bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of peptic hydrolysis parameters for the production of angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibitory hydrolysate from Acetes chinensis through Plackett–Burman and response surface methodological approaches
Authors: Cao Wenhong , Zhang Chaohua , Ji Hongwu , Hao Jiming
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) plays an important physiological role in regulating blood pressure. The elevation of blood pressure could be suppressed by inhibiting ACE. ACE inhibitory peptides derived from food proteins could exert antihypertensive effects without side effects. Acetes chinensis is a marine shrimp suitable for the production of ACE inhibitory peptides. The principal objective of this study was to screen for the significant variables, and further to optimize the levels of the selected variables, for the enzymatic production of ACE inhibitory peptides from Acetes chinensis.

RESULTS: Plackett–Burman design and response surface methodology were employed to optimize the peptic hydrolysis parameters of Acetes chinensis to obtain a hydrolysate with potent ACE inhibitory activity. The peptic hydrolysis variables were subject to a Plackett–Burman design for screening the main factors. The selected significant parameters such as pH, hydrolysis temperature and enzyme/substrate (E/S) ratio were further optimized using a central composite design. The optimized conditions were: pH 2.5, hydrolysis temperature 45 °C, E/S ratio 17 800 U kg−1 shrimp and substrate concentration 200 g L−1. The results showed that 3–5 h hydrolysis could result in a hydrolysate with ACE inhibition IC50 of 1.17 mg mL−1 and a high DH of 25–27%.

CONCLUSION: Plackett–Burman design and RSM performed well in the optimization of peptic hydrolysis parameters of Acetes chinensis to produce hydrolysate with ACE inhibitory activity. A hydrolysate with potent ACE inhibitory activity and high degree of hydrolysis was obtained, so that the yield of ACE inhibitory peptides in it was high. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of cell wall metabolism in the pulp of three cultivars of ‘Nanfeng’ tangerine differing in mastication trait
Authors: Lei Ying , Liu Yong‐Zhong , Gu Qing‐Qing , Yang Xiao‐Yan , Deng Xiu‐Xin , Chen Jin‐Yin
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Like sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), tangerine (Citrus reticulata) is another citrus crop grown widely throughout the world. However, whether it shares a common mechanism with sweet orange in forming a given mastication trait is still unclear. In this study, three ‘Nanfeng’ tangerine cultivars, ‘Yangxiao‐26’ (‘YX‐26’) with inferior mastication trait, elite ‘YX‐26’ with moderate mastication trait and ‘Miguang’ (‘MG’) with superior mastication trait, were selected to investigate the formation mechanism of mastication trait.

RESULTS: ‘MG’ had the lowest contents of total pectin, protopectin and lignin and the highest gene expression levels of citrus polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin methylesterase (PME) at the end of fruit ripening, whereas ‘YX‐26’ had the lowest water‐soluble pectin (WSP) content, the highest lignin content and the lowest PG and PME expression levels. The contents of cellulose and hemicellulose were similar among the three tangerines.

CONCLUSION: The fruit mastication trait of C. reticulata was determined by the proportions of WSP and protopectin as well as lignin content, not by cellulose and hemicellulose contents. Pectin content could be a major contribution to the feeling of mastication trait, while PG and PME exhibited an important role in forming a given mastication trait according to the present results as well as previous results for C. sinensis. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of ethylene, cytokinin and physical treatments on BoPaO gene expression of harvested broccoli
Authors: Gomez‐Lobato Maria Eugenia , Civello Pedro M , Martínez Gustavo A
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Broccoli is a highly perishable vegetable that shows enhanced postharvest senescence and intense de‐greening caused by chlorophyll degradation. One of the key steps of chlorophyll catabolism is the opening of chlorophyll tretrapyrrole catalysed by pheophorbide a oxygenase (PaO). In this study the expression of a gene encoding a putative PaO was characterised under several chemical and physical treatments.

RESULTS: A fragment of a gene encoding a PaO from broccoli (BoPaO) was cloned. The expression of BoPaO showed an important increment during postharvest senescence, in correlation with chlorophyll degradation. Furthermore, broccoli heads were treated with the hormones cytokinin and ethylene. Cytokinin delayed the increment in BoPaO expression, while ethylene accelerated the process. Also, several postharvest treatments were applied in order to evaluate their effect on BoPaO expression. Samples treated with modified atmosphere, hot air, UV‐C or white light showed a delay in chlorophyll degradation and de‐greening. In most cases the treatments also delayed the increment in BoPaO expression during senescence.

CONCLUSION: A close correlation between chlorophyll degradation and BoPaO expression was found during broccoli senescence. This relationship was corroborated in samples treated with different hormonal and physical applications. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of temporary vocal fold injection medialization on the rate of permanent medialization laryngoplasty in unilateral vocal fold paralysis patients
Authors: Yung Katherine C. , Likhterov Ilya , Courey Mark S.
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine whether temporary vocal fold injection affects the need for permanent medialization laryngoplasty in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

A total of 175 patients with dysphonia resulting from UVFP were identified. Patients with documented recovery of vocal fold mobility, <9 months of follow‐up after diagnosis of UVFP, previous treatment at other institutions, neoplastic disease involving the larynx, or history of radiation to the larynx were excluded. Fifty‐four patients met all inclusion/exclusion criteria. Rates of permanent medialization laryngoplasty in patients undergoing vocal fold injection were compared with those of patients who chose observation or voice therapy.

