bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of mobile phase temperature on recovery and stability of monoclonal antibodies using recent reversed‐phase stationary phases
Authors: Fekete Szabolcs , Rudaz Serge , Veuthey Jean‐Luc , Guillarme Davy
Published: June 2012

Recent reversed‐phase wide‐pore stationary phases were evaluated for the separation of intact monoclonal antibodies and their fragments. Two types of stationary phases were tested: Phenomenex Aeris Widepore, with 3.6 μm core‐shell particles and Waters Acquity BEH300 with 1.7 μm fully porous particles. A systematic investigation was carried out using model IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies, namely rituximab, panitumumab, and bevacizumab. It appeared that adsorption of these antibodies on the stationary phase was significantly higher compared to proteins of equivalent size. The adsorption was particularly important for the intact antibodies of 150 kDa and for the largest fragments of 50 to 100 kDa (i.e., heavy chain, ‐fraction of antigene‐binding). The present study demonstrated an obvious relationship between adsorption phenomenon and the unwanted strong secondary interactions (ionic and hydrogen bond) of the stationary phase. Thus, adsorption was more pronounced on the Aeris column because of the stronger ion exchange contribution of this stationary phase. Using C4 phase instead of C18 at 50–70°C, there is a slight reduction (5–20%) in adsorption. Two solutions were proposed to decrease the strength of secondary interactions and thus resolve (or at least diminish) adsorption issue. First, increasing mobile phase temperature up to 80–90°C appeared as a promising solution. However, temperature should be used with caution as it can partially damage large biomolecules. A compromise between residence time and temperature should be found. Second, it is recommended to add a small amount of an ancillary solvent, such as n‐butanol to the mobile phase. Indeed, the hydroxyl group of n‐butanol probably interacts with water adsorbed on the residual silanol groups “to shield” silanols.
A second superior gluteal artery perforator flap with previous liposuction to the same breast after resection of initial SGAP breast reconstruction due to cancer recurrence
Authors: Avashia Yash J. , Desrosiers Arthur E. , Flores Jaime I.
Published: June 2012

Free superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flaps are a reliable option for breast reconstruction in patients with insufficient abdominal tissue or abdominal scarring. Liposuction in a donor site is a relative contraindication for harvesting a free flap, despite current case reports challenging this tenet. We describe a case of a 36‐year‐old woman who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction with free SGAP flap. She underwent liposuction of the contralateral buttock for symmetry. Approximately, one year post‐operatively, she developed local recurrence of the breast cancer. Previously liposculpted buttock was used as donor site for a second free SGAP flap anastomosed to internal mammary artery. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Numerical methods of stabilizer construction via guidance control
Authors: Miranda Francisco
Published: June 2012

This work concerns guidance stabilization of non‐autonomous control systems. Global stabilization problem is usually quite complex and difficult to solve. To overcome this difficulty, guidance control is used. A guidance stabilizer uses a trajectory of a globally asymptotically stable auxiliary system as a guide. A local stabilizer keeps the trajectory of the system in a neighborhood of a solution of the auxiliary system. In this way, the trajectory of the system tends to the equilibrium position. The main idea of this method is to solve the global stabilization problem by applying local stabilization methods. The presented procedure also yields additional possibilities for the design of a stabilizer that eliminates the peak effect, that is, the large deviation of the solutions from the equilibrium position at the beginning of the stabilization process. This effect represents a serious obstacle to the design of cascade control systems and to guidance stabilization. The optimal control problem used in this paper eliminates this effect that we have when we apply known construction methods of local stabilizers to obtain a high speed of damping of the control systems trajectories. According to this approach and using ε‐strategies introduced by Pontryagin in the frame of differential games theory, the stabilizing control is constructed as a function of time defined in a small time interval and not as a feedback. An application to a mechanical stabilization problem is provided here. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The intestinal bioavailability of vaccenic acid and activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α and ‐γ in a rodent model of dyslipidemia and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Wang Ye , Jacome‐Sosa Maria M. , Ruth Megan R. , Lu Yan , Shen Jianheng , Reaney Martin J. , Scott Shannon L. , Dugan Michael E. R. , Anderson Hope D. , Field Catherine J. , Proctor Spencer D. , Vine Donna F.
Published: June 2012

Scope

Evidence suggests a neutral to beneficial role of certain trans fatty acids (TFA) from natural ruminant sources. Trans11–18:1 (vaccenic acid, VA), the most predominant ruminant TFA and a precursor to conjugated linoleic acid, has been shown to improve atherogenic dyslipidemia and symptoms of hepatic steatosis in animal models. The objective of this study was to assess the intestinal bioavailability of various VA sources including synthetic free fatty acid (FFA) and natural ruminant triglyceride forms, as well as the mechanistic pathways that mediate VA's bioactivity.

