bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Side‐chain effects on phenothiazine‐based donor–acceptor copolymer properties in organic photovoltaic devices
Authors: Seo Young‐Hoon , Lee Woo‐Hyung , Park Jong‐Hyeok , Bae Cheolbeom , Hong Yongtaek , Park Jong‐Wook , Kang In‐Nam
Published: November 2011

A series of new phenothiazine‐based donor–acceptor copolymers, P1 and P2, were synthesized via a Suzuki coupling reaction. The weight‐averaged molecular weights (Mw) of P1 and P2 were found to be 16,700 and 16,100, with polydispersity indices of 1.74 and 1.39, respectively. The UV–visible absorption spectra of the polymer thin films contained three strong absorption bands in the ranges 318–320 nm, 430–436 nm, and 527–568 nm. The absorption peaks at 320 and 430 nm originated mainly from the phenothiazine‐based monomer units, and the longer wavelength absorption band at 527–568 nm was attributed to the increased effective conjugation length of the polymer backbones. Solution‐processed field‐effect transistors fabricated with these polymers exhibited p‐type organic thin film transistor characteristics. The field‐effect mobilities of P1 and P2 were measured to be 1.0 × 10−4 and 7.5 × 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively, with on/off ratios in the order of 104 for all polymers. A photovoltaic device in which a P2/PC71BM (1/3) blend film was used as the active layer exhibited an open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.70 V, a short‐circuit current (JSC) of 6.79 mA cm(2, a fill factor of 0.39, and a power conversion efficiency of 1.86% under AM 1.5 G (100 mW cm−2) illumination. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis, morphology, and field‐effect transistor characteristics of new crystalline–crystalline diblock copolymers of poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐block‐steryl acrylate)
Authors: Lin Jung‐Chuan , Lee Wen‐Ya , Kuo Chi‐Ching , Li Chaoxu , Mezzenga Raffaele , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: November 2011

We report the synthesis, morphology, and charge‐transporting characteristics of new crystalline–crystalline diblock copolymers, poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐block‐stearyl acrylate) (P3HT‐b‐PSA). Three different diblock copolymers, P1, P2, and P3, with P3HT/PSA polymerization degree block ratios of 60/26, 60/50, and 60/360, respectively, were prepared for investigating the morphology‐property relationship and the dependence of optoelectronic properties on the block copolymer structure. Small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering indicated the presence of both P3HT and PSA crystalline domains and the presence of microphase separation among blocks. The transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy results revealed that the diblock copolymers cast from chlorobenzene, tended to form needle‐like morphologies. The field‐effect mobilities of the diblock copolymers deposited on untreated SiO2 substrates, decreased with increasing PSA block length. In a sharp contrast, the mobilities enhanced with increasing PSA content when the P3HT‐b‐PSA was deposited on phenyltrichlorosilane (PTS)‐treated substrates. The copolymers with a 60/360 P3HT/PSA ratio showed a good mobility of 4 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a high on/off ratio of 7 × 106 on PTS‐treated substrates. This study highlighted the importance of the block ratio, the substrate and self‐assembly structures on the charge transport characteristics of the crystalline–crystalline conjugated diblock copolymers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Lung function distinguishes preschool children with CF from healthy controls in a multi‐center setting
Authors: Kerby Gwendolyn S. , Rosenfeld Margaret , Ren Clement L. , Mayer Oscar H. , Brumback Lyndia , Castile Robert , Hart Meeghan A. , Hiatt Peter , Kloster Margaret , Johnson Robin , Jones Paul , Davis Stephanie D.
Published: November 2011

Rationale

Conducting clinical trials in cystic fibrosis (CF) preschoolers has been limited by lack of sensitive lung function measures performed across sites.

Objectives

(1) Assess feasibility and short‐term reproducibility of spirometry, forced oscillometry (FO), and inductance plethysmography (IP) in a multi‐center preschool population; (2) compare ability of each technique to differentiate lung function of CF preschoolers and controls; (3) evaluate longitudinal changes in lung function; (4) estimate sample sizes for future trials.

Methods

A longitudinal, multi‐center study of CF preschoolers was conducted utilizing standardized equipment, rigorous site training, and centralized lung function data review. CF subjects participated in up to four study visits 6 months apart, plus a 2‐week reproducibility visit. Controls had one study visit.

Results

Ninety‐three CF subjects and 87 controls participated. Acceptability rates were lowest for spirometry (55%) and highest for IP (77%). Spirometry success increased with age and having a prior acceptable measurement. FEV1, FEV0.5, and FEF25–75 were lower for CF subjects than for controls; spirometric z‐scores declined with age. IP measures of thoracoabdominal asynchrony were greater for CF subjects than for controls. FO indices did not distinguish CF from controls. FEV1 and FEV0.5 are able to detect the smallest treatment effect for a given sample size.

