bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal conductivity of aluminium nitride thin films prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering
Authors: Duquenne C , Besland M-P , Tessier P Y , Gautron E , Scudeller Y , Averty D 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The relationship between thermal conductivity and microstructures of aluminium nitride films is reported. Films were deposited on silicon substrates by magnetron sputtering of a pure Al target in nitrogen argon plasma at low temperatures (<300 °C) with thickness ranging from 150 to 3500 nm. Balanced and unbalanced magnetron configurations were used for different nitrogen contents in the gas phase. Various microstructures were thus created and their thermal conductivity was measured with the transient hot strip technique. Depending on the crystalline structure of the films, the bulk thermal conductivity of the AlN films at room temperature varied between 2 and 170 W m−1 K−1. Unbalanced magnetron allowed achieving highly dense (0 0 2) oriented AlN films with a grain size in the 100 nm range, a low oxygen content close to 0.5 at% and a resulting bulk thermal conductivity as high as 170 W m−1 K−1. Such a crystalline quality resulted from the ion energy involved in the growth process. In contrast, balanced magnetron led to weakly textured AlN films containing 5 at% oxygen with a grain size in the 30 nm range and a resulting thermal conductivity ranging from 2 to 100 W m−1 K−1 depending on the microstructure. Otherwise, the thermal boundary resistance between AlN films deposited by unbalanced magnetron and the silicon substrate was found to be as low as 1.0 × 10−8 K m2 W−1. Such a value was in good agreement with the thickness of the interfacial amorphous layer determined in the 2 nm range by high resolution transmission electron microscopy.
Randomised clinical trial: the effectiveness of Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 rectal enema in children with active distal ulcerative colitis
Authors: Oliva S. , Di Nardo G. , Ferrari F. , Mallardo S. , Rossi P. , Patrizi G. , Cucchiara S. , Stronati L. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBackground  Intestinal microbiota manipulation, one of the pathogenetic components of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), has become an attractive therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC).Aim  To assess in children with active distal UC the effectiveness of Lactobacillus (L) reuteri ATCC 55730 enema on inflammation and cytokine expression of rectal mucosa.Methods  A total of 40 patients (median age: 7.2 years range 6–18) with mild to moderate UC were enrolled in a prospective, randomised, placebo‐controlled study. They received an enema solution containing 1010 CFU of L. reuteri ATCC 55730 or placebo for 8 weeks, in addition to oral mesalazine. Clinical endoscopic and histological scores as well as rectal mucosal expression levels of IL‐10, IL‐1β, TNFα and IL‐8 were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the trial.Results  Thirty‐one patients accomplished the trial (17 males, median age 13 year, range 7–18). Mayo score (including clinical and endoscopic features) decreased significantly in the L. reuteri group (3.2 ± 1.3 vs. 8.6 ± 0.8, P < 0.01) compared with placebo (7.1 ± 1.1 vs. 8.7 ± 0.7, NS); furthermore, histological score significantly decrease only in the L. reuteri group (0.6 ± 0.5 vs. 4.5 ± 0.6, P < 0.01) (placebo: 2.9 ± 0.8 vs. 4.6 ± 0.6, NS). At the post‐trial evaluation of cytokine mucosal expression levels, IL‐10 significantly increased (P < 0.01) whereas IL‐1β, TNFα and IL‐8 significantly decreased (P < 0.01) only in the L. reuteri group.Conclusions  In children with active distal ulcerative colitis, rectal infusion of L. reuteri is effective in improving mucosal inflammation and changing mucosal expression levels of some cytokines involved in the mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Transglutaminase 2 expression is enhanced synergistically by interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α in human small intestine
Authors: Bayardo M , Punzi F , Bondar C , Chopita N , Chirdo F 
Published: December 2011

Summary
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is expressed ubiquitously, has multiple physiological functions and has also been associated with inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmunity and cancer. In particular, TG2 is expressed in small intestine mucosa where it is up-regulated in active coeliac disease (CD). The aim of this work was to investigate the induction of TG2 expression by proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-15] and the signalling pathways involved, in human epithelial and monocytic cells and in intestinal tissue from controls and untreated CD patients. Here we report that IFN-γ was the most potent inducer of TG2 expression in the small intestinal mucosa and in four [Caco-2, HT-29, Calu-6 and human acute monocytic leukaemia cell line (THP-1)] of five cell lines tested. The combination of TNF-α and IFN-γ produced a strong synergistic effect. The use of selective inhibitors of signalling pathways revealed that induction of TG2 by IFN-γ was mediated by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), while c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were required for TNF-α activation. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), flow cytometry and Western blot analysis showed that TG2 expression was blocked completely when stimulation by either TNF-α or IFN-γ was performed in the presence of nuclear factor (NF)-κB inhibitors (sulphasalazine and BAY-117082). TG2 was up-regulated substantially by TNF-α and IFN-γ in intestinal mucosa in untreated CD compared with controls. This study shows that IFN-γ, a dominant cytokine in intestinal mucosa in active CD, is the most potent inducer of TG2, and synergism with TNF-α may contribute to exacerbate the pathogenic mechanism of CD. Selective inhibition of signalling pathways may be of therapeutic benefit.
