bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a microsporidian isolate from Cnaphalocrocis Medinalis and its pathogenicity to Bombyx mori
Authors: Huang Xuhua , Qi Guangjun , Pan Zhixin , Zhu Fangrong , Huang Yuanjiao , Wu Yonghu
Published: October 2013

A microsporidian, CmM2, was isolated from Cnaphalocrocis medinalis. The biological characters, molecular analysis and pathogenicity of CmM2 were studied. The spore of CmM2 is long oval in shape and 3.45 ± 0.25 × 1.68 ± 0.18 µm in size, the life cycle includes meronts, sporonts, sporoblasts, and spores, with typical diplokaryon in each stage, propagated in binary fission. There is positive coagulation reaction between CmM2 and the polyclonal antibody of Nosema bombycis (N.b.). CmM2 spores is binuclear, and has 10–12 polar filament coils. The small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequence of CmM2 was obtained by PCR amplification and sequencing, the phylogenetic tree based on SSU rRNA sequences had been constructed, and the similarity and genetic distance of SSU rRNA sequences were analyzed, showed that CmM2 was grouped in the Nosema clade. The 50% infectious concentration of CmM2 to Bombyx mori is 4.72 × 104 spores ml−1, and the germinative infection rate is 12.33%. The results showed that CmM2 is classified into genus Nosema, as Nosema sp. CmM2, and has a heavy infectivity to B. mori. The result indicated as well that it is valuable taxonomic determination for microsporidian isolates based on both biological characters and molecular evidence.
Efficacy of antibacterial bioactive glass S53P4 against S. aureus biofilms grown on titanium discs in vitro
Authors: Coraça‐Huber Débora C. , Fille Manfred , Hausdorfer Johann , Putzer David , Nogler Michael
Published: October 2013

We evaluated the effectiveness of different sizes of bioactive glass S53P4 against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms grown on metal discs in vitro. S. aureus biofilms were cultivated on titanium discs. BAG‐S53P4 (0.5–0.8 mm and <45 µm) were placed in contact with the discs containing biofilms. Glass beads (0.5 mm) were used as a control. After each interval, the pH from each sample was measured. Colony forming units were counted for the biofilm recovery verification. In parallel, we tested the activity of bioactive glass against S. aureus planktonic cells. We found that BAG‐S53P4 can suppress S. aureus biofilm formation on titanium discs in vitro. The suppression rate of biofilm cells by BAG‐S53P4 <45 µm was significantly higher than by BAG‐S53P4 0.5–0.8 mm. BAG‐S53P4 has a clear growth‐inhibitory effect on S. aureus biofilms. BAG‐S53P4 <45 µm is more efficient against biofilm growth in vitro comparing with BAG‐S53P4 0.5–0.8 mm. Bioactive glass S53P4 has potential to be used as bone substitute for the resolution of infection complications in joint replacement surgeries and treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:175–177, 2014.
Both expression of cytokines and posterior annulus fibrosus rupture are essential for pain behavior changes induced by degenerative intervertebral disc: An experimental study in rats
Authors: Li Zemin , Liu Hui , Yang Hao , Wang Jianru , Wang Hua , Zhang Kuibo , Ding Wenbin , Zheng Zhaomin
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between intervertebral disc degeneration and low back pain (LBP). Rat L4/5 disc degeneration model was established by annular puncture using a 0.4 mm needle anteriorly or posteriorly. In both anterior and posterior puncture models, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological analyses revealed marked disc degeneration 2 weeks after puncture. Cytokine expression was up‐regulated in different level in nucleus pulposus (NP) from 3 days after puncture. Pain behavioral tests indicated that the anterior disc puncture did not induce pain behavior changes, whereas the posterior disc puncture resulted in mechanical allodynia from 1 day to 21 days after injury. Besides, cytokine expression was significantly increased in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) at 1 and 2 weeks after posterior puncture, but not after the anterior puncture. These findings indicate the NP of the degenerative disc expresses different levels of inflammatory cytokines, and posterior disc puncture produced mechanical allodynia. The expression phase of cytokines in the NP was accordance with mechanical hyperalgesia in the posterior disc puncture model. Both expression of cytokines and posterior annulus fibrosus (AF) rupture in degenerative intervertebral disc are essential for pain behavior changes. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:262–272, 2014.
Determination of asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginines in human plasma by HPLC with electrochemical detection
Authors: Kleparnik Martin , Tomandlova Marie , Glatz Zdenek , Tomandl Josef
Published: October 2013