Conclusions

Spirometry appears more sensitive than IP or FO for detecting lung disease in CF preschoolers; spirometric indices decline with age. Future trials using spirometry should include a run‐in period for training and require acceptable data prior to enrollment. However, near‐normal spirometric measurements in CF preschoolers may lead to difficulty detecting a treatment effect. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:597–605. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Middle East Conflict after the Arab Spring: The Case of Palestine
Authors: Aronson Geoffrey
Published: November 2011

The Arab Spring offers uncertain promise for effective action on Palestine. While the mobilisation of civil society throughout the Arab world cannot but give voice to popular support for Palestine, continuing strategic weaknesses may well limit the effective translation of these sentiments in the political, diplomatic and indeed military landscape.
1-D fluid model of atmospheric-pressure rf He+O2 cold plasmas: Parametric study and critical evaluation
Authors: Yang Aijun , Wang Xiaohua , Rong Mingzhe , Liu Dingxin , Iza Felipe , Kong Michael G.
Published: November 2011

In this paper atmospheric-pressure rf He+O2 cold plasmas are studied by means of a 1-D fluid model. 17 species and 60 key reactions selected from a study of 250+ reactions are incorporated in the model. O2+, O3-, and O are the dominant positive ion, negative ion, and reactive oxygen species, respectively. Ground state O is mainly generated by electron induced reactions and quenching of atomic and molecular oxygen metastables, while three-body reactions leading to the formation of O2 and O3 are the main mechanisms responsible for O destruction. The fraction of input power dissipated by ions is ∼20%. For the conditions considered in the study ∼6% of the input power is coupled to ions in the bulk and this amount will increase with increasing electronegativity. Radial and electrode losses of neutral species are in most cases negligible when compared to gas phase processes as these losses are diffusion limited due to the large collisionality of the plasma. The electrode loss rate of neutral species is found to be nearly independent of the surface adsorption probability p for p > 0.001 and therefore plasma dosage can be quantified even if p is not known precisely.
Direction of scalar transport in turbulent channel flow
Authors: Srinivasan Chiranth , Papavassiliou Dimitrios V.
Published: November 2011

The concept of reverse diffusion, introduced by Corrsin to describe the motion of particles as they move towards a location in the flow field, is fundamental to the understanding of mixing. In this work, direct numerical simulations in conjunction with the tracking of scalar markers are utilized in infinitely long channels to study the principal direction of transport of heat (or mass) for both forwards and backwards single particle dispersion. The viscous sub-layer, the transition region (between the viscous sub-layer and the logarithmic region), and the logarithmic region of a Poiseuille flow and a plane Couette flow channel are studied. Fluctuating velocities of scalar markers captured in these regions are used to obtain the full autocorrelation coefficient tensor forwards and backwards with time. The highest eigenvalue of the velocity correlation coefficient tensor quantifies the highest amount of turbulent heat transport, while the corresponding eigenvector points to the main direction of transport. Different Prandtl number, Pr, fluids are simulated for the two types of flow. It is found that the highest eigenvalues are higher in the case of backwards dispersion compared to the case of forwards dispersion for any Pr, in both flow cases. The principal direction for backwards and forwards dispersion is different than for forwards dispersion, for all Pr, and in all flow regions for both flows. Fluids with lower Pr behave different than the higher Pr fluids because of increased molecular diffusion effects. The current study also establishes an interesting analogy of turbulent dispersion to optics defining the turbulent dispersive ratio, a parameter that can be used to identify the differences in the direction of turbulent heat transport between forwards and backwards dispersion. A spectral analysis of the auto-correlation coefficient for both forwards and backwards dispersion shows a universal behavior with slope of −1 at intermediate frequencies.
A study of similarity solutions for laminar swirling axisymmetric flows with both buoyancy and initial momentum flux
Authors: Taub G. N. , Lee Hyungoo , Balachandar S. , Sherif S. A.
Published: November 2011

Using an asymptotic approach, the established similarity solution for a plume is extended to the case of a plume with a small amount of angular momentum flux. Numerical simulations of laminar flows are performed in order to verify the similarity solution and to further examine the behavior of plumes with and without swirl and to compare with those of jets and swirling jets. Vortex breakdown of jets and plumes is explored, and an analytical estimate for the critical swirl in plumes is obtained, which compares well with the simulation results. A comparison is made between vortex breakdown in jets, where vortex breakdown destroys the jet-like behavior, and plumes, where vortex breakdown has a weak effect and the flow continues to have plume-like behavior. Simulation results of buoyant jets and injected plumes are presented, and the behavior of vortex breakdown of these hybrid flows is discussed in reference to the pure cases.
Ratchet effect of the domain wall by asymmetric magnetostatic potentials
Authors: Piao Hong-Guang , Choi Hyeok-Cheol , Shim Je-Ho , Kim Dong-Hyun , You Chun-Yeol
Published: November 2011

We investigate a ratchet effect of magnetic domain wall motion in a ferromagnetic nanowire under AC magnetic fields using micromagnetic simulation. The ratchet effect for a transverse domain wall is achieved using an asymmetric magnetic potential generated by stray fields from non-contact trapezoidal ferromagnetic stubs near the straight nanowire. The ratchet phenomenon has been examined with various combinations of amplitude and frequency of the driving AC field. Interestingly, we find that the domain wall propagates along a preferential direction by the diode-like ratchet effect under AC field. The propagation of the domain wall strongly depends on the profile of the asymmetrical magnetic potentials and the driving AC field characteristics.
Suppression of luminescence quenching at the nanometer scale in Gd2O3 doped with Eu3+ or Tb3+: Systematic comparison between nanometric and macroscopic samples of life-time, quantum yield, radiative and non-radiative decay rates
Authors: Mutelet B. , Perriat P. , Ledoux G. , Amans D. , Lux F. , Tillement O. , Billotey C. , Janier M. , Villiers C. , Bazzi R. , Roux S. , Lu G. , Gong Q. , Martini M.
Published: November 2011