Methods and results

VA acts as a partial agonist to both peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR)‐α and PPAR‐γ in vitro, with similar affinity compared to commonly known PPAR agonists. It was further confirmed that VA at 30 and 100 μM concentrations suppressed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy vitro in a PPAR‐α‐ and PPAR‐γ‐dependent manner. In vivo, feeding of VA (1%, w/w) resulted in increased mRNA and protein expression of PPAR‐γ in the mucosa of JCR:LA‐cp rats, a model of the metabolic syndrome (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) compared to control. In addition, VA from a triglyceride source had greater intestinal bioavailability in vivo compared to VA provided in an FFA form (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The activation of PPAR‐α‐ and PPAR‐γ‐dependent pathways provides a mechanistic explanation of how VA improves blood lipids and related metabolic disorders during conditions of hyperlipidemia. This report also supports the consideration of differential reporting of industrially produced versus natural TFA on food nutrient labels.
Resveratrol ameliorates diabetes‐related metabolic changes via activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase and its downstream targets in db/db mice
Authors: Do Gyeong‐Min , Jung Un Ju , Park Hae‐Jin , Kwon Eun‐Young , Jeon Seon‐Min , McGregor Robin A , Choi Myung‐Sook
Published: June 2012

Scope

This study investigated the effects of resveratrol (RV) on diabetes‐related metabolic changes in a spontaneous model of type 2 diabetes, as well as activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and downstream targets.

Methods and results

C57BL/KsJ‐db/db mice were fed a normal diet with RV (0.005% and 0.02%, w/w) or rosiglitazone (RG, 0.001%, w/w) for 6 weeks. Both doses of RV significantly decreased blood glucose, plasma free fatty acid, triglyceride, apo B/apo AІ levels and increased plasma adiponectin levels. RV activated AMPK and downstream targets leading to decreased blood HbA1c levels, hepatic gluconeogenic enzyme activity, and hepatic glycogen, while plasma insulin levels, pancreatic insulin protein, and skeletal muscle GLUT4 protein were higher after RV supplementation. The high RV dose also significantly increased hepatic glycolytic gene expression and enzyme activity, along with skeletal muscle glycogen synthase protein expression, similar to RG. Furthermore, RV dose dependently decreased hepatic triglyceride content and phosphorylated I kappa B kinase (p‐IKK) protein expression, while hepatic uncoupling protein (UCP) and skeletal muscle UCP expression were increased.

Conclusion

RV potentiates improving glycemic control, glucose uptake, and dyslipidemia, as well as protecting against pancreatic β‐cell failure in a spontaneous type 2 diabetes model. Dietary RV has potential as an antidiabetic agent via activation of AMPK and its downstream targets.
Orally administered rubiscolin‐6, a δ opioid peptide derived from Rubisco, stimulates food intake via leptomeningeal lipocallin‐type prostaglandin D synthase in mice
Authors: Kaneko Kentaro , Lazarus Michael , Miyamoto Chihiro , Oishi Yo , Nagata Nanae , Yang Shuzhang , Yoshikawa Masaaki , Aritake Kosuke , Furuyashiki Tomoyuki , Narumiya Shuh , Urade Yoshihiro , Ohinata Kousaku
Published: June 2012

Scope

We found that rubiscolin‐6, a δ opioid agonist peptide derived from d‐ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), a major protein of green leaves, stimulates food intake after oral administration in mice. We therefore investigated its mechanism.

Methods and results

Orexigenic activity after oral administration of rubiscolin‐6 was blocked by central administration of naltrindole, an antagonist for δ opioid receptor, suggesting that orally administered rubiscolin‐6 stimulates food intake via central δ opioid receptor activation. The orexigenic activity of rubiscolin‐6 was inhibited by celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor. The hypothalamic mRNA expression of COX‐2 and lipocallin‐type (L) prostaglandin D synthase (PGDS) was elevated in response to rubiscolin‐6 administration. Rubiscolin‐6 stimulated food intake in wild‐type and hematopoietic (H)‐PGDS knockout (KO), but not L‐PGDS KO mice. Interestingly, rubiscolin‐6 stimulated food intake in L‐PGDSflox/Nescre mice, which were deficient in L‐PGDS in the brain parenchyma, but not leptomeninges. The orexigenic effect of rubiscolin‐6 was abolished by genetic deletion of DP1 receptor for PGD2, and by MK0524 or BIBO3304, an antagonist of DP1 receptor or of Y1 receptor for neuropeptide Y, respectively.

Conclusion

Orally administered rubiscolin‐6 may stimulate food intake through COX‐2 and leptomeningeal L‐PGDS, followed by DP1 and Y1 receptors, downstream of the central δ opioid receptor.
Molecular mechanism inhibiting human hepatocarcinoma cell invasion by 6‐shogaol and 6‐gingerol
Authors: Weng Chia‐Jui , Chou Chai‐Ping , Ho Chi‐Tang , Yen Gow‐Chin
Published: June 2012

Scope

We previously demonstrated that 6‐shogaol and 6‐gingerol, two active compounds in ginger (Zingiber officinale), possess antiinvasive activity against highly metastatic hepatoma cells. The aims of this study were to evaluate the inhibitory effect and molecular mechanism underlying the transcription and translation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) in Hep3B cells as well as the antiangiogenic activity of 6‐gingerol and 6‐shogaol.

