bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of Negatively Charged AgI Colloid Nanoparticles by Condensation
Authors: Kalnina Daina , Gross Kārlis Agris , Medvids Artur , Onufrijevs Pavels
Published: July 2015

The stability of silver halide colloids is reported to be important for the toxicological outcome. This study shows a well-suited and cheap condensation reaction to obtain negatively charged silver iodide (AgI) nanoparticles without additional stabilization agents. Charged AgI colloids were synthesized from silver nitrate and potassium iodide solutions. An excess of potassium iodide not only imparted a negative charge, but provided a narrow particle size distribution (50 ± 10 nm). The change of optical properties in the colloid was investigated by UV-VIS spectroscopy. A silver iodide exciton absorption band at peak ~421nm (2.93eV), red-shifted over time. The peak at half maximum intensity increased from 13.3nm to 14.8 nm, characterizing the dispersity of AgI colloidal particles. Colloidal particles stabilized after 33 hours. In-situ real-time UV-VIS measurements provide a tool to adjust the particle characteristics and may serve to further optimize the performance in biological applications.
Enhancement of Resistivity of CdZnTe Crystal by Laser Radiation
Authors: Medvid Artur , Mychko Aleksandr , Dauksta Edvins
Published: July 2015

The enhancement of CdZnTe crystal resistivity by λ=1064nm Nd:YAG laser radiation was shown. This effect is explained by compensation of cadmium vacancy (VCd) by indium atoms due to a laser-induced temperature gradient around Te inclusions. The temperature gradient is caused by the selective absorption of the laser radiation by the Te inclusions.
Telemetric System for Automobile Engine Moving Parts at High Engine Speeds
Authors: Ishibashi Akira , Katsuta Seizaburo , Nakamura Muneaki , Muramatsu Hitoshi
Published: July 2015

Fuel economy improvement has become the most important issue in automobile engine developments nowadays. The measurements of various parameters in the engine parts, such as temperature, strain and gap have become more important due to the development of fuel-saving technologies. The conventional measuring method is difficult to be adapted to the moving parts at high engine speeds due to the durability of the wire in the measurement system. On the other hand, the telemetric system enables the measuring information to be transferred wirelessly. Therefore, we have applied this system to piston temperature measurements that need to be conducted under various operating conditions. The experimental results of the piston temperature measurements at high engine speeds up to 6500[rpm] are shown in this report.
Evaluation of Thermal Resistance of the Military Sleeping Bags
Authors: Abele Iveta , Sitvjenkins Igors , Kuklane Kalev , Vilumsone Ausma
Published: July 2015

Military sleeping bags are envisaged for intensive use during military actions. They have extra properties that provide protection for military staff. In cold climatic conditions when sleeping bags are used for rest soldiers’s combat ability and survival depends on the thermal insulation properties of material technical resources (gear) and clothing.Aim of the research is to establish the extreme temperature of military sleeping bags and military uniforms complete sets, to find the optimal set and define conformity to NATO AECTP-230 “Climatic conditions” cold climate categories C0 – C1.
Production of Carbonaceous Molecules by the Impact Reaction in Nitrogen Gas by Use of a Gas-Gun
Authors: Mieno Tetsu , Ookouchi Kazuki , Kondo Kazuhiko , Hasegawa Susumu , Kurosawa Koichi
Published: July 2015

In order to investigate impact production of carbonaceous molecules by asteroid’s impact, simulation experiment is carried out using a 2-stage light gas-gun. A small polycarbonate bullet is injected into a pressurized chamber with 1 atm of nitrogen gas, to collide with a target. Strong emissions of CN and C2 molecules are measured, and CN rotational temperature is evaluated. In the produced soot, production of fullerenes, nanotubes, metal-encapsulated particles, balloon-like nano-carbons and amino acids is confirmed.
Adsorption of Pyrrole on the Si(111)-7×7 Surface: Effect of Substrate Temperature
Authors: Shimomura Masaru , Ota Keisuke
Published: July 2015

Adsorption of pyrrole on the Si(111)-7×7 surface was investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Template-induced molecular corral structure was observed at room temperature though the N-H bond cleavage. At the substrate temperature of 130 °C, the pyrrolyl adsorbates were observed by STM with reserving the 7×7 substrate. However, the self-assembly of the molecular corral structure was disarranged at 130 °C. Then, pyrrolyl group was decomposed or desorbed from the surface at the substrate temperature of 200 °C. The defect-induced attachment of pyrrole was also observed.
Optical Characterization and Quality Control Methods of Thin Ferroelectric Films
Authors: Karlenko B.V. , Makarenko Oleksiy V. , Poperenko Leonid V. , Aoki Toru
Published: July 2015

On an example of poly(vinylidene fluoride - trifluorethylene) ferroelectric polymer we have shown how different optical methods can be applied for basic optical constants such as refractive index and absorption coefficient obtaining, scattering surface quality control, spectral transmission range control, examining polarization degree etc. Wide range of these methods can be applied not only to thin ferroelectric films but for other different samples.
Mesoporous Sulfur-Doped TiO2 Microspheres for Catalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue under Visible Light
Authors: Ding Zhen Wu , Chen Si , Liu Zhong Qing , Jiang Cheng Fa , Chu Wei
Published: July 2015

