Ultralow noise field-effect transistor from multilayer graphene

We present low-frequency electrical resistance fluctuations, or noise, in graphene-based field-effect devices with varying number of layers. In single-layer devices, the noise magnitude decreases with increasing carrier density, which behaved oppositely in the devices with two or larger number of layers accompanied by a suppression in noise magnitude by more than two orders in the latter case. This behavior can be explained from the influence of external electric field on graphene band structure, and provides a simple transport-based route to isolate single-layer graphene devices from those with multiple layers. ©2009 American Institute of Physics

Excellent field emission from semialigned carbon nanofibers grown on cylindrical copper surface

We report the field emission from carbon nanofibers (CNFs) grown directly on cylindrical copper by a simple pyrolysis technique. The turn-on field is 0.17 V/µm and the emission current density is 0.9 mA/cm2 at 0.35 V/µm. The emission current is stable at a field of 0.35 V/µm and 6.5×10−6 Torr. The excellent field emission behavior is attributed to the sp2 phase in CNFs and the stable emission is due to the direct growth. The direct growth on cylindrical cathode is advantageous for field emission. ©2009 American Institute of Physics.

Pulsed plasma treatment of polluted gas using wet/low temperature corona reactors

pplication of pulsed plasma for gas cleaning is gaining prominence in recent years mainly from the energy consideration point of view. Normally, gas treatment is carried out, at or above room temperature, by a conventional dry type corona reactor. However, this treatment is still inadequate in the removal of certain stable gases present in the exhaust/flue gas mixture. The authors report some interesting results of the treatment of such stable gases with pulsed plasma at very low ambient temperature. Also reported in the paper is an improvement in DeNO/DeNOx efficiency using unconventional wet-type reactors, designed and fabricated by the authors, operating at different ambient temperatures. Apart from laboratory tests on simulated gas mixtures, field tests were also carried out on the exhaust gas of a 8 kW diesel engine. Further, an attempt was made to test the feasibility of a helical wire as a corona electrode in place of the conventional straight wire electrode. A comparative analysis of the various tests is presented together with a note on the energy consideration

Application of Pulsed Discharge Plasma For Methanol Synthesis

Synthesis of methanol using pulsed discharge plasma process is gaining significance. We report the production of methanol from methane and CO2/H2O, using pulsed discharge. Experiments were conducted at very low temperature (-192°C) in addition to normal room temperature. Two types of plasma reactors, cylindrical and rectangular, were tested for methanol production with different corona electrodes (straight wire, helical wire and barbed plate). Gas analysis was carried out by GC-MS and the yield of methanol at various operating conditions was compared and discussed. Experiments were carefully conducted laboratory environment

Pulsed plasma treatment of polluted gas using wet/low temperature corona reactors

Application of pulsed plasma for gas cleaning is gaining prominence in recent years mainly from the energy consideration point of view. Normally, gas treatment is carried out, at or above room temperature, by a conventional dry type corona reactor. However, this treatment is still inadequate in the removal of certain stable gases present in the exhaust/flue gas mixture. The authors report some interesting results of the treatment of such stable gases with pulsed plasma at very low ambient temperature. Also reported in the paper is an improvement in DeNO/DeNOx efficiency using unconventional wet-type reactors, designed and fabricated by the authors, operating at different ambient temperatures. Apart from laboratory tests on simulated gas mixtures, field tests were also carried out on the exhaust gas of a 8 kW diesel engine. Further, an attempt was made to test the feasibility of a helical wire as a corona electrode in place of the conventional straight wire electrode. A comparative analysis of the various tests is presented together with a note on the energy consideration

Nucleation-Growth Mode of Cubic-Tetragonal Transition with Coexistence of Phases over a Wide Temperature Interval in the High Temperature Ferroelectric Systems PbTiO3-BiMeO3:Me = Sc , and Zn1/2Ti1/2

Temperature dependent X-ray powder diffraction and dielectric studies have been carried out on tetragonal compositions of (1-x) PbTiO 3(x) BiMeO 3; Me similar to Sc and Zn 1/2 Ti 1/2. The cubic and the tetragonal phases coexist over more than 100 degrees C for 0.70 PbTiO 30.3 Bi ( Zn 1/2 Ti 1/2) O 3 and 0.66 PbTiO 30.34 BiScO 3. The wide temperature range of phase coexistence is shown to be an intrinsic feature of the system, and is attributed to the increase in the degree of the covalent character of the ( Pb +Bi ) O bond with increasing concentration of Bi at the Pb -site. The d-values of the {111} planes of the coexisting phases are nearly identical, suggesting this plane to be the invariant plane for the martensitic type cubic-tetragonal transformation occurring in these systems.