Results:

A total of 35% of patients underwent temporary injection medialization, and the remaining 65% chose conservative management. Five of 19 of the temporary injection medialization patients subsequently underwent permanent intervention compared to 23 of 35 of the conservative management group (P = .0131).

Conclusions:

UVFP patients who underwent vocal fold injection with an agent intended to provide temporary medialization were statistically significantly less likely to undergo permanent medialization laryngoplasty compared to those patients who were treated with conservative management only.
Evidence for distinct histologic profile of nasal polyps with and without eosinophilia
Authors: Payne Spencer C. , Early S. Brandon , Huyett Phillip , Han Joseph K. , Borish Larry , Steinke John W.
Published: July 2011

Objective/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the histology, RNA, and protein signatures of nasal polyps (NPs) in order to demonstrate specific subtypes of disease and differentiate “idiopathic” NPs based on tissue eosinophilia.

Study Design:

Prospective laboratory‐based study.

Methods:

NP tissue was obtained from patients referred to the University of Virginia Health System for sinus surgery. Histology analyses included hematoxylin‐eosin, Gomori's trichrome, toluidine blue, and chloroacetate staining. RNA and protein were extracted from tissue and cytokine transcript or protein concentrations determined.

Results:

Idiopathic NPs can be divided into distinct subsets characterized by absence (NE) and presence (E) of prominent eosinophilia. The validity of this distinction is supported by the demonstration that NE polyps are further distinguished by glandular hypertrophy, dense collagen deposition, and mononuclear cellular infiltrate. In contrast, E‐NP display edema, rare glandularity, and minimal collagen deposition except within the basement membrane. Total mast cell numbers were reduced in E‐NP, whereas connective tissue mast cells were increased in NE‐NP. Consistent with the distinctive pattern of increased fibrosis, NE‐NP displayed increased transforming growth factor‐β and vascular endothelial growth factor transcripts. Similarly, NE‐NPs had higher concentrations of transforming growth factor‐β, fibroblast growth factor‐β, and platelet‐derived growth factor protein.

Conclusions:

Idiopathic NPs can be distinguished by NE and E and are supported by the observations that these display distinct histologic, gene, and protein expression patterns. The findings suggest that as unique diseases, idiopathic NPs will require distinct therapeutic interventions.
Cultured vestibular ganglion neurons demonstrate latent HSV1 reactivation
Authors: Roehm Pamela C. , Camarena Vladimir , Nayak Shruti , Gardner James B. , Wilson Angus , Mohr Ian , Chao Moses V.
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Vestibular neuritis is a common cause of both acute and chronic vestibular dysfunction. Multiple pathologies have been hypothesized to be the causative agent of vestibular neuritis; however, whether herpes simplex type I (HSV1) reactivation occurs within the vestibular ganglion has not been demonstrated previously by experimental evidence. We developed an in vitro system to study HSV1 infection of vestibular ganglion neurons (VGNs) using a cell culture model system.

Study Design:

basic science study.

Results:

Lytic infection of cultured rat VGNs was observed following low viral multiplicity of infection (MOI). Inclusion of acyclovir suppressed lytic replication and allowed latency to be established. Upon removal of acyclovir, latent infection was confirmed with reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and by RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization for the latency‐associated transcript (LAT). A total of 29% cells in latently infected cultures were LAT positive. The lytic ICP27 transcript was not detected by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Reactivation of HSV1 occurred at a high frequency in latently infected cultures following treatment with trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deactylase inhibitor.

Conclusions:

VGNs can be both lytically and latently infected with HSV1. Furthermore, latently infected VGNs can be induced to reactivate using TSA. This demonstrates that reactivation of latent HSV1 infection in the vestibular ganglion can occur in a cell culture model, and suggests that reactivation of HSV1 infection a plausible etiologic mechanism of vestibular neuritis.
Lysis of interarytenoid synechia (Type I posterior glottic stenosis): Vocal fold mobility and airway results
Authors: Meyer Tanya K. , Wolf Jeffrey
Published: July 2011

Background:

The Type I Posterior Glottic Stenosis (PGS‐I) is a well‐described but uncommon clinical entity. Despite this, there is little known about the outcome of surgical treatment.

Methods:

Retrospective case series.

Results:

Thirteen cases met inclusion criteria. All but one patient had a tracheostomy at the time of initial evaluation. At the postoperative visit, seven patients (54%) had completely normal vocal fold motion. Of the verbal patients, 6 (50%) had normal vocal function as reported by both the patient/caregiver and the physician, and 10 (83%) patients were successfully decannulated.

