bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticles and plasmas
Authors: Girshick Steven L. , Warthesen Sarah J. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Nanoparticles can form via chemical nucleation from gas-phase species during plasma processing of silicon films. Nanoparticle-plasma interactions are studied by simulating finite-rate charging and transport of particle nuclei in a low-pressure processing plasma. Results show little change in electron temperature and concentration during the early stages of particle nucleation. However, the ion density profile changes drastically as ions accumulate near the reactor center. Increased ion concentration corresponds to the growing concentration of negatively charged particles, which are shown to have the highest production rate in the reactor center where they are trapped. A significant number of neutral particles are deposited on reactor walls or onto a deposition substrate by diffusion. Positively charged particles impact the substrate at low concentrations but with high energies, which may affect film morphology during plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD).
Swift chemical sputtering of covalently bonded materials
Authors: Nordlund K. , Salonen E. , Krasheninnikov A. V. , Keinonen J. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Numerous experiments have shown that low-energy H ions and neutrals can erode amorphous carbon at ion energies of 1-10 eV, where physical sputtering is impossible, but at erosion rates which are clearly higher than those caused by thermal ions. In this paper, we will first review our computer simulation work providing an atom-level mechanism for how this erosion occurs, and then present some new results for H and He bombardment of tungsten carbide and amorphous hydrogenated silicon (a-Si:H), which indicate the mechanism can be of importance in a wide range of covalently bonded materials. We also discuss how the presented mechanism relates to previously described abstraction and etching mechanisms.
Presence of Cell-Free Fetal DNA in Plasma of Women with Ectopic Pregnancies,
Authors: Lázár Levente , Nagy Bálint , Bán Zoltán , Nagy Gyula R , Papp Zoltán 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Background: The quantity of cell-free fetal DNA in the plasma of pregnant women changes during pregnancy and seems to be different in normal and pathologic pregnancies. We investigated the possible diagnostic applications of the detection and measurement of cell-free fetal DNA by comparing quantities found in women with ectopic (EP) or intrauterine (IUP) pregnancies.
Methods: We collected blood samples from 58 women who had positive pregnancy tests and specific complaints and sonographic findings suggestive of EP and from 45 women with confirmed IUP. We performed quantitative real-time PCR analysis of the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene to detect and measure the amount of cell-free fetal DNA. The diagnosis of EP was confirmed by histologic examination.
Results: SRY was detected in 15 EP and 14 IUP cases. The mean (SD) amount of cell-free fetal DNA was significantly higher (P &lt;0.005) in women with EP [565 (136) genome-equivalents (GE)/mL] than in women with IUP [72 (19) GE/mL] at the same gestational age.
Conclusions: Our results confirm that cell-free fetal DNA is present in plasma of women with EP. The finding of higher amounts of cell-free fetal DNA in EP cases than in IUP cases suggests that this method might be useful for early diagnosis of EP.
Model System for Phenotypic Characterization of Sequence Variations in the LDL Receptor Gene
Authors: Ranheim Trine , Kulseth Mari Ann , Berge Knut Erik , Leren Trond Paul 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground: Sequence variations in the LDL receptor (LDLR) gene cause defects of LDLR protein production and function through different molecular mechanisms. Here we describe a cell model system for the phenotypic characterization of sequence variations in the LDLR gene. Well-known sequence variations belonging to LDLR classes 2 to 5 (p.G565V, p.I161D, p.Y828C, and p.V429M) were studied in CHO and HepG2 cells.Methods: Expression of LDLR protein on the cell surface was detected by use of fluorescence-conjugated antibodies against the LDLR and the LDLR activity was measured by incubating the cells with fluorescently labeled and radiolabeled LDL. The intracellular locations of the LDLR mutants and wild-type were also investigated.Results: The class 2A p.G565V sequence variant exhibited an intracellular distribution of LDLR with no active receptors on the cell surface. Both the class 3 p.I161D and class 4 p.Y828C sequence variants gave surface staining but had a reduced ability to bind or internalize LDL, respectively. By determining the intracellular locations of the receptors we were able to visualize the accumulation of the class 5 p.V429M sequence variant in endosomes by means of a specific marker, as well as confirming that the class 4 p.Y828C variant was not localized in clathrin-coated pits. Flow cytometry allowed us quantitatively to determine the amount and activity of receptors. To confirm the results of binding and cell association of fluorescently labeled LDL analyzed by flow cytometry, assays using 125I-labeled LDL were performed. In addition to a useful and valid alternative to radiolabeled LDL, the unique properties of fluorescently labeled LDL allowed a variety of detection technologies to be used.Conclusions: This new approach enables phenotypic characterization of sequence variations in the LDLR gene. The assays developed may be valuable for confirming the pathogenicity of novel missense sequence variations found throughout the LDLR gene.