By systematically studying the evolution of the optical properties with the content of some doping elements (Eu and Tb) in cubic gadolinium oxide, we demonstrated that the luminescence quenching could be almost entirely suppressed by elaboration of the samples in the nanometer range. Indeed, even if the proportion of quenchers (here surface hydroxyl groups) does increase at this scale, each rare-earth cation possesses an electronic configuration that depends on its distance from the surface and then slightly differs from that of the surrounding atoms. This difference almost eliminates any resonant transfer of excitation between all the atoms within the particle and suppresses a significant proportion of non-radiative losses. As a consequence, the quantum yield is not affected by the phenomenon of luminescence quenching because of concentration that is usually encountered in macroscopic samples. The emission can then be increased by a factor of about 3 for Tb and 5 for Eu simply by increasing the doping content. Moreover, the lifetime is significantly increased compared to macroscopic samples and, contrary to what happens at the macroscopic scale, does not depend on the doping content. This result opens new strategies to increase the emission of many fluorophores already commercialized, provided that the bcc structure is effectively preserved in the desired application.
The microfluidic system for studies of carcinoma and normal cells interactions after photodynamic therapy (PDT) procedures
Authors: Jedrych Elzbieta , Chudy Michal , Dybko Artur , Brzozka Zbigniew
Published: November 2011

This study reports on the use of a microsystem for evaluation of photodynamic therapy (PDT) procedures on the “mixed” (carcinoma-normal) cultures. Balb/3T3 (normal mouse embryo) and A549 (human lung carcinoma) cells were tested in separated and “mixed” cultures. Interactions and migration of cells cultured together were observed. The PDT procedures were examined in the hybrid (PDMS/glass) microsystem which contains cell culture microchambers integrated with network of microchannels. We investigated that the number of dead cells after PDT procedures is dependent on the kind of cell culture. Moreover, the influence of the carcinoma cells on the viability of normal cells in the “mixed” culture was observed.
Magnetic anisotropy and stacking faults in Co and Co84Pt16 epitaxially grown thin films
Authors: Sokalski Vincent , Laughlin David E. , Zhu Jian-Gang
Published: November 2011

A combined set of experimental and theoretical diffraction studies are performed to evaluate the possible impact of stacking faults on magnetic anisotropy using epitaxially grown Co/Ru and Co84Pt16/Ru thin films on MgO(111) single crystal substrates. A 3rd nearest neighbor interaction is incorporated into Monte Carlo simulations of faulted film growth used to predict (10.L) diffraction profiles. These are compared with experimental profiles to determine stacking fault content. It is found that stacking fault density decreases with increasing temperature concurrent with an increase in magnetic anisotropy and a compression of the crystallographic lattice parameter, c.
Dirac spinors in Bianchi-I f(R)-cosmology with torsion
Authors: Vignolo Stefano , Fabbri Luca , Cianci Roberto
Published: November 2011

We study Dirac spinors in Bianchi type-I cosmological models, within the framework of torsional f(R)-gravity. We find four types of results: the resulting dynamic behavior of the universe depends on the particular choice of function f(R); some f(R) models do not isotropize and have no Einstein limit, so that they have no physical significance, whereas for other f(R) models isotropization and Einsteinization occur, and so they are physically acceptable, suggesting that phenomenological arguments may select f(R) models that are physically meaningful; the singularity problem can be avoided, due to the presence of torsion; the general conservation laws holding for f(R)-gravity with torsion ensure the preservation of the Hamiltonian constraint, so proving that the initial value problem is well-formulated for these models.
β-catenin/TCF4 complex induces the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-activator ZEB1 to regulate tumor invasiveness
Authors: Sánchez-Tilló Ester , de Barrios Oriol , Siles Laura , Cuatrecasas Miriam , Castells Antoni , Postigo Antonio
Published: November 2011

In most carcinomas, invasion of malignant cells into surrounding tissues involves their molecular reprogramming as part of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mutation of the
APC
gene in most colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) contributes to the nuclear translocation of the oncoprotein β-catenin that upon binding to T-cell and lymphoid enhancer (TCF-LEF) factors triggers an EMT and a proinvasive gene expression profile. A key inducer of EMT is the ZEB1 transcription factor whose expression promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in carcinomas. As inhibitor of the epithelial phenotype, ZEB1 is never present in the epithelium of normal colon or the tumor center of CRCs where β-catenin remains membranous. We show here that ZEB1 is expressed by epithelial cells in intestinal tumors from human patients (familial adenomatous polyposis) and mouse models (APC
Min/+
) with germline mutations of
APC
that result in nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. However, ZEB1 is not expressed in the epithelium of hereditary forms of CRCs that carry wild-type
APC
and where β-catenin is excluded from the nucleus (Lynch syndrome). We found that β-catenin/TCF4 binds directly to the ZEB1 promoter and activates its transcription. Knockdown of β-catenin and TCF4 in
APC
-mutated CRC cells inhibited endogenous ZEB1, whereas forced translocation of β-catenin to the nucleus in
APC
-wild-type CRC cells induced de novo expression of ZEB1. Upregulation of MT1-MMP and LAMC2 by β-catenin/TCF4 has been linked to invasiveness in CRCs, and we show here that both proteins are activated by ZEB1 coexpressing with it in primary colorectal tumors with mutated
APC
. These results set ZEB1 as an effector of β-catenin/TCF4 signaling in EMT and tumor progression.
β
2
-Adrenoceptor agonist-induced RGS2 expression is a genomic mechanism of bronchoprotection that is enhanced by glucocorticoids
Authors: Holden Neil S. , Bell Matthew J. , Rider Christopher F. , King Elizabeth M. , Gaunt David D. , Leigh Richard , Johnson Malcolm , Siderovski David P. , Heximer Scott P. , Giembycz Mark A. , Newton Robert
Published: November 2011

In asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, activation of G
q
-protein–coupled receptors causes bronchoconstriction. In each case, the management of moderate-to-severe disease uses inhaled corticosteroid (glucocorticoid)/long-acting β
2
-adrenoceptor agonist (LABA) combination therapies, which are more efficacious than either monotherapy alone. In primary human airway smooth muscle cells, glucocorticoid/LABA combinations synergistically induce the expression of regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2), a GTPase-activating protein that attenuates G
q
signaling. Functionally, RGS2 reduced intracellular free calcium flux elicited by histamine, methacholine, leukotrienes, and other spasmogens. Furthermore, protection against spasmogen-increased intracellular free calcium, following treatment for 6 h with LABA plus corticosteroid, was dependent on RGS2. Finally,
Rgs2
-deficient mice revealed enhanced bronchoconstriction to spasmogens and an absence of LABA-induced bronchoprotection. These data identify RGS2 gene expression as a genomic mechanism of bronchoprotection that is induced by glucocorticoids plus LABAs in human airway smooth muscle and provide a rational explanation for the clinical efficacy of inhaled corticosteroid (glucocorticoid)/LABA combinations in obstructive airways diseases.
Expression2Kinases: mRNA profiling linked to multiple upstream regulatory layers
Authors: Chen Edward Y. , Xu Huilei , Gordonov Simon , Lim Maribel P. , Perkins Matthew H. , Ma'ayan Avi
Published: November 2011

Motivation: Genome-wide mRNA profiling provides a snapshot of the global state of cells under different conditions. However, mRNA levels do not provide direct understanding of upstream regulatory mechanisms. Here, we present a new approach called Expression2Kinases (X2K) to identify upstream regulators likely responsible for observed patterns in genome-wide gene expression. By integrating chromatin immuno-precipitation (ChIP)-seq/chip and position weight matrices (PWMs) data, protein–protein interactions and kinase–substrate phosphorylation reactions, we can better identify regulatory mechanisms upstream of genome-wide differences in gene expression. We validated X2K by applying it to recover drug targets of food and drug administration (FDA)-approved drugs from drug perturbations followed by mRNA expression profiling; to map the regulatory landscape of 44 stem cells and their differentiating progeny; to profile upstream regulatory mechanisms of 327 breast cancer tumors; and to detect pathways from profiled hepatic stellate cells and hippocampal neurons. The X2K approach can advance our understanding of cell signaling and unravel drugs mechanisms of action.

Availability: The software and source code are freely available at: http://www.maayanlab.net/X2K.

Contact:  avi.maayan@mssm.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Rhizobium grahamii sp. nov., from nodules of Dalea leporina, Leucaena leucocephala and Clitoria ternatea, and Rhizobium mesoamericanum sp. nov., from nodules of Phaseolus vulgaris, siratro, cowpea and Mimosa pudica
Authors: López-López Aline , Rogel-Hernández Marco A. , Barois Isabelle , Ortiz Ceballos Angel I. , Martínez Julio , Ormeño-Orrillo Ernesto , Martínez-Romero Esperanza
Published: November 2011

Two novel related

Rhizobium

species, Rhizobium grahamii sp. nov. and Rhizobium mesoamericanum sp. nov., were identified by a polyphasic approach using DNA–DNA hybridization, whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic and phenotypic characterization including nodulation of Leucaena leucocephala and Phaseolus vulgaris (bean). As similar bacteria were found in the Los Tuxtlas rainforest in Mexico and in Central America, we suggest the existence of a Mesoamerican microbiological corridor. The type strain of Rhizobium grahamii sp. nov. is CCGE 502T ( = ATCC BAA-2124T  = CFN 242T  = Dal4T  = HAMBI 3152T) and that of Rhizobium mesoamericanum sp. nov. is CCGE 501T ( = ATCC BAA-2123T  = HAMBI 3151T  = CIP 110148T  = 1847T).
Parasphingopyxis lamellibrachiae gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a marine annelid worm
Authors: Uchida Hiromi , Hamana Koei , Miyazaki Masayuki , Yoshida Takao , Nogi Yuichi
Published: November 2011