Serum proteomics of hepatitis C virus infection reveals retinol-binding protein 4 as a novel regulator

Persistent infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are currently diagnosed by invasive liver biopsy. Approximately 15-20% of cases of chronic liver diseases in India are caused by HCV infection. In North India, genotype 3 is predominant, whereas genotype 1 is predominant in southern parts of India. The aim of this study was to identify differentially regulated serum proteins in HCV-infected Indian patients (genotypes 1 and 3) using a two-dimensional electrophoresis approach. We identified eight differentially expressed proteins by MS. Expression levels of one of the highly upregulated proteins, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), was validated by ELISA and Western blotting in two independent cohorts. We also confirmed our observation in the JFH1 infectious cell culture system. Interestingly, the HCV core protein enhanced RBP4 levels and partial knockdown of RBP4 had a positive impact on HCV replication, suggesting a possible role for this cellular protein in regulating HCV infection. Analysis of RBP4-interacting partners using a bioinformatic approach revealed novel insights into the possible involvement of RBP4 in HCV-induced pathogenesis. Taken together, this study provided information on the proteome profile of the HCV-infected Indian population, and revealed a link between HCV infection, RBP4 and insulin resistance.

Evaluación económica de diferentes criterios de aplicación para el control de Plutella xylostella L. en el cultivo de repollo (Brassica oleracea L.) en época de primera

Con el objetivo de encontrar el mejor criterio de aplicación para el manejo de P. xylostella en el cultivo del repollo, se rea1izó un experimento a nivel de campo en época de primera, Mayo-Agosto ,1991 en la Concepción­ Masaya (IV Región de Nicaragua). Los tratamientos evaluados fueron: 0.1; O.3: O.5; O.7: O.9; y 1.2larvas por planta, sin control y calendarizado. Se mantuvieron los diferentes criterios de esta plaga utilizando aplicaciones semanales del insecticida Javelin WG NRD-12 Bacillus thuringiensis sub spp Kurstaki una dosis de 783 grlha. La incidencia de P. Xylosella no fue significativa durante la fase de establecimiento del cultivo del repollo (0-30 días después del trasplante), oscilando entre 0.01-007 larvas por planta. No así en las etapas posteriores comprendidas entre 30-90 días después del trasplante, se registraron poblaciones altas hasta 2. 30 larvas por planta encontrándose diferencias significativas. Esta incidencia en la última etapa afecta a las variables: daño foliar, precio e ingreso bruto. Se tomaron datos sobré los costos agrícolas de cada uno de los tratamientos y sus respectivos rendimientos. Se analizaron mediante el análisis de presupuestos parciales incluyendo un análisis de retorno mínimo y un análisis de sensibilidad de los precios del producto final. El análisis económico mostró que para una producción de repollo rentable, es necesario el uso de plaguicidas utilizando umbrales de aplicación que permitan mantener la rentabilidad del cultivo y los niveles poblacionales de la plaga. Tal es el caso del umbral O.S larvas por planta que demostró presentar estas características aún en las peores condiciones de producción, al igual que cuando existen cambios en el precio del insecticida y el precio del repollo, es decir que cuando existe un aumento de 5,300% en el precio del insecticida y una disminución de 95.8% en el precio del repollo este umbral mantiene una tasa de retorno marginal similar a la tasa mínima comparativa de 125%.

