bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IDENTIFICATION OF PROTEINS INVOLVED IN INFECTIVITY AND ENTEROTOXIN PRODUCTION IN ENTEROBACTER SAKAZAKII
Authors: YANG JIELIN , WEI LIMING , GU MING , FANG XIAOMING , YANG PENYUAN 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTEnterobacter sakazakii is a gram‐negative rod bacterium that was formerly known as “yellow‐pigmented Enterobacter cloacae” until 1980. It is an emerging opportunistic pathogen associated with bacterial meningitis in immunocompromised neonates who ingested contaminated powdered infant formula. In several E. sakazakii‐related outbreaks and sporadic cases, powdered infant formula was epidemiologically or microbiologically established as the source of infection. The International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods has ranked E. sakazakii as a “severe hazard for restricted populations.” However, the organism was isolated at very low levels from commercial powdered infant formula and dry environmental samples collected from infant formula factories. In most cases, the contamination did not exceed 1 cfu per 100 g. Progress in understanding the epidemiology of E. sakazakii outbreaks and instituting effective control measures has been poor to date. To clarify the mechanisms involved in infectivity and enterotoxin production, we performed two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) coupled with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and isotope‐coded affinity tags (ICATs)‐LC ‐MS to identify and quantify differences in protein expression between the E. sakazakii strains. We found 23 spots in 2‐DE and 37 proteins in ICAT analysis that were differentially expressed in E. sakazakii. These two methods gave us closely related but different information, suggesting that the two methods are complementary or at least supplementary.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Enterobacter sakazakii has been implicated in meningitis or enteritis with 20% to >50% mortality of infants who contract the disease. Our research has been used in verification of Enterobacter sakazakii isolated from infant formula and other milk and milk related foods. We have established standard maps of two Enterobacter sakazakii strains which were isolated from infant formula. Through appearance or absence of specific spots and their isoelectric point or molecular weight comparison, a two dimensional electrophoresis standard map can be developed and used as a powerful tool to differentiate Enterobacter sakazakii from other Enterobacteriaceae. This offers microbiologists powerful tools for Enterobacter sakazakii detection and provides more basic information to investigate the pathogenesis of Enterobacter sakazakii and contamination sources in infant formula production.
Differential baseline and response profile to IFN-γ gene transduction of IL-6/IL-6 receptor-α secretion discriminate primary tumors versus bone marrow metastases of nasopharyngeal carcinomas in culture
Authors: Chou Andy Shau-Bin , Wang Hsin-Yi , Chen Hung-Chang , Tsai Ming-Hsiu , Chuang Cheng-Keng , Liao Shuen-Kuei 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Understanding of immunobiology of bone marrow metastases (designated BM-NPC) versus primary tumors (P-NPC) of the nasopharynx is far from complete. The aim of this study was to determine if there would be differences between cultured P-NPCs and BM-NPCs with respect to (i) constitutive IL-6 and the IL-6 receptor gp80 subunit (IL-6Rα) levels in the spent media of nontransduced cells, and (ii) IL-6 and IL-6Rα levels in the spent media of cells transduced with a retroviral vector containing the IFN-γ gene.

Methods
A panel of NPC cell lines were transduced with the IFN-γ gene through a retroviral vector. Four clonal sublines were isolated via limiting dilution methods. Cytofluorometric analysis was performed for the detection of cell surface antigens of HLA class I, HLA class II and ICAM-1. ELISA was used to assay for IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-6Rα in the spent media of cultured cell lines.

Results
Our results showed that in day 3 culture supernatants, low levels of soluble IL-6 were detected in 5/5 cultured tumors derived from P-NPCs, while much higher constitutive levels of IL-6 were detected in 3/3 metastasis-derived NPC cell lines including one originated from ascites; the difference was significant (p = 0.025). An inverse relationship was found between IL-6Rα and IL-6 in their release levels in cultured P-NPCs and metastasis-derived NPCs. In IFN-γ-transduced-P-NPCs, IL-6 production increased and yet IL-6Rα decreased substantially, as compared to nontransduced counterparts. At variance with P-NPC cells, the respective ongoing IL-6 and IL-6Rα release patterns of BM-NPC cells were not impeded as much following IFN-γ transduction. These observations were confirmed by extended kinetic studies with representative NPC cell lines and clonal sublines. The latter observation with the clonal sublines also indicates that selection for high IL-6 or low IL-6Rα producing subpopulations did not occur as a result of IFN-γ-transduction process. P-NPCs, which secreted constitutively only marginal levels of IFN-γ (8.4 ~ 10.5 pg/ml), could be enhanced to produce higher levels of IFN-γ (6.8- to 10.3-fold increase) after IFN-γ transduction. Unlike P-NPCs, BM-NPCs spontaneously released IFN-γ at moderate levels (83.8 ~ 100.7 pg/ml), which were enhanced by 1.3- to 2.2-fold in the spent media of their IFN-γ-transduced counterparts.