Chemical composition, rumen degradability and crude protein fractionation of some commercial and improved cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) haulm varieties
Authors: Anele U. Y. , Südekum K.‐H. , Arigbede O. M. , Lüttgenau H. , Oni A. O. , Bolaji O. J. , Galyean M. L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSeasonal chemical composition, in sacco organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) degradabilities and CP fractions of haulms of three improved (ITA2, ITA6 and ITA8) and three commercial (Oloyin, Peu and Sokoto) cowpea varieties harvested in wet and dry seasons were evaluated in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Effective degradation of OM and CP was estimated at assumed outflow rates of 2 and 4% h−1. Commercial haulms (all the other parts of the cowpea minus the grains) had greater (P < 0·001) CP than improved varieties, whereas neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were greater (P < 0·001) in improved vs. commercial haulms. Interactions between variety group (improved vs. commercial) and season were observed for CP (P = 0·002), lignin (P = 0·003) and hemicellulose (P = 0·030) contents of the haulms. Similarly, a group × season interaction was observed for effective degradation of OM at an outflow rate of 2%. The proportion of substrate degraded in the samples harvested in the wet season was generally less (P < 0·001) than in the dry season. Effective degradability values of OM at the assumed passage rates were greater (P < 0·001) for improved vs. commercial cowpea haulms. Interactions between group and season were observed for all but one of the CP fractions. Seasonal differences in the quality of haulms showed that attention must be given to handling of haulms to minimize the amount of leaves lost during the wet season.
The effect of training administered to working mothers on maternal anxiety levels and breastfeeding habits
Authors: Çiftçi Esra K , Arikan Duygu 
Published: December 2011

Aim and objective.  This study was conducted to determine the effect of training administered to working mothers and its duration on maternal anxiety levels and breastfeeding habits.Background.  Within the scope of Health for All in the 21st Century project, a goal was set to increase the rate of infants fed exclusively by breastfeeding during the first six months of life to 80% by the year 2015.Design.  A randomised design with repeated measures.Methods.  During collection of pretest data, a Personal Information Form, a Questionnaire Form and a State Trait Anxiety Inventory were administered to the mothers in the experimental and control groups. Five home visits were conducted starting two weeks before the date when mothers returned to work and ending when the infants became six months old. Breastfeeding techniques were taught to these mothers. Data were subjected to Proc MEAN, FREQ, anova and GENMOD procedures.Results.  The rate of natural feeding (breastfeeding exclusively) among trained mothers was greater than untrained mothers. The frequency of breastfeeding affects maternal anxiety levels; the anxiety level of mothers decreased with increasing frequency of breastfeeding.Conclusion.  Educating working mothers about breastfeeding reduces their anxiety levels and influences positively their breastfeeding habits.Relevance to clinical practice.  With the support of health‐care staff to increase awareness and knowledge on the value and sufficiency of breast milk, the rate and period of natural feeding increased significantly among working mothers.
