bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of an Activated Beta-Catenin to Identify Wnt Pathway Target Genes inCaenorhabditis elegans, Including a Subset of Collagen Genes Expressed in Late Larval Development
Authors: Jackson Belinda M , Abete-Luzi Patricia , Krause Michael W , Eisenmann David M 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe Wnt signaling pathway plays a fundamental role during metazoan development, where it regulates diverse processes, including cell fate specification, cell migration, and stem cell renewal. Activation of the beta-catenin−dependent/canonical Wnt pathway up-regulates expression of Wnt target genes to mediate a cellular response. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a canonical Wnt signaling pathway regulates several processes during larval development; however, few target genes of this pathway have been identified. To address this deficit, we used a novel approach of conditionally activated Wnt signaling during a defined stage of larval life by overexpressing an activated beta-catenin protein, then used microarray analysis to identify genes showing altered expression compared with control animals. We identified 166 differentially expressed genes, of which 104 were up-regulated. A subset of the up-regulated genes was shown to have altered expression in mutants with decreased or increased Wnt signaling; we consider these genes to be bona fide C. elegans Wnt pathway targets. Among these was a group of six genes, including the cuticular collagen genes, bli-1col-38, col-49, and col-71. These genes show a peak of expression in the mid L4 stage during normal development, suggesting a role in adult cuticle formation. Consistent with this finding, reduction of function for several of the genes causes phenotypes suggestive of defects in cuticle function or integrity. Therefore, this work has identified a large number of putative Wnt pathway target genes during larval life, including a small subset of Wnt-regulated collagen genes that may function in synthesis of the adult cuticle.
Low temperature route for synthesis of cadmium selenide quantum dots and their application in fabricating a QD-LED
Authors: Jha Menaka , McCreary Michael , Vaddiraju Sreeram , Amos Delaina A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe present study describes the effect of ageing time during the synthesis of oleic acid capped cadmium selenide quantum dots synthesized by the hot injection route and their use in the fabrication of a hybrid quantum dot light emitting device (QD-LED). This hot injection process has been carried out at the lower synthesis temperature of 140°C compared to the conventional temperature of ∼300°C. Fluorescent monodisperse quantum dots of size 3-5 nm and 8-10 nm have been obtained at an ageing time of 2 and 3 hours respectively. An attempt to fabricate a QD-LED has been carried out. Current versus voltage studies show a turn on voltage at 3.06 V with a current of ∼ 87 nA.
Theoretical investigation of “nano-muffin” and inverted nano-pyramid surface textures for energy harvesting in very thin c-Si solar cells
Authors: Wang Puqun , Azimi Sara , Breese Mark B H , Peters Marius 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTNano-scale surface textures have been developed as photon management schemes for crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells with very thin absorber layers to compensate for light absorption losses. This paper investigates the optical properties of periodic “nano-muffin” and inverted nano-pyramid surface textures, simulated using the Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RCWA) method. Obtained results are compared against those of a planar silicon film with equal thickness. The simulation results demonstrate that “nano-muffin” and inverted nano-pyramid surface textures with a small aspect ratio are able to achieve substantial absorption enhancement over a broadband wavelength range. Further investigation indicates that “nano-muffin” surface textures could trap light by concentrating light within a volume close to the texture (micro-lensing effect). With such nano-scale textures, light trapping similar to that of much larger scale textures can be achieved.
Digestion Limits the Functional Response of an Aphidophagous Coccinellid (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Papanikolaou Nikos E , Milonas Panagiotis G , Demiris Nikos , Papachristos Dimitrios P , Matsinos Yiannis G 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe dynamics of predator-prey systems are strongly affected by the predators feeding rate on increasing prey density, that is, its functional response. Holling's assumptions concerning the biological process of handling time, that is, the time a predator spends on pursuing, subduing, eating, and digesting its prey, have been debated, as digestion represents a background component of predation. Therefore, predators are characterized either as digestion or handling limited. A study was initiated to identify the mechanism that limits the coccinellids' predation ability. The 14-spotted ladybird beetle, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and its prey, Aphisfabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae), were used in long- and short-term functional response experiments. Results showed that P. quatuordecimpunctata adults exhibit a type II functional response. The estimated attack rates and handling times differed significantly between long- and short-term experiments, indicating that the digestion process limits predation ability of P. quatuordecimpunctata.
