bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chlamydia trachomatis genovar distribution in clinical urogenital specimens from Tunisian patients: high prevalence of C. trachomatisgenovar E and mixed infections
Authors: Gharsallah Houda , Frikha-Gargouri Olfa , Sellami Hanen , Besbes Fatma , Znazen Abir , Hammami Adnene
Published: November 2012

Background

This epidemiological study was carried out in Sfax (south of Tunisia) and focused on genitalChlamydia trachomatis(C. trachomatis) genovar distribution.

Methods

One hundred and thirty seven genital samples from 4067 patients (4.2%) attending the Habib Bourguiba University hospital of Sfax over 12 years (from 2000 to 2011) were found to beC. trachomatisPCR positive by the Cobas Amplicor system. These samples were genotyped by an in house reverse hybridization method.

Results

One hundred and eight (78.8%) samples contained only one genovar and 29 (21.2%) samples contained two or three genovars. Genovar E was the most prevalent (70.8%) single genovar and it was detected in 90.6% of all the cases. Genovars J, C and L1-L3 were not detected in our samples whereas ocular genovars A and B were in 5 cases. All the five cases were mixed infections. Men had more mixed infections than women (p=0.02) and were more frequently infected by genovars F and K (p<0.05). No associations between current infection, infertility and the genovar distribution were observed. Patients coinfected withNeisseria gonorrhoeaewere also significantly more frequently infected with mixed genovars (p=0.04).

Conclusions

In conclusion, we have reported a high prevalence of genovar E and of mixed infections in our study population. Such data could have implications for the control and vaccine development ofC. trachomatisin Tunisia.
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin gene promoter polymorphisms and expression levels in Graves’ disease and Graves’ ophthalmopathy
Authors: Tsai Kun-Hsi , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Lin Hui-Ju , Lin Hung-Jung , Liu Yu-Huei , Liao Wen-Ling , Wan Lei
Published: November 2012

Background

Graves disease (GD) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by hyperthyroidism, diffuse goiter, autoantibodies against thyroid-specific antigens, and dermopathy. Studies of GD have demonstrated the importance of the Th2 and Th17 immune responses in mediating disease progression. In the present study, we investigated the role of a Th2 cytokine, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), in GD and Th17 differentiation.

Methods

In this study, we genotyped 470 patients with GD at 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TSLP. In addition, the serum concentrations of TSLP were determined in 432 patients and 272 controls. Ten patients and controls each were further screened using in vitro Th17 differentiation assays. The SNPs were genotyped using ABI TaqMan® SNP genotyping assays. For the Th17 differentiation assays, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the patients and controls were placed into Th17 differentiation media, and interleukin 17 expression levels were determined.

Results

Haplotype analysis indicated that patients with the Ht3 (TCC) haplotype have a 3.28-fold higher risk of developing GD (p = 0.007), whereas those with the Ht5 (TCG) haplotype had a 0.03-fold, reduced risk of developing GD (p = 1 × 10−14). SNP rs3806933 (p = 0.007) was associated with female Graves ophthalmopathy (GO). TSLP expression levels were higher in GD patients than in control subjects, and TLSP was also shown to promote the differentiation of Th17 cells in GD patients.

Conclusions

These results suggest that polymorphisms in TSLP may be used as genetic markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of GD. Furthermore, TLSP may be a target for treating GD.
Effects of Sn doping on the morphology and properties of Fe-doped In2O3 epitaxial films
Authors: Zhou Tie , Wei Lin , Xie Yanru , Li Qinghao , Hu Guoxiang , Chen Yanxue , Yan Shishen , Liu Guolei , Mei Liangmo , Jiao Jun
Published: November 2012

(Sn, Fe)-codoped In2O3 epitaxial films were deposited on (111)-oriented Y-stabilized ZrO2 substrates by pulsed laser deposition with constant Fe concentration and different Sn concentrations. The influence of Sn concentration on the crystal structure and properties of Fe-doped In2O3 ferromagnetic semiconductor films has been investigated systematically. Experimental results indicate that Sn doping can effectively reduce the surface roughness and suppresses breakup of the films into separated islands. At the same time, the optical band gap increases and the electrical properties improve correspondingly. However, although the carrier density increases dramatically with the Sn doping, no obvious change of the ferromagnetism is observed. This is explained by a modified bounded magnetic polaron model.
Zeroing in on AIDS and global health Post-2015
Authors: Buse Kent , Blackshaw Ruth , Ndayisaba Marie-Goretti Harakeye
Published: November 2012

December 1st marks World AIDS Day with the theme ‘Getting to zero’. Three years ago, UNAIDS articulated what was then considered to be an ambitious vision, the aspiration for zero new HIV infections and zero-AIDS related deaths underpinned by zero discrimination. As we imagine the Post-2015 development agenda, we can and should reconceptualise this vision as a set of concrete goals.