Mesoporous S-doped TiO2 microspheres were synthesized via hydrothermal method using Ti (SO4)2 precursor and urea as homogeneous precipitate agent. The TiO2-based catalyst samples were characterized by means of Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS). Photo-catalytic experiments were carried out by catalytic degradation of methylene blue aqueous solution under visible light. It was found that the S-doped TiO2 microspheres gave better photo-catalytic performances. The higher absorbance in the visible region explained this phenomenon. There was an appropriate Ti (SO4)2 amount for the catalyst with better photo-catalytic degradation.
The Choice of Vibroacoustic Signal Measures in Mechanical Fault Diagnosis of Diesel Engines
Authors: Dąbrowski Zbigniew , Zawisza Maciej
Published: July 2015

The use of diesel engines as a basic power unit of electric generators in big ship crafts and as a power unit in smaller ship crafts is very common. Low fuel consumption, high resistance to overload and long life span are the basic features which made these engines so commonly used. The development of electronic control of high pressure injection systems of the engine made the service of such an engine not so simple any more. What is more, control systems are directed at reducing fumes toxicity, which does not have to go hand in hand with early detection of engine damages. It happens in the case of a particular group of mechanical damages of the engine, which are undetectable by an onboard diagnostic system in the early stage of the development. The injection system is able to choose regulation parameters in such a way so that the composition of the air fuel mixture is in optimal range, and as a result it hides the information about the damage.This paper presents the results of analysis of the usefulness of the chosen vibroacoustic signal measures in the process of detecting damages of this type.
Toothed Gear Dynamic Model as a Tool for Assist Diagnosis its Technical Condition
Authors: Peruń Grzegorz
Published: July 2015

This article presents the results obtained with use of author's dynamic model of gears working on power circulating test stand. It was assumed, that properly defined and next identified model can be used to analyze dynamic phenomena in meshing and bearings of gears.The article includes results of simulations of gear with chipped tooth and with partial crack of the pinion. Results of analysis shown, that the occurrence of meshing deviations, makes the detection of damages in the early stages of their growth difficult and the detection may be not possible without using methods of advanced signal analysis.
Dynamic Characteristics of High Quality Steel in Johnson-Cook’s Model for Fast Processes Simulation in CAE Programs
Authors: Szturomski Bogdan
Published: July 2015

The paper presents the dynamic behavior of gain for higher quality steel (armor) for the numerical simulation of fast processes, implemented in programs CAE, determined on the basis of results obtained from tensile tests of round samples conducted on the MTS testing machine type and rotary hammer, in terms of strain rate from 0,0001 to 500 s-1 in tabular and equation JC. Posted simulation results armor penetration high quality steel bullet caliber 12,7 mm compared with experimental results.
Insects affecting regenerating conifers in Canada: natural history and management
Authors: Alfaro René I. , Fuentealba Alvaro
Published: July 2015

A number of insect species in a variety of families and orders damage early regenerating forests. Successful management of pests of regenerating forests requires detailed information on the natural history of the damaging organism, including the factors that increase risk, and a careful assessment of the risk mitigation options. Decision support systems, in the form of stand models capable of incorporating pest management options are required to guide decisions in terms of the expected yields under various pest management scenarios. In this paper we review research to date on the natural history and damage of the most important insect pests of regenerating forests in Canada and propose a framework for risk assessment. Canadian scientists have been active contributors to the research that advanced this field, from the early descriptive studies, to the development of practical tools to assist industry in managing pests of young forests.
Organic geochemistry of the upper cretaceous-tertiary delta complexes of the Beaufort-Mackenzie sedimentary basins, Northwest Territories
Authors: Snowdon L R
Published: July 2015

The organic fraction of a set of borehole drill cuttings and core samples representing fluviodeltaic, delta front and prodeltamarine environments of deposition from the Upper Cretaceous - Tertiary of the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin in northern Canada has been
subjected to organic: carbon analysis; extraction with benzene/methanol; open-column chromatographic fractionation into saturates, aromatics and resins; gas chromatographic analysis of the saturate fraction including quantification of the n-a lkanes and isoprenoids; and kerogen isolation. The
kerogen was examined microscopically under transmitted light and the organic fragments quantitatively classified as herbaceous, coaly or sapropelic. Elemental analyses were carried out on the kerogen and H/C and C/N ratios calculated. An attempt was made to observe trends in the chemical parameters
as a function of the increasing marine influence. The only positive correlation observed was that the organic carbon content of fluviodeltaic sediments was statistically higher than that of either delta front or prodelta samples. None of the other parameters measured displayed depositional
environment dependency. Within the three subenvironments of the delta complexes which were examined, there was a single organic facies dominated by herbaceous and coaly organic debris. The elemental hydrogen -carbon ratio data fall into a very narrow range (0.70 - 0.90) and are consistent with the
optical observations. Pristane/phytane ratios increased to about 7 .0 with increasing maturity but were independent of both organic matter type and depositional environment. A few of the samples examined were c lassified as good or excellent potential petroleum source rocks on the basis of
extractable hydrocarbon yield. The low level of thermal maturity (vitrinite reflectance about 0.45 -0.60) and high concentrations of some tricyclicditerpanes (probably of the sandaracop imarane structure) suggest that the good source rock quality may be related to a high resinite content in the
sediment, which has yielded the reservoired natural gas and condensate of the Upper Cretaceous -Tertiary section at very low levels of thermal alteration. Implications of this study are: (1) the classical petroleum generation sequence of heavy oi l, oi l, condensate and gas with increasing thermal
alteration must be modified to include an early stage of condensate generation. (2) Organic facies do not necessarily correspond with sedimentary facies or depositional subenvironments and, therefore, the delta plain sandstone reservoirs of this basin are as likely to be juxtaposed with a source
rock as are the delta front sands.
A Quantitative Perspective on Surface Marker Selection for the Isolation of Functional Tumor Cells
Authors: Cahall Calvin F. , lilly Jacob l. , Hirschowitz Edward A. , Berron Brad J.
Published: July 2015

