipoles and (resonant) dipolar coupling.
Exploring Pharmacists' Understanding and Adoption of Prescribing in 2 Canadian Jurisdictions: Design and Rationale for a Mixed-Methods Approach
Authors: Guirguis Lisa , Cooney Dale , Dolovich Lisa , Eberhart Greg , Hughes Christine , Makowsky Mark , Sadowski Cheryl , Schindel Theresa , Yuksel Nesé
Published: September 2011

Background:

Although pharmacists have been granted prescribing privileges in Alberta since 2007 and most other Canadian provinces have granted or put forward similar legislation since then, there is a lack of Canadian data exploring pharmacists' understanding and adoption of prescribing practice. Therefore, our goal is to investigate pharmacists' perceptions of prescribing, the extent to which prescribing has been incorporated into pharmacists' practices and the factors that have influenced its uptake.

Methods (Study Design):

We are conducting a mixed-methods evaluation of pharmacist prescribing in Alberta and Ontario consisting of 3 consecutive stages: 1) semi-structured interviews with a small cohort of pharmacists in Alberta and Ontario; 2) development of a survey guided by responses identified in Stage 1; and 3) a mixed-methods survey of a large random sample of pharmacists in Alberta.

Conclusion:

When complete, this study will inform researchers, policy-makers and educators about Ontario pharmacists' attitudes towards prescribing and the initial uptake of prescribing practice in Alberta. This will allow for a greater understanding of pharmacists' perceptions of prescribing; the extent to which prescribing has been incorporated into pharmacy practice; and the factors facilitating its uptake.
Il28B Cc-Genotype Association with Hla-Dqb1*0301 Allele Increases the Prediction of Spontaneous HCV RNA Clearance in Thalassaemic HCV-Infected Patients
Authors: Mangia Alessandra , Santoro Rosanna , Sarli Roberto , Mottola Leonardo , Piazzolla Valeria , Petruzzellis Daniela , Bacca Donato , Clemente Rocco , Copetti Massimiliano , di Mauro Lazzaro , Lotti Giuseppe , Sacco Michele , Stefano Ippazio
Published: September 2011

Background

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), upstream of the IL28B gene has been recently associated with natural clearance of HCV. In a well-characterized cohort of patients with thalassaemia major exposed to the risk of acquiring HCV infection by blood transfusions, we aimed to replicate this finding and to evaluate whether combining the IL28B genotype and HLA class II alleles allow viral clearance to be accurately predicted.

Methods

Of 168 patients, 130 with complete clinical history were included in the analysis. According with their HCV antibodies status 13 were defined HCV resistant, and 117 infected. Infected patients were subdivided, giving 49 with self-limiting and 68 with ongoing infection.

Results

IL28B CC-genotype was observed in 32 patients with self-limiting and in 23 with ongoing infection (64% versus 34%; P=0.004). HLA DQB1*0301 allele was associated with viral clearance in 36 cases (73%; P<0.0001). Both DQB1*0301 and IL28B CC-genotype were found to be independent predictors of HCV clearance (OR=5.64, 95% CI 1.52–20.9 and OR=5.76, 95% CI 2.16–15.33, respectively). With the addition of DQB1*0301, the accuracy of the prediction increased from 63% to 69%.

Conclusions

In addition to IL28B CC-genotype, HLA DQB1*0301 helps in predicting natural clearance of HCV after acute infection.
Pharmacokinetics of Antiretroviral Drugs in Anatomical Sanctuary Sites: The Male and Female Genital Tract
Authors: Else Laura J , Taylor Stephen , Back David J , Khoo Saye H
Published: September 2011

HIV resides within anatomical ‘sanctuary sites’, where local drug exposure and viral dynamics may differ significantly from the systemic compartment. Suboptimal anti-retroviral concentrations in the genital tract may result in compartmentalized viral replication, selection of resistant mutations and possible re-entry of wild-type/resistant virus into the systemic circulation. Therefore, achieving adequate antiretroviral exposure in the genital tract has implications for the prevention of sexual and vertical transmission of HIV.

