bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A fungal endophyte induces transcription of genes encoding a redundant fungicide pathway in its host plant
Authors: Soliman Sameh SM , Trobacher Christopher P , Tsao Rong , Greenwood John S , Raizada Manish N
Published: June 2013

Background

Taxol is an anti-cancer drug harvested from Taxus trees, proposed ecologically to act as a fungicide. Taxus is host to fungal endophytes, defined as organisms that inhabit plants without causing disease. The Taxus endophytes have been shown to synthesize Taxol in vitro, providing Taxus with a second potential biosynthetic route for this protective metabolite. Taxol levels in plants vary 125-fold between individual trees, but the underlying reason has remained unknown.

Results

Comparing Taxus trees or branches within a tree, correlations were observed between Taxol content, and quantity of its resident Taxol-producing endophyte, Paraconiothyrium SSM001. Depletion of fungal endophyte in planta by fungicide reduced plant Taxol accumulation. Fungicide treatment of intact plants caused concomitant decreases in transcript and/or protein levels corresponding to two critical genes required for plant Taxol biosynthesis. Taxol showed fungicidal activity against fungal pathogens of conifer wood, the natural habitat of the Taxol-producing endophyte. Consistent with other Taxol-producing endophytes, SSM001 was resistant to Taxol.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the variation in Taxol content between intact Taxus plants and/or tissues is at least in part caused by varying degrees of transcriptional elicitation of plant Taxol biosynthetic genes by its Taxol-producing endophyte. As Taxol is a fungicide, and the endophyte is resistant to Taxol, we discuss how this endophyte strategy may be to prevent colonization by its fungal competitors but at minimal metabolic cost to itself.
Scientific publications in ophthalmic journals from China and other top-ranking countries: a 12-year review of the literature
Authors: Huang Wenbin , Wang Wei , Zhan Jiao , Zhou Minwen , Chen Shida , Zhang Xiulan
Published: June 2013

Background

Eye diseases with increasing mortality are common health problems that affect people of all ages and demographic backgrounds. In this study, we study the publication characteristics in international ophthalmic journals of the US, the UK, Germany, Australia, Japan, and China.

Methods

Articles published in 53 ophthalmic journals from 2000 to 2011 were retrieved from the PubMed database. We recorded the number of articles published each year, analyzed the publication type, and evaluated the accumulated and average impact factors (IFs), and the distribution of articles in ophthalmic journals in relation to IFs. The characteristics of publication outputs from China and other top-ranking countries were compared.

Results

The total number of articles increased significantly during the past 12 years, with an increase of 51.0%. The growth in the annual number of articles from the US, the UK, Australia, and China showed a significantly positive trend. Publications from the US exceeded those from any other country and had the highest IFs, largest number of total citations of articles, and the most articles published in leading ophthalmic journals. During the past 12 years, China contributed 3.5% of the total publications, and the number of Chinese articles showed a more than 6-fold increase (from 99 to 605, R2 =0.947, P<0.001). The numbers of IFs and citations of articles originating in China were mostly lower than for other top-ranking counties.

Conclusions

Research on ophthalmic journals has maintained an upward growing trend from 2000 to 2011. Chinese ophthalmology research has developed rapidly, but the gap still exists between China and other top-ranking countries for the advanced level of research.
High level transient production of recombinant antibodies and antibody fusion proteins in HEK293 cells
Authors: Jäger Volker , Büssow Konrad , Wagner Andreas , Weber Susanne , Hust Michael , Frenzel André , Schirrmann Thomas
Published: June 2013

Background

The demand of monospecific high affinity binding reagents, particularly monoclonal antibodies, has been steadily increasing over the last years. Enhanced throughput of antibody generation has been addressed by optimizing in vitro selection using phage display which moved the major bottleneck to the production and purification of recombinant antibodies in an end-user friendly format. Single chain (sc)Fv antibody fragments require additional tags for detection and are not as suitable as immunoglobulins (Ig)G in many immunoassays. In contrast, the bivalent scFv-Fc antibody format shares many properties with IgG and has a very high application compatibility.

Results

In this study transient expression of scFv-Fc antibodies in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells was optimized. Production levels of 10-20 mg/L scFv-Fc antibody were achieved in adherent HEK293T cells. Employment of HEK293-6E suspension cells expressing a truncated variant of the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen (EBNA) 1 in combination with production under serum free conditions increased the volumetric yield up to 10-fold to more than 140 mg/L scFv-Fc antibody. After vector optimization and process optimization the yield of an scFv-Fc antibody and a cytotoxic antibody-RNase fusion protein further increased 3-4-fold to more than 450 mg/L. Finally, an entirely new mammalian expression vector was constructed for single step in frame cloning of scFv genes from antibody phage display libraries. Transient expression of more than 20 different scFv-Fc antibodies resulted in volumetric yields of up to 600 mg/L and 400 mg/L in average.

