bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raman spectroscopy as a potential method for the detection of extremely halophilic archaea embedded in halite in terrestrial and possibly extraterrestrial samples
Authors: Fendrihan Sergiu , Musso Maurizio , Stan‐Lotter Helga
Published: July 2009

Evidence for the widespread occurrence of extraterrestrial halite, particularly on Mars, has led to speculations on the possibility of halophilic microbial forms of life; these ideas have been strengthened by reports of viable haloarchaea from sediments of geological age (millions of years). Raman spectroscopy, being a sensitive detection method for future astrobiological investigations onsite, has been used in the current study for the detection of nine different extremely halophilic archaeal strains which had been embedded in laboratory‐made halite crystals in order to simulate evaporitic conditions. The cells accumulated preferentially in tiny fluid inclusions, in simulation of the precipitation of salt in natural brines. FT‐Raman spectroscopy using laser excitation at 1064 nm and dispersive micro Raman spectroscopy at 514.5 nm were applied. The spectra showed prominent peaks at 1507, 1152 and 1002 cm−1 which are attributed to haloarchaeal C50 carotenoid compounds (mainly bacterioruberins). Their intensity varied from strain to strain at 1064‐nm laser excitation. Other distinguishable features were peaks due to peptide bonds (amide I, amide III) and to nucleic acids. No evidence for fatty acids was detected, consistent with their general absence in all archaea.

These results contribute to a growing database on Raman spectra of terrestrial microorganisms from hypersaline environments and highlight the influence of the different macromolecular composition of diverse strains on these spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of latitude and weather conditions on sugars, fruit acids and ascorbic acid in currant (Ribes sp.) cultivars
Authors: Zheng Jie , Kallio Heikki , Yang Baoru
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Sugars, acids and vitamin C are essential components influencing the sensory and nutritional properties of currants (Ribes sp.). In this study the effects of growth latitude and weather conditions on these components in red, white and green currant cultivars were systematically investigated for the first time.

RESULTS: Red Dutch (a red Ribes rubrum cultivar) contained more malic acid but fewer sugars and had a lower sugar/acid ratio than Vertti (a green Ribes nigrum cultivar) and White Dutch (a white R. rubrum cultivar). Fructose (27–56 g L−1 juice) and glucose (21–54 g L−1) were the major sugars in all currant samples, but sucrose (7–20 g L−1) was present only in Vertti. Vertti contained the most ascorbic acid. Sugars, malic acid and the sugar/acid ratio in Red Dutch were 11–28% higher in southern Finland than in northern Finland. The corresponding values in Vertti were 6–16% lower in the south than in the north, but no differences were found in White Dutch. As the relative humidity decreased, the amounts of citric acid and total acid increased in all cultivars, while the amount of sugars increased in Vertti but decreased in White Dutch and Red Dutch. In Red Dutch, high temperature and radiation levels increased the sugar content.

CONCLUSION: The influence of latitude and weather conditions on qualitative parameters of currants varies with the cultivar. This study provides important guidance for currant cultivation and for further physiological and enzymological studies. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients with COPD
Authors: Chang Hao‐Ming , Lee Sang‐Woong , Nomura Eiji , Tanigawa Nobuhiko
Published: July 2009

Background

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a higher risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications. Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) is accepted as a standard treatment for early gastric cancer. We sought to compare the clinical presentation and complications associated with LG and open gastrectomy (OG) to define the role of LG in the treatment of patients with gastric cancer and COPD.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with gastric cancer and COPD who underwent gastrectomy from January 2005 to December 2007. Patients were divided into LG group and OG group according to the treatment guidelines. The stage of COPD was determined by the FEV1 ratio.

Results

There were 104 patients enrolled in this study. No significant differences were observed in preoperative pulmonary function between the two groups, and most patients (99/104, 95%) were in COPD stages I and II. The changes in end‐tidal CO2 (P = 0.012) and PaCO2 (P < 0.001) during surgery were statistically significant in the LG group. There were no significant differences in incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications between the LG (5/61, 8%) and OG (4/43, 9%) groups.

Conclusions

LG can be performed safely for patients with gastric cancer and COPD in stage I and II. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:456–458. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modification of approach for totally implantable venous access device decreases rate of complications
Authors: Karanlik Hasan , Kurul Sidika
Published: July 2009

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the potential utilization of external jugular vein (EJV) cutdown approach for totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) placement.

Methods

This is a prospective, non‐randomized, observational, uni‐institutional study. All patients (n = 451) were first subjected to attempted subclavian vein (SV) percutaneous approach. If SV percutaneous approach was unsuccessful after multiple puncture in group A and maximum two puncture in group B, an ipsilateral EJV cutdown approach was attempted.