Conclusion
Our results showed that cultured P-NPCs and BM-NPCs could be distinguished from one another on the basis of their differential baseline secretion pattern of IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-6Rα, and their differential response profiles to IFN-γ gene transfer of the production of these three soluble molecules. These results suggest that the IL-6 and IFN-γ pathways in a background of genetic instability be involved in the acquisition of metastatic behaviour in BM-NPCs.
Neck emergency due to parathyroid adenoma bleeding: a case report
Authors: Merante-Boschin Isabella , Fassan Matteo , Pelizzo Maria Rosa , Ide Eric Casal , Rugge Massimo 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Introduction
The spontaneous rupture of a parathyroid adenoma accompanied by extracapsular hemorrhage is a rare, potentially fatal, condition and is a cervicomediastinal surgical emergency.

Case presentation
This report describes an atypical two-step spontaneous rupture of an asymptomatic parathyroid adenoma in a 56-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with a painful mass in the right side of her neck.

Conclusion
Based on this case report and similar cases reported in the medical literature, a diagnosis of extracapsular parathyroid hemorrhage should be considered when a non-traumatic sudden neck swelling coexists with hypercalcemia and regional ecchymosis.
Fabrication of Dispersed Permalloy Nanoparticles by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Aqua
Authors: Bao Ruqiang , Yan Zijie , Huang Yong , Chrisey Douglas B. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTPermalloy (Ni81Fe19) nanoparticles with diameters of hundreds of nanometers have been successfully fabricated by pulsed laser ablation (PLA) in air, distilled water, pure ethanol and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) aqueous solutions. The permalloy nanoparticles made in SDS solutions are typically spherical in shape. Lower laser energy with lower frequency leads to the formation of smaller permalloy nanoparticles. Higher concentration of SDS results in smaller nanoparticles. Lastly, we found some unusual permalloy nanoparticles with interesting morphologies made by PLA in air, distilled water and ethanol.
High Temperature Creep-Fatigue Design and Service Experience
Authors: Tavassoli A-A. F. , Fournier B. , Sauzay M. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTGeneration IV fission and future fusion reactors envisage development of more efficient high temperature concepts where materials performances under creep-fatigue hold the key to success. This paper presents extended experimental results obtained from creep, fatigue and creep-fatigue tests on the main structural materials retained for these concepts, namely: stainless steel type 316L(N), the conventional Modified 9Cr-1Mo martensitic steel and its low activation derivatives such as Eurofer steel, and their more advanced grades strengthened by oxide dispersion. It shows that the existing recommendations made in design codes adequately cover individual damage due to creep or fatigue but often fall short under combined creep-fatigue interaction. This is partly due to the difficulties of reproducing service conditions in laboratory. In this paper, results from tests performed on components removed from reactor, after long service, are used to refine code recommendations.Using the above combined assessment, it is concluded that there is good confidence in predicting creep-fatigue damage for austenitic stainless steels. For the martensitic steels the effects of cyclic softening and microstructure coarsening throughout the fatigue life need more consideration in creep-fatigue recommendation. In the long-term development of ferritic/martensitic oxide dispersion strengthened grades with stable microstructure and no cyclic softening, appears promising provided problems associated with their fabrication and embrittlement are resolved.
Light trapping in hydrogenated amorphous and nano-crystalline silicon thin film solar cells
Authors: Yang Jeffrey , Yan Baojie , Yue Guozhen , Guha Subhendu 
Published: June 2009

