bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of titanium-containing graphite-like carbon films with low internal stress and superior tribological properties
Authors: Wang Yongjun , Li Hongxuan , Ji Li , Liu Xiaohong , Wu Yanxia , Lv Yanhong , Fu Yingying , Zhou Huidi , Chen Jianmin 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Titanium-containing graphite-like carbon films were deposited on silicon substrates by an unbalanced magnetron sputtering system. The effect of titanium concentration on the film microstructure and properties was subsequently investigated by means of different characterization techniques. It is found that the current carbon films have a graphite-like structure with some fine titanium carbide particles dispersed in an amorphous carbon matrix. With increasing titanium concentration from 0 at% to ∼9.6 at%, the sp2 concentration in the film shows a slight increase, while the hardness of the carbon films decreases evidently when a small quantity of titanium (∼2.9 at%) is introduced into the film structure, but it does not suffer an obvious change with further increase in titanium concentration until the titanium concentration is up to ∼9.6 at%. The increased hardness of the film with a titanium concentration of about 9.6 at% is probably due to the formation of specified dimension titanium carbide crystals in the amorphous carbon matrix. All the current carbon films have low internal stress and rough surface, and the doping of titanium has little influence on their internal stress and root mean square roughness. The friction coefficient of the films decreases distinctly as the titanium concentration increases from 0 at% to ∼9.6 at%, but the wear rate does not increase evidently until the titanium concentration exceeds over ∼6.2 at% in air tests. The titanium-containing graphite-like carbon films show a stable friction coefficient and extremely low wear under oil lubricated conditions. The unique graphite-like structure, the high hardness and elastic modulus ratio (H/E) and the easy formation of a transfer film are mainly responsible for the superior tribological properties of the resulting titanium-containing graphite-like carbon films.
Measuring thermal conductivity of thin films and coatings with the ultra-fast transient hot-strip technique
Authors: Belkerk B E , Soussou M A , Carette M , Djouadi M A , Scudeller Y 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
This paper reports the ultra-fast transient hot-strip (THS) technique for determining the thermal conductivity of thin films and coatings of materials on substrates. The film thicknesses can vary between 10 nm and more than 10 µm. Precise measurement of thermal conductivity was performed with an experimental device generating ultra-short electrical pulses, and subsequent temperature increases were electrically measured on nanosecond and microsecond time scales. The electrical pulses were applied within metallized micro-strips patterned on the sample films and the temperature increases were analysed within time periods selected in the window [100 ns–10 µs]. The thermal conductivity of the films was extracted from the time-dependent thermal impedance of the samples derived from a three-dimensional heat diffusion model. The technique is described and its performance demonstrated on different materials covering a large thermal conductivity range. Experiments were carried out on bulk Si and thin films of amorphous SiO2 and crystallized aluminum nitride (AlN). The present approach can assess film thermal resistances as low as 10−8 K m2 W−1 with a precision of about 10%. This has never been attained before with the THS technique.
Cytokeratin 7: a re‐evaluation of the ‘tried and true’ in triple‐negative breast cancers
Authors: Davion Simone M , Siziopikou Kalliopi P , Sullivan Megan E 
Published: July 2012

Davion S M, Siziopikou K P & Sullivan M E  (2012) Histopathology 61, 660–666Cytokeratin 7: a re‐evaluation of the ‘tried and true’ in triple‐negative breast cancersAims:  Triple‐negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are often poorly differentiated tumours that can present clinically as metastases of an unknown primary. Immunohistochemical panels are frequently used to determine the likelihood of a breast primary, but in this tumour subset cytokeratin (CK)7 may be the only positive finding. In this study we aimed to evaluate a commonly employed immunohistochemical panel using a large group of TNBCs (both basal‐like and unclassified), and to analyse the CK7 staining patterns.Methods and results:  Tissue microarrays containing 138 TNBCs were stained with antibodies against CK7, CK20, gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 (GCDFP‐15), and mammaglobin. CK5/6 staining was used to identify basal‐like tumours. CK7 staining was notably heterogeneous, with 14.5% of all cases demonstrating ≤20% tumour cell staining. A greater proportion of basal‐like TNBCs than of unclassified TNBCs showed focal staining. GCDFP‐15 and mammaglobin were not expressed in the majority of TNBCs, and were less frequently positive in basal‐like than in unclassified TNBCs.Conclusions:  TNBCs are commonly negative for most immunomarkers indicative of breast origin, with the exception of CK7. As about one in five TNBCs showed only focal CK7 positivity, use of this marker must be interpreted with caution, especially in small samples, so that the possibility of a breast primary is not overlooked.