This Viewpoint argues that today’s rapidly changing world, including its shifting geo-political and economic landscape, requires policy responses that are context-sensitive. We highlight the Shared Responsibility-Global Solidarity agenda, as pioneered by the African Union in its recent Roadmap on AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, to illustrate ways in which global health can be re-thought to tackle twenty-first century challenges. In light of the emerging debate on what a Post-2015 development agenda and accountability framework should look like, we argue that the AIDS response offers lessons as a pathfinder which can pave the way for global health responses in which the most marginalised are at the centre of the debate, human rights are protected under the rule of law, strong accountability is in place for results for people, and community and participatory processes are the norm. These hard-learned and -won principles of the AIDS response are critical if we are to realize a world in which there is zero inequality and health justice for all.
Distinct genetic alterations occur in ovarian tumor cells selected for combined resistance to carboplatin and docetaxel
Authors: Armstrong Stephen R , Narendrula Rashmi , Guo Baoqing , Parissenti Amadeo M , McCallum Katherine L , Cull Stephanie , Lannér Carita
Published: November 2012

Background

Current protocols for the treatment of ovarian cancer include combination chemotherapy with a platinating agent and a taxane. However, many patients experience relapse of their cancer and the development of drug resistance is not uncommon, making successful second line therapy difficult to achieve. The objective of this study was to develop and characterize a cell line resistant to both carboplatin and docetaxel (dual drug resistant ovarian cell line) and to compare this cell line to cells resistant to either carboplatin or docetaxel.

Methods

The A2780 epithelial endometrioid ovarian cancer cell line was used to select for isogenic carboplatin, docetaxel and dual drug resistant cell lines. A selection method of gradually increasing drug doses was implemented to avoid clonal selection. Resistance was confirmed using a clonogenic assay. Changes in gene expression associated with the development of drug resistance were determined by microarray analysis. Changes in the expression of selected genes were validated by Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (QPCR) and immunoblotting.

Results

Three isogenic cell lines were developed and resistance to each drug or the combination of drugs was confirmed. Development of resistance was accompanied by a reduced growth rate. The microarray and QPCR analyses showed that unique changes in gene expression occurred in the dual drug resistant cell line and that genes known to be involved in resistance could be identified in all cell lines.

Conclusions

Ovarian tumor cells can acquire resistance to both carboplatin and docetaxel when selected in the presence of both agents. Distinct changes in gene expression occur in the dual resistant cell line indicating that dual resistance is not a simple combination of the changes observed in cell lines exhibiting single agent resistance.
Membrane-displayed somatostatin activates somatostatin receptor subtype-2 heterologously produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hara Keisuke , Shigemori Tomohiro , Kuroda Kouichi , Ueda Mitsuyoshi
Published: November 2012

The G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, which includes somatostatin receptors (SSTRs), is one of the most important drug targets in the pharmaceutical industry. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an attractive host for the ligand screening of human GPCRs. Here, we demonstrate the utility of the technology that was developed for displaying peptide ligands on yeast plasma membrane, termed “PepDisplay”, which triggers signal transduction upon GPCR activation. A yeast strain that heterologously produced human somatostatin receptor subtype-2 (SSTR2) and chimeric Gα protein was constructed along with membrane-displayed somatostatin; somatostatin was displayed on the yeast plasma membrane by linking it to the anchoring domain of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored plasma membrane protein Yps1p. We demonstrate that the somatostatin displayed on the plasma membrane successfully activated human SSTR2 in S. cerevisiae. The methodology presented here provides a new platform for identifying novel peptide ligands for both liganded and orphan mammalian GPCRs.
Each to their own: skeletal muscles of different function use different biochemical strategies during aestivation at high temperature
Authors: Young Karen M. , Cramp Rebecca L. , Franklin Craig
Published: November 2012

Preservation of muscle morphology depends on a continuing regulatory balance between molecules that protect, and molecules that damage, muscle structural integrity. Excessive disruption of the biochemical balance that favours reactive oxygen species (ROS) in disused muscles may lead to oxidative stress; which in turn is associated with increased atrophic or apoptotic signalling and/or oxidative damage to the muscle and thus muscle disuse atrophy. Increases in rate of oxygen consumption likely increase the overall generation of ROS in vivo. Temperature-induced increases in muscle oxygen consumption rate occur in some muscles of ectotherms undergoing prolonged muscular disuse during aestivation. In the green-striped burrowing frog, Cyclorana alboguttata, both large jumping muscles and small non-jumping muscles undergo atrophy seemingly commensurate with their rate of oxygen consumption during aestivation. However, since the extent of atrophy in these muscles is not enhanced at higher temperatures despite a temperature sensitive rate of oxygen consumption in the jumping muscle, we proposed that muscles are protected by biochemical means that when mobilised at higher temperatures inhibit atrophy. We proposed the biochemical response to temperature would be muscle-specific. We examined the effect of temperature on the antioxidant and heat shock protein systems and evidence of oxidative damage to lipids and proteins in two functionally different skeletal muscles, gastrocnemius (jumping muscle) and iliofibularis (non-jumping muscle), by aestivating frogs at 24 and 30oC for six months. We assayed small molecule antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial and cytosolic SOD and Hsp70 to show that protective mechanisms in disused muscles are differentially regulated both with respect to temperature and aestivation. High aestivation temperature results in an antioxidant response in the metabolically temperature-sensitive jumping muscle. We assayed lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation to show that oxidative damage is apparent during aestivation and its pattern is muscle-specific, but unaffected by temperature. Consideration is given to how the complex responses of muscle biochemistry inform of the different strategies muscles may use in regulating their oxidative environment during extended disuse and disuse at high temperature.
Contributions of phenotypic plasticity to differences in thermogenic performance between highland and lowland deer mice
Authors: Cheviron Zachary A. , Bachman Gwendolyn C. , Storz Jay F.
Published: November 2012

