bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Method of analyzing silicon groove damage using QSS‐PC, PL imaging, silicon etch rate, and visual microscopy for solar cell fabrication
Authors: Fong Kean Chern , Blakers Andrew
Published: July 2011

This work uses a variety of tools to investigate damage caused by laser and dicing saw grooving in silicon. The tools comprise quasi steady state photoconductance decay, photoluminescence imaging, measurement of silicon etch rate in anisotropic etch solution, and visual microscopy. Shallow grooves were formed using a 532 nm Q‐switched Nd:YLF frequency doubled solid state laser and a high speed spindle dicing saw. Combined analysis of the characterization tools enabled determination of the damage radius of the grooves within the bulk of the wafer, the radius of damage in the dielectric layer laterally along the surface of the wafer, as well as the groove etching requirements to fully recover the minority carrier lifetime in the vicinity of the groove. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Top‐down label‐free LC‐MALDI analysis of the peptidome during neural progenitor cell differentiation reveals complexity in cytoskeletal protein dynamics and identifies progenitor cell markers
Authors: Maltman Daniel J. , Brand Sven , Belau Eckhard , Paape Rainer , Suckau Detlev , Przyborski Stefan A.
Published: July 2011

In the field of stem cell research, there is a strong requirement for the discovery of new biomarkers that more accurately define stem and progenitor cell populations, as well as their differentiated derivatives. The very‐low‐molecular‐weight (<5 kDa) proteome/peptidome remains a poorly investigated but potentially rich source of cellular biomarkers. Here we describe a label‐free LC‐MALDI‐TOF/TOF quantification approach to screen the very‐low‐molecular‐weight proteome, i.e. the peptidome, of neural progenitor cells and derivative populations to identify potential neural stem/progenitor cell biomarkers. Twelve different proteins were identified on the basis of MS/MS analysis of peptides, which displayed differential abundance between undifferentiated and differentiated cultures. These proteins included major cytoskeletal components such as nestin, vimentin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, which are all associated with neural development. Other cytoskeletal proteins identified were dihydropyrimidinase‐related protein 2, prothymosin (thymosin α‐1), and thymosin β‐10. These findings highlight novel stem cell/progenitor cell marker candidates and demonstrate proteomic complexity, which underlies the limitations of major intermediate filament proteins long established as neural markers.
Proteomic analysis identifies differentially expressed proteins after HDAC vorinostat and EGFR inhibitor gefitinib treatments in Hep‐2 cancer cells
Authors: Bianchi Laura , Bruzzese Francesca , Leone Alessandra , Gagliardi Assunta , Puglia Michele , Di Gennaro Elena , Rocco Monia , Gimigliano Anna , Pucci Biagio , Armini Alessandro , Bini Luca , Budillon Alfredo
Published: July 2011

Several solid tumors are characterized by poor prognosis and few effective treatment options, other than palliative chemotherapy in the recurrent/metastatic setting. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been considered an important anticancer target because it is involved in the development and progression of several solid tumors; however, only a subset of patients show a clinically meaningful response to EGFR inhibition, particularly to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as gefitinib. We have recently demonstrated synergistic antitumor effect of the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat combined with gefitinib. To further characterize the interaction between these two agents, cellular extracts from Hep‐2 cancer cells that were untreated or treated for 24 h with either vorinostat or gefitinib alone or with a vorinostat/gefitinib combination were analyzed using 2‐D DIGE. Software analysis using DeCyder was performed, and numerous differentially expressed protein spots were visualized between the four examined settings. Using MALDI‐TOF MS and ESI‐Ion trap MS/MS, several differentially expressed proteins were identified; some of these were validated by Western blotting. Finally, a pathway analysis of experimental data performed using MetaCore highlighted a relevant relationship between the identified proteins and additional potential effectors. In conclusion, we performed a comprehensive analysis of proteins regulated by vorinostat and gefitinib, alone and in combination, providing a useful insight into their mechanisms of action as well as their synergistic interaction.
The Relationship among Systems Engineers’ Capacity for Engineering Systems Thinking, Project Types, and Project Success
Authors: Frank Moti , Sadeh Arik , Ashkenasi Sharon
Published: July 2011

In recent years, systems engineering and Project Management Bodies of Knowledge have been rapidly growing. However, despite the vast amount of literature available on systems engineering and project management, about two-thirds of all projects still fail. A review of both project management and systems engineering publications reveals that most of these works focus on processes. We suggest focusing on people—project managers and systems engineers. One of our previous studies dealt with project managers; this article focuses on systems engineers. This article presents findings of a study aimed at exploring the relationship among systems engineers’ capacity for engineering systems thinking (CEST), project types, and project success. The instrument used in this study was a self-report questionnaire, composed of three parts. The first part assessed the participants’ CEST, the second part assessed several measures of project success, and the third part assessed four dimensions of project type. The simple random sampling method was used, and the sample included 114 senior systems engineers who were randomly selected from the sampling frame. The study findings show that there is a statistically significant correlation between CEST and project success. The extent of the project's novelty, complexity, and technological uncertainty are moderator variables that affect this correlation.
Density functional theory study of the bis‐3‐benzo‐crown ethers and their complexes with alkali metal cations Na+, K+, Rb+ and Cs+
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Xueye , Luo Benhua , Xia Yong
Published: July 2011