Relationship between Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea soil inoculum level, host resistance and powdery scab on potato tubers in the field
Authors: Brierley J. L. , Sullivan L. , Wale S. J. , Hilton A. J. , Kiezebrink D. T. , Lees A. K. 
Published: July 2012

The relationship between initial soil inoculum level of Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea (Sss) and the incidence and severity of powdery scab on potato tubers at harvest was investigated. In all experiments soil inoculum level of Sss (sporeballs/g soil) was measured using a quantitative real‐time PCR assay. Of 113 commercial potato fields across the UK, soil inoculum was detected in 75%, ranging from 0 to 148 Sss sporeballs/g soil. When arbitrary soil inoculum threshold values of 0, <10 and >10 sporeballs/g soil were set, it was observed that the number of progeny crops developing powdery scab increased with the level of inoculum quantified in the field soil preplanting. In four field trials carried out to investigate the link between the amount of inoculum added to the soil and disease development, disease incidence and severity on progeny tubers was found to be significantly (P < 0·01) greater in plots with increasing levels of inoculum incorporated. There was a cultivar effect in all years, with disease incidence and severity scores being significantly greater in cvs Agria and Estima than in Nicola (P < 0·01).
Pathogenic variation of Mycosphaerella species infecting banana and plantain in Nigeria
Authors: Zandjanakou‐Tachin M. , Ojiambo P. S. , Vroh‐Bi I. , Tenkouano A. , Gumedzoe Y. M. , Bandyopadhyay R. 
Published: July 2012

Mycosphaerella species that cause the ‘Sigatoka disease complex’ account for significant yield losses in banana and plantain worldwide. Disease surveys were conducted in the humid forest (HF) and derived savanna (DS) agroecological zones from 2004 to 2006 to determine the distribution of the disease and variation among Mycosphaerella species in Nigeria. Disease prevalence and severity were higher in the HF than in the DS zone, but significant (P < 0·001) differences between agroecological zones were only observed for disease severity. A total of 85 isolates of M. fijiensis and 11 isolates of M. eumusae were collected during the survey and used to characterize the pathogenic structure of Mycosphaerella spp. using a putative host differential cultivar set consisting of Calcutta‐4 (resistant), Valery (intermediate) and Agbagba (highly susceptible). Area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) was higher on all cultivars when inoculated with M. eumusae than with M. fijiensis, but significant (P < 0·05) differences between the two species were only observed on Valery. Based on the rank‐sum method, 8·3% of the isolates were classified as highly aggressive and 46·9% were classified as aggressive. About 11·5% of all the isolates were classified as least aggressive, and all of these were M. fijiensis. The majority of M. eumusae isolates (seven out of 11; 64%) were classified as aggressive. A total of nine pathotype clusters were identified using cluster analysis of AUDPC. At least one M. fijiensis isolate was present in all the nine pathotype clusters, while isolates of M. eumusae were present in six of the nine clusters. Isolates in pathotype clusters III and V were the most aggressive, while those in cluster VIII were the least aggressive. Shannon’s index (H) revealed a more diverse Mycosphaerella collection in the DS zone (H = 1·81) than in the HF (H = 1·50) zone, with M. fijiensis being more diverse than M. eumusae. These results describe the current pathotype structure of Mycosphaerella in Nigeria and provide a useful resource that will facilitate screening of newly developed Musa genotypes for resistance against two important leaf spot diseases of banana and plantain.