Effects of Gelant Composition and Pressure Gradients of Water and Oil on Disproportionate Permeability Reduction of Sandpacks Treated With Polyacrylamide-Chromium Acetate Gels
Authors: Nguyen T. Q. , Green D. W. , Willhite G. P. , McCool C. S. 
Published: June 2006

Summary
For some polymer gels applied in reservoirs to control water flow, a favorable disproportionate permeability reduction (DPR) occurs in which permeability to water is reduced to a much greater extent than it is to oil. Permeability reduction in sandpacks by partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide-chromium acetate gels was studied as a function of gel composition and the pressure gradients imposed on the gels. For the range of parameters studied, increased gel composition increased the factors by which the permeabilities to water and oil were reduced. Increased gel composition also increased selectivity, a measure of the water-permeability reduction with respect to oil-permeability reduction. Applied pressure gradients during steady-state flows had little effect on oil permeability and a moderate effect on water permeability. Material balances on phases and components in the sandpacks provided insights into mechanisms responsible for the development of flow channels through gelled sandpacks and mechanisms contributing to favorable DPR. Increased pressure gradient during channel development decreased the selectivity of the treatment.
Diagnosis of bovine neosporosis: Recent advances and perspectives
Authors: Ortega-Mora Luis , Fernández-García Aurora , Gómez-Bautista Mercedes 
Published: June 2006

AbstractNeospora caninum is considered a major cause of abortion in cattle. Appropriate techniques for diagnosis of bovine neosporosis, both in vivo and in aborted foetuses, have been developed in the last ten years and some of them are commercially available. For diagnosis in live animals, detection of antibodies in serum or milk has been shown to be the best option both at the herd and the individual level. These techniques are excellent tools to examine N. caninum-associated abortion problems and to adopt some basic herd-control measures. Concerning foetal diagnosis, detection of compatible lesions by histological examination and parasites by PCR in brain (as well as heart and liver) are the best choices. Diagnostic criteria to distinguish foetal infection and Neospora-associated abortion are based not only on the demonstration of the parasite in the foetus but also on the extent and severity of the lesions in the foetus, foetal age and the assessment of neosporosis at the herd level. In the near future, new tools to diagnose infection should help to detect animals with parasite reactivation by testing the immune response to stage-specific antigens and lead to the development of molecular typing methods to characterise different parasite isolates. Finally, uniform diagnostic procedures need to be established between laboratories and countries in order to standardise result interpretation. The role of National or Regional Reference Laboratories is essential in countries or regions where control programmes for the disease are being developed.
Three new species of the feather mite genus Pteroherpus Gaud, 1981 (Astigmata, Pteronyssidae) from the bulbuls (Passeriformes, Pycnonotidae) in Africa
Authors: Mironov Sergey , Wauthy Georges 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThree new species of the feather mite genus Pteroherpus Gaud, 1981 are described from the bulbuls (Passeriformes, Pycnonotidae) in Africa: Pteroherpus nicator sp. nov. from Nicator gularis Hartlaub et Finsch, 1870, P. pyrrhuri sp. nov. from Pyrrhurus scandens (Swainson, 1837), and P. trinoton sp. nov. from Phyllastrephus terrestris Swainson, 1837.
Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory criteria for the diagnosis of human cysticercosis in Brazilian patients
Authors: Cavalcante Marcela , Cavalcanti José , Costa-Cruz Julia , Barbosa Alverne , Silva Simonne , Campos Dulcinéa 
Published: June 2006

AbstractCysticercosis (CC) is a polymorphous disease, which makes its diagnosis difficult. This study had the objective of evaluating the clinical, epidemiological and laboratory criteria in human CC. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied, and indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and ELISA-IgG were utilized together with computerized tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging on 90 patients with clinical signs suggestive of neurocysticercosis (NCC). Most patients had previously lived under deficient basic sanitary conditions. The imaging techniques showed that 92.2% of the cysticerci were in the cerebral parenchyma, 5.5% had a ventricular location, 1.1% were periventricular and 1% was ocular. The cysticerci were observed to be predominantly in the inactive phase. Seropositivity to the IFAT and/or ELISA was shown by 32.2% (29/90). Of the 29 seropositive patients, 72.4% presented cysticerci in the inactive form, and of the 61 seronegative patients, 78.7% also presented cysticerci in the inactive form. There was no correlation between active CC and seropositivity, since 72.4% of the seropositive patients presented calcified cysticerci. The results demonstrated that imaging techniques contributed significantly to elucidate the laboratorial diagnosis and to evaluate the stage of cysticercus development.
Anoplocephalid cestodes of wood rats (Neotoma spp.) in the western U.S.A.
Authors: Haukisalmi Voitto , Rausch Robert 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis study reviews the taxonomy of anoplocephaline cestodes of wood rats, Neotoma cinerea, N. fuscipes and N. mexicana (Sigmodontinae) in the western and south-western U.S.A. The anoplocephaline fauna included five species, only one of which, Andrya neotomae Voge, 1946, was relatively common and occurred in all three host species. Other species were Paranoplocephala freemani Haukisalmi, Henttonen et Hardman, 2006, P. primordialis (Douthitt, 1915), both host-generalist species of North American rodents, and two apparently undescribed species of Paranoplocephala s. str. Aprostatandrya octodonensis Babero et Cattan, 1975 from the indigenous South American rodent Octodon degus is regarded as a junior synonym of A. neotomae. A redescription is provided for A. neotomae.
Occurrence of Echinococcus multilocularis in red foxes from the Carpathian regions of Slovakia and Poland
Authors: Reiterová Katarína , Dziemian Ewa , Miterpáková Martina , Antolová Daniela , Kołodziej-Sobocińska Marta , Machnicka Barbara , Dubinský Pavol 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe extensive distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis cestode from endemic alpine areas to the parts of Central Europe has been recorded in recent years. The first confirmed finding of E. multilocularis in Slovakia was recorded in 1999 in the area adjacent to the Polish border. At present, this serious zoonosis occurs almost across the whole territory of Slovakia. The occurrence of these tapeworms in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) at the border regions of Slovakia and Poland has been monitored. In these districts, out of 152 faecal samples examined, 36.2% were positive for the coproantigen-ELISA. With the sedimentation and counting technique the prevalence of E. multilocularis in red foxes was up to 38.8%. The examination of foxes from neighbouring districts revealed worm burden ranging from 1–15,000 specimens, but the majority of animals harboured medium number of tapeworms. In the Small Carpathian and Sub-Carpathian regions of Poland, out of 65 samples examined, 13.8% were coproantigen positive. Using the small intestine scraping method only 6.1% prevalence of E. multilocularis in red foxes was determined, mostly with a high worm burdens over 1,000 specimens. The results suggest possible transborder transmission of E. multilocularis, the causative agent of serious alveolar echinococcosis.