The binding interactions of bis‐3‐benzo‐15‐crown‐5 ethers and bis‐3‐benzo‐18‐crown‐6 ethers (neutral hosts) with a series of alkali metal cations Na+, K+, Rb+ and Cs+ (charged guests) were investigated using quantum chemical density functional theory. Different optimized structures, binding energies and various thermodynamic parameters of free crown ethers and their metal cation complexes were obtained based on the Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr functional using mixed basis set (C, H, O, Na+ and K+ using 6‐31 g, and the heavier cation Rb+ and Cs+ using effective core potentials). Natural bond orbital analysis is conducted on the optimized geometric structures. The main types of driving force host–guest interactions are investigated. The electron donating O offers a lone pair of electrons to the contacting LP* (1‐center valence antibond lone pair) orbitals of metal cations. The bis‐3‐benzocrown ethers are assumed to have sandwich‐like conformations, considering the binding energies to gauge the exact interactions with alkali cations. It is found that there are two different types of complexes: one is a tight ion pair and the other is a separated ion pair. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Macroinitiator halide effects in galactoglucomannan‐mediated single electron transfer‐living radical polymerization
Authors: Edlund Ulrica , Albertsson Ann‐Christine
Published: July 2011

Chloro (Cl)‐ and bromo (Br)‐functionalized macroinitiators were successfully prepared from the softwood hemicellulose O‐acetylated galactoglucomannan (AcGGM) and then explored and evaluated with respect to their ability and efficiency of initiating single electron transfer‐living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP). Both halogenated species effectively initiate SET‐LRP of an acrylate and a methacrylate monomer, respectively, yielding brushlike AcGGM graft copolymers, where the molecular weights are accurately controlled via the monomer:macroinitiator ratio and polymerization time over a broad range: from oligomeric to ultrahigh. The nature of the halogen does not influence the kinetics of polymerization strongly, however, for acrylate graft polymerization, AcGGM‐Cl gives a somewhat higher rate constant of propagation, while methacrylate grafting proceeds slightly faster when the initiating species is AcGGM‐Br. For both monomers, the macroinitiator efficiency is superior in the case of AcGGM‐Br. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Acid dissolution of copper oxides as a method for the activation of Cu(0) wire catalyst for SET‐LRP
Authors: Nguyen Nga H. , Percec Virgil
Published: July 2011

Here we reported the acid dissolution of copper oxides as a methodology for the activation of Cu(0) wire used as catalyst in single‐electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP). In this method, the oxide layer on the surface of commercial Cu(0) wire was removed by dissolution in a concentrated acid such as nitric acid, glacial acetic acid and hydrochloric acid. SET‐LRP of methyl acrylate catalyzed with Cu(0) wire activated with acids showed comparable k value to that of the nonactivated Cu(0) wire‐catalyzed counterpart. However, the polymerizations catalyzed with activated Cu(0) wire proceeded with no initial induction period, predictable molecular weight evolution with conversion, and narrow molecular weight distribution. Regardless of the activation method, the chain end functionality of α,ω‐di(bromo) poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) prepared from SET‐LRP initiated with a bifunctional initiator is extremely high, maintaining a 100% chain end functionality at ∼90% monomer conversion. The degree of bimolecular termination increased as the polymerization exceeds 92% conversion. However, for binfunctional initiators this small amount of bimolecular termination at high conversion maintains a perfectly bifunctional polymer. Structural analysis by MALDI‐TOF upon thioetherification of α,ω‐di(bromo) PMA with thiophenol and 4‐fluorothiophenol confirmed the high fidelity of bromide chain ends. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Can a tailored telephone intervention delivered by volunteers reduce the supportive care needs, anxiety and depression of people with colorectal cancer? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: White Victoria M. , Macvean Michelle L. , Grogan Suzi , D'Este Catherine , Akkerman Doreen , Ieropoli Sandra , Hill David J. , Sanson‐Fisher Robert
Published: July 2011

Objective

The objective was to assess the effectiveness of a volunteer‐delivered tailored telephone‐based intervention in reducing prevalence of unmet supportive care needs, elevated levels of anxiety and depression among people with colorectal cancer over a 9‐month period.

Methods

There were 653 participants who completed the baseline questionnaire and were randomised to usual care (n = 341) or intervention (n = 306). Three follow‐up questionnaires were completed at 3‐monthly intervals (response rates: 93%, 87%, 82%, respectively). All four questionnaires contained the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and checklists for colorectal cancer symptoms and use of support services. The intervention consisted of trained volunteers providing emotional support, service referral and information and was delivered after completion of each of the first three questionnaires. Primary outcomes were prevalence of moderate to high SCNS needs and elevated levels (scores of 8+) of HADS anxiety and depression.