Conclusions:

Patients with an isolated interarytenoid synechia have an excellent prognosis with regard to decannulation. Although many patients regain normal vocal fold motion and a return to their preintubation vocal function, a significant proportion can have persistent deficits in vocal fold mobility and some level of dysphonia. This report represents the largest known series of PGS‐I cases.
Deterministic aperiodic nanostructures for photonics and plasmonics applications
Authors: Dal Negro L. , Boriskina S.V.
Published: July 2011

This review focuses on the optical properties and device applications of deterministic aperiodic media generated by mathematical rules with spectral features that interpolate in a tunable fashion between periodic crystals and disordered random media. These structures are called Deterministic Aperiodic Nano Structures (DANS) and can be implemented in different materials (linear and nonlinear) and physical systems as diverse as dielectric multilayers, optical gratings, photonic waveguides and nanoparticle arrays. Among their distinctive optical properties are the formation of multi‐fractal bandgaps and characteristic optical resonances, called critical modes, with unusual localization, scaling and transport properties. The goal of the paper is to provide a detailed review of the conceptual foundation and the physical mechanisms governing the complex optical response of DANS in relation to the engineering of novel devices and functionalities. The discussion will mostly focus on passive and active planar structures with enhanced light‐matter coupling for photonics and plasmonics technologies.
Multiple solutions of semilinear degenerate elliptic boundary value problems II
Authors: Taira Kazuaki
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this paper is to study a class of semilinear degenerate elliptic boundary value problems depending on a parameter which include as particular cases the Dirichlet problem and the Robin problem. By using Schauder's fixed point theorem and the Leray–Schauder degree, we derive lower bounds on the number of solutions of our problem. The results here extend earlier theorems due to Kazdan–Warner and also Amann–Hess to the degenerate case.
Hypersexuality and pathological gambling in Parkinson's disease: A cross‐sectional case–control study
Authors: de Chazeron Ingrid , Llorca Pierre‐Michel , Chéreau‐Boudet Isabelle , Blanc Olivier , Perriot Jean , Ouchchane Lemlih , Ulla Miguel , Debilly Bérengère , Derost Philippe , Durif Franck
Published: July 2011

Background:

Substance and behavioral addictions have already been described separately or in combination in Parkinson's disease. However, no comparisons of the prevalence of addictive behaviors in patients with Parkinson's disease and the general population have been published. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence and characteristics of addictions (gambling, hypersexuality, tobacco, and alcohol) in patients with Parkinson's disease and in a matched, paired sample from the general population.

Methods:

After matching for age, sex, and complete field questionnaires on addictions, we had 115 data sets.

Results:

No difference was observed between Parkinson's disease and control populations concerning pathological gambling (0.87% vs 0.87%, P = .99), tobacco addiction (1.7% vs 1.7%, P = .99), and alcohol dependence (2.6% vs 3.5%, P = .71). The Parkinson's disease group showed 2 cases of sexual addiction (1.7% vs 0, P = .15).

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that patients with Parkinson's disease do not have specific profiles for tobacco or alcohol addiction and pathological gambling compared with the general population. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Studies on the performance of the conducting polymer‐based molecular release system
Authors: Majumdar Saptarshi , Kargupta Kajari , Ganguly Saibal , Ray P.
Published: July 2011

‘Conducting polymeric (CP) membrane based controlled molecular release under applied electrical potential’ is an important futuristic application in ‘drug delivery’. A validated Poisson‐Nernst‐Planck based framework has been used in this study for the purpose of performance mapping for such a system. Leaking of the molecules during loading time and retention of molecules at the end of each voltage cycle have been identified here as the major bottlenecks in the use of this system in a sustainable basis. Peak flux of ionic molecules delivered is a key objective to be maximized along with minimum retention and leakage. Results reveal that parameters like time of voltage span, effective diffusivity, polymer film thickness need to be tightly maintained. At the same time, a wide variety of CP‐drug combinations can be acceptable. This opens the possibilities of utilizing this system for large range of therapeutic applications for controlled drug delivery. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Microstructure, thermomechanical properties, and electrical conductivity of carbon black‐filled nylon‐12 nanocomposites prepared by selective laser sintering
Authors: Athreya Siddharth Ram , Kalaitzidou Kyriaki , Das Suman
Published: July 2011

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is employed to fabricate a multifunctional polymer nanocomposite comprising Nylon‐12 reinforced with carbon black (CB) at a loading of 4% by weight. The heat distortion temperature (HDT), viscoelastic properties, and the electrical conductivity of this nanocomposite are compared to those obtained via extrusion injection molding (Ex‐IM). The HDT of the nanocomposites made by the two methods are found to be nearly identical. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite made by SLS is five orders of magnitude higher than that obtained through Ex‐IM. The storage modulus of the SLS‐processed nanocomposite is at least one order of magnitude higher than that of the nanocomposite made by Ex‐IM, for all the frequencies tested. The observed differences in properties and the effects of the processing methods on the polymer's molecular weight, its crystallization characteristics, and the dispersion of CB within the polymer matrix are investigated using X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
The supermolecular structure of isotactic polypropylene/atactic polystyrene blends
Authors: Borysiak Slawomir
Published: July 2011