Effect of defoliation by livestock on stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria maculans in Brassica napus
Authors: Sprague S. J. , Graham J. M. , Hamblin P. J. , Kirkegaard J. A. 
Published: July 2012

Brassica napus (canola, oilseed rape), an important break crop for cereals across the Australian wheat belt, is being rapidly adopted as a dual‐purpose (forage and grain) crop in mixed farming systems. Stem canker caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans is the most important disease of B. napus in Australia. The primary source of inoculum is airborne ascospores released during autumn/winter which coincides with the grazing of dual‐purpose crops. Field experiments were defoliated by sheep to determine the effect of grazing on blackleg stem canker severity at plant maturity in B. napus cultivars differing in their resistance level and grazed at different times. One cultivar was sown on different dates to investigate the impact of grazing at the same time, but at different growth stages. Defoliation by mowing was compared to defoliation by livestock. Similar amounts of dry matter remained after defoliation by machinery (0·66 t ha−1) or livestock (0·52 t ha−1). However, stem canker severity was higher in the grazed (40% of crown cross‐section diseased) compared with the mown (25%) treatment, which was higher than the ungrazed control (9%). Stem canker severity generally increased with grazing, but the increase was eliminated or reduced in cultivars with good resistance. Grazing during vegetative plant growth minimized the increase in stem canker severity compared with grazing during reproductive growth. Currently, cultivars with good L. maculans resistance are recommended in high disease situations. To avoid excessive yield loss in dual‐purpose B. napus crops due to L. maculans it is recommended that such cultivars are grown even in low‐moderate disease situations.
Genomics‐informed design of loop‐mediated isothermal amplification for detection of phytopathogenic Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni at the intraspecific level
Authors: Bühlmann A. , Pothier J. F. , Tomlinson J. A. , Frey J. E. , Boonham N. , Smits T. H. M. , Duffy B. 
Published: July 2012

The objective of this study was to develop a rapid, sensitive detection assay for the quarantine pathogen Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni, causal agent of stone fruit bacterial spot, an economically important disease of Prunus spp. Unique targets were identified from X. arboricola pv. pruni genomes using a comparative genomics pipeline of other Xanthomonas species, subspecies and pathovars, and used to identify specific diagnostic markers. Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) was then applied to these markers to provide rapid, sensitive and specific detection. The method developed showed unrivalled specificity with the 79 tested strains and, in contrast to previously established techniques, distinguished between phylogenetically close subspecies such as X. arboricola pv. corylina. The sensitivity of this test is comparable to that of a previously reported TaqMan™ assay at 103 CFU mL−1, while the unrivalled speed of LAMP technology enables a positive result to be obtained in <15 min. The developed assay can be used with real‐time fluorescent detectors for quantitative results as well as with DNA‐staining dyes to function as a simplified strategy for on‐site pathogen detection.
Sheath fold formation around slip surfaces
Authors: Reber Jacqueline E. , Dabrowski Marcin , Schmid Daniel W. 
Published: July 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 417–421, 2012AbstractSheath folds are associated with shear zones and have been used as high strain indicators. We present results from a three‐dimensional analytical study showing that the flow perturbation around a planar weakness acting as a slip surface, in simple shear leads to the formation of sheath folds at low shear strain. Closed traces of marker layers are exhibited in cross‐sections cut perpendicular to the shear direction in the vicinity of the slip surface tip. In cross‐sections cut parallel to the shear direction and normal to the shear plane, flanking folds are observed. Our model captures the first‐order observations of natural sheath folds, such as diversity of shapes and multiple eye‐structures. Natural equivalents of the planar weaknesses that we model include fractures, veins and rheologically weak layers. Flow perturbation around these zones of weaknesses is proposed as an alternative mechanism of sheath fold formation, which emphasizes the coeval operation of brittle and ductile processes in shear zones.
