bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel μ-fluidic whole blood coagulation assay based on Rayleigh surface-acoustic waves as a point-of-care method to detect anticoagulants
Authors: Meyer dos Santos Sascha , Zorn Anita , Guttenberg Zeno , Picard-Willems Bettina , Kläffling Christina , Nelson Karen , Klinkhardt Ute , Harder Sebastian
Published: October 2013

A universal coagulation test that reliably detects prolonged coagulation time in patients, irrespective of the anticoagulant administered, has not been available to date. An easily miniaturised, novel μ-fluidic universal coagulation test employing surface acoustic waves (SAW) is presented here. SAW was employed to instantly mix and recalcify 6 μl citrated whole blood and image correlation analysis was used to quantify clot formation kinetics. The detection of clinically relevant anticoagulant dosing with old anticoagulants (unfractionated heparin, argatroban) and new anticoagulants (dabigatran, rivaroxaban) has been tested and compared to standard plasma coagulation assays. The applicability of this novel method has been confirmed in a small patient population. Coagulation was dose-proportionally prolonged with heparin, argatroban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban, comparable to standard tests. Aspirin and clopidogrel did not interfere with the SAW-induced clotting time (SAW-CT), whereas the strong GPIIb/IIIa-inhibitor abciximab did interfere. Preliminary clinical data prove the suitability of the SAW-CT in patients being treated with warfarin, rivaroxaban, or dabigatran. The system principally allows assessment of whole blood coagulation in humans in a point-of-care setting. This method could be used in stroke units, emergency vehicles, general and intensive care wards, as well as for laboratory and home testing of coagulation.
The cross-plane thermoelectric properties of p-Ge/Si0.5Ge0.5 superlattices
Authors: Ferre Llin L. , Samarelli A. , Cecchi S. , Etzelstorfer T. , Müller Gubler E. , Chrastina D. , Isella G. , Stangl J. , Weaver J. M. R. , Dobson P. S. , Paul D. J.
Published: October 2013

The electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficients, and thermal conductivities of a range of p-type Ge/Si0.5Ge0.5 superlattices designed for thermoelectric generation and grown by low energy plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition have been measured using a range of microfabricated test structures. For samples with barriers around 0.5 nm in thickness, the measured Seebeck coefficients were comparable to bulk p-SiGe at similar doping levels suggesting the holes see the material as a random bulk alloy rather than a superlattice. The Seebeck coefficients for Ge quantum wells of 2.85 ± 0.85 nm increased up to 533 ± 25 μV/K as the doping was reduced. The thermal conductivities are between 4.5 to 6.0 Wm−1K−1 which are lower than comparably doped bulk Si0.3Ge0.7 but higher than undoped Si/Ge superlattices. The highest measured figure of merit ZT was 0.080 ± 0.011 obtained for the widest quantum well studied. Analysis suggests that interface roughness is presently limiting the performance and a reduction in the strain between the quantum wells and barriers has the potential to improve the thermoelectric performance.
Stabilization mechanisms of aluminum-titanium bilayer cathodes in organic solar cells
Authors: Cao Huanqi , Tanaka Masaki , Ishikawa Ken
Published: October 2013

A major concern in organic solar cells today is to continue to improve their stability. Aluminum-titanium bilayer cathodes have been reported to prolong the shelf-lives of organic solar cells to be more than 3 months in air without encapsulation. However, the stabilization mechanism was unsolved, and further investigation into the mechanism was required. We probed the surface morphology of different cathodes with atomic force microscope and explored elemental depth profiles in different devices with time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry to analyze the mechanism, in addition to optimization of the cell structure. Based on the experimental observations, we attribute the improved shelf-lives to three functions of the bilayer cathodes, e.g., the elimination of large cracks, the suppression of interdiffusion, and the sustainable oxygen scavenging. These findings provide information useful for rationally designing efficient structures that stabilize organic solar cells.
BaFeO3 cubic single crystalline thin film: A ferromagnetic insulator
Authors: Chakraverty S. , Matsuda T. , Ogawa N. , Wadati H. , Ikenaga E. , Kawasaki M. , Tokura Y. , Hwang H. Y.
Published: October 2013

We have synthesized BaFeOx thin films by pulsed-laser deposition followed by low temperature (200 °C) oxidation to BaFeO3. X-ray diffraction indicates that fully oxidized single crystalline BaFeO3 has been formed with a lattice parameter of 3.97 Å, the bulk stoichiometric value. The oxidation state of Fe is confirmed to be 4+ by using hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. A ferromagnetic ground state is found with saturation magnetization and Curie temperature of 3.2 μB/formula unit and 115 K, respectively. Unusually, for a uniform cubic ferromagnet, the films are insulating with an optical gap of ∼1.8 eV.
Density-functional study on the ferromagnetism of Mn-doped SnO2
Authors: Zhang Kai-Cheng , Li Yong-Feng , Liu Yong , Chi Feng
Published: October 2013