Conclusion

Transient production of recombinant scFv-Fc antibodies in HEK293-6E in combination with optimized vectors and fed batch shake flasks cultivation is efficient and robust, and integrates well into a high-throughput recombinant antibody generation pipeline.
Fabrication of vertical GaN/InGaN heterostructure nanowires using Ni-Au bi-metal catalysts
Authors: Ha Ryong , Kim Sung-Wook , Choi Heon-Jin
Published: June 2013

We have fabricated the vertically aligned coaxial or longitudinal heterostructure GaN/InGaN nanowires. The GaN nanowires are first vertically grown by vapor–liquid-solid mechanism using Au/Ni bi-metal catalysts. The GaN nanowires are single crystal grown in the [0001] direction, with a length and diameter of 1 to 10 μm and 100 nm, respectively. The vertical GaN/InGaN coaxial heterostructure nanowires (COHN) are then fabricated by the subsequent deposition of 2 nm of InxGa1-xN shell on the surface of GaN nanowires. The vertical GaN/InGaN longitudinal heterostructure nanowires (LOHN) are also fabricated by subsequent growth of an InGaN layer on the vertically aligned GaN nanowires using the catalyst. The photoluminescence from the COHN and LOHN indicates that the optical properties of GaN nanowires can be tuned by the formation of a coaxial or longitudinal InGaN layer. Our study demonstrates that the bi-metal catalysts are useful for growing vertical as well as heterostructure GaN nanowires. These vertically aligned GaN/InGaN heterostructure nanowires may be useful for the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices.
Improvement of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis after steroid tapering in a patient with bronchial asthma: a case report
Authors: Ezuka Akiko , Kawana Kenichi , Nagase Hajime , Takahashi Hirokazu , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: June 2013

Introduction

We report the case of a patient who was diagnosed as having pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis while being treated with prednisolone for bronchial asthma. Even before we had experienced a case of this, the relationship between pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis and prednisolone was unclear. In this case, pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis was improved with the reduction of prednisolone, and therefore we thought a direct relationship between pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis and prednisolone might become clear, such as whether it is dose dependent.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old Japanese woman had been treated for bronchial asthma for approximately 40 years. She presented with abdominal distension, and a radiographic examination showed intraperitoneal free gas and intramural gas, suggestive of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. However, when her prednisolone dose was decreased from 30mg to 0mg for approximately a year because of improvement in her asthma symptoms, her abdominal symptom resolved, and the frequency of her bowel movements returned to normal.

Conclusion

Amelioration of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis was observed with tapering of the prednisolone, suggesting that prednisolone may have been involved in the pathogenesis of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in this patient.
Predictive research methods of enamel and dentine for initial caries detection
Authors: Kunin Anatoly A , Belenova Irina A , Ippolitov Yury A , Moiseeva Natalia S , Kunin Dmitry A
Published: June 2013

Currently, various research methods of enamel and dentine for precautionary diagnostics of initial caries forms are developed; however, the vast majority of these do not provide objective criteria of caries diagnostics or are very difficult to perform. Therefore, the search of diagnostics and enamel research methods, which will allow predicting caries emergence and to carry out personalised prevention of this pathology, is necessary. In this review, modern diagnostic methods that allow understanding the main aspects of caries process, assess the risk of its development, and also suggest the possibility of emergency prevention of caries progression in the nearest future are presented.
Postpartum vaginal cystic lesions: everyday practice or a differential diagnosis challenge?
Authors: Machairiotis Nikolaos , Tourountous Ioannis , Karamperis Alexandros , Zarogoulidis Paul , Oikonomou Anastasia , Theodoros Rokkos , Palouki Panagiota , Hohenforst-Schmidt Wolfgang , Zissimopoulos Athanasios , Machairiotis Christodoulos
Published: June 2013

Postpartum vaginal cystic lesions constitute a common situation that is caused either by inflammation or by accumulation of lymph. We report a case of a 33-year-old woman who had bilateral duplication of the pelvicalyceal system and ureter, and after the labor of her second child, she had one ureter prolapse into the vagina after initially appearing as a cystic lesion. Ureteral duplication is the most common renal abnormality, occurring in approximately 1% of the population and in 10% of children who are diagnosed with urinary tract infections. In our case we consider possible that this clinical situation was a result of a combination of postpartum pelvic floor trauma and prolapse of the ureter. There are only several of these cases in the literature where ureter prolapse is associated and complicated by pelvic floor trauma caused during or after labor. The clinical approach of the cystic lesions located in the vagina during the postpartum period should include a meticulous examination of the urinary system before any other medical practice.
Functional consequences of platelet binding to T lymphocytes in inflammation
Authors: Zamora Carlos , Cantó Elisabet , Nieto Juan C , Ortiz M Angels , Diaz-Torné Cesar , Diaz-Lopez Cesar , Llobet Josep M , Juarez Candido , Vidal Sílvia
Published: June 2013