Penetration of antiretrovirals in the genital tract is expressed by accumulation ratios derived from the measurement of drug concentrations in time-matched seminal plasma/cervicovaginal fluid and plasma samples. Penetration varies by gender and may be drug (as opposed to class) specific with high interindividual variability. Concentrations in seminal plasma are highest for nucleoside analogues and lowest for protease inhibitors and efavirenz. Seminal accumulation of newer agents, raltegravir and maraviroc, is moderate (rank order of accumulation is nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors [lamivudine/zidovudine/tenofovir/didanosine > stavudine/abacavir] > raltegravir > indinavir/maraviroc/nevirapine >> efavirenz/protease inhibitors [amprenavir/atazanavir/darunavir > lopinavir/ritonavir > saquinavir] > enfuvirtide). In the female genital tract, the nucleoside analogues exhibit high accumulation ratios, whereas protease inhibitors have limited penetration; however, substantial variability exists between individuals and study centres. Second generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor etravirine, and maraviroc and raltegravir, demonstrate effective accumulation in cervicovaginal secretions (rank order of accumulation is nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor [zidovudine/lamivudine/didanosine > emtricitabine/tenofovir] > indinavir > maraviroc/raltegravir/darunavir/etravirine > nevirapine/abacavir > protease inhibitors [amprenavir/atazanavir/ritonavir] > lopinavir/stavudine/efavirenz > saquinavir).
Sensorial analysis and electronic aroma detection to compare olive oils produced by different extraction methods
Authors: Vaz Freire L. T. , Cabrita M. J. , Gomes da Silva M. D.R. , Costa Freitas A. M.
Published: September 2011

A sensorial analysis and an aroma analysis by electronic sensory devices were used to compare olive oils produced according to two different extraction methods. The extraction methods compared were the press system and two phase decanter. Samples were taken from the harvests of 2002-2004 and the olives were all from the same variety. The variety used was the Portuguese Galega sp. Olives were picked and technologically handled under predetermined and supervised conditions. Olive oils produced were better classified when the sensory analysis by a panel was applied than when an electronic sensory analysis was performed, even after sensor optimization. This observation is in accordance with the fact that olive oil has a low volatility matrix and “flavor”, rather than aroma, can give a clearer characterization than electronic sensory analysis alone, where aroma is the main characteristic evaluated.
Apricot and pumpkin oils reduce plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations in rats fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Ramadan Mohamed F. , Zayed R. , Abozid M. , Asker M. M. S.
Published: September 2011

Non-conventional oilseeds are being taken into greater consideration because their constituents have unique chemical properties and may increase the supply of edible oils. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of apricot kernel oil (AO) and pumpkin kernel oil (PO) on the lipid profiles and liver functions of rats fed high fat diets. The high fat diet resulted in great alterations in plasma lipid profiles and liver functions. Twenty-four male albino rats were used over a 28 day period. The animals were divided into 4 groups, where group 1 represents the negative control which were a fed basal diet, while group 2 received a high fat diet to serve as the hypercholesterolemic group (positive control). The other two groups were given a high fat diet supplemented with AO and PO. Group 3 was treated daily with AO (1g/Kg body weight), while group 4 was treated with PO (1g/Kg body weight). The plasma lipid profile and liver functions in the different groups were determined after 14 and 28 days. The rats in the treated groups (AO and PO) showed significantly lower levels of total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartateaminotransferase (AST) activities as well as high levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and total protein in comparison with the hypercholesterolemic group. It could be concluded that AO and PO under study are useful for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
Synthesis of the isofatty acid 13-methyl-tetradecanoic acid and its triglyceride
Authors: Zlatanos S. , Laskaridis K. , Koliokota E. , Sagredos A.
Published: September 2011