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, orange-pigmented, slightly halophilic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain JAMH 0132T, was isolated from the trophosome of a tubeworm in Kagoshima Bay, Japan, and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. The novel strain grew optimally at 28–30 °C and with about 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Chemotaxonomic analysis showed that Q-10 was the predominant respiratory quinone and that C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0 2-OH and C16 : 0 were the major fatty acids. Sphingoglycolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine were the major polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 60.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain JAMH 0132T belonged to the family

Sphingomonadaceae

, within the class

Alphaproteobacteria

. The novel strain appeared most closely related to

Sphingopyxis baekryungensis

SW-150T (95.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and showed less sequence similarity with representatives of the genera

Blastomonas

,

Sphingomonas

,

Sphingosinicella

and

Novosphingobium

(<94.8 %). In having no detectable polyamine, strain JAMH 0132T differed from members of all genera currently in the family

Sphingomonadaceae

. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain JAMH 0132T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family

Sphingomonadaceae

for which the name Parasphingopyxis lamellibrachiae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Parasphingopyxis lamellibrachiae gen. nov., sp. nov. is JAMH 0132T ( = JCM 15549T  = NCIMB 14486T).
Mongoliicoccus roseus gen. nov., sp. nov., an alkaliphilic bacterium isolated from a haloalkaline lake
Authors: Liu Ya Peng , Wang Yong Xia , Li Yun Xu , Feng Fu Ying , Liu Hui Rong , Wang Jia
Published: November 2011

Two pink, non-motile, aerobic, alkaliphilic, halotolerant, Gram-negative cocci, designated MIM28T and MIM29, were isolated from the surface water of a haloalkaline lake on the Mongolia Plateau. The isolates grew optimally at 30–33 °C, at pH 8–9 and with 3–4 % (w/v) NaCl. The isolates were chemoheterotrophic and could assimilate carbohydrates, organic acids and amino acids. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-7. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (13.8–17.5 %), anteiso-C15 : 0 (10.5–11.2 %), iso-C16 : 0 (9.9–13.0 %), C16 : 0 (4.3–4.6 %), iso-C17 : 0 (3.8–5.3 %), anteiso-C17 : 0 (3.7–7.1 %), C17 : 1ω6c (4.6–6.4 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (4.6–5.8 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c; 4.0–6.4 %) and summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl; 10.4–12.5 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolates were most closely related to

Litoribacter ruber

YIM CH208T (93.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), the genus

Echinicola

(90.4–92 %) and other members of the family

Cyclobacteriaceae

(87.8–90 %). The DNA G+C contents of strains MIM28T and MIM29 were 62.8 and 62.2 mol%. On the basis of morphology, physiology, fatty acid composition, phylogeny and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolates are assigned to a novel species of a new genus, for which we propose the name Mongoliicoccus roseus gen. nov., sp. nov.; the type strain of the type species is MIM28T ( = ACCC 05511T  = KCTC 19808T).
Corynebacterium epidermidicanis sp. nov., isolated from skin of a dog
Authors: Frischmann Alexa , Knoll Alexander , Hilbert Friederike , Zasada Aleksandra Anna , Kämpfer Peter , Busse Hans-Jürgen
Published: November 2011

A Gram-stain-positive, pleomorphic, oxidase-negative, non-motile isolate from the skin of a dog, designated strain 410T, was subjected to comprehensive taxonomic characterization. Comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the novel isolate showed highest similarities to the type strains of

Corynebacterium humireducens

,

Corynebacterium diphtheriae

,

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis

and

Corynebacterium ulcerans

(96.1–96.8 %). The quinone system consisted predominantly of MK-8(H2) and MK-9(H2). The polar lipid profile of strain 410T contained the major compounds diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, two unidentified phospholipids and four unidentified glycolipids. The polyamine pattern was composed of the major amines spermidine and spermine. In the fatty acid profile, predominantly straight-chain, saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids were detected (C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0). These chemotaxonomic traits are in agreement with those reported for representatives of the genus

Corynebacterium

. Strain 410T tested negative for diphtheria toxin. Physiological properties as well as unique traits in the polar lipid profile could be used to distinguish strain 410T from the most closely related species. These data suggest that strain 410T represents a novel species of the genus

Corynebacterium

, for which we propose the name Corynebacterium epidermidicanis sp. nov. The type strain is 410T ( = DSM 45586T = LMG 26322T = CCUG 60915T).
Fulvivirga imtechensis sp. nov., a member of the phylum

Bacteroidetes
Authors: Nupur  , Sharma Shalley , Kumar Singh Pradip , Suresh Korpole , Anil Kumar Pinnaka
Published: November 2011

A novel, Gram-staining-negative, yellow-coloured, rod-shaped, obligately aerobic, non-motile bacterium, designated strain AK7T, was isolated from seawater collected on the coast at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. The predominant fatty acids of the novel strain were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, C16 : 1ω5c, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed features 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and 4 (iso-C17 : 1 I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1 B). The major respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the polar lipid profile comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and four other unidentified lipids. In phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain AK7T appeared most closely related to

Fulvivirga kasyanovii

KMM 6220T (95.9 % sequence similarity), a member of the family

Flammeovirgaceae

in the phylum

Bacteroidetes

. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain AK7T was 55.1 mol%. Based on the morphological, biochemical, physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic evidence, strain AK7T represents a novel species of the genus

