bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABA signal transduction at the crossroad of biotic and abiotic stress responses
Authors: LEE SUNG CHUL , LUAN SHENG
Published: September 2011

Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates key processes relevant to seed germination, plant development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. Abiotic stress conditions such as drought induce ABA biosynthesis initiating the signalling pathways that lead to a number of molecular and cellular responses, among which the best known are the expression of stress‐related genes and stomatal closure. Stomatal closure also serves as a mechanism for pathogen defence, thereby acting as a platform for crosstalk between biotic and abiotic stress responses involving ABA action. Significant advances in our understanding of ABA signal transduction have been made with combination of approaches including genetics, biochemistry, electrophysiology and chemical genetics. Molecular components associated with the ABA signalling have been identified, and their relationship in the complex network of interactions is being dissected. We focused on the recent progress in ABA signal transduction, especially those studies related to identification of ABA receptors and downstream components that lead ABA signal to cellular response. In particular, we will describe a pathway model that starts with ABA binding to the PYR/PYL/RCAR family of receptors, followed by inactivation of 2C‐type protein phosphatases and activation of SnRK2‐type kinases, and eventually lead to activation of ion channels in guard cells and stomatal closure.
Effects of light conditions and after‐ripening time on seed dormancy loss of Bromus diandrus Roth.
Authors: DEL MONTE J P , DORADO J
Published: September 2011

Del
Monte JP & Dorado J (2011). Effects of light conditions and after‐ripening time on seed dormancy loss of Bromus diandrus Roth. Weed Research51, 581–590.

Bromus diandrus is an emerging problem in barley crops in temperate climates, owing to its ability to adapt to certain farming techniques, as well as the absence of an efficient means of control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the germination of B. diandrus as a function of light conditions, time after ripening, temperature and water potential. Our results indicate that light conditions were the principal factor affecting germination and that seeds had negative photoblastism. Darkness modified the hydrotime parameters of the seeds somewhat, for example, by decreasing the values of Ψb and by favouring dormancy loss. The after‐ripening time significantly modified the hydrotime parameters of the seeds, causing Ψb to drift towards more negative values (greater dormancy loss) as the after‐ripening time increased. The combination of both variables explains the dormancy dynamics of this species in Mediterranean climates that are characterised by two distinct germination flushes, coinciding with two periods when soil humidity and temperature are not limiting. The first and main cohort of seedlings would emerge in autumn, originating from young buried seeds. A second cohort would emerge in the spring, from mature seeds on the surface of the soil.
Elevated temperature may accelerate invasive expansion of the liana plant Ipomoea cairica
Authors: WANG R‐L , ZENG R‐S , PENG S‐L , CHEN B‐M , LIANG X‐T , XIN X‐W
Published: September 2011

Wang
R‐L,
Zeng
R‐S,
Peng
S‐L,
Chen
B‐M,
Liang X‐T & Xin X‐W (2011) Elevated temperature may accelerate invasive expansion of the liana plant Ipomoea cairica. Weed Research51, 574–580.

Numerous studies have shown that elevated CO2 levels promote liana establishment in forests, thus suggesting their increased prevalence in the future in these habitats. Limited information exists, however, concerning the effects of potentially increasing global temperatures on these plants. The invasive liana Ipomoea cairica has infested many forests in South China. We hypothesised that elevated temperature could change the resource allocation pattern and allelopathic potential of this plant, resulting in increased invasiveness. We compared seed germination, growth rates and leachate phytotoxicity of I. cairica at three temperatures (22, 26 and 30°C). The seed germination rates of I. cairica were 11.6%, 21.2% and 26.4% at 22, 26 and 30°C respectively. Elevated temperature resulted in significant changes in morphology and biomass allocation of I. cairica. Shoot biomass of the plant increased, while the root biomass decreased with increasing temperature. Phytotoxicity of aqueous leachates from fresh leaves of I. cairica varied depending on receptor plants, but showed the strongest phytotoxic effects at the highest temperature (30°C). Our results provide key information concerning the effects of elevated temperatures on the allelopathic potential, germination and growth of I. cairica and indicate that global warming could increase the invasiveness of this species.
Weed vegetation of poppy (Papaver somniferum) fields in Hungary: effects of management and environmental factors on species composition
Authors: PINKE G , PÁL R W , TÓTH K , KARÁCSONY P , CZÚCZ B , BOTTA‐DUKÁT Z
Published: September 2011

Pinke G, Pál RW, Tóth K, Karácsony P, Czúcz B & Botta‐Dukát Z (2011). Weed vegetation of poppy (Papaver somniferum) fields in Hungary: effects of management and environmental factors on species composition. Weed Research51, 621–630.