A new and more convenient synthesis of the isofatty acid 13-methyl-tetradecanoic acid and its triglyceride is described here. This isofatty acid is prepared through elongation of the undecanoic acid chain with isobutyraldehyde according to Wittig by the reaction between bromo-undecanoic acid ethyl ester-triphenylphosphonium salt and sodium methoxide followed by the addition of isobutyraldehyde. Its triglyceride is formed by the esterification of the free isofatty acid with glycerin without catalyst. Its purity was over 99% after high refining over activated silica gel. Total yield was estimated to be 22,8%.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in the seeds of Origanum vulgare L. subsp. gracile (C. Koch) Ietswaart and Origanum acutidens (Hand.-Mazz.) Ietswaart from Turkey
Authors: Kurşat M. , Emre İ. , Yılmaz Ö. , Erecevit P.
Published: September 2011

The present study determined some biological compounds (fatty acids, vitamins, sterols and flavonoids), radical scavenging capacity and antimicrobial activity of two Origanum L. species of Origanum vulgare L. subsp. gracile (C. Koch) Ietswaart and Origanum acutidens (Hand.-Mazz.). Ietswaart. Linolenic acid was found to be the main fatty acid in both species, which was followed by palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1 n9), linoleic acid (C18:2 n6) and stearidonic acid (C18:4). In addition, the two Origanum species were recorded as containing high levels of stigmasterol. It was also found that Origanum vulgare L. subsp. gracile (C. Koch) Ietswaart had a high β-sitosterol content (152.8±2.6 µg/g); high amounts of D3 (33.1±0.8 µg/g), K1 (29.4±0.8 µg/g), K2 (26.0±0.8 µg/g) vitamins; and low amounts of α-tocopherol (7.8±0.2 µg/g) and D2 (1.8±0.1 µg/g), while Origanum acutidens (Hand.-Mazz.) Ietswaart contained high amounts of D2 (42.9±1.5 µg/g) vitamin; and low amounts of D3 (2.9±0.1 µg/g), α-tocopherol (3.1±0.1 µg/g), r-tocopherol (3.5±0.2 µg/g), K2 (1.3±0.1 µg/g), retinol (1.3±0.2 µg/g) and retinol acetate (1.2±0.1 µg/g) vitamins. The present study showed that Origanum vulgare L. subsp. gracile (C. Koch) Ietswaart and Origanum acutidens (Hand.-Mazz.) Ietswaart contained the lowest amount of flavonoid. Furthermore, methanol extracts were recorded to be the most effective agent against the DPPH radical in both Origanum L. species examined. Experimental results showed that the vitamins, flavonoids and fatty acid extracts of both Origanum L. species were effective in the inhibition of the growth of the tested microorganisms at varying levels.
Chemical analyses of the seeds of some forage legumes from Turkey. A chemotaxonomic approach
Authors: Kocak A. , Kokten K. , Bagci E. , Akcura M. , Hayta S. , Bakoglu A. , Kilic O.
Published: September 2011

The seeds of six forage legumes (Leguminosae) were investigated for their protein, tannin contents and fatty acid compositions. The protein contents of forage legume seeds were found to be between 23.1 and 37.2%. On the other hand, the tannin contents of the same seeds were found to be between 0.67 and 6.33%. The fatty acid compositions of these six different species were determined by gas chromatography of the methyl esters of their fatty acids. The seed oils of different Leguminous taxa contained linoleic and linolenic acids as their major components. The seed oils of Lathyrus annuus, Onobrychis crista-galli, Trigonella foenum-graceum, Lotus corniculatus, and Leuceana leucocephala species contain 50.0, 59.4, 69.5, 37.06, and 52.6% linoleic acid, respectively, as the major component fatty acids, whereas in the seed oil of Lathyrus cicer, linolenic acid accounts for 29.7% as the major component fatty acid. The ratios of these fatty acids in the Leguminous genera were found to be highly variable. In the study of taxa, palmitic acid was found in the major saturated fatty acids, on the other hand oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids were found in major unsaturated fatty acids.
IL-13 Receptor α1 Differentially Regulates Aeroallergen-Induced Lung Responses
Authors: Rothenberg Marc E. , Wen Ting , Shik Dana , Cole Eric T. , Mingler Melissa M. , Munitz Ariel
Published: September 2011

