bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and Electrical Transport Properties of CdS and Al-doped CdS Thin Films Deposited by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Rubel A. H. , Podder J. 
Published: January 2012

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) and aluminum (Al) doped cadmium sulfide (Cd1-xAlxS) thin films have been deposited on glass substrate at 300 ºC by spray pyrolysis. The structural and electrical properties of the as-deposited films have been characterized using Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and D.C. electrical measurement. The effect of Al on the surface morphology of CdS film was studied by Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM). EDX shows that the deposited samples are stoichiometric. The peak intensities observed in the XRD patterns were found consistent to a polycrystalline hexagonal structure. The XRD study shows that the hexagonal structure of CdS is not much affected with respect to Al doping. Al-doped CdS thin films show low electrical resistivity of about 48 Ω cm and high carrier density of about 1.1×1019 cm-3.Keywords: Spray pyrolysis; CdS, Cd1-xAlxS; Thin films; EDX; XRD; Hall mobility.© 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i1.8548J. Sci. Res. 4 (1), 11-19 (2012)
Ni-rich Nitrides ANNi<sub>3</sub> (A = Pt, Ag, Pd) in Comparison with Superconducting ZnNNi<sub>3</sub>
Authors: Ali M. A. , Islam A. K. M. A. , Ali M. S. 
Published: January 2012

This article reports on the elastic, electronic and optical properties of predicted Ni-rich nitrides ANNi3 (A= Pt, Ag, Pd) in comparison with isostructural superconducting counterpart ZnNNi3. We have used first-principles density functional theory (DFT) with generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The independent elastic constants (C11, C12, and C44), bulk modulus B, compressibility K, shear modulus G, and Poisson’s ratio υ, as well as the band structures, total and partial densities of states and finally the optical properties of ANNi3 have been calculated. The results are then analyzed and compared with those of the superconducting ZnNNi3. The electronic band structures of the three compounds show metallic behavior with a high density of states at the Fermi level in which Ni 3d states dominate just like the superconducting ZnNNi3. Analysis of Tc expression using available parameter values suggests that the three compounds are less likely to be superconductors. Optical reflectivity spectra indicate that all the compounds have the potential to be used as a coating to remove solar heating.Keywords: ANNi3; Ab initio calculations; Elastic properties; Electronic band structure; Optical properties.© 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i1.9026J. Sci. Res. 4 (1), 1-10 (2012)
AeroterrestrialColeochaete(Streptophyta, Coleochaetales) models early plant adaptation to land
Authors: Graham Linda E. , Arancibia‐Avila Patricia , Taylor Wilson A. , Strother Paul K. , Cook Martha E. 
Published: December 2011

•Premise of the study:The streptophyte water‐to‐land transition was a pivotal, but poorly understood event in Earth history. While some early‐diverging modern streptophyte algae are aeroterrestrial (living in subaerial habitats), aeroterrestrial survival had not been tested forColeochaete, widely regarded as obligately aquatic and one of the extant green algal genera most closely related to embryophytes. This relationship motivated a comparison of aeroterrestrialColeochaeteto lower Paleozoic microfossils whose relationships have been uncertain.•Methods:We tested the ability of two species of the experimentally tractable, complex streptophyte algal genusColeochaeteBréb. to (1) grow and reproduce when cultivated under conditions that mimic humid subaerial habitats, (2) survive desiccation for some period of time, and (3) produce degradation‐resistant remains comparable to enigmatic Cambrian microfossils.•Key results:When grown on mineral agar media or on quartz sand, both species displayed bodies structurally distinct from those expressed in aquatic habitats. AeroterrestrialColeochaeteoccurred as hairless, multistratose, hemispherical bodies having unistratose lobes or irregular clusters of cells with thick, layered, and chemically resistant walls that resemble certain enigmatic lower Paleozoic microfossils. Whether grown under humid conditions or air‐dried for a week, then exposed to liquid water, aeroterrestrialColeochaeteproduced typical asexual zoospores and germlings. Cells that had been air‐dried for periods up to several months maintained their integrity and green pigmentation.•Conclusions:Features of modern aeroterrestrialColeochaetesuggest that ancient complex streptophyte algae could grow and reproduce in moist subaerial habitats, persist through periods of desiccation, and leave behind distinctive microfossil remains.
Rapid development of microsatellite markers for Pandanus boninensis (Pandanaceae) by pyrosequencing technology
Authors: Setsuko Suzuki , Uchiyama Kentaro , Sugai Kyoko , Yoshimaru Hiroshi 
Published: December 2011