Fulvivirga

for which the name Fulvivirga imtechensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AK7T ( = MTCC 11053T  = JCM 17390T).
Kangiella taiwanensis sp. nov. and Kangiella marina sp. nov., marine bacteria isolated from shallow coastal water
Authors: Jean Wen Dar , Huang Ssu-Po , Chen Jwo-Sheng , Shieh Wung Yang
Published: November 2011

Two Gram-negative, heterotrophic, aerobic, marine bacteria, designated strains KT1T and KM1T, were isolated from seawater samples collected from the shallow coastal regions of northern Taiwan. Cells grown in broth cultures were non-flagellated rods. NaCl was required for growth. Optimal growth occurred with 2–5 % NaCl, at 25–30 °C and at pH 8. They grew aerobically and were not capable of anaerobic growth by fermenting d-glucose or other carbohydrates. Q-8 was the only isoprenoid quinone. The major polar lipid detected in strain KT1T was phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, whereas those detected in KM1T were phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine and an unidentified phospholipid. Cellular fatty acids were nearly all iso-branched, with iso-C15 : 0 as the most abundant component (54.6–57.2 % of the total). Strains KT1T and KM1T had DNA G+C contents of 43.9 and 46.3 mol%, respectively. The two strains shared 98.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity; levels of similarity with the type strains of species of the genus

Kangiella

were 95.6–98.4 %. Data from the present taxonomic study conducted using a polyphasic approach revealed that the isolates could be classified as representatives of two novel species of the genus

Kangiella

, for which the names Kangiella taiwanensis sp. nov. (type strain KT1T = BCRC 80330T = JCM 17727T) and Kangiella marina sp. nov. (type strain KM1T = BCRC 80329T = JCM 17728T) are proposed.
Burkholderia

symbiotica sp. nov., isolated from root nodules of Mimosa spp. native to north-east Brazil
Authors: Sheu Shih-Yi , Chou Jui-Hsing , Bontemps Cyril , Elliott Geoffrey N. , Gross Eduardo , James Euan K. , Sprent Janet I. , Young J. Peter W. , Chen Wen-Ming
Published: November 2011

Four strains, designated JPY-345T, JPY-347, JPY-366 and JPY-581, were isolated from nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots of two species of Mimosa, Mimosa cordistipula and Mimosa misera, that are native to North East Brazil, and their taxonomic positions were investigated by using a polyphasic approach. All four strains grew at 15–43 °C (optimum 35 °C), at pH 4–7 (optimum pH 5) and with 0–2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0 % NaCl). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain JPY-345T showed 97.3 % sequence similarity to the closest related species

Burkholderia soli

GP25-8T, 97.3 % sequence similarity to

Burkholderia caryophylli

ATCC25418T and 97.1 % sequence similarity to

Burkholderia kururiensis

KP23T. The predominant fatty acids of the strains were C18 : 1ω7c (36.1 %), C16 : 0 (19.8 %) and summed feature 3, comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c (11.5 %). The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8 and the DNA G+C content of the strains was 64.2–65.7 mol%. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and several uncharacterized aminophospholipids and phospholipids. DNA–DNA hybridizations between the novel strain and recognized species of the genus

Burkholderia

yielded relatedness values of <51.8 %. On the basis of 16S rRNA and recA gene sequence similarities and chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, the four strains represent a novel species in the genus

Burkholderia

, for which the name

Burkholderia

symbiotica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JPY-345T ( = LMG 26032T  = BCRC 80258T  = KCTC 23309T).
Bensingtonia rectispora sp. nov. and Bensingtonia bomiensis sp. nov., ballistoconidium-forming yeast species from Tibetan plant leaves
Authors: Wang Qi-Ming , Boekhout Teun , Bai Feng-Yan
Published: November 2011

Five yeast strains isolated from plant leaves collected in south-east Tibet formed cream to brownish colonies and produced asymmetrical ballistoconidia and CoQ-9 as the major ubiquinone. Sequence analysis of the 26S rRNA D1/D2 domain and the internal transcribed spacer region indicated that these strains represented two novel species of the genus Bensingtonia. The names Bensingtonia rectispora sp. nov. (type strain XZ 4C5T = CGMCC 2.02635T = CBS 10710T) and Bensingtonia bomiensis sp. nov. (type strain XZ 33D1T = CGMCC 2.02670T = CBS 10713T) are proposed for the two novel species, which are phylogenetically closely related to Bensingtonia naganoensis, Bensingtonia pseudonaganoensis and the type species of the genus, Bensingtonia ciliata.
Microbial domestication signatures of Lactococcus lactis can be reproduced by experimental evolution
Authors: Bachmann Herwig , Starrenburg Marjo J.C. , Molenaar Douwe , Kleerebezem Michiel , van Hylckama Vlieg Johan E.T.
Published: November 2011