Modelling photosynthetic responses to temperature of grapevine (Vitis vinifera cv. Semillon) leaves on vines grown in a hot climate
Authors: GREER DENNIS H. , WEEDON MARK M. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTField measurements of photosynthesis of Vitis vinifera cv. Semillon leaves in relation to a hot climate, and responses to photon flux densities (PFDs) and internal CO2 concentrations (ci) at leaf temperatures from 20 to 40 °C were undertaken. Average rates of photosynthesis measured in situ decreased with increasing temperature and were 60% inhibited at 45 °C compared with 25 °C. This reduction in photosynthesis was attributed to 15–30% stomatal closure. Light response curves at different temperatures revealed light‐saturated photosynthesis optimal at 30 °C but also PFDs saturating photosynthesis increased from 550 to 1200 µmol (photons) m−2 s−1 as temperatures increased. Photosynthesis under saturating CO2 concentrations was optimal at 36 °C while maximum rates of ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylation (Vcmax) and potential maximum electron transport rates (Jmax) were also optimal at 39 and 36 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the high temperature‐induced reduction in photosynthesis at ambient CO2 was largely eliminated. The chloroplast CO2 concentration at the transition from RuBP regeneration to RuBP carboxylation‐limited assimilation increased steeply with an increase in leaf temperature. Semillon assimilation in situ was limited by RuBP regeneration below 30 °C and above limited by RuBP carboxylation, suggesting high temperatures are detrimental to carbon fixation in this species.
Tectono‐sedimentary evolution of the ‘Numidian Formation’ and Lateral Facies (southern branch of the western Tethys): constraints for central‐western Mediterranean geodynamics
Authors: Guerrera Francesco , Martín‐Algarra Agustín , Martín‐Martín Manuel 
Published: December 2011

Terra Nova, 24, 34–41, 2012AbstractThe origin of the Numidian Formation (latest Oligocene to middle Miocene), characterized by ultra‐mature quartzose arenites with abundant well‐rounded frosted quartz grains, remains controversial. This formation, sedimented in the external domain of the Maghrebian Flysch Basin, displays three characteristic stratigraphic members with marked longitudinal (proximal–distal) and transverse (along‐chain) variations with palaeogeographical importance. The origin of the Numidian supply is related to the outward tectogenetic propagation when a forebulge evolved in the African foreland, leading to the erosion of African cratonic areas rich in quartzose arenites (Nubian Sandstone‐like). The ages of the Numidian Formation checked by Betic, Maghrebian and Southern Apennine data suggest a timing for the accretionary orogenic wedge, earlier in the Betic‐Rifian Arc (after middle Burdigalian), later in the Algerian‐Tunisian Tell (after late Burdigalian) and afterwards in Sicily and the Southern Apennines (after Langhian). A geodynamic evolutionary model for the central‐western Mediterranean is proposed.
Leptoglossus occidentalis and Diplodia pinea: a new insect‐fungus association in Mediterranean forests
Authors: Luchi N. , Mancini V. , Feducci M. , Santini A. , Capretti P. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryLeptoglossus occidentalis, an insect native to North America, was inadvertently introduced into Italy about 1999. The insect damages the cones of conifer trees, especially Pinus pinea (Italian Stone pine). Pinus pinea is also affected by Diplodia pinea, a fungus native to Italy, which is becoming an increasing threat because pine trees are becoming more susceptible to it as a consequence of global warming. Because the insect and the fungus both have the pine cones as a common habitat, a possible interaction between them has been postulated. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether L. occidentalis and D. pinea interact on P. pinea cones. The interaction was studied using real‐time PCR on a group of naturally infected insects collected from a forest, and a group raised in the laboratory and artificially inoculated with D. pinea conidia. Molecular analysis showed that D. pinea DNA occurred on both naturally infected and inoculated insects, but with significant differences between the two groups. The rapid and sensitive molecular technique made it possible to detect D. pinea DNA on the bodies of the insects, and to show that the native D. pinea occurred on the exotic insect.