So far, both room-temperature ferromagnetism and paramagnetism have been reported in Mn-doped SnO2 films and their magnetic properties remain still puzzling. We have systematically investigated the magnetic properties of Mn-doped SnO2 by first-principles calculations. Our results reveal that the magnetic coupling is too weak and consequently paramagnetism is only found in the doped system when Mn substitutes Sn atoms. The formation energy of Mn impurity is much higher without the presence of vacancy, which prevents their substitutions significantly. In the presence of vacancies, the formation energy of Mn is greatly reduced and they can substitute Sn heavily. Compared to Sn vacancies, oxygen vacancies mediate the ferromagnetism much more effectively. The origin of ferromagnetism in Mn-doped SnO2 can be attributed to the oxygen-vacancy mediated RKKY interaction.
Investigation of blue InGaN light-emitting diodes with AlGaN barriers of the increasing Al composition
Authors: Xiong Jian-Yong , Zhao Fang , Ding Bin-Bin , Zheng Shu-Wen , Zhang Tao , Fan Guang-Han
Published: October 2013

The characteristics of blue InGaN light-emitting diodes with AlGaN barriers of different step-like growth range Al composition and gradually increasing Al composition are investigated numerically. The simulation results indicate that the enhanced electron confinement and hole injection efficiency are mainly attributed to the mitigated downward band bending of the last barrier induced by polarization field, and the improved carrier distribution is owing to the increasing blocking for electrons as well as the decreasing blocking for holes. What's more, the output power, the distribution and rate of radiative recombination and the efficiency droop are markedly improved.
Finite temperature Casimir effect on spherical shells in (D + 1)-dimensional spacetime and its high temperature limit
Authors: Teo L. P.
Published: October 2013

We consider the finite temperature Casimir free energy acting on a spherical shell in (D + 1)-dimensional Minkowski spacetime due to the vacuum fluctuations of scalar and electromagnetic fields. Dirichlet–Neumann, perfectly conducting and infinitely permeable boundary conditions are considered. The Casimir free energy is regularized using zeta functional regularization technique. To renormalize the Casimir free energy, we compute the heat kernel coefficients cn, 0 ⩽ n ⩽ D + 1, from the zeta function ζ(s). After renormalization, the high temperature leading term of the Casimir free energy is −cDT ln T − Tζ′(0)/2. Explicit expressions for the renormalized Casimir free energy and ζ′(0) are derived. The dependence of the renormalized Casimir free energy on temperature is shown graphically.
Thermal spin current through a double quantum dot molecular junction in the Coulomb blockade regime
Authors: Hong X. K. , Liu Y. S. , Feng J. F. , Chu J. H.
Published: October 2013

Based on non-equilibrium Green's function methods, we investigate the thermal spin current through a double quantum dot (DQD) molecular junction in the Coulomb blockade regime. An external magnetic field and a temperature difference are utilized to manipulate the electron spin degree of freedom in the DQD device. When the chemical potentials are aligned with the electron-hole symmetry point, a very steady pure-spin-current thermal generator is achieved. This is because the transmission nodes of different spin channels relative to chemical potentials have a perfect mirror symmetry configuration. In addition, the pure spin current also appears near resonant regions induced by the molecular states. Particularly interesting is that the sign of the pure spin current in the electron-hole symmetry point is opposite to those appearing near resonant regions in the strong Coulomb interaction regime.
Effect of the distribution of anisotropy constants on hysteresis losses for magnetic hyperthermia applications
Authors: Vallejo-Fernandez G. , O'Grady K.
Published: October 2013

Magnetic hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles is a potential remedial therapy for the reduction of cancer and other tumours. The dominant heating mechanism is hysteresis heating. This means that control of the particle size distribution is essential. However, control of the anisotropy dispersion is also required. We have calculated the effect of the anisotropy distribution on the hysteresis heating in magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermia applications. Where there is a wide distribution of anisotropy constants the heat output is controlled by the distribution of anisotropy constants. This effect is significant in systems such as magnetite particles where shape anisotropy dominates.
Enhanced light sensing characteristics of nanostructured gallium nitride/silicon heterojunctions: Interface matters
Authors: Saron K. M. A. , Hashim M. R. , Naderi N. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: October 2013

We report on the growth of highly pure and single crystalline gallium nitride (GaN) nanostructures on different silicon (Si) substrates by thermal vapor deposition via the direct reaction of gallium with volatile ammonia solution. The structural and optical characteristics of the as-grown GaN/Si nanostructured heterojunctions are investigated. The morphology of the formed GaN nanostructures is strongly dependent on the crystal orientation of the Si substrate. The X-ray diffraction and Raman analysis reveal that the fabricated GaN nanostructures have a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The photoluminescence spectra of all GaN nanostructures exhibit a strong near-band-edge ultraviolet (UV) emission peak (365–372 nm), which illustrates their potential in optoelectronic applications. The current–voltage measurements under dark, visible, and UV illumination conditions are performed to study the light sensing ability of the fabricated heterojunctions. Under reverse bias (5 V), the photocurrent of the GaN/n-Si (111) photodetector was comparably much higher than that of the GaN/n-Si (100) photodetector, probably due to the better quality of the GaN formed on Si (111) compared with those formed on Si (100), resulting in a higher photoresponse. The calculated rectification ratio revealed that the sensitivity of the GaN/n-Si (111) photodiode is higher than that of the GaN/n-Si (100), indicating the importance of the interface architecture. The fabricated photodiodes showed photoresponse toward UV and visible wavelengths, demonstrating shorter rise and decay times compared with other materials used to fabricate UV and visible light photodetectors. The prototype device shows a simple method for GaN synthesis and demonstrates the possibility of constructing nanoscale photodetectors for nano-optics applications.
Giant Raman gain in annealed silicon-rich silicon oxide films: Measurements at 785 nm
Authors: Nikitin Timur , Novikov Sergei , Khriachtchev Leonid
Published: October 2013