Expression of the scavenger receptor CD36 on lymphocytes is intriguing. We observed that a minor subpopulation of lymphocytes expressed CD36 on the cell surface. We investigated the source of CD36 and also the proliferation and cytokine production of these CD36+ CD4+ lymphocytes. Flow cytometry analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy showed that CD36+ platelets were responsible for CD36 detection on lymphocytes. CD36 was then used as a tool to characterize lymphocytes with bound platelets. Activation-induced proliferation was lower in CD4+ lymphocytes with bound platelets than lymphocytes without bound platelets. IL-17 and IFN-γ production was also reduced in lymphocytes with bound platelets. We then studied the presence of CD36+ CD4+ lymphocytes in RA patients. We observed that the percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes with bound platelets was higher on RA patients than in healthy donors. RA patients with higher titers of anti-CCP, RF levels, and cardiovascular risk index presented a lower percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes with bound platelets. These patients also had higher IL-17 and IFN-γ production. These results suggest that platelet-binding modifies lymphocyte function. This binding could be a regulatory mechanism in RA that confers a less severe phenotype.
The role of type 2 innate lymphoid cells in asthma
Authors: Chang Ya-Jen , DeKruyff Rosemarie H , Umetsu Dale T
Published: June 2013

Asthma is a complex and heterogeneous disease with several phenotypes, including an allergic asthma phenotype, characterized by Th2 cytokine production and associated with allergen sensitization and adaptive immunity. Asthma also includes nonallergic asthma phenotypes that require innate rather than adaptive immunity. These innate pathways to asthma involve macrophages, neutrophils, as well as ILCs, newly described cell types that produce a variety of cytokines, including IL-5 and IL-13. We review the recent data regarding ILCs and their role in asthma.
Background resistivity model from seismic velocities
Authors: Werthmüller Dieter , Ziolkowski Anton , Wright David
Published: June 2013

We developed a methodology to estimate resistivities from seismic velocities. We applied known methods, including rock physics, depth trends, structural information, and uncertainty analysis. The result is the range of background resistivity models that is consistent with the known seismic velocities. We successfully tested the methodology with real data from the North Sea. These 2D or 3D background resistivity models yield a detailed insight into the background resistivity, and they are a powerful tool for feasibility studies. They could also serve as starting models or constraints in (iterative) forward modeling of electromagnetic data for the determination of subsurface resistivities.
An integrative computational analysis provides evidence for FBN1-associated network deregulation in trisomy 21
Authors: Vilardell Mireia , Civit Sergi , Herwig Ralf
Published: June 2013

Although approximately 50% of Down Syndrome (DS) patients have heart abnormalities, they exhibit an overprotection against cardiac abnormalities related with the connective tissue, for example a lower risk of coronary artery disease. A recent study reported a case of a person affected by DS who carried mutations in FBN1, the gene causative for a connective tissue disorder called Marfan Syndrome (MFS). The fact that the person did not have any cardiac alterations suggested compensation effects due to DS. This observation is supported by a previous DS meta-analysis at the molecular level where we have found an overall upregulation of FBN1 (which is usually downregulated in MFS). Additionally, that result was cross-validated with independent expression data from DS heart tissue. The aim of this work is to elucidate the role of FBN1 in DS and to establish a molecular link to MFS and MFS-related syndromes using a computational approach. To reach that, we conducted different analytical approaches over two DS studies (our previous meta-analysis and independent expression data from DS heart tissue) and revealed expression alterations in the FBN1 interaction network, in FBN1 co-expressed genes and FBN1-related pathways. After merging the significant results from different datasets with a Bayesian approach, we prioritized 85 genes that were able to distinguish control from DS cases. We further found evidence for several of these genes (47%), such as FBN1, DCN, and COL1A2, being dysregulated in MFS and MFS-related diseases. Consequently, we further encourage the scientific community to take into account FBN1 and its related network for the study of DS cardiovascular characteristics.
Drosophila integrin adhesion complexes are essential for hemocyte migration in vivo
Authors: Moreira Carolina G. A. , Jacinto Antonio , Prag Soren
Published: June 2013

Cell migration is an important biological process which has been intensively studied in the past decades. Numerous techniques, mainly involving two-dimensional cell culture systems, have contributed to dissecting the essential mechanisms underlying this process. However, the development of three-dimensional cell culture and in vivo systems has shown some differences with what was previously believed to be well-established cell migration mechanisms, suggesting that two-dimensional cell motility would be a poor predictor of in vivo behaviour. Drosophila is a widely recognized model organism to study developmental and homeostatic processes and has been widely used to investigate cell migration. Here, we focus on the migration of small groups of pupal hemocytes that accumulate during larval stages in dorsal patches. We show that integrins, and other known nascent adhesion-related proteins such as Rhea and Fermitin 1, are crucial for this process and that their depletion does not affect polarization in response to environmental cues. We also present evidence for the importance of adhesion maturation-related proteins in hemocyte migration, namely Zyxin. Zyxin depletion in hemocytes leads to a significant increase of cell speed without affecting their response to a chemotactic cue. This is the first report of a systematic analysis using Drosophila melanogaster hemocytes to study adhesion-related proteins and their function in cell migration in vivo. Our data point to mechanisms of cell migration similar to those described in three-dimensional in vitro systems and other in vivo model organisms.
Optimal Traveler Responses to Stochastic Delays in Public Transport
Authors: Lijesen Mark G.
Published: June 2013