Results

Over the study period, SCNS needs decreased similarly for both groups, and prevalence of elevated depression did not change for either group. There was a greater reduction in the prevalence of elevated anxiety in the intervention than usual care group (p < 0.01), with the intervention group decrease mainly occurring between baseline and the first follow‐up survey (p < 0.01). However, the prevalence of elevated anxiety was similar between the two groups at each follow‐up point.

Conclusions

The intervention had no effect on supportive care needs or depression, although it may be associated with a greater reduction in anxiety. Future research should test the intervention with patients closer to diagnosis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The meaning of cancer: implications for family finances and consequent impact on lifestyle, activities, roles and relationships
Authors: Amir Ziv , Wilson Kate , Hennings Jean , Young Alys
Published: July 2011

Objective

This study explores the impact that cancer‐related financial hardship/worries can have on family life.

Methods

Forty patients (19 male and 21 female) and 17 carers participated in a qualitative study, which drew on certain elements of grounded theory methods. Participants were 18 years or older and were accessed through a regional cancer centre, an acute National Health Service trust, a support group and the Macmillan Benefits Helpline. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically with the aid of nvivo 7 (QSR International, Cambridge, MA, USA).

Results

Many participants said that prior to experiencing cancer, they had never thought about its effects on finances. The early part of the cancer journey was characterised by a need to be positive about the future, limited discussion about money within families and a lack of action in relation to finances. Many participants, especially those of working age, described cancer‐related financial worries and difficulties that had impacted on family lifestyle, roles and relationships. Consequences included house repossession, bankruptcy, loss of independence and relationship breakdown.

Conclusions

Health and social care professionals have a role in prompting people affected by cancer to take stock of their finances early in the cancer trajectory, in order to avert knock‐on effects. An approach that combines hope with proactivity is needed. More work into the long‐term effects of financial difficulties/worries and specific financial issues that affect people from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds is needed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal Expansion of LX‐17, PBX 9502, and Ultrafine TATB
Authors: Souers P. Clark , Lewis Pat , Hoffman Mark , Cunningham Bruce
Published: July 2011

A large quantity of linear strain and LCTE data from −55 °C to 75 °C on LX‐17, PBX 9502 and ultrafine TATB (ufTATB) is presented. Axial and diametral measurements are blended to give final densities, which agree with the liquid immersion values of Baytos et al. The nominal densities at 21, −55 and 75 °C in g⋅cm−3 are: LX‐17 1.90, 1.920, 1.874; PBX 9502 1.89, 1.907, 1.867; ufTATB 1.80, 1.822, 1.778. Data taken radially show more thermal expansion than that taken transversely in cut‐up parts; both must be combined to get the density. There is no difference between virgin and recycled TATB. Rachet growth data is presented, both at low pressure and at higher pressure, where the swelling is diminished. A Kel‐F strain curve is presented and the theoretical maximum densities are computed.
Assessing Low‐frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Case Series
Authors: Glielmi Christopher B. , Butler Andrew J. , Niyazov Dmitriy M. , Darling Warren G. , Epstein Charles M. , Alberts Jay L. , Hu Xiaoping P.
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose. This case series assesses the effects of five consecutive days of low‐frequency (1 Hz) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with and without a 6‐Hz primer. Although this paper studies able‐bodied individuals, similar rTMS protocols are used to facilitate motor recovery in patients with hemiplegia following stroke. However, the cortical mechanisms associated with repeated daily doses of rTMS are not completely understood. Case Description. Four right‐handed healthy volunteers (two men, aged 20–50 years) participated in a double‐blind case series of primed and unprimed rTMS. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to compare task‐related haemodynamics during a simple motor task and resting‐state cortical connectivity. Understanding the mechanisms of repeated rTMS sessions may serve as a precursor to development of rTMS paradigms involving motor cortex stimulation in patients with a range of neurologic dysfunction. Outcomes. Following five consecutive days of rTMS, all subjects had reduced task‐related haemodynamics. Resting‐state brain connectivity between motor regions was reduced only after primed rTMS. Discussion. This is the first study to indicate that resting‐state brain connectivity can distinguish the effect of primed and unprimed rTMS to a greater extent than task‐related haemodynamics. Furthermore, priming may inhibit the connectivity between the area of the cortex underlying the rTMS site and remote brain regions. Significance. These findings benefit rTMS rehabilitation studies by examining haemodynamics on repeated days of stimulation and incorporating resting‐state brain connectivity analysis to further understand underlying neural mechanisms. Furthermore, this work encourages the utilization of resting connectivity in future rTMS studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein electrostatics and pKa blind predictions; contribution from empirical predictions of internal ionizable residues
Authors: Olsson Mats H. M.
Published: July 2011