Poppy (Papaver somniferum) is a sporadically cultivated crop species, with idiosyncratic life history traits, management systems and highly specific and under‐researched weed communities. This study aimed to assess the management and environmental factors determining the weed species composition of poppy fields over a relatively large area (Hungary in central‐eastern Europe), one of the focal regions of poppy production worldwide. The abundance of weed flora was measured in 102 poppy fields across Hungary, along with 41 management and environmental factors. The set of explanatory variables was reduced by stepwise backward selection to a minimal adequate model containing 15 terms, which explained 34.3% of the total variation in species data. The net effects of 10 variables on species composition were significant. Sowing season was found to be the most important explanatory variable, showing a clear distinction between the weed flora of autumn‐sown food poppy and spring‐sown alkaloid poppy fields. Other management factors, such as preceding crop, herbicides mesotrione and isoxaflutole, fertiliser N and row spacing, were also significant. Only four environmental variables (temperature, soil texture, soil Mg and Ca content) were significant, which can be attributed to the narrow ecological tolerance of poppy, resulting in short environmental gradients.
Determinants of foodservice satisfaction for patients in geriatrics/rehabilitation and residents in residential aged care
Authors: Wright Olivia R. L. , Connelly Luke B. , Capra Sandra , Hendrikz Joan
Published: September 2011

Background  Poor satisfaction with institutional food is a significant moderator of food intake in geriatrics/rehabilitation and residential aged care.

Purpose  To quantify the relationship between foodservice satisfaction, foodservice characteristics, demographic and contextual variables in geriatrics/rehabilitation and residential aged care.

Methods  The Resident Foodservice Satisfaction Questionnaire was administered to 103 patients of 2 geriatrics/rehabilitation units and 210 residents of nine residential aged care facilities in Brisbane, Australia. Ordered probit regression analysis measured the association of age, gender, ethnicity and appetite, timing and amount of meal choice, menu selectivity, menu cycle, production system, meal delivery system and therapeutic diets with foodservice satisfaction.

Results  Patient and resident appetite (P < 0.01), the amount and timing of meal choice (P < 0.01), self‐rated health (P < 0.01), accommodation style (P < 0.05) and age (P < 0.10) significantly moderated foodservice satisfaction. High protein/high energy therapeutic diets (P < 0.01), foodservice production (P < 0.01) and delivery systems (P > 0.01) were significant moderators for those with ‘fair’ self‐rated health.

Conclusions  Patient and resident characteristics and structural and systems‐related foodservice variables were more important for influencing foodservice satisfaction than characteristics of food quality. The results suggest modifications to current menu planning and foodservice delivery methods: reducing the time‐lapse between meal choice and consumption, augmenting the number of meals at which choice is offered, and revising food production and delivery systems.It is important that residents in poorer health who are a high risk of under‐nutrition are provided with sufficient high protein/high energy therapeutic diets. Diets that restrict macro‐ and micro‐nutrients should be minimized for all patients and residents.
Novel influenza (H1N1) infection in pediatric renal transplant recipients: A single center experience
Authors: Frieling Michelle L. , Williams Angela , Al Shareef Turki , Kala Gunjeet , Teh Jun Chuan , Langlois Valerie , Allen Upton D. , Hebert Diane , Robinson Lisa A.
Published: September 2011

Frieling ML, Williams A, Al Shareef T, Kala G, Teh JC, Langlois V, Allen UD, Hebert D, Robinson LA. novel influenza (H1N1) infection in pediatric renal transplant recipients: A single center experience.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 123–130. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  In 2009, novel influenza A H1N1 caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in children. Because they are immunocompromised, pediatric transplant recipients are presumed to be at high risk. This study assessed epidemiological characteristics, presenting symptoms, and clinical course among pediatric renal transplant recipients with confirmed H1N1 infection. A retrospective review was conducted in renal transplant recipients followed at The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto) who contracted H1N1 infection between June and November, 2009. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features at presentation, and clinical course were analyzed. Of 59 children, 14 (23.7%) developed H1N1 infection. Children with H1N1 infection had undergone kidney transplantation more recently than their uninfected counterparts. The most common symptoms included fever (92.9%), cough (85.7%), headache (42.9%), and vomiting (42.9%). Fifty percent of patients required hospitalization, of median duration 3.0 (1.0–5.0) days. No child required intensive care treatment. Half the H1N1‐infected children had acute renal dysfunction, with serum creatinine elevated >10% above basal values (median increase 21.6 [14.3–46.2]%). In five of the seven children, serum creatinine returned to baseline within two wk. These findings indicate that H1N1 influenza infection in pediatric kidney transplant recipients followed at our center was surprisingly mild, and produced no lasting sequelae.
Factors influencing blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusion practice in craniosynostosis surgery
Authors: van Uitert Allon , Megens Johanna H. A. M. , Breugem Corstiaan C. , Stubenitsky Bart M. , Han K. Sen , de Graaff Jurgen C.
Published: September 2011

Objective/Aims:  To identify factors influencing perioperative blood loss and transfusion practice in craniosynostotic corrections.

Background:  Craniosynostotic corrections are associated with large amounts of blood loss and high transfusion rates.

Methods:  A retrospective analysis was performed of all pediatric craniosynostotic corrections during the period from January 2003 to October 2009. The primary endpoint was the receipt of an allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) during or after surgery. Pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative data were acquired using the electronic hospital registration systems and patients’ charts.

Results:  Forty‐four patients were operated using open surgical techniques. The mean estimated blood loss during surgery was 55 ml·kg−1. In 42 patients, red blood cells were administered during or after surgery with a mean of 38 ml·kg−1. In 23 patients, fresh frozen plasma was administered with a mean of 28 ml·kg−1. A median of two different donors per recipient was found. Longer duration of surgery and lower bodyweight were associated with significantly more blood loss and red blood cell transfusions. Higher perioperative blood loss and surgery at an early age were correlated with a longer duration of admission.