Methods and results

By gelatin zymography and luciferase reporter gene assays, we found that 6‐gingerol and 6‐shogaol regulate MMP‐2/‐9 transcription. Moreover, 6‐gingerol directly decreased expression of uPA, but the 6‐shogaol‐mediated decrease in uPA was accompanied by up‐regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)‐1. 6‐Gingerol and 6‐shogaol concentrations of ≥10 μM and ≥2.5 μM, respectively, significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K/Akt signaling, the activation of NF‐κB, and the translocation of NF‐κB and STAT3. Incubation of 6‐gingerol or 6‐shogaol with human umbilical vein endothelial cells or rat aortas significantly attenuated tube formation.

Conclusion

6‐Shogaol and 6‐gingerol effectively inhibit invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma through diverse molecular mechanisms, including inhibition of the MAPK and PI3k/Akt pathways and NF‐κB and STAT3 activities to suppress expression of MMP‐2/‐9 and uPA and block angiogenesis.
Simultaneous measurements of T1 and T2 during fast polymerization reaction using continuous wave‐free precession NMR method
Authors: Venâncio Tiago , Colnago Luiz Alberto
Published: June 2012

Continuous wave‐free precession (CWFP) pulse sequence employing time domain nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (TD‐NMR) was used to measure longitudinal (T1) and transverse relaxation times (T2), during the cure of a commercial epoxy resin (AralditeTM) with a 10‐min solidification time. The intensity of the NMR signal after the first pulse and in the CWFP regime were used to monitor the concentration of the monomers, and the relaxation times were used to monitor the chain mobility. The main advantage of CWFP over the standard methods to measure relaxation times, inversion recovery (inv‐rec) for T1 and Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill (CPMG) for T2, is that the measurement of both relaxation times can be performed in a fast and single NMR experiment and, therefore, using a single reaction batch. CWFP is also as fast as the CPMG measurement but at least fivefold faster than the method to obtain T1 using null point approximation in the inv‐rec method. Therefore, the CWFP sequence can be used as a fast and general method to measure relaxation times in polymerization reactions, even with fast solidification time. As a TD‐NMR technique, CWFP can be employed in any low‐cost bench top TD‐NMR equipment commonly used in an academic or industrial laboratory. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of an unusual ring‐contraction degradant of the antifungal agent posaconazole
Authors: Feng Wenqing , Hilton Bruce D. , Zhong Wendy , Yang Jiong , Yang Xi , Tong Weidong , Martin Gary E.
Published: June 2012

Posaconazole, a clinically useful antifungal agent, has several known oxidative degradation products involving the piperazine ring near the center of the molecule. A novel degradant was recently isolated and characterized spectroscopically as a novel ring‐contraction product incorporating a dihydroimidazolium moiety in lieu of the normally present piperazine ring. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Future Expectations and Worst‐Case Future Scenarios of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Buitinga Laurien , Braakman‐Jansen Louise M. A. , Taal Erik , van de Laar Mart A. F. J.
Published: June 2012

Objective

Over the past 15 years, developments in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have resulted in better clinical outcomes. The aim of the present study was to explore how patients think their RA will influence their lives in the future, and which of these future expectations would be the worst for them to experience.

Methods

A focus group study was performed in 16 RA patients. Three groups were heterogeneously composed, based on age group (18–40, 40–65, 65–80), gender and having a paid job or not. Patients were asked about the expected future impact of RA and worst‐case future scenarios. Transcripts were coded by three researchers under the main components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The codes were discussed until agreement was reached about all codes.

Results

Dependency on others, increasing dependency on medication, inability to walk, activity limitations and worsening fatigue were mentioned as worst‐case future scenarios. Further concerns were raised about the acceptance of RA and possible disappearance of physicians' expertise. Nevertheless, hope and positive feelings were expressed toward continuous medication improvements.

Conclusion

The present study provided insight into RA patients' future expectations and worst‐case future scenarios. The results may be of help in the development of support interventions to put concerns and worst‐case future scenarios into a realistic perspective. Furthermore, insight into patients' worst‐case future scenarios could be used to improve the validity and responsiveness of the Time Trade‐Off, an instrument to measure preference‐based health‐related quality of life. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deformation analysis of tunnel excavation below existing pipelines in multi‐layered soils based on displacement controlled coupling numerical method
Authors: Zhang Zhiguo , Huang Maosong , Zhang Mengxi
Published: June 2012

The effect of tunneling on surrounding environments, especially on existing buried pipelines is a problem that engineers designing and practicing in urban geotechnical environments encounter more frequently than in the past. However, previous studies are usually based on the assumption that the soil is homogeneous. How to reflect soil stratification is the main focus for the problem of tunneling in multi‐layered soils. A displacement controlled coupling numerical method is presented for the displacement analysis of tunnel excavation below existing pipelines in multi‐layered soils. On the basis of the layered soil model, to consider the soil nonhomogeneous characteristic, the finite element method and boundary element method are coupled to simulate the deformation of existing pipelines induced by tunneling. The solutions indicate that good agreements are obtained between the proposed coupling numerical method and the commercial software. The accuracy of the proposed numerical method is better than the two stages method based on the existing closed‐form solutions. Moreover, the results discussed in this paper show that the error obtained by the previous method of weighted average on the basis of homogeneous half space converted from layered soils is not negligible for the obvious difference of elastic parameters among successive layers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combination preconditioning of saddle point systems for positive definiteness
Authors: Pestana J. , Wathen A. J.
Published: June 2012

