bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Thermal Annealing Condition on the Optical and Electrical Properties of Hybrid Silver Nanowires/Reduced Graphene Oxide (AgNWS/rGO) Films
Authors: Thu Hoang Thi , Hoa Huynh Tran My , Phuong Pham Hoai , Nhu Nguyen Huynh , Trung Tran Quang , Long Lam Minh , Dinh Nguyen Nang
Published: November 2014

Herein we report a electrode in the hybrid  structure of the silver nanowires (AgNWs) with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) deposited on glass or PET substrate. The assembly and contacting in procedures of this hybrid film have been strongly affected by preparation conditions, especially annealing temperature. In this work, we have investigated the effects of thermal annealing on interconnected at nanowire junctions and between AgNWS network and rGO films via their sheet resistance and transmission. The annealing temperature was varied from 120\(^{\circ}\)C to 180\(^{\circ}\)C with 10\(^{\circ}\)C step to find out optimal temperature at which the wires can be joined together. The results show that at 170\(^{\circ}\)C, the sheet resistance and transmission of the hybrid rGO/Ag NW film are \(R_{s} = 10.7\;\Omega\) sq\(^{ - 1 }\) and \(T = 77\)% (at wavelength 550 nm) corresponding to the ratio of direct conductivity to optical conductivity \(\sigma _{DC}/\sigma _{OP} = 126\) which is the best obtained value. It is expected that the hybrid AgNWS/rGO film can replace ITO film in the near future.
Judd Ofelt Analysis and Optical Properties of Eu\(^{3 + }\) Doped Tellurite Glasses
Authors: Hong Tran Thi , Dung Phan Tien , Quang Vu Xuan
Published: November 2014

In this work, the structural characteristic and photoluminescence properties of Eu\(^{3 + }\) doped B\(_{2}\)O\(_{3}\)-TeO\(_{2}\) -ZnO-Na\(_{2}\)O glasses were investigated. These glasses were prepared by a melting method in air, combined with thermal annealing at 350\(^{\circ}\)C, 450\(^{\circ}\)C and 550\(^{\circ}\)C for different duration times. The structural analysis results of these glasses revealed the formation of micro-crystals in the annealed host glass. The photoluminescence spectra of Eu\(^{3 + }\) doped in these samples were observed. The local vibration mode around Eu\(^{3 + }\) ions was investigated by the phonon side-band (PSB) associated with \(^{7}\!F_{0}-^{5}D_{2}\) transition of Eu\(^{3+}\). Judd-Ofelt parameters were then evaluated based on photoluminescence spectra and the luminescence intensity ratios of \(^{5}D_{0} \to ^{7}\!F_{J}\) (\(J=2, 4\) and 6) to \(^{5}D_{0} \to ^{7}\!F_{1}\) transition were predicted. The obtained results were then used to calculate \(\Omega _{2},\;\Omega _{4},\; \Omega _{6} \) parameters based on Judd-Ofelt theory. These \(\Omega _{2}\), \(\Omega _{4}\), \(\Omega _{6}\) parameters allow to derive radiative properties of Eu\(^{3 + }\) ions in glass material such as transition probabilities, radiative lifetimes and peak stimulated emission cross-section for the \(^{5}D_{0} \to ^{7}\!F_{J}\) transitions.
Optical Properties of Silicon Nanoparticles Prepared by Laser Ablation Method in Various Media
Authors: Tuan Chu Anh , Trang Nguyen Thi Thu , Tu Le Anh , Giang Duong Thi , Duong Pham Hong , Huy Pham Thanh
Published: November 2014

Bright photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles were successfully fabricated from porous silicon target in air and n-hexane using 532 nm line of YAG:Nd pulsed laser. The whole procedure was carried out at room temperature, in atmosphere. The morphology and composition of as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by SEM and EDS measurements. Their optical properties were investigated. The PL peak position of the as-synthesized Si nanoparticle ablated in air is slightly blue-shifted in comparison with those ablated in n-hexane, while it was almost no change of peak position of Si nanoparticles fabricated from p-Si in hexane and original p-Si wafer target. In contrast to PL intensity quenching of original p-Si sample and particles produced in air, those produced in n-hexane solvent exhibited an enhancement. The presence of dangling bonds or energy transfer from excited Si particles to oxygen molecules on the surface can be the cause of the quenching effect.
Deciphering the nuclear bile acid receptor FXR paradigm
Authors: Modica Salvatore , Gadaleta Raffaella M. , Moschetta Antonio
Published: November 2014

Originally called retinoid X receptor interacting protein 14 (RIP14), the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was renamed after the ability of its rat form to bind supra-physiological concentrations of farnesol. In 1999 FXR was de-orphanized since primary bile acids were identified as natural ligands. Strongly expressed in the liver and intestine, FXR has been shown to be the master transcriptional regulator of several entero-hepatic metabolic pathways with relevance to the pathophysiology of conditions such as cholestasis, fatty liver disease, cholesterol gallstone disease, intestinal inflammation and tumors. Furthermore, given the importance of FXR in the gut-liver axis feedbacks regulating lipid and glucose homeostasis, FXR modulation appears to have great input in diseases such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Exciting results from several cellular and animal models have provided the impetus to develop synthetic FXR ligands as novel pharmacological agents. Fourteen years from its discovery, FXR has gone from bench to bedside; a novel nuclear receptor ligand is going into clinical use.
Disparities in Tuberculosis Burden Among South Asians Living in New York City, 2001–2010
Authors: Stennis Natalie , Trieu Lisa , Perri Bianca , Anderson Janelle , Mushtaq Muhammad , Ahuja Shama
Published: November 2014

Objectives. We have described the characteristics of South Asian-born tuberculosis (TB) patients living in New York City (NYC) and compared them with other foreign-born patients to explore possible explanations for the disproportionate burden of TB in the South Asian population.