In this study, we validate and probe the description of electrostatic interactions within proteins by predicting and comparing pKa values of ionizable groups in a series of mutated staphylococcal nuclease variants with experiments. This set of pKa values is found to be the most challenging pKa data to date, because ionizable residues have been introduced in hydrophobic patches in the protein interior and are therefore significantly shifted from their reference solvated values. We find that using PROPKA2 (Li et al., Proteins 2005;61:704–721) results in an rmsd value close to 2 for true blind predictions (1.6 if we reassign the tightly coupled Asp19/21 pair) and close to 1 for postpredictions with the newly developed PROPKA3 (Olsson et al., J. Chem. Theor. Comp. 2011;7:525–537). We also use the performance of the Null‐model, predictions made with the reference value only, to provide a better description of the expected errors in pKa predictions and to compare submissions made using different subsets of the pKa data more consistently. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The active–inactive transition of human thymidylate synthase: Targeted molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Salo‐Ahen Outi M. H. , Wade Rebecca C.
Published: July 2011

Human thymidylate synthase (hTS) is an established anticancer target. It catalyses the production of 2′‐deoxythymidine‐5′‐monophosphate, an essential building block for DNA synthesis. Because of the development of cellular drug resistance against current hTS inhibitors, alternative inhibition strategies are needed. hTS exists in two forms, active and inactive, defined by the conformation of the active‐site (AS) loop, which carries the catalytic cysteine, C195. To investigate the mechanism of activation and inactivation, targeted molecular dynamics (TMD) simulations of the transitions between active and inactive states of hTS were performed. Analysis of changes in the dihedral angles in the AS loop during different TMD simulations revealed complex conformational transitions. Despite hTS being a homodimeric enzyme and the conformational transition significantly involving the dimer interface, the transition occurs in an asymmetric, sequential manner via an ensemble of pathways. In addition to C195, which reoriented during the simulations, other key residues in the rotation of the AS loop included W182 and R185. The interactions of the cognate bulky W182 residues at the dimer interface hindered the simultaneous twist of the AS loops in the hTS dimer. Interactions of R185, which is unique for hTS, with ligands at different allosteric sites affected the activation transition. In addition to providing insights into the activation/inactivation mechanism of hTS and how conformational transitions can occur in homodimeric proteins, our observations suggest that blocking of AS loop rotation by ligands binding in the large cavity between the loops could be one way to stabilize inactive hTS and inhibit the enzyme. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simulating electrostatic energies in proteins: Perspectives and some recent studies of pKas, redox, and other crucial functional properties
Authors: Warshel Arieh , Dryga Anatoly
Published: July 2011

Electrostatic energies provide what is arguably the most effective tool for structure–function correlation of biological molecules. Here, we provide an overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art simulations of electrostatic energies in macromolecules, emphasizing the microscopic perspective but also relating it to macroscopic approaches. We comment on the convergence issue and other problems of the microscopic models and the ways of keeping the microscopic physics while moving to semi‐macroscopic directions. We discuss the nature of the protein dielectric “constants” reiterating our long‐standing point that the dielectric “constants” in semi‐macroscopic models depend on the definition and the specific treatment. The advances and the challenges in the field are illustrated considering different functional properties including pKa's, redox potentials, ion and proton channels, enzyme catalysis, ligand binding, and protein stability. We emphasize the microscopic overcharging approach for studying pKa's of internal groups in proteins and give a demonstration of power of this approach. We also emphasize recent advances in coarse grained models with a physically based electrostatic treatment and provide some examples including further directions in treating voltage activated ion channels. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enantiomeric 9‐mer peptide analogs of protaetiamycine with bacterial cell selectivities and anti‐inflammatory activities
Authors: Lee Eunjung , Kim Jin‐Kyoung , Shin Soyoung , Jeong Ki‐Woong , Lee Juneyoung , Lee Dong Gun , Hwang Jae‐Sam , Kim Yangmee
Published: July 2011

Protaetiamycine is an insect defensin, derived from the larvae of the beetle Protaetia brevitarsis. In our previous work, we designed 9‐mer peptide analogs of protaetiamycine, including 9Pbw2 (RLWLAIKRR‐NH2), 9Pbw3 (RLWLAIWRR‐NH2), and 9Pbw4 (RLWLAWKRR‐NH2). 9Pbw2 and 9Pbw4 showed high antimicrobial activity without cytotoxicity, while 9Pbw3 with higher hydrophobicity compared to 9Pbw2 and 9Pbw4 showed high cytotoxicity as well as high antimicrobial activity (Shin et al., J. Pept. Sci. 2009; 15: 559–568). In this study, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory activities of 9Pbw2, 9Pbw3, and 9Pbw4 by quantitation of NO production in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The results showed that only 9Pbw3 has strong inhibition of NO production, implying that Trp7 as well as optimum level of hydrophobicity may play key roles in the anti‐inflammatory activity of 9Pbw3. In order to design potent anti‐inflammatory peptide with lower cytotoxicity as well as high stability from cleavage by protease compared to 9Pbw3, we synthesized 9Pbw3‐D, the all‐D‐amino acid analog of 9Pbw3. 9Pbw3‐D showed less cytotoxicity against RAW264.7 cells as well as considerably stronger inhibition of NO production and inflammation‐induced cytokine production in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells than 9Pbw3. 9Pbw3‐D inhibited the gene expression of inflammatory‐induced cytokine significantly more than 9Pbw3 and showed high resistance to proteolytic digestion. Binding of 9Pbw3‐D with LPS caused higher enhancement of the FITC fluorescence as a result of its stronger interaction with LPS compared to that of 9Pbw3 and this result is in good agreement with their anti‐inflammatory activities. 9Pbw3‐D with higher anti‐inflammatory activity as well as lower cytotoxicity against mammalian cell compared to 9Pbw3 can be a potent noncytotoxic antibiotic candidates. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave and infrared dielectric response in BaTiO3 based relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Zhang Jingji , Zhai Jiwei , Zhang Yewen
Published: July 2011