Small mammals face especially severe thermoregulatory challenges at high-altitude because the reduced O2 availability constrains the capacity for aerobic thermogenesis. Adaptive enhancement of thermogenic performance under hypoxic conditions may be achieved via physiological adjustments that occur within the lifetime of individuals (phenotypic plasticity) and/or genetically based changes that occur across generations, but their relative contributions to performance differences between highland and lowland natives is unclear. Here, we examined potentially evolved differences in thermogenic performance between populations of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) that are native to different altitudes. The purpose of the study was to assess the contribution of phenotypic plasticity to population differences in thermogenic performance under hypoxia. We used a common-garden deacclimation experiment to demonstrate that highland deer mice have enhanced thermogenic capacities under hypoxia, and that performance differences between highland and lowland mice persist when individuals are born and reared under common-garden conditions, suggesting that differences in thermogenic capacity have a genetic basis. Conversely, population differences in thermogenic endurance appear to be entirely attributable to physiological plasticity during adulthood. These combined results reveal distinct sources of phenotypic plasticity for different aspects of thermogenic performance, and suggest that thermogenic capacity and endurance may have different mechanistic underpinnings.
Condition-dependent auditory processing in the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus): links to sex, reproductive condition, and female estrogen levels.
Authors: Zeyl Jeffrey N. , Love Oliver P. , Higgs Dennis M.
Published: November 2012

Neural responses to sensory stimuli often differ between sexes, vary seasonally, and can be regulated by endocrine activity, but the ecological and physiological mechanisms driving such patterns are not well understood. The current study examined how auditory function in the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), a vocal teleost, co-varied with sex, reproductive condition, and female plasma 17β-estradiol. Auditory evoked potentials were collected in response to tone pips (100-600 Hz) and a natural round goby pulse vocalization. Additionally, saccule hair cell densities were compared across reproductive groups. Auditory threshold was evaluated in terms of pressure and particle acceleration, and response amplitude and onset latency were measured at 10 dB above threshold. Relative to males, females displayed lower auditory thresholds in response to the natural vocalization and to tones at 300–600 Hz, and had a higher density of saccule hair cells. 17β-estradiol level was positively associated with amplitude and latency for the pulse stimulus and with both threshold and amplitude for tones at 100-200 Hz in females. Relative to non-reproductive males, reproductive males exhibited longer response latencies at 100-200 Hz. The results demonstrate sexual dimorphism in auditory function in a teleost fish as well as intra-sexual variation, partially based on hormone levels. The current research further identifies links between auditory function and reproductive behaviors in fishes and provides a finer-scaled analysis of how this behavior is reflected at the level of the sensory systems facilitating signal reception.
Differences in contractile behaviour between the soleus and medial gastrocnemius muscles during human walking
Authors: Cronin Neil J. , Peltonen Jussi T. , Finni Taija , Avela Janne
Published: November 2012

The functional roles of individual lower limb muscles during human walking may differ depending on walking speed or duration. In this study, eleven volunteers walked on a treadmill for 60 minutes at speeds corresponding to both optimal and 20% above optimal energetic cost of transport whilst oxygen consumption and medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus fascicle lengths were measured. Although energetic cost of transport was ~12% higher at the faster speed, it remained constant over 60 minutes at both speeds, suggesting that humans can walk for prolonged periods at a range of speeds without compromising energetic efficiency. The fascicles of both muscles exhibited rather 'isometric' behaviour during the early to mid stance phase of walking, which appears to be independent of walking speed or movement efficiency. However, several functional differences were observed between muscles: MG exhibited time- and speed-dependent decreases in operating length, and shortened faster during the pushoff phase at the faster walking speed. Conversely, soleus exhibited consistent contractile behaviour regardless of walking speed or duration, and always shortened slower than MG during pushoff. Soleus appears to play a more important functional role than MG during walking. This may be especially true when walking for prolonged periods or at speeds above the most energetically efficient, where the force potential and thus the functional importance of MG appears to decline.
Protein kinase A dependent and independent activation of the V-ATPase in Malpighian tubules ofAedes aegypti.
Authors: Tiburcy Felix , Beyenbach Klaus W. , Wieczorek Helmut
Published: November 2012

Transepithelial ion transport in insect Malpighian tubules is energized by an apical V-ATPase. In hematophagous insects, a blood meal during which the animal ingests huge amounts of salt and water stimulates transepithelial transport processes linked to V-ATPase activation, but how this is accomplished is still unclear. Here we report that membrane-permeant derivatives of cAMP increase the bafilomycin-sensitive ATPase activity in Malpighian tubules of Aedes aegypti twofold and activate ATP-dependent transport processes. In parallel, membraneassociation of the V1 subunits C and D increases, consistent with the assembly of the holoenzyme. The protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 abolishes all cAMP-induced effects, consistent with PKA being involved in V-ATPase activation. Metabolic inhibition induced by KCN, azide and 2,4-dinitrophenol, respectively, also induces assembly of functional V-ATPases at the membrane without protein kinase A involvement, indicating a phosphorylation independent activation mechanism.
Influence of Coexisting Electron Donor Species on Charge Transfer in Dye-Sensitized Nanocrystalline TiO2 for H2 Evolution under Visible Light
Authors: Maitani Masato M , Zhan Conghong , Huang Ching-Chun , Hu Chi-Chang , Mochizuki Dai , Suzuki Eiichi , Wada Yuji
Published: November 2012