We model optimal traveler responses to delays in the case of discrete departure time choice. We use both real and simulated data to illustrate our results, showing that passengers almost entirely offset their schedule delay costs increase, even in very unreliable systems. Our results suggest that, if the distribution of delays is sufficiently narrow, travelers fully offset the scheduling costs caused by delays. If the distribution of delays is wider, the amount by which schedule delay costs are offset decreases. This implies that, all else equal, more welfare can be gained by preventing incidental long delays than by reducing the average delay.
Acquisition of Ex-Post Travel Information: A Matter of Balancing Regrets
Authors: Chorus Caspar G.
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a formal model of the acquisition of ex-post travel information concerning nonchosen alternatives. It is argued that this decision is fundamentally different from the decision to acquire pre- or in-trip information, because the reception of ex-post information on nonchosen alternatives can trigger regret. Psychological theories of regret regulation suggest that when provided with ex-post information, the traveler will make a tradeoff between wanting to ignore information to avoid regret associated with the already executed choice, and wanting to learn from information to minimize regret in future decisions. The presented model captures this tradeoff and predicts under what circumstances ex-post information is likely to be acquired or ignored. An illustrative example, based on parameter estimates from a stated choice experiment, shows how model predictions are in line with intuition and with theories of regret regulation.
Localized Corrosion of Nuclear Grade Alloy 800 Under Steam Generator Layup, Startup and Operating Conditions
Authors: Lu Y.
Published: June 2013

The localized corrosion resistance of nuclear-grade Alloy 800, which is one of the preferred steam generator (SG) heat exchange tube materials of CANDU and PWR reactors, was studied under simulated SG secondary side crevice chemistry conditions at ambient temperature as well as at elevated temperatures. Series of cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests were performed to study the localized corrosion resistance of Alloy 800 as a function of chloride ion concentration in the SG crevice solution at 40°C, 150°C and 300°C. Based on the experimental results, empirical equations were provided for calculating the pitting potential of nuclear grade Alloy 800 in the SG secondary side crevice chemistries with different levels of chloride concentration at SG layup, startup and operating temperatures.
Nuclear Data and the Effect of Gadolinium in the Moderator
Authors: Chow J.C. , Adams F.P. , Roubstov D. , Singh R.D. , Zeller M.B.
Published: June 2013

Recent cross-section measurements on gadolinium have raised concerns over the accuracy of moderator poison reactivity coefficient calculations. Measurements have been made at the ZED-2 (Zero Energy Deuterium) critical facility, Chalk River Laboratories, AECL, to study the reactivity effect of gadolinium in the moderator. Since the neutron capture cross-section of boron is well known, measurements were also made with boron to provide calibration data for measurements with gadolinium. The measurements have been used to quantify the bias of the reactivity effect in full-core simulations of ZED-2 using MCNP, a neutron transport code used extensively for simulations of nuclear systems, along with the ENDF/B-VII.0 cross-section data. The results showed a bias of -0.41 ± 0.07 mk/ ppm, or -2.1% ± 0.3%, given a reactivity worth of -20.1 mk/ppm for gadolinium. Additional simulations also show that the gadolinium neutron capture cross-section has been over-corrected, relative to previous evaluations, in a beta version of ENDF/B VII.1, which incorporates the Leinweber data.
Measurements of the High Dose Rate Profiles Inside a Shutdown CANDU® Reactor
Authors: Jewett C. , Chow J. , Comeau D. , Jonkmans G. , Smith B. , Sur B. , Taylor D. , Yue S.
Published: June 2013

The positions of the components of a reactor can change over time, due to radiation damage, sagging, etc. Thus, it is important to determine their positions. To satisfy this requirement of the staff at the Point Lepreau Generating Station, a method to determine the positions of reactor components has been developed and demonstrated. This method combines the use of dose rate measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. It first involves measuring the high γ-ray dose rates as a function of position within a reactor. Then it entails comparing these measurements with Monte Carlo simulations. In order to perform such measurements, a silicon diode detector and a scan drive system have been developed.

In 2009, measurements of the γ-ray dose rate profile of the shut down Point Lepreau Generating Station reactor were conducted. By comparing the locations of the local peaks in the dose rate data, it was possible to determine the distances between the steel reactor components. The measured data were then compared with Monte Carlo simulations to determine how precisely one could locate the positions of the adjuster rods. Using this technique, it was found that the retracted adjuster rods were 440 ± 60 mm below their designed positions.
A Novel Boron-Loaded Liquid Scintillator for Neutron Detection
Authors: Bentoumi G. , Dai X. , Pruszkowski E. , Li L. , Sur B.
Published: June 2013