Targeting gaseous molecules to protect against cerebral ischaemic injury: Mechanisms and prospects
Authors: Zhou Jun , Wu Peng‐Fei , Wang Fang , Chen Jian‐Guo 
Published: December 2011

SummaryIschaemic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability in many countries. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying ischaemic brain injury, including oxidative stress, calcium overload, excitotoxicity and neuronal apoptosis, are perplexing and this makes it difficult to find effective novel drugs for the treatment of the condition.Recently, gaseous molecules such as nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and hydrogen (H2) have attracted considerable interest because of their physiological and pathophysiological roles in various body systems. Emerging evidence indicates that gaseous molecules are involved in the pathological processes of ischaemic brain damage.In the present review, we summarize evidence regarding the involvement of gaseous molecules in ischaemic brain injury and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting gaseous molecules.Collectively, the available data suggest that the application of these biological gas molecules and their pharmacological regulators may be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of ischaemic brain injury.
UV‐radiation and elevated temperatures induce formation of reactive oxygen species in gametophytes of cold‐temperate/Arctic kelps (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Müller Ruth , Desel Christine , Steinhoff Franciska S. , Wiencke Christian , Bischof Kai 
Published: December 2011

SUMMARYEnhanced UV‐radiation (UVR) through stratospheric ozone depletion and global warming are crucial stressors to marine macroalgae. Damages may arise through formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in gametophytes of ecologically important kelps, brown algae of the order Laminariales, Such stress‐induced damages may have a negative impact on their fitness and further impact their following life stages. In our study, gametophytes of three kelp species Alaria esculenta (L.) Grev., Laminaria digitata (Huds.) Lamour., Saccharina latissima (L.) Lane, Mayes, Druehl, Saunders from the Arctic, and of L. hyperborea (Gunnerus) Foslie from the North Sea were exposed to photosynthetically active radiation, UV‐A, and UV‐B radiation and four temperatures (2–18°C). ROS are formed predominantly in the peripheral cytoplasm and in chloroplasts especially after exposure to UVR. Superoxide (O2*‐) is additionally formed in small, globular cytoplasmic structures, possibly mitochondria. In the surrounding medium O2*‐‐concentration increased markedly at elevated temperatures and under UV stress in some cases. Ultrastructural damage was negligible pointing to a high stress tolerance of this developmental stage. Our data indicate that stress tolerant gametophytes of three Arctic kelp species should sustain their crucial function as seed bank for kelp populations even under prospective rising environmental perturbations.
Influence of fine‐scale habitat requirements and riparian degradation on the distribution of the purple‐crowned fairy‐wren (Malurus coronatus coronatus) in northern Australia
Authors: SKROBLIN ANJA , LEGGE SARAH 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSpecies distributions are influenced by variation in environmental conditions across many scales. Knowledge of fine‐scale habitat requirements is important for predicting species occurrence and identifying suitable habitat for target species. Here we investigate the perplexing distribution of a riparian habitat specialist, the western subspecies of the purple‐crowned fairy‐wren (Malurus coronatus coronatus), in relation to fine‐scale habitat associations and patterns of riparian degradation. Surveys of vegetation attributes, river structure and disturbance indicators that are likely to be causal determinants of the species occurrence were undertaken at 635 sites across 14 catchments. Generalized Linear Mixed Modelling demonstrated that the probability of purple‐crowned fairy‐wren occurrence increased with Pandanus aquaticus crown cover, shrub density and height of emergent trees, while riparian structure and signs of cattle were indirect predictors of occurrence. As our study area predominantly contained Pandanus type habitat, we failed to identify river grass as an important component of habitat. Predictions from a cross‐validated model of purple‐crowned fairy‐wren occurrence suggested distribution is constrained by three factors: (i) low quality of local habitat within catchments where the species occurs; (ii) broad‐scale reduction in habitat quality that has resulted in extinction of the species from parts of its range; and (iii) unmeasured variables that limit the exploitation of suitable habitat. The reliance of the species on dense shrubby understorey suggests conservation efforts should aim to maintain the complexity of understorey structure by managing fire and grazing intensity. Efforts to halt the continuing decline of riparian condition and maintain connectivity between areas of quality habitat will help to ensure persistence of riparian habitat specialists in northern Australia.