Water splitting under visible irradiation is of significant importance for the ultimate purpose of producing fuel from abundant water and sunlight for a sustainable future society. The efficient photon collection in the visible region and proper construction of the reaction site on the semiconductor surface have been desired and studied to provide an efficient system to create a photoexcited hole–electron pair to proceed toward surface chemical reactions. In this paper, a dye-sensitized nanocrystalline TiO2 colloidal suspension in an aqueous system is applied for H2 evolution under visible light (>390 nm). The efficiency of H2 evolution is strongly influenced by the dye-sensitizers, Ru complex (N719) and porphyrin derivatives, and the combination with coexisting electron donor species, methanol (MeOH) and triethanolamine (TEOA), in the suspension system. The analysis of fluorescence quenching of the porphyrin dye-sensitized nanocrystalline TiO2 in the colloidal suspensions and photoelectrochemical studies of dye-sensitized nanocrystalline TiO2 porous films reveal that the charge-transfer kinetics of the electron injection from the excited dye-sensitizers into TiO2 is strongly influenced by the surroundings, especially the concentration of coexisting electron donor species rather than the pH values of the surrounding solution, resulting in significant differences in the efficiencies of the proton reduction into H2.
γ-Selective Addition to 1,1-Difluoroallenes: Three-component Coupling Leading to 2,2-Disubstituted 1,1-Difluoroalkenes
Authors: Fuchibe Kohei , Ueda Mikiko , Yokota Misaki , Ichikawa Junji
Published: November 2012

1,1-Difluoroallenes underwent γ-selective addition with alkylcopper reagents. The resulting 2,2-difluorovinylcopper intermediates were captured by electrophiles or subjected to palladium-catalyzed coupling to give 2,2-disubstituted 1,1-difluoroalkenes in good yield.
Multicomponent Cascade Reactions for the Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran Derivatives
Authors: Li Qu-Bo , Hu Xiao-Chun
Published: November 2012

A multicomponent cascade reaction for the synthesis of highly substituted 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran derivatives with moderate to good yields was developed. The synthetic utilities of these 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans were also further explored. Ethyl 2-hydroxy-3-oxo-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-2-carboxylate and ethyl benzofuran-2-carboxylate were easily obtained from 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans.
Effect of Low-voltage Pulse on Cell Elimination
Authors: Otsuka Hidenori , Okimura Saya , Nagamura Masako , Matsukuma Daisuke , Kutsuzawa Koichi , Matsuda Naoki , Nakashima Tatsuro , Okabe Hirotaka
Published: November 2012

The low electric field application to HeLa cells adhered to electrodes was studied to induce cell death effectively. The low-voltage pulse applied to the electrode was generated with charge and discharge by an originally made circuit. The unique characteristics in this experiment is the charge flow between electrodes, and it causes direct attack of the ions to the cell membrane, leading to complete cell elimination. Viability of cells appreciably decreased with increase in discharge time at a quite low 3 V cm−1 that has not been reported to date.
A Molecular Orbital Study of the Dipole Moment of HF, LiH, and HeH+
Authors: Teramae Hiroyuki , Nagaoka Shin-ichi , Nagashima Umpei
Published: November 2012

The threshold bond distances of electron transfer in the typical heteronuclear diatomic molecules, HF, LiH, and HeH+ have been studied in conjunction with the dipole moments by using ab initio molecular orbital method. The electron transfer begins at 3 Å for HF, 6 Å for LiH, and 4 Å for HeH+, and the dipole moments have their maxima at 1.2 Å for HF, 2.4 Å for LiH, and 0.8 Å after the electrostatic correction for HeH+.
Flexible Silacyclophanes with Two Tricyclic Aromatic Units Linked by Two Disilanyl Pillars
Authors: Nakanishi Waka , Kamata Sho , Hitosugi Shunpei , Isobe Hiroyuki
Published: November 2012

A series of silacyclophanes with two carbazole units linked by two disilanyl pillars were synthesized by a concise one-pot procedure. The step-like structure of disilanyl double-pillared biscarbazole (SiDPBC) in crystals was disclosed by X-ray diffraction analysis. In the solution phase, SiDPBC fluctuated its structure rapidly on the NMR time scale with the aid of the wide-open angles of the two pillars, which was not observed with other congeners possessing tricyclic aromatic units.
Bandit Problems with Lévy Processes
Authors: Cohen Asaf , Solan Eilon
Published: November 2012

Bandit problems model the trade-off between exploration and exploitation in various decision problems. We study two-armed bandit problems in continuous time, where the risky arm can have two types: High or Low; both types yield stochastic payoffs generated by a Lévy process. We show that the optimal strategy is a cut-off strategy and we provide an explicit expression for the cut-off and for the optimal payoff.
The Gomory-Chvátal Closure of a Nonrational Polytope Is a Rational Polytope
Authors: Dunkel Juliane , Schulz Andreas S.
Published: November 2012