Stimulated Raman scattering in silicon-rich silicon oxide (SiOx, x < 2) films annealed at 1200 °C is measured with excitation at 785 nm. Our main objective is to confirm giant Raman gain, recently reported in annealed SiOx films for excitation at ∼1500 nm. Another important aspect is the possibility of using SiOx films for the realization of a Raman laser in the visible region. The measurements were performed in the backscattering geometry in a Raman microscope. As a result, the observed Raman gain is orders of magnitude greater than in crystalline silicon.
Bipolar resistive switching of Au/NiOx/Ni/Au heterostructure nanowires
Authors: Brivio S. , Perego D. , Tallarida G. , Bestetti M. , Franz S. , Spiga S.
Published: October 2013

Arrays of Au/NiOx/Ni/Au nanowires with a diameter of 50 nm were characterized by conductive atomic force microscopy, which was used to probe the electrical behavior of single nanowires still included in the array. A bipolar switching of the single Au/NiOx/Ni/Au nanowires is demonstrated and is attributed to the choice of an asymmetric couple of electrode materials and, possibly, to a non-uniform Ni oxidation profile inside the NiOx segments. An analysis of the conduction mechanism in a single nanowire is presented to further support this conclusion.
Low-voltage high-speed programming/erasing floating-gate memory device with gate-all-around polycrystalline silicon nanowire
Authors: Lee Ko-Hui , Tsai Jung-Ruey , Chang Ruey-Dar , Lin Horng-Chih , Huang Tiao-Yuan
Published: October 2013

A gate-all-around polycrystalline silicon nanowire (NW) floating-gate (FG) memory device was fabricated and characterized in this work. The cross-section of the NW channels was intentionally made to be triangular in shape in order to study the effects of the corners on the device operation. Our results indicate that the channel corners are effective in lowering the programming and erasing (P/E) operation voltages. As compared with the charge-trapping type devices, a larger memory window is obtained with the FG scheme under low-voltage P/E conditions. A model considering the nature of the charge storage medium is proposed to explain the above findings.
BcSKS11, a SKS gene from pollinated pistils of Chinese cabbage pak choi, is expressed continuously during the male gametophyte development, pollen germination and pollen-tube growth processes
Authors: Zhang Zhixian , Cao Jiashu , Qiu Lin , Jiang Jingjing , Wu Baohua
Published: October 2013

Cell wall-related genes and proteins are crucial for fertilisation-related events such as pollen germination and pollen-tube growth. Recent studies have focussed on the molecular mechanism of cell-wall synthesis and regulation of these processes; however, limited information is available on the mechanism and modification of the crucial cell-wall materials. We isolated a gene that is potentially involved in cell-wall metabolism from pollinated pistils of the male sterile line ‘Bcajh97-A’ in Chinese cabbage pak choi (Brassica campestris SKewed5 Similar 11, BcSKS11). BcSKS11 has several features of SKewed5 Similar (SKS) proteins, which are structures that are similar to plant multicopper oxidase but lack the 10 necessary residues of two copper-binding sites. A phylogenetic tree constructed from 49 SKS proteins found four clades, with BcSKS11 being in a clade with tobacco sequences. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridisation revealed that BcSKS11 was specifically expressed in uninucleate microspores, mature pollen grains and growing pollen tubes of pollinated pistils. These results suggest that BcSKS11 might be stored in mature pollen grains, in preparation for pollen germination and pollen-tube growth.
On-Water Reactivity and Regioselectivity of Quinones in C–N Coupling with Amines: Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Martínez-Cifuentes Maximiliano , Clavijo-Allancan Graciela , Di Vaggio-Conejeros Carolina , Weiss-López Boris , Araya-Maturana Ramiro
Published: October 2013

A study about the oxidative coupling of some representative carbo- and heterocyclic non-symmetrical quinones with aryl- and alkylamines, was carried out comparing dichloromethane and water as reaction mediums. We found that the on-water reactions gave better or, at worst, the same results as a conventional organic medium like dichloromethane. Descriptors derived from conceptual density functional theory and approaches of electrostatic nature, such as the molecular electrostatic potential, were used to explain the observed chemical reactivity and regioselectivity. Further, the on-water conditions were used to obtain 24 new aminoquinones with potential biological activity.
Prevention and control of sexually transmissible infections among hotel-based female sex workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: McCormick Duncan F. , Rahman Motiur , Zadrozny Sabrina , Alam Anadil , Ashraf Lutfa , Neilsen Graham A. , Kelly Robert , Menezes Prema , Miller William C. , Hoffman Irving F.
Published: October 2013