Methods. We used data on demographic and clinical characteristics for TB patients identified by the NYC Bureau of Tuberculosis Control from 2001 to 2010 to compare South Asian patients with other Asian and other foreign-born patients. We reviewed genotyping and cluster investigation data for South Asian patients to assess the extent of genotype clustering and the possibility of local transmission in this population.

Results. The observed disparity in TB rates and burden among South Asians was not explained by social or clinical characteristics. A large amount of TB strain diversity was observed among South Asians, and they were less likely than other foreign-born patients to be infected with the same TB strain as another NYC patient.

Conclusions. The majority of South Asians were likely infected with TB abroad. South Asians represent a meaningful foreign-born subpopulation for targeted detection and treatment of TB infection in NYC.
Assessing the Expected Impact of Global Health Treaties: Evidence From 90 Quantitative Evaluations
Authors: Hoffman Steven J. , Røttingen John-Arne
Published: November 2014

We assessed what impact can be expected from global health treaties on the basis of 90 quantitative evaluations of existing treaties on trade, finance, human rights, conflict, and the environment.

It appears treaties consistently succeed in shaping economic matters and consistently fail in achieving social progress. There are at least 3 differences between these domains that point to design characteristics that new global health treaties can incorporate to achieve positive impact: (1) incentives for those with power to act on them; (2) institutions designed to bring edicts into effect; and (3) interests advocating their negotiation, adoption, ratification, and domestic implementation.

Experimental and quasiexperimental evaluations of treaties would provide more information about what can be expected from this type of global intervention.
Disparities in Weight and Weight Behaviors by Sexual Orientation in College Students
Authors: Laska Melissa N. , VanKim Nicole A. , Erickson Darin J. , Lust Katherine , Eisenberg Marla E. , Rosser B. R. Simon
Published: November 2014

Objectives. We assessed disparities in weight and weight-related behaviors among college students by sexual orientation and gender.

Methods. We performed cross-sectional analyses of pooled annual data (2007–2011; n = 33 907) from students participating in a Minnesota state-based survey of 40 two- and four-year colleges and universities. Sexual orientation included heterosexual, gay or lesbian, bisexual, unsure, and discordant heterosexual (heterosexuals engaging in same-sex sexual experiences). Dependent variables included weight status (derived from self-reported weight and height), diet (fruits, vegetables, soda, fast food, restaurant meals, breakfast), physical activity, screen time, unhealthy weight control, and body satisfaction.

Results. Bisexual and lesbian women were more likely to be obese than heterosexual and discordant heterosexual women. Bisexual women were at high risk for unhealthy weight, diet, physical activity, and weight control behaviors. Gay and bisexual men exhibited poor activity patterns, though gay men consumed significantly less regular soda (and significantly more diet soda) than heterosexual men.

Conclusions. We observed disparities in weight-, diet-, and physical activity–related factors across sexual orientation among college youths. Additional research is needed to better understand these disparities and the most appropriate intervention strategies to address them.
Community Mobilization to Reduce Drug Use, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Hien Tran , Tran Anh Viet , Nguyen Nguyen Binh , Nguyen Son Hong , Vu Diep Bich , Nguyen Nhu To , Brookmeyer Ronald S. , Detels Roger
Published: November 2014

Objectives. We implemented an intervention to reduce drug use in an urban commune in northern Vietnam.

Methods. We encouraged the intervention commune to accept responsibility for developing their own intervention strategies based on a community mobilization model used in southern, rural China. We selected a comparison commune, which had demographic characteristics and a drug history similar to the intervention commune. The 2-year incidence of new drug users was estimated retrospectively in the intervention and comparison communes between baseline (2003) and follow-up (2009).

Results. Increased incidence of new (noninjecting) drug users between 2003 and 2009 in the intervention commune was lower than that in the comparison commune, and these participants expressed more positive attitudes toward local authority and people with drug use and HIV/AIDS. Increased condom use during last intercourse with female sex workers and with female casual partners was observed in the intervention commune. HIV prevalence and positive opioid tests decreased more in the intervention commune.

Conclusions. Our results suggested that the community mobilization had a positive influence in the intervention commune.
Routine HIV Testing in Indiana Community Health Centers
Authors: Meyerson Beth E. , Navale Shalini M. , Gillespie Anthony , Ohmit Anita
Published: November 2014

Objectives. We assessed routine HIV testing in Indiana community health centers (CHCs).

Methods. CHC medical directors reported HIV services, testing behaviors, barriers, and health center characteristics via survey from April to May 2013. Standard of care testing was measured by the extent to which CHCs complied with national guidelines for routine HIV testing in clinical settings.