Microwave (MW), infrared (IR) dielectric response, and Raman spectra of BaZryTi1‐yO3 (BZT) (y = 0.25–0.40) and BaTi1‐zSnzO3 (BTS) (z = 0.15–0.30) ceramics were studied systematically. As the substitution levels increased, the evolution from normal ferroelectric to canonical relaxor was observed. BaTiO3 based relaxor ferroelectrics have high tunability, MW permittivity, and loss tangent. IR analysis confirmed that the relaxor behavior in BZT and BTS was caused by the cationic disorder with BO6 octahedron and the origin of larger diffuseness in BTS dielectric peak was attributed to a distinct split of BO6 bending. Compared with BST, the soft mode in BaTiO3 based relaxor ferroelectrics hardened slightly and became harmonic with increasing substitution levels, resulting in high tunability for BaTiO3 based relaxors. The variation in tunability of BZT with composition is larger than that of BTS, due to the larger variation in softest mode with composition for BZT. Raman scattering showed that, in comparison with cubic‐BST, the bands at ∼730 cm−1 were observed in cubic‐BZT and ‐BTS, owing to the positional disorder at B‐site cation. However, an extra band at ∼770 cm−1 in BZT appeared and red‐shifted, whose intensity increased with the substitution levels increasing. It is of particular interest that the upward shift of A1(TO2) mode of the samples with higher substitution levels indicated a tighter bonding between the cations and the anions, which led to a smaller permittivity of the samples with higher substitution levels.
Effect of M3C on the Precipitation Behavior of M23C6 Phase during Early Stage of Tempering in T91 Ferritic Steel
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Liu Yongchang , Zhang Dantian , Ning Baoqun , Yan Zesheng
Published: July 2011

Tempered martensitic structure is the service condition of T91 ferritic steel after adopting the austenitizing followed by tempering. Needle‐like M3C particles are precipitated during air cooling after austenization, while the precipitation of M3C is suppressed during the water cooling. The effect of existence of M3C on the precipitation behaviors of M23C6 during the early stage of tempering, as nucleation site, number density and size distribution, was investigated by means of TEM observation. The TEM results indicate that, upon the same tempering time, the size of M23C6 is smaller and its number density is higher in the sample pre‐existing M3C than in the sample without M3C. This can be explained that existence of M3C results in more M23C6 precipitates forming inside of grain, where a relatively low self‐diffusion coefficient of alloy element leads to M23C6 hardly coarsening. However, with the prolongation of tempering time, this effect becomes weaken. Microhardness results indicate that the existence of M3C phase results in the increase of hardness after tempering due to the precipitation of finer and denser M23C6 particles.
Tensile properties, swelling, and water absorption behavior of rice‐husk‐powder‐filled polypropylene/(recycled acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber) composites
Authors: Ismail H. , Ragunathan S. , Hussin K.
Published: July 2011

The effect of rice husk powder (RHP) on the tensile properties, swelling, water absorption, and morphology of polypropylene (PP)/[recycled acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBRr)]/RHP composites was studied. Composites containing 0 to 30 parts of RHP per hundred parts of resin were prepared by using a Haake Rheomix Polydrive R 600/610 mixer at 180°C with a rotor speed of 50 rpm. Results indicated that the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased but that the tensile modulus increased with increasing amounts of RHP. Swelling of the PP/NBRr/RHP composites in oil and toluene increased with increasing RHP contents, and the composites exhibited a non‐Fickian diffusion with a two stage absorption mechanism. Micrographs acquired by SEM revealed an increasing number of voids and micro‐holes on the tensile‐fractured surfaces of the composites with increasing amounts of RHP. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Viscosity, shear strength, and peel strength on poly(ethylene terephthalate) of (natural rubber)‐based adhesives containing hybrid tackifiers
Authors: Poh B.T. , Syed Putra S.Z. Firdaus
Published: July 2011

The viscosity, shear strength, and peel strength of [natural rubber (Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) L grade)]‐based pressure‐sensitive adhesives were studied by using hybrid tackifiers, i.e., mixtures of coumarone–indene resin and petro resin. Toluene and poly(ethylene terephthalate) were used as the solvent and substrate, respectively. Viscosity of the adhesives was determined with a HAAKE rotary viscometer, whereas shear and peel strength were measured by a Lloyd adhesion tester. Results showed that the viscosity and shear strength decreased with increasing petro resin concentration, an observation which is attributed to the plasticizing effect of the resin. Peel strength, however, showed a maximum value at 60 phr (parts by weight per hundred parts of resin) petro resin concentration, thus indicating maximum wettability at this petro resin content. Peel strength increased with coating thickness for all the peel tests studied. In all cases, a 90° peel test consistently exhibited the highest peel value. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Application of resins and crosslinking agents on fiber blend fabric to reduce pilling performance, optimized by response surface methodology
Authors: Montazer M. , Mazaheri F. , Khosravian Sh. , Azimi M. , Bameni Moghadam M. , Sadeghi A. H.
Published: July 2011