BackgroundHotel-based sex workers in Bangladesh have high rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), high client turnover and low condom use. Two monthly clinic-based strategies were compared: periodic presumptive treatment (PPT) and enhanced syndromic management (ESM) – one round of presumptive treatment followed by treatment based on assessment and laboratory tests. Methods: A randomised controlled trial compared PPT and ESM by prevalence and incidence, behaviour, retention, cost and STI incidence and prevalence. Demographic, behavioural and clinical data were collected from women at two clinics in Dhaka. All women received presumptive treatment and were randomised to receive PPT or ESM at nine monthly visits. Results: In total, 549 women (median age: <20 years) were enrolled. At baseline, the prevalence of chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) and gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) was 41% (ESM: 41%; PPT: 42%). After 9 months, chlamydia and gonorrhoea decreased to 7% overall, (ESM: 7.4%; PPT: 6.8%). At each visit, 98% of women receiving ESM met the therapy criteria and were treated. Retention was low (50%). Total costs were 50% lower per visit for each woman for PPT (ESM: $11.62 v. PPT: $5.80). The number of sex work sessions was reduced from 3.3 to 2.5 (P < 0.001), but income did not change. Coercion was reduced but condom use at last sex did not change significantly. Conclusions: Monthly PPT and ESM were effective approaches for STI control. PPT offered a feasible, low-cost alternative to ESM. Educational aspects led to a reduction in coercion and fewer sessions. Implementation studies are needed to improve condom use and retention.
Concepts relating magnetic interactions, intertwined electronic orders, and strongly correlated superconductivity
Authors: Davis J. C. Séamus , Lee Dung-Hai
Published: October 2013

Significance

This study describes a unified theory explaining the rich ordering phenomena, each associated with a different symmetry breaking, that often accompany high-temperature superconductivity. The essence of this theory is an ”antiferromagnetic interaction,” the interaction that favors the development of magnetic order where the magnetic moments reverse direction from one crystal unit cell to the next. We apply this theory to explain the superconductivity, as well as all observed accompanying ordering phenomena in the copper-oxide superconductors, the iron-based superconductors, and the heavy fermion superconductors.
Evolutionary etiology of high-grade astrocytomas
Authors: Song Yurong , Zhang Qian , Kutlu Burak , Difilippantonio Simone , Bash Ryan , Gilbert Debra , Yin Chaoying , O’Sullivan T. Norene , Yang Chunyu , Kozlov Serguei , Bullitt Elizabeth , McCarthy Ken D. , Kafri Tal , Louis David N. , Miller C. Ryan , Hood Leroy , Van Dyke Terry
Published: October 2013

Significance

High-grade astrocytomas (HGAs), including glioblastomas (GBMs), are the most common human brain tumors, and they remain fatal with no effective treatment. The most prevalent form, primary GBM, presents clinically as advanced disease, thus providing no access to or understanding of early stages. We report a comprehensive study in the mouse that establishes causal relationships and an evolutionary etiology in HGA development. Events yielding disease, both engineered and spontaneous, indicate grade-specific roles culminating in the development of GBMs with characteristics of primary GBMs, including molecular alignment with the mesenchymal subclass, asymptomatic early disease, and rapid emergence of high-grade aggressive cancer. These genetically engineered models provide a path to basic understanding of disease etiology and a window into diagnostic and therapeutic discovery.
Theatre translation as performance
Authors: Aaltonen Sirkku
Published: October 2013

In 2008, the Finnish National Theatre produced the Lebanese/Canadian playwright Wajdi Mouawad’s tragic play Incendies in Finnish. The advertisements, newspaper pre-reviews and reviews named Reita Lounatvuori, a well-known Finnish theatre translator, as the author of the translation. However, several other people were also involved in the translation process before Mouawad’s text reached the stage. In my article, I offer an empirical study of the process of translation of Incendies into Finnish to argue that translations in the theatre are not objects of art but products of art worlds, bearing the fingerprints of many subjectivities. To support my argument, I draw on Actor-Network Theory, as recently developed in the context of translation sociology (Buzelin 2007, 2005; Bogic 2010), and on Performance Studies, following Richard Schechner’s articulation of the concept of performance (Schechner 2013). I apply these models to the specific context of the theatre, the specific genre of drama, and the process of translating one play. This interdisciplinary exploratory study argues for the relevance of Schechner’s analytical model, and more broadly of Performance Studies, to the analysis of interlingual translation processes.
Effect of Propofol on Anal Sphincter Pressure During Anorectal Manometry
Authors: Tran Khoa , Kuo Brad , Zibaitis Audrius , Bhattacharya Somaletha , Cote Charles , Belkind‐Gerson Jaime
Published: October 2013

We evaluated the effect of propofol on resting anal sphincter pressure (RP) during anorectal manometry performed under general anesthesia in 20 children with chronic constipation. After propofol bolus administration, there was a significant decrease in the RP in 95% of children from a mean of 51.5 ± 15.3 to a mean nadir of 21.7 ± 10.5 mmHg (P < 0.001). The new postpropofol RP of 47.0 ± 12.4 mmHg was significantly lower compared with prepropofol RP (P < 0.0001). Propofol should be used with caution as an anesthetic agent for anorectal manometry, given the potential for confounding RP measurements.
Appropriateness of Newborn Screening for α1‐Antitrypsin Deficiency
Authors: Teckman Jeffrey , Pardee Erin , Howell R. Rodney , Mannino David , Sharp Richard R. , Brantly Mark , Wanner Adam , Lamson Jamie ,   Alpha‐1 Foundation Workshop Attendees
Published: October 2013

Objective:

The Alpha‐1 Foundation convened a workshop to consider the appropriateness of newborn screening for α‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency.

Methods:

A review of natural history and technical data was conducted.