Amongst recent contributions to preconditioning methods for saddle point systems, standard iterative methods in nonstandard inner products have been usefully employed. Krzyżanowski (Numerical Linear Algebra with Applications2011;18:123–140) identified a two‐parameter family of preconditioners in this context and Stoll and Wathen (SIAM Journal on Matrix Analysis and Applications2008;30:582–608) introduced combination preconditioning, where two preconditioners, self‐adjoint with respect to different inner products, can lead to further preconditioners and associated bilinear forms or inner products. Preconditioners that render the preconditioned saddle point matrix nonsymmetric but self‐adjoint with respect to a nonstandard inner product always allow a MINRES‐type method (‐PMINRES) to be applied in the relevant inner product. If the preconditioned matrix is also positive definite with respect to the inner product, a more efficient CG‐like method (‐PCG) can be reliably used. We establish eigenvalue expressions for Krzyżanowski preconditioners and show that for a specific choice of parameters, although the Krzyżanowski preconditioned saddle point matrix is self‐adjoint with respect to an inner product, it is never positive definite. We provide explicit expressions for the combination of certain preconditioners and prove the rather counterintuitive result that the combination of two specific preconditioners for which only‐PMINRES can be reliably used leads to a preconditioner for which, for certain parameter choices,‐PCG is reliably applicable. That is, combining two indefinite preconditioners can lead to a positive definite preconditioner. This combination preconditioner outperforms either of the two preconditioners from which it is formed for a number of test problems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust local polynomial collocation method
Authors: Wu Nan‐Jing , Tsay Ting‐Kuei
Published: June 2012

In this paper, a robust local polynomial collocation method is presented. Based on collocation, this method is rather simple and straightforward. The present method is developed in a way that the governing equation is satisfied on boundaries as well as boundary conditions. This requirement makes the present method more accurate and robust than conventional collocation methods, especially in estimating the partial derivatives of the solution near the boundary. Studies about the sensitivity of the shape parameter and the local supporting range in the moving least square approach and the convergence of the nodal resolution are carried out by using some benchmark problems. This method is further verified by applying it to a steady‐state convection–diffusion problem. Finally, the present method is applied to calculate the velocity fields of two potential flow problems. More accurate numerical results are obtained.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DIFFERENCES IN LEARNING PRACTICES AND VALUES IN NORTH–SOUTH CITY PARTNERSHIPS: TOWARDS A BROADER UNDERSTANDING OF MUTUALITY
Authors: Bontenbal Marike C.
Published: June 2012

This article addresses twinning between local governments in North and South, contributing to the past decade's discourse on institutional twinning in this journal. Local governments have increasingly become recognised as relevant actors in international development cooperation through city‐to‐city cooperation structures, which have been praised as an effective mechanism for local government capacity building. This article discusses the learning practices and the extent to which new knowledge is valued and adopted by twinning participants in both North and South and moreover whether learning benefits are mutual. In a study of three partnerships between Dutch municipalities and partner cities in Peru, South Africa and Nicaragua, 36 participants were interviewed. The findings reveal that learning in city‐to‐city partnerships is not mutual between North and South and that the benefits of ‘shared learning’—a rhetoric commonly used in the twinning discourse—are limited. Instead, other opportunities for mutuality arise for Northern municipalities from political and strategic benefits, such as staff loyalty and motivation. Mutuality in twinning hence deserves a broader interpretation than learning alone so that twinning benefits can be identified and maximised for both North and South, keeping cities interested and motivated. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring of Rosmarinic Acid Accumulation in Sage Cell Cultures using Laccase Biosensor
Authors: Eremia Sandra A. V. , Radu Gabriel‐Lucian , Litescu Simona‐Carmen
Published: June 2012

Introduction

A recently developed laccase based biosensor is used for polyphenols determination from in vitro Salvia cultures, the results being expressed as rosmarinic acid equivalent content.

Objective

The aim of this work was to use a previously developed laccase biosensor for the determination of total phenolic content from in vitro cultivated Salvia, and to support the biosensors further application for the assessment of polyphenols metabolites.

Methodology

The biosensor was constructed by drop casting 3 μL of laccase solution and stabilisation with 0.1 % Nafion solution onto a DropSens carbon screen‐printed electrode. Electrochemical measurements were carried out in a 0.1 mol/L phosphate buffer (pH 4.50), the applied working potential being −30 mV versus reference electrode.

Results

The response of the biosensor developed was characterised in terms of repeatability, accuracy and precision; the limit of detection was 7.5 × 10−7 mol/L, the limit of determination was 9.5 × 10−7 mol/L, and linear response range for rosmarinic acid was 1 × 10−6–10−5 mol/L.