Resins and crosslinking agents have been used on textiles for a long time for various purposes. Fiber blend fabrics have a propensity to pill, thereby giving garments a spoiled surface appearance. The pilling should be reduced or prevented by application of an appropriate finishing method. Surface modification by using different chemicals is the most useful method. Here, various resins and crosslinking agents were used to reduce the pilling of viscose/polyester (35/65) fabric. A viscose/polyester knitted fabric was treated with different blends of aminoplast resins and crosslinking agents in order to obtain a fabric with permanent anti‐pilling performance. The concentrations of the resins were determined with a central composite design, and then different characteristics of the fabrics such as pilling rate, water absorption, air permeability, water vapor transmission, bending, tensile strength, whiteness, and washing durability were examined. The results showed that application of aminoplast resins along with a crosslinking agent helped to reduce pilling. Also, the amounts of different variables were optimized with response surface methodology, and their statistical models were obtained. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Plant serine/arginine‐rich proteins: roles in precursor messenger RNA splicing, plant development, and stress responses
Authors: Reddy Anireddy S. N. , Shad Ali Gul
Published: July 2011

Global analyses of splicing of precursor messenger RNAs (pre‐mRNAs) have revealed that alternative splicing (AS) is highly pervasive in plants. Despite the widespread occurrence of AS in plants, the mechanisms that control splicing and the roles of splice variants generated from a gene are poorly understood. Studies on plant serine/arginine‐rich (SR) proteins, a family of highly conserved proteins, suggest their role in both constitutive splicing and AS of pre‐mRNAs. SR proteins have a characteristic domain structure consisting of one or two RNA recognition motifs at the N‐terminus and a C‐terminal RS domain rich in arginine/serine dipeptides. Plants have many more SR proteins compared to animals including several plant‐specific subfamilies. Pre‐mRNAs of plant SR proteins are extensively alternatively spliced to increase the transcript complexity by about six‐fold. Some of this AS is controlled in a tissue‐ and development‐specific manner. Furthermore, AS of SR pre‐mRNAs is altered by various stresses, raising the possibility of rapid reprogramming of the whole transcriptome by external signals through regulation of the splicing of these master regulators of splicing. Most SR splice variants contain a premature termination codon and are degraded by up‐frameshift 3 (UPF3)‐mediated nonsense‐mediated decay (NMD), suggesting a link between NMD and regulation of expression of the functional transcripts of SR proteins. Limited functional studies with plant SRs suggest key roles in growth and development and plant responses to the environment. Here, we discuss the current status of research on plant SRs and some promising approaches to address many unanswered questions about plant SRs. WIREs RNA 2011 2 875–889 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.98

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
Concurrent Use of Cultural Health Practices and Western Medicine During Pregnancy: Exploring the Mexican Experience in the United States
Authors: Barragan Deborah I. , Ormond Kelly E. , Strecker Michelle N. , Weil Jon
Published: July 2011

The relationship between concurrent use of cultural health practices and Western medicine during pregnancy by women of Mexican origin is relatively unstudied. The aim of this study was to explore how cultural health practices are balanced with the use of Western medicine during pregnancy by women of Mexican origin across differing acculturation levels. A convenience sample of 15 women of self‐identified Mexican origin between the ages of 18–65 participated either in a telephone interview or one of two small group interviews; each was conducted in participants’ preferred language. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic coding, and acculturation level was assessed using a validated measure. The results indicate that (1) Women of all acculturation levels valued Western medical care in pregnancy and had a good understanding of common public health messages; (2) Perceived benefits of and reasons for engaging in cultural health practices varied by acculturation level; and (3) Motivation for sharing cultural health practices with children also varied by acculturation level. Consequently, acculturation level is an important factor to consider in culturally competent genetic counseling, including eliciting cultural information relevant to counseling and decision‐making and identifying barriers to effective, culturally sensitive communication.
Primary Care Physicians’ Awareness, Experience and Opinions of Direct‐to‐Consumer Genetic Testing
Authors: Powell Karen P. , Cogswell Whitney A. , Christianson Carol A. , Dave Gaurav , Verma Amit , Eubanks Sonja , Henrich Vincent C.
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess primary care physicians’ awareness, experience, opinions and preparedness to answer patients’ questions regarding direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) genetic testing. An anonymous survey was mailed to 2,402 family and internal medicine providers in North Carolina. Of the 382 respondents, 38.7% (n = 148) were aware of and 15% (n = 59) felt prepared to answer questions about DTC genetic tests. Respondents aged 50 or older were more likely to be aware of DTC genetic testing than those less than 40 years old (OR = 2.42). Male providers were more likely to feel prepared to answer questions than female providers (OR = 2.65). Among respondents who reportedly were aware, family practitioners were more likely than internists (OR = 3.30) to think DTC testing was clinically useful, and 18.9% had patients ask questions or bring in test results. The small percent of physicians who were aware of DTC genetic testing or felt prepared to answer questions about it suggests that education of providers will be necessary if testing becomes more widespread.
Mechanism of maternal vascular remodeling during human pregnancy
Authors: Sato Yukiyasu , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Konishi Ikuo
Published: July 2011