Results:

Homozygous ZZ AAT deficiency is a common genetic disease occurring in 1 in 2000 to 3500 births; however, it is underrecognized and most patients are undiagnosed. AAT deficiency can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver failure in children and adults, and lung disease in adults. The clinical course is highly variable. Some neonates present with cholestatic hepatitis and some children require liver transplantation, but many patients remain well into adulthood. Some adults develop emphysema. There is no treatment for AAT liver disease, other than supportive care and liver transplant. There are no data on the effect of early diagnosis on liver disease. Avoidance of smoking is of proven benefit to reduce future lung disease, as is protein replacement therapy. Justifying newborn screening with the aim of reducing smoking and reducing adult lung disease‐years in the future would be a significant paradigm shift for the screening field. Recent passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and the Affordable Care Act may have a major effect on reducing the psychosocial and financial risks of newborn screening because many asymptomatic children would be identified. Data on the risk–benefit ratio of screening in the new legal climate are lacking.

Conclusions:

Workshop participants recommended a series of pilot studies focused on generating new data on the risks and benefits of newborn screening.
MRI‐Based Score Helps in Assessing the Severity and in Follow‐up of Pediatric Patients With Perianal Crohn Disease
Authors: Kulkarni Sakil , Gomara Roberto , Reeves‐Garcia Jesse , Hernandez Erick , Restrepo Ricardo
Published: October 2013

Objectives:

The radiologic healing of perianal fistulizing Crohn disease (PfCD) lags behind the clinical healing. Contrast‐enhanced pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the radiologic study of choice used to diagnose PfCD in children. The aim was to study whether the various MRI‐based radiologic parameters and score can help in staging and follow‐up of patients with PfCD.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review of children with PfCD who underwent contrast‐enhanced MRI of the pelvis. The demographic profile, clinical status, and laboratory data of the patients at the time of each MRI examination were noted. Based on the clinical status of the patient at the time of MRI examinations, the MRIs were classified into 3 groups: severe disease, mild‐to‐moderate disease, and asymptomatic. Each MRI examination was reviewed by a radiologist, who was blinded to the clinical status of the patient.

Results:

Of the radiologic parameters, the number of fistulas, the complexity of fistulas, and the number of abscesses were significantly lower in the asymptomatic group compared with the mild‐to‐moderate and severe disease groups. The Van Assche MRI‐based score was significantly lower in the asymptomatic group compared with the mild‐to‐moderate disease (P = 0.01) and the severe disease group (P = 0.002). The percentage increase in fistula activity after gadolinium administration was significantly lower in the asymptomatic group compared with the mild‐to‐moderate disease (P = 0.026) and severe disease (P = 0.019) groups. The MRI‐based scores were significantly higher in the MRI examinations performed at diagnosis compared with those that were performed while the patients were receiving the treatment (P = 0.017).

Conclusions:

The Van Assche MRI score and the percentage increase in fistula activity after gadolinium administration help in assessing the severity perianal Crohn disease. The Van Assche MRI score may be helpful in documenting healing during therapy of perianal Crohn disease.
Taxonomy, morphology and phylogeny of three new oligotrich ciliates (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Oligotrichia) from southern China
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Yi Zhenzhen , Li Jiqiu , Warren Alan , Al-Farraj Saleh A. , Lin Xiaofeng
Published: October 2013

Oligotrich ciliates are common members of marine microplankton. However, their biodiversity is not well documented. In this study, the morphology and phylogenetic positions of three new oligotrich species, Spirostrombidium apourceolare spec. nov., Spirostrombidium subtropicum spec. nov. and Parallelostrombidium conicum spec. nov., collected from coastal habitats of southern China, were investigated. Spirostrombidium apourceolare is characterized by the girdle kinety which encircles the cell twice as two dextrally oriented whorls with some undulations and by the presence of several macronuclear nodules. Spirostrombidium subtropicum is recognized by the girdle kinety encircling the cell as two dextrally oriented whorls and extrusomes arranged in a stripe along the girdle kinety. Parallelostrombidium conicum differs from its congeners by the obconic body shape and the posterior portion of the girdle kinety extending downwards on the left ventral side to reach the posterior pole. In small-subunit rRNA gene trees, S. subtropicum clusters with Omegastrombidium elegans and Varistrombidium kielum, and Parallelostrombidium conicum is sister to the clade containing Novistrombidium sinicum, Novistrombidium orientale and Parallelostrombidium sp.
Lactobacillus apis sp. nov., from the stomach of honeybees (Apis mellifera), having an in vitro inhibitory effect on the causative agents of American and European foulbrood
Authors: Killer J. , Dubná S. , Sedláček I. , Švec P.
Published: October 2013

A taxonomic study was performed on Gram-stain-positive, catalase-negative and regular rod-shaped bacterial strains R4BT and R4C, isolated from the stomachs of honeybees. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the phylogenetic position of the novel strains was within the genus

Lactobacillus

; the highest sequence similarity to R4BT was shown by

Lactobacillus acidophilus

BCRC 10695T (93.6 %). Lower sequence similarities were found to other obligately homofermentative lactobacilli. A PCR–DGGE method could detect the sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of strain R4BT at different developmental stages of honeybees occurring in two different locations in the Czech Republic. The distinctiveness of the strains from other lactobacilli was also confirmed by analysis of sequences of other phylogenetic markers applicable to the taxonomy of the genus

Lactobacillus

, ribotyping and rep-PCR analysis. The DNA G+C content of strain R4BT was 41.3 mol%. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain R4BT were C18 : 1ω9c, summed C19 : 1ω6c/C19 : 0 cyclo ω10c, C16 : 0, summed C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c and summed C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c. The major polar lipids of strain R4BT were glycolipids, lipids and phospholipids. Phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics also confirmed the independent status of the strains at the species level. Interestingly, strain R4BT was able to inhibit growth in vitro of

Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae

(causal agent of American foulbrood in honeybees) and

Melissococcus plutonius

(causal agent of European foulbrood). The name Lactobacillus apis sp. nov. is proposed for this novel taxon; the type strain is R4BT ( = CCM 8403T = LMG 26964T).
Sulfitobacter porphyrae sp. nov., isolated from the red alga Porphyra yezoensis
Authors: Fukui Youhei , Abe Mahiko , Kobayashi Masahiro , Shimada Yushi , Saito Hiroaki , Oikawa Hiroshi , Yano Yutaka , Satomi Masataka
Published: October 2013

Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, halophilic bacteria, designated SCM-1T, LCM10-1 and CTBL-B-147, were isolated from modified half-strength SWM-III medium, PES medium and thalli after laboratory cultivation of a red alga, Porphyra yezoensis. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the new isolates were affiliated to the genus

Sulfitobacter

of the class

Alphaproteobacteria

, and the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of the new isolates with the closest related species,

Sulfitobacter mediterraneus

CH-B427T, was 98.8 %. The DNA G+C contents of the new isolates were in the range of 61.4–62.3 mol%. DNA–DNA relatedness values of strain SCM-1T with other type strains of the genus

Sulfitobacter

were less than 15.9 %. The new isolates contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified amino lipid and an unidentified lipid as the main polar lipids, and C18 : 1ω7c, C19 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0 as the major fatty acids (>10 % of the total). Strain SCM-1T could be differentiated from

Sulfitobacter mediterraneus

JCM 21792T by 35 morphological and phenotypic characteristics. On the basis of the phylogenetic, genetic and phenotypic properties of the new isolates, the name Sulfitobacter porphyrae sp. nov. is proposed, with strain SCM-1T ( = LMG 27110T = NBRC 109054T) as the type strain.
Methyloceanibacter caenitepidi gen. nov., sp. nov., a facultatively methylotrophic bacterium isolated from marine sediments near a hydrothermal vent
Authors: Takeuchi Mio , Katayama Taiki , Yamagishi Takao , Hanada Satoshi , Tamaki Hideyuki , Kamagata Yoichi , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Marumo Katsumi , Nedachi Munetomo , Maeda Hiroto , Suwa Yuichi , Sakata Susumu
Published: October 2013

A moderately thermophilic, methanol-oxidizing bacterium (strain Gela4T) was isolated from methane-utilizing mixed-culture originating from marine sediment near a hydrothermal vent. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain Gela4T was closely related to members of the genus ‘Methyloligella’ (94.7 % similarity) within the class

Alphaproteobacteria

. Strain Gela4T was a Gram‐staining‐negative and aerobic organism. Cells were rod-shaped and non-motile. The temperature range for growth of strain Gela4T was 19–43 °C (optimal growth at 35 °C). Strain Gela4T tolerated up to 9 % NaCl with an optimum at 1 %. The organism was a facultative methylotroph that could utilize methanol, methylamine, trimethylamine and a variety of multi-carbon compounds. The major cellular fatty acid and major respiratory quinone were C18 : 1ω7c and ubiquinone-10, respectively. The predominant phospholipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content was 63.9 mol%. On the basis of the morphological, physiological, biochemical and genetic information, a novel genus and species, Methyloceanibacter caenitepidi is proposed, with Gela4T ( = NBRC 109540T = DSM 27242T) as the type strain.
Chitinophaga taiwanensis sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lin Shih-Yao , Hameed Asif , Liu You-Cheng , Hsu Yi-Han , Lai Wei-An , Huang Hsin-I , Young Chiu-Chung
Published: October 2013

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium (strain CC-ALB-1T) was isolated from the rhizosphere of Arabidopsis thaliana. Strain CC-ALB-1T was able to grow at 20–30 °C, pH 5.0–8.0 and with up to 1.0 % (w/v) NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain CC-ALB-1T had the highest sequence similarity to

Chitinophaga ginsengisegetis

Gsoil 040T (96.9 %) and

Chitinophaga niastensis

JS16-4T (96.7 %); lower levels of similarity (<97.0 %) were observed to strains of all other species of the genus

Chitinophaga

. The fatty acid profile consisted of iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C15 : 1ω5c, C16 : 1ω5c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). The polar lipid profile contained phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and five unidentified lipids. The predominant quinone system was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The DNA G+C content was 53.4±0.4 mol%. Based on its phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features, strain CC-ALB-1T is proposed to represent a novel species within the genus

Chitinophaga

, for which the name Chitinophaga taiwanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-ALB-1T ( = BCRC 80570T = JCM 18895T).
Actinomyces haliotis sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from the gut of an abalone, Haliotis discus hannai
Authors: Hyun Dong-Wook , Shin Na-Ri , Kim Min-Soo , Kim Pil Soo , Kim Joon Yong , Whon Tae Woong , Bae Jin-Woo
Published: October 2013

A novel, Gram-staining-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile and coccus-shaped bacterium, strain WL80T, was isolated from the gut of an abalone, Haliotis discus hannai, collected from the northern coast of Jeju in Korea. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °C, pH 7–8 and with 1 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain WL80T fell within the cluster of the genus