Results. Most (85.7%) CHCs reported HIV testing, primarily at patient request or if the patient was symptomatic. Routine HIV testing was provided for pregnant women by 60.7% of CHCs. Only 10.7% provided routine testing for adolescents to adults up to age 65 years. Routine testing was reported by 14.3% for gay and bisexual men, although 46.4% of CHCs reported asking patients about sexual orientation. Linkage to care services for HIV-positive patients, counseling for HIV treatment adherence, and partner testing generally was not provided.

Conclusions. Most CHCs reported HIV testing, but such testing did not reflect the standard of care, because it depended on patient request or symptoms. One approach in future studies may be to allow respondents to compare current testing with standard of care and then reflect on barriers to and facilitators of adoption and implementation of routine HIV testing.
Changing Gender Norms and Reducing Intimate Partner Violence: Results From a Quasi-Experimental Intervention Study With Young Men in Ethiopia
Authors: Pulerwitz Julie , Hughes Lindsay , Mehta Manisha , Kidanu Aklilu , Verani Fabio , Tewolde Samuel
Published: November 2014

Objectives. We assessed the effects of a community-based project in Ethiopia that worked with young men to promote gender-equitable norms and reductions in intimate partner violence (IPV).

Methods. A quasi-experimental design was used to assign young Ethiopian men 15 to 24 years of age (809 participants were surveyed at baseline in 2008) to an intervention involving community engagement (CE) activities in combination with interactive group education (GE) sessions promoting gender-equitable norms and violence prevention, an intervention involving CE activities alone, or a comparison group.

Results. Participants in the GE + CE intervention were twice as likely (P < .01) as those in the comparison group to show increased support for gender-equitable norms between the baseline and end-line points. Also, the percentage of GE + CE participants who reported IPV toward their partner in the preceding 6 months decreased from 53% to 38% between baseline and end line, and the percentage in the CE-only group decreased from 60% to 37%; changes were negligible in the comparison group.

Conclusions. Promoting gender equity is an important strategy to reduce IPV.
Rumors and Realities: Making Sense of HIV/AIDS Conspiracy Narratives and Contemporary Legends
Authors: Heller Jacob
Published: November 2014

The social context of the early HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States provided fertile ground for rumors about transmission. Today, however, rumors about HIV/AIDS persist only within the African American public. Focus group and public discourse data reveal the content and distribution of HIV/AIDS origin and conspiracy rumors. Rumor and contemporary legend theory allows reinterpretation of rumors as a measure of trust between the African American public and health professionals, not as evidence of ignorance or of historical racial oppression. To improve public health results in the African American community, HIV/AIDS efforts must acknowledge the sources and meanings of rumors, include rumors as a measure of trust, and address the underlying distrust that the rumors signify.
Falls Among the Elderly and Vision: A Narrative Review
Authors: Marks Ray
Published: November 2014

Falls among older people are widespread, and can be catastrophic in terms of injury magnitude, quality of life
impact, and increased mortality risk. Among a multitude of factors influencing falls risk rates among older people are
deficits in vision, and/or their effects on locomotion, balance, and functional ability. This review discusses the above
topic, offers insight into what can be done in this realm based on the current body of literature. Sources drawn from
leading peer review articles published over the last 30 years using key words: falls, vision, injury, fracture were retrieved
and are analyzed and discussed. On this basis, the importance of falls and their prevention, and future clinical and research
directives are highlighted. Expected to increase in prevalence falls cause much undue distress and high personal, as well
as societal costs. The research literature on vision and falls, despite having major implications, remains limited at best, at
present.
Detection of a sinusoidal oscillation of unknownfrequency in a time series – a geodetic approach
Authors: Lehmann R.
Published: November 2014

Geodetic and geophysical time series may containsinusoidal oscillations of unknown angular frequency.Often it is required to decide if such sinusoidaloscillations are truly present in a given time series. Herewe pose the decision problem as a statistical hypothesistest, an approach very popular in geodesy and other scientificdisciplines. In the case of unknown angular frequenciessuch a test has not yet been proposed.We restrict ourselvesto the detection of a single sinusoidal oscillationin a one-dimensional time series, sampled at non-uniformtime intervals.We compare two solution methods: the likelihoodratio test for parameters in a Gauss-Markov modeland the analysis of the Lomb-Scargle periodogram. Wheneverneeded, critical values of these tests are computedusing the Monte Carlo method. We analyze an exemplarytime series from an absolute gravimetric observation byvarious tests. Finally, we compare their statistical power.It is found that the results for the exemplary time seriesare comparable. The LR test is more flexible, but alwaysrequires the Monte Carlo method for the computation ofcritical values. The periodogram analysis is computationallyfaster, because critical values can be approximatelydeduced from the exponential distribution, at least if thesampling is nearly uniform.
Toward a Model of Explaining Teachers’ Innovative Behavior
Authors: Thurlings Marieke , Evers Arnoud T. , Vermeulen Marjan
Published: November 2014