Remodeling of maternal spiral arteries by invasion of extravillous trophoblast (EVT) is crucial for an adequate blood supply to the fetus. EVT cells that migrate through the decidual tissue destroy the arterial muscular lining from the outside (interstitial invasion), and those that migrate along the arterial lumen displace the endothelium from the inside (endovascular invasion). Numerous factors including cytokines/growth factors, chemokines, cell adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix‐degrading enzymes, and environmental oxygen have been proposed to stimulate or inhibit the differentiation/invasion of EVT. Nevertheless, it is still difficult to depict overall pictures of the mechanism controlling perivascular and endovascular invasion. Potential factors that direct interstitial trophoblast towards maternal spiral artery are relatively high oxygen tension in the spiral artery, maternal platelets, vascular smooth muscle cells, and Eph/ephrin system. On the other hand, very little is understood about endovascular invasion except for the involvement of endothelial apoptosis in this process. Only small numbers of molecules such as polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecules and CCR1 have been suggested as specific markers for the endovascular trophoblast. Therefore, an initial step to approach the mechanisms for endovascular invasion could be more detailed molecular characterization of the endovascular trophoblast.
“I should remember I don’t want to become fat”: Adolescents’ views on self‐regulatory strategies for healthy eating
Authors: Stok F. Marijn , de Vet Emely , de Ridder Denise T.D. , de Wit John B.F.
Published: July 2011

Few studies have investigated the strategies adolescents identify to self‐regulate eating behavior. Aiming to address this gap in the literature, the current article describes a bottom‐up investigation of strategies adolescents identify for the successful self‐regulation of eating behavior. Sixty‐two adolescents generated statements about self‐regulation strategies for eating and rated the utility of each statement. From an initial pool of 357 statements, thirteen overarching self‐regulatory strategies were distilled (e.g. preparation; stimulus control). Significant differences were found between the strategies with regard to perceived utility. Findings indicate that, in apparent contradiction to growing obesity rates, adolescents have knowledge of various self‐regulatory strategies. Possible explanations for this contradiction are discussed.
Naloxone inhibits not only stress‐induced analgesia but also sympathetic activation and baroreceptor‐reflex sensitivity
Authors: Fechir M. , Breimhorst M. , Kritzmann S. , Geber C. , Schlereth T. , Baier B. , Birklein F.
Published: July 2011

Interactions between the sympathetic nervous system and pain are manifold and still have not been sufficiently characterized. Accordingly, several possible neuronal pathways have been described as being involved in mental stress‐induced analgesia. We studied the role of the endogenous opioidergic system in stress‐induced analgesia in 14 healthy participants in a double‐blind cross‐over trial. Naloxone or placebo was applied while electrical pain stimulation was started and electrical current increased. After reaching a constant stimulation at 30 mA, a color word interference test (Stroop task) was performed in a stressful and a non‐stressful version. Blood pressure, heart rate and baroreflex sensitivity were continuously recorded to assess autonomic activation. Each participant was tested with naloxone and placebo with a randomized and balanced order of trials.

The major results are that the opioid‐receptor antagonist naloxone prevented (1) stress‐induced reduction of tonic current‐induced pain, (2) attenuated the simultaneous activation of the sympathetic nervous system, and (3) reduced the counteraction of sympathetic activation by vagal baroreceptor mechanisms. Thus, the opioidergic system not only modulates nociceptive input but also the interplay with vegetative responses.

We conclude that acute stress, sympathetic activation and analgesia might be linked via vagal reflexes, which are disturbed when opioid receptors are blocked. This mechanism might underlie increased perception of noxious stimuli in patients with chronic pain or mood disorders.
Denatured bactericidal proteins: Active per se, or reservoirs of active peptides?
Authors: D'Alessio Giuseppe
Published: July 2011

The hypothesis is advanced that these proteins are not bactericidal per se, but because they store in their amino acid sequences peptide segments that display bactericidal activity when cut out as free peptides from the proteins. These bactericidal proteins would thus be merely containers of bactericidal peptides.
The role of nutritional supplements and feeding strategies in equine athletic performance
Authors: Geor Raymond J
Published: July 2011