A new HPLC method was developed and validated for the determination of asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginines and l‐arginine in human plasma. After SPE and evaporation of the eluate, the samples were derivatised with an o‐phthaldialdehyde reagent containing 3‐mercaptopropionic acid. The derivatives formed were analysed by isocratic RP‐HPLC with electrochemical detection at +320 mV. The mobile phase consisted of 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 6.1) containing 10% v/v acetonitrile, the flow rate was 1 mL/min. The retention times of all compounds including monomethylarginine (internal standard) were <24 min. The LODs (S/N 3:1) were 0.012 μM for both dimethylarginines and 0.013 μM for l‐arginine; the linearity of the method was from 0.1 to 20 μM for both dimethylarginines and from 1 to 200 μM for l‐arginine. Absolute extraction recoveries measured for all analytes ranged from 85 to 88%.
Direct Measurement of the Equilibrium Constants of the Reaction of Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde with HO2 Radicals
Authors: Morajkar Pranay , Schoemaecker Coralie , Okumura Mitchio , Fittschen Christa
Published: October 2013

Rate and equilibrium constants for the reaction of HO2 with formaldehyde

urn:x-wiley:05388066:kin20817:equation:kin20817-math-0001
and acetaldehyde

urn:x-wiley:05388066:kin20817:equation:kin20817-math-0002
have been directly measured. The concentration of HO2 radicals was followed in a time‐resolved method by coupling cw‐CRDS (cavity ringdown spectroscopy) to laser photolysis. The reaction of HO2 with CH2O (R1) was measured at 50 Torr helium over the temperature range 292–306 K, whereas the reaction of CH3CHO with HO2 (R2) was measured in 50 Torr He but at only 294 K. The observed HO2 decay profiles were modeled to take into account secondary chemistry, especially that of the reaction products, hydroxyl‐peroxy radical adducts. The rate constants for forward and back reactions of (R1) at 297 K were found to be k1 = (3.3 ± 0.6) × 10−14 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 and k−1 = (55 ± 5) s−1, respectively, both roughly a factor of two slower than earlier measurements (possibly due to falloff effects), while the equilibrium constant was found to be K1 = (6.0 ± 1.8) × 10−16 molecule−1 cm3 at 297 K, in good agreement with earlier, more indirect determinations. The equilibrium constant of the reaction with CH3CHO was found to be K2 = (1.7 ± 0.5) × 10−17 molecule−1 cm3 at 294 K, with the forward rate constant k2 = (1.5 ± 0.75) × 10−14 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 and the rate constant for the back reaction k−2 = (900 ± 450) s−1.
Kinetics of Forward Extraction of V(IV) in V(IV)‐SO42−(H+, Na+)‐Cyanex 301–Kerosene System Using the Lewis Cell Technique
Authors: Biswas Ranjit Kumar , Karmakar Aneek Krishna
Published: October 2013

Kinetics of the extraction of V(IV) from acidic sulfate medium by Cyanex 301 dissolved in kerosene has been investigated using a constant interfacial area stirred cell with laminar flow (Lewis cell). Reaction orders with respect to different concentration terms, rate constant, activation energy, entropy change in activation, and the enthalpy change in activation have been measured at a phase circulation speed of 3 Hz. The rate equation at 293 K is F (kmol/m2s) = 10−7.02 (1 + 0.025[V(IV)]−1)−1 (1 + 398[H+])−1 (1 + 0.10 [HA]o−1)−1 (1 +  3.16 [SO42−]). Based on the experimental results, the mechanism of extraction has been proposed.
A New Insight into the Mechanism of 1,3‐Dienes Cationic Polymerization I: Polymerization of 1,3‐Pentadiene with tBuCl/TiCl4 Initiating System: Kinetic and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Rozentsvet Victor A. , Kozlov Valery G. , Korovina Nelly A. , Kostjuk Sergei V.
Published: October 2013