The supermolecular structure of binary isotactic polypropylene/atactic polystyrene (iPP/PS) injection‐molded blends were studied by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and optical microscopy. The combination of different methods gives a possibility of analysis of relation between the phase transformation in polypropylene and crystallization parameters. Effect of compatibilization of poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐b‐styrene) grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA) block copolymers in the iPP/PS blends on the structure, nucleation, crystal growth, solidification, and the phase morphology was analyzed. We found that the β‐crystallization tendency of polypropylene matrix can be enhanced by adding atactic polystyrene. However, the incorporation of SEBS‐g‐MA into iPP/PS blends resulted in an important decrease in β‐content of iPP. It is evident that the presence of compatibilizing agent caused a very significant reduction of the α‐spherulite growth rates and the crystal conversion as well as increases of half‐time crystallization in comparison with the iPP/PS systems. The relation between kinetic parameters of crystallization process and polymorphic structure of iPP in blend systems has been satisfactorily explained. Moreover, a strong effect of processing parameters on the β‐phase formation was observed. The results clearly show that at a higher temperature of mold and lower injection speed, the amount of β‐phase of iPP matrix slightly decreases. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of long chain branching on nonisothermal crystallization behavior of polyethylenes synthesized with constrained geometry catalyst
Authors: Yang Bin , Yang Mingbo , Wang Wen‐Jun , Zhu Shiping
Published: July 2011

Nonisothermal crystallization behavior of linear and long chain branched (LCB) polyethylene (PE) samples having similar molecular weight but different long‐chain branching densities (LCBD) up to 0.44 C per 1000 carbons was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at various scanning rates. The LCB PE samples were prepared in our high‐temperature, high‐pressure continuous stirred‐tank reactor (CSTR) system using the constrained geometry catalyst. The existence of LCB was found to affect the PE crystallization behavior considerably. The enthalpy of crystallization and the ultimate degree of crystallinity decreased with the increase of LCBD. At the relatively low cooling rates, the small amount of LCB promoted nucleation but restrained chain movement and reduced the crystal growth rate. There was ∼ 17% of crystallinity generated from a secondary crystallization. The energy barrier became significant with the LCB structure, resulting in chain diffusion limitations and lower LCB PEs overall crystallization rates than their linear counterpart. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Emulsion polymerization of pentabromobenzyl acrylate: effect of reaction parameters on the produced flame‐retardant nanoparticles
Authors: Goldshtein Jenny , Lublin‐Tennenbaum Tammy , Margel Shlomo
Published: July 2011

Flame‐retardant nanoparticles of sizes ranging between 33 ± 6 and 460 ± 50 nm were formed by the emulsion polymerization of the pentabromobenzyl acrylate (PBBA) monomer in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate as the surfactant and potassium persulfate as the initiator. The effect of various polymerization parameters, e.g. monomer, crosslinker monomer, initiator and surfactant concentrations, on the size, size distribution and polymerization yield of the poly(pentabromobenzyl acrylate) nanoparticles produced has been elucidated. Poly(pentabromobenzyl acrylate)/polystyrene (PPBBA/PS) nanoblends containing 15% and 70% of PPBBA particles of 33 ± 6 and 460 ± 50 nm diameter were prepared by mixing the particles with a PS solution in methylene chloride, followed by evaporation of the methylene chloride from the mixture. The effect of the size and the content of the PPBBA nanoparticles in the nanoblends on the thermal stability of the PS were also elucidated. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Resistive switching characteristics of polyimides derived from 2,2′‐aryl substituents tetracarboxylic dianhydrides
Authors: Li Yueqin , Xu Huihua , Tao Xian , Qian Kejia , Fu Shuang , Ding Shijin , Shen Yingzhong
Published: July 2011

2,2′‐Position aryl‐substituted tetracarboxylic dianhydrides including 2,2′‐bis(biphenyl)‐4,4′,5,5′‐biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride and 2,2′‐bis[4‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl)phenyl)]‐4,4′,5,5′‐biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride were synthesized. A new series of aromatic polyimides (PIs) were synthesized via a two‐step procedure from 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride and the newly synthesized tetracarboxylic dianhydrides monomers reacting with 2,2′‐bis[4′‐(3″,4″,5″‐trifluorophenyl)phenyl]‐4,4′‐biphenyl diamine. The resulting polymers exhibited excellent organosolubility and thermal properties associated with Tg at 264 °C and high initial thermal decomposition temperatures (T5%) exceeding 500 °C in argon. Moreover, the fabricated sandwich structured memory devices of Al/PI‐a/ITO was determined to present a flash‐type memory behaviour, while Al/PI‐b/ITO and Al/PI‐c/ITO exhibited write‐once read‐many‐times memory capability with different threshold voltages. In addition, Al/polymer/ITO devices showed high stability under a constant stress or continuous read pulse voltage of − 1.0 V. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Biodegradable elastomers based on ABA triblocks: influence of end‐block crystallinity on elastomeric character
Authors: Kong Jen Fong , Lipik Vitali , Abadie Marc JM , Deen Gulam Roshan , Venkatraman Subbu S
Published: July 2011