Much effort has gone into developing fluid biopsies of patient peripheral blood for the monitoring of metastatic cancers. One common approach is to isolate and analyze tumor cells in the peripheral blood. Widespread clinical implementation of this approach has been hindered by the current choice of targeting epithelial markers known to be highly variable in primary tumor sites. Here, we review current antigen-based tumor cell isolation strategies and offer biological context for commonly studied cancer surface markers. Expression levels of the most common markers are quantitated for three breast cancer and two non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lineage models. These levels are contrasted with that present on healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for comparison to expected background levels in a fluid biopsy setting. A key feature of this work is establishing a metric of markers per square micrometer. This describes an average marker density on the cell membrane surface, which is a critical metric for emerging isolation strategies. These results serve to extend expression of key tumor markers in a sensitive and dynamic manner beyond traditional positive/negative immunohistochemical staining to guide future fluid biopsy targeting strategies.
Raziskava PIAAC – vpogled v sedanje spretnosti odraslih
Authors: Možina Estera
Published: July 2015

Slovenija se je v začetku leta 2013 vključila v drugi krog mednarodne raziskave PIAAC (Program za mednarodno ocenjevanje kompetenc odraslih), ki poteka v okviru OECD, rezultate pričakujemo sredi leta 2016. PIAAC velja za največjo empirično raziskavo na področju izobraževanja odraslih v svetovnem merilu po številu vključenih posameznikov, za inovativno glede na raziskovalni instrumentarij, za kompleksno glede na vzorčni načrt in metodologijo izpeljave, za transparentno po dostopnosti rezultatov in baz podatkov široki javnosti ter za kontroverzno po vprašanjih, ki jih odpira tako pri raziskovalcih in izobraževalcih odraslih kot tudi pri načrtovalcih politik. Zbrana baza podatkov bo ena najbogatejših baz podatkov sploh in bo omogočila številne primerjave, analize ter navzkrižne študije. Razumljivo je, da so tudi v strokovni in splošni javnosti velika pričakovanja glede tega, kaj bo raziskava pokazala za Slovenijo, še posebej zaradi tega, ker spremljamo manj ugodne rezultate bralne pismenosti mladih v raziskavi PISA. Dovolj poznani pa so tudi neugodni rezultati predhodne raziskave pismenosti odraslih, v kateri je Slovenija sodelovala leta 1998.
Vpliv neformalnega izobraževanja na razvoj spretnosti in kompetenc
Authors: Muršak Janko , Radovan Marko
Published: July 2015

V uvodnem teoretskem delu študije bomo najprej razjasnili temelje dileme in osnovne pojme izobraževanja odraslih. Zastavili si bomo vprašanje vpetosti Memoranduma o vseživljenjskem učenju v kontinuiteto prizadevanj za višjo stopnjo razvoja posameznika in njegovih zmožnosti. Pogledali bomo, ali ima in zakaj ima izobraževanje odraslih kompenzacijsko vlogo. To bo osnova tudi za raziskovanje pomena neformalnega izobraževanja za razvoj spretnosti v empiričnem delu. Odločili smo se za dve raziskovalni vprašanji, ki ju bomo analizirali na podlagi razpoložljivih podatkov raziskave PIAAC, pri čemer bo težišče na analizi povprečja vseh vključenih držav, vključili pa bomo tudi analizo podatkov za nekaj posameznih držav. Rezultati kažejo na velik pomen neformalnega izobraževanja za dosežke na vseh treh področjih, kjer smo merili stopnje doseženih spretnosti. Vključevanje v neformalno izobraževanje pri tistih z nižjo izobrazbo je imelo bolj pozitivne učinke kot pri tistih s srednjo in višjo izobrazbo. Pomembna ugotovitev je tudi, da neformalnemu izobraževanju, vezanemu na poklic in delo, ne kaže namenjati večje pozornosti kot tistemu, ki poteka mimo teh potreb. Pri nekaterih izmerjenih spretnostih se je pokazalo, da so v vseh primerih dosegali boljše rezultate tisti, ki so bili vključeni v neformalno izobraževanje, ki ni bilo povezano s potrebami dela in poklica.
Mednarodni teden babištva in razliČne oblike izobraževanja in ozaveščanja
Authors: Jug Došler Anita , Petročnik Petra , Stanek Zidarič Tita , Skubic Metka , Mivšek Ana Polona
Published: July 2015