Results

Four hundred four patients (89.6%) underwent TIVAD placement via SV percutaneous approach. Of those 47 patients in which SV percutaneous approach was not successful, 8 patients in group A and 39 patients in group B, TIVAD was placed via ipsilateral EJV cutdown approach. The avarage of operative time was 17.9 ± 8.5 min in group A and 18 ± 7.3 min in group B (P > 0.05). The early complications of group A were significantly higher than that of group B (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

TIVAD placement by the SV percutaneous approach is safe and fast, and its success rate is very high. By avoiding the immediate complications associated with the percutaneous approach, the EJV cutdown has to be considered a valid, safe, and suitable alternative when the SV percutaneous approach unsuccessful after two needle puncture. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:279–283. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Participant reactions to a pretreatment research assessment during a treatment outcome study for PTSD
Authors: Resick Patricia A. , Iverson Katherine M. , Artz Caroline E.
Published: July 2009

Participants' reactions to pretreatment assessments have not been studied as part of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study examined participants' reactions in women with PTSD who completed pretreatment assessments during an RCT. We assessed participant reactions (N = 100) to a pretreatment assessment that included self‐report questionnaires, interviews, and psychophysiological assessment. Results indicated that participation in pretreatment assessment was well tolerated as measured by participants' reports of distress, interest level, perceptions of the appropriateness of assessment length, and willingness to participate in a similar assessment in the future. Participating in lengthy pretreatment assessments did not adversely impact treatment participation or outcome.
Miscibility of Polynorbornene/Poly(styrene‐co‐hydroxystyrene) Binary Blend Based on Hydrogen‐Bonding Interaction
Authors: Tanaka Shimon , Nishida Haruo , Endo Takeshi
Published: July 2009

The miscibility and hydrogen bonding interaction of polynorbornene (PNB)/poly(styrene‐co‐hydroxystyrene) (PST‐HST) binary blends were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. PNB was found to be miscible with PST‐HSTs containing HST unit compositions of 5, 10, 20, and 28 mol‐%, showing a single glass transition, whereas it was immiscible with polystyrene, exhibiting two glass transitions. The hydrogen bonding interaction between the hydroxyl group of PST‐HST and the carbonyl group of PNB was revealed by FT‐IR spectroscopy and plays a key role in the miscibility of PNB/PST‐HST blends.

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Glucosamine Hydrochloride Functionalized Water‐Soluble Conjugated Polyfluorene: Synthesis, Characterization, and Interactions with DNA
Authors: Chen Qi , Cheng Qian‐Yi , Zhao Yan‐Chao , Han Bao‐Hang
Published: July 2009

Novel glucosamine hydrochloride functionalized water‐soluble conjugated polyfluorene was easily synthesized through Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide/alkyne “click” ligation and Suzuki coupling polymerization. The water‐solubility and biocompatibility of the polymer were improved after grafting glucosamine hydrochloride to the side chains of the conjugated polymer. As a fluorescent model system of chitosan, its interaction with single‐stranded DNA was studied by spectrofluorometric titration.

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Insulin‐like growth factor type I receptor gene expression and obesity in esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhao Ronghua , Macdonald Kimberley , Casson Alan G.
Published: July 2009

The objective of this exploratory study was to evaluate the role of the insulin‐like growth factor I receptor (IGF‐IR) in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EADC). Using quantitative PCR, we studied IGF‐IR mRNA expression in 52 well‐characterized surgically resected EADC and matched histologically normal esophageal tissues, and examined IGF‐IR expression levels in relation to clinicopathologic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), and the common IGF‐IR polymorphism (G1013A), recently proposed to modify risk of obesity for EADC. Expression levels of IGF‐IR mRNA were not significantly different between EADC and matched histologically normal esophageal epithelia. Although no significant associations were found between IGF‐IR expression and BMI, tumor differentiation, stage or survival, when stratified by genotype, patients with the polymorphic A variant had significantly higher IGF‐IR expression in EADC tissues compared with matched normal epithelia. These findings suggest that G1013A most likely modulates IGF‐IR function, possibly by influencing gene transcription or mRNA stability, and represents a plausible mechanistic link underlying the association between obesity and esophageal malignancy. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Numerical integration on the sphere and its effect on the material symmetry of constitutive equations—A comparative study
Authors: Ehret A. E. , Itskov M. , Schmid H.
Published: July 2009

In the present paper, we consider a class of constitutive models based on numerical integration on the unit sphere. The directional behaviour of the quadrature schemes and its effect on the symmetry properties of these constitutive models are studied by subjecting the set of integration points on the sphere to arbitrary rigid rotations. We investigate a number of recently proposed integration schemes in application to a full network model of rubber elasticity and to an exponential model for soft tissues. In order to assess and compare these schemes, statistical methods are presented and applied. The analysis discloses a number of integration schemes that offer a good compromise between the numerical error and the number of integration points. However, as a general result it turns out that numerical integration is prone to introduce strong anisotropy into originally isotropic constitutive equations, in particular, for highly non‐linear integrand functions. The consequences for application of the investigated class of constitutive models in finite element calculations are highlighted in a benchmark‐like numerical example. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activated macrophages in the tumour microenvironment—dancing to the tune of TLR and NF‐κB
Authors: Hallam Simon , Escorcio‐Correia Monica , Soper Robin , Schultheiss Anne , Hagemann Thorsten
Published: July 2009