Choosing dialysis modality: decision making in a chronic illness context
Authors: Winterbottom Anna , Bekker Hilary L , Conner Mark , Mooney Andrew 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundPatients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are encouraged to make an informed decision about dialysis. Survival rates for dialysis are equivalent yet there is wide variation in peritoneal dialysis uptake in the adultUKpopulation. It is unclear how much is attributable to variations in patients' preferences. Kidney function usually declines over months and years; few studies have addressed how a chronic illness context affects choice. This study describes patients' decision making about dialysis and understands how the experience ofCKDis associated with treatment choice.MethodSurvey employing interview methods explored 20 patients' views and experiences of making their dialysis choice. Data were analysed using thematic framework analysis to provide descriptive accounts of how patients experienced their illness and made treatment decisions.ResultsPatients talked about challenges of living withCKD. Patients were provided with lots of information about treatment options in different formats. Patients did not distinguish between different types of dialysis and/or have an in‐depth knowledge about options. Patients did not talk about dialysis options as a choice but rather as a treatment they were going to have.ConclusionMost patients perceived their choice as between ‘dialysis’ and ‘no dialysis’. They did not perceive themselves to be making an active choice. Possibly, patients feel they do not need to engage with the decision until symptomatic. Despite lots of patient information, there were more opportunities to encounter positive information about haemodialysis. A more proactive approach is required to enable patients to engage fully with the dialysis treatment options.
Influence of number of pollinations and pollen load size on maternal fitness costs in Collinsia heterophylla: implications for existence of a sexual conflict over timing of stigma receptivity
Authors: MADJIDIAN J. A. , HYDBOM S. , LANKINEN Å. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCosts related to pollen competition have rarely been considered, but are expected in the case of sexual conflict where male and female sexual functions have opposing evolutionary interests. In Collinsia heterophylla, delayed stigma receptivity is beneficial as it enhances pollen competition. A sexual conflict over timing of stigma receptivity has been proposed in this species as early pollination, following one‐time pollinations, is advantageous to pollen donors at a cost of reduced maternal seed set (measured as seed number). In this study, we explored whether the maternal cost was still present following an additional pollination. We hypothesized that the cost is caused either by harm related to early pollen presence or by factors unrelated to harm. We performed pollinations at different stages of floral development, either one or two pollinations (24‐h time lag), and varied the size of the first pollen load in the latter category. Early pollination reduced seed biomass also after two‐time pollinations, suggesting a persistent maternal cost of early pollen presence. Further, pollen load size modified seed production, possibly indicating that dose‐dependent harm influences the maternal cost of early fertilization. Our results strongly suggest negative effects of pollen competition on maternal fitness following early pollination, which is consistent with the existence of a sexual conflict over timing of stigma receptivity. In conclusion, we propose that much could be gained if more plant studies considered the potential for fitness costs in relation to sexual conflict, particularly those investigating pollen–pistil interactions.
Different sodium salts cause different solute accumulation in the halophyte Prosopis strombulifera
Authors: Llanes A. , Bertazza G. , Palacio G. , Luna V. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe success of Prosopis strombulifera in growing under high NaCl concentrations involves a carefully controlled balance among different processes, including compartmentation of Cl− and Na+ in leaf vacuoles, exclusion of Na+ in roots, osmotic adjustment and low transpiration. In contrast, Na2SO4 causes growth inhibition and toxicity. We propose that protection of the cytoplasm can be achieved through production of high endogenous levels of specific compatible solutes. To test our hypothesis, we examined endogenous levels of compatible solutes in roots and leaves of 29‐, 40‐ and 48‐day‐old P. strombulifera plants grown in media containing various concentrations of NaCl, Na2SO4 or in mixtures of both, with osmotic potentials of −1.0,−1.9 and −2.6 MPa, as correlated with changes in hydric parameters. At 24 h after the last pulse plants grown in high NaCl concentrations had higher relative water content and relatively higher osmotic potential than plants grown in Na2SO4 (at 49 days). These plants also had increased synthesis of proline, pinitol and mannitol in the cytoplasm, accompanied by normal carbon metabolism. When the sulphate anion is present in the medium, the capacities for ion compartmentalisation and osmotic adjustment are reduced, resulting in water imbalance and symptoms of toxicity due to altered carbon metabolism, e.g. synthesis of sorbitol instead of mannitol, reduced sucrose production and protein content. This inhibition was partially mitigated when both anions were present together in the solution, demonstrating a detrimental effect of the sulphate ion on plant growth.