• Premise of the study: To facilitate rapid development of microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, an expressed sequence tags (EST) database was constructed for Pandanus boninensis, an evergreen tree endemic to the Bonin Islands, using pyrosequencing technology.• Methods and Results: We designed primers for 340 EST‐SSRs identified from 109620 pyrosequencing reads, 48 of which were tested for PCR amplification. Thirty‐four primers provided clear amplification, and 26 of those 34 displayed clear polymorphic patterns in sampled populations, with mean expected heterozygosity at the amplified loci ranging from 0.022 to 0.742 (average 0.262).• Conclusions: The developed markers are promising tools for future genetic studies of P. boninensis and related species.
Still rethinking the value of high wood density
Authors: Larjavaara Markku , Muller‐Landau Helene C. 
Published: December 2011

• Premise of the study: In a previous paper, we questioned the traditional interpretation of the advantages and disadvantages of high wood density (Functional Ecology 24: 701–705). Niklas and Spatz (American Journal of Botany 97: 1587–1594) challenged the biomechanical relevance of studying properties of dry wood, including dry wood density, and stated that we erred in our claims regarding scaling.• Methods: We first present the full derivation of our previous claims regarding scaling. We then examine how the fresh modulus of rupture and the elastic modulus scale with dry wood density and compare these scaling relationships with those for dry mechanical properties, using almost exactly the same data set analyzed by Niklas and Spatz.• Key results: The derivation shows that given our assumptions that the modulus of rupture and elastic modulus are both proportional to wood density, the resistance to bending is inversely proportional to wood density and strength is inversely proportional with the square root of wood density, exactly as we previously claimed. The analyses show that the elastic modulus of fresh wood scales proportionally with wood density (exponent 1.05, 95% CI 0.90–1.11) but that the modulus of rupture of fresh wood does not, scaling instead with the 1.25 power of wood density (CI 1.18–1.31).• Conclusions: The deviation from proportional scaling for modulus of rupture is so small that our central conclusion remains correct: for a given construction cost, trees with lower wood density have higher strength and higher resistance to bending.
Mechanical properties of wood disproportionately increase with increasing density
Authors: Niklas Karl J. , Spatz Hanns‐Christof 
Published: December 2011

• Premise of study: Prior work using a large data set has shown that the mechanical properties of wood disproportionately increase with increasing wood density across diverse species, e.g., stems composed of denser wood are stiffer and stronger than stems with equivalent cross‐sections composed of less dense wood. However, an alternative approach, introducing the precondition of constant construction cost for the same data set, adduces that for any given construction cost, stems composed of lesser dense woods are stiffer and stronger then stems composed of denser woods.• Methods: We evaluated these two approaches using generic allometric principles and the same large data set.• Key results: This evaluation shows that construction costs cannot be constant over an entire ensemble of stems composed of different species of wood. For any specified construction cost (denoted by a k‐value), only a particular subgroup of stems is addressed. The conclusions derived for this subgroup cannot be generalized to the entire ensemble of stems composed of different species of wood.• Conclusion: Stems composed of denser wood are, on average as stiff and strong, or stiffer and stronger than stems with equivalent cross‐sections composed of less dense wood. Denser wood may have a higher carbon construction cost, but its mechanical benefits likely outweigh the extra cost.
L'improvisation entre franchissement et affranchissement : d'un enseignement du jazz pour la pratique analytique
Authors: Vinot Frédéric 
Published: January 2012

Résumé La pratique de l’improvisation dans le jazz a connu une très nette modification avec l’apparition du free jazz, donnant lieu à deux formes d’improvisation : l’improvisation comme franchissement et l’improvisation comme affranchissement. Ces deux types d’improvisation sont développés et précisés, pour ensuite constituer des formes possiblement inspiratrices de l’acte clinique.
Family Members’ Informal Roles in End-of-Life Decision Making in Adult Intensive Care Units
Authors: Quinn Jill R. , Schmitt Madeline , Baggs Judith Gedney , Norton Sally A. , Dombeck Mary T. , Sellers Craig R. 
Published: January 2012

Background
To support the process of effective family decision making, it is important to recognize and understand informal roles that various family members may play in the end-of-life decision-making process.