The cationic polymerization of 1,3‐pentadiene using a tert‐butyl chloride (tBuCl)/TiCl4 initiating system in CH2Cl2 at different reaction conditions is reported. It is shown that the reaction rate increases with the increase of the tBuCl/TiCl4 molar ratio, while the molecular weight distribution becomes narrower. Well‐defined oligo(1,3‐pentadiene)s ( ≤ 3500 g mol−1; / ≤ 3.0) are obtained at high tBuCl/TiCl4 molar ratio (340) and low temperature (–78 °C). 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy studies reveal the presence of tert‐butyl head and –CH2–Cl end groups. The number‐average functionalities (Fns) at the α‐ and ω‐ends are calculated to be Fn(tBu) > 1 and Fn(Cl) < 1, respectively. The general mechanism of 1,3‐pentadiene polymerization is proposed.

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Notes on the peripheral volume of hyperbolic 3‐manifolds
Authors: Petronio Carlo , Tocchet Michele
Published: October 2013

We consider orientable hyperbolic 3‐manifolds with either non‐empty compact geodesic boundary, or some toric cusps, or both. For any such M we analyze what portion of the volume of M can be recovered by inserting in M boundary collars and cusp neighbourhoods with disjoint embedded interiors. Our main result is that this portion can only be maximal in some combinatorially extremal configurations. The techniques we employ are very elementary but the result is in our opinion of some interest.
Developing Porous Honeycomb Films Using Miktoarm Star Copolymers and Exploring Their Application in Particle Separation
Authors: Zhang Chengyi , Wang Xiaofeng , Min Ke , Lee Doyun , Wei Chuan , Schulhauser Hannah , Gao Haifeng
Published: October 2013

This paper reports for the first time the synthesis and application of miktoarm star copolymers to produce highly ordered honeycomb films using the breath figure technique. Miktoarm star copolymer containing a cross‐linked core and two arm species, e.g., polystyrene and poly(t‐butyl acrylate), is successfully synthesized using ATRP in a one‐pot arm‐first method. Various experimental parameters, including polymer architectures, solvents, polymer concentrations, and substrates, are explored to investigate their effects on the structure of the honeycomb films. It is found that miktoarm star copolymers with high molecular weight and spherical shape could readily produce ordered honeycomb films in a broader range of concentrations and humidity than linear block copolymers with similar chemical compositions but lower molecular weight. Partial hydrolysis of poly(t‐butyl acrylate) arm species in the honeycomb film transforms the surface property from hydrophobic to hydrophilic while maintaining the film's mechanical stability in water. This porous monolayer film with uniform pore size distribution and inter‐connected pore channels is successfully applied for separation of microparticles with different sizes.

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Impact of mTORC1 inhibition on keratinocyte proliferation during skin tumor promotion in wild‐type and BK5.AktWT mice
Authors: Rho Okkyung , Kiguchi Kaoru , Jiang Guiyu , DiGiovanni John
Published: October 2013

In this study, we examined the impact of rapamycin on mTORC1 signaling during 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)‐induced keratinocyte proliferation and skin tumor promotion in both wild‐type (FVB/N) and BK5.AktWT mice. TPA activated mTORC1 signaling in a time‐dependent manner in cultured primary mouse keratinocytes and a mouse keratinocyte cell line. Early activation (15–30 min) of mTORC1 signaling induced by TPA was mediated in part by PKC activation, whereas later activation (2–4 h) was mediated by activation of EGFR and Akt. BK5.AktWT transgenic mice, where Akt1 is overexpressed in basal epidermis, are highly sensitive to TPA‐induced epidermal proliferation and two‐stage skin carcinogenesis. Targeting mTORC1 with rapamycin effectively inhibited TPA‐induced epidermal hyperplasia and hyperproliferation as well as tumor promotion in a dose‐dependent manner in both wild‐type and BK5.AktWT mice. A significant expansion (∼threefold) of the label retaining cell (LRC) population per hair follicle was observed in BK5.AktWT mice compared to FVB/N mice. There was also a significant increase in K15 expressing cells in the hair follicle of transgenic mice that coincided with expression of phospho‐Akt, phospho‐S6K, and phospho‐PRAS40, suggesting an important role of mTORC1 signaling in bulge‐region keratinocyte stem cell (KSC) homeostasis. After 2 weeks of TPA treatment, LRCs had moved upward into the interfollicular epidermis from the bulge region of both wild‐type and BK5.AktWT mice. TPA‐mediated LRC proliferation and migration was significantly inhibited by rapamycin. Collectively, the current data indicate that signaling through mTORC1 contributes significantly to the process of skin tumor promotion through effects on proliferation of the target cells for tumor development. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MPTP‐induced dopamine neuron degeneration and glia activation is potentiated in MDMA‐pretreated mice
Authors: Costa Giulia , Frau Lucia , Wardas Jadwiga , Pinna Annalisa , Plumitallo Antonio , Morelli Micaela
Published: October 2013