IL-13 and IL-4 are hallmark cytokines of Th2-associated diseases including asthma. Recent studies revealed that IL-13Rα1 regulates asthma pathogenesis by mediating both IL-4– and IL-13–mediated responses. Nonetheless, the relative contribution of each cytokine in response to aeroallergen challenge and the degree of functional dichotomy between IL-4 and IL-13 in asthma remains unclear. Consistent with prior publications, we demonstrate that IL-13Rα1 regulates aeroallergen-induced airway resistance and mucus production but not IgE and Th2 cytokine production. We demonstrate that aeroallergen-induced eosinophil recruitment and chemokine production were largely dependent on IL-13Rα1 after Aspergillus but not house dust mite (HDM) challenges. Notably, Aspergillus-challenged mice displayed increased IL-13Rα1–dependent accumulation of dendritic cell subsets into lung-draining lymph nodes in comparison with HDM-challenged mice. Comparison of IL-4 and IL-13 levels in the different experimental models revealed increased IL-4/IL-13 ratios after HDM challenge, likely explaining the IL-13Rα1–independent eosinophilia and chemokine production. Consistently, eosinophil adoptive transfer experiments revealed near ablation of lung eosinophilia in response to Aspergillus in Il13ra1−/− mice, suggesting that Aspergillus-induced lung eosinophil recruitment is regulated by IL-13–induced chemokine production rather than altered IL-13 signaling in eosinophils. Furthermore, the near complete protection observed in Il13ra1−/− mice in response to Aspergillus challenge was dependent on mucosal sensitization, as alum/Aspergillus-sensitized mice that were rechallenged with Aspergillus developed IL-13Rα1–independent eosinophilia although other asthma parameters remained IL-13Rα1 dependent. These results establish that IL-13Rα1 is required for aeroallergen-induced airway resistance and that allergen-induced chemokine production and consequent eosinophilia is dictated by the balance between IL-4 and IL-13 production in situ.
Toll-Like Receptors and Myocardial Inflammation
Authors: Feng Yan , Chao Wei
Published: September 2011

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a member of the innate immune system. TLRs detect invading pathogens through the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) recognition and play an essential role in the host defense. TLRs can also sense a large number of endogenous molecules with the damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that are produced under various injurious conditions. Animal studies of the last decade have demonstrated that TLR signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of the critical cardiac conditions, where myocardial inflammation plays a prominent role, such as ischemic myocardial injury, myocarditis, and septic cardiomyopathy. This paper reviews the animal data on (1) TLRs, TLR ligands, and the signal transduction system and (2) the important role of TLR signaling in these critical cardiac conditions.
Frank elevation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid IgE level in hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome
Authors: Altraja Alan
Published: September 2011

Hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES) is a rare hereditary immunodeficiency disorder characterized mainly by an elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level. However, the IgE level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of HIES patients has not been addressed before. The case of a 24-year-old non-smoking Caucasian male HIES patient with classical skin infections in childhood and recurrent staphylococcal pneumonias is reported. Out of an infectious episode, the total IgE level was measured in BALF by chemiluminescence method, along with appropriate analysis of immunoglobulins A (IgA), G (IgG) and M (IgM), albumin and cellular components. In parallel, the respective markers were measured in serum. An elevated level of BALF IgE of 15.10 ng/mL (6.24 IU/mL) along with the marked heightening of IgE in serum at 130,583 ng/mL (53,960 IU/mL) was observed. The relative coefficients of excretion (RCE), based on BALF and serum albumin concentrations (100.6 mg/L and 39 g/L, respectively), were 0.0448, 1.49, 1.94 and <3.40 for IgE, IgA, IgG and IgM, respectively. The results show a frank increase in BALF IgE level in HIES compared to that reported for healthy individuals and the low RCE value for IgE suggest a diffusion of IgE across the respiratory membrane. This case study demonstrates a markedly elevated BALF IgE level in HIES that could be used to support the diagnosis, but also raises important BALFrelated aspects in HIES that provoke further studies on BALF from HIES patients.
Polysubstance Abuse Related Subacute Urinary Retention and Hutch Diverticulum of Urinary Bladder
Authors: Kumar Sarwan , Gupta Deepak , Rau Shiva S.
Published: September 2011