Conclusion

A stable, sensitive and simple biosensor based on laccase–nafion was used for monitoring the total polyphenolic content from two in vitro cultivated plants. The biosensor response was free of electrochemical interferences and of possible interferences from growth media constituents, demonstrating a high sensitivity for rosmarinic acid determination in cell culture suspensions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference values for fetal penile length and width from 22 to 36 gestational weeks
Authors: Danon David , Ben‐Shitrit Gadi , Bardin Ron , Machiach Reuven , Vardimon David , Meizner Israel
Published: June 2012

Objective

Current reference range values for fetal penile growth are based on length measurements. However, methodologies for measuring penile length differ among studies and from the standard technique used in children. We propose that the measurement of penile width may aid in its evaluation. The aim of the study was to create normograms for penile length and width.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional design was used. One hundred male fetuses at 22 to 36 gestational weeks were included. On ultrasound examination, penile length was measured from tip to base, where the penis joins the scrotum. Penile width was measured at the widest point across the penis. Reference values for the 5th and 95th percentiles were calculated for each gestational week.

Results

There was a good correlation between gestational age and penile length (R2 = 0.606) and width (R2 = 0.683). The percentile of fetal weight estimation independently affected penile length and width. The interobserver correlation coefficient was 0.939 for length and 0.909 for width.

Conclusion

Reference range values of fetal penile length and width are presented for 22 to 36 weeks of gestation. These values correlate to gestational age and estimated fetal weight percentile. These reference range measurements may help the evaluation of suspected micropenis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrathin and micro‐sized solar cell performance optimization via simulations
Authors: Cruz‐Campa Jose L. , Nielson Gregory N. , Resnick Paul J. , Okandan Murat , Young Ralph , Zubia David , Gupta Vipin
Published: June 2012

Back‐contacted, ultrathin (<10 µm), and submillimeter‐sized solar cells made with microsystem tools are a new type of cell that has not been optimized for performance. The literature reports efficiencies up to 15% using thicknesses of 14 µm and cell sizes of 250 µm. In this paper, we present the design, conditions, and fabrication parameters necessary to optimize these devices. The optimization was performed using commercial simulation tools from the microsystems arena. A systematic variation of the different parameters that influence the performance of the cell was accomplished. The researched parameters were resistance, Shockley–Read–Hall (SRH) lifetime, contact separation, implant characteristics (size, dosage, energy, and ratio between the species), contact size, substrate thickness, surface recombination, and light concentration. The performance of the cell was measured with efficiency, open‐circuit voltage, and short‐circuit current. Among all the parameters investigated, surface recombination and SRH lifetime proved to be the most important. Through completing the simulations, an optimized concept solar cell design was introduced for two scenarios: high and low quality materials/passivation. Simulated efficiencies up to 23.4% (1 sun) and 26.7% (100 suns) were attained for 20‐µm‐thick devices. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Realization of high performance large area Z‐series‐interconnected opaque dye solar cell modules
Authors: Giordano Fabrizio , Guidobaldi Andrea , Petrolati Eleonora , Vesce Luigi , Riccitelli Riccardo , Reale Andrea , Brown Thomas M. , Di Carlo Aldo
Published: June 2012

We have designed and fabricated dye solar cell (DSC) modules with optimized geometries and processes. Integrated interconnections were made following the “Z” architecture for series connections. Several modules were prepared varying the materials, multilayer combination of the TiO2 active layers, and the fabrication processes. With the best combination of TiO2 multilayers, titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) treatment, a back reflector/diffusor, and optimized layout of cells via simulations, we fabricated a DSC module with a conversion efficiency of 6.9% on 43 cm2 aperture area and 9.4% on active area. This result confirms that an effective scale‐up of high performance Z‐series‐connected DSC modules can be achieved comparable with other thin film technology. Note that the materials used to produce the devices of this work are all commercially available: an important result for a technology that is being developed for industrial application. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A proline mimetic for enantioselective aldol reaction: a quantum chemical study of a catalytic reaction with a sterically hindered l‐prolinamide derivative
Authors: Gadzhiev Oleg B. , de la Rosa Luis‐Arturo García , Meléndez‐Bustamante Francisco Javier , de Parrodi Cecilia Anaya , Abdallah Hassan H. , Petrov Alexander I. , Scior Thomas
Published: June 2012

The direct aldol reaction between acetone and 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde catalyzed by sterically hindered l‐prolinamide derivative (64 atoms) of the (11S,12S)‐9,10‐dihydro‐9,10‐ethanoanthracene‐11,12‐diamine molecule has been investigated using density functional theory at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory. The reliability of the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) calculations to elucidate the reaction mechanism and estimate activation and reaction energies was confirmed by energy calculation of the net reaction with full geometry optimizations of the reactants and product at the B3LYP/6‐311++G(2d,2p) as well as B2PLYP/def2‐TZVPP levels with correction to Van der Waals interaction. The calculations reveal that the l‐prolinamide derivative catalyzes the reaction according to a multistep enamine mechanism with highly activated C–C bond and/or enamine formation in the proposed mechanism. The final elementary reaction – the C–N bond cleavage in the chiral diol adduct – is accompanied by a very large barrier, which may inhibit further progression of the reaction. The origin of the enantioselectivity and the corresponding reaction paths to a chiral product were unambiguously identified. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced electrochemical response of solution‐deposited n‐doping polymer via cocasting with ionic liquid
Authors: Irvin David J. , Stenger‐Smith John D. , Yandek Gregory R. , Carberry Jamie R. , Currie Daniel A. , Theodoropoulou Nikoleta , Irvin Jennifer A.
Published: June 2012