Stability Of Adhesion Clusters And Cell Reorientation Under Lateral Cyclic Tension

This work is motivated by experimental observations that cells on stretched substrate exhibit different responses to static and dynamic loads. A model of focal adhesion that can consider the mechanics of stress fiber, adhesion bonds, and substrate was developed at the molecular level by treating the focal adhesion as an adhesion cluster. The stability of the cluster under dynamic load was studied by applying cyclic external strain on the substrate. We show that a threshold value of external strain amplitude exists beyond which the adhesion cluster disrupts quickly. In addition, our results show that the adhesion cluster is prone to losing stability under high-frequency loading, because the receptors and ligands cannot get enough contact time to form bonds due to the high-speed deformation of the substrate. At the same time, the viscoelastic stress fiber becomes rigid at high frequency, which leads to significant deformation of the bonds. Furthermore, we find that the stiffness and relaxation time of stress fibers play important roles in the stability of the adhesion cluster. The essence of this work is to connect the dynamics of the adhesion bonds (molecular level) with the cell's behavior during reorientation (cell level) through the mechanics of stress fiber. The predictions of the cluster model are consistent with experimental observations.

Prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em adolescentes das regiões Nordeste e Sudeste do Brasil, 1996-1997

A questão nutricional tem sido objeto de interesse da saúde pública, não só em nosso país, como também em outros, independentemente dos diferentes níveis de desenvolvimento. O sobrepeso e a obesidade são considerados agravos nutricionais importantes, cuja frequência vem aumentando entre adolescentes, acarretando consequências negativas, imediatas ou futuras, para a saúde. Este estudo pretende descrever a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em adolescentes, segundo o sexo, nas regiões Nordeste e Sudeste do Brasil, e investigar a sua reação com fatores socioeconômicos e com a prática de atividade física. A investigação tem como base os dados da Pesquisa sobre Padrões de Vida (PPV) do IBGE, realizada entre março de 1995 e março de 1997, nas duas regiões. Dadas as peculiaridades de crescimento e desenvolvimento durante essa fase da vida, somados a ausência de dados sobre maturação sexual, optou-se por incluir os dados de adolescentes de 15 a 19 anos de idade. A amostra contou com os dados de 1027 adolescentes da Região Nordeste e 854 da Região Sudeste com amplo predomínio numérico nas áreas urbanas em ambas regiões.O termo sobrepeso/obesidade foi utilizada para caracterizar os adolescentes que se encontravam com valores de índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) iguais ou acima do percentil 85, de acordo com o sexo e a idade, da distribuição de IMC da população norte americana (WHO, 1995). A análise estatística considerou os fatores de expansão e o desenho da amostra. A prevalência de sobrepeso/obesidade foi de 8,45% IC 95% 6,51-10,90) na Região Nordeste, contra 11,53% (IC 95% 8,90- 14,81) na Região Sudeste. No Nordeste, observou-se maior risco de sobrepeso/obesidade para adolescentes do sexo feminino (razão de prevalência: RP meninas/meninos=3,00; IC 95% 1,73-5,22), situação que se manteve entre os residentes da área urbana (RPr3,21; IC 95% 1,72-5,99) e os da área rural (RP=2,27; IC 95% 0,68-7,60). Na Região Sudeste, o risco de sobrepeso/obesidade foi maior entre os meninos (RP meninas/meninos=0,58; IC 95% 0,37-0,92). Ao se estratificarem os dados por situação de moradia, os residentes da área urbana desta região mantiveram essa diminuição entre meninas (RPO,51; IC 95% 0,31-0,85), porém na área rural houve aumento de risco entre as meninas (RP=1 86; IC 95% 0,83-4,16). A renda per capita domiciliar mensal só associou ao risco de sobrepeso/obesidade, em ambas as regiões, apenas entre as meninos de maior renda per capita domiciliar mensal, quando comparados aos de renda inferior (Região Nordeste: OR bruto=9,64; IC 95% 3,17-29,35 e CR ajustado=10,13; IC 95% 2,83-36,27 e, na Região Sudeste: OR bruto13; IC 95% 1,50-17,48 e OR ajustado=8,70; IC 95% 1,17-32,34). Embora tenha sido observada grande frequência de sedentarismo entre as meninas, a realização de atividade física não se associou a prevalência do sobrepeso/obesidade em nenhuma das regiões estudadas. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de medidas do controle dessas condições, visando a prevenção de doenças crônicas, bem como da condução de estudos que aprofundem as questões associadas ao risco de sobrepeso/obesidade entre os adolescentes de diferentes regiões do país.