Objective
To describe some informal roles consistently enacted by family members involved in the process of end-of-life decision making in intensive care units.

Methods
Ethnographic study. Data were collected via participant observation with field notes and semistructured interviews on 4 intensive care units in an academic health center in the mid-Atlantic United States from 2001 to 2004. The units studied were a medical, a surgical, a burn and trauma, and a cardiovascular intensive care unit.

Participants
Health care clinicians, patients, and family members.

Results
Informal roles for family members consistently observed were primary caregiver, primary decision maker, family spokesperson, out-of-towner, patient’s wishes expert, protector, vulnerable member, and health care expert. The identified informal roles were part of families’ decision-making processes, and each role was part of a potentially complicated family dynamic for end-of-life decision making within the family system and between the family and health care domains.

Conclusions
These informal roles reflect the diverse responses to demands for family decision making in what is usually a novel and stressful situation. Identification and description of these informal roles of family members can help clinicians recognize and understand the functions of these roles in families’ decision making at the end of life and guide development of strategies to support and facilitate increased effectiveness of family discussions and decision-making processes.
Impact of a Delirium Screening Tool and Multifaceted Education on Nurses’ Knowledge of Delirium and Ability to Evaluate It Correctly
Authors: Gesin Gail , Russell Brittany B. , Lin Andrew P. , Norton H. James , Evans Susan L. , Devlin John W. 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundThe impact of using a validated delirium screening tool and different levels of education on surgical-trauma intensive care unit (STICU) nurses’ knowledge about delirium is unclear.ObjectivesTo measure the impact of using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC), with or without a multi-faceted education program, on STICU nurses’ knowledge and perceptions of delirium and their ability to evaluate it correctly.MethodsThe knowledge and perceptions of subject nurses about delirium, and agreement between the independent assessments of delirium by the subject nurse and by a validated judge (who always used the ICDSC), were compared across 3 phases. Phase 1: No delirium screening tool and no education. Phase 2: ICDSC and minimal education (ie, ICDSC validation study only). Phase 3: ICDSC and multifaceted education (ie, pharmacist-led didactic lecture, Web-based module, and nurse-led bedside training).ResultsNurses’ knowledge (mean [SD] score out of 10 points) was similar (P = .08) in phase 1 (6.1 [1.4]) and phase 2 (6.5 [1.4]) but was greater (P = .001) in phase 3 (8.2 [1.4]). Agreement between nurses and the validated judge in the assessment of delirium increased from phase 1 (κ = 0.40) to phase 2 (κ = 0.62) to phase 3 (κ = 0.74). Nurses perceived use of the ICDSC as improving their ability to recognize delirium.ConclusionsUse of a multifaceted education program improves both nurses’ knowledge about delirium and their perceptions about its recognition. Implementation of the ICDSC improves the ability of STICU nurses to evaluate delirium correctly.
Crucial Role of Granulocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in the Regulation of Central Nervous System Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Ioannou Marianna , Alissafi Themis , Lazaridis Iakovos , Deraos George , Matsoukas John , Gravanis Achille , Mastorodemos Vasileios , Plaitakis Andreas , Sharpe Arlene , Boumpas Dimitrios , Verginis Panayotis 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThere is a need in autoimmune diseases to uncover the mechanisms involved in the natural resolution of inflammation. In this article, we demonstrate that granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs) abundantly accumulate within the peripheral lymphoid compartments and target organs of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis prior to disease remission. In vivo transfer of G-MDSCs ameliorated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, significantly decreased demyelination, and delayed disease onset through inhibition of encephalitogenic Th1 and Th17 immune responses. Exposure of G-MDSCs to the autoimmune milieu led to up-regulation of the programmed death 1 ligand that was required for the G-MDSC–mediated suppressive function both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, myeloid-derived suppressor cells were enriched in the periphery of subjects with active multiple sclerosis and suppressed the activation and proliferation of autologous CD4+ T cells ex vivo. Collectively, this study revealed a pivotal role for myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the regulation of multiple sclerosis, which could be exploited for therapeutic purposes.