AbstractLight trapping effect in hydrogenated amorphous silicon-germanium alloy (a-SiGe:H) and nano-crystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) thin film solar cells deposited on stainless steel substrates with various back reflectors is reviewed. Structural and optical properties of the Ag/ZnO back reflectors are systematically characterized and correlated to solar cell performance, especially the enhancement in photocurrent. The light trapping method used in our current production lines employing an a-Si:H/a-SiGe:H/a-SiGe:H triple-junction structure consists of a bi-layer of Al/ZnO back reflector with relatively thin Al and ZnO layers. Such Al/ZnO back reflectors enhance the short-circuit current density, Jsc, by ˜20% compared to bare stainless steel. In the laboratory, we use Ag/ZnO back reflector for higher Jsc and efficiency. The gain in Jsc is about ˜30% for an a-SiGe:H single-junction cell used in the bottom cell of a multi-junction structure. In recent years, we have also worked on the optimization of Ag/ZnO back reflectors for nano-crystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) solar cells. We have carried out a systematic study on the effect of texture for Ag and ZnO. We found that for a thin ZnO layer, a textured Ag layer is necessary to increase Jsc, even though the parasitic loss is higher at the Ag and ZnO interface due to the textured Ag. However, a flat Ag can be used for a thick ZnO to reduce the parasitic loss, while the light scattering is provided by the textured ZnO. The gain in Jsc for nc-Si:H solar cells on Ag/ZnO back reflectors is in the range of ˜60-75% compared to cells deposited on bare stainless steel, which is much larger than the enhancement observed for a-SiGe:H cells. The highest total current density achieved in an a-Si:H/a-SiGe:H/nc-Si:H triple-junction structure on Ag/ZnO back reflector is 28.6 mA/cm2, while it is 26.9 mA/cm2 for a high efficiency a-Si:H/a-SiGe:H/a-SiGe:H triple-junction cell.
Increase in Open-circuit Voltage and Improved Stability of Organic Solar Cells by Inserting a Molybdenum Trioxide Buffer Layer
Authors: Murata Hideyuki , Kinoshita Yoshiki , Kanai Yoshihiro , Matsushima Toshinori , Ishii Yuya 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe report the increase in open-circuit voltage (Voc) by inserting of MoO3 layer on ITO substrate to improve built-in potential of organic solar cells (OSCs). In the OSCs using 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrine (H2TPP) as a p-type material and C60 as a n-type material, the Voc effectively increased from 0.57 to 0.97 V as increasing MoO3 thickness. The obtained highest Voc (0.97 V) is consistent with the theoretical value estimated from the energy difference between the LUMO (−4.50 eV) of C60 and the HOMO (−5.50 eV) of H2TPP layer. Importantly, the enhancement in the Voc was achieved without affecting the short-circuit current density (Jsc) and the fill-factor (FF). Thus, the power conversion efficiency of the device linearly increased from 1.24% to 1.88%. We also demonstrated that a MoO3 buffer layer enhances the stability of OSCs after photo-irradiation. We have investigated the stability of OSCs using H2TPP and N,N′-di(1-naphthyl)-N,N′-diphenylbenzidine as a p-type layer. The both devices with MoO3 layer showed improved stability. These results clearly suggest that the interface at ITO/p-type layer affects the device stability.
Mechanical Constraint and Loading on Ferroelectric Memory Capacitors
Authors: Pane Ivindra , Fleck Norman , Chu Daping , Huber John 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe influence of mechanical constraint imposed by device geometry upon the switching response of a ferroelectric thin film memory capacitor is investigated. The memory capacitor was represented by two-dimensional ferroelectric islands of different aspect ratio, mechanically constrained by surrounding materials. Its ferroelectric non-linear behaviour was modeled by a crystal plasticity constitutive law and calculated using the finite element method. The switching response of the device, in terms of remnant charge storage, was determined as a function of geometry and constraint. The switching response under applied in-plane tensile stress and hydrostatic pressure was also studied experimentally. Our results showed that (1) the capacitor's aspect ratio could significantly affect the clamping behaviour and thus the remnant polarization, (2) it was possible to maximise the switching charge through the optimisation of the device geometry, and (3) it is possible to find a critical switching stress at zero electric field and a critical coercive field at zero residual stress.
Characterization of Indium Sulfide Thin Films Containing Copper
Authors: Barreau Nicolas , Tessier Mickael 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe crystalline, optical and electrical properties of In2S3 containing copper thin films are investigated. Increasing the amount of copper within the In2S3 crystalline matrix yields reduced bandgap value and hindered conductivity. The films investigated being synthesized at low temperature (200 °C), it is likely they have similar properties as the materials formed at the CuIn1-xGaxSe2/In2S3 interface.
Thermoelectric properties and microstructure of large-grain Mg2Sn doped with Ag
Authors: Chen Haiyan , Savvides Nick 
Published: June 2009