The question as to whether the Gomory-Chvátal closure of a nonrational polytope is a polytope has been a longstanding open problem in integer programming. In this paper, we answer this question in the affirmative by combining ideas from polyhedral theory and the geometry of numbers.
Real-time PCR assay for rapid qualitative and quantitative detection of Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Orosz Erika , Perkátai Katalin , Kapusinszky Beatrix , Farkas Ágnes , Kucsera István
Published: November 2012

Simple real-time PCR assay with one set of primer and probe for rapid, sensitive qualitative and quantitative detection of Entamoeba histolytica has been used. Consensus sequences were used to amplify a species-specific region of the 16S rRNA gene, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer hybridization probes were used for detection in a LightCycler platform (Roche). The anchor probe sequence was designed to be a perfect match for the 16S rRNA gene of Entamoeba species, while the acceptor probe sequence was designed for Entamoeba histolytica, which allowed differentiation. The performed characteristics of the real-time PCR assay were compared with ELISA antigen and microscopical detection from 77 samples of individuals with suspected clinical diagnosis of imported E. histolytica infection. Stool and liver abscess pus samples were examined with analytical sensitivity of 5 parasites per PCR reaction. The melting curve means Tms (standard deviation) in clinical isolates were 54°C. The real-time assay was 100% sensitive and specific for differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica, compared with conventional ELISA or microscopy. This real-time PCR assay with melting curve analysis is rapid, and specific for the detection and differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica. The suitability for routine use of this assay in clinical diagnostic laboratories is discussed.
Effect of glucose on the insulin production and insulin binding of Tetrahymena
Authors: Lajkó Eszter , Pállinger Éva , Csaba G.
Published: November 2012

As the unicellular ciliate, Tetrahymena has insulin receptors and produces insulin itself, which can regulate its glucose metabolism and other cell functions, in the present experiments the feed-back, the effect of glucose on the insulin binding and insulin production was studied. The cells were kept partly in tryptone-yeast medium, partly in Losina salt solution. The duration of treatment (in 0.1, 1.0, 10.0 mg/ml glucose) in the binding study was 10 min, in the hormone production study 30 min. FITC-insulin binding was significantly decreased only by 0.1 mg/ml glucose treatment in medium and by 10 mg/ml glucose in salt. The insulin production was significantly lower only in cells treated with 10 mg/ml glucose in medium. The insulin binding in salt was always higher and the insulin production always lower, than in medium. Earlier results demonstrated that the hormonal system (presence of hormones, receptors and signal pathways) of higher ranked animals can be deduced to a unicellular level, however, the feed-back mechanism is not really present here, only the traces can be observed in these protozoa.
Urogenital myiasis: A human case report
Authors: Barabás-Hajdu Enikő , Sátán Edith , Mihály Ágnes
Published: November 2012

Myiasis is caused by the larval stages of flies feeding on live or dead mammalian tissues and fluids. Human cases involving the genitourinary system are very rare and present with unusual symptoms.We report the case of a male, 25-year-old shepherd who underwent a surgical intervention on his urinary tract for renal lithiasis and was catheterized with a drain dwelling in his left kidney. A few days after the patient showed signs of dysuria, polyuria and pollakisuria. Lower urinary tract infection with ciprofloxacin susceptible E. coli was diagnosed and treated accordingly. The symptoms persisted and, a few days later, fly maggots were released repeatedly in the urine of the patient and sent for investigation. Macroscopic analysis and microscopy were performed. We detected 3–4 mm long, dorso-ventrally flattened white live fly larvae with lateral projections, typical for Fannia (Diptera: Fannidae) genus. Identification on a species level could not be performed as larva feeding facilities or specific DNA based methods were not available for us.Even if maggot urinary tract infestations are extremely rare in Europe, we should consider them in order to provide a rapid and correct diagnosis followed by an adequate treatment.
Evaluation of ventilation on indoor environment quality by means of multi-criteria methodology
Authors: Kapalo P. , Paulikova A.
Published: November 2012

The aim of this article is to examine the effect of temperature, humidity, air velocity and CO2 concentration regarding the human behaviour in indoor environment with natural ventilation, i.e. without a ventilation device, or where there is forced ventilation or an air conditioning.
Predicting liquefaction of tangier soils by using semiempirical approaches and continuum based modelling
Authors: Touil N. , Khamlichi A. , Dubujet P. , Jabbouri A.
Published: November 2012

Liquefaction potential of soils under the risk of seism is usually assessed by using correlation formulas that are based on field tests and historical earthquakes databases. These correlations depend on the site where they were derived. To use them for other sites where seismic history is not available, further investigation is needed. In this work, a one-dimensional modelling of liquefaction phenomenon is performed by using DeepSoil software. The soil data required for simulations were obtained from field tests consisting of core sampling and cone penetration testing. Using reliability analysis, the probability of liquefaction was estimated for sandy soils located in the Moroccan city of Tangier. The obtained results were found to be close to predictions due to Juang semiempirical approach.
An ant colony optimization algorithm-based emergency control strategy for voltage collapse mitigation
Authors: El-Sehiemy R. A. , El Ela A. A. A. , Kinawy A. M. M. , Mouwafia M. T.
Published: November 2012