A boron-loaded liquid scintillator (LS) has been optimized for neutron detection application in a high gamma field environment. It is composed of the solvent linear alkylbenzene (LAB), a boroncontaining material, o-carborane (C2B10H12); a fluor, 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO); and a wavelength shifter, 1,4-bis[2-methylstyryl] benzene (bis-MSB). Preparation of the liquid scintillator and optimization of its chemical composition are described. The boronloaded LS has been tested with a neutron beam at the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor. A peak at an equivalent energy of 60 keV is observed in the energy spectrum and is attributed to neutrons. The results confirm the possibility of using B-10 loaded scintillator as a sensitive medium for neutron detection in a relatively large background of gamma rays.
Inverse Collimator-Based Radiation Imaging Detector System
Authors: Das A. , Sur B. , Yue S. , Jonkmans G.
Published: June 2013

A radiation imaging system has been developed using the concept of inverse collimation, where a narrow shielding pencil is used instead of a classical collimator. This imaging detector is smaller, lighter and less expensive than a traditionally collimated detector, and can produce a spherical raster image of radiation sources in its surroundings. A prototype was developed at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited – Chalk River Laboratories, and the concept has been successfully proven in experiments using a point source as well as real sources in a high ambient field area. Such a radiation imaging system is effective in locating radiation sources in areas where accessibility is low and risk of radiological contamination is high, with applications in decontamination and decommissioning activities, nuclear material processing labs, etc.
Proliferation Resistance Considerations for Remote Small Modular Reactors
Authors: Whitlock J. , Sprinkle J.
Published: June 2013

Remotely located Small Modular Reactors at the low end of energy production (on the order of 10 MWe, referenced here as Very Small Modular Reactors or VSMRs) present unique proliferation resistance advantages and challenges. Addressing these challenges in the most efficient manner may not only be desirable, but necessary, for development of this technology. Incorporation of safeguards considerations early in the design process (Safeguards by Design) along with safety, security, economics and other key drivers, is of importance. This approach raises the possibility of increased monitoring of operational data for verification purposes (Operational Transparency), which may become a useful aspect of the safeguards approach for such systems.
The Supersafe© Reactor: A Small Modular Pressure Tube SCWR
Authors: Yetisir M. , Pencer J. , McDonald M. , Gaudet M. , Licht J. , Duffey R.
Published: June 2013

The SUPERSAFE© Reactor (SSR) is proposed as a small modular version of the Canadian supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR). The SCWR is Canada’s primary contribution to the Generation-IV (GEN-IV) International Forum’s (GIF) research and development effort toward the study and eventual deployment of advanced nuclear energy systems. All GEN-IV concepts, including the SCWR, have enhanced safety, improved economics, improved sustainability and enhanced security compared to contemporary reactors. The SUPERSAFE© Reactor (SSR) concept incorporates the enhanced features of the SCWR in a smaller core which could be deployed in areas with sparsely distributed population bases where it is impractical to have a full scale SCWR or large centralized energy grid. An overview of the SSR concept is presented in this work.
The Status Of Heu To Leu Core Conversion Activities At The Jamaica Slowpoke
Authors: Preston J. , Grant C.
Published: June 2013

The SLOWPOKE reactor in Jamaica has been operated by the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences, University of the West Indies since 1984, mainly for the purpose of Neutron Activation Analysis. The HEU core with current utilization has another 14 years of operation, before the addition of a large beryllium annulus would be required to further extend the life-time by 15 years.

However, in keeping with the spirit of the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR) program, the decision was taken in 2003 to convert the core from HEU to LEU, in line with those at the École Polytechnic and RMC SLOWPOKE facilities. This paper reports on the current status of the conversion activities, including key fuel manufacture and regulatory issues, which have seen substantial progress during the last year. A timetable for the complete process is given, and provided that the fuel fabrication can be completed in the estimated 18 months, the core conversion should be accomplished by the end of 2014.
Using Function Approximation to Determine Neural Network Accuracy
Authors: Wichman R.F. , Alexander J.
Published: June 2013

Many, if not most, control processes demonstrate non-linear behavior in some portion of their operating range and the ability of neural networks to model non-linear dynamics makes them very appealing for control. Control of high reliability safety systems, and autonomous control in process or robotic applications, however, require accurate and consistent control and neural networks are only approximators of various functions so their degree of approximation becomes important.

In this paper, the factors affecting the ability of a feed-forward back-propagation neural network to accurately approximate a non-linear function are explored. Compared to pattern recognition using a neural network for function approximation provides an easy and accurate method for determining the network's accuracy.