A large number of variables have been identified which appear to influence macrophage phenotype within the tumour microenvironment. These include reciprocal chemical and physical interactions with tumour cells and with non‐malignant cells of the tumour microenvironment, tissue oxygen tension, and the origin and prior experience of the particular macrophage population. In this review we outline the key evidence for these influences and consider how macrophage phenotype is acquired and the relevance of the TLR–NF‐κB pathway. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictive power of pretreatment prognostic factors in children with hepatoblastoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Meyers Rebecka L. , Rowland Jon R. , Krailo Mark , Chen Zhengjia , Katzenstein Howard M. , Malogolowkin Marcio H.
Published: July 2009

Background

PRETEXT is used to stratify risk in children with hepatoblastoma by the Liver Tumor Strategy Group (SIOPEL) of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP). A recent analysis excluding patients that did not survive neoadjuvant chemotherapy, concluded that PRETEXT was superior to Children's Oncology Group (COG) stage for predicting survival. Puzzled by this result, we made a similar comparison of PRETEXT and COG stage. This time, however, we include all patients, and we compare predictive value at diagnosis, instead of after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

Hepatoblastoma patients in INT‐0098 were retrospectively reviewed for PRETEXT and other potential prognostic factors including pathologic subtype, and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP).

Results

Five‐year overall survival by PRETEXT was 88.9%, 84.5%, 71.6%, and 30.9%, for PRETEXT I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5‐year overall survival rates by COG stage were 100%, 97.5%, 100%, 70.2%, and 39.3% for Stage I pure fetal histology (PFH), Stage I unfavorable histology (UH = not PFH), Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV, respectively. PRETEXT added significant additional prognostic information within the COG Stage III, but not COG Stage IV. Additional prognostic factors statistically significant for an increased risk of death were small‐cell‐undifferentiated (SCU) histologic subtype and AFP < 100 at diagnosis.

Conclusions

PRETEXT, COG stage, SCU histology, and AFP < 100, as assessed at diagnosis, are important determinants of survival that will allow us to better develop common international criteria for risk stratification. Common risk stratification is an essential prerequisite to establish effective cooperation across the ocean in this field of rare tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1016–1022. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current status of diagnosis and prognosis of infant acute leukemia in China
Authors: Huang Li‐Bin , Guan Xiao‐Qing , Zhang Ying‐Chuan , Zhang Xiao‐Li , Ke Zhi‐Yong , Luo Xue‐Qun
Published: July 2009

Objective

Treatment and outcome of infant acute leukemia (IAL) in developed countries have been well documented. However, reports summarizing diagnosis and outcome of IAL in developing countries are limited.

Methods

Five hundred ninety seven pediatric patients were diagnosed with acute leukemia in our hospital between January 1997 and June 2008, of which 19 were younger than 12 months. Data from our 19 cases and the Chinese literature were analyzed.

Results

Of the 19 cases, 14 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 5 had acute myeloid leukemia (AML) based on FAB classification. Immunophenotyping and molecular genetic analysis were performed in only 6 cases. Only 16% (3/19) of the infants received treatment. Two infants with immunophenotypic AML who abandoned treatment achieved spontaneous remission without chemotherapy within 2 and 4 months respectively. Combining our data with those from Chinese literature, less than one third of the infants had immunophenotypic and genetic verification of leukemia and 29% (18/63) of them received treatment.

Conclusion

Family financial difficulties and physicians' lack of confidence in treatment outcome in IAL contributed to a high treatment abandonment rate and poor outcome. Public health insurance as well as physician education on current IAL treatment strategies may decrease treatment abandonment in China. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:973–977. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunotherapy for neuroblastoma: Turning promise into reality
Authors: Gray Juliet C. , Kohler Janice A.
Published: July 2009

Neuroblastoma is one of the commonest and most aggressive paediatric malignancies. The majority of children present with metastatic disease for which long‐term survival remains poor despite intensive multi‐modal therapies. Toxicity from current treatment regimes is already significant, and there is little room to further intensify therapy. Alternative treatment strategies are therefore needed in order to improve survival. Immunotherapy is an attractive therapeutic option for these children as it potentially offers a much more specific and less toxic treatment than conventional therapies. This review discusses the different immunotherapy strategies that may be useful in neuroblastoma, their advantages and disadvantages and the challenges that need to be overcome to successfully use them clinically. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:931–940. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vincristine: Can its therapeutic index be enhanced?
Authors: Moore Andrew , Pinkerton Ross
Published: July 2009

Vincristine is one of the most widely used and more effective drugs in paediatric oncology. The dose‐limiting toxicity of neuropathy, lack of proven neuroprotective measures and an incomplete understanding of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics of vincristine have limited its therapeutic potential. Recent advances in the understanding of vincristine pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics, and potential methods of preventing neurotoxicity are reviewed which could enable dose escalation and dose individualisation in order to enhance the therapeutic index. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1180–1187. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
COX‐2 inhibitors: complex association with lower risk of hospitalization for gastrointestinal events compared to traditional NSAIDs plus proton pump inhibitors
Authors: van der Linden Michiel W. , Gaugris Sabine , Kuipers Ernst J. , van Herk‐Sukel Myrthe P. P. , van den Bemt Bart J. F. , Sen Shuvayu S. , Herings Ron M. C.
Published: July 2009

Purpose

To compare hospitalization rates for serious upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) events between chronic and acute users of a traditional non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (tNSAID) + proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and users of a COX‐2 selective inhibitor (Coxib).