Babice so samostojne zdravstvene strokovnjakinje za področje fiziološke nosečnosti, fiziološkega poroda in poporodnega obdobja. Obravnavajo ženske in njihove družine v vseh življenjskih obdobjih. V Sloveniji ima babištvo dolgoletno tradicijo. Formalno izobraževanje poteka že od 1753. leta, ko so bile ustanovljene prve babiške šole. Danes izobraževanje poteka na Zdravstveni fakulteti Univerze v Ljubljani in je regulirano z evropskimi direktivami. Stroka vsako leto 5. maja zaznamuje svoj mednarodni dan babištva. Pomemben del v sklopu praznovanja letošnjega mednarodnega dneva je bila prva mednarodna znanstvena babiška konferenca, ki so jo pripravili na Zdravstveni fakulteti Univerze v Ljubljani.
Janez Bitenc – nestor otroških pesmi in glasbenih pravljic
Authors: Koter Darja
Published: July 2015

Prispevek predstavlja Janeza Bitenca kot skladatelja otroških pesmi in glasbenih pravljic za najmlajše otroke ter kot zaslužnega za razvoj predšolskeglasbene vzgoje. Kot glasbeni urednik in pedagog je bil prepričan, da petje v družinskem krogu usiha, zato si je prizadeval k večji vlogi glasbene vzgoje vvrtcih in nižjih razredih osnovnih šol. Ustvarjal je besedila, melodije in pravljične pripovedi ter zasnoval izvirno metodo poučevanja otroških pesmi.
Glasbeni utrinki s potovanja štajerskega plemiča po Evropi 18. stoletja
Authors: Kokole Metoda
Published: July 2015

Ignac Attems (1714–1762) je na kavalirskem potovanju po Evropi preživel štiri leta. Iz rodnega Gradca je odšel oktobra 1734, vrnil pa se je prav tako v oktobru leta 1738. Ohranjenih je 32 pisem, ki jih je s potovanja pisal očetu. V njih omenja tudi dogodke, povezane z glasbo. Mladi Ignac se ni zadovoljil zgolj z enkratnim užitkom, temveč je s seboj domov prinesel tudi nekaj trajnejših spominov, med katerimi je bilo vsaj 35 glasbenih rokopisov. Ti lepo dopolnjujejo sliko o tem, kakšna je bil glasba na nemških dvorih okrog leta 1735 in kaj so bili glasbeni hiti leta 1738.
Tri sinteze Križmanovih orgel [Ob 220-letnici smrti]
Authors: Škulj Edo
Published: July 2015

Članek se sprašuje ali je mogoče združiti orgle različnih pokrajin (zemljepisno  vprašanje), orgle različni obdobij (kronološko vprašanje in hkrati preroško,  ker  drugega obdobja  še  ni) in orgle z različnimi sapnicami (sistemsko vprašanje).
Der slawische Anteil am Bestand des Blasmusikarchives der Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Graz
Authors: Logar Engelbert
Published: July 2015

The article examines the Slavic share of sheet music for brass instruments in the archive of the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, located in the research station in Oberschützen in the Austrain state of Burgenland. The archive material is comprised of 4805 numbered maps with works and compositions of 2072 different composers – 10,632  formaly  defined works. It is intended for symphonic brass music, salon orchestra, string instruments and chambers ensembles and was collected during the 200 years of the performance practice of the institution. The focal point of the article is the south-Slavic region, although its share is relatively small compared to the Czech, Vienna or Hungarian region.  Discussed are over 200 composers that were mainly working in the time between 1850 and 1940. Over 1500 compositions are in the form of manuscripts. The  analysis  of  the temporal, spatial and formal layering of the material is followed by statistical data of the share of composers form Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Bulgaria; incorporated in the overview is also the share of eastern and western Slavic countries.
Rediscovering Forgotten Composers with the Help of Online Genealogy and Music Score Databases: A Case Study on African-American Composer Jacob J. Sawyer (1856–1885)
Authors: Schüler Nico
Published: July 2015

This paper describes the reconstruction of life and work of African-American composer Jacob J. Sawyer (1856–1885) with the help of genealogy databases and online collections of music scores. During his life, Sawyer held positions with well-known music ensembles: Haverly’s Colored Minstrels, Hyers Sisters Troupe, and Slayton Ideal Company.
From Rubinstein to Rebikov: influences of Russian composers on Janáček
Authors: Tyrrell John
Published: July 2015

The article examines Leoš Janáček’s knowledge of the music of four Russian composers (Rubinstein, Tchaikovsky, Musorgsky and Rebikov) may have influenced him and assesses the basis and extent of any discernible influence.
Implications of model bias in carbon monoxide for methane lifetime
Authors: Strode S. A. , Duncan B. N. , Yegorova E. A. , Kouatchou J. , Ziemke J. R. , Douglass A. R.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. A low bias in carbon monoxide (CO) at high northern latitudes is a common feature of chemistry climate models (CCMs) that may indicate or contribute to a high bias in simulated OH and corresponding low bias in methane lifetime. We use simulations with CO tagged by source type to investigate the sensitivity of the CO bias to CO emissions, global mean OH, and the hemispheric asymmetry of OH. Our results show that reducing the hemispheric asymmetry of OH improves the agreement of simulated CO with observations. We use simulations with parameterized OH to quantify the impact of known model biases on simulated OH. Removing biases in ozone and water vapor as well as reducing Northern Hemisphere NOx does not remove the hemispheric asymmetry in OH, but brings the simulated methyl chloroform lifetime into agreement with observation-based estimates.
Protecting Pregnant Pennsylvanians: Public Funding of Crisis Pregnancy Centers
Authors: McElroy Meagan
Published: July 2015