An evaluation of the survival of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)fry stocked in eight streams in the North West of England.

Eight streams from the North West of England were stocked with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) fed fry at densities ranging from 1 to 4/m2 over a period of up to three years to evaluate survival to the end of the first an d second growing periods and hence assess the value of stocking as a management practice. Survival to the end of the first growin g period (mean duration of 108 days) was found to vary between 7.8 and 41.3% with a mean of 22% and CV of 0.44. Survival from the end of the first growing period to the end of the second growing period (mean duration of 384 days) ranged from 19.9 to 34.1% with a mean of 26.3% and CV of 0.21. Survival was found to be positively related to 0+ trout density (P < 0.05) and negatively related to altitude (P < 0.05). A comparison of the raw survival data (non standardised with respect to duration of experiments) with that from other studies in relation to stocking densities revealed a negative relationship between fry survival and stocking density (P < 0.05). Densities in excess of 5/m2 tended to result in lower levels of survival. Post stocking fry dispersal patterns were examined for the 1991 data. On average 86.7% of the number of fry surviving remained within the stocked zone by the end of the first growing period. With the exception of one stream there was little in the way of dispersal beyond the stocked zone. The dispersal pattern approximated to the normal distribution (P < 0.05). It was estimated that stocking can result in a net gain of fish to a river system compared with natural productivity, however the numerical significance of this gain and its cost effectiveness need to be determined on a river specific basis.

Impacto do estilo de vida no controle do peso durante a gestação e pós-parto

O objetivo desta tese é avaliar o impacto do estilo de vida materno no ganho de peso durante a gestação e na sua evolução durante o pós-parto. Inicialmente, foi realizada uma revisão da literatura sobre os indicadores utilizados para computar as mudanças de peso ocorridas durante a gestação e o pós-parto (artigo I). Posteriormente, utilizou-se o modelo de regressão logística para avaliar a associação entre a abstinência ao fumo durante o pré-natal e o ganho de peso gestacional (GPG) excessivo, segundo as recomendações do Institute of Medicine (IOM), em 1.249 mulheres que deram à luz a recém-nascidos vivos a termo em 1984/85 em Estocolmo, Suécia (artigo II). Em seguida, foi utilizado o modelo de regressão linear múltipla para avaliar o efeito do GPG excessivo no índice de massa corporal (IMC) materno 15 anos após o parto. A população elegível para análise foi constituída de 483 mulheres suecas, que foram acompanhadas desde o nascimento da criança índice em 1984/85 até 1999/2000 (artigo III). Por último, uma revisão sistemática com a utilização de metanálise foi realizada para apreciar o efeito da dieta, exercício ou ambos na perda de peso no pós-parto (artigo IV). A diversidade de indicadores utilizada para computar o GPG e a retenção de peso no pós-parto dificulta a interpretação e comparação dos resultados de pesquisas sobre o tema. A baixa qualidade dos registros obstétricos e a escolha inadequada do indicador são consideradas as possíveis causas da não associação entre o ganho de peso materno e os desfechos gestacionais encontrada em alguns estudos (artigo I). Ex-fumantes apresentam 1,8 vezes mais chance de GPG excessivo em relação às mulheres não fumantes, mesmo após o ajuste pelas variáveis de confusão, como o consumo de álcool, atividade física, entre outras (artigo II). Mulheres que tiveram GPG excessivo apresentaram maior retenção de peso 15 anos após parto (10,0 kg) do que as mulheres que ganharam peso conforme os limites recomendados pelo IOM (6,7 kg). Mesmo após o controle pelas variáveis de confusão, o GPG excessivo provocou um aumento significativo de 0,72 kg/m2 no IMC materno (artigo III). Mulheres aconselhadas a praticarem exercícios aeróbicos durante o pós-parto não perderam, significativamente, mais peso que as mulheres alocadas no grupo controle (diferença de média ponderada (DMP): 0,00; IC 95%: -8,63/ 8,63). Mulheres alocadas no grupo dieta (DMP: -1,70; IC 95%: -2,08/ -1,32) ou dieta e exercício (DMP: -2,89; IC 95%: -4,83/ -0,95) perderam, significativamente, mais peso que as mulheres alocadas no grupo controle. Nenhuma das estratégias de intervenção para perda de peso no pós-parto (exercício; dieta; dieta e exercício) provocou efeitos adversos à saúde materno-infantil (artigo IV). Os achados apontam para a importância da identificação precoce de mulheres sob-risco GPG excessivo. Os profissionais de saúde devem fornecer aconselhamento adequado durante o pré-natal para o controle do GPG e motivar as mulheres a perderem o peso retido durante o pós-parto. Assinala-se também que os profissionais de saúde devem recomendar programas de modificação do estilo de vida relacionados à dieta combinada ao exercício físico para perda de peso durante o pós-parto e, consequentemente, para a prevenção da obesidade associada ao ciclo reprodutivo.