Methods

The PHARMO Record Linkage System, including linked drug‐dispensing and hospital records of approximately 3 million individuals in the Netherlands was used. We selected new Coxib or tNSAID users (01/01/2000–31/12/2004) with ≥1 year history before the first NSAID dispensing and ≥1 year follow‐up ending at the first hospitalization for GI event (the outcome), last dispensing, or end of the study period. Chronic users were patients who used any NSAIDs for ≥60 days during the first year (n = 58 770); others were acute users (n = 538 420). Multivariate analysis was performed by Poisson regression adjusted for gender, age, and duration of follow‐up, tNSAID and Coxib dose, NSAID/PPI adherence, use of other gastroprotective agents, anticoagulants, acetaminophen, corticosteroids, and cardiovascular disease.

Results

The cohort included 23 999 new tNSAIDs + PPI users and 25 977 new Coxib users, with main characteristics: mean ± SD age 58.1 ± 15.5 vs. 56.7 ± 17.5; female 55.3% vs. 62.2%; duration of treatment (days): 137 ± 217 vs. 138 ± 179, respectively. Among acute users, adjusted hazard ratios (95% Confidence Interval) were 0.21 (0.14–0.32) for upper and 0.26 (0.16–0.42) for lower GI events, for Coxib versus tNSAIDs + PPI users. Among chronic users, these were 0.35 (0.22–0.55) for upper GI and 0.43 (0.25–0.75) for lower GI events.

Conclusions

Coxib users had significantly lower rates of GI events. Further research should elucidate the possible impact of selection bias. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical design study on multifunctional triphenyl amino‐based derivatives for OLEDs
Authors: Zou Lu‐Yi , Ren Ai‐Min , Feng Ji‐Kang , Ran Xue‐Qin
Published: July 2009

The use of triphenyl amino‐based derivatives in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) can significantly improve their efficiency and stability and especially their electroluminescence characteristics – most of the new hole‐transport materials have this feature. In this study, a series of triphenyl amino‐based compounds were computed, including two newly designed molecules. They can function as charge transport materials and emitters with high efficiency and stability. To reveal the relationship between the properties and structures of these bifunctional and multifunctional electroluminescent materials, the ground and excited state geometries were optimized at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d), HF/6‐31G(d), TD‐B3LYP/6‐31G(d), and CIS/6‐31G(d) levels, respectively. The ionization potentials (IPs) and electron affinities (EAs) were computed. The lowest excitation energies, the maximum absorption, and emission wavelengths of these compounds were calculated by employing the time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) method. Also, the mobilities of holes and electrons were studied computationally based on the Marcus electron transfer theory. The CH2Cl2 solvent effect on the absorption spectra of N,N′‐di‐1‐naphthyl‐N,N′‐diphenylbenzidine (NPB) was considered by polarizable continuum model (PCM). The results obtained for these compounds are in good agreement with the experimental values. These data show that the proposed compounds 1 and 2 (N,B‐di‐1‐naphthyl‐N,B‐diphenylbenzidine and Mes2N[p‐4,4′‐biphenyl‐NPh(1‐naphthyl)]), are multifunctional and bifunctional materials similar to Mes2B[p‐4,4′‐biphenyl‐NPh(1‐naphthyl)] (BNPB) and NPB, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Random and sequential radical cotelomerizations of 3,3,3‐trifluoropropene (H2CCHCF3) with vinylidene fluoride (F2CCH2)
Authors: Kostov Georgi , Boschet Frédéric , Brandstadter Stephan , Ameduri Bruno
Published: July 2009

The synthesis of original cotelomers based on 3,3,3‐trifluoropropene (TFP) and vinylidene fluoride (VDF) with a general formula: RF‐[CH2CF2]n[CH2CH(CF3)]mI (where n = 1–63, m = 2–640, and RF = (CF3)2CF) was achieved by sequential and random cotelomerizations in the presence of RFI. The radical cotelomerizations were initiated by thermal decomposition of different peroxide and persulfate initiators either in bulk, in solution (in the presence of acetonitrile or 1,1,1,3,3‐pentafluorobutane as the solvents), and in aqueous process (emulsion). Different adducts were obtained in good yield (50–70 wt %) with a relative proportion of each adduct depending on (i) the R0 = [RFI]0/([TFP]0+[VDF]0) initial molar ratio, (ii) the reaction temperature, and (iii) C0 = [In]0/([TFP]0+[VDF]0). Random cotelomerization gave higher yields than those obtained from the sequential cotelomerization. When the concentration of the chain transfer agent increased, the molecular weights of the resulting poly(VDF‐co‐TFP) cotelomers decreased and showed that the R0 ratio targeted the molecular weights (∼700–66,000 g mol−1). Some of the obtained molecular weights were exceptionally high for a (co)telomerization. The kinetics of the radical cotelomerization of VDF and TFP led to the determination of the reactivity ratios of both comonomers (rVDF = 0.28 ± 0.07 and rTFP = 2.35 ± 0.26 at 75 °C). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3964–3981, 2009
Alternated π‐conjugated polymers based on a 1,2‐diiminocyclohexane chiral unit for nitroaromatics sensing
Authors: Clavaguera Simon , Dautel Olivier J. , Hairault Lionel , Méthivier Christophe , Montméat Pierre , Pasquinet Eric , Pradier Claire‐Marie , Serein‐Spirau Françoise , Wakim Salem , Veignal Florian , Moreau Joël J. E. , Lère‐Porte Jean‐Pierre
Published: July 2009