Actinomyces

, with highest sequence similarity to the type strains of

Actinomyces radicidentis

(98.8 % similarity) and

Actinomyces urogenitalis

(97.0 % similarity). The major cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c and C16 : 0. Menaquinone-10 (H4) was the major respiratory quinone. The genomic DNA G+C content of the isolate was 70.4 mol%. DNA–DNA hybridization values with closely related strains indicated less than 7.6 % genomic relatedness. The results of physiological, biochemical, chemotaxonomic and genotypic analyses indicated that strain WL80T represents a novel species of the genus

Actinomyces

, for which the name Actinomyces haliotis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WL80T ( = KACC 17211T = JCM 18848T).
Enhancement of enteric adenovirus cultivation in a novel Ras-overexpressing cell line
Authors: Si Jiyeon , Kim Misoon , Lim Mi Young , Ko GwangPyo
Published: October 2013

Enteric human adenoviruses (HAdVs; serotypes 40 and 41) have been identified as an emerging cause of drinking water contamination. Due to their fastidious characteristics, HAdVs are difficult to cultivate and therefore not detected easily by standard mammalian cell cultivation methods. Here we found that human embryonic kidney 293 cells, transformed transiently with Ras, enhanced HAdV replication by more than threefold. We also constructed a stable cell line overexpressing the Ras protein, 293-Ras, in which the replication of three HAdV strains of serotypes 40 and 41 was increased markedly. However, only HAdV replication was enhanced; infection of 293 and 293-Ras cells with human rhinivorus-6 showed no significant differences in replication rate. Infected 293-Ras cells exhibited an increased level and phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK). In addition, the Ras-mediated increase in HAdV replication was impaired by the mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK1) inhibitor U0126, suggesting direct involvement of the MEK1/ERK pathway in enhanced HAdV replication. Based on these results, we suggest that the 293-Ras cell line be used for the efficient detection and cultivation of HAdV strains in both clinical and environmental specimens.
Characterization of the Sandfly fever Naples species complex and description of a new Karimabad species complex (genus Phlebovirus, family Bunyaviridae)
Authors: Palacios Gustavo , Tesh Robert B. , Savji Nazir , Travassos da Rosa Amelia P. A. , Guzman Hilda , Bussetti Ana Valeria , Desai Aaloki , Ladner Jason , Sanchez-Seco Maripaz , Lipkin W. Ian
Published: October 2013

Genomic and antigenic characterization of members of the Sandfly fever Naples virus (SFNV) complex reveals the presence of five clades that differ in their geographical distribution. Saint Floris and Gordil viruses, both found in Africa, form one clade; Punique, Granada and Massilia viruses, all isolated in the western Mediterranean, constitute a second; Toscana virus, a third; SFNV isolates from Italy, Cyprus, Egypt and India form a fourth; while Tehran virus and a Serbian isolate Yu 8/76, represent a fifth. Interestingly, this last clade appears not to express the second non-structural protein ORF. Karimabad virus, previously classified as a member of the SFNV complex, and Gabek Forest virus are distinct and form a new species complex (named Karimabad) in the Phlebovirus genus. In contrast with the high reassortment frequency observed in some South American phleboviruses, the only virus of the SFNV complex with evidence of reassortment was Granada virus.
Poly-proline motif in HIV-2 Vpx is critical for its efficient translation
Authors: Miyake Ariko , Fujita Mikako , Fujino Haruna , Koga Ryoko , Kawamura Sogo , Otsuka Masami , Ode Hirotaka , Iwatani Yasumasa , Sakai Yosuke , Doi Naoya , Nomaguchi Masako , Adachi Akio , Miyazaki Yasuyuki
Published: October 2013

Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) carries an accessory protein Vpx that is important for viral replication in natural target cells. In its C-terminal region, there is a highly conserved poly-proline motif (PPM) consisting of seven consecutive prolines, encoded in a poly-pyrimidine tract. We have previously shown that PPM is critical for Vpx expression and viral infectivity. To elucidate the molecular basis underlying this observation, we analysed the expression of Vpx proteins with various PPM mutations by in vivo and in vitro systems. We found that the number and position of consecutive prolines in PPM are important for Vpx expression, and demonstrated that PPM is essential for efficient Vpx translation. Furthermore, mutational analysis to synonymously disrupt the poly-pyrimidine tract suggested that the context of PPM amino acid sequences is required for efficient translation of Vpx. We similarly analysed HIV-1 and HIV-2 Vpr proteins structurally related to HIV-2 Vpx. Expression level of the two Vpr proteins lacking PPM was shown to be much lower relative to that of Vpx, and not meaningfully enhanced by introduction of PPM at the C terminus. Finally, we examined the Vpx of simian immunodeficiency virus from rhesus monkeys (SIVmac), which also has seven consecutive prolines, for PPM-dependent expression. A multi-substitution mutation in the PPM markedly reduced the expression level of SIVmac Vpx. Taken together, it can be concluded that the notable PPM sequence enhances the expression of Vpx proteins from viruses of the HIV-2/SIVmac group at the translational level.
Production of single-round infectious chimeric flaviviruses with DNA-based Japanese encephalitis virus replicon
Authors: Suzuki Ryosuke , Ishikawa Tomohiro , Konishi Eiji , Matsuda Mami , Watashi Koichi , Aizaki Hideki , Takasaki Tomohiko , Wakita Takaji
Published: October 2013