A new methodology for the definition of odor zones in perfumery ternary diagrams
Authors: Mata Vera G. , Rodrigues Alírio E. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe new methodology called “Perfumery Ternary Diagram” helps perfumers in odor prediction, allowing a fast evaluation of the odor value in the headspace for all possible combinations of a non‐ideal perfume liquid mixture with three fragrant components and one or more solvents. In this work, the determination of Perfumery Ternary Points (PTP) and Perfumery Binary Lines (PBL) is described, allowing a complete definition of Perfumery Ternary Diagram (PTD) odor zones, without the need to calculate a large number of points inside the triangle region. The methodology of PTP and PBL determination was applied to the system: limonene, geraniol, vanillin, and ethanol. The effect of solvent—ethanol—on the odor zones, namely on the number of PTP and on the shape of the PBL was studied, as well as the effect of the non‐idealities. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Ethnicity‐dependent genetic association of ABCA2 with sporadic Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wollmer M. Axel , Kapaki Elisabeth , Hersberger Martin , Muntwyler Jörg , Brunner Fabienne , Tsolaki Magdalini , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Kosaka Kenji , Michikawa Makoto , Molyva Dimitra , Paraskevas Giorgos P. , Lütjohann Dieter , Eckardstein Arnold von , Hock Christoph , Nitsch Roger M. , Papassotiropoulos Andreas 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA recent study demonstrated a significant genetic association between the ATP‐binding cassette transporter A2 (ABCA2) and the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a large Caucasian sample. The rare T allele of the synonymous exonic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs908832 was overrepresented in early‐onset AD patients as compared to cognitively healthy controls. Here we confirm the association of rs908832 with AD in a Western European population (n = 291, P = 0.008). In a second sample from Southern Europe, rs908832 was not associated with AD. Interestingly, rs908832 was not polymorphic in a Japanese sample. Furthermore, rs908832 was not associated with either serum cholesterol levels or with the risk for coronary artery disease, but seemed to be related to cholesterol levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. These data suggest that ABCA2 may exert population‐dependent effects on the genetic risk for sporadic AD and support a role of ABC lipid transporters in the pathogenesis of this disease. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of processing on ethylene propylene block copolymers (II): Fracture behavior
Authors: Gamez‐Perez J. , Muñoz P. , Santana O. O. , Gordillo A. , Maspoch M. Ll. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe present work investigates the relationships between the microstructural state and fracture properties in commercial polypropylene‐based materials. In this case an isopolypropylene homopolymer and three ethylene propylene block copolymers (EPBC) with different ethylene content (EC) have been studied. A variety of morphologies were obtained by a combination of several processing methods (injection molding, injection molding‐annealing, and compression molding) and thickness. Fracture behavior of deeply double‐edged notched specimens was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by the essential work of fracture (EWF) method, analyzing the influence of processing, thickness (t), EC, and orientation respect to melt flow direction (MD and TD). The testing direction and EC are the most relevant variables that affect the ability of the crack tip to deform plastically during the crack propagation, determining the final fracture behavior. The fracture parameters obtained with the EWF method, specific EWF, we, and plastic item, βwp, have proved to be very sensitive to the processing induced morphology, finding interesting relationships between such morphologies (characterized by crystallinity index, orientation level, and skin/core ratio) and the fracture parameters of the plaques. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2714–2724, 2006
Overall properties of fibrillar silicate/styrene–butadiene rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Tian Ming , Cheng Lijun , Liang Wenli , Zhang Liqun 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe mechanical properties, heat aging resistance, dynamic properties, and abrasion resistance of fibrillar silicate (FS)/styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites are discussed in detail. Compared with white carbon black (WCB)/SBR composites, FS/SBR composites exhibit higher tensile stress at definite strain, higher tear strength, and lower elongation at break but poor abrasion resistance and tensile strength. Surprisingly, FS/SBR compounds have better flow properties. This is because by rubber melt blending modified FS can be separated into numerous nanosized fibrils under mechanical shear. Moreover, the composites show visible anisotropy due to the orientation of nanofibrils. There is potential for FS to be used to some extent as a reinforcing agent for rubber instead of short microfibers or white carbon black. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2725–2731, 2006