ABA triblock copolymers, based on biodegradable monomers, namely ε‐caprolactone (CL) and L‐lactide (LLA), were synthesized and studied. The end‐blocks were mostly poly(L‐lactide) while the middle segments were a random copolymer of PCL and PLLA. Synthesis of these copolymers was performed by varying the end‐block segment length while retaining a fixed middle‐block segment length and vice versa. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies confirmed the designed structure of the copolymers and their thermal properties were studied with differential scanning calorimetry. Mechanical and thermomechanical properties were determined with an Instron tester and by dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. The elastomeric character of the copolymers was verified by cyclic test as well as by creep and recovery measurements. Changes made to the middle‐ and end‐block segment lengths had a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the copolymers, especially their extendibility and recoverability. An increase in the crystallinity of the end‐blocks in the copolymers caused a drop in their elastomeric character. In cyclic testing, under conditions of 50% and 150% strain, copolymers with low end‐block crystallinity could recover more than 85% whereas copolymers with high crystallinity showed reduced recovery values as low as 60%. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of dysfunctional interpersonal schemas, avoidance of intimacy and lack of agency as key issues for treating narcissism: A commentary on Ronningstam's narcissistic personality disorder
Authors: Dimaggio Giancarlo
Published: July 2011

Ronningstam's compelling description of a patient with severe co‐occurrent narcissistic personality disorder and alcohol abuse is effective at proposing hypotheses about how to handle such patients' tendency to leave treatment prematurely. I suggest here that in order to have a more effective therapy and reduce the high drop‐out risk typical of these patients, (1) a careful assessment of internalized relational patterns is needed, in particular in order to detect any problem they have as regards intimacy with the therapist; (2) it is likely that fostering a premature sense of interpersonal connection with the therapist and of the need to be cured may trigger patients' tendency to withdraw from therapy; and (3) targeting an impaired sense of agency could be a first‐line therapy with such patients. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frontinus—A Project Manager from the Roman Empire Era
Authors: Walker Derek , Dart Christopher J.
Published: July 2011

We compare selected project management practices undertaken almost 2,000 years ago with current literature on best project management practice. We take a case study approach focusing on a person who could be seen to have taken a project manager, project sponsor, and champion role. We suggest that some project management approaches used in Roman times are routinely used today; however, changes in the culture and technology have transformed possibilities for project management techniques, and so changed approaches are inevitable. The paper provides useful insights about the nature of changes to project management practice that may be expected during this century.
Knowledge Transformation in Project Networks: A Speech Act Level Cross-Boundary Analysis
Authors: Alin Pauli , Taylor John E. , Smeds Riitta
Published: July 2011

Researchers stress the importance of understanding knowledge transformation in projects. To explore how knowledge is transformed across organizational and specialization boundaries in project networks, we observed 22 knowledge transformation cases in two project networks. We found that new knowledge was created across specialization boundaries and that knowledge was altered across organizational boundaries. When both organizational and specialization boundaries were crossed, new knowledge was created. From these findings, we developed a set of propositions and formulated these into a model of knowledge transformation in project networks. This research contributes to a better understanding of knowledge transformation processes and outcomes in project networks.
Management of change auditing system
Authors: Garland R. Wayne
Published: July 2011

Our company has discovered that regular auditing of the management of change (MOC) process is essential in enforcing its proper use. We have developed an audit system or process that can be performed by plant personnel to identify the effectiveness of our MOC process in two critical categories: (1) identifying changes and initiate MOCs for them and (2) after MOC is initiated, following the process to be sure that the methods are correct and complete. In addition, we have a set of measures associated with these audits that we track to get an overall picture of how effectively our MOC process is operating and to identify systemic problems. The audit form, process data collection, and analysis system are explained in this article. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2011
Influence of growth imperfections on optical properties of nitride pillar VCSEL microcavities
Authors: Florian M. , Jahnke F. , Pretorius A. , Rosenauer A. , Dartsch H. , Kruse C. , Hommel D.
Published: July 2011

For vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting laser pillar microcavities with three‐dimensional optical mode confinement, we theoretically study the influence of growth imperfections on the cavity quality factor. Mode calculations based on a vectorial transfer‐matrix approach are used to simulate layer thickness fluctuations as well as a gradual variation of the layer thickness across the micropillar for an AlGaN/GaN material system. Experimental estimates for the layer thickness profile are obtained with transmission electron microscopy Z‐contrast images.
Electronic properties of Y‐junctions in SnO2 nanowires
Authors: Kar Ayan , Stroscio Michael A. , Dutta Mitra , Meyyappan M.
Published: July 2011