Following a brief overview of the history of CPCs in the United States and the “abortion alternatives” program in Pennsylvania, this Note examines possible legal claims in terms of legal standards and likelihood of success. The results of a Right to Know (“RTK”) request directed toward the Pennsylvania DPW, including both what the DPW offered to produce and what it refused to produce, will supplement this evaluation of possible legal claims. This Note also proposes Public policy recommendations aimed at eliminating the DPW’s liability for these claims in the interest of preventing abusive tactics by CPCs and conserving public funds. Finally, this Note compares the relative benefits and disadvantages of legislative and regulatory reform to those of litigation. Either litigative or legislative action is necessary to prevent publically funded CPCs from inflicting further harm on pregnant Pennsylvanians.
Measuring the Efficiency of Chilean Primary Healthcare Centres
Authors: Ramírez-Valdivia Martha , Maturana Sergio , Mendoza-Alonzo Jennifer , Bustos Jaime
Published: July 2015

This paper examines whether different approaches for estimating the technical efficiency of a primary healthcare centre —PHC— can have significantly different results. Although effective regulation demands the development of measures for establishing good operation levels, few studies have compared results from a data envelopment analysis —DEA— and stochastic frontier analysis —SFA—in a PHC. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have used Chilean nationwide data. Efficiency refers to the relation between the number of output units per input unit. Effectiveness evaluates the outcome of medical care and can be influenced by efficiency.

The data that were used in this study came from 259 Chilean municipalities. We included two outputs – medical and check-up visits – and three inputs – staff, general service and drugs expenses. For the DEA, we used a variable return to scale output-oriented model. Before applying the SFA, a principal component analysis —PCA— combined the two outputs. The results were similar for both methods: the SFA efficiency averages were 70.89% and 65.83% and the DEA averages were 68.37% and 54.46% for the urban and rural municipalities, respectively. In addition to defining a frontier of “best practice”, this study merged the PCA with the SFA to form an innovative approach to combining outputs.
Preparation optimization of carbon nanotube/carbon fiber incorporated carbon composite monoliths for high CO2 adsorption capacity
Authors: Jin Yonggang , Hawkins Stephen C. , Huynh Chi P. , Su Shi
Published: July 2015

Carbon nanotube (CNT) /carbon fiber (CF) incorporated carbon composite monolith adsorbents have been recently reported exhibiting superior CO2 adsorption properties for post‐combustion capture (PCC) of CO2. Here we conducted a detailed study on optimization of preparation of CNT/CF composites for high CO2 adsorption capacities. A well‐developed narrow microporous (<1 nm) structure is the key to achieving the high CO2 uptake of composite adsorbents at 298 K and under ambient and low CO2 pressures. Using water as the solvent for composite mixing is more favorable for enhanced narrow microporosity and CO2 adsorption capacity. The addition of CF lowers the CO2 uptake of CNT composites and the CNT alone incorporation with a CNT/resin ratio of 1 wt% was found preferable. The burn‐off as an indicator of degree of CO2 activation was optimized to be 20–30 wt% for the highest CO2 uptake at ambient pressure, whereas the lower burn‐off at 10–20 wt% resulted in the largest amount of CO2 adsorbed at 114 mmHg (corresponding to 15% of CO2) relevant to the flue gas condition for PCC. The CO2 adsorption capacity is significantly influenced by the narrow micropore size distribution and closely related to the pore volume of effective narrow micropores responsible for different adsorption pressures. The results obtained from this study are valuable to the development of other microporous carbons for CO2 capture. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender and estrous cycle influences on behavioral and neurochemical alterations in adult rats neonatally administered ketamine
Authors: Célia Moreira Borella Vládia , Seeman Mary V. , Carneiro Cordeiro Rafaela , Vieira dos Santos Júnia , Romário Matos de Souza Marcos , Nunes de Sousa Fernandes Ethel , Santos Monte Aline , Maria Mendes Vasconcelos Silvânia , Quinn John P. , de Lucena David F. , Carvalho André F. , Macêdo Danielle
Published: July 2015

Neonatal N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor blockade in rodents triggers schizophrenia (SCZ)‐like alterations during adult life. SCZ is influenced by gender in age of onset, premorbid functioning, and course. Estrogen, the hormone potentially driving the gender differences in SCZ, is known to present neuroprotective effects such as regulate oxidative pathways and the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Thus, the aim of this study was to verify if differences in gender and/or estrous cycle phase during adulthood would influence the development of behavioral and neurochemical alterations in animals neonatally administered ketamine. The results showed that ketamine‐treated male (KT‐male) and female‐in‐diestrus (KTF‐diestrus, the low estrogen phase) presented significant deficits in prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex and spatial working memory, two behavioral SCZ endophenotypes. On the contrary, female ketamine‐treated rats during proestrus (KTF‐proestrus, the high estradiol phase) had no behavioral alterations. This correlated with an oxidative imbalance in the hippocampus (HC) of both male and KTF‐diestrus female rats, that is, decreased levels of GSH and increased levels of lipid peroxidation and nitrite. Similarly, BDNF was decreased in the KTF‐diestrus rats while no alterations were observed in KTF‐proestrus and male animals. The changes in the HC were in contrast to those in the prefrontal cortex in which only increased levels of nitrite in all groups studied were observed. Thus, there is a gender difference in the adult rat HC in response to ketamine neonatal administration, which is based on the estrous cycle. This is discussed in relation to neuropsychiatric conditions and in particular SCZ. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 519–532, 2016
The categorisation of brands: The case of P&G™ branding strategy
Authors: Puente‐Díaz Rogelio , Cavazos‐Arroyo Judith
Published: July 2015