Clinical observations report a greater propensity to develop Parkinson's disease (PD) in amphetamine users. 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; “ecstasy”) is an amphetamine‐related drug that is largely consumed by adolescents and young adults, which may have neuroinflammatory and neurotoxic effects. Here, the objective was to evaluate in mice whether consumption of MDMA during adolescence might influence the neuroinflammatory and neurotoxic effects of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a toxin known to induce PD in humans. The activation of astroglia and microglia by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and complement receptor type 3 (CD11b) immunohistochemistry and the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry were evaluated. MPTP (20 mg/kg × 4) was administered to mice treated from ages 8 weeks to 17 weeks with MDMA (10 mg/kg twice daily, two times a week). In mice that were chronically treated with MDMA, administration of MPTP induced a higher microglial and astroglial response in both the striatum and the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) compared with vehicle‐treated or vehicle + MPTP‐treated mice. Inflammatory changes were associated with a decrease in TH immunoreactivity in the SNc of MDMA‐treated mice and with a further decrease in the striatum and the SNc of MDMA + MPTP‐treated mice compared with vehicle‐treated, MDMA‐treated, and MPTP‐treated mice. The results demonstrate that chronic administration of MDMA during late adolescence in mice exacerbates the neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation caused by MPTP, suggesting that MDMA may constitute a risk factor for dopaminergic neuron degeneration. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Modification of polyethersulfone membranes using terpolymers engineered and integrated antifouling and anticoagulant properties
Authors: He Chao , Nie Chuan‐Xiong , Zhao Wei‐Feng , Ma Lang , Xiang Tao , Cheng Chong (Sage) , Sun Shu‐Dong , Zhao Chang‐Sheng
Published: October 2013

In this study, random terpolymers of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(sodium styrene sulfonate‐co‐methyl methacrylate) (MPEG‐P(SSNa‐co‐MMA)) integrated with antifouling and anticoagulant properties were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) for the first time and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The terpolymers with desired antifouling and anticoagulant segments were then used as amphiphilic additives to modify polyethersulfone membranes by an engineering blended approach. Water contact angle (WCA) results indicated that the surface hydrophilicity of the modified membranes enhanced. Protein ultrafiltration experiments showed that the antifouling ability of the modified membranes increased. In addition, the modified membranes showed decreased protein adsorption (bovine serum albumin, BSA), suppressed platelet adhesion, and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical properties and degradation studies of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) 50:50/graphene oxide nanocomposite films
Authors: Park Jin Joo , Yu Eun Jeong , Lee Won‐Ki , Ha Chang‐Sik
Published: October 2013

Poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) 50:50 (PLGA)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite films were prepared with various GO weight fractions. A significant enhancement of mechanical properties of the PLGA/GO nanocomposite films was obtained with GO weight fractions. The incorporation of only 5 wt% of GO resulted in an ~2.5‐fold and ~4.7‐fold increase in the tensile strength and Young's modulus of PLGA, respectively. The thermomechanical behaviors of composite films were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis. Results indicated that the values of Tg and storage moduli of the PLGA/GO composites were higher than those of the pristine PLGA. The improvement in oxygen barrier properties of composites was presumably attributed to the filler effect of the randomly dispersed GO throughout the PLGA matrix. In this work, we also studied in vitro biodegradation behavior. PLGA/GO composite films were hydrolyzed at 37°C for periods up to 49 days. Because of the presence of GO nanosheets, degradation of composite films took place more slowly with increasing GO amounts. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular pathology and prostate cancer therapeutics: from biology to bedside
Authors: Rodrigues Daniel Nava , Butler Lisa M , Estelles David Lorente , de Bono Johann S
Published: October 2013