This paper presents optimal preventive control actions using ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm to mitigate the occurrence of voltage collapse in stressed power systems. The proposed objective functions are: minimizing the transmission line losses as optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) problem, maximizing the preventive control actions by minimizing the voltage deviation of load buses with respect to the specified bus voltages and minimizing the reactive power generation at generation buses based on control variables under voltage collapse, control and dependent variable constraints using proposed sensitivity parameters of reactive power that dependent on a modification of Fast Decoupled Power Flow (FDPF) model. The proposed preventive actions are checked for different emergency conditions while all system constraints are kept within their permissible limits. The ACO algorithm has been applied to IEEE standard 30-bus test system. The results show the capability of the proposed ACO algorithm for preparing the maximal preventive control actions to remove different emergency effects.
Smart Additives for Self-Curing Concrete
Authors: Kovler Konstantin
Published: November 2012

Self-curing, or internal curing (IC), technology has been developed to counteract self-desiccation and autogenous shrinkage of high-strength/high-performance concrete (HSC/HPC), which is considered the "Achilles’ hill" of HSC/HPC [1]. According to ACI [2], IC refers to the process by which the hydration of cement continues because of the availability of internal water that is not part of the mixing water; while the internal water is made available by the pore system in structural lightweight aggregate (LWA) that absorbs and releases water. Recently ACI defined internal curing as “supplying water throughout a freshly placed cementitious mixture using reservoirs, via pre-wetted lightweight aggregates, that readily release water as needed for hydration or to replace moisture lost through evaporation or self-desiccation” [3]. Both definitions address the use of pre-wetted LWA as a self-curing (or internal curing) agent.

According to the definition of the RILEM Technical Committee TC-196 [4], IC implies introduction to the concrete mixture a component, which serves as a curing agent. This agent can be either a normal aggregate introduced into the concrete mixture in water-saturated state or a new component (for example, an additive or special aggregate). Similarly to the division accepted in external curing, RILEM TC-196 distinguishes between two categories of internal curing: (a) internal water curing (sometimes called “water entrainment”), when the curing agent performs as a water reservoir, which gradually releases water, and (b) internal sealing, when the curing agent is intended to delay/prevent loss of water from the hardening concrete. Although water-saturated porous aggregate is still the most popular material among IC agents, super-absorbent polymers (SAP), ceramic waste, recycled aggregate and wood-derived products show promising properties. In view of this, self-curing covers not only use of pre-wetted LWA, but also other methods of curing: water curing by means of variety of curing agents introduced in the concrete mix, and also the methods based on internal sealing.

The recent achievements in methods and materials for self-curing are reviewed, and the future trends in development of self-curing concrete are discussed.
Efficiency of Limestone Powder in SCC
Authors: Babu K. Ganesh , Sekhar B. Chandra
Published: November 2012

Self-compacting concretes have been of topical interest due to the ease of adoption and the significant savings in compaction efforts particularly at the congested reinforcement locations, in spite of the leak-proof forms required. However, many of the aspects regarding their production with different powder or pozzolanic additions and their corresponding mechanical strength characteristics are not yet fully understood. This paper deals exclusively with the compressive strength characteristics of these concretes incorporating limestone powder as a mineral admixture through the water cement ratio to strength results of concretes reported in literature. The basic idea is to get an idea of the SCCs at the lowest and the highest possible amounts of the limestone powder in it.
In-situ Measurements of Cluster Volume Fraction in Silicon Thin Films Using Quartz Crystal Microbalances
Authors: Kim Yeonwon , Hatozaki Kosuke , Hashimoto Yuji , Seo Hyunwoong , Uchida Giichiro , Kamataki Kunihiro , Itagaki Naho , Koga Kazunori , Shiratani Masaharu
Published: November 2012

We have carried out in-situ measurements of cluster volume fraction in silicon films during deposition by using quartz crystal microbalances (QCM’s) together with a cluster-eliminating filter. The cluster volume fraction in films is deduced from in-situ measurements of film deposition rates with and without silicon clusters using QCM’s. The results show that the higher deposition rate leads to the higher volume fraction of clusters.
Shape-controlled synthesis of silver nanostructures for high-thermal conductivity nanofluids
Authors: Garcia Glorimar , Perales-Perez Oscar , Ahmadi Majid , Guinel Maxime J-F
Published: November 2012

A nanofluid is a solid-liquid composite material consisting of a stable suspension of nanometric particles in a conventional refrigerant liquid expected to exhibit enhanced heat transfer properties. Elemental silver (Ag) was selected in this research because of its high electrical and thermal conductivity that are likely to be dependent on the crystal size and shape at the nanoscale. Accordingly, we have synthesized highly monodisperse silver nanowires and nanocrystals by reducing silver nitrate solutions with ethylene glycol in presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone, (PVP). The shape-control in the silver nanostructures was achieved by a proper selection of the type and level of chloride salts, e.g. KCl and CaCl2, and specific PVP/Ag mole ratios in starting solutions. The development of the metal phase was confirmed by X-ray diffractometry. Transmission electron microscopy analyses evidenced the formation of silver nanowires exhibiting a very uniform thickness that could be tuned in the 40-130nm range. UV-vis measurements evidenced the plasmon peak at ∼387nm and clear shoulders at ∼357nm that are indicative of the formation of elongated nanostructures.
Passivation of Silicon Surfaces by Formation of Thin Silicon Oxide Films Formed by Combination of Induction-Coupled Remote Oxygen Plasma with High Pressure H2O Vapor Heat Treatment
Authors: Abe H. , Yoshidomi S. , Nagatomi Y. , Hasumi M. , Sameshima T.
Published: November 2012