AbstractMg2Sn ingots, doped p-type by the addition of 0–1.0 at. % Ag, were prepared by the vertical Bridgman method at growth rates ∼0.1 mm/min. The crystalline quality and microstructure of ingots were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The single-phase Mg2Sn ingots consist of highly oriented large grains. Measurements of the Hall coefficient, Seebeck coefficient α, and electrical conductivity σ in the temperature range 80–700 K were conducted to study the dependence on the silver content, and to determine the thermoelectric power factor α2σ which reached a maximum value 2.4×10-3 W m-1 K-2 at 410 K for 1.0 at.% Ag content.
Optical Feedback on Erbium Doped Fibre Laser for Efficient Heterodyne SNOM Imaging Near 1.5μm
Authors: Bahin Pierre , Gilles hervé , Girard Sylvain , Gourbilleau Fabrice , Laroche Mathieu , Rizk Richard 
Published: June 2009

AbstractHeterodyne optical feedback on a class B laser is investigated for Scanning Near field Optical Microscopy (SNOM). All-fiberized set-up combining an Er-doped Distributed Feedback (DFB) fiber laser, a pair of pigtailed acousto-optics modulators (AOM) and a shear-force based scanning probe technique has been developed for the simultaneous observation of topography and evanescent light field on integrated optical devices. First demonstration of imaging using this technique is illustrated by characterizing the propagating modes into a rib waveguide at 1.54μm. Comparison between a theoretical model based on beam propagation mode (BPM) simulations and experimental measurements validates the results.
Fibers Networks as a New Type of Core Material. Processing and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Mezeix Laurent , Bouvet Christophe , Crézé Serge , Poquillon Dominique 
Published: June 2009