A novel cocasting approach is presented for improving electroactivity of solution‐cast films of conducting polymers. Solutions of the n‐doping polymer poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline) (BBL) were co‐deposited with the ionic liquid electrolyte 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIBTI). The resultant co‐continuous mixture yielded highly porous polymer films (CC‐BBL) upon removal of solvent and EMIBTI. Electrochemical quartz crystal microgravimetry revealed that the n‐doping process in neat ionic liquid is anion‐dominant, which is contrary to what is observed in dilute electrolyte solutions. The CC‐BBL films exhibit a thirty‐fold increase in initial current response and capacity relative to non‐cocast BBL films. While current response and capacity of the non‐cocast BBL improve with cycling, they level out after 800 cycles at 35% of those of the CC‐BBL. CC‐BBL shows high n‐doping stability; no decrease in electroactivity is seen after 1000 cycles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Matrix‐polymer‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a highly efficient toughening agent for matrix polymers
Authors: Chang Chia‐Ming , Hsu Keh‐Ying , Liu Ying‐Ling
Published: June 2012

Matrix‐polymer‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are demonstrated as a highly efficient toughening agent for matrix polymers. With poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as the matrix polymer, the PVDF/MWCNT‐PVDF nanocomposite films show high toughness. With a small load amount of MWCNT‐PVDF (0.07 wt %), the nanocomposite film shows a yield point and a constant‐stress extension region in stress–strain tests, compared with the typical low‐extensibility feature of neat PVDF film. The PVDF/MWCNT‐PVDF‐0.7 film exhibits a 180‐fold increase of toughness and about 38‐fold increase in strain at break compared with neat PVDF film. This toughening effect is attributed to (a) homogeneous dispersion of MWCNT‐PVDF in PVDF, (b) the high efficiency of load‐transfer across MWCNT/PVDF interface, and (c) the long length of the MWCNTs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Effects of self‐directed stress management training and home‐based exercise on quality of life in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jacobsen Paul B. , Phillips Kristin M. , Jim Heather S. L. , Small Brent J. , Faul Leigh Anne , Meade Cathy D. , Thompson Lora , Williams Charles C. , Loftus Loretta S. , Fishman Mayer , Wilson Rick W.
Published: June 2012

Background

Research has shown that self‐directed stress management training improves mental well‐being in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The present study extends this work by evaluating separate and combined effects of stress management training and home‐based exercise.

Method

Following assessment of mental and physical well‐being, depression, anxiety, exercise, and stress reduction activity before chemotherapy started, patients were randomized to stress management training (SM), exercise (EX), combined stress management and exercise (SMEX), or usual care only (UCO). Outcomes were reassessed 6 and 12 weeks after chemotherapy started. Significance testing of group‐by‐time interactions in 286 patients who completed all assessments was used to evaluate intervention efficacy.

Results

Interaction effects for mental and physical well‐being scores were not significant. Depression scores yielded a linear interaction comparing UCO and SMEX (p = 0.019), with decreases in SMEX but not UCO. Anxiety scores yielded a quadratic interaction comparing UCO and SMEX (p = 0.049), with trends for changes in SMEX but not UCO. Additional analyses yielded quadratic interactions for exercise activity comparing UCO and SMEX (p = 0.022), with positive changes in SMEX but not UCO, and for stress management activity comparing UCO and SM (p < 0.001) and UCO and SMEX (p = 0.013), with positive changes in SM and SMEX but not UCO.

Conclusion

Only the combined intervention yielded effects on quality of life outcomes, and these were limited to anxiety and depression. These findings are consistent with evidence that only the combined intervention yielded increases in both exercise and stress management activity. Future research should investigate ways to augment this intervention to enhance its benefits. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marker‐free, tissue‐specific expression of Cry1Ab as a safe transgenic strategy for insect resistance in rice plants
Authors: Qi Yongbin , Chen Lei , He Xiuling , Jin Qingsheng , Zhang Xiaoming , He Zuhua
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Rice is the major food resource for nearly half of the global population; however, insect infestation could severely affect the production of this staple food. To improve rice insect resistance and reduce the levels of Bt toxin released into the environment, the Cry1Ab gene was conjugated to the rice rbcS promoter to express Bt toxin in specific tissues of transgenic plants.

RESULTS: Eight marker‐free, T2 lines were separated from the T0 cotransformants. Using RT‐PCR, high levels of Cry1Ab expression were detected in the leaf but not in the seed. The Cry1Ab protein level ranged from 1.66 to 3.31 µg g−1 in the leaves of four transgenic lines, but was barely detectable in their seeds by ELISA. Bioassays showed that the mortality rate of silkworm larvae feeding on mulberry leaves dipped in transgenic rice flour and pollen was less than that of the positive control (KMD), and that their average weight was higher than that of KMD, suggesting that the Cry1Ab protein was not expressed in the seed and pollen.