Contributions to characterization of poly(vinyl chloride)–lignin blends
Authors: Banu D. , El‐Aghoury A. , Feldman D. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe present study evaluates the impact of blending organosolv and kraft lignins, which are natural polymer by‐products in the pulp and paper industry, with plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) in flooring formulations. Also examined is the impact of replacing dioctyl phthalate, a PVC industry general‐purpose plasticizer, with diethylene glycol dibenzoate (Benzoflex 2‐45), tricresyl phosphate (Lindol), or alkyl sulfonic phenyl ester (Mesamoll) in these formulations. The influence of the different types of lignins and plasticizers on the processibility, thermal, and mechanical properties of the blends is discussed. These properties demonstrate that partial replacement of PVC (20 parts) with different lignins is feasible for some formulations that can be successfully used as matrices for a high level of calcium carbonate filler in flooring products. In addition, the data demonstrate that the presence of certain plasticizers, which interfere with the intramolecular interactions existing in lignins, may allow the lignin molecules to have more molecular mobility. The morphology and the properties of PVC plasticized lignin blends are strongly influenced by the degree and mode of the lignin plasticization and its dispersion within the PVC matrix. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2732–2748, 2006
Innovative ground‐penetrating radar methods for archaeological mapping
Authors: Conyers Lawrence B. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe three‐dimensional complexity of ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) data can be one of its strengths, as multiple factors are included in “cubes” of radar wave reflections. These parameters are time that can be converted to depth, wide bands of wave frequency that are capable of differing feature resolution and wave amplitudes that are a function of material differences at buried interfaces. When GPR data are filtered and corrected to enhance aspects of these factors, many otherwise invisible buried features become visible in the resulting maps and images. This can allow for buried archaeological feature resolution even in the most cluttered and noisy urban environments, as demonstrated by GPR maps from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
β‐Amyloid fibril formation is promoted by step edges of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite
Authors: Losic Dusan , Martin Lisandra L. , Aguilar Marie‐Isabel , Small David H. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe aggregation of the amyloid‐β‐protein (Aβ) is an important step in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. As Aβ fibrils are not found in all brain regions, endogenous factors may influence Aβ fibril formation. In this study, atomic force microscopy was used to investigate the role of surface phenomena in directing amyloid aggregation. Aβ1‐40 was applied to a surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite at a concentration of 0.5 μM. Steps formed by edge‐plane surface defects on the graphite were found to act as a template to promote the assembly of Aβ into fibrils. Initially, after being deposited on the graphite surface, Aβ had a uniform beaded morphology. However, after incubating (aging) the Aβ on the surface for several hours, the Aβ assembled along step edges to form linear aggregates. After more prolonged incubation, the linear Aβ aggregates fused to form mature fibrils with a distinctive helical morphology. The results demonstrate that surface interactions can promote the aggregation of Aβ into amyloid fibrils and they suggest that similar interactions could promote amyloid aggregation in vivo. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 84: 519–526, 2006This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Secondary structural formation of α‐synuclein amyloids as revealed by g‐factor of solid‐state circular dichroism
Authors: Lin Xiao‐Jing , Zhang Feng , Xie Yuan‐Yuan , Bao Wen‐Jing , He Jian‐Hua , Hu Hong‐Yu 
Published: June 2006

Abstractα‐Synuclein (α‐Syn) has been identified as a component of intracellular fibrillar deposits in Parkinson's disease. Though the real pathogenesis is still unknown, many investigations have revealed that conformational alteration and fibril formation of α‐Syn protein have an important role in causing the disease. In this work, we introduced the g‐factor spectra of solid‐state circular dichroism to estimate the secondary structure contents of α‐Syn fragments in amyloids. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) was also applied to confirm the structural formation. The results suggest that the central hydrophobic region is critical for β‐sheet formation and the conformational alteration is the foundation of protein abnormal aggregation. The research provides a practical approach to estimate the secondary structure contents of protein amyloids and further insight into the relevance of structural transformation and amyloidogenesis. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83: 226–232, 2006This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com