Conclusions:  In this study, craniosynostotic corrections were associated with large amounts of blood loss and high ABT rates. The amount of ABT could possibly be reduced by appointing a dedicated team of physicians, by using new less‐invasive surgical techniques, and by adjusting anesthetic techniques.
Septic lens implantation syndrome in a cat
Authors: Dalesandro Nicole , Stiles Jean , Miller Margaret
Published: September 2011

A 13‐year‐old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented initially for a change in the appearance of the left eye. On initial examination, a small penetrating wound was suspected as the cause for a corneal scar, an anterior cortical incipient cataract and mild iritis. The cat was not re‐presented until 1 year later at which time ocular pain was marked. Severe anterior uveitis and glaucoma were diagnosed and the eye enucleated. Histopathology documented intralenticular coccoid bacteria and septic lens implantation syndrome.
Characterization of feline hereditary retinal dystrophies using clinical, functional, structural and molecular genetic studies
Authors: Narfström Kristina , Menotti Raymond Marilyn , Seeliger Mathias
Published: September 2011

Only in recent years have specific mutations been elucidated for feline hereditary retinal dystrophies. Molecular genetic characterization of feline diseases has so far been a slow process but with a full genome sequence for the cat recently completed and the development of a feline single nucleotide polymorphism chip, the characterization of feline monogenic disorders will be significantly simplified. This review summarizes current knowledge with regard to specific hereditary retinal dystrophies in cats and gives an overview of how cats can be used as models in translational research.
Orbito‐nasal cyst in a young European short‐haired cat
Authors: Zemljič Tadej , Matheis Franziska L. , Venzin Claudio , Makara Mariano , Grest Paula , Spiess Bernhard M. , Pot Simon A.
Published: September 2011

Purpose To describe a case of an orbito‐nasal cyst in a cat.

Procedure An 18‐month‐old male European short‐haired cat was presented to the Ophthalmology service of the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich for a subcutaneous swelling in the medial canthal region of the right eye (OD). Ophthalmologic, ultrasound and CT examinations, and fine needle aspiration were performed. After lesion excision, the removed tissue was submitted for histopathology. CT examination was repeated 5 months after removal of the cyst.

Results Ophthalmologic examination revealed a large fluctuant swelling inferonasal to OD. Despite patent lacrimal puncta, only the first few mm of the lacrimal canaliculi could be cannulated. A normal globe with moderate enophthalmos was present. Ultrasound examination showed a well‐defined lobulated cyst‐like structure in the right orbit, inferonasal and anterior to the eye. CT examination revealed extension of this lesion through the medial orbital wall into the right nasal cavity. Fine needle aspiration confirmed the cystic nature of the lesion. An orbito‐nasal cyst was diagnosed. The orbital part of the cyst was dissected from the surrounding tissue and excised from the periosteum in the medial orbital wall defect. Part of the maxillary bone was removed to allow removal of the cyst from the nasal cavity. Histologically, the cyst wall consisted of a single to multilayered, mostly cuboidal epithelium and surrounding connective tissue. Follow‐up revealed a good functional result and no recurrence 7 months after cyst removal.

Conclusions Similar orbito‐nasal cystic structures were reported in dogs but not in cats.
After the randomised injectable opiate treatment trial: Post‐trial investigation of slow‐release oral morphine as an alternative opiate maintenance medication
Authors: BOND ALYSON J. , REED KYLIE D. , BEAVAN PETE , STRANG JOHN
Published: September 2011

Introduction and Aims. To establish if slow‐release oral morphine (SROM) is an acceptable maintenance medication in heroin users currently being prescribed injectable diamorphine, who are intolerant to supplementary methadone.

Design and Methods. Case note review of interviews and medication details before and after change in medication in 12 treatment‐resistant chronic heroin users attending a supervised injecting clinic twice a day for prescribed injectable diamorphine plus supplementary oral methadone to ensure 24 h stability. SROM was substituted for oral methadone by cross‐titration. The patients' experiences of methadone treatment and expectations of SROM were recorded before the switch. Their responses to SROM and changes in injectable diamorphine requirements were recorded after a mean of 10 weeks' SROM treatment.

Results. The patients described a dislike and intolerance of methadone but had positive expectations of SROM which they believed would allow them to reduce their diamorphine dose. The mean stable methadone : SROM maintenance dose ratio was 1:7.5. After 10 weeks' SROM treatment, the average daily diamorphine dose reduced from 382 mg to 315 mg and patients reported fewer cravings and improved sleep and well‐being.