CONCLUSION: The transgene conferred a high level of resistance to insects and biosafety to the rice plants, which could be directly used in rice breeding. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Reproduction allocation and potential mechanism of individual allelopathic rice plants in the presence of competing barnyardgrass
Authors: Kong Chui‐Hua , Wang Ming‐Li , Wang Peng , Ni Han‐Wen , Meng Xiang‐Rui
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: In spite of increasing knowledge of allelopathic rice as an efficient component involved in paddy weed management, relatively little is known about its reproduction in response to competing weeds. Reproduction allocation of individual allelopathic rice plants in relation to monoculture and mixed culture with competing barnyardgrass in a paddy field was studied, along with analyses of soil nutrients and microbial communities to understand the potential mechanism.

RESULTS: At a 1:1 barnyardgrass and rice mixture proportion identified from a replacement series study, biomass, grain yield and major parameters of individual allelopathic rice plants at the mature stage were increased by competing barnyardgrass. There was no difference in allelopathic rice root‐zone soil ammonium N and Olsen P between monoculture and mixed culture. However, mixed culture altered soil microbial biomass C and communities. When mixed with barnyardgrass, allelopathic rice root zone had an 87% increase in soil microbial biomass C. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiling indicated that the signature lipid biomarkers of bacteria, actinobacteria and fungi were affected by mixed culture. Principal component analysis clearly identified differences in the composition of PLFA in different soil samples.

CONCLUSION: Allelopathic rice specific changes in soil microbial communities may generate a positive feedback on its own growth and reproduction in the presence of competing barnyardgrass in a given paddy system. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Hg based II–VI compounds on non‐standard substrates
Authors: Brill Gregory N. , Chen Yuanping , Wijewarnasuriya Priyalal S. , Dhar Nibir K.
Published: June 2012

The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is pursuing scalable infrared (IR) material technologies to meet the growing need for large format arrays. A two pronged approach is being undertaken at ARL using II–VI semiconductor materials. The first encompasses the well developed IR material system HgCdTe but grown on large area, extremely lattice mismatched Si(112) substrates. To overcome the high dislocation density associated with the large mismatch within the as‐grown material, ARL has successfully pursued a postgrowth thermal cycle annealing (TCA) process to reduce the dislocation density by an order of magnitude. Current results show HgCdTe/Si material can consistently be achieved with dislocation density values on the order of 1 × 106 cm−2. The second approach involves developing HgCdSe material using lattice matched, large area, and commercially available III–V substrates, specifically GaSb. Preliminary results indicate that quality HgCdSe growth by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) can be achieved and that the bandgap of the material can be controlled through the Cd/Se ratio of fluxes used during growth.
Annealing effects on electrical, structural, and surface morphological properties of Ir/n‐InGaN Schottky structures
Authors: Reddy V. Rajagopal , Padma R. , Reddy M. Siva Pratap , Choi C.‐J.
Published: June 2012

The effects of thermal annealing on electrical and structural characteristics of iridium (Ir) Schottky contacts to n‐type InGaN have been studied using current–voltage (I–V), capacitance–voltage (C–V), secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Measurements showed that the Schottky barrier height (SBH) of as‐deposited sample is 0.79 eV (I–V) and 1.07 eV (C–V). It is observed that the barrier height increases to 0.85 eV (I–V) and 1.21 eV (C–V) after annealing at 300 °C for 1 min in N2 ambient. However, it is found that the SBH slightly decreases when the contacts are annealed at 400 and 500 °C and the corresponding values are 0.84 eV (I–V), 1.17 eV (C–V) for 400 °C and 0.80 eV (I–V), 1.11 eV (C–V) for 500 °C, respectively. Using Cheung's functions, the barrier height (Φb), ideality factor (n), and series resistance (Rs) are also calculated. From the above results, it is clear that the optimum annealing temperature for Ir Schottky contact is 300 °C. SIMS and XRD results shows that the formation of gallide phases at Ir/n‐InGaN interfaces could be the reason for variation in the SBHs upon annealing at elevated temperatures. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) results show that the overall surface morphology of Ir Schottky contacts on n‐InGaN stays reasonably smooth. These results make Ir Schottky contacts attractive for high‐temperature device applications.
The influence of the Rashba interaction on spin accumulation and spin current of semiconductor based finite width quantum rings
Authors: Nikipar S. , Bourkheili S. Hassanpour , Phirouznia A.
Published: June 2012

Spin current and spin accumulation of a finite width quantum ring (QR) in the presence of a homogeneous perpendicular magnetic field and Rashba spin‐orbit coupling have been investigated. A non‐equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) approach has been followed in coherent regime. Numerical results show that spatial magnetization of the transport electrons oscillates throughout the QR and the spin current and spin accumulation can be controlled by the Rashba coupling, bias voltage, and magnetic field.
Studying the Influence of Packaging Design on Consumer Perceptions (of Dairy Products) Using Categorizing and Perceptual Mapping
Authors: Gelici‐Zeko M. M. , Lutters D. , ten Klooster R. , Weijzen P. L. G.
Published: June 2012