Treml4, an Ig Superfamily Member, Mediates Presentation of Several Antigens to T Cells In Vivo, Including Protective Immunity to HER2 Protein
Authors: Hemmi Hiroaki , Zaidi Neeha , Wang Bei , Matos Ines , Fiorese Christopher , Lubkin Ashira , Zbytnuik Lori , Suda Koji , Zhang Kenneth , Noda Masaki , Kaisho Tsuneyasu , Steinman Ralph M. , Idoyaga Juliana 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Members of the triggering expressed on myeloid cells (Trem) receptor family fine-tune inflammatory responses. We previously identified one of these receptors, called Treml4, expressed mainly in the spleen, as well as at high levels by CD8α+ dendritic cells and macrophages. Like other Trem family members, Treml4 has an Ig-like extracellular domain and a short cytoplasmic tail that associates with the adaptor DAP12. To follow up on our initial results that Treml4-Fc fusion proteins bind necrotic cells, we generated a knockout mouse to assess the role of Treml4 in the uptake and presentation of dying cells in vivo. Loss of Treml4 expression did not impair uptake of dying cells by CD8α+ dendritic cells or cross-presentation of cell-associated Ag to CD8+ T cells, suggesting overlapping function between Treml4 and other receptors in vivo. To further investigate Treml4 function, we took advantage of a newly generated mAb against Treml4 and engineered its H chain to express three different Ags (i.e., OVA, HIV GAGp24, and the extracellular domain of the breast cancer protein HER2). OVA directed to Treml4 was efficiently presented to CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in vivo. Anti–Treml4-GAGp24 mAbs, given along with a maturation stimulus, induced Th1 Ag-specific responses that were not observed in Treml4 knockout mice. Also, HER2 targeting using anti-Treml4 mAbs elicited combined CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immunity, and both T cells participated in resistance to a transplantable tumor. Therefore, Treml4 participates in Ag presentation in vivo, and targeting Ags with anti-Treml4 Abs enhances immunization of otherwise naive mice.
Clonotype and Repertoire Changes Drive the Functional Improvement of HIV-Specific CD8 T Cell Populations under Conditions of Limited Antigenic Stimulation
Authors: Janbazian Loury , Price David A. , Canderan Glenda , Filali-Mouhim Abdelali , Asher Tedi E. , Ambrozak David R. , Scheinberg Phillip , Boulassel Mohamad Rachid , Routy Jean-Pierre , Koup Richard A. , Douek Daniel C. , Sekaly Rafick-Pierre , Trautmann Lydie 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Persistent exposure to cognate Ag leads to the functional impairment and exhaustion of HIV-specific CD8 T cells. Ag withdrawal, attributable either to antiretroviral treatment or the emergence of epitope escape mutations, causes HIV-specific CD8 T cell responses to wane over time. However, this process does not continue to extinction, and residual CD8 T cells likely play an important role in the control of HIV replication. In this study, we conducted a longitudinal analysis of clonality, phenotype, and function to define the characteristics of HIV-specific CD8 T cell populations that persist under conditions of limited antigenic stimulation. Ag decay was associated with dynamic changes in the TCR repertoire, increased expression of CD45RA and CD127, decreased expression of programmed death-1, and the emergence of polyfunctional HIV-specific CD8 T cells. High-definition analysis of individual clonotypes revealed that the Ag loss-induced gain of function within HIV-specific CD8 T cell populations could be attributed to two nonexclusive mechanisms: 1) functional improvement of persisting clonotypes; and 2) recruitment of particular clonotypes endowed with superior functional capabilities.
Health behaviors and occupational stress of Brazilian civil servants living in an urban center