The present case highlights the presentation and management of hyperkalemia and acute renal failure secondary to polysubstance abuse related subacute urinary retention due to α-adrenergic and µ-receptor activation in a patient with Hutch diverticulum.
Recombinant human arginase I immobilized on gold and silver nanoparticles: preparation and properties
Authors: Stasyuk Natalia , Serkiz Roman , Mudry Stepan , Gayda Galina , Zakalskiy Andriy , Koval’chuk Yevgen , Gonchar Mykhailo , Nisnevitch Marina
Published: September 2011

Metal nanoparticles (NPs), such as gold (Au) and silver (Ag), are important for chemistry, physics, and biology due to their unique optical, electrical, and photothermal properties. Such NPs are widely used for immobilization of various bioactive substances, including peptides, enzymes, antibodies and DNA. The synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles was carried out by reduction of silver nitrate by glucose and reduction of tetrachloroauric acid by sodium citrate, respectively. The size and structure of the AgNPs and AuNPs were characterized using TEM, AFM and XRD methods. The average size of the AgNPs and AuNPs was between 8 and 15 nm. Recombinant arginase I was immobilized using the carbodiimidepentafluorophenol method on the surface of NPs functionalized with ω-mercaptohexadecanoic acid. It was shown that recombinant human liver arginase I isolated from the yeast Hansenula polymorpha maintains satisfactory stability after immobilization on both NPs. The immobilized arginase retained 40% of its activity on the surface of AuNPs and 25% on AgNPs compared to the free arginase after storage at +4 ºC during 25 days. The immobilized enzyme can be used for assay of arginine in pharmaceuticals, in food products and in blood.
A New Support Measure to Quantify the Impact of Local Optima in Phylogenetic Analyses
Authors: Brammer Grant , Sul Seung-Jin , Williams Tiffani L.
Published: September 2011

Phylogentic analyses are often incorrectly assumed to have stabilized to a single optimum. However, a set of trees from a phylogenetic analysis may contain multiple distinct local optima with each optimum providing different levels of support for each clade. For situations with multiple local optima, we propose p-support which is a clade support measure that shows the impact optima have on a final consensus tree. Our p-support measure is implemented in our PeakMapper software package. We study our approach on two published, large-scale biological tree collections. PeakMapper shows that each data set contains multiple local optima, p-support shows that both datasets contain clades in the majority consensus tree that are only supported by a subset of the local optima. Clades with low p-support are most likely to benefit from further investigation. These tools provide researchers with new information regarding phylogenetic analyses beyond what is provided by other support measures alone.
Atherosclerosis: Viewing the Problem from a Different Perspective Including Possible Treatment Options
Authors: Goldberg Joel S.
Published: September 2011