Experimental evolution is a powerful approach to unravel how selective forces shape microbial genotypes and phenotypes. To this date, the available examples focus on the adaptation to conditions specific to the laboratory. The lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis naturally occurs on plants and in dairy environments, and it is proposed that dairy strains originate from the plant niche. Here we investigate the adaptation of a L. lactis strain isolated from a plant to a dairy niche by propagating it for 1000 generations in milk. Two out of three independently evolved strains displayed significantly increased acidification rates and biomass yields in milk. Genome resequencing, revealed six, seven, and 28 mutations in the three strains, including point mutations in loci related to amino acid biosynthesis and transport and in the gene encoding MutL, which is involved in DNA mismatch repair. Two strains lost a conjugative transposon containing genes important in the plant niche but dispensable in milk. A plasmid carrying an extracellular protease was introduced by transformation. Although improving growth rate and growth yield significantly, the plasmid was rapidly lost. Comparative transcriptome and phenotypic analyses confirmed that major physiological changes associated with improved growth in milk relate to nitrogen metabolism and the loss or down-regulation of several pathways involved in the utilization of complex plant polymers. Reproducing the transition from the plant to the dairy niche through experimental evolution revealed several genome, transcriptome, and phenotype signatures that resemble those seen in strains isolated from either niche.
The Arabidopsis Glucosyltransferase UGT76B1 Conjugates Isoleucic Acid and Modulates Plant Defense and Senescence
Authors: von Saint Paul Veronica , Zhang Wei , Kanawati Basem , Geist Birgit , Faus-Keßler Theresa , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Schäffner Anton R.
Published: November 2011

Plants coordinate and tightly regulate pathogen defense by the mostly antagonistic salicylate (SA)- and jasmonate (JA)-mediated signaling pathways. Here, we show that the previously uncharacterized glucosyltransferase UGT76B1 is a novel player in this SA-JA signaling crosstalk. UGT76B1 was selected as the top stress-induced isoform among all 122 members of the Arabidopsis thaliana  UGT family. Loss of UGT76B1 function leads to enhanced resistance to the biotrophic pathogen Pseudomonas syringae and accelerated senescence but increased susceptibility toward necrotrophic Alternaria brassicicola. This is accompanied by constitutively elevated SA levels and SA-related marker gene expression, whereas JA-dependent markers are repressed. Conversely, UGT76B1 overexpression has the opposite effect. Thus, UGT76B1 attenuates SA-dependent plant defense in the absence of infection, promotes the JA response, and delays senescence. The ugt76b1 phenotypes were SA dependent, whereas UGT76B1 overexpression indicated that this gene possibly also has a direct effect on the JA pathway. Nontargeted metabolomic analysis of UGT76B1 knockout and overexpression lines using ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry and activity assays with the recombinant enzyme led to the ab initio identification of isoleucic acid (2-hydroxy-3-methyl-pentanoic acid) as a substrate of UGT76B1. Exogenously applied isoleucic acid increased resistance against P. syringae infection. These findings indicate a novel link between amino acid–related molecules and plant defense that is mediated by small-molecule glucosylation.
Regulation of Compound Leaf Development in Medicago truncatula by Fused Compound Leaf1, a Class M KNOX Gene
Authors: Peng Jianling , Yu Jianbin , Wang Hongliang , Guo Yingqing , Li Guangming , Bai Guihua , Chen Rujin
Published: November 2011

Medicago truncatula is a legume species belonging to the inverted repeat lacking clade (IRLC) with trifoliolate compound leaves. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying development of trifoliolate leaves in legumes remain largely unknown. Here, we report isolation and characterization of fused compound leaf1 (fcl1) mutants of M. truncatula. Phenotypic analysis suggests that FCL1 plays a positive role in boundary separation and proximal-distal axis development of compound leaves. Map-based cloning indicates that FCL1 encodes a class M KNOX protein that harbors the MEINOX domain but lacks the homeodomain. Yeast two-hybrid assays show that FCL1 interacts with a subset of Arabidopsis thaliana BEL1-like proteins with slightly different substrate specificities from the Arabidopsis homolog KNATM-B. Double mutant analyses with M. truncatula single leaflet1 (sgl1) and palmate-like pentafoliata1 (palm1) leaf mutants show that fcl1 is epistatic to palm1 and sgl1 is epistatic to fcl1 in terms of leaf complexity and that SGL1 and FCL1 act additively and are required for petiole development. Previous studies have shown that the canonical KNOX proteins are not involved in compound leaf development in IRLC legumes. The identification of FCL1 supports the role of a truncated KNOX protein in compound leaf development in M. truncatula.
Physico‐chemical and sensory evaluation of “poundmix” from yam, cocoyam, breadfruit and plantain blends
Authors: Oladeji Babatunde , Taiwo Akanbi Cahales
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop poundmix for reconstitution as pounded yam, from yam, cocoyam, breadfruit and plantain and to evaluate their physico‐chemical and sensory properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Instant flour of the components was prepared separately and 30‐50 per cent composite blends of poundmix were formulated. The physico‐chemical, and sensory properties of the poundmix were determined and the results were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis.

Findings

The swelling capacities of the poundmix are 3.14±0.03, 3.13±0.04, 3.81±0.01 per cent for 30, 40 and 50 per cent composite levels, respectively, as against 2.27±0.04 per cent for yam flour. Whole yam flour compared well with the composites in terms of peak temperatures with the 40 per cent composite flour having the highest pasting temperature 93°C and 50 per cent composite with the lowest (72°C). However, the higher the composite level the lower the peak viscosity as 390, 260, 210, and 190 BU were recorded for 0, 30, 40 and 50 per cent composites, respectively (F=3.18, p<0.05).