Discussion and Conclusions. Alternative forms of maintenance medication are required for patients who are intolerant to methadone. SROM is a valuable alternative which enabled some patients to reduce both their dose and number of injections of diamorphine. SROM treatment may therefore represent a route to stop injecting.[Bond AJ, Reed KD, Beavan P, Strang J. After the randomised injectable opiate treatment trial: Post‐trial investigation of slow‐release oral morphine as an alternative opiate maintenance medication. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:492–498]
A Generation That Has Squandered Its Men: The Late Soviet Crisis of Masculinity in the Poetry of Sergei Gandlevskii
Authors: POPOVIC DUNJA
Published: September 2011

The present paper explores the role images of masculinity play in the work of the contemporary Russian poet Sergei Gandlevskii. Gandlevskii's treatment of masculinity, the paper argues, serves as a vehicle for commentary on the historical situation of the late Soviet era, as well as providing an outlet for the poet's reflection upon his own life path and, at times, for an implicit moral self‐judgment within the context of a general condemnation of Soviet society. Gandlevskii's poetry, the paper attempts to show, reflects what the sociologists Elena Zdravomyslova and Anna Temkina have termed a “crisis of masculinity” characteristic of late Soviet society: it associates a masculine life‐path with the notions of futility, moral failure and existential impasse. At the same time that Gandlevskii treats Soviet‐era paradigms of masculinity with skepticism and distance, however, he also does engage to some extent in fantasies of masculine autonomy and agency as possible even within the context of Soviet society. This ambivalence is preserved in Gandlevskii's work through the poet's use of various masculine personae (some more distant than others from his biographical self), as well as by the abundance of quotations from other poets and from official Soviet discourses.
The Problem of Agency and the Problem of Accountability in Kant's Moral Philosophy
Authors: Vaida Iuliana Corina
Published: September 2011

Abstract: This paper discusses the function and scope of incompatibilist or transcendental freedom in Kant's moral philosophy. The prevailing view among scholars, most notably Allison, is that the function of transcendental freedom is to enable us to articulate a first‐person conception of ourselves as rational agents involved in deliberation and choice. Thus, the scope of transcendental freedom is rational agency in general. In order to perform this function, freedom has to be merely conceivable. Pace Allison, I argue that our first‐person conception is neutral with respect to causal determinism, and that the function of transcendental freedom is to provide the metaphysical conditions of the possibility of genuine moral responsibility and perfect justice, and to get rid of moral luck. In order to perform this function, transcendental freedom has to be not just conceivable, but metaphysically real. My view suggests that we only have reason to attribute freedom to ourselves in situations in which we are aware that the moral law commands us categorically. We do not have a similar reason to believe we are free in purely prudential choices. Thus, the scope of transcendental freedom is not rational agency in general, but only moral agency.
Oxygen–glucose deprivation and interleukin‐1α trigger the release of perlecan LG3 by cells of neurovascular unit
Authors: Saini Maxim G. , Pinteaux Emmanuel , Lee Boyeon , Bix Gregory J.
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 760–771.

Two of the main stresses faced by cells at the neurovascular unit (NVU) as an immediate result of cerebral ischemia are oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD)/reperfusion and inflammatory stress caused by up regulation of IL‐1. As a result of these stresses, perlecan, an important component of the NVU extracellular matrix, is highly proteolyzed. In this study, we describe that focal cerebral ischemia in rats results in increased generation of laminin globular domain 3 (LG3), the c‐terminal bioactive fragment of perlecan. Further, in vitro study of the cells of the NVU was performed to locate the source of this increased perlecan‐LG3. Neurons, astrocytes, brain endothelial cells and pericytes were exposed to OGD/reperfusion and IL‐1α/β. It was observed that neurons and pericytes showed increased levels of LG3 during OGD in their culture media. During in vitro reperfusion, neurons, astrocytes and pericytes showed elevated levels of LG3, but only after exposure to brief durations of OGD. IL‐1α and IL‐1β treatment tended to have opposite effects on NVU cells. While IL‐1α increased or had minimal to no effect on LG3 generation, high concentrations of IL‐1β decreased it in most cells studied. Finally, LG3 was determined to be neuroprotective and anti‐proliferative in brain endothelial cells, suggesting a possible role for the generation of LG3 in the ischemic brain.
Perpendicular Pull‐Out Force of Locking Versus Non‐Locking Plates in Thin Cortical Bone Using a Canine Mandibular Ramus Model
Authors: Miller Emily I. , Acquaviva Anthony E. , Eisenmann David J. , Stone Richard T. , Kraus Karl H.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To compare the holding strength of a conventional plate‐screw construct with a locking plate‐screw construct in the thin cortical bone of the canine mandibular ramus.

Study design

Mechanical study.

Animals

Paired cadaveric canine mandibles (n = 10 pairs).

Methods

Perpendicular pull‐out testing was performed on 2.0‐mm limited‐contact dynamic compression plate (LC‐DCP)‐screw constructs and 2.0‐mm string‐of‐pearls (SOP) plate‐screw constructs applied to the ramus of the canine mandible. Pull‐out force was applied perpendicular to the long axis of the plates. Construct stiffness and load at failure were determined from load‐displacement curves and method of failure was determined from high speed digital video recordings. A paired t‐test was used to compare mean construct stiffness and load at failure between groups.

Results

SOP plate‐screw constructs had a significantly higher mean construct stiffness and load at failure than did LC‐DCP‐screw constructs. LC‐DCP constructs failed by screw pull‐out while bone slicing and fracture were prominent mechanisms of failure for SOP constructs.