In 2 studies, we tested what we considered to be the core of Procter and Gamble™ (P&G™) latest branding strategy: making the association between its corporate brand and its product brands explicit. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the conditions: explicit association between P&G™ and one of its product brands and a control condition. Results from Study 1 showed a positive influence of the corporate brand on judgements of brand quality for Crest™. Similarly, results from Study 2 showed a positive influence of the corporate brand on judgements of brand quality and trust for Oral‐B™. From a multidisciplinary perspective, we discussed the theoretical and applied implications of our results.
BMP‐2 Induced Expression of PLCβ1 That is a Positive Regulator of Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Ramazzotti Giulia , Bavelloni Alberto , Blalock William , Piazzi Manuela , Cocco Lucio , Faenza Irene
Published: July 2015

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) is a critical growth factor that directs osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Phosphoinositide‐phospholipase Cβ 1 (PLCβ1) plays a crucial role in the initiation of the genetic program responsible for muscle differentiation. Differentiation of C2C12 mouse myoblasts in response to insulin stimulation is characterized by a marked increase in nuclear PLCβ1. Here, the function of PLCβ1 in the osteogenic differentiation was investigated. Briefly, in C2C12 cells treated with BMP‐2 we assist to a remarkable increase in PLCβ1 protein and mRNA expression. The data regarding the influence on differentiation demonstrated that PLCβ1 promotes osteogenic differentiation by up‐regulating alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Moreover, PLCβ1 is present in the nuclear compartment of these cells and overexpression of a cytosolic‐PLCβ1mutant (cyt‐PLCβ1), which lacks a nuclear localization sequence, prevented the differentiation of C2C12 cells into osteocytes. Recent evidence indicates that miRNAs act as important post transcriptional regulators in a large number of processes, including osteoblast differentiation. Since miR‐214 is a regulator of Osterix (Osx) which is an osteoblast‐specific transcription factor that is needful for osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, we further investigated whether PLCβ1 could be a potential target of miR‐214 in the control of osteogenic differentiation by gain‐ and loss‐ of function experiment. The results indicated that inhibition of miR‐214 in C2C12 cells significantly enhances the protein level of PLCβ1 and promotes C2C12 BMP‐2‐induced osteogenesis by targeting PLCβ1. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 623–629, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Opposition‐based BAT algorithm for optimal design of circular and concentric circular arrays with improved far‐field radiation characteristics
Authors: Ram Gopi , Mandal Durbadal , Kar Rajib , Ghoshal Sakti Prasad
Published: July 2015

In this paper, optimal designs of non‐uniform single‐ring circular antenna array (CAA) and non‐uniform three‐ring concentric circular antenna array (CCAA) have been dealt with, which gives rise to optimal improvement of far‐field radiation characteristics. An evolutionary optimization technique based on opposition‐based bat algorithm (OBA) is applied to determine an optimum set of current excitation weights and antenna inter‐element spacing for CAA of 8, 10, and 12 elements and optimal current excitation weights for CCAA, respectively. Two three‐ring CCAAs, one having the set of 4, 6, and 8 elements and the other having 8, 10, and 12 elements with and without center element, are considered. The results show a considerable reduction of side lobe level, 3‐dB beamwidth, and improved directivity of CAA and better side lobe level of CCAA, with respect to the results of some recent literature reported in this paper. The BAT is a metaheuristic algorithm, based on the echolocation behavior of bats. The capability of echolocation of microbats is fascinating as the bats can find their prey and discriminate different types of insects even in complete darkness. By idealizing the echolocation behavior of bats, BAT is recently introduced in the literature. In the present paper, opposition‐based learning is employed for population initialization and also for the generation jumping along with the original BAT for further improving the convergence performance of BAT. This new variant of BAT is termed as opposition‐based BAT. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resonant interaction between laser and electrons undergoing betatron oscillations in the bubble regime
Authors: Curcio Alessandro , Giulietti Danilo , Dattoli Giuseppe , Ferrario Massimo
Published: July 2015

The betatron radiation in the bubble regime is studied in the presence of resonant interaction between the accelerated electrons and the driver laser pulse tail. The calculations refer to experimental parameters available at the FLAME laser facility at the National Laboratories of Frascati (LNF), and represent the radiation spectra and spatial distributions to be expected in forthcoming experiments.
AFLP assessment of the genetic relationships among 12 Thymus taxa occurring in Portugal
Authors: da Silva David V. , Duarte João M. , Miguel Maria G. , Leitão José M.
Published: July 2015