Originality/value

These findings showed that supplementing poundo yam at 40 per cent composite level should be practiced as it gives the best physico‐chemical properties and sensory score.
Improvement of mechanical and antimicrobial properties of denture base resin by nano‐titanium dioxide and nano‐silicon dioxide particles
Authors: Song Rong , Jiao Xiaohui , Lin Long
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of nano‐titanium dioxide and nano‐silicon dioxide particles on the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of denture base resin.

Design/methodology/approach

Nano‐titanium dioxide and nano‐silicon dioxide particles were introduced to heat‐curing denture base resin to prepare composites. Electronic universal testing machine and friction tester were used to test tensile strength and frictional resistance properties of the samples prepared, respectively; also, film adhesion method was used to test the in vitro antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans.

Findings

Addition of nano‐titanium dioxide particles could improve the antimicrobial property of denture base resin, and addition of nano‐silicon dioxide particles could improve the tensile strength and frictional resistance of denture base resin. Mixture of the two nano‐particles, at a certain ratio, could improve the tensile strength, frictional resistance and antimicrobial property of denture base resin to a certain extent.

Practical implications

Nano‐titanium dioxide and nano‐silicon dioxide denture base resin composites were obtained. The mechanical and antimicrobial properties of the composites were improved compared to the raw denture base resin.

Originality/value

Nano‐titanium dioxide and nano‐silicon dioxide denture base resin composites with excellent performance could be obtained. Longer service life, greater hardness and clearness helped improve the patients' quality of life. Limited work with respect to the improved denture base resin was performed, which could form the theme of a future study. The outcomes of the research reported here set a new milestone in the field of denture base resin.
Formulation designs and characterisations of whey‐protein based API adhesives
Authors: Zhao Zongyan , Gao Zhenhua , Wang Wenbo , Guo Mingruo
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of the components of whey‐protein based aqueous polymer‐isocyanate (API) adhesives on the bond strength.

Design/methodology/approach

The bond test (according to the JIS K6806‐2003 standard), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterise the whey‐protein based API adhesives with various formulations and processing technologies.

Findings

The good bond strength of the optimised whey‐protein based API adhesive was attributed to the formation of strong chemical bonds in the bondline and to the additions of polyisocyanate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and nano‐CaCO3powder that improved adhesive cohesive strength by either chemical crosslinks or mechanical interlocking. The blending procedures of whey protein, PVA, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and p‐p‐MDI had great impacts on the performances of the whey‐protein based API adhesives.

Research limitations/implications

SEM micrographs showed that the effects of blending processes on the bond strength, pot life and colour might be attributed to the particle size of hydrophobic p‐MDI droplet and p‐MDI distribution in the protein‐PVA matrix.

Practical implications

The study lays the foundations of the formulation design and the processing technology for preparing whey‐protein based API adhesives.

Originality/value

The effects of the components of whey‐protein based API adhesives and the effects of blending processes on the bond strength were investigated by means bond strength evaluation, FTIR and SEM analyses; whey protein is utilised successfully to prepare novel API adhesives for structural uses.
Development of heat transfer coefficient and friction factor correlations for offset fins using CFD
Authors: Chennu Ranganayakulu , Paturu Pallavi
Published: November 2011

Purpose

In aerospace applications, due to the severe limitations on the weight and space envelope, it is mandatory to use high performance compact heat exchangers (CHEs) for enhancing the heat transfer rate. The most popularly used ones in CHEs are the plain fins, offset strip fins (OSFs), louvered fins and wavy fins. Amongst these fin types, wavy and offset fins assume a lot of importance due to their enhanced thermo‐hydraulic performance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of geometrical fin parameters, in addition to Reynolds number, on the thermo‐hydraulic performance of OSFs.

Design/methodology/approach

A computational fluid dynamics approach is used to conduct a number of numerical experiments for determination of thermo‐hydraulic performance of OSFs considering the various geometrical parameters, which are generally used in the aerospace industry. These investigations include the study of flow pattern for laminar, transition and turbulent regions. Studies are conducted with different fin geometries and comparisons are made with available data in open literature. Finally, the generalized correlations are developed for OSFs taking all geometrical parameters into account for the entire range of operations of the aerospace industry covering laminar, transition and turbulent regions. In addition, the effects of various geometrical parameters are presented as parametric studies.

Findings

Thermo‐hydraulic design of CHEs is strongly dependent upon the predicted/measured dimensionless performance (Colburn factor “j” and Fanning friction “f” vs Reynolds number Re) of heat transfer surfaces. Several types of OSFs used in the compact plate‐fin heat exchangers are analyzed numerically.

Research limitations/implications

The present numerical analysis is carried out for “air” media and hence these results may not be accurate for other fluids with large variations of Prandtl numbers.

Practical implications

In open literature, these fins are generally evaluated as a function of Reynolds number experimentally, which are expensive. However, their performance will also depend to some extent on geometrical parameters such as fin thickness, fin spacing, offset fin length and fin height.

Originality/value

This numerical estimation can reduce the number of tests/experiments to a minimum for similar applications.