The detection of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene (DNT) by fluorescence quenching of a new class of polyimines consisting in π‐conjugated segments regularly alternated with chiral C2 symmetry units has been studied for solutions and thin films. Their photophysical properties and their sensitivity towards DNT detection has been compared to those of a small model molecule incorporating the same π‐conjugated segment. In solution, all the compounds exhibit the same photo‐physical properties and sensitivity towards DNT detection. In contrast, for thin films, better performances are observed in static conditions for this new class of polyimines compared to the small model molecule. It seems that C2 symmetry units prevent from the stacking of the π‐conjugated segments and provide in addition to high fluorescence signal an improved diffusion of the analyte inside the films. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4141–4149, 2009
Production and processing of spider silk proteins
Authors: Hardy John G. , Scheibel Thomas R.
Published: July 2009

Natural spider silk fibers have impressive mechanical properties (outperforming many man‐made fibers) and are, moreover, biocompatible, biodegradable, and produced under benign conditions (using water as a solvent at ambient temperature). The problems associated with harvesting natural spider silks inspired us to devise a method to produce spider silk‐like proteins biotechnologically (the first subject tackled in this highlight); we subsequently discuss their processing into various materials morphologies, and some potential technical and biomedical applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3957–3963, 2009
Compatibilization effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the phase structure of PET/PP/TiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Li Wenjing , Karger‐Kocsis József , Thomann Ralf
Published: July 2009

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/Polypropylene (PP)/TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by compounding a PP/TiO2 nanocomposite premix with PET in absence and presence (up to 6 vol %) of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA). In absence of PP‐g‐MA, the TiO2 nanoparticles were mainly located at the PET/PP interface and to a lesser extent in the dispersed PET droplets. As the TiO2 nanoparticles were coated by polyalcohol their surface could react with PP‐g‐MA and thus improving the compatibilization with PP. Therefore in presence of PP‐g‐MA the TiO2 nanoparticles were preferentially located in the PP. The incorporated TiO2 nanoparticles exerted a compatibilization effect on the PET/PP blend. Depending on the location of TiO2 three different compatibilization mechanisms were proposed to be at work: (1) Locating at the interface, the TiO2 nanoparticles decrease the free energy of mixing, and thus increase the thermodynamic stability of the nanocomposites; (2) The TiO2 nanoparticles at the interface also prevent the coalescence of PET droplets; (3) Preferentially located in the PP matrix, the TiO2 nanoparticles decreased the viscosity ratio which facilitated the droplet breakup of PET. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1616–1624, 2009
Analysis of polystyrene surface properties on thin film bonding under carbon dioxide pressure using nanoparticle embedding technique
Authors: Yang Jintao , Liu Chuntai , Yang Yong , Zhu Bin , Lee L. James , Chen Hongmin , Jean Y. C.
Published: July 2009

A gold nanoparticle embedding technique is used to determine how vacuum and pressured carbon dioxide (CO2) affect polystyrene (PS) thin film properties. The pressured CO2 greatly increased the gold nanoparticle embedding depth, possibly due to a low cohesive energy density near the film surface. For the monodisperse PS used in this study (Mn = 214,000), two spin‐coated thin films with intimate contact can be bonded below the bulk glass transition temperature (Tg) under CO2 pressure when the embedded depth is larger than half of the gyration radius of PS molecules. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1535–1542, 2009
Disparities in mental health between rural and nonrural cancer survivors: a preliminary study
Authors: Burris Jessica L. , Andrykowski Michael
Published: July 2009

Objective: While much research has sought to identify disparities in cancer incidence, survival, and treatment, little research has sought to identify disparities in mental health (MH) outcomes among cancer survivors. The present study aims to identify disparities in MH outcomes between rural and nonrural cancer survivors.

Methods: Cancer survivors who met eligibility criteria were identified through the Kentucky SEER Cancer Registry. Rural status was determined by 2003 USDA Rural–Urban Continuum Codes. 116 (n=54 rural, 62 nonrural) survivors with diagnoses of breast (n=42), hematologic (n=39), or colorectal (n=35) cancer completed mail‐back questionnaires and/or a telephone interview.

Results: Rural cancer survivors reported poorer MH functioning (effect size (ES)=0.45 SD), greater symptoms of anxiety (ES=0.70) and depression (ES=0.47), greater distress (ES=0.41), and more emotional problems (ES=0.47) than nonrural cancer survivors. Rural and nonrural cancer survivors did not differ consistently in regard to positive MH outcomes, such as benefit finding. The pattern of results was maintained when adjusted for education and physical functioning.