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men and has an extremely heterogeneous clinical behaviour. The vast majority of PCas are hormonally driven diseases in which androgen signalling plays a central role. The realization that castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) continues to rely on androgen signalling prompted the development of new, effective androgen blocking agents. As the understanding of the molecular biology of PCas evolves, it is hoped that stratification of prostate tumours into distinct molecular entities, each with its own set of vulnerabilities, will be a feasible goal. Around half of PCas harbour rearrangements involving a member of the ETS transcription factor family. Tumours without this rearrangement include SPOP mutant as well as SPINK1‐over‐expressing subtypes. As the number of targeted therapy agents increases, it is crucial to determine which patients will benefit from these interventions and molecular pathology will be key in this respect. In addition to directly targeting cells, therapies that modify the tumour microenvironment have also been successful in prolonging the lives of PCa patients. Understanding the molecular aspects of PCa therapeutics will allow pathologists to provide core recommendations for patient management. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pediatric oncology surveillance imaging: Two recommendations. Abandon CT scanning, and randomize to imaging or solely clinical follow‐up
Authors: McHugh Kieran , Roebuck Derek J.
Published: October 2013

Radiologic assessments in children with cancer provide information crucial to patient management at diagnosis and during follow‐up. Many studies have now been published, however, questioning the usefulness of off‐therapy surveillance imaging. There is growing concern regarding the hazards from diagnostic irradiation to young patients, most notably from CT scanning. In this paper we advocate abandoning repeated CT surveillance in young patients with a previously treated solid malignancy not arising in the central nervous system. In addition, randomized studies of imaging surveillance versus no imaging surveillance strategies are needed to determine whether earlier detection of recurrence results in improved survival. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:3–6. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Longitudinal assessment of amniotic fluid volume in monoamniotic twin gestations
Authors: Emery Stephen P. , Canavan Timothy P. , Young Omar M. , Hill Lyndon M.
Published: October 2013

Objective

The aim of this study is to describe normal amniotic fluid volume through gestation in a cohort of normal monoamniotic (MA) twins.

Method

Our ultrasound database was queried for MA twin gestations from 2004 to 2011. Monochorionic twin pregnancies mimicking MA gestations, such as twin‐twin transfusion syndrome, were excluded. Complicated MA gestations and higher‐order multifetal gestations involving an MA pair were excluded. Thirty subjects were followed with serial amniotic fluid index (AFI) measurements from 15 to 32 weeks gestation. Using each AFI measurement as a unique data point, a quadratic regression model and a multi‐level growth model were developed against gestational age (GA), providing a predicted AFI at each completed week, with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The quadratic regression least squares and multi‐level growth models yielded the same curve comparing the AFI to the GA. Figure 1 depicts the model with the 95% confidence interval for normal amniotic fluid volume by GA for normal MA twins. Table 2 shows the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles for AFI by week from 15 to 32 weeks.

Conclusion

We have generated normative data for amniotic fluid volume across gestation in uncomplicated MA twins. This can be used as a reference when managing MA pregnancies. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A highly effective reactive liquid crystal for the improved β‐nucleation of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Li Qing , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Li Jingfeng , Ouyang Zhaofei , Wang Haixia , Wei Gang , Su Zhiqiang
Published: October 2013

We report here the synthesis and characterization of a reactive liquid crystal (RLC) as a novel polymeric nucleating agent for the promotion of the nucleation efficiency of isotactic polypropylene (iPP). The RLC was synthesized by an in‐situ photo‐polymerization and was then grafted onto the molecular chain of iPP by the reactive blending. The phase transition and crystalline morphologies of RLC‐iPP in the β‐nucleation were studied. It is found that the nucleation efficiency of β‐crystals of iPP can be increased to 42% with a very small amount of RLC grafting, which is much higher than the reported nucleation efficiency of polymeric nucleating agents up to now (23%). In addition, we found that the nucleation efficiency of β‐crystals is strongly related to the concentration of RLC for the reactive blending. The nucleation efficiency was decreased from 42% to about 17% with the increase of RLC concentration from 0.5% to 4%. We propose a possible nucleation mechanism for this interesting phenomenon. It is expected that this new β‐nucleation RLC will have potential industrial applications in the future. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2112–2120, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of lactic acid on degradation and biocompatibility of electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone) fibers
Authors: Kim Eun Kyo , Pant Hem Raj , Hwang Bo‐Sang , Kim Yu Kyoung , Kim Hak Yong , Lee Kang Min , Park Chan‐Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: October 2013