Growth conditions leading to kinking and branching in SnO2 nanowires have been investigated. Lower temperature growth at 750 °C leads to Y‐junctions as seen previously in carbon nanotubes, whereas straight nanowires are obtained at 880 °C. Photoemission valence band spectroscopy is used to show that the carrier concentration and Fermi level position vary with diameter. Thus, the stem and branches in a Y‐junction can have completely different semiconducting properties, leading to opportunities in novel device construction.
Nanoscale retention‐loss dynamics of polycrystalline PbTiO3 nanotubes
Authors: Choi Hyunwoo , Kim Yunseok , Hong Seungbum , Sung Tae‐Hyun , Shin Hyunjung , No Kwangsoo
Published: July 2011

We observed the nanoscale retention dynamics of polycrystalline PbTiO3 nanotubes using piezoresponse force microscopy. We found that the retention loss of the nanodot domains on the nanotubes showed the stretched exponential relaxation behaviors with stretched exponential factor n being less than 1 (0.523 and 0.692), which are similar to the thin films. In addition, the nanodot domains showed a diverse relaxation time constant τ due to different remnant polarization of each dot domains. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Large‐area p‐type HIP‐MWT silicon solar cells with screen printed contacts exceeding 20% efficiency
Authors: Thaidigsmann Benjamin , Lohmüller Elmar , Jäger Ulrich , Mack Sebastian , Lottspeich Friedrich , Spribille Alma , Birmann Katrin , Erath Denis , Wolf Andreas , Clement Florian , Biro Daniel , Preu Ralf
Published: July 2011

We present metal wrap through (MWT) silicon solar cells with passivated surfaces based on a simplified device structure. This so‐called HIP‐MWT structure (high‐performance metal wrap through) does not exhibit an emitter on the rear side and therefore simplifies processing. The confirmed peak efficiency of the fabricated solar cells with an edge length of 125 mm, screen printed contacts and solder pads is 20.2%. To our knowledge, this is the highest value reported for large‐area p‐type silicon solar cells to date.

magnified image

Schematic structure of the fabricated HIP‐MWT solar cells

(© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High‐ and low‐frequency 11‐year solar cycle signatures in the Southern Hemispheric winter and spring
Authors: Lu Hua , Jarvis Martin J. , Gray Lesley J. , Baldwin Mark P.
Published: July 2011

We have studied the characterization of the 11‐year solar cycle (SC) signals in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) during the winter and spring using European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) daily and monthly data from 1979 to 2009. By separating the response into high (<6 months) and low (>36 months) frequency domains, we have found that spatially different 11‐year SC signals exist for high‐ and low‐frequency domains. In the stratosphere, the high‐ and low‐frequency responses tend to enhance each other near the Equator and Subtropics, while they oppose one another at high latitudes. The high‐frequency response is marked by a strengthened stratospheric jet during winter and the response is not static but tracks with the centre of the polar vortex. In the lower stratosphere, the positive response of temperature to the 11‐year SC is dominated by its low‐frequency component, which extends from the North Pole to the South Pole. The low‐frequency tropospheric response is latitudinally symmetrical about the Equator and consistent with the modelled responses to temperature perturbation in the lower stratosphere. The signals are found to be sensitive to contamination from the 2002 sudden stratospheric warming event and major volcanic eruptions but the general spatial pattern of the responses remains similar. A significant projection of the 11‐year SC onto the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) can only be detected in the stratosphere and in the high‐frequency component. The signature is marked by a strengthening of the stratospheric SAM during winter and a weakening of the SAM in the uppermost stratosphere during spring. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Probing sites of histidine phosphorylation with iodination and tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Sun Qingyu , Julian Ryan R.
Published: July 2011

Phosphorylation at histidine residues occurs frequently in biology, but is often overlooked in proteomics experiments due to extreme acid lability. A new method utilizing histidine labeling with iodine to record information about phosphorylation is described. Essentially, phosphorylated histidine residues are not labeled while unmodified histidine undergoes complete iodination. Iodination is stabile both under acidic conditions, and upon collisional activation in the gas phase. This enables site‐specific information to be retained with standard liquid chromatography separations and tandem mass spectrometry by collisional activation. Semi‐quantitative information about the relative amounts of phosphorylated versus unmodified states can also be easily obtained from the relative ion abundances. This new method should provide a pathway forward for analyzing histidine phosphorylation in complex systems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A spatial view of the CD8+ T‐cell response: the case of HCV
Authors: Racanelli Vito , Leone Patrizia , Grakoui Arash
Published: July 2011

In viral infections, a memory T‐cell population comprises multiple subtypes of cells, distributed in diverse anatomic compartments and possibly re‐circulating among them. Accordingly, memory T cells display distinct phenotypes and functions, depending on the nature of the infecting virus, the anatomic location of the infection, and the differences between the sites of active infection and T‐cell collection. This paper explores the body compartments where virus‐specific CD8+ T cells have been found during chronic hepatitis C virus infection, describes the cells' memory qualities, and discusses how they are spatially regulated, in comparison with other human viral infections. Understanding the role of compartmentalization and diversity of HCV‐specific memory T‐cell subsets may be the key to developing effective immunotherapies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HYDROGEOMORPHIC CLASSIFICATION OF WASHINGTON STATE RIVERS TO SUPPORT EMERGING ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Authors: Reidy Liermann C. A. , Olden J. D. , Beechie T. J. , Kennard M. J. , Skidmore P. B. , Konrad C. P. , Imaki H.
Published: July 2011