Morphometric Differentiation of Fruit Fly Pest Species of theAnastrepha fraterculusGroup (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Perre P , Jorge L R , Lewinsohn T M , Zucchi R A 
Published: February 2014

AbstractFruit flies (Tephritidae) include pests of quarantine importance, some of which belong to the genus Anastrepha. Some species in this group are difficult to identify. We tested the accuracy of morphometric techniques to distinguish three species of the fraterculus group (A. fraterculus, A. obliqua, and A. sororcula), using images of the aculeus and wing. The geometric morphometrics of the wings, using 17 landmarks, indicated differences in the wing shape of each species, separating them successfully into distinct groups. The conventional morphometrics of seven measurements of the aculeus tip, by linear discriminant analysis, also indicated differences in the species, separating them into three groups.
An Integrative Approach to the Taxonomy ofOenopiellaBergroth (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae: Carpocorini) with the Description of Two New Species from Argentina and Southern Brazil
Authors: Fernández-Aldea A F , Barão K R , Grazia J , Ferrari A 
Published: February 2014

Abstract“Integrative taxonomy” is a conceptual multisource approach in which the nomination of a species is considered as a hypothesis subject to evaluation through different empirical evidence. In this study, we followed a hypothesis-driven approach, where a set of specimens are used to test previous hypotheses about the existence of species. Thus, Oenopiella Bergroth is revised, based on morphology with emphasis on the genitalia of both sexes. Oenopiella unidentata Spinola, Oenopiellapunctaria Stål, and Oenopiella pallidula Stål are redescribed and illustrated, and two new species are described, Oenopiella ventanensis Grazia sp. nov. from Argentina and Oenopiella flonensis Fernández-Aldea sp. nov. from southern Brazil. A key to separate the species is provided. The reliability of O.punctaria and O. unidentata is evaluated through a reanalysis of their morphological characters, by exploring differences in qualitative and quantitative morphologic characteristics. All lines of evidence support these species hypotheses.
Intratree Variation in the Seasonal Distribution and Mortality of Spruce Budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from the Peak to Collapse of an Outbreak
Authors: Eveleigh Eldon S , Johns Rob C 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A 5-yr ﬁeld study was carried out to assess intratree variations in the distribution, abundance, and mortality of immature spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from the peak to collapse of an outbreak. In most years, the highest density of overwintering second-instar (L2) larvae (per square meter of foliage) was located in the lower crown, whereas all subsequent stages (third- to sixth-instar larvae, pupae, and eggs) were at relatively higher densities in the upper crown. In contrast, overall abundance (per branch) throughout the season tended to be highest in the mid-upper to mid-lower crown. Mortality associated with 16 different parasitoid species varied signiﬁcantly among years but varied among crown levels for only a few species. In particular, Apanteles fumiferanae (Viereck), Glypta fumiferanae (Viereck), Smidtiafumiferanae (Tothill), and Trichogramma minutum (Riley) all caused higher mortality in the upper crown of trees. Although infection associated with Nosema fumiferanae (Thomson) and mortality associated with fungal and viral pathogens often varied among crown levels, there was no clear or consistent trend from year to year. In general, trends in spruce budworm density and mortality within the crown were similar throughout all years of our study, despite signiﬁcant variations in herbivore density, foliage availability, and parasitoid and pathogen impact. Our study indicates that intratree patterns of spruce budworm distribution and mortality are likely to remain consistent during an outbreak and further emphasizes the importance of intratree heterogeneity in shaping interactions within plant-herbivore-parasitoid communities.
Assessment of Solid Cancer Treatment Feasibility in Older Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Laurent Marie , Paillaud Elena , Tournigand Christophe , Caillet Philippe , Le Thuaut Aurélie , Lagrange Jean-Léon , Beauchet Olivier , Vincent Hélène , Carvahlo-Verlinde Muriel , Culine Stéphane , Bastuji-Garin Sylvie , Canouï-Poitrine Florence ,   on behalf of the ELCAPA Study Group
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Purpose.