横断山区紫乌头复合体的物种形成初探

物种形成是生物进化的重要步骤，是进化生物学中的基本问题。研究一些关键地区植物的物种形成，将提高对这些地区植物区系发生与发展的认识，横断山区就是这样一个非常独特与关键的地区。本文通过对主要分布于横断山区的紫乌头A.delavayi复合体进行nrDNA ITS序列、等位酶与RAPD分析，初步探讨了横断山区紫乌头A.delavayi复合体的起源与物种形成。同时对使用RAPD与等位酶数据研究群体遗传结构的方法进行了探讨。主要研究结果如下： 1. ITS序列研究 对乌头属27个类群的ITS序列进行了简约法与邻接法的研究，两种方法得到的系统发育树基本一致。乌头亚属的蔓乌头系 Ser. Volublia不是一个单系起源的类群，显拄乌头系 Ser. Sstylosa 与兴安乌头系Ser. Ambigua各自作为单系起源也没有得到支持。特产于云南西北部横断山区的一些种之间存在非常近的系统发育关系，说明这些种是近期物种形成的产物。紫乌头A.delavayi复合体的不同类群在系统发育树上被分到不同的分支中，含西南乌头A. episcopale的分支最为独特，处于系统发育树靠近基部的位置;松潘乌头 A.sunpanense与四川西北部的弯喙乌头A.campylorrhynchum组成一个分支，另一个分支含土官村乌头A.tuguancunense、紫乌头A.delavayi、玉龙乌头A.stapfianum与黄草乌A.vilmorinianum; 表明紫乌头A.delavayi复合体有3个独立的起源，因而该复合体在遗传上是不成立的。但是为了讨论与叙述的方便，本研究仍使用紫乌头A.delavayi复合体这个名字。 2. 等位酶研究 用10种酶系统14个位点，对紫乌头A.delavayi分布于云南横断山区的4种8个居群进行了等位酶分析。结果表明横断山区紫乌头A.delavayi复合体居群的遗传多样性明显低于北美和欧洲的乌头属植物。呈垂直替代关系的紫乌头A.delavayi与玉龙乌头A.stapfianum居群之间出现有规律的遗传多样性变化，表明冰川对横断山区植物的遗传多样性有重大影响。聚类分析的结果与ITS分析的结果基本一致，西南乌头A. episcopale仍然是较为独特的一类;其余3个种的居群聚为一类，紫乌头A.delavayi与玉龙乌头A.stapfianum之间的遗传一致度非常高，超过0.95。8个居群的主成分分析没有证实西南乌头A. episcopale中存在杂交渗入。Mantel 检验的结果显示8个居群之间的遗传趋异程度与地理距离之间显著相关。基因分化系数GST与近交系数FIS均显示这些居群不是以异交为主。居群间每代迁移个体数Nm显示这些居群间基因流较弱。 3. RAPD研究 用20个随机引物得到117个RAPD位点，对23个居群进行研究。其中19个属于紫乌头A.delavayi复合体，4个属于与之近缘的瓜叶乌头A.hemsleyanum。根据RAPD表型频率与单倍型频率，分别对23个居群进行了聚类分析。结果显示这两种方法所得结果高度一致，而且也与ITS和等位酶的分析结果基本一致。西南乌头A. episco pale仍然是最为独特一个分支，在本文中称为分支1。其余的居群聚成两个关系较近的大分支，一个分支包含所有分布于云南与四川西南部横断山区的居群，称为分支2，另一个包括所有分布于四川西北部与北部横断山区、重庆东北部、湖北西部与陕西的居群。大部分种处于同一分支中，只有弯喙乌头A.campylorrhynchum与瓜叶乌头A.hemsleyanum的居群分别被聚在分支2与分支3中，完全符合居群的地理位置。从3个分支内的聚类关系可以看出居群间遗传趋异等级与地理隔离程度明显相关。在遗传多样性水平上，分支1明显比分支2和分支3低许多，分支2又高于分支3。 在分支2内部，紫乌头A.delavayi与玉龙乌头A.stapfianum之间的遗传多样性变化与等位酶结果相同。在分支3的松潘乌头 A.sunpanense 5个居群中，横断山区海拔最高的2个居群遗传多样性最低。将23个居群划分成不同等级进行AMOVA分析，结果表明总遗传多样性主要分布于地区间，其次是居群间，居群内遗传多样性所占比例很低。 4．群体遗传结构研究中的数据处理方法 本研究结果表明，在使用RAPD表型数据进行AMOVA分析时，最好采用欧氏距离平方系数。本研究还说明，计算GST的两种不同方法将导致结果不同，而要与Hamrick and Godt（1990）的总结进行对比的话，最好使用他们采用的计算方法。 基于以上研究结果，可得出如下结论：⑴ 紫乌头A.delavayi复合体有3个不同的起源。西南乌头A. episcopale是一个古特有种，其余均为近期物种形成的产物。⑵地理隔离在横断山区紫乌头A.delavayi复合体的物种形成过程中影响最大。而地理隔离主要起因于连续分布区的片段化与瓶颈效应，而这两个原因又与横断山区的地质历史与冰川进退密切相关。