A method for rapid production of single-round infectious particles (SRIPs) of flavivirus would be useful for viral mutagenesis studies. Here, we established a DNA-based production system for SRIPs of flavivirus. We constructed a Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) subgenomic replicon plasmid, which lacked the C-prM-E (capsid–pre-membrane–envelope) coding region, under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter. When the JEV replicon plasmid was transiently co-transfected with a JEV C-prM-E expression plasmid into 293T cells, SRIPs were produced, indicating successful trans-complementation with JEV structural proteins. Equivalent production levels were observed when C and prM–E proteins were provided separately. Furthermore, dengue types 1–4, West Nile, yellow fever or tick-borne encephalitis virus prM-E proteins could be utilized for production of chimaeric flavivirus SRIPs, although the production was less efficient for dengue and yellow fever viruses. These results indicated that our plasmid-based system is suitable for investigating the life cycles of flaviviruses, diagnostic applications and development of safer vaccine candidates.
Enantiotropic phase transition in a binuclear tin complex with anO,N,O′-tridentate ligand
Authors: Schwarzer Anke , Paul Lydia E. H. , Böhme Uwe
Published: October 2013

The crystal structure of chlorido{μ-2-[(2-oxidobenzylidene)amino]ethanolato-κ4O,N,O′:O′}{2-[(2-oxidobenzylidene)amino]ethanolato-κ3O,N,O′}trivinylditin(IV), [Sn2(C2H3)3(C9H9NO2)2Cl], is disordered above 178 K. A doubling of the unit-cell volume is observed on cooling. The asymmetric unit at 93 K contains two ordered molecules. The phase transition corresponds to an order–disorder transition of one vinyl group bound to the SnIVatom.
6-(3,5-Dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3(2H)-one
Authors: Suponitsky Kyrill Yu. , Chernyshev Victor M. , Mazharova Anna G. , Palysaeva Nadezhda V. , Sheremetev Aleksei B.
Published: October 2013

The title compound, C7H8N6O, represents the keto form and adopts a nearly planar structure (r.m.s. deviation of the non-H atoms = 0.072 Å). In the crystal, molecules form spiral chains along thecaxis by N—H...N hydrogen bonds. The chains are linked to each other by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional framework.
2,15-Dioxa-7,18,19,20,23-pentaazaheptacyclo[21.6.1.117,20.01,8.03,7.09,14.024,29]hentriaconta-9,11,13,17(31),18,24,26,28-octaen-30-one
Authors: Subhashree Govindarajulu Rangabashyam , Purushothaman Santhanagopalan , Raghunathan Raghavachary , Velmurugan Devadasan , Gayathri Dasararaju
Published: October 2013

In the title compound, C24H23N5O3, the oxindole ring system is nearly planar, with a dihedral angle between the two fused rings of 3.3 (1)°. In the fused pyrrolo–oxazole ring system, the oxazole and pyrrolidine rings adopt envelope conformations with the spiro C atom and one of the methylene C atoms, respectively, as the flap atoms. In the crystal, molecules are linked into a helical chain along thebaxisviaC—H...O interactions generatingR21(7) andR22(8) ring motifs.
Aqua(azido)[N-(pyridin-2-ylcarbonyl)pyridine-2-carboxamido-κ3N,N′,N′′]copper(II)
Authors: Bruda Sandra , Turnbull Mark M. , Wikaira Jan L.
Published: October 2013

The title compound, [Cu(C12H8N3O2)(N3)(H2O)], was formed by the air oxidation of 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine in 95% ethanol in the presence of copper(II) nitrate and sodium azide with condensation of the resulting picolinamide molecules to generate the imide moiety. The CuIIion has a square-pyramidal coordination sphere, the basal plane being occupied by four N atoms [two pyridine (py) N atoms, the imide N atom and an azide N atom] in a nearly planar array [mean deviation = 0.048 (6) Å] with the CuIIion displaced slightly from the plane [0.167 (5) Å] toward the fifth ligand. The apical position is occupied by a coordinating water molecule [Cu—O = 2.319 (4) Å]. The crystal structure is stabilized by hydrogen-bonding interactions between the water molecules and carbonyl O atoms. The inversion-related square-pyramidal complex molecules pack base-to-base with long Cu...Npycontact distances of 3.537 (9) Å, preventing coordination of a sixth ligand.
Relationship between building floor and construction labor productivity
Authors: D. Nguyen Long , T. Nguyen Hung
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between building floor and labor productivity of the structural work including formwork installation and rebar fabrication/installation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The case study methodology and learning curve theory are adopted for the paper. Records from the structural work of a 20-storey apartment building were analyzed to calculate floor-based labor productivities.

Findings

– Labor productivity of the formwork activity increased more than twice in the first five floors. If the first cycle (floor 2) is omitted, the straight-line learning curve model shows a learning rate of 83.5 percent. Labor productivity of the rebar activity tended to increase in the first 15 floors. If the first two cycles are omitted, the straight-line learning curve model indicates a learning rate of 83.6 percent.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research is needed to examine and quantify factors that affect the level of learning in high-rise building construction. The relationship between building floor and labor productivity should be further investigated for other construction activities.

Practical implications

– Practitioners should consider the relationship between building floor and labor productivity and learning effects when planning manpower and construction duration for individual activities and for a building.

Originality/value

– The paper substantiates the hypothesis that labor productivity does not reach 100 percent of the normal level at the very first floors while they do not support the hypothesis that labor productivity does not reach 100 percent at the top floors.