Innovative behavior can be described as a process in which new ideas are generated, created, developed, applied, promoted, realized, and modified by employees to benefit role performance. Various reasons, such as rapid technological and social changes in society, underline the necessity for innovative behavior of employees and certainly of teachers. However, little research has been conducted that explores teacher innovative behavior and which factors influence this behavior or what effects can be achieved through such behavior. In this systematic literature review, we develop a preliminary model of factors that enhance innovative behavior in educational organizations. Similar to findings of studies in other human behavior fields, self-efficacy plays an important role as well as a variety of individual and environmental factors. Based on this review, we urge for more systematic research on teacher innovative behavior to enhance the future quality of education.
A Narrative Synthesis of the Published Literature on Antenatal Care in Low and Middle Income Countries
Authors: Shrestha Shanta Kumar , Travaglia Joanne , Joshi Chandni
Published: November 2014

Background: Good quality antenatal care is one of the recommended strategies to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and improve health outcomes of the mother and her child. The utilization and quality of antenatal care in low and middle income countries is not well documented and hence deserves further study. This is a literature review of antenatal care in low and middle income countries on its utilization, the barriers and facilitators, and the available evidence of effectiveness and quality of antenatal careMethod: A systematic review of the published literature was conducted which also included published systematic reviews. Studies published between 2002 and 2012 were identified by searching Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL. This was supplemented by papers provided by international advisors from grey literature and snowballing search of reference list of all included papers. Only English language studies in low and middle income countries on antenatal care were includedResults: Twenty-three papers met the inclusion criteria. Health-facility based studies reported near universal access to antenatal care, which was not the case for community based studies. Women received at least one antenatal visit but fewer women had the recommended number of visits. Socioeconomic status and women’s education were the most frequent and the strongest predictors of antenatal care use. Antenatal care promoted the use of skilled birth attendant at delivery, but did not contribute to reductions in maternal mortality and stillbirths. The quality of care was reported as unsatisfactory; major issues being poor client-provider relationship and inferior quality of counselling.Conclusion: In order to increase the utilization of antenatal care, in the short term, less educated women from socioeconomically disadvantaged households require targeting. Long-term improvements require a focus on improving female education. Further research is needed to explore the quality of antenatal care in order to validate its effect on maternal and child health.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v13i1.11341 Health Prospect Vol.13(1) 2014: 12-23
‘Chitta’, “The Mind-stuff” as a Cognitive Apparatus: Model of mind and process of cognition as in Yogasutra of Patanjali
Authors: Upadhyay-Dhungel K , Dahal BK
Published: November 2014

Background and Objectives: Medical sciences have developed tremendously but yet it has to understand the brain, mind, consciousness and cognition process. In this article, authors have made an attempt to present a process of cognition with a model of mind explained in yoga sutra of Patanjali. Material and Methods: Understanding the mind with the modern scientific tools is often difficult. Here an attempt has been made to understand mind with the help of various literature in yoga especially in yoga sutra of patanjali, a valid text of yoga. Hermeneutical approach, a method used in qualitative method of inquiry is used for this study. Reading, re-reading the texts and finding the meaning out of the text is the process used. Results: A model of mind has been proposed as finding of the study. This model of mind has a ‘chitta’ (Mind stuff) as a cognitive apparatus and important component for cognition. ‘Chitta’ interacts with the external manifested world (Prakriti). ‘Chitta’ has Mana, Buddhi and Ego as Antakahrana (internal organ) and ‘Indriyas’ (Five Gyanendriyas and Five Karmaindriyas) as external organ. This concept of mind and cognition works for the plane of ‘chitta-vritti’ state where vrittis are the external world. But YSP also talks about next plane of cognition which is beyond the scope of this study. Conclusion: A cognitive model explaining the concept of mind forms a major finding of this research. This finding may initiate future researches in the field of understanding the mental processing and acts as links between ancient wisdom of yoga and modern concept on mind and cognition and how they can complement each other. This model of concept of mind can also be used as concept for psychological counseling and psychological therapy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v2i1.11390   Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol. 2 (1): 10-16
Gender Determination by Linear Dimension of Permanent Canine: An Odontometric Analysis
Authors: Sharma B , Balaji N , Sumathi MK
Published: November 2014

Background and objectives: Identification, an aspect of forensic anthropology, is the recognition of an individual based on the physical characteristics unique to the individual. Among the four main attributes i.e. gender, age, stature and ethnic or racial background of an individual’s biological identity, sex determination is usually the first step in the human identification process. Teeth can be used as a means of sex determination as teeth are resistant to post-mortem degradation and survive deliberate, accidental or natural change. This study was carried out with an objective to determine the sexual dimorphism of maxillary and mandibular canine by linear tooth diameter for permanent dentition in Moradabad population. Material and Methods: A total number of 40 subjects (20 Males and 20 Females) were included in this study. After obtaining an informed written consent, alginate impression was taken with help of perforated impression trays and study models were prepared with type IV dental stone. Linear (MD, BL, Crown Height) were taken with digital vernier caliper. Results: It was observed that males’ shows more mean linear crown diameter as compared to females. Also, the mesiodistal and buccolingual measurement shows statistically significant difference for all canines, being higher for males than females. Conclusion: The present study has expressed sexual dimorphism of permanent canine using Student’s test and indicate that linear dimension of maxillary canine can be used for sexual diamorphism with accuracy along with other accepted procedure for sex determination. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v2i1.11392   Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol. 2 (1): 23-27
Selective Laser Melting – Additive Manufacturing's “New Kid on the Block”; TMF Failure of a Y-shaped Pipe in a Burner Test Rig
Authors: Neidel A. , Fischer B. , Cagliyan E. , Ullrich Th.
Published: November 2014