This paper proposes that atherosclerosis is initiated by a signaling event that deposits calcium hydroxyapatite (Ca-HAP). This event is preceded by a loss of mechanical structure in the arterial wall. After Ca-HAP has been deposited, it is unlikely that it will be reabsorbed because the solubility product constant (Ksp) is very small, and the large stores of Ca+2 and PO4−3 in the bones oppose any attempts to dissolve Ca-HAP by decreasing the common ions. The hydroxide ion (OH–) of Ca-HAP can be displaced in nature by fluoride (F–) and carbonate (CO3−2) ions, and it is proposed that anions associated with cholesterol ester hydrolysis and, in very small quantities, the enolate of 7-ketocholesterol could also displace the OH– of Ca-HAP, forming an ionic bond. The free energy of hydration of Ca-HAP at 310 K is most likely negative, and the ionic radii of the anions associated with the hydrolysis of cholesterol ester are compatible with the substitution. Furthermore, examination of the pathology of atherosclerotic lesions by Raman and NMR spectroscopy and confocal microscopy supports deposition of Ca-HAP associated with cholesterol. Investigating the affinity of intermediates of cholesterol hydrolysis for Ca-HAP compared to lipoproteins such as HDL, LDL, and VLDL using isothermic titration calorimetry could add proof of this concept and may lead to the development of a new class of medications targeted at the deposition of cholesterol within Ca-HAP. Treatment of acute ischemic events as a consequence of atherosclerosis with denitrogenation and oxygenation is discussed.
Real Hypersurfaces in Complex Projective Space Whose Structure Jacobi Operator is Lie 𝔻-parallel
Authors: de Dios Pérez Juan , Jin Suh Young
Published: September 2011

We prove the non-existence of real hypersurfaces in complex projective space whose structure Jacobi operator is Lie 𝔻-parallel and satisfies a further condition.
Global Existence and Nonexistence of Solution to a Nonlinear Wave Equation
Authors: Pan Nana
Published: September 2011

In this paper we focus on a nonlinear wave equation, we show that the solution blows up in finite time under certain conditions, and we obtain two results on the global existence of solution and large time behavior.
Duals of Optimal Spaces for the Hardy Averaging Operator
Authors: Nekvinda Aleš , Pick Luboš
Published: September 2011

The Hardy averaging operator

Af(x):=\frac1x\int_0^x f(t)\,dt

is known to map boundedly the ‘source’ space

S^p

of functions on

(0,1)

with finite integral

\def\essup#1{\operatorname{ess}\!\!\sup_{#1}}
\int_0^1 \essup{t\in(x,1)}\frac1{t}\int_0^t |f|^p dx

into the ‘target’ space

T^p

of functions on

(0,1)

with finite integral

\def\essup#1{\operatorname{ess}\!\!\sup_{#1}}
\int_0^1 \essup{t\in(x,1)}|f(t)|^p dx

whenever

1< p < \infty

. Moreover, the spaces

S^p

and

T^p

are optimal within the fairly general context of all Banach lattices. We prove a duality relation between such spaces. We in fact work with certain (more general) weighted modifications of these spaces. We prove optimality results for the action of