Conclusions

SOP plate‐screw constructs sustained a significantly higher perpendicular load at failure than did LC‐DCP‐screw constructs.
Periodontal health status and bacteraemia from daily oral activities: systematic review/meta‐analysis
Authors: Tomás Inmaculada , Diz Pedro , Tobías Aurelio , Scully Crispian , Donos Nikolaos
Published: September 2011

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate the robustness of the observations on the influence of oral hygiene, gingival and periodontal status on the development of bacteraemia from everyday oral activities (B‐EOA), analysing its prevalence, duration, magnitude and bacterial diversity.

Material and Methods:

This systematic review/meta‐analysis complies with PRISMA reporting guidelines. MEDLINE‐PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase were explored for detecting studies on B‐EOA.

Results:

There were 290 potentially eligible articles, of which 12 article on B‐EOA fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were processed for data extraction (seven on toothbrushing, one on dental flossing and four on chewing). Evaluating the influence of plaque and gingival indices on the prevalence of bacteraemia following toothbrushing, the pooled odds ratios were 2.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.45–4.69] and 2.77 (95% CI = 1.50–5.11), respectively. None of five studies on bacteraemia following dental flossing and chewing revealed a statistically significant association between oral hygiene, gingival or periodontal status and the development of bacteraemia.

Conclusions:

Meta‐analysis showed that plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation scores significantly increased the prevalence of bacteraemia following toothbrushing. However, systematic review showed no relationship between oral hygiene, gingival and periodontal status and the development of B‐chewing, and there is no evidence that gingival and periodontal health status affects B‐flossing.
Working conditions associated with ovarian cycle in a medical center nurses: A Taiwan study
Authors: WAN Gwo‐Hwa , CHUNG Fen‐Fang
Published: September 2011

Aim:  Decreased basal body temperature measurements predict ovulation with an accuracy of 74%. The anovulatory cycle exhibits an ovarian monophasic pattern. This study evaluated the relationship between ovarian cycle pattern and sociodemographic characteristics, menstrual history and work characteristics of nurses in a Taiwan medical center.

Methods:  Of 200 nurses recruited, 151 were analyzed. Each subject completed questionnaires and provided life recordings and daily basal body temperature measurements during the 14‐week study.

Results:  The analytical results demonstrated that work place (P = 0.014) and work shift (P = 0.048) are significantly related to ovarian cycle pattern. Nurses who worked in emergent care units and wards had a higher prevalence of irregular ovarian cycle pattern. Approximately 53% of nurses who worked rotating shifts exhibited irregular ovarian cycle pattern.

Conclusions:  Nurses who either had rotating shift work or worked in emergent care units and wards should be concerned with their own ovarian cycle pattern for their health.
The neural basis of illusory gustatory sensations: Two rare cases of lexical–gustatory synaesthesia
Authors: Jones C. L. , Gray M. A. , Minati L. , Simner J. , Critchley H. D. , Ward J.
Published: September 2011

Lexical–gustatory synaesthesia is a rare phenomenon in which the individual experiences flavour sensations when they read, hear, or imagine words. In this study, we provide insight into the neural basis of this form of synaesthesia using functional neuroimaging. Words known to evoke pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant synaesthetic tastes and synaesthetically tasteless words were presented to two lexical–gustatory synaesthetes, during fMRI scanning. Ten non‐synaesthetic participants were also scanned on the same list of words. The synaesthetic brain displayed a different pattern of activity to words when compared to the non‐synaesthetes, with insula activation related to viewing words that elicited tastes that have an associated emotional valence (i.e., pleasant or unpleasant tastes). The subjective intensity of the synaesthesia was correlated with activity in the medial parietal lobes (precuneus/retrosplenial cortex), which are implicated in polymodal imagery and self‐directed thought. This region has also previously been activated in studies of lexical–colour synaesthesia, suggesting its role may not be limited to the type of synaesthesia explored here.
Invasive fungal infection after liver transplantation: Risk factors and significance of immune cell function monitoring
Authors: ZHOU Tao , XUE Feng , HAN Long Zhi , XI Zhi Feng , LI Qi Gen , XU Ning , ZHANG Jian Jun , XIA Qiang
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE:  Monitoring immune status in transplant recipients is essential for predicting the risk of infections. The aims of the study were to identify the correlation of a low ImmuKnow adenosine triphosphate (ATP) value with the development of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) and whether this is an independent risk factor for IFIs in liver recipients.

METHODS:  We followed up 248 liver recipients who developed 157 infectious episodes. Peripheral CD4+ T cells were selected freshly for ATP detection. Percentages of T‐helper (Th, CD3+CD4+) and T‐suppressor (Ts, CD3+CD8+) lymphocyte subgroups were also examined.

RESULTS:  Overall 44 patients (17.7%) were diagnosed as IFIs, of whom 9 (20.5%) died. The average ImmuKnow ATP value in the IFI patients (109 ± 78 ng/mL) was significantly lower than that in common bacterial infections (174 ± 106 ng/mL, P < 0.01) or stable liver recipients (314 ± 132 ng/mL, P < 0.01), while there was no difference in the Th/Ts ratio among each group. Logistic regression analysis showed ImmuKnow ATP value less than 100 ng/mL was an independent risk factor of IFI (OR = 3.44, P = 0.0237). ImmuKnow ATP values had no correlation with lymphocytes or their subgroups, but tended to correlate with the number of neutrophils and total white blood cells.