Thymus is a widely distributed genus in the Mediterranean region with several species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. The genetic relationships among the 12 major Thymus taxa, T. albicans, T. caespititius, T. camphoratus, T. capitellatus, T. carnosus, T.lotocephalus, T. mastichina L. ssp. mastichina, T. pulegioides, T. villosus ssp. lusitanicus, T. villosus ssp. villosus, T. zygis ssp. sylvestris and T. zygis ssp. zygis, which occur in Portugal were assessed by AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms) markers. A general agreement was found between the genetic relationships estimated by the AFLP markers and the accepted Thymus taxonomy based on morphological traits and essential oil content. The AFLP markers also supported suggestions for refinement of the taxonomy of this genus.
60,000 years of interactions between Central and Eastern Africa documented by major African mitochondrial haplogroup L2
Authors: Silva Marina , Alshamali Farida , Silva Paula , Carrilho Carla , Mandlate Flávio , Jesus Trovoada Maria , Černý Viktor , Pereira Luísa , Soares Pedro
Published: July 2015

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup L2 originated in Western Africa but is nowadays spread across the entire continent. L2 movements were previously postulated to be related to the Bantu expansion, but L2 expansions eastwards probably occurred much earlier. By reconstructing the phylogeny of L2 (44 new complete sequences) we provide insights on the complex net of within-African migrations in the last 60 thousand years (ka). Results show that lineages in Southern Africa cluster with Western/Central African lineages at a recent time scale, whereas, eastern lineages seem to be substantially more ancient. Three moments of expansion from a Central African source are associated to L2: (1) one migration at 70–50 ka into Eastern or Southern Africa, (2) postglacial movements (15–10 ka) into Eastern Africa; and (3) the southward Bantu Expansion in the last 5 ka. The complementary population and L0a phylogeography analyses indicate no strong evidence of mtDNA gene flow between eastern and southern populations during the later movement, suggesting low admixture between Eastern African populations and the Bantu migrants. This implies that, at least in the early stages, the Bantu expansion was mainly a demic diffusion with little incorporation of local populations.
Structures of intermediates during RES complex assembly
Authors: Wysoczanski Piotr , Becker Stefan , Zweckstetter Markus
Published: July 2015

The action of the spliceosome depends on the stepwise cooperative assembly and disassembly of its components. Very strong cooperativity was observed for the RES (Retention and Splicing) hetero-trimeric complex where the affinity from binary to tertiary interactions changes more than 100-fold and affects RNA binding. The RES complex is involved in splicing regulation and retention of not properly spliced pre-mRNA with its three components—Snu17p, Pml1p and Bud13p—giving rise to the two possible intermediate dimeric complexes Pml1p-Snu17p and Bud13p-Snu17p. Here we determined the three-dimensional structure and dynamics of the Pml1p-Snu17p and Bud13p-Snu17p dimers using liquid state NMR. We demonstrate that localized as well as global changes occur along the RES trimer assembly pathway. The stepwise rigidification of the Snu17p structure following the binding of Pml1p and Bud13p provides a basis for the strong cooperative nature of RES complex assembly.
Inner workings of thrombolites: spatial gradients of metabolic activity as revealed by metatranscriptome profiling
Authors: Mobberley J. M. , Khodadad C. L. M. , Visscher P. T. , Reid R. P. , Hagan P. , Foster J. S.
Published: July 2015

Microbialites are sedimentary deposits formed by the metabolic interactions of microbes and their environment. These lithifying microbial communities represent one of the oldest ecosystems on Earth, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of these communities are poorly understood. In this study, we used comparative metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses to characterize the spatial organization of the thrombolites of Highborne Cay, The Bahamas, an actively forming microbialite system. At midday, there were differences in gene expression throughout the spatial profile of the thrombolitic mat with a high abundance of transcripts encoding genes required for photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation and exopolymeric substance production in the upper three mm of the mat. Transcripts associated with denitrification and sulfate reduction were in low abundance throughout the depth profile, suggesting these metabolisms were less active during midday. Comparative metagenomics of the Bahamian thrombolites with other known microbialite ecosystems from across the globe revealed that, despite many shared core pathways, the thrombolites represented genetically distinct communities. This study represents the first time the metatranscriptome of living microbialite has been characterized and offers a new molecular perspective on those microbial metabolisms and their underlying genetic pathways, that influence the mechanisms of carbonate precipitation in lithifying microbial mat ecosystems.
Enhancement of electroactive β phase crystallization and dielectric constant of PVDF by incorporating GeO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Kar Epsita , Bose Navonil , Das Sukhen , Mukherjee Nillohit , Mukherjee Sampad
Published: July 2015

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanocomposites are recently gaining importance due to their unique dielectric and electroactive responses.
Pulse electrodeposition and corrosion behavior of Ni–W/MWCNT nanocomposite coatings
Authors: Li Han , He Yi , Fan Yi , Xu Wei , Yang Qiangbin
Published: July 2015

In this study, Ni–W/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite coatings were successfully deposited on the surface of a C45 steel sheet by pulse current electrodeposition.
Nanoclay based graphene polyaniline hybrid nanocomposites: promising electrode materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Oraon R. , De Adhikari A. , Tiwari S. K. , Nayak G. C.
Published: July 2015

Nanoclay based graphene polyaniline (PANI) hybrid nanocomposites were synthesized by bothin situandex situapproaches and the effect of nanoclay on the energy storage capability was explored.
An expedient route to highly diversified [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepines and their evaluation for antimicrobial, antiproliferative and in silico studies
Authors: Sudhapriya N. , Nandakumar A. , Arun Y. , Perumal P. T. , Balachandran C. , Emi Nobuhiko
Published: July 2015