A

on such spaces and point out some applications to the variable-exponent spaces. Our method of proof of the main duality result is based on certain discretization technique which leads to a discretized characterization of the optimal spaces.
Quantifying uncertainty in climatological fields from GPS radio occultation: an empirical-analytical error model
Authors: Scherllin-Pirscher B. , Kirchengast G. , Steiner A. K. , Kuo Y.-H. , Foelsche U.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Due to the measurement principle of the radio occultation (RO) technique, RO data are highly suitable for climate studies. RO profiles can be used to build climatological fields of different atmospheric parameters like bending angle, refractivity, density, pressure, geopotential height, and temperature. RO climatologies are affected by random (statistical) errors, sampling errors, and systematic errors, yielding a total climatological error. Based on empirical error estimates, we provide a simple analytical error model for these error components, which accounts for vertical, latitudinal, and seasonal variations. The vertical structure of each error component is modeled constant around the tropopause region. Above this region the error increases exponentially, below the increase follows an inverse height power-law. The statistical error strongly depends on the number of measurements. It is found to be the smallest error component for monthly mean 10° zonal mean climatologies with more than 600 measurements per bin. Due to smallest atmospheric variability, the sampling error is found to be smallest at low latitudes equatorwards of 40°. Beyond 40°, this error increases roughly linearly, with a stronger increase in hemispheric winter than in hemispheric summer. The sampling error model accounts for this hemispheric asymmetry. However, we recommend to subtract the sampling error when using RO climatologies for climate research since the residual sampling error remaining after such subtraction is estimated to be only about 30% of the original one or less. The systematic error accounts for potential residual biases in the measurements as well as in the retrieval process and generally dominates the total climatological error. Overall the total error in monthly means is estimated to be smaller than 0.07% in refractivity and 0.15 K in temperature at low to mid latitudes, increasing towards higher latitudes. This study focuses on dry atmospheric parameters as retrieved from RO measurements so for context we also quantitatively explain the difference between dry and physical atmospheric parameters, which can be significant at altitudes below about 6 km (high latitudes) to 10 km (low latitudes).
Eddy covariance flux measurements confirm extreme CH4 emissions from a Swiss hydropower reservoir and resolve their short-term variability
Authors: Eugster W. , DelSontro T. , Sobek S.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Greenhouse gas budgets quantified via land-surface eddy covariance (EC) flux sites differ significantly from those obtained via inverse modeling. A possible reason for the discrepancy between methods may be our gap in quantitative knowledge of methane (CH4) fluxes. In this study we carried out EC flux measurements during two intensive campaigns in summer 2008 to quantify methane flux from a hydropower reservoir and link its temporal variability to environmental driving forces: water temperature and pressure changes (atmospheric and due to changes in lake level). Methane fluxes were extremely high and highly variable, but consistently showed gas efflux from the lake when the wind was approaching the EC sensors across the open water, as confirmed by floating chamber flux measurements. The average flux was 3.8 ± 0.4 μg C m−2 s−1 (mean ± SE) with a median of 1.4 μg C m−2 s−1, which is quite high even compared to tropical reservoirs. Floating chamber fluxes from four selected days confirmed such high fluxes with 7.4 ± 1.3 μg C m−2 s−1. Fluxes increased exponentially with increasing temperatures, but were decreasing exponentially with increasing atmospheric and/or lake level pressure. A multiple regression using lake surface temperatures (0.1 m depth), temperature at depth (10 m deep in front of the dam), atmospheric pressure, and lake level was able to explain 35.4% of the overall variance. This best fit included each variable averaged over a 9-h moving window, plus the respective short-term residuals thereof. We estimate that an annual average of 3% of the particulate organic matter (POM) input via the river is sufficient to sustain these large CH4 fluxes. To compensate the global warming potential associated with the CH4 effluxes from this hydropower reservoir a 1.3 to 3.7 times larger terrestrial area with net carbon dioxide uptake is needed if a European-scale compilation of grasslands, croplands and forests is taken as reference. This indicates the potential relevance of temperate reservoirs and lakes in local and regional greenhouse gas budgets.
How do more extreme rainfall regimes affect ecosystem fluxes in seasonally water-limited Northern Hemisphere temperate shrublands and forests?
Authors: Ross I. , Misson L. , Rambal S. , Arneth A. , Scott R. L. , Carrara A. , Cescatti A. , Genesio L.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. As a result of climate change, rainfall regimes became more extreme over the course of the 20th century, characterised by fewer and larger rainfall events. Such changes are expected to continue throughout the current century. The effect of changes in the temporal distribution of rainfall on ecosystem carbon fluxes is poorly understood, with most available information coming from experimental studies of grassland ecosystems. Here, continuous measurements of ecosystem carbon fluxes and precipitation from the worldwide FLUXNET network of eddy-covariance sites are exploited to investigate the effects of differences in rainfall distribution on the carbon balance of seasonally water-limited shrubland and forest sites. Once the strong dependence of ecosystem fluxes on total annual rainfall amount is accounted for, results show that sites with more extreme rainfall distributions have significantly lower gross productivity, slightly lower ecosystem respiration and consequently a smaller net ecosystem productivity.