As demand for fresh water increases in tandem with human population growth and a changing climate, the need to understand the ecological tradeoffs of flow regulation gains greater importance. Environmental classification is a first step towards quantifying these tradeoffs by creating the framework necessary for analysing the effects of flow variability on riverine biota. Our study presents a spatially explicit hydrogeomorphic classification of streams and rivers in Washington State, USA and investigates how projected climate change is likely to affect flow regimes in the future. We calculated 99 hydrologic metrics from 15 years of continuous daily discharge data for 64 gauges with negligible upstream impact, which were entered into a Bayesian mixture model to classify flow regimes into seven major classes described by their dominant flow source as follows: groundwater (GW), rainfall (RF), rain‐with‐snow (RS), snow‐and‐rain (SandR), snow‐with‐rain (SR), snowmelt (SM) and ultra‐snowmelt (US). The largest class sizes were represented by the transitional RS and SandR classes (14 and 12 gauges, respectively), which are ubiquitous in temperate, mountainous landscapes found in Washington. We used a recursive partitioning algorithm and random forests to predict flow class based on a suite of environmental and climate variables. Overall classification success was 75%, and the model was used to predict normative flow classes at the reach scale for the entire state. Application of future climate change scenarios to the model inputs indicated shifts of varying magnitude from snow‐dominated to rain‐dominated flow classes. Lastly, a geomorphic classification was developed using a digital elevation model (DEM) and climatic data to assign stream segments as either dominantly able or unable to migrate, which was cross‐tabulated with the flow types to produce a 14‐tier hydrogeomorphic classification. The hydrogeomorphic classification provides a framework upon which empirical flow alteration–ecological response relationships can subsequently be developed using ecological information collected throughout the region. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THINKING LIKE A FISH: A KEY INGREDIENT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF EFFECTIVE FISH PASSAGE FACILITIES AT RIVER OBSTRUCTIONS
Authors: Williams J. G. , Armstrong G. , Katopodis C. , Larinier M. , Travade F.
Published: July 2011

Worldwide, obstructions on watercourses have interfered with migratory pathways of fish species, reducing life‐cycle success and often eliminating diadromous fish species altogether from river basins. Over the last century, efforts to mitigate these effects were initially directed at developing fishways for upstream, high‐value migrant adult salmon. In more recent years, efforts have turned to developing fishways for other species. Results of past research suggest that the development of effective fishways requires biological knowledge of fish behaviour when encountering variable flows, velocity and turbulence, combined with hydraulic and civil engineering knowledge and expertise to develop facilities that provide appropriate hydraulic conditions that fish will exploit. Further, it often requires substantial financial resources for biological and hydraulic testing as well as engineering design, particularly where prior knowledge of the behaviour of target fish species does not exist. Where biological or engineering knowledge (or both) is absent, development of effective passage facilities must take on a trial and error approach that will almost certainly require years to attain success. Evaluations of existing adult and juvenile fish passage facilities, where they have been carried out, suggest that migrant fish reject areas with hydraulic conditions they determine unsuitable. Even well designed fish ladders or nature‐like bypass channels for upstream migrants, even those with good attraction flows, will fail if incorrectly sited. Although progress has been made, developing successful installations for downstream migrants remains much more difficult, probably because downstream fish move with the flow and have less time to assess cues at entrances to any bypasses that they encounter. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IMPORTANCE OF TRIBUTARY STREAMS FOR RAINBOW TROUT REPRODUCTION: INSIGHTS FROM A SMALL STREAM IN GEORGIA AND A BI‐GENOMIC APPROACH
Authors: Lee D. N. , Lack J. B. , Van Den Bussche R. A. , Long J. M.
Published: July 2011

Tributaries of tailwater fisheries in the southeastern USA have been used for spawning by stocked rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), but their importance may have been underestimated using traditional fish survey methods such as electrofishing and redd counts. We used a bi‐genomic approach, mitochondrial DNA sequences and nuclear microsatellite loci, to estimate the number of spawning adults in one small tributary (Cabin Creek) of the Chattahoochee River, Georgia, where rainbow trout are known to spawn and have successful recruitment. We extracted and analysed DNA from seven mature male rainbow trout and four juveniles that were captured in February 2006 in Cabin Creek and from 24 young‐of‐year (YOY) trout that were captured in April 2006. From these samples, we estimated that 24 individuals were spawning to produce the amount of genetic variation observed in the juveniles and YOY, although none of the mature males we sampled were indicated as sires. Analysis of the mitochondrial D‐loop region identified four distinct haplotypes, suggesting that individuals representing four maternal lineages contributed to the offspring. Our analyses indicated that many more adults were spawning in this system than previously estimated with direct count methods and provided insight into rainbow trout spawning behavior. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppression of nonsense mutations as a therapeutic approach to treat genetic diseases
Authors: Keeling Kim M. , Bedwell David M.
Published: July 2011