AbstractMany different sandwich panels are used for aeronautical applications. Open and closed cell structured foam, balsa wood or honeycomb are often used as core materials. When the core material contains closed cells, water accumulation into the cell has to be taken into account. This phenomenon occurs when in service conditions lead to operate in humidity atmosphere. Then, water vapor from air naturally condenses on cold surfaces when the sandwich panel temperature decreases. This water accumulation might increase significantly the weight of the core material. Core with a ventilated structure helps to prevent this phenomenon. Periodic cellular metal (PCM) has been motivated by potential multifunctional applications that exploit their open architecture as well as their apparent superior strength and stiffness: pyramidal, lattice, Kagome truss or woven. One of the drawbacks of these materials is the expensive cost of the manufacturing. Recently, a novel type of sandwich has been developed with bonded metallic fibers as core material. This material presents attractive combination of properties like high specific stiffness, good damping capacity and energy absorption. Metal fibers bonded with a polymeric adhesive or fabricated in a mat-like form consolidated by solid state sintering. Entangled cross-linked carbon fibers have been also studied for using as core material by Laurent Mezeix. In the present study, ventilated core materials are elaborated from networks fibers. The simplicity of elaboration is one of the main advantages of this material. Multifunctional properties are given by mixing different sorts of fibers, by example adding fibers with good electrical conduction to give electrical conductivity properties.
In this study network fibers as core material are elaborated using carbon fibers, glass fibers and stainless steel fibers. In aeronautical skins of sandwich panels used are often carbon/epoxy prepreg, so epoxy resin was used to cross-link fibers. The core thickness was chosen at 30 mm and fibers length was chosen at 40 mm. Entanglement, separation of filaments and cross-linking are obtained in a specific blower room. Fibers are introduced in the blower room, compressed air is applied and in same time epoxy resin is sprayed. Indeed one of the sandwich core material properties required is low density, so yarns size need to be decreased by separating filaments. Network fibers are introduced in a specific mould and then are compressed. The density obtained before epoxy spaying is 150 kg/m3. Finally samples are polymerized at 80°C for 2 hours in a furnace under laboratory air. Compressive behavior is study to determinate the influence of fibers natures and the effect of cross-linking. Reproducibility is also checked.
A Preliminary Study on Cell Wall Architecture of Titanium Foams
Authors: Tuncer Nihan , Salvo Luc , Maire Eric , Arslan Gürsoy 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBio-inspired architectures, especially metallic foams, have been receiving an increasing interest for the last 10 years due to their unusual mechanical properties. Among commonly dealt foamed metals, like aluminum and steel, titanium possesses a distinctive place because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. In this study, Ti foams were produced by a very simple and common method, sintering under inert atmosphere with fugitive space holder. Removal of the space holder was conducted by dissolution in hot deionized water which makes it possible to minimize contamination of Ti. Sintering of remaining Ti skeleton at 1300 °C offered a wide range of properties and cost savings. The effects of the processing parameters such as sintering temperature and powder characteristics on the 3D foam architecture were investigated by using X-ray microtomography (μ-CT). Use of bimodal Ti powders caused a decrease in final theoretical density when compared to the ones prepared with the same amount of space holder but with monomodal Ti powders. It was also observed that the use of bimodal Ti powders decreased compressive strength, by introducing pores into the cell walls, when compared to the ones having the same theoretical density.
Metallic Hollow Sphere Structures Manufacturing Process
Authors: Davoine Cecile , Götzfried A. , Mercier S. , Popoff F. , Rafray A. , Thomas M. , Marcadon V. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper focuses on manufacturing process of regular Metallic Hollow Sphere Structures (MHSS) through brazing technique. As a large stress level is generally confined into the necks formed by brazed spheres, the influence of the filler material on mechanical behavior of cellular metal has been studied. The microstructures of joints resulting from nickel hollow spheres brazing with different commercial fillers “MBF 30” and “MBF 1006” were compared by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and microhardness testing. These studies revealed a wide boron diffusion into nickel shells through grain boundaries for “MBF 30” brazing, with the formation of borides in a fine brittle eutectic structure. Conversely it was observed that the eutectic structure concentrates at the necks for “MBF 1006” and can be completely eliminated by diffusion-brazing, despite of the shells thinness. The uniaxial compressive tests of HSP specimens have shown two different strain mechanisms depending on brazing process.
Inhibition of cytokinesis by Clostridium difficile toxin B and cytotoxic necrotizing factors—reinforcing the critical role of RhoA in cytokinesis
Authors: Huelsenbeck Stefanie C. , May Martin , Schmidt Gudula , Genth Harald 
Published: June 2009

AbstractLow molecular weight GTP‐binding proteins of the Rho family control the organization of the actin cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells. RhoA governs the formation of actin stress fibers and is responsible for the formation of the contractile ring in cytokinesis. Cytokinesis completion requires RhoA inactivation resulting in disassembly of the contractile ring. Cytokinesis thus requires switching of RhoA activity. This switch of RhoA activity is blocked by Rho‐modifying bacterial protein toxins that either activate or inactivate RhoA by covalent modifications. Exoenzyme C3 from Clostridium limosum (C3‐lim) and Clostridium difficile toxin B (TcdB) inactivate RhoA by mono‐ADP‐ribosylation and mono‐glucosylation, respectively. Cytotoxic necrotizing factors (CNF), produced by either Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (CNFY) or uropathogenic strains of E. coli (CNF1), deamidate and thereby activate RhoA. This study provides evidence that RhoA‐activating as well as RhoA‐inactivating toxins cause inhibition of cytokinesis and cell division. The toxins' effects on cytokinesis were analyzed in Hela cells synchronized using the thymidine double block technique. Treatment of G2‐phase cells with either the RhoA‐activating CNFY or CNF1 or the RhoA‐inactivating C3‐lim or TcdB resulted in cytokinesis inhibition, as evidenced by the formation of a 4N population on flow cytometry, the inhibition of contractile ring formation, and the formation of bi‐nucleated cells. While TcdB and CNF1 modify a broad‐spectrum of Rho proteins, C3‐lim and CNFY specifically target RhoA. Since C3‐lim and CNFY both caused cytokinesis inhibition, our study re‐inforces the critical role of RhoA (not Rac1 or Cdc42) in cytokinesis and cell division. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 66: 967–975, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.