CONCLUSIONS:  ImmuKnow assay monitoring has the potential to identify the patients at risk of developing IFI after liver transplantation (LT), which may provide a feasible measure for optimizing liver recipients' immune cellular function after transplantation.
Liquid Turbulence Kinetic Energy Budget of Co-Current Bubbly Flow in a Large Diameter Vertical Pipe
Authors: Shawkat M. E. , Ching C. Y.
Published: September 2011

The liquid turbulence kinetic energy transfer between the liquid and gas phases was investigated for upward air-water bubbly flow in a 200 mm diameter pipe. The liquid and gas axial momentum equations were analyzed to estimate the interfacial drag from experimental measurements, and hence the liquid turbulence production due to the relative velocity of the bubbles. The liquid turbulence production due to the bubbles was significantly higher than that due to the liquid shear. The liquid turbulence kinetic energy budget indicates that the turbulence production due to the bubbles is approximately balanced by the viscous dissipation, estimated assuming an isotropic turbulence structure, with negligible dissipation due to the bubbles. The liquid turbulence kinetic energy spectra showed an addition of energy at length scales in the range corresponding to the bubble diameter. A model for the turbulence energy production spectra due to the bubbles is proposed and used to investigate the spectral turbulence energy budget. The model indicates that when there is a liquid turbulence augmentation, most of the production occurs in the low wave number range with only a small overlap with the viscous dissipation region. In the case of a turbulence suppression, most of the bubble production occurs in the same wave number range as the viscous dissipation.
An Energy Approach to Static Balancing of Systems With Torsion Stiffness
Authors: Radaelli Giuseppe , Gallego Juan A. , Herder Just L.
Published: September 2011

Static balance can be applied to improve the energy efficiency of mechanisms. In the field of static balancing, there is a lack of knowledge and design methods that are capable of dealing with torsional stiffness. This paper presents a design approach for statically balanced mechanisms, with the focus on mechanisms with torsional stiffness. The approach is graphical in nature and is based on the requirement of constant potential energy. The first achievements of this approach are presented as two conceptual designs of different types of mechanisms. One of them is developed further into a prototype and tested. The prototype has a correlation coefficient of 0.96 and a normalized mean squared error of 0.12 with respect to the mechanical model of the conceptual design.
Investigation of the Behavior of Ventilated Supercavities
Authors: Kawakami E. , Arndt R. E. A.
Published: September 2011

A study has been carried out to determine various aspects of the flow physics of a supercavitating vehicle at the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL). For the experimental work presented here, artificial supercavitation behind a sharp-edged disk was investigated for various model configurations. Results regarding supercavity shape, closure, and ventilation requirements versus Froude number are presented. Conducting experiments in water tunnels introduces blockage effects that are not present in nature. As a result, effects related to flow choking must also be considered. Two methods for computing ventilated cavitation number were compared, the first based on direct measurement of pressure and velocity, and the second technique based on measured cavity geometry and the use of previous numerical results. The results obtained are similar in character to previously reported data, but differ in measured numerical values. An attempt is made to correlate results from water tunnel experiments, where blockage has a significant effect, to an unbounded open flow. Supercavitation parameters, especially the minimum obtainable cavitation number are strongly affected by tunnel blockage.
Response to Comment on “A Test of the Snowball Theory for the Rate of Evolution of Hybrid Incompatibilities”
Authors: Matute Daniel R. , Turissini David A. , Coyne Jerry A.
Published: September 2011

Barbash claims that deficiency mapping of inviability regions cannot distinguish hybrid lethality from haploinsufficiency, the phenomenon whereby a single functional copy of a gene cannot maintain normal function in a hybrid genetic background. Although we acknowledge that his hypothesis deserves careful experimental testing, we argue against his conclusions and provide evidence that our methodology is suitable to study the evolution of Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibilities.
Primary Alcohols from Terminal Olefins: Formal Anti-Markovnikov Hydration via Triple Relay Catalysis
Authors: Dong Guangbin , Teo Peili , Wickens Zachary K. , Grubbs Robert H.
Published: September 2011

Three catalysts create alcohols by guiding water to attack carbon-carbon bonds in the opposite sense than it normally would.
Fossilized Feathers
Authors: Norell Mark A.
Published: September 2011

The evolution of feather color, structure, and organization is gleaned from amber-preserved specimens.
Centenarian middle cerebral artery occlusion treated with intra-arterial mechanical embolectomy: Figure 1
Authors: Cummings Christopher L , Morton Johanna , Sivapatham Thinesh , Katzan Irene , Uchino Ken , Masaryk Thomas , Hussain Muhammad Shazam
Published: September 2011

Advanced age, arbitrarily defined as over 80 years, has been an exclusion criterion in many clinical trials for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The oldest person, to our knowledge, treated for acute ischemic stroke with intra-arterial therapy is presented and, importantly, this patient was excluded from intravenous tissue plasminogen activator due to an advanced age of 100 years and arrival in our emergency department within the 3–4.5 h time window. Utilizing an MRI based protocol to assess the risk–benefit ratio, treatment by intra-arterial mechanical embolectomy was commenced resulting in middle cerebral artery recanalization at 6 h 30 min. The patient improved, and ultimately returned to a baseline modified Rankin Scale score of 3. With careful selection, elderly patients may benefit from acute stroke therapies and may be considered on a case by case basis.
Habitat may limit herb migration at the northern edge of the Appalachian deciduous forest *This paper is dedicated to our botanical mentor, the late Dr. Sam P. Vander Kloet.
Authors: Hill Nicholas M. , Garbary David J.
Published: September 2011