We report formation of thin silicon oxide films on the silicon surfaces by combination of oxygen radical and high pressure H2O vapor heat treatment for passivation of silicon surfaces at a low temperature. Oxygen plasma was generated by 13.56 MHz radio frequency induction-coupled remote plasma with mixed gases of O2 and Ar at 2 sccm, 2x10-2 Pa and at a power of 50 W. Oxygen radical was produced from the plasma via a metal mesh closing plasma in the reactor. The top surfaces of 20 Wcm n-type silicon substrates with the rear surface coated by thermally grown SiO2 layers were exposed by oxygen radical from 1 to 5 min to oxidize the silicon surface. The samples were subsequently annealed with 9.0x105 Pa H2O vapor heat treatment at 260oC for 3 h. The effective minority carrier lifetime estimated using photo-induced carrier microwave absorption system in the case of 635 nm light illumination at 1.5 mW/cm2 to the top surface increased from 1.3x10-4 to 5.1x10-4s as the oxygen radical treatment duration increased from 1 to 5 min. The recombination velocity decreased from 380 to 90 cm/s. 500 kHz capacitance response with bias gate voltages characteristics of metal oxide semiconductor structure resulted in the effective oxide thicknesses (EOT) ranging from 1.3 to 1.7 nm. These results indicate a capability of thin oxide formation and effective passivation of silicon surfaces at a low temperature.
Rapid Epitaxial Growth of Si and SiGe Mono-Crystalline Films on Silicon-on-Glass Substrates by Reactive CVD Using SiH4, GeH4, and F2
Authors: Noge Hiroshi , Okada Akira , Chuang Ta-Ko , Couillard J. Greg , Kondo Michio
Published: November 2012

We have succeeded in the rapid epitaxial growth of Si, Ge, and SiGe films on Si substrates below 670 ºC by reactive CVD utilizing the spontaneous exothermic reaction between SiH4, GeH4, and F2. Mono-crystalline SiGe epitaxial films with Ge composition ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 have been successfully grown by reactive CVD for the first time.

This technique has also been successfully applied to the growth of these films on silicon-on-glass substrates by a 20 - 50 ºC increase of the heating temperature. Over 10 μm thick epitaxial films at 3 nm/s growth rate are obtained. The etch pit density of the 5.2 μm-thick Si0.5Ge0.5 film is as low as 5 x 106 cm-2 on top. Mobilities of the undoped SiGe and Si films are 180 to 550 cm2/Vs, confirming the good crystallinity of the epitaxial films.
Low-temperature Plasma Processing of Micro- and Nanostructured Materials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Nagatsu Masaaki , Bekarevich Roman V. , Balmakov Alexei , Motrescu Iuliana , Ogino Akihisa , Murakawa Akiko , Park Enoch Y.
Published: November 2012

We develop a plasma processing technique for modifying the surface properties of micro- and nanostructured materials for biomedical applications. We also investigate the physical and chemical roles of the plasma in modifying the surfaces of micro- and nanostructured materials such as magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), nanophosphors, and biomolecules for various biomedical applications. We introduced amino groups onto the surfaces of graphite-encapsulated iron compound nanoparticles using a low-pressure Ar plasma pre-treatment and ammonia plasma post-treatment followed by immobilization of biomolecules, such as dextran and N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc). The present technique was also used to introduce amino groups onto CNT dot arrays grown on Si substrates for use in biochip sensors.
3-D optical modeling of single and multi-junction thin-film silicon solar cells on gratings
Authors: Isabella O. , Solntsev S. , Caratelli D. , Zeman M.
Published: November 2012

Three-dimensional (3-D) optical modeling based on Finite Element Method of single, double, and triple junction thin-film silicon solar cells is presented. The combination of front periodic gratings with optimal geometrical parameters and rear ZnO/Ag reflector constitutes an efficient light trapping scheme for solar cells in superstrate (pin) configuration. The application of optimized trapezoidal 1-D and 2-D gratings resulted in 25.5% (1-D case) and 32.5% (2-D case) increase in photo-current density with respect to the flat solar cell. The application of inverted pyramidal 2-D gratings in double and triple junction silicon solar cells with very thin absorber layers resulted in a photo-current density > 11 mA/cm2 and > 9 mA/cm2, respectively.
Multivariate Analysis of a-SiGe:H Multispectral Photodiodes for Proper Band Selection
Authors: Merfort Christian , Bablich Andreas , Schwaneberg O. , Watty Krystian , Boehm Markus
Published: November 2012