法落海的化学成分及抗HIV活性

下载PDF阅读器利用多种柱层析方法,从法落海(Angelica apaensis)95%乙醇提取物中分离得到8个化合物.经IR、MS、NMR等波谱数据鉴定为氧化前胡素(oxypeucedanin,1)、氧化前胡素水合物(oxypeucedanin hydrate,2)、异欧芹属乙素(isoimperatorin,3)、白当归脑(byakangelicin,4)、白当归素(byakangelicol,5)、3'-O-acetylhamaudol (6)、(+)-9(Z),17-octadecadiene-12,14-diyne-1,11,16-triol(7)和9,17-octadecadiene-12,14-diyne-1,11,16-triol,1-acetate(8),其中,化合物6-8是首次从该植物中分离得到.我们对所有得到的8个化合物进行抗HIV活性分析,化合物1具有明显的抗HIV活性,其抑制合胞体形成的半数有效浓度(EC50)为1.6 ms/L,治疗指数(TI)为17.59.

云南滇池濒危特有种滇池金线鲃人工繁殖初报

滇池金线鲃(Sinocyclocheilus grahami)是滇池湖泊生态系统的指示物种和特有种.因水质污染和外来物种入侵等因素的影响,该鱼类自1986年起就从湖体中消失,仅有湖周围的少数龙潭中尚保存有少量滇池金线鲃.至2007年3月初,有两次繁殖试验取得了成功.先后试验了5尾雌鱼和6尾雄鱼,获得鱼卵约1 600粒,并实施干法受精.约有1 320粒受精,平均受精率为73%.孵化出鱼苗约480尾,平均孵化率为36%.经10天饲养,约有95%以上的鱼苗存活,体长达8-12 mm.滇池金线鲃人工繁殖成功的意义有三点:能有效保护该物种免于灭绝;繁殖的鱼苗放归湖泊合适水域,将有助于恢复滇池的土著生物多样性;有助于推动当地水产养殖业从非土著鱼类养殖向土著鱼类养殖的方向转变.