Suppression therapy is a treatment strategy for genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations. This therapeutic approach utilizes pharmacological agents that suppress translation termination at in‐frame premature termination codons (PTCs) to restore translation of a full‐length, functional polypeptide. The efficiency of various classes of compounds to suppress PTCs in mammalian cells is discussed along with the current limitations of this therapy. We also elaborate on approaches to improve the efficiency of suppression that include methods to enhance the effectiveness of current suppression drugs and the design or discovery of new, more effective suppression agents. Finally, we discuss the role of nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD) in limiting the effectiveness of suppression therapy, and describe tactics that may allow the efficiency of NMD to be modulated in order to enhance suppression therapy. WIREs RNA 2011 2 837–852 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.95

Correction added on July 13 2011, after first online publication. Figure 5 was incorrect and has been replaced.

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Mechanisms

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in the Management of Post‐thyroidectomy Tracheomalacia
Authors: Chi Shun‐Yu , Wu Shih‐Chung , Hsieh Kun‐Chou , Sheen‐Chen Shyr‐Ming , Chou Fong‐Fu
Published: July 2011

Background

Post‐thyroidectomy tracheomalacia is a rare but complicated problem. It has often been treated with tracheostomy or prolonged endotracheal intubation. However, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) has been successfully employed with increasing frequency in patients with respiratory failure from other causes. In the present study we describe the use of NPPV in the management of respiratory distress in patients with post‐thyroidectomy tracheomalacia.

Methods

All 606 patients who underwent thyroidectomy in Chung Gung Memorial Hospital – Kaohsiung Medical Center, Taiwan, from January 2009 to August 2010 were reviewed. If tracheomalacia was diagnosed intraoperatively, the patients were left intubated and taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 5). If tracheomalacia was diagnosed in the recovery room (stridor and airway compromise not from other causes), the patient was reintubated promptly and taken to the ICU (n = 4). When subsequently re‐extubated in the ICU (24–72 h later), NPPV was used to treat recurrent stridor and airway compromise.

Results

A total of nine patients (1.5 %) were diagnosed with post‐thyroidectomy tracheomalacia, five intraoperatively and four postoperatively. The patients were intubated with an endotracheal tube and then taken to the ICU. After early re‐extubation in the ICU, three of the patients with intraoperatively diagnosed tracheomalacia were found not to have respiratory problems, whereas the other six patients developed stridor and airway compromise, which resolved immediately with the initiation of NPPV. Hemoglobin oxygen saturation on pulse oximetry was also elevated. No further respiratory support was required and no complications occurred in these patients.

Conclusions

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation is effective and appears safe in the management of stridor and airway compromise following early extubation in patients with post‐thyroidectomy tracheomalacia.
A bootstrap method for testing equality of peak months
Authors: Okamura Hiroshi , Takasuka Akinori
Published: July 2011

When ecological traits differ seasonally among biological groups, environmental adaptation is expected. However, current analytical methods for such seasonal data ignore the circular nature of data and therefore are likely to be flawed. We propose a simple bootstrap hypothesis test which statistically quantifies the presence/absence of differences in peak months for multiple groups taking the circular nature of the data into account. The test is based on a robust distribution‐free method. Simulations showed that the test gives a satisfactory performance. The test is illustrated using data for anchovy and sardine egg abundances in the western North Pacific.
Positive and negative impacts of insect frass quality on soil nitrogen availability and plant growth
Authors: Kagata Hideki , Ohgushi Takayuki
Published: July 2011

Frass deposition to soil is an important pathway by which herbivorous insects impact decomposition and soil nutrient availability. However, little is known about how frass quality influences ecosystem properties. Here, we examined the effects of frass quality on the decomposition process, soil nitrogen (N) availability, and plant growth, using frass of Mamestra brassicae (L.) that fed on fertilized or unfertilized Brassica rapa L. var. perviridis Bailey. The frass quality was largely dependent on the host plant quality. Frass excreted by larvae that fed on the fertilized plants had higher N than that of larvae that fed on the unfertilized plants. The decomposition rate of the frass did not differ between N‐rich and N‐poor frass, except during the early decomposition period. The inorganic N concentration decreased during decomposition in both frass types. However, difference in the initial inorganic N concentration led to different consequences regarding soil N availability. Furthermore, addition of frass to the soil differently influenced the growth of B. rapa plants depending on the frass quality: plant biomass was increased by N‐rich frass addition but decreased by N‐poor frass addition, compared to the biomass without frass addition. These results indicate that frass quality is an important factor in determining the impact of herbivorous insects on nutrient dynamics, and that frass positively or negatively influences soil N availability and plant growth, depending on its quality.