A particular heavy-duty gas turbine burner, used in a burner rig test, featured a Y-shaped fuel gas feed pipe. The Y-pipe was made by non-conventional production, in an attempt to test the component and its specialty manufacturing process in an environment that simulates service conditions without causing collateral damage to other engine components in case of failure. The Y-pipe was produced by additive manufacturing (AM), using a process that is known as selective laser melting (SLM). This process is well suited for complex parts due to its advantageous geometrical freedom. It is known to have been used for intricate piping systems before. However, the Y-shaped pipe failed by thermal-mechanical fatigue cracking (TMF).
The 1500 m South Pole ice core: recovering a 40 ka environmental record
Authors: Casey K.A. , Fudge T.J. , Neumann T.A. , Steig E.J. , Cavitte M.G.P. , Blankenship D.D.
Published: November 2014

Supported by the US National Science Foundation, a new 1500 m, ∼40 ka old ice core will be recovered from South Pole during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 austral summer seasons using the new US intermediate-depth drill. The combination of low temperatures, relatively high accumulation rates and low impurity concentrations at South Pole will yield detailed records of ice chemistry and trace atmospheric gases. The South Pole ice core will provide a climate history record of a unique area of the East Antarctic plateau that is partly influenced by weather systems that cross the West Antarctic ice sheet. The ice at South Pole flows at ∼ 10ma−1 and the South Pole ice-core site is a significant distance from an ice divide. Therefore, ice recovered at depth originated progressively farther upstream of the coring site. New ground-penetrating radar collected over the drill site location shows no anthropogenic influence over the past ∼50 years or upper 15 m. Depth–age scale modeling results show consistent and plausible annual-layer thicknesses and accumulation rate histories, indicating that no significant stratigraphic disturbances exist in the upper 1500 m near the ice-core drill site.
Resistance to Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in Salmonella from a Broiler Supply Chain
Authors: Gelinski Jane , Bombassaro Amanda , Baratto César , Vicente Vânia
Published: November 2014

The prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae varies worldwide, however, the incidence of ESBL-producing environmental Salmonella isolates is increasing. Salmonella is still one of the most important pathogens that occur in the poultry supply chain. Therefore, this study analyzed the susceptibility of Salmonella isolates collected from a poultry supply chain to β-lactam antibiotics, and examined the phenotypes of the isolates based on enzyme-inducible AmpC β-lactamase analysis. All analysis of the putative positive isolates in the current study confirmed that 27.02% (77/285 analysis) of all ESBL tests realized with the isolates produced a profile of resistance consistent with β-lactamase production. All isolates of S. Minnesota serotype had ESBL phenotype. Aztreonam resistance was the least common amongst the Salmonella isolates, followed by ceftazidime. The presence of inducible chromosomal ESBL was detected in 14 different isolates of the 19 serotypes investigated. These results are very indicatives of the presence of ESBL genes in Salmonella isolates from a broiler supply chain, reaffirming the growing global problem of ESBL resistance.
Analysis of Protein–Protein Interactions in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Cell Lines Using Phthalic Acid Chemical
Authors: Liang Shih-Shin , Wang Tsu-Nai , Tsai Eing-Mei
Published: November 2014

Phthalates are a class of plasticizers that have been characterized as endocrine disrupters, and are associated with genital diseases, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity in the GeneOntology gene/protein database. In this study, we synthesized phthalic acid chemical probes and demonstrated differing protein–protein interactions between MCF-7 cells and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Phthalic acid chemical probes were synthesized using silicon dioxide particle carriers, which were modified using the silanized linker 3-aminopropyl triethoxyslane (APTES). Incubation with cell lysates from breast cancer cell lines revealed interactions between phthalic acid and cellular proteins in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Subsequent proteomics analyses indicated 22 phthalic acid-binding proteins in both cell types, including heat shock cognate 71-kDa protein, ATP synthase subunit beta, and heat shock protein HSP 90-beta. In addition, 21 MCF-7-specific and 32 MDA-MB-231 specific phthalic acid-binding proteins were identified, including related proteasome proteins, heat shock 70-kDa protein, and NADPH dehydrogenase and ribosomal correlated proteins, ras-related proteins, and members of the heat shock protein family, respectively.
Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan Derivatives Containing N-Quaternized Moieties in Its Backbone: A Review
Authors: Martins Alessandro , Facchi Suelen , Follmann Heveline , Pereira Antonio , Rubira Adley , Muniz Edvani
Published: November 2014

Chitosan, which is derived from a deacetylation reaction of chitin, has attractive antimicrobial activity. However, chitosan applications as a biocide are only effective in acidic medium due to its low solubility in neutral and basic conditions. Also, the positive charges carried by the protonated amine groups of chitosan (in acidic conditions) that are the driving force for its solubilization are also associated with its antimicrobial activity. Therefore, chemical modifications of chitosan are required to enhance its solubility and broaden the spectrum of its applications, including as biocide. Quaternization on the nitrogen atom of chitosan is the most used route to render water-soluble chitosan-derivatives, especially at physiological pH conditions. Recent reports in the literature demonstrate that such chitosan-derivatives present excellent antimicrobial activity due to permanent positive charge on nitrogen atoms side-bonded to the polymer backbone. This review presents some relevant work regarding the use of quaternized chitosan-derivatives obtained by different synthetic paths in applications as antimicrobial agents.
Palmitic Acid-Induced Neuron Cell Cycle G2/M Arrest and Endoplasmic Reticular Stress through Protein Palmitoylation in SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Hsiao Yung-Hsuan , Lin Ching-I , Liao Hsiang , Chen Yue-Hua , Lin Shyh-Hsiang
Published: November 2014