To assess solid cancer treatment feasibility in older patients

Methods.
Between 2007 and 2010, 385 consecutive elderly patients (mean age: 78.9 ± 5.4 years; 47.8% males) with solid malignancies referred to two geriatric oncology clinics were included prospectively. We recorded feasibility of first-line chemotherapy (planned number of cycles in patients without metastases and three to six cycles depending on tumor site in patients with metastases), surgery (patient alive 30 days after successfully performed planned surgical procedure), radiotherapy (planned dose delivered), and hormonal therapy (planned drug dose given), and we recorded overall 1-year survival.

Results.
Main tumor sites were colorectal (28.6%), breast (23.1%), and prostate (10.9%), and 47% of patients had metastases. Planned cancer treatment was feasible in 65.7% of patients with metastases; this proportion was 59.0% for chemotherapy, 82.6% for surgery, 100% for radiotherapy, and 85.2% for hormonal therapy. In the group without metastases, feasibility proportions were 86.8% overall, 72.4% for chemotherapy, 95.7% for surgery, 96.4% for radiotherapy, and 97.9% for hormonal therapy. Factors independently associated with chemotherapy feasibility were good functional status defined as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status &lt;2 (p &lt; .0001) or activities of daily living &gt;5 (p = .01), normal mobility defined as no difficulty walking (p = .01) or no fall risk (p = .007), and higher creatinine clearance (p = .04).

Conclusion.
Feasibility rates were considerably lower for chemotherapy than for surgery, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Therefore, utilization of limited geriatric oncology resources may be optimized by preferential referral of elderly cancer patients initially considered for chemotherapy to geriatric oncology clinics.
Hydrochemical versus Biological Conditions of the Functioning of Three Shallow Lakes in Łęczna‐Włodawa
Authors: Ferencz Beata , Dawidek Jarosław , Toporowska Magdalena 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT: Lake‐catchment relationships were presented with reference to each part of the subsystem. Ionic loads reflected the potential of the catchment areas and displayed the following pattern: Lake Rotcze < Lake Sumin < Lake Syczyńskie; with respect to every ion, except nitrogen. The highest specific load of ions in Lake Syczyńskie and the strong hydrochemical influence of the lake inlets facilitated the growth of water blooms of cyanobacteria, with a dominance of toxic filamentous P. agardhii. It resulted in a poor ecological status of the lake (Q index = 0.8) and its hypertrophy (TSIchl‐a = 78). The specific load of ions in the Lake Rotcze catchment (0.23 kg/yr·km2 of P‐PO4) contributed to the good ecological status (Q = 3.2) and mesotrophic character (TSIchl‐a = 50) of the lake. Lake Sumin has a moderate catchment influence (2.41 kg/yr·km2 of P‐PO4), which facilitated moderate ecological (Q = 2.1) and trophic (eutrophy; TSIchl‐a = 63) status.
Removal of Triclocarban and Triclosan during Municipal Biosolid Production
Authors: Ogunyoku Temitope A. , Young Thomas M. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT: The antimicrobial compounds triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) accumulate in sludges produced during municipal wastewater treatment and persist through sludge treatment processes into finished biosolids. The objective of this research was to determine the extent to which conventional sludge processing systems such as aerobic digestion, anaerobic digestion, and lime stabilization were able to remove TCC and TCS. The concentrations of TCC and TCS in sludge and biosolid samples were determined via heated solvent extraction and analysis with liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The removal of TCC and TCS in municipal biosolid processing systems was determined from the measured concentration change after correcting for reductions in solid mass during sludge treatment. Removal in the digester systems ranged from 15 to 68% for TCC and 20 to 75% for TCS. Increased solid retention times during sludge treatment operations were correlated with higher removals of TCC and TCS.