Conclusions: Clinically important disparities in MH outcomes were evident between rural and nonrural cancer survivors. Interventions aimed at raising access and utilization of MH services may be indicated for cancer survivors in rural areas. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein structure prediction center in CASP8
Authors: Kryshtafovych Andriy , Krysko Oleh , Daniluk Pawel , Dmytriv Zinovii , Fidelis Krzysztof
Published: July 2009

We present an outline of the Critical Assessment of Protein Structure Prediction (CASP) infrastructure implemented at the University of California, Davis, Protein Structure Prediction Center. The infrastructure supports selection and validation of prediction targets, collection of predictions, standard evaluation of submitted predictions, and presentation of results. The Center also supports information exchange relating to CASP experiments and structure prediction in general. Technical aspects of conducting the CASP8 experiment and relevant statistics are also provided. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural insights into recognition of β2‐glycoprotein I by the lipoprotein receptors
Authors: Beglov Dmitri , Lee Chang‐Jin , De Biasio Alfredo , Kozakov Dima , Brenke Ryan , Vajda Sandor , Beglova Natalia
Published: July 2009

The interactions of β2 glycoprotein I (B2GPI) with the receptors of the low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family are implicated in the clearance of negatively charged phospholipids and apoptotic cells and, in the presence of autoimmune anti‐B2GPI antibodies, in cell activation, which might play a role in the pathology of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The ligand‐binding domains of the lipoprotein receptors consist of multiple homologous LA modules connected by flexible linkers. In this study, we investigated at the atomic level the features of the LA modules required for binding to B2GPI. To compare the binding interface in B2GPI/LA complex to that observed in the high‐resolution co‐crystal structure of the receptor associated protein (RAP) with a pair of LA modules 3 and 4 from the LDLR, we used LA4 in our studies. Using solution NMR spectroscopy, we found that LA4 interacts with B2GPI and the binding site for B2GPI on the 15N‐labeled LA4 is formed by the calcium coordinating residues of the LA module. We built a model for the complex between domain V of B2GPI (B2GPI‐DV) and LA4 without introducing any experimentally derived constraints into the docking procedure. Our model, which is in the agreement with the NMR data, suggests that the binding interface of B2GPI for the lipoprotein receptors is centered at three lysine residues of B2GPI‐DV, Lys 308, Lys 282, and Lys317. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simple simulation model can reproduce the thermodynamic folding intermediate of apoflavodoxin
Authors: Larriva María , Prieto Lidia , Bruscolini Pierpaolo , Rey Antonio
Published: July 2009

Flavodoxins are single domain proteins with an α/β structure, whose function and folding have been well studied. Detailed experiments have shown that several members of this protein family present a stable intermediate, which accumulates along the folding process. In this work, we use a coarse‐grained model for protein folding, whose interactions are based on the topology of the native state, to analyze the thermodynamic characteristics of the folding of Anabaena apoflavodoxin. Our model shows evidence for the existence of a thermodynamic folding intermediate, which reaches a significant population along the thermal transition. According to our simulation results, the intermediate is compact, well packed, and involves distortions of the native structure similar to those experimentally found. These mainly affect the long loop in the protein surface comprising residues 120–139. Although the agreement between simulation and experiment is not perfect, something impossible for a crude model, our results show that the topology of the native state is able to dictate a folding process which includes the presence of an intermediate for this protein. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular insights into substrate specificity of prostate specific antigen through structural modeling
Authors: Singh Pratap , LeBeau Aaron M. , Lilja Hans , Denmeade Samuel R. , Isaacs John T.
Published: July 2009

Prostate Specific Antigen's (PSA) role as a biomarker for prostate cancer is well established but the physiological role of its serine protease activity in the pathobiology of normal prostate and prostate carcinogenesis remains largely unknown. In light of recent studies that implicate PSA's enzymatic activity in the initiation and/or progression of prostate cancer, we performed a molecular modeling study of substrate binding at the catalytic site of PSA wherein a PSA‐selective substrate (HSSKLQ) was docked in an acyl‐enzyme conformation to a three‐dimensional homology model of PSA. Additionally, virtual positional scanning studies were conducted to gain mechanistic insights into substrate recognition of PSA. Subsequently, 13 novel peptide substrates of 6‐aa length and four peptide substrates with varying length were synthesized and assayed for PSA hydrolysis to evaluate the experimental validity of docking insights. Additionally, six novel aldehyde‐containing transition state analog inhibitors were synthesized and tested for their inhibitory potencies. The experimental data on the hydrolysis rates of the newly synthesized substrates and inhibitory potencies of the aldehyde peptides agreed with the docking predictions, providing validation of the docking methodology and demonstrating its utility towards the design of substrate‐mimetic inhibitors that can be used to explore PSA's role in the pathobiology of prostate cancer. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of DNA binding across protein superfamilies
Authors: Contreras‐Moreira Bruno , Sancho Javier , Angarica Vladimir Espinosa
Published: July 2009