Obesity-related neurodegenerative diseases are associated with elevated saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in the brain. An increase in SFAs, especially palmitic acid (PA), triggers neuron cell apoptosis, causing cognitive function to deteriorate. In the present study, we focused on the specific mechanism by which PA triggers SH-SY5Y neuron cell apoptosis. We found that PA induces significant neuron cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase in SH-SY5Y cells. Our data further showed that G2/M arrest is involved in elevation of endoplasmic reticular (ER) stress according to an increase in p-eukaryotic translation inhibition factor 2α, an ER stress marker. Chronic exposure to PA also accelerates beta-amyloid accumulation, a pathological characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly, SFA-induced ER stress, G2/M arrest and cell apoptosis were reversed by treatment with 2-bromopalmitate, a protein palmitoylation inhibitor. These findings suggest that protein palmitoylation plays a crucial role in SFA-induced neuron cell cycle G2/M arrest, ER stress and apoptosis; this provides a novel strategy for preventing SFA-induced neuron cell dysfunction.
3,4,5-Trichloroaniline Nephrotoxicity in Vitro: Potential Role of Free Radicals and Renal Biotransformation
Authors: Racine Christopher , Ward Dakota , Anestis Dianne , Ferguson Travis , Preston Deborah , Rankin Gary
Published: November 2014

Chloroanilines are widely used in the manufacture of drugs, pesticides and industrial intermediates. Among the trichloroanilines, 3,4,5-trichloroaniline (TCA) is the most potent nephrotoxicant in vivo. The purpose of this study was to examine the nephrotoxic potential of TCA in vitro and to determine if renal biotransformation and/or free radicals contributed to TCA cytotoxicity using isolated renal cortical cells (IRCC) from male Fischer 344 rats as the animal model. IRCC (~4 million cells/mL; 3 mL) were incubated with TCA (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 or 1.0 mM) for 60–120 min. In some experiments, IRCC were pretreated with an antioxidant or a cytochrome P450 (CYP), flavin monooxygenase (FMO), cyclooxygenase or peroxidase inhibitor prior to incubation with dimethyl sulfoxide (control) or TCA (0.5 mM) for 120 min. At 60 min, TCA did not induce cytotoxicity, but induced cytotoxicity as early as 90 min with 0.5 mM or higher TCA and at 120 min with 0.1 mM or higher TCA, as evidenced by increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Pretreatment with the CYP inhibitor piperonyl butoxide, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin or the peroxidase inhibitor mercaptosuccinate attenuated TCA cytotoxicity, while pretreatment with FMO inhibitors or the CYP inhibitor metyrapone had no effect on TCA nephrotoxicity. Pretreatment with an antioxidant (α-tocopherol, glutathione, ascorbate or N-acetyl-l-cysteine) also reduced or completely blocked TCA cytotoxicity. These results indicate that TCA is directly nephrotoxic to IRCC in a time and concentration dependent manner. Bioactivation of TCA to toxic metabolites by CYP, cyclooxygenase and/or peroxidase contributes to the mechanism of TCA nephrotoxicity. Lastly, free radicals play a role in TCA cytotoxicity, although the exact nature of the origin of these radicals remains to be determined.
Viruses of Haloarchaea
Authors: Luk Alison , Williams Timothy , Erdmann Susanne , Papke R. , Cavicchioli Ricardo
Published: November 2014

In hypersaline environments, haloarchaea (halophilic members of the Archaea) are the dominant organisms, and the viruses that infect them, haloarchaeoviruses are at least ten times more abundant. Since their discovery in 1974, described haloarchaeoviruses include head-tailed, pleomorphic, spherical and spindle-shaped morphologies, representing Myoviridae, Siphoviridae, Podoviridae, Pleolipoviridae, Sphaerolipoviridae and Fuselloviridae families. This review overviews current knowledge of haloarchaeoviruses, providing information about classification, morphotypes, macromolecules, life cycles, genetic manipulation and gene regulation, and host-virus responses. In so doing, the review incorporates knowledge from laboratory studies of isolated viruses, field-based studies of environmental samples, and both genomic and metagenomic analyses of haloarchaeoviruses. What emerges is that some haloarchaeoviruses possess unique morphological and life cycle properties, while others share features with other viruses (e.g., bacteriophages). Their interactions with hosts influence community structure and evolution of populations that exist in hypersaline environments as diverse as seawater evaporation ponds, to hot desert or Antarctic lakes. The discoveries of their wide-ranging and important roles in the ecology and evolution of hypersaline communities serves as a strong motivator for future investigations of both laboratory-model and environmental systems.
Resolvin D1, a Metabolite of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid, Decreases Post-Myocardial Infarct Depression
Authors: Gilbert Kim , Bernier Judith , Godbout Roger , Rousseau Guy
Published: November 2014