In human and animal nutrition, much interest has been focused on the potential role of dietary supplements in promoting health, athletic performance and disease mitigation. Supplements may include essential nutrients provided in amounts greater than required to prevent a deficiency state, or substances purported to have a role in metabolism or tissue function but that are not recognized as an essential nutrient. This review aims to provide the rationale and scientific evidence for use (or not) of some of the supplements marketed for use in horses, with emphasis on supplements purported to directly boost performance, such as creatine, carnitine and branched-chain amino acids. It also discusses the so-called ‘joint supplements’ (or slow-acting, disease-modifying osteoarthritis agents), such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate. The effects of selected feeding strategies on performance, including fat supplementation, are also examined. It is concluded that although the use of nutritional supplements is commonly alleged to boost performance or health in horses, for most, if not all, of these supplements there is little or no scientific evidence of efficacy.
A constitutive model with microstructure evolution for flow of rate-independent granular materials
Authors: SUN JIN , SUNDARESAN SANKARAN
Published: July 2011

A constitutive model is developed for the complex rheology of rate-independent granular materials. The closures for the pressure and the macroscopic friction coefficient are linked to microstructure through evolution equations for coordination number and fabric. The material constants in the model are functions of particle-level properties and are calibrated using data generated through simulations of steady and unsteady simple shear using the discrete element method (DEM). This model is verified against DEM simulations at complex loading conditions.
Three-dimensional response of unrelaxed tension to instability of viscoelastic jets
Authors: RUO AN-CHENG , CHEN FALIN , CHUNG CHIH-ANG , CHANG MIN-HSING
Published: July 2011

Understanding the cause of instability of viscoelastic liquid jets is of fundamental importance to realise practical applications such as ink-jet printing, fuel injection spraying, and fibre spinning. For common viscoelastic fluids, the elastic stresses caused by the stretching of entangled polymeric chains at the nozzle can persist along the jet for a long downstream distance far away from the exit. Unrelaxed elastic tension has been regarded as a factor responsible for the delay in the breakup of viscoelastic jets. The present study performs a complete linear stability analysis to obtain deeper insights into the response of unrelaxed elastic tension to the onset of three-dimensional instability in viscoelastic jets. Results show that the elastic effect is multidimensional. In the absence of the unrelaxed tension, the elastic force, characterised by a Deborah number, has a slightly destabilising influence on both axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric disturbances. However, when the unrelaxed tension arises, the elastic force begins to suppress the instabilities driven by surface tension and the wind-induced effect to a great extent. In particular, once the tension exceeds a threshold, some novel oscillating non-axisymmetric modes emerge because of stimulation by the relaxation of the elastic energy, causing a variety of asymmetrical deformations.
Copper and iron in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and its dietary implications
Authors: Loef Martin , Walach Harald
Published: July 2011

Fe and Cu could represent dietary risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD), which has become a global health concern. To establish the relationship between diets high in Cu and Fe and cognitive decline or AD, we have conducted a systematic review of the literature (up to January 2011). We identified two meta-analyses, two systematic reviews, eleven placebo-controlled trials, five observational studies, forty-five case–control studies, thirty autopsy and five uncontrolled studies, and one case report. There were eleven interventional trials that tried to either supplement or deplete Fe and Cu, but none of them provided clear evidence of a beneficial effect on cognitive performance in patients with AD. The prospective studies revealed an association between a diet simultaneously high in SFA and Cu and cognitive decline. Case–control and autopsy studies showed elevated Fe levels in the brains of AD patients, whereas the evidence was less consistent for Cu. In most of the studies, Cu concentrations were unchanged in the cerebrospinal fluid and the brain but increased in the serum. In conclusion, the existing data suggest that diets excessive in Fe or Cu, together with a high intake of SFA, should be avoided in the elderly who are not at risk of anaemia. Basic studies and, building on this, clinical investigations are needed to further elucidate in which dietary patterns and in which patient groups an Fe- and Cu-rich diet might foster the risk of developing AD.
What Purpose Did Paul Understand His Mission To Serve?
Authors: Last Richard
Published: July 2011

In his influential 1954 study, Johannes Munck proposed that one of Paul's self-perceived purposes as a missionary was to hasten theparousiaof Christ by bringing in the “full number of the nations” (Rom 11:25).1Outside of this theory there have been few attempts to investigate what Paul understood his mission to be.2Perhaps this is because it is notoriously difficult to study an author's intentions. Or, more probably, since the difficulty of interpreting authorial intentions has not deterred Munck or other Pauline critics, perhaps this is because some texts in the Pauline corpus seem to offer a very clear answer to the problem. These passages play a central role in scholarship on the “purpose problem.”3One of them is Gal 1:16, wherein Paul reveals that he became an apostle in order to preach about Jesus τοῖϛ ἔθνεσιν (to the nations). This statement seems straightforward enough.4Another text is 1 Cor 9:19–22, wherein Paul admits that his missionary tactics serve his (apparent) overall goal of “winning” (κερδήσω) individuals. These verses, and a few others like them, have been sufficient for L. J. Lietaert Peerbolte and John Knox to conclude that the apostle understood his task to be primarily one of preaching. Lietaert Peerbolte offers an abridged version of his position when he states, “for Paul the character of his work can be summarised as ‘preaching the gospel.’”5