Forest herbs account for greater species richness than any other plant type in deciduous forests and are the most vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances. We examined whether the limited distribution of rare Appalachian forest herbs in Nova Scotia is related to edaphic specialization or a history of anthropogenic disturbance. Remnant populations are restricted to floodplain forest, where both habitat factors and disturbance history differ significantly from those of adjacent upland sugar maple forest. Contrasting soil and litter layers between floodplain stands and adjacent upland sites revealed the latter to be deficient in key cations (calcium, magnesium, boron); however, regression models for uplands and for floodplains showed that native herb richness was related to soil fertility in each case. Soil calcium accounted for most of the species richness variation among floodplains for native herbs and for a large seeded guild that contains most of the rare species on floodplains. Given the widespread anthropogenic decalcification of forest soils throughout eastern North America, conservation efforts must (i) increase and connect deciduous forest floodplain ecosystems and (ii) understand how to manage and create suitable cation-rich migration corridors in the forest landscape.
MEASUREMENT OF PHOTOFISSION CROSS-SECTION OF238UUSING MICROTRON FACILITY
Authors: RAJ PRAKASH H. G. , SANJEEV GANESH , VIJAY KUMAR K. B. , HARISH KUMAR H. G. , SIDDAPPA K. , NAYAK B. K. , SAXENA A.
Published: September 2011

Photofission cross-section of238U was measured using bremsstrahlung radiation energy 7.4–9.0 MeV with energy step of 0.4 MeV by employing Lexan polycarbonate film as solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD). The photon intensity from the Microtron accelerator at a distance of 15 cm from the bremsstrahlung converter (tantalum target) facility was estimated to be 1010photons/sec using the code EGS-4. In this paper, details of the fission fragment angular distribution measurements of238U target using Lexan polycarbonate have been discussed. The photofission cross-section was calculated using the angular distribution of fission fragments and the results were compared with those obtained using the code EMPIRE-II and various barrier parameters of the RIPL-1, RIPL-2 libraries and with the new analytical fission barrier formula based on the Hugenholtz–Van Hove theorem. The present experimental measurements were in good agreement with the results obtained from the Empire-II code predictions for potential parameter taken from RIPL-1 and a newly developed analytical fission barrier formula.
The Informativeness of Corporate Bond Trades
Authors: Chen Peter , Wang Junbo , Wu Chunchi
Published: September 2011

This paper examines the informational role of trades in the corporate bond market. Using transaction data, we compare the temporal relation between volume and volatility of returns for both bonds and stocks issued by the same firms. We find a dramatic difference between these two securities. While there is a strong positive relation between return volatility and volume for stocks, this relation is much weaker for corporate bonds. This finding holds not only for straight bonds but also for callable and convertible bonds. Empirical evidence reveals a very different relation between volatility and volume in the corporate bond market than predicted by standard microstructure models. Results show that the role of volume and trade frequency can be quite different across asset classes.
Relaxation Time Study of Gel Electrolytes during Polymerization by MR Methods
Authors: Korinek R. , Vondrak Jiri , Bartusek K. , Macalik M.
Published: September 2011

In the paper, the properties, particularly relaxation times T1, T2, of gel electrolytes based on the NaClO4 inorganic salt are described. For electrolytes with various concentrations of inorganic salts, relaxation times T1 and T2 were measured at regular intervals during the polymerization, using MR techniques. The reduction of relaxation times during the polymerization, namely T1 from the value 5.5 ms to 1.7 ms and T2 from the value 5.5 ms to 1 ms, indicates a change in the internal structure of the gels and a change in their chemical composition. The waveforms measured will contribute to further studies of gel electrolytes aimed at increasing their electrical conductivity and establishing the influence of water molecules on the conductivity.
Crystal Structure of Sputtered LiCoO2 for Thin Film Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Bohne L. , Pirk T. , Jaegermann W.
Published: September 2011

The dependency of the structural properties of sputtered lithium cobald oxide (LiCoO2) on the subjacent layer is investigated in this work. The resulting crystal orientation and phase of LiCoO2 were determined by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The results don't confirm the statement often mentioned in publications, that the main influence on LiCoO2's crystal structure is the thickness of the film. They rather show a strong dependency on the substrate and layer underneath, respectively. For the chosen sputter parameter setup the film thickness is of minor importance. As soon as LiCoO2 is deposited on a platinum current collector, a strong (003) preferential orientation could be observed for every film thickness. In contrast, sputtering of LiCoO2 on silicon and SiO2 results in a (101) dominated crystal structure for the chosen film thicknesses. These experiments show the importance of characterization of LiCoO2's crystal structure in the future batty setup.
Synthesis of LiFePO4/C Composite Cathode for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Cech O. , Thomas J.E. , Moreno M.S. , Visintin Arnaldo , Sedlarikova Marie , Vondrak Jiri
Published: September 2011