Soluble Microbial Products from Water Biological Treatment Process: A Review
Authors: Kang Jia , Du Gang , Gao Xu , Zhao Bin , Guo Jinsong 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT: The relationship between soluble microbial products (SMPs) and extracellular polymeric substances is described, and the characteristics of SMPs in the biological wastewater treatment process, including molecular weight distribution, metal‐chelating property, biodegradability, biotoxicity, and membrane fouling, are investigated. The SMPs produced by autotrophs are degradable and utilizable for heterotrophs, thereby confirming the biodegradation of SMPs. Soluble microbial product models are designed through three approaches: establishment of SMP kinetic models or combination with Monod equations, incorporation of SMP generation and degradation into the unified theory raised by Laspidou and Rittmann (2002a), and introduction of the concept of SMP into activated sludge models. The effects of process parameters on SMP concentration are elaborated, based on the optimum biological treatment process operating parameters that can effectively minimize SMP production. The progress of SMP research in water biotreatment systems is presented, and suggestions for future studies are made.
Oxygen and Carbon Requirements for Biological Nitrogen Removal Processes Accomplishing Nitrification, Nitritation, and Anammox
Authors: Daigger Glen T. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT: The oxygen and carbon savings associated with novel nitrogen removal processes for the treatment of high ammonia, low biodegradable organic matter waste streams such as the recycle streams from the dewatering of anaerobically digested sludges are well documented.This understanding may lead some to think that similar oxygen savings are possible if novel processes such as nitritation/denitritation and partial nitritation‐deammonification are incorporated into main liquid stream processes where influent biodegradable organic matter is used to denitrify residual oxidized nitrogen (nitrite and nitrate). It is demonstrated that the net oxygen required for nitrogen removal is 1.71 mg O2/mg ammonia‐nitrogen converted to nitrogen gas as long as influent biodegradable organic matter is used to denitrify residual oxidized nitrogen. Less oxygen is required to produce oxidized nitrogen with these novel processes, but less biodegradable organic matter is also required for oxidized nitrogen reduction to nitrogen gas, resulting in reduced oxygen savings for the oxidation of biodegradable organic matter. The net oxygen requirement is the same since the net electron transfer for the conversion of ammonia‐nitrogen to nitrogen gas is the same. The biodegradable organic matter required to reduce the oxidized nitrogen to nitrogen gas is estimated for these processes based on standard biological process calculations. It is estimated to be in the range of 3.5 to 4.0 mg biodegradable COD/mg ammonia‐nitrogen reduced to nitrogen gas for nitrification‐denitrification, 2.0 to 2.5 for nitritation‐denitritation, and 0.5 for partial nitritation‐deammonification. The resulting limiting influent wastewater carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratios are estimated and can be used to guide the appropriate selection of biological nitrogen removal process given knowledge of the biological process influent wastewater carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio. Energy savings possible for mainstream processes incorporating these novel nitrogen removal processes include reduced process oxygen requirements from reduced biodegradable carbon loadings to the biological process and the potential that plant influent biodegradable carbon can be captured upstream of the biological nitrogen removal process and used to produce energy, for example, by conversion into biogas.
Biodegradation Characteristics of Naphthalene and Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene, and Xylene (BTEX) by Bacteria Enriched from Activated Sludge
Authors: Huang Yuanxing , Li Liang 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT: Naphthalene and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene) are frequently detected toxic hydrocarbons in contaminated sites, which can easily enter the soil or groundwater system. To test the potential of treating these hydrocarbons in a conventional water resource recovery facility, municipal activated sludge was used as the seed and the bacteria successfully enriched using naphthalene or BTEX as the sole carbon source under aerobic conditions. The pseudo first order kinetic constant for naphthalene degradation by enriched bacteria was 14.053 L h−1 g−1. For BTEX degradation, kinetic constants of 0.234, 0.958, 1.212, and 0.455 L h −1 g −1 were obtained for benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene, respectively, which collectively accounted for a total BTEX removal rate constant of 0.550 L h −1 g −1. Through cloning and sequencing, Pseudomonas and Burkholderia were identified as the primary bacteria communities in the naphthalene degradation reactor, whereas for BTEX degradation, Pseudomonas and Acidovorax dominated in the reactor.