A simple and facile synthesis of a series of diversified [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepines has been achieved successfully via a one-pot method under milder conditions and evaluated for their biological activity.
In Vitro Transcripts of Wild-Type and Fluorescent Protein-Tagged Triticum mosaic virus (Family Potyviridae) are Biologically Active in Wheat
Authors: Tatineni Satyanarayana , McMechan Anthony J. , Bartels Melissa , Hein Gary L. , Graybosch Robert A.
Published: July 2015

Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) (genus Poacevirus, family Potyviridae) is a recently described eriophyid mite-transmitted wheat virus. In vitro RNA transcripts generated from full-length cDNA clones of TriMV proved infectious on wheat. Wheat seedlings inoculated with in vitro transcripts elicited mosaic and mottling symptoms similar to the wild-type virus, and the progeny virus was efficiently transmitted by wheat curl mites, indicating that the cloned virus retained pathogenicity, movement, and wheat curl mite transmission characteristics. A series of TriMV-based expression vectors was constructed by engineering a green fluorescent protein (GFP) or red fluorescent protein (RFP) open reading frame with homologous NIa-Pro cleavage peptides between the P1 and HC-Pro cistrons. We found that GFP-tagged TriMV with seven or nine amino acid cleavage peptides efficiently processed GFP from HC-Pro. TriMV-GFP vectors were stable in wheat for more than 120 days and for six serial passages at 14-day intervals by mechanical inoculation and were transmitted by wheat curl mites similarly to the wild-type virus. Fluorescent protein-tagged TriMV was observed in wheat leaves, stems, and crowns. The availability of fluorescent protein-tagged TriMV will facilitate the examination of virus movement and distribution in cereal hosts and the mechanisms of cross protection and synergistic interactions between TriMV and Wheat streak mosaic virus.
Winogradskyella litoriviva sp. nov., isolated from coastal seawater
Authors: Nedashkovskaya Olga I. , Kukhlevskiy Andrey D. , Zhukova Natalia V. , Kim So-Jeong , Rhee Sung-Keun , Mikhailov Valery V.
Published: July 2015

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, moderately halophilic and gliding bacterium, designated KMM 6491T, was isolated from coastal seawater collected from Troitsa Bay, the Sea of Japan. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KMM 6491T was a member of the genus Winogradskyella, with 94.5–97.9 % sequence similarity to recognized species of the genus Winogradskyella. The DNA G+C content of strain KMM 6491T was 31.3 mol% and DNA–DNA relatedness values with the type strains of Winogradskyella echinorum, Winogradskyella damuponensis, Winogradskyella eximia and Winogradskyella pulchriflava were in range of 10–26 %. Strain KMM 6491T contained menaquinone 6 (MK-6) as the single quinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C15 : 0 and summed feature 3 (comprising iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c) anteiso-C15 : 0, as the prevalent fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain KMM 6491T were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unknown aminolipids and two unknown lipids. Strain KMM 6491T was able to grow with 0.5–7 % NaCl and at 4–34 °C. The novel strain decomposed gelatin and starch and produced acid from d-glucose, maltose, mannose, rhamnose, sucrose, fructose and glycerol. On the basis of the results of the phylogenetic and phenotypic analyses it is suggested that strain KMM 6491T represents a novel species of the genus Winogradskyella, for which the name Winogradskyella litoriviva sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 6491T ( = KCTC 23972T = LMG 26984T).
Applying phylogenomics to understand the emergence of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains causing severe human disease in the UK
Authors: Dallman Timothy J. , Ashton Philip M. , Byrne Lisa , Perry Neil T. , Petrovska Liljana , Ellis Richard , Allison Lesley , Hanson Mary , Holmes Anne , Gunn George J. , Chase-Topping Margo E. , Woolhouse Mark E. J. , Grant Kathie A. , Gally David L. , Wain John , Jenkins Claire
Published: July 2015

Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 is a recently emerged zoonotic pathogen with considerable morbidity. Since the emergence of this serotype in the 1980s, research has focussed on unravelling the evolutionary events from the E. coli O55:H7 ancestor to the contemporaneous globally dispersed strains observed today. In this study, the genomes of over 1000 isolates from both human clinical cases and cattle, spanning the history of STEC O157:H7 in the UK, were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the ancestry, key acquisition events and global context of the strains. Dated phylogenies estimated the time to evolution of the most recent common ancestor of the current circulating global clone to be 175 years ago. This event was followed by rapid diversification. We show the acquisition of specific virulence determinates has occurred relatively recently and coincides with its recent detection in the human population. We used clinical outcome data from 493 cases of STEC O157:H7 to assess the relative risk of severe disease including haemolytic uraemic syndrome from each of the defined clades in the population and show the dramatic effect Shiga toxin repertoire has on virulence. We describe two strain replacement events that have occurred in the cattle population in the UK over the last 30 years, one resulting in a highly virulent strain that has accounted for the majority of clinical cases in the UK over the last decade. There is a need to understand the selection pressures maintaining Shiga-toxin-encoding bacteriophages in the ruminant reservoir and the study affirms the requirement for close surveillance of this pathogen in both ruminant and human populations.