In contrast to other techniques, we show that errors arising in function approximation or curve fitting are caused by the neural network itself rather than scatter in the data. A method is proposed that provides improvements in the accuracy achieved during training and resulting ability of the network to generalize after training. Binary input vectors provided a more accurate model than with scalar inputs and retraining using a small number of the outlier x,y pairs improved generalization.
Direct Harvesting of Helium-3 (3He) From Heavy Water Nuclear Reactors
Authors: Bentoumi G. , Didsbury R. , Jonkmans G. , Rodrigo L. , Sur B.
Published: June 2013

The thermal neutron activation of deuterium inside a heavy-water-moderated or -cooled nuclear reactor produces a build-up of tritium in the heavy water. The in situ decay of tritium can, for certain reactor types and operating conditions, produce potentially useable amounts of 3He, which can be directly extracted via the heavy-water cover gas without first separating, collecting and storing tritium outside the reactor. It is estimated that the amount of 3He available for recovery from the moderator cover gas of a 700 MWe class Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) ranges from 0.1 to 0.7 m3 (STP) per annum, varying with the tritium activity buildup in the moderator. The harvesting of 3He would generate approximately 12.7 m3 (STP) of 3He, worth more than $30M at current market rates, over a typical 25-year operating cycle of the PHWR. This paper discusses the production of 3He in the moderator of a PHWR and its extraction from the 4He moderator cover gas system using conventional methods.
Photofunctional organometallics—from fundamentals to design, assembly
and functions
Authors: Yam Vivian Wing-Wah
Published: June 2013

A number of soluble platinum(II) and gold(I) complexes have been designed and
synthesized. Their luminescence and photophysical behavior have been studied.
Their assembly properties, which were governed by the noncovalent metal–metal
interactions, have also been investigated with the introduction of various
external stimuli. The UV–vis and emission spectral changes of these complexes,
which arose from the modulation of their assembly and disassembly behavior, have
demonstrated the establishment of a convenient and sensitive detection strategy
for various types of analytes. These studies suggested the potential
applications of these metal complexes as detection probes for a diverse range of
target substrates.
Regulating journalists? The Finkelstein Review, the Convergence Review and news media regulation in Australia
Authors: Flew Terry , Swift Adam
Published: June 2013

This article identifies two major forces driving change in media policy worldwide: media convergence and renewed concerns about media ethics, with the latter seen in the UK Leveson Inquiry. It focuses on two major public inquiries in Australia during 2011–2012 – the Independent Media Inquiry (Finkelstein Review) and the Convergence Review – and the issues raised about future regulation of journalism and news standards. Drawing upon perspectives from media theory, it observes the strong influence of social responsibility theories of the media in the Finkelstein Review and the adverse reaction these received from those arguing from Fourth Estate/free press perspectives, which were also consistent with the long-standing opposition of Australian newspaper proprietors to government regulation. It also discusses the approaches taken in the Convergence Review to regulating for news standards, in the light of the complexities arising from media convergence. The article concludes with consideration of the fast-changing environment in which such proposals to transform media regulation are being considered, including the crisis of news media organization business models, as seen in Australia with major layoffs of journalists from the leading print media publications.
What are the new rules for reporting, sourcing, verifying, editing and publishing a social media world?
Authors: Auchard Eric
Published: June 2013

Reuters has developed its own standards of impartiality. A global and multilingual news agency, Reuters highly values issues like independence and components such as fairness, balance, transparency, consistency and disinterestedness – the elements that have characterized its news and current affairs coverage for decades. With the advent of the digital age, the agency has been revising its coverage rules, experimenting broadly, and holding training courses and in-house discussions on how to extend its objectivity guidelines to embrace the exponential growth in input from the social media. Eric Auchard of Reuters sheds light on the agency’s endeavor to set up its own objectivity rules in dealing with our social media world.
Notes on occupation time fluctuations of binary branching particle systems
Authors: Li Yuqiang
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we study the functional limits of occupation time fluctuations of a kind of site-dependent binary branching particle systems. Our result extends Theorem 2.2 in [Stochastic Process. Appl. 116 (2006), 1–18] and gets some new information on the behaviors of occupation time processes.
Nicholas V’s Tribuna for Old St. Peter’s in Rome as a Model for the New Apsidal Choir at Padua Cathedral
Authors: Allen Joanne
Published: June 2013

In 1486 the Padua Cathedral canons requested permission to build a new apsidal choir in “the way and structure of the church of St. Peter in Rome.” The canons were evidently referring to the unfinished Vatican tribuna: a deep vaulted apse at the west end of St. Peter’s. Newly published documents reveal that both Nicholas V and Paul II spent large sums on its construction. The Paduan case shows that the Vatican tribuna was influential in terms of architectural type and function. Although the physical extent of the fifteenth-century work is hard to determine, Bramante’s continuation of the extension in the sixteenth century shows it was considered substantial enough not to abandon completely. In Nicholas V’s Tribuna for Old St. Peter’s in Rome as a Model for the New Apsidal Choir at Padua Cathedral, Joanne Allen suggests that the St. Peter’s project could represent an important episode in the development of extended high altar chapels and retrochoirs, a phenomenon that gained momentum in the decades after work began on the Vatican tribuna.
Warsaw’s Poniatowski Viaduct
Authors: Muthesius Stefan
Published: June 2013