We hypothesized that inflammation induced by myocardial ischemia plays a central role in depression-like behavior after myocardial infarction (MI). Several experimental approaches that reduce inflammation also result in attenuation of depressive symptoms. We have demonstrated that Resolvin D1 (RvD1), a metabolite of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) derived from docosahexaenoic acid, diminishes infarct size and neutrophil accumulation in the ischemic myocardium. The aim of this study is to determine if a single RvD1 injection could alleviate depressive symptoms in a rat model of MI. MI was induced in rats by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 40 min. Five minutes before ischemia or after reperfusion, 0.1 μg of RvD1 or vehicle was injected in the left ventricle cavity. Fourteen days after MI, behavioral tests (forced swim test and socialization) were conducted to evaluate depression-like symptoms. RvD1 reduced infarct size in the treated vs. the vehicle group. Animals receiving RvD1 also showed better performance in the forced swim and social interaction tests vs. vehicle controls. These results indicate that a single RvD1 dose, given 5 min before occlusion or 5 min after the onset of reperfusion, decreases infarct size and attenuates depression-like symptoms.
Structure of a Sialo-Oligosaccharide from Glycophorin in Carp Red Blood Cell Membranes
Authors: Aoki Takahiko , Chimura Kenji , Sugiura Hikaru , Mizuno Yasuko
Published: November 2014

We isolated a high-purity carp glycophorin from carp erythrocyte membranes and prepared the oligosaccharide fraction from glycophorin by β-elimination [1]. The oligosaccharide fraction was separated into two components (P-1 and P-2) using a Glyco-Pak DEAE column. These O-linked oligosaccharides (P-1 and P-2) were composed of glucose, galactose, fucose, N-acetylgalactosamine and N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc). The P-1 and P-2 contained one and two NeuGc residues, respectively, and the P-1 exhibited bacteriostatic activity [1]. Using NMR and GC-MS, we determined that the structure of the bacteriostatic P-1 was NeuGcα2→6 (Fucα1→4) (Glcα1→3) Galβ1→4GalNAc-ol. This O-linked oligosaccharide was unique for a vertebrate with respect to the hexosamine and hexose linkages and its non-chain structure.
Multi-Spectroscopic Analysis of Seed Quality and 13C-Stable-Iotopologue Monitoring in Initial Growth Metabolism of Jatropha curcas L.
Authors: Komatsu Takanori , Ohishi Risa , Shino Amiu , Akashi Kinya , Kikuchi Jun
Published: November 2014

In the present study, we applied nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), as well as near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, to Jatropha curcas to fulfill two objectives: (1) to qualitatively examine the seeds stored at different conditions, and (2) to monitor the metabolism of J. curcas during its initial growth stage under stable-isotope-labeling condition (until 15 days after seeding). NIR spectra could non-invasively distinguish differences in storage conditions. NMR metabolic analysis of water-soluble metabolites identified sucrose and raffinose family oligosaccharides as positive markers and gluconic acid as a negative marker of seed germination. Isotopic labeling patteren of metabolites in germinated seedlings cultured in agar-plate containg 13C-glucose and 15N-nitrate was analyzed by zero-quantum-filtered-total correlation spectroscopy (ZQF-TOCSY) and 13C-detected 1H-13C heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy (HETCOR). 13C-detected HETOCR with 13C-optimized cryogenic probe provided high-resolution 13C-NMR spectra of each metabolite in molecular crowd. The 13C-13C/12C bondmer estimated from 1H-13C HETCOR spectra indicated that glutamine and arginine were the major organic compounds for nitrogen and carbon transfer from roots to leaves.
Synthetic Genistein Glycosides Inhibiting EGFR Phosphorylation Enhance the Effect of Radiation in HCT 116 Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Gruca Aleksandra , Krawczyk Zdzisław , Szeja Wiesław , Grynkiewicz Grzegorz , Rusin Aleksandra
Published: November 2014

The need to find new EGFR inhibitors for use in combination with radiotherapy in the treatment of solid tumors has drawn our attention to compounds derived from genistein, a natural isoflavonoid. The antiproliferative potential of synthetic genistein derivatives used alone or in combination with ionizing radiation was evaluated in cancer cell lines using clonogenic assay. EGFR phosphorylation was assessed with western blotting. Genistein derivatives inhibited clonogenic growth of HCT 116 cancer cells additively or synergistically when used in combination with ionizing radiation, and decreased EGFR activation. Our preclinical evaluation of genistein-derived EGFR inhibitors suggests that these compounds are much more potent sensitizers of cells to radiation than the parent isoflavonoid, genistein and indicate that these compounds may be useful in the treatment of colon cancer with radiation therapy.
The Crystal Structure and Morphology of 2,4,6,8,10,12-Hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) p-Xylene Solvate: A Joint Experimental and Simulation Study
Authors: Shen Fanfan , Lv Penghao , Sun Chenghui , Zhang Rubo , Pang Siping
Published: November 2014