Electrospinning of a poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/lactic acid (LA) blend was investigated to fabricate electrospun PCL fibers with improved biodegradability and biocompatibility for biomedical applications. Simple blending of PCL solution with various amounts of LA was used for electrospinning, and the physicochemical properties of the as‐fabricated mat were evaluated using various techniques. Scanning electron microscopy showed that fiber diameter decreased with increasing amount of LA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis also revealed that LA was successfully incorporated in PCL fibers. The presence of LA can accelerate the biodegradation of PCL fibers and enhance the hydrophilicity of a membrane. The adhesion, viability and proliferation properties of osteoblast cells on the PCL/LA composite fibers were analyzed using in vitro cell compatibility tests which showed that LA can increase the cell compatibility of PCL fibers. Additionally, subsequent conversion of LA into calcium lactate by neutralization with calcium base can provide Ca2+ ions on the fiber surface to promote the nucleation of CaPO4 particles. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
High rate (~7 nm/s), atmospheric pressure deposition of ZnO front electrode for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin‐film solar cells with efficiency beyond 15%
Authors: Illiberi Andrea , Grob Frank , Frijters Corne , Poodt Paul , Ramachandra Ram , Winands Hans , Simor Marcel , Bolt Pieter Jan
Published: October 2013

Undoped zinc oxide (ZnO) films have been grown on a moving glass substrate by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition at atmospheric pressure. High deposition rates of ~7 nm/s are achieved at low temperature (200 °C) for a substrate speed from 20 to 60 mm/min. ZnO films are highly transparent in the visible range (90%). By a short (~minute) post‐deposition exposure to near‐ultraviolet light, a very low resistivity value of 1.6·10−3 Ω  cm for undoped ZnO is achieved, which is independent on the film thickness in the range from 180 to 1200 nm. The photo‐enhanced conductivity is stable in time at room temperature when ZnO is coated by an Al2O3 barrier film, deposited by the industrially scalable spatial atomic layer deposition technique. ZnO and Al2O3 films have been used as front electrode and barrier, respectively, in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells. An average efficiency of 15.4 ± 0.2% (15 cells) is obtained that is similar to the efficiency of CIGS reference cells in which sputtered ZnO:Al is used as electrode. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of unsymmetrical benzonitrile‐containing polyimides: Viscosity‐lowering effect and dielectric properties
Authors: Wang David H. , Riley John K. , Fillery Scott P. , Durstock Michael F. , Vaia Richard A. , Tan Loon‐Seng
Published: October 2013

A new unsymmetrical diamine, 2‐(3‐aminophenoxy)‐6‐(4‐aminophenoxy)benzonitrile (3,4‐APBN), is synthesized via two consecutive SNAr reactions and the temperature‐dependent reactivity of the fluorides in 2,6‐difluorobenzonitrile, whose first SNAr reaction occurs at 70 °C and second, at 100 °C, allowing timing control of reaction sequence and circumventing the transetherification side reaction. Thus, a series of polyimides (PIs) is prepared from the polymerization of 3,4‐APBN with five common dianhydrides (6FDA, DSDA, OPDA, BTDA, and PMDA). For comparison, a second series is also prepared from two symmetrical diamines ([2,6‐bis(3‐aminophenoxy)benzonitrile (3,3‐APBN) and 2,6‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)benzonitrile (4,4‐APBN)] and 6FDA or PMDA. The processability of the poly(amic acids) (PAAs), for the first series is greatly improved since their solution viscosities are much lower than PAAs based on symmetrical diamines. Besides having high glass‐transition temperatures (249–332 °C), and thermal stability [5% weight loss in the range of 505–542 °C (air) and 512–546 °C (nitrogen)], these PIs form tough, transparent and flexible films that have a tensile‐strength range of 82.1–121.3 MPa, elongations‐at‐break of 5.33–9.81%, and tensile moduli of 2.11–2.97 GPa. Their film dielectric constants are 3.08–3.62 at 10 kHz, moderately higher than that (2.92) of analogous PI (CP2) without nitrile groups. Overall, we found that the reduction of structural symmetry in repeat units can improve the polymer processibility as well as increasing their dielectric constants. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 4998–5011
Polymerization kinetics of phosphonic acids and esters using an iodonium initiator
Authors: Besse Vincent , Le Pluart Loïc , Cook Wayne D. , Pham Thi‐Nhàn , Madec Pierre‐Jean
Published: October 2013