Growth of juvenile and sapling trees differs with both fire season and understorey type: Trade‐offs and transitions out of the fire trap in an Australian savanna
Authors: WERNER PATRICIA A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractCanopy tree populations in mesic savannas are often bimodal with few saplings but many smaller individuals of indeterminate age that repeatedly suffer topkill and regenerate from underground tissues. Little is known about growth rates or mechanisms that allow subadult trees to reach the canopy. The wooded savannas of northern Australia have high frequencies of dry‐season fires. In a 32 400‐m2 field experiment, 2405 juveniles (<150‐cm height) and saplings (150–499 cm) of the eucalypt canopy species were individually marked and measured the year prior to fires set in three different seasons and again at the end of the growing season (without fires) a year later. Trees in unburnt plots served as controls. All fire treatments were repeated in plots dominated by the most common understorey, a native annual grass (sorghum) and in plots dominated by perennial native species; these produce different fuels for fires and competitive regimes for young trees. After early dry‐season fires, height growth of larger juveniles and all saplings was significantly enhanced, especially in sorghum. After late dry‐ or wet‐season fires, juvenile trees grew well, but all of the small saplings (150‐ to 299‐cm height) were reduced to ‘juveniles’ and did not recover pre‐fire heights but, instead, produced many new basal (coppice) stems. Late, dry‐season fires reduced more than 80% of large saplings (300–499 cm) to juvenile size in sorghum, whereas in non‐sorghum, 60% of the trees grew to poles (500–999 cm). The results demonstrate that juvenile and sapling growth responses to fire and the probability of subadult trees reaching the canopy are related to fire–understorey interactions, and suggest that the mechanisms include morphological and carbohydrate storage dynamics which vary with tree size and life history stage. The key to successful management of a sustainable woody canopy lies in the understorey.
Applications of fractography for aircraft defect causal analysis
Authors: CONOR P. C. , JAMES A. D. , HOLLIS M. J. , CAMPBELL S. K. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTAircraft maintainers and accident investigators routinely seek advice from materials scientists and engineers about the cause of cracks and fractures in air vehicle components. Experience has shown that further failures are more likely to be avoided if the fractographic assessment is carried out in lockstep with the wider evaluation of relevant engineering and operational factors. If possible the fractographer should be in a position to understand the function of the defective component and should be able to assess how this might be affected by the operation of the aircraft system as a whole, and how failure of the component might affect operation of the aircraft. This paper provides evidence from a set of investigations that support the need for a systems approach to failure analysis of aircraft structure and propulsion component defects when causal factors are complex. Effective failure avoidance can be achieved in this way.
Ní cothram na Féinne é sin: Cricket, Lexicography and Cultural Purity in Ireland1
Authors: CRONIN MIKE , CONCHUBHAIR BRIAN Ó 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article explores the relationship between the game of cricket and the Irish language in Ireland. In our analysis, dictionaries are invoked as indices of formations of cultural purity and political power, documents of defiance, tools of codification, assertions of confidence, representations of linguistic identity. By examining the treatment of the term “cricket” in Irish language dictionaries from the eighteenth‐century to the present day, we find an index of cultural values, responding and adapting to ongoing changing cultural power and capital. This demonstrates how the game, and its translated presence in the lexicography of the native language, functions as a form of cultural hybridity in the nineteenth‐century, yet is cleansed in the twentieth as part of the process of Irish cultural purity (as it fights for an established postcolonial nationhood). The article offers a new way of understanding social and linguistic conventions, in the context of the colonial/postcolonial, and how such conventions function in the field of sport. Given the dominance (with the exception of India) of English as the lingua franca of sport's colonial and ludic diffusion, the article's ability to access and interrogate the processes of inclusion/exclusion in the linguistic and sporting Irish setting marks it out as an original and innovative way of understanding how cultural transfers occurred and were later annulled.