The crystal structure of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaiso-wurtzitane (CL-20) p-xylene solvate, and the solvent effects on the crystal faces of CL-20 were studied through a combined experimental and theoretical method. The properties were analyzed by thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).The growth morphology of CL-20p-xylene solvate crystal was predicted with a modified attachment energy model. The crystal structure of CL-20p-xylene solvate belonged to the Pbca space group with the unit cell parameters, a = 8.0704(12) Å, b=13.4095(20) Å, c = 33.0817(49) Å, and Z = 4, which indicated that the p-xylene solvent molecules could enter the crystal lattice of CL-20 and thus the CL-20 p-xylene solvate is formed. According to the solvent-effected attachment energy calculations, (002) and (11−1) faces should not be visible at all, while the percentage area of the (011) face could be increased from 7.81% in vacuum to 12.51% in p-xylene solution. The predicted results from the modified attachment energy model agreed very well with the observed morphology of crystals grown from p-xylene solution.
Mild Conditions for Deuteration of Primary and Secondary Arylamines for the Synthesis of Deuterated Optoelectronic Organic Molecules
Authors: Krause-Heuer Anwen , Yepuri Nageshwar , Darwish Tamim , Holden Peter
Published: November 2014

Deuterated arylamines demonstrate great potential for use in optoelectronic devices, but their widespread utility requires a method for large-scale synthesis. The incorporation of these deuterated materials into optoelectronic devices also provides the opportunity for studies of the functioning device using neutron reflectometry based on the difference in the scattering length density between protonated and deuterated compounds. Here we report mild deuteration conditions utilising standard laboratory glassware for the deuteration of: diphenylamine, N-phenylnaphthylamine, N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine and 1-naphthylamine (via H/D exchange in D2O at 80 °C, catalysed by Pt/C and Pd/C). These conditions were not successful in the deuteration of triphenylamine or N,N-dimethylaniline, suggesting that these mild conditions are not suitable for the deuteration of tertiary arylamines, but are likely to be applicable for the deuteration of other primary and secondary arylamines. The deuterated arylamines can then be used for synthesis of larger organic molecules or polymers with optoelectronic applications.
Development of an Operational Calibration Methodology for the Landsat Thermal Data Archive and Initial Testing of the Atmospheric Compensation Component of a Land Surface Temperature (LST) Product from the Archive
Authors: Cook Monica , Schott John , Mandel John , Raqueno Nina
Published: November 2014

The Landsat program has been producing an archive of thermal imagery that spans the globe and covers 30 years of the thermal history of the planet at human scales (60–120 m). Most of that archive’s absolute radiometric calibration has been fixed through vicarious calibration techniques. These calibration ties to trusted values have often taken a year or more to gather sufficient data and, in some cases, it has been over a decade before calibration certainty has been established. With temperature being such a critical factor for all living systems and the ongoing concern over the impacts of climate change, NASA and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) are leading efforts to provide timely and accurate temperature data from the Landsat thermal data archive. This paper discusses two closely related advances that are critical steps toward providing timely and reliable temperature image maps from Landsat. The first advance involves the development and testing of an autonomous procedure for gathering and performing initial screening of large amounts of vicarious calibration data. The second advance discussed in this paper is the per-pixel atmospheric compensation of the data to permit calculation of the emitted surface radiance (using ancillary sources of emissivity data) and the corresponding land surface temperature (LST).
Fully-Automated Power Line Extraction from Airborne Laser Scanning Point Clouds in Forest Areas
Authors: Zhu Lingli , Hyyppä Juha
Published: November 2014

High-voltage power lines can be quite easily mapped using laser scanning data, because vegetation close to high-voltage lines is typically removed and also because the power lines are located higher off the ground in contrast to regional networks and lower voltage networks. On the contrary, lower voltage power lines are located in the middle of dense forests, and it is difficult to classify power lines in such an environment. This paper proposes an automated power line detection method for forest environments. Our method was developed based on statistical analysis and 2D image-based processing technology. During the process of statistical analysis, a set of criteria (e.g., height criteria, density criteria and histogram thresholds) is applied for selecting the candidates for power lines. After transforming the candidates to a binary image, image-based processing technology is employed. Object geometric properties are considered as criteria for power line detection. This method was conducted in six sets of airborne laser scanning (ALS) data from different forest environments. By comparison with reference data, 93.26% of power line points were correctly classified. The advantages and disadvantages of the methods were analyzed and discussed.
Effect of CSA Concentration on the Ammonia Sensing Properties of CSA-Doped PA6/PANI Composite Nanofibers
Authors: Pang Zengyuan , Fu Jiapeng , Lv Pengfei , Huang Fenglin , Wei Qufu
Published: November 2014

Camphor sulfonic acid (CSA)-doped polyamide 6/polyaniline (PA6/PANI) composite nanofibers were fabricated using in situ polymerization of aniline under different CSA concentrations (0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.10 M) with electrospun PA6 nanofibers as templates. The structural, morphological and ammonia sensing properties of the prepared composite nanofibers were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), four-point probe techniques, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a home-made gas sensing test system. All the results indicated that the CSA concentration had a great influence on the sensing properties of CSA-doped PA6/PANI composite nanofibers. The composite nanofibers doped with 0.02 M CSA showed the best ammonia sensing properties, with a significant sensitivity toward ammonia (NH3) at room temperature, superior to that of the composite nanofibers doped with 0.04–0.10 mol/L CSA. It was found that for high concentrations of CSA, the number of PANI–H+ reacted with NH3 would not make up a high proportion of all PANI–H+ within certain limits. As a result, within a certain range even though higher CSA-doped PA6/PANI nanofibers had better conductivity, their ammonia sensing performance would degrade.