Rapid urban communication was key to the utopian visions of the early twentieth-century Städtebau and City Beautiful movements. In Warsaw’s Poniatowski Viaduct: The World’s First Elevated Urban Expressway, Stefan Muthesius discusses an early realization of these visions. The particular topography of Warsaw, which linked a bridgehead with the upper town, necessitated an elevated roadway. The result was an arched structure in reinforced concrete and steel of an unprecedented size. Architect Stefan Szyller made sure that this feat of engineering also turned into a work of monumental architecture in the age-old Renaissance sense of the word, one that could thus serve as the sign of a new Polish self-assertion in the Russian-occupied city.
Screening of trisomy 21 nowadays. Is maternal age so important?
Authors: Szabó Andrea , Alasztics Bálint , Bánhidy Ferenc , Valent Sándor
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Trisomy 21 is the most common chromosomal abnormality, therefore, screening and diagnosis of this disorder is in the centre of attention worldwide. An efficient screening method is the combined test based on maternal age, ultrasound signs, biochemical markers, and a risk ratio can be calculated based on these data. Aim: The aim of the authors was to determine the causes of missed prenatal diagnosis of Down’s syndrome at the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University. Method: A retrospective study was carried out by collecting data from medical records of mothers who had delivered a newborn with Down’s syndrome in the Department between 2008 and 2012. Each medical record was analyzed individually. Results: In most cases the missed diagnosis of Down’s syndrome occurred when the expectant mother failed to attend the first trimester screening or did not take the risk of invasive diagnostic procedures needed for fetal kariotyping. Conclusions: Analysis of fetal DNA circulating in maternal plasma can be a solution for those who refuse invasive fetal diagnostics. This test has high sensitivity and very low false positive rate. It has become available since the end of 2011 in the United States and, since the autumn of 2012, in Hungary, too. The test, however, is not reimbursed by national health insurance. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1026–1030.
Kidney function and liver transplantation
Authors: Gámán György , Gelley Fanni , Gerlei Zsuzsa , Dabasi Eszter , Görög Dénes , Fehérvári Imre , Kóbori László , Lengyel Gabriella , Zádori Gergely , Fazakas János , Doros Attila , Sárváry Enikő , Nemes Balázs
Published: June 2013

Introduction: In liver cirrhosis renal function decreases as well. Hepatorenal syndrome is the most frequent cause of the decrease, but primary kidney failure, diabetes mellitus and some diseases underlying endstage liver failure (such as hepatitis C virus infection) can also play an important role. In liver transplantation several further factors (total cross-clamping of vena cava inferior, polytransfusion, immunosuppression) impair the renal function, too. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the changes in kidney function during the first postoperative year after liver transplantation. Method: Retrospective data analysis was performed after primary liver transplantations (n = 319). Results: impaired preoperative renal function increased the devepolment of postoperative complications and the first year cumulative patient survival was significantly worse (91,7% vs 69,9%; p<0,001) in this group. If renal function of the patients increased above 60 ml/min/1,73 m2 after the first year, patient survival was better. Independently of the preoperative kidney function, 76% of the patients had impaired kidney function at the first postoperative year. In this group, de novo diabetes mellitus was more frequently diagnosed (22,5% vs 9,5%; p = 0,023). Conclusions: Selection of personalized immunosuppressive medication has a positive effect on renal function. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1018–1025.
Over- or underestimated? Bibliographic survey of the biomedical periodicals published in Hungary
Authors: Berhidi Anna , Horváth Katalin , Horváth Gabriella , Vasas Lívia
Published: June 2013

Introduction: This publication – based on an article published in 2006 – emphasises the qualities of the current biomedical periodicals of Hungarian editions. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse how Hungarian journals meet the requirements of the scientific aspect and international visibility. Method: Authors evaluated 93 Hungarian biomedical periodicals by 4 viewpoints of the two criteria mentioned above. Results: 35% of the analysed journals complete the attributes of scientific aspect, 5% the international visibility, 6% fulfill all examined criteria, and 25% are indexed in international databases. Consclusions: 6 biomedical Hungarian periodicals covered by each of the three main bibliographic databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science) have the best qualities. Authors recommend to improve viewpoints of the scientific aspect and international visibility. The basis of qualitative adequacy are the accurate authors’ guidelines, title, abstract, keywords of the articles in English, and the ability to publish on time. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1010–1017.
Long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy and osteoporosis. Is there a real danger?
Authors: Maléth József , Hegyi Péter
Published: June 2013

Proton pump inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of acid-related diseases because they are considered to be effective and safe. In the past 10 years the use of proton pump inhibitors increased by over three folds, which is not associated with the increased prevalence of acid-related diseases obviously. However, like any other drugs, they have potential side effects. In recent years many studies have been published about the correlation between long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy and the increase of bone fractures. Most studies showed that long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy moderately increased fracture risk. The underlying mechanisms of increased number of bone fractures are not clarified yet. However, chronic acid suppression caused by long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy may play a crucial role in decreased absorption of calcium and vitamin B12 and, therefore, indirectly affecting the bones resulting in a decrease of bone mineral density. The available data suggest that proton pump inhibitors should be used with caution in patients with increased risk of osteoporosis. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 1005–1009.
Concentration Quenching of Tb3+ Doped SiC:H and AlN Thin Films in Photoluminescence and Cathodoluminescence Measurements
Authors: Guerra J. A. , Benz F. , Montañez L. , Grieseler R. , Schaaf P. , De Zela F. , Winnacker A. , Strunk H. P. , Weingärtner R.
Published: June 2013