Specific protein–DNA interactions are central to a wide group of processes in the cell and have been studied both experimentally and computationally over the years. Despite the increasing collection of protein–DNA complexes, so far only a few studies have aimed at dissecting the structural characteristics of DNA binding among evolutionarily related proteins. Some questions that remain to be answered are: (a) what is the contribution of the different readout mechanisms in members of a given structural superfamily, (b) what is the degree of interface similarity among superfamily members and how this affects binding specificity, (c) how DNA‐binding protein superfamilies distribute across taxa, and (d) is there a general or family‐specific code for the recognition of DNA. We have recently developed a straightforward method to dissect the interface of protein–DNA complexes at the atomic level and here we apply it to study 175 proteins belonging to nine representative superfamilies. Our results indicate that evolutionarily unrelated DNA‐binding domains broadly conserve specificity statistics, such as the ratio of indirect/direct readout and the frequency of atomic interactions, therefore supporting the existence of a set of recognition rules. It is also found that interface conservationfollows trends that are superfamily‐specific. Finally, this article identifies tendencies in the phylogenetic distribution of transcription factors, which might be related to the evolution of regulatory networks, and postulates that the modular nature of zinc finger proteins can explain its role in large genomes, as it allows for larger binding interfaces in a single protein molecule. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PSM system upgrade in response to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration NEP inspection
Authors: Walter Robert , Foottit Richard , Nelson Brian
Published: July 2009

This article presents a brief analysis of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Petroleum Refinery Process Safety Management National Emphasis Program (NEP) citation results as of early 2009. It includes trends distilled from the OSHA inspections performed to date. Recommendations for preparing for PSM NEP level inspections are provided.

A proven approach to designing and implementing an upgrade project for OSHA process safety management systems and EPA risk management program is described. The model presented can be targeted to a facility's NEP specific citations or used for a general PSM system effectiveness upgrade.

This article includes recommendations for improving PSM as a result of an NEP inspection. The recommendations are for the PSM elements that routinely have major OSHA citations; that is: Operating Procedures, Mechanical Integrity, Process Hazards Analysis, Process Safety Information, Management of Change, and Incident Investigations. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2009
Changes in phosphine sorption in wheat after storage at two temperatures
Authors: Daglish Gregory J , Pavic Hervoika
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Wheat can be stored for many months before being fumigated with phosphine to kill insects, so a study was undertaken to investigate whether the sorptive capacity of wheat changes as it ages. Wheat was stored at 15 or 25 °C and 55% RH for up to 5.5 months, and samples were fumigated at intervals to determine sorption. Sealed glass flasks (95% full) were injected with 1.5 mg L−1 of phosphine based on flask volume. Concentrations were monitored for 11 days beginning 2 h after injection. Some wheat samples were refumigated after a period of ventilation. Several fumigations of wheat were conducted to determine the pattern of sorption during the first 24 h.

RESULTS: Phosphine concentration declined exponentially with time from 2 h after injection. Rate of sorption decreased with time spent in storage at either 15 or 25 °C and 55% RH. Rate of sorption tended to be lower when wheat was refumigated, but this could be explained by time in storage rather than by refumigation per se. The data from the 24 h fumigations did not fit a simple exponential decay equation. Instead, there was a rapid decline in the first hour, with phosphine concentration falling much more slowly thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS: The results have implications for phosphine fumigation of insects in stored wheat. Both the time wheat has spent in storage and the temperature at which it has been stored are factors that must be considered when trying to understand the impact of sorption on phosphine concentrations in commercial fumigations. Copyright © The state of Queensland (through the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation) 2009. Published by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Al additions and thermobaric treatment on the UV emission from ceramic and polycrystalline Gd‐activated cubic boron nitride
Authors: Shishonok E. M. , Leonchik S. V. , Steeds J. W.
Published: July 2009

The effects of thermobaric treatments and aluminum additions on the spectral properties of Gd‐activated cBN have been investigated. Two types of sample have been studied: polycrystalline and ceramic forms. Spectra related to the Gd3+ ions were found to shift to higher energy as a result of secondary thermobaric treatment of the polycrystals and on sintering micropowders to form the ceramic samples. Additional fine structure appeared as a result of aluminum doping. These changes are described in detail and the results discussed in the light of available evidence.
One‐dimensional disordered magnetic Ising systems: A new approach
Authors: Gasparian Vladimir , Badalian David , Jódar Esther
Published: July 2009

We reconsider the problem of a one‐dimensional Ising model with an arbitrary nearest‐neighbor random exchange integral, temperature, and random magnetic field in each site. A convenient formalism is developed that reduces the partition function to a recurrence equation, which is convenient both for numerical as well as for analytical approaches. We have calculated asymptotic expressions for an ensemble averaged free energy and the averaged magnetization in the case of strong and weak couplings in external constant magnetic field. With a random magnetic field at each site in addition to nearest‐neighbor random exchange integrals we also evaluated the free energy. We show that the zeros of the partition function for the Ising model in the complex external magnetic field plane formally coincide with the singularities of the real part of electron's transmission amplitude through the chain of δ‐function potentials.
Current‐induced spin polarization for a general two‐dimensional electron system
Authors: Wang C. M. , Cui H. T. , Lin Q.
Published: July 2009