Field evaluation of the relative attractiveness of enriched ginger root oil (EGO)lure and trimedlure for African Ceratitis species (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Mwatawala M. , Virgilio M. , Quilici S. , Dominic M. , De Meyer M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe males of some fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are known to be attracted to specific parapheromones. The trapping results between trimedlure (TML) and enriched ginger root oil (EGOlure) were compared at two experimental sites in Morogoro (Central Tanzania) for a period of 12 weeks co‐inciding with the main citrus season. Both attractants captured a comparable diversity of fruit flies, except that EGOlure also attracted fruit flies, such as Ceratitis cosyra, not normally found in TML‐baited traps. Both EGOlure and TML attracted mainly or exclusively male fruit flies, but the catches with EGOlure were equal or superior to those with TML. It is concluded that EGOlure should be considered as a suitable alternative for TML in detection, monitoring and control programs for African fruit flies of the genus Ceratitis. It has the added advantage that it combines the attractiveness with regard to species spectrum of both TML and terpinyl acetate.
The root‐knot nematode resistance N‐gene co‐localizes in the Me‐genes cluster on the pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) P9 chromosome
Authors: Fazari Ariane , Palloix Alain , Wang Lihao , Yan Hua Ming , Sage‐Palloix Anne‐Marie , Zhang Bao Xi , Djian‐Caporalino Caroline 
Published: July 2012

With 3 figures and 3 tablesAbstractRoot‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are major plant pathogens, affecting several solanaceous crops worldwide including pepper (Capsicum spp.). Owing to the drastic reduction in the use of most nematicides, breeding for root‐knot nematode resistance is a major challenge for pepper breeders. In pepper, resistance to this pathogen is dominant and controlled by several Me‐genes, which were mapped on the pepper P9 chromosome using PCR‐based markers, and by the N‐gene which was shown to be linked to Me3 using allelism tests. In this study, we developed PCR‐based markers and showed that the N‐gene colocalized in the Me‐genes cluster on the P9 chromosome on pepper reference maps using carthagene software (INRA: Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Toulouse, France). N was mapped at 7 cM from Me1 and 2 cM from Me3 which is confirmed to be allelic to Me7 according to allelism resistance tests. The tightly linked markers to Me and N‐genes will be very useful for the marker‐assisted selection of nematodes resistance in pepper and to study the durability of these R‐genes, alone or pyramided in different genetic backgrounds.
Expression of Connexin 43 in the Porcine Foetal Gonads During Development
Authors: Knapczyk–Stwora K , Durlej–Grzesiak M , Duda M , Slomczynska M 
Published: July 2012

ContentsThis study was designed to reveal connexin 43 (Cx43) mRNA and protein expression in porcine foetal gonads using RT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Expression of Cx43 was investigated in porcine foetal ovaries and testes on days 50, 70 and 90 post coitum (p.c.). RT‐PCR results indicated that Cx43 mRNA was expressed in both foetal ovaries and testes at all gestational ages examined. Cx43 protein was found in the foetal ovary but its distribution varied across ovarian compartments and changed during development. In foetal ovaries, Cx43 was localized between the interstitial cells surrounding egg nests on all investigated days of prenatal period. Moreover, Cx43 expression was observed between germ cells on day 50 p.c. as well as between pre‐granulosa and granulosa cells of primordial and primary follicles on days 70 and 90 p.c. In the foetal testes, Cx43 protein was detected between neighbouring Leydig cells on all examined days of prenatal period and between adjacent Sertoli cells exclusively on day 90 p.c. The presence of Cx43 protein in all investigated foetal gonads was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Cx43 protein detection between pre‐granulosa cells of primordial follicles suggests its role in regulation of the initial stages of follicle development. The Cx43 immunoexpression between neighbouring Leydig and between Sertoli cells indicates its involvement in controlling their functions. We propose that Cx43‐mediated gap junctional communication is involved in the regulation of porcine foetal gonadal development.