The demand for low cost and disposable devices has driven the development of intelligent photodiodes, especially multispectral photodiodes that were first manufactured by Rieve et al. in 2000 [1]. The most remarkable feature of these devices is the voltage-controlled spectral response. In this paper we present a-SiGe:H based bias sensitive ni3p photodiodes that have been fabricated successfully in a low temperature PECVD process. Multispectral diodes based on ni3p structures make use of an intrinsic layer divided into three regions. Further subdivision of the i-layer into different collection regions is the key to an unequivocal optical detection. In addition to the a-SiGe:H multispectral photodiodes developed at the IMT, there is an inestimable wealth of different sensor approaches that has been optimized for different applications. To optimize the separation of secondary colors (i.e. spectral signatures) it is necessary to separate only those response curves (i.e. bands) with a very high information density [2, 3]. In our case, samples of whitish powder suspected to be dangerous or illegal must be unequivocally characterized. There is need for an application specific band selection method by which various sensors can be compared and evaluated. Unfortunately it is not sufficient to optimize the spectral response only as discussed in [4]. The requirements for measuring surroundings and the mechanical handling of all parameters together form a multivariate data set. Examined were in fact more than 5,000 measurement setup combinations, fictional and real, each considering 10 parameters that partially influence each other. The influence of all these parameters has to be examined, with the awareness of multivariate analysis [5].
Effects of Hydration on Nanoscale Structural Morphology and Mechanics of Individual Type I Collagen Fibrils
Authors: Wallace Joseph M. , Harding Chad , Kemp Arika
Published: November 2012

Type I collagen is one of the most vital proteins in our bodies and serves a number of structural roles. Despite collagen’s importance, little is known about its nanoscale morphology in tissues and how morphology relates to mechanical function. This study directly probes nanoscale structure and mechanics in collagen as a function of hydration utilizing atomic force microscopy investigations of the mouse tail tendon. We demonstrate that collagen morphology and mechanical properties at the nanoscale change with dehydration, indicating that hydration is a factor which must be considered when performing studies at any length scale in collagen-based tissues. Studies are underway to further investigate this phenomenon and to determine how these properties change with disease in tendon and other Type I collagen-based tissues.
Selective Killing of Ovarian Cancer Cells through Induction of Apoptosis by a Nonequilibrium Atmospheric Pressure Plasma
Authors: Tanaka Hiromasa , Iseki Sachiko , Nakamura Kae , Hayashi Moemi , Kondo Hiroki , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Kano Hiroyuki , Kikkawa Fumitaka , Hori Masaru
Published: November 2012

Two independent ovarian cancer cell lines and fibroblast controls were treated with nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma (NEAPP). Most ovarian cancer cells were detached from the culture dish by continuous plasma treatment to a single spot on the dish. Next, the plasma source was applied over the whole dish using a robot arm. In vitro cell proliferation assays showed that plasma treatments significantly decreased proliferation rates of ovarian cancer cells compared to fibroblast cells. FACS and Western blot analysis showed that plasma treatment of ovarian cancer cells induced apoptosis. NEAPP could be a promising tool for therapy for ovarian cancers.
Nano-Crystalline Si Based Alloy (nc-SiXY) with Band Gap of 1.5 eV as the Solar Cell Absorber Layer Fabricated by VHF-PECVD Technique
Authors: Zhu Feng , Hu Jian , Matulionis Ilvydas , Gallon Josh , Madan Arun
Published: November 2012

We describe the properties of nano-crystalline silicon based alloy (nc-SiXY) prepared by a very high frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (VHF-PECVD) technique with silane (SiH4) and XY gas mixtures and diluted in hydrogen (H2) at low deposition temperature. Varying the gas ratio among SiH4, H2 and XY gasses could alter the optical bandgap and structure. The nc-Si films with high crystalline volume fraction were first prepared, and then the XY gasses were added in order to tune the microstructure and opto-electronic properties of this nano-crystalline silicon based alloy. We have characterized the materials using UV-VIS-NIR, Raman, Constant Photocurrent Method (CPM), dark- and photo-conductivity. As XY gas flows were increased, the optical bandgap of nc-SiXY films increased, while its crystalline volume fraction and conductivity decreased. With proper control of the silane concentration, XY/SiH4 gas ratio, and deposition pressure, we have fabricated the nc-SiXY film with optical bangap of about 1.5eV. Applying this material as the absorber layer in p-i-n devices with configuration of textured ZnO/nc-p+/nc-SiXY/a-n+/Ag, the efficiency is 7.25% (Voc=0.616V, Jsc=17.69mA/cm2, FF= 0.666) with thickness of ∼0.8μm.
Effect of Doping on Nanowire Morphology during Plasma-assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Lohn Andrew J. , Norris Kate J. , Cormia Robert D. , Coleman Elane , Tompa Gary S. , Kobayashi Nobuhiko P.
Published: November 2012

Morphologies of silicon nanowires grown by plasma-assisted metalorganic chemical vapor deposition were studied in the presence of various dopant precursors. The varied precursors affected the axial and radial growth rates over orders of magnitude where triethylborane showed the strongest enhancements for both axial and radial growth, and triethylarsenic and triethylantimony retarded axial growth. Native oxide thickness is also shown to depend strongly on doping condition resulting in increased oxide thicknesses for increased carrier concentration, using shifts in the measured binding energy of the silicon 2p3/2 state as a proxy for carrier concentration.