In this paper, current‐induced spin polarization (CISP) for a two‐dimensional electron gas with a general spin–orbit interaction is investigated. For an isotropic energy spectrum, the in‐plane CISP is found to be dependent on the electron density for a non‐linear spin–orbit interaction and increases with the increment of sheet density, in contrast to the case for the k‐linear spin–orbit coupling model. The numerical evaluation is performed for an InAs/InSb heterojunction with spin–orbit coupling of both linear and cubic spin–orbit coupling types. For δ‐type short‐range electron‐impurity scattering, it is found that the CISP increases with increasing density when cubic spin–orbit couplings are considered. However, for remote disorders, a rapid enhancement of CISP is always observed at high electron density, even in the case without cubic spin–orbit coupling. This result demonstrates the collision‐related feature of CISP. The effects of different high‐order spin–orbit couplings on spin polarization can be comparable.
Hysteresis loops and reversal modes of two‐phase nanoparticle
Authors: Liu Yan , Du An
Published: July 2009

The hysteresis loops of cubic two‐phase nanoparticles composed of a spherical nanocrystalline grain in the center and an amorphous matrix is simulated by the micromagnetic simulation method. The influence of the anisotropy axis direction of the nanocrystalline grain on the reversal mode and coercivity are studied. It is found that there are three kinds of reversal mode with different anisotropy axis directions, and the coercive force of the system is also dependent on the direction of the anisotropy axis of the inner grain and the configurational anisotropy axis of the cube.
Chalcogenide glassy photoresists: History of development, properties, and applications
Authors: Lyubin Victor
Published: July 2009

The history of the development of photoresists based on the photostructural transformations in chalcogenide glassy semiconductors is discussed in this paper. The properties of such photoresists including the possibility of an essential increase of their photosensitivity and also applications are examined. Together with the photoresists, the chalcogenide glassy roentgen‐, electron beam‐, and plasma‐resists are briefly considered.
The individual core/shell silicon nanowire structure probed by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Marczak M. , Judek J. , Kozak A. , Gębicki W. , Jastrzębski C. , Adamowicz L. , Luxembourg D. , Hourlier D. , Mélin T.
Published: July 2009

The results of Raman scattering study of well‐separated core/shell silicon nanowires grown by CVD method and deposited on an Au surface are presented. The Raman spectra analysis indicates a presence of both crystalline (520 cm–1) and amorphous (470 cm–1) silicon phases, forming quite independent fractions. From the growth conditions, nanowires are expected to form such a core‐shell cone, with the amorphous silicon phase (aSi) outside, and the crystalline silicon phase (cSi) inside. The nanowires' diameter varies from 100 nm to 400 nm, what is seen in the SEM pictures. The Raman spectra have been acquired from the three points of the cone shaped nanowire: base, centre and tip. Based on the Stokes/anti‐Stokes (St/aSt) intensity ratios, the position and full width at half maximum of the Raman peaks temperatures of the amorphous shell and the cSi core in different nanowire's position have been determined. Against our expectations, the crystalline silicon (cSi) temperature was found lower than the amorphous silicon temperature (aSi). This suggests that the nanowire cSi core is in a good thermal contact with the metallic substrate, thus improving the heat evacuation of the SiNW core, for which the thermal conductivity is known to be low. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of hydrogen on hydrogenated cadmium telluride optical spectra
Authors: Pociask M. , Polit J. , Sheregii E. , Cebulski J. , Kisiel A. , Mycielski A. , Morgiel J. , Piccinini M. , Marcelli A. , Robouch B. , Guidi M. Cestelli , Savchyn V. , Izhnin I. I. , Zajdel P. , Nucara A.
Published: July 2009

The presence of oxygen impurity in semiconducting materials affects the electrical properties of crystals and significantly limits their application. To remove oxygen impurity, ultra‐pure hydrogen is used while growing Te‐containing crystals such as CdTe, CdZnTe, and ZnTe. The hydrogenation of CdTe crystals is a technological process that purifies the basic material from oxygen, mainly cadmium and tellurium oxide compounds incorporated in CdTe crystalline lattice. In the present work we analyses the deformations induced by hydrogen and oxygen atoms in CdTe crystals looking at their influence on the near fundamental band (NFB), middle infrared (MIR) and far infrared (FIR) reflectivity spectra as well as on cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra. Comparison of the hydrogenated CdTe phonon structure profiles confirms the presence of hydrogen atoms bounded inside the lattice. The possible localization of hydrogen and oxygen ions within the tetrahedron coordinated lattice is discussed in the framework of a model that shows a good agreement with recent NFB, MIR and FIR experiments carried out on hydrogenated CdTe crystals. Measured reflection spectra in the wavelength range 190‐1400 nm (NFB) indicate the appearance in CdTe(HM) and CdTe(HL) of additional maxima at 966 nm related to the electron transitions from level about 0.2 eV above the valence band. The CL spectra confirmed existence of this electron level. We present a possible H2 alignment similar to the single H model i.e., over the face (at about 0.38 Å). For this model the angle from the central atom to the H atoms is equal to 64° which is also close to the bonding angle of CdH2 (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)