Dynamic observation of twin evolution during austenite grain growth in an Fe–C–Mn–Si alloy
Authors: Hu Haijiang , Xu Guang , Liu Feng , Wang Li , Zhou Lixin , Xue Zhengliang 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
For the first time, investigation of twin evolution during austenite grain growth in an Fe–C–Mn–Si alloy was conducted with in-situ observation using high temperature laser scanning confocal microscopy during austenization. It was found that twins nucleated in austenite grains, some of which might disappear during isothermal holding, even as new twins might nucleate at grain boundaries. In addition, the effects of twins and austenite grains on bainite morphology were also examined. The twins can restrain the growth of bainite sheaves and smaller austenite grains result in shorter bainite laths. The investigation of dynamic evolution of twins and the analysis of the effect of austenite twins on bainite morphology can only be realized by means of in-situ observation.
Structural and magnetic properties of Fe–Al2O3 soft magnetic composites prepared using the sol–gel method
Authors: Yaghtin Maryam , Taghvaei Amir Hossein , Hashemi Babak , Janghorban Kamal 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In this work, powder metallurgy was performed for preparation of iron-based soft magnetic composites (SMCs). For this purpose, iron powders were coated with a thin alumina insulating layer using the sol–gel process, and then compacted for characterization. Microstructural analysis confirmed the formation of an alumina insulating layer with high thermal stability and uniform coverage on the powder surfaces. The alumina coating increased the magnetic permeability of the composites at high frequencies as a result of increased electrical resistivity and decreased eddy current loss. In addition, the different components of the total loss factor were calculated by means of a loss separation method. It was found that by addition of 8 wt.% insulation, the hysteresis loss coefficient increased from 2.7 × 10−3 to 4 × 10−3 while the eddy current loss coefficient decreased from 3.00 × 10−6 to 1.53 × 10−6 as compared with pure iron compacts.
Improved dielectric performance of barium strontium titanate multilayered capacitor by means of pulsed laser deposition and slow injection sol–gel methods
Authors: Balachandran Ruthramurthy , Hoong Ong Boon , Yong Wong Hin , Ban Tan Kar , Kwang Yow Ho , Keat Lee Wai 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA Pt/BST/NiFe/Cu multilayered capacitor was fabricated incorporating a polycrystalline Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3(BST) film deposited using the pulsed laser deposition technique. Qualitative X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed a perovskite structure for the deposited BST dielectric films which were fired at various temperatures. No intermediate phase was discernable with a post-annealing temperature of 750 °C and highly crystallized thin film was obtained at a post-annealing temperature of 800 °C. The fabricated capacitor with a BST film thickness of 665 nm exhibited respectable electrical performance with a dielectric constant,kof 657, and a dielectric loss, tan δ = 0.0137 at room temperature at an applied frequency of 1 MHz. The recorded charge storage density and leakage current density were 4.6 μC cm−2and 33 nA cm−2, respectively, with ± 5 V bias.
Salivary gland scintigraphy in Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Kim H.-A. , Yoon S.-H. , Yoon J.-K. , Lee S. J. , Jo K. S. , Lee D. H. , Suh C.-H. , An Y.-S. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic utility of visual versus semiquantitative analysis of salivary gland scintigraphy in the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). Patients, methods: 99mTc-pertech- netate salivary gland scintigraphy was performed in 145 patients (133 women, 12 men) with clinically suspicious SS. The images were interpreted with visual and semiquantitative methods and the diagnostic performances for SS were compared using uptake and excretory functional parameters. Results: In total, 76 patients (52.4%) were finally diagnosed with SS. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of visual analysis for the diagnosis of SS were 88.2%, 48.6%, 65.1%, 79.1%, and 69.2%, respectively. Semiquantitative values, the area under the ROC curve for uptake ratio and percentage excretion in the right salivary glands were significantly greater than 0.5 (p < 0.05). However, the percentage excretion in the left salivary glands did not show a statistically significant diagnostic ability for SS. The diagnostic ability of visual assessment was greater than that of the semiquantitative method in terms of evaluating uptake and excretory function in the sub- mandibular glands. Conclusion: Visual analysis of salivary gland scintigraphy showed greater diagnostic utility than semiquantitative assessment in the diagnosis of SS, especially in the submandibular glands.