Food packaging plays an important role in attracting consumers' attention and generating expectations in the consumer that in turn affect their product perception and buying behaviour. In the present study, ‘categorizing’ and ‘perceptual mapping’—diametrically opposed methods (predefined criteria vs consumer criteria)—were used to study the influence of packaging design on consumer perceptions of dairy products. Eighty‐nine images of milk, yoghurt and yoghurt drink with different graphical designs, sizes, shapes and materials were presented to the participants. The participants were randomly divided in two groups, each of which evaluated the samples using one method: categorizing or perceptual mapping. Both categorizing and perceptual mapping have been demonstrated to be useful, simple and user‐friendly methods to determine the packaging design cues that influence the perception of dairy products. However, perceptual mapping provided more subconscious perceptions than the categorizing task. The results of perceptual mapping are objective and provide representative information. Furthermore, it fosters better understanding of the potential for product packaging to be misinterpreted and supports packaging designers in developing packages that better align with consumer perception. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eco‐efficient Value Creation: An Alternative Perspective on Packaging and Sustainability
Authors: Wever Renee , Vogtländer Joost
Published: June 2012

The classical sustainability perspective on packaging is to reduce the environmental impact or eco‐burden of the packaging, using life cycle assessment to evaluate different design alternatives. Simultaneously, the classical marketing perspective on packaging is to generate value through differentiation, for instance, by providing additional convenience. These two perspectives often conflict. In business reality, there is currently no established method to deal with these conflicts. Life cycle assessment is methodologically incapable of incorporating the difference in convenience. This article uses the eco‐costs/value ratio (EVR), as a method for dealing with the environmental assessment of packaging design alternatives with such unequal ‘soft’ functionality.

The article reviews the current debate on packaging and sustainability, highlighting some of the shortcomings of the methods currently applied. Subsequently, the EVR model is introduced and applied to five examples. These examples consist of pairs of products, where the product, the amount, the brand and the retail outlet are identical and only the packaging design and the value differ. The examples illustrate how the EVR model fits better to design decision making in business reality than classical life cycle assessment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication and Properties of Antioxidant Polyethylene‐based Films Containing Marigold (Tagetes erecta) Extract and Application on Soybean Oil Stability
Authors: Colín‐Chávez Citlali , Soto‐Valdez Herlinda , Peralta Elizabeth , Lizardi‐Mendoza Jaime , Balandrán‐Quintana René Renato
Published: June 2012

Four films were extruded in a pilot‐plant scale blown extrusion machine: a monolayer low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film added with 2.90% of marigold (Tagetes erecta) extract, a two‐layer high‐density polyethylene/LDPE film added with 3.59% of the extract in the LDPE layer and the corresponding two control films without addition of the extract. More than 64% of astaxanthin contained in the extract was lost during the extrusion process. Spectroscopic, optical and mechanical properties of the films were affected by the addition of the marigold extract. The films showed to be light sensitive when exposed to commercial light at 25 °C; however, bags made of the films showed a positive effect on soybean oil stability when used as packaging. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Distribution on Product Temperature Profile in Thermally Insulated Containers for Express Shipments
Authors: Singh Jay , Jaggia Sanjiv , Saha Koushik
Published: June 2012

An uninterrupted cold chain is a continual series of storage and distribution activities that maintain a specific temperature or temperature range. Cold chain solutions typically involve excessive packaging to ensure that the desired product temperature is maintained through the distribution process, thereby increasing the logistics‐related costs. There is a myriad of solutions available for shipping temperature‐sensitive products, including those constructed with a variety of packaging materials as well as refrigerants. Although static characteristics for thermally insulated packaging solutions such as the R‐values of package systems as well as the melting points and heat absorption rates of various refrigerants have been studied in the past, none of the past studies have evaluated the effect of comprehensive distribution on the reliability of the cold chain packaging solutions. This research was undertaken to study the temperature profiles for factors such as different densities for a given thickness of thermally insulating material, wall thicknesses and distribution environments for four different types of materials—polyurethane, virgin expanded polystyrene, recycled content expanded polystyrene and vacuum‐insulated panels. The temperature range of 2 °C–8 °C, critical for pharmaceutical drugs and vaccines, was targeted. An interesting regression‐based finding was that the interaction between the R‐value and the wall thickness significantly influenced the length of time the thermally insulated packages stayed in the desired range of 2 °C–8 °C . The findings of this study will be decisive in designing cost‐efficient and practical single‐use cold chain transportation solutions for temperature‐sensitive products. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ToF‐SIMS as a tool for metabolic profiling small biomolecules in cancer systems
Authors: Kotze Helen L. , Armitage Emily G. , Fletcher John S. , Henderson Alex , Williams Kaye J. , Lockyer Nicholas P. , Vickerman John C.
Published: June 2012

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) is emerging as a tool for studying the metabolism of disease. ToF‐SIMS enables chemical specificity in addition to high spatial resolution imaging of biological samples from cells to tissue. Here, ToF‐SIMS has been used to investigate the metabolic regulation of hypoxia‐induced chemoresistance to doxorubicin treatment using multicellular tumour spheroids. Imaging principal component analysis (PCA) was used as a tool to identify the regions of chemistry present within the image that differ as a result of drug treatment. A series of metabolite ToF‐SIMS spectra were acquired, which were used to identify quasi‐molecular ions and fragments correlated to the PCA loading plots. Metabolite patterns have been identified as potential biomarkers of hypoxia‐induced chemoresistance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.