Authors: Goston Janaina Lavalli , Caiaffa Waleska Teixeira , de Souza Andrade Amanda Cristina , Vlahov David 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundOccupational stress and unhealthy lifestyles are common characteristics of urban workers. The association between health behaviors and job stress of urban Brazilian civil servants was studied.MethodsA cross‐sectional study included 893 workers. Health markers, the dependent variables, were: Fruit/vegetable (FV) and alcohol (A) intake, physical activity (PA), including at work (PAW), smoking (S), BMI ≥ 25 Kg/m2. Occupational stress, assessed by Job Stress Scale‐Brazilian version, classified employees into: High‐strain, Low‐strain, Active, and Passive. Prevalence rates and multivariate Poisson models were adopted.ResultsOn average, employees (mean age = 40.2 years; 69.1% female) reported healthy lifestyle factors: FV (56%); PA (59.7%); S (13.3%); however, 49.4% were overweight. Compared to low‐strain, high‐strain workers reported higher PAW; passive workers lesser PA and higher PAW. After adjusting for socio‐demographics and work characteristics, the occupational stress dimensions were no longer associated to health behaviors.ConclusionsOur results do not support the hypothesis of an effect for occupational stress on urban employees' health behaviors. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:49–57, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical improvement of the aggressive neurobehavioral phenotype in a patient with a deletion of PITX3 and the absence of L‐DOPA in the cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Derwińska Katarzyna , Mierzewska Hanna , Goszczańska Alicja , Szczepanik Elżbieta , Xia Zhilian , Kuśmierska Katarzyna , Tryfon Jolanta , Kutkowska‐Kaźmierczak Anna , Bocian Ewa , Mazurczak Tadeusz , Obersztyn Ewa , Stankiewicz Paweł 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe development of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons is regulated by several transcription factors, including Nurr1, Wnt1, Lmx1a/1b, En1, En2, Foxa1, Foxa2, and Pitx3. PITX3 is an upstream co‐activator of the TH (tyrosine hydroxylase) promoter. Pitx3‐/‐ mice have a selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area, leading to the significantly reduced DA levels in the nigrostriatal pathway and in the dorsal striatum and manifest anomalous striatum‐dependent cognitive impairment and neurobehavioral activity. Treatment with L‐DOPA, dopamine, or dopamine receptor agonists in these mice reversed several of their sensorimotor impairments. Heterozygous missense mutations in PITX3 have been reported in patients with autosomal dominant congenital cataract and anterior segment (ocular) mesenchymal dysgenesis (ASMD) whereas homozygous missense mutations have been found in patients with microphthalmia and neurological impairment. Using a clinical oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), we have identified an ∼317 kb hemizygous deletion in 10q24.32, involving PITX3 in a 17‐year‐old male with a Smith–Magenis syndrome‐like phenotype, including mild intellectual impairment, sleep disturbance, hyperactivity, and aggressive and self‐destructive behavior. Interestingly, no eye anomalies were found in our patient. Analysis of neurotransmitters in his cerebrospinal fluid revealed an absence of L‐DOPA and significantly decreased levels of catecholamine metabolites. Importantly, L‐DOPA treatment of our patient has led to mild mitigation of his aggressive behavior and mild improvement of his attention span, extended time periods of concentration, and better sleep. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Formation of polypropylene/stearic acid fibers
Authors: Binias D. , Binias W. , Broda J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPolypropylene/stearic acid fibers were produced in laboratory conditions from hot homogenous blends. After formation, as‐spun fibers were treated in potassium hydroxide and rinsed in water. Supermolecular structure and morphology of fibers were investigated by wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, FTIR, and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) methods. It was stated that by fibers' formation, thermally induced phase separation takes place. Polypropylene starts to crystallize, while liquid stearic acid is expelled out and forms drops wrapped in polymer matrix. As a result of the crystallization inside fibers the structure with high content of mesophase is formed. During crystallization, interactions between stearic acid and polypropylene are observed. As a result of alkali treatment and rinsing, drops of stearic acid are partially removed. After removal of the stearic acid from the fibers, the porous structure is formed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012