Two types of samples of LiFePO4 cathode material for lithium ion batteries was synthesized by glycine assisted sintering in our laboratories. Different type of conductive carbon support was used during synthesis. Often used amorphous Super P carbon in the first sample was altered for multiwall carbon nanotubes in the second sample. Physical characterization by SEM, TEM, XRD and TGA was made and electrochemical characterization by CV, EIS, Rate capability and Charge-Discharge was performed. Good performance of LiFePO4/C composite cathode for lithium-ion batteries electrode was observed.
Nanostructural Composites for Power Cells Based on Molybdenum-Modified Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Danilov M. O. , Ivanova N. D. , Boldyrev Evgenii I. , Stadnik O. A. , Filatov A. V.
Published: September 2011

It is shown that the molybdenum compounds are good catalysts for oxygen electrodes of power cells based on carbon nanotubes working in the alkaline electrolyte. With the help of electrochemical method were obtained molybdenum compounds applied to multiwalled carbon nanotubes. It was established that it was a compound with molybdenum oxidation degree ~ +4. The catalytic characteristics of molybdenum oxide compound deposited on carbon nanotube are equal to those of platinum catalysts.
Backsides Analysis of Solar Cells
Authors: Dolensky J. , Vanek J. , Vesely A. , Winkler Ludek
Published: September 2011

This paper describes a structure of silicon solar cell. There are used several methods used for an analysis of solar cells. These methods have been applied so far to the front side of the solar cells. This paper tries to present an experimental analysis of the back side solar cell using a electroluminescence method.
TriHyBus: The First Fuel Cells Hydrogen Bus in New EU Countries
Authors: Doucek Ales , Janik Ludek
Published: September 2011

The main objective of the TriHyBus project is to initiate activities connected with hydrogen utilisation in transportation sector. The project was coordinated by a team from Nuclear Research Institute Řež led by Mr. Luděk Janík. Advanced technologies were utilised in order to optimise energy flows. Primary energy source is a PEM fuel cell (50 kW). Other parts are accumulators and ultracapacitors used for recuperation. About 20 kg of pressurized hydrogen (35 MPa) can be stored in pressure vessels mounted on the bus roof. The hydrogen bus as well as the first hydrogen filling station in central Europe started operation in 2009. During test operation the efficiency of the bus was confirmed varying between 7 to 8 kg of H2/100km.
Electrochemical Characteristics Of Manufactured Material Li4Ti5O12
Authors: Jirak T. , Vondrak Jiri , Sedlarikova Marie , Spicak P.
Published: September 2011

The article deals with manufactured electrode materials for lithium secondary batteries - nanostructured Li4Ti5O12. Material was chosen for research by virtue of very good intercalation / insertion characteristics, possibility utilization high charge and discharge rate and for his environmental safety.
Plasma Treatment of Stainless Steel Surface
Authors: Kadlec Jaromir , Joska Zdenek , Pokorny Zdenek
Published: September 2011

The described technology of stainless steel surfaces treatment is based upon the plasma nitriding of the component in micropulse plasma when nitriding atmosphere with a significant amount of methane is used. The process is performed so that a layer of iron and other chemical elements creating carbonitride may be formed on the surface of nitrided components. The formed layer is characterized by very good mechanical properties, e.g. an excellent abrasion resistance, a low friction coefficient and. high layer hardness.
Determination of Lead Acid Battery State of Charge (SOC) II
Authors: Krivik P.
Published: September 2011

At the same time the changes of battery voltage after curent pulse application reflect the reaction processes in the electrode double layer at the boundary active substance-electrolyte, and also the diffusion processes inside the battery. All these reactions indicate the current state of charge of the lead acid accumulator.
Research for Component of Electrolyser
Authors: Kunovjanek M. , Knotek T. , Vondrak Jiri , Sedlarikova Marie
Published: September 2011

One of the best ways to produce very clean hydrogen is by electrolysis of water in an electrolyser. For our measurements we designed a simple laboratory electrolyser with two parallel electrodes separated by an appropriate membrane. The distance between the electrodes was 2 cm and area of each electrode was 25 square centimeters. The electrolyser was filled with 6 mol/l KOH electrolyte up to 80% of its height. Three methods to improve the electrolyser will be discussed. First is through different alkaline electrolytes, second through increase of electrode active surface and third is through finding membranes, which are acceptable to use in an electrolyser and which are also cheaper than commercial membranes.
Thermal Phenomena In Lead Acid Batteries, Influence Of Different Separators
Authors: Neoral J. , Baca P. , Abraham P.
Published: September 2011

Following article deals with thermal phenomena in lead acid batteries. Possitive influance of negative active mass materials was tested on experimental electrodes, also different separators were used.
E-Car Energy Management Simulation
Authors: Patocka Miroslav , Hutak Petr , Cervinka Dalibor , Vorel Pavel
Published: September 2011

The global simulation of the E-car energy balance was done. This is necessary for the accumulator capacity and peak power dimensioning. The simulation results are also used to qualify the power (speed - torque) dimensioning of the traction drive. The standard vehicle speed profile EURO EC15 was taken into consideration in this simulation.