We present a systematic study of photo- and cathodoluminescence measurements in the visible of Terbium doped SiC:H and AlN thin films. The Terbium atomic concentrations vary from 0.9 to 10% for the SiC:H and from 0.8 to 6% for the AlN samples. For both materials the increase of the emission intensity with concentration and the subsequent quenching effect can be seen. The optimal concentration for the highest light emission is found. Photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy addresses the enhancement light emission mechanisms of the principal emission electronic transition of Terbium at ∼542 nm.
Field Dependent Electrical Conduction in Metal-Insulator-Metal Devices using Alumina-Silicone Nanolaminate Dielectrics
Authors: Sahoo Santosh K. , Patel Rakhi P. , Wolden Colin A.
Published: June 2013

Hybrid alumina-silicone nanolaminate films were synthesized by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. PECVD allows digital control over nanolaminate construction, and may be performed at low temperature for compatibility with flexible substrates. These materials are being considered as dielectrics for application such as capacitors in thin film transistors and memory devices. In this work, we present the temperature dependent current versus voltage (I-V) measurements of the nanolaminate dielectrics in the range of 200- 310 K to better asses their potential in these applications. Various models are used to know the different conduction mechanisms contributing to the leakage current in these nanolaminate films. It is observed that space charge limited current (SCLC) mechanism is the dominant conduction process in the high field region whereas Ohmic conduction process is contributing to the leakage current in the low field region. The shallow electron trap level energy (Et) of 0.16 eV is responsible for SCLC mechanism whereas for Ohmic conduction process the activation energy (Ea) for electrons is about 0.22 eV. An energy band diagram is given to explain the dominance of various conduction mechanisms in different field regions in these nanolaminate films.
Effects of Amines on Chemical and Physical Behaviors of Viscous Precursor Sols to Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide
Authors: Fukuda Nobuko , Ogura Shintaro , Nomura Ken-ichi , Ushijima Hirobumi
Published: June 2013

We synthesized viscous precursors to indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) using three kinds of alcoholamines, ethanolamine (EA), diethanolamine (DEA), and triethanolamine (TEA), by a simple process. The viscous precursors are obtained just by vigorous stirring of alcoholamine and urea in an aqueous solution containing the metal nitrates during heating at 150-160 °C. The precursor containing EA (EA-precursor) is a pale-orange suspension containing aggregates of the metal hydroxides and shows pseudoplastic flow. The precursors containing DEA (DEA-precursor) and TEA (TEA-precursor) are transparent pale-yellow and dark-orange sols, respectively. They give Newtonian flow in the lower shear rate and pseudoplastic flow in the higher shear rate. Higher concentration of metal salts leads to higher viscosity of the precursors. According to thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) for the EA- and DEA-precursors, evaporation of alcoholamine occurs at around each boiling point and subsequently formation of metal oxides occur at around 300 °C. In the case of the TEA-precursor, formation of metal oxides occurs before pyrolysis of TEA attributed to the higher boiling point of TEA. The thin IGZO film, which is prepared by spin-coating of the diluted DEA-precursor and subsequent sintering at 450 °C for 30 min, shows 0.02 cm2 ·V-1s-1 of the mobility and 10-5 of the on/off ratio. The highly viscous DEA-precursor containing high concentration of metal ions allows patterning in an area of 100 cm2 onto a surface of a silicon wafer with screen printing.
Optical Hall effect measurement of coupled phonon mode - Landau Level transitions in epitaxial Graphene on silicon carbide
Authors: Kühne P. , Boosalis A. , Herzinger C. M. , Nyakiti L.O. , Wheeler V.D. , Myers-Ward R.L. , Eddy C.R. , Gaskill D.K. , Schubert M. , Hofmann T.
Published: June 2013

We report on mid-infrared (600 – 4000 cm-1), refection-type optical-Hall effect measurements on epitaxial graphene grown on C-face silicon carbide and present Landau-level transition features detected at 1.5 K as a function of magnetic field up to 8 Tesla. The Landau-level transitions are detected in reflection configuration at oblique incidence for wavenumbers below, across and above the silicon carbide reststrahlen range. Small Landau-level transition features are enhanced across the silicon carbide reststrahlen range due to surface-guided wave coupling with the electronic Landau-level transitions in the graphene layer. We analyze the spectral and magnetic-field dependencies of the coupled resonances, and compare our findings with previously reported Landau-level transitions measured in transmission configuration [4,5,6]. Additional features resemble transitions previously assigned to bilayer inclusion [21], as well as graphite [15]. We discuss a model description to account for the electromagnetic polarizability of the graphene layers, and which is sufficient for quantitative model calculation of the optical-Hall effect data.