Phosphonic acids are known to be useful monomers in dental restorative materials because of their good potential to provide enhanced adhesion to hydroxyapatite and their high hydrolytic stability. In this study, the photopolymerization of phosphonic acid‐based monomer via the camphorquinone (CQ)/ethyl‐4‐(dimethylaminobenzoate) (EDAB) photoredox system is compared with a ternary system composed of iodonium hexafluorophosphate and CQ/EDAB. Photocalorimetry shows that the ternary system does not provide a significant acceleration of the polymerization with either acrylamide or methacrylate phosphonic acids. The complexation of the iodonium by the phosphonic moiety of the acidic monomers leads to a lowered iodonium reactivity and reduced polarizability of the medium and as a consequence limits the rate enhancement effect normally observed by phosphonic acids on the polymerization rate. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 5046–5055
Crystal structures of starch binding domain from Rhizopus oryzae glucoamylase in complex with isomaltooligosaccharide: Insights into polysaccharide binding mechanism of CBM21 family
Authors: Chu Chen‐Hsi , Li Kun‐Mou , Lin Shih‐Wei , Chang Margaret Dah‐Tsyr , Jiang Ting‐Ying , Sun Yuh‐Ju
Published: October 2013

Glucoamylases are responsible for hydrolysis of starch and polysaccharides to yield β‐d‐glucose. Rhizopus oryzae glucoamylase (RoGA) is composed of an N‐terminal starch binding domain (SBD) and a C‐terminal catalytic domain connected by an O‐glycosylated linker. Two carbohydrate binding sites in RoSBD have been identified, site I is created by three highly conserved aromatic residues, Trp47, Tyr83, and Tyr94, and site II is built up by Tyr32 and Phe58. Here, the two crystal structures of RoSBD in complex with only α‐(1,6)‐linked isomaltotriose (RoSBD‐isoG3) and isomaltotetraose (RoSBD‐isoG4) have been determined at 1.2 and 1.3 Å, respectively. Interestingly, site II binding is observed in both complexes, while site I binding is only found in the RoSBD‐isoG4 complex. Hence, site II acts as the recognition binding site for carbohydrate and site I accommodates site II to bind isoG4. Site I participates in sugar binding only when the number of glucosyl units of oligosaccharides is more than three. Taken together, two carbohydrate binding sites in RoSBD cooperate to reinforce binding mode of glucoamylase with polysaccharides as well as the starch. Proteins 2014; 82:1079–1085. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of a pepducin acting as S1P3 receptor antagonist
Authors: Severino Beatrice , Incisivo Giuseppina Maria , Fiorino Ferdinando , Bertolino Antonio , Frecentese Francesco , Barbato Francesco , Manganelli Serena , Maggioni Giada , Capasso Domenica , Caliendo Giuseppe , Santagada Vincenzo , Sorrentino Raffaella , Roviezzo Fiorentina , Perissutti Elisa
Published: October 2013

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid with key functions in the immune, inflammatory, and cardiovascular systems. S1P exerts its action through the interaction with a family of five known G protein‐coupled receptors, named S1P1–5. Among them, S1P3 has been implicated in the pathological processes of a number of diseases, including sepsis and cancer. KRX‐725 (compound 1) is a pepducin that mimics the effects of S1P by triggering specifically S1P3. Here, aiming to identify novel S1P3 antagonists, we carried out an alanine scanning analysis to address the contribution of the side chains of each amino acid residue to the peptide function. Then, deleted peptides from both the C‐ and N‐terminus were prepared in order to determine the minimal sequence for activity and to identify the structural requirements for agonistic and, possibly, antagonistic behaviors. The pharmacological results of the Ala‐scan derived compounds (2–10) suggested a high tolerance of the pepducin 1 to amino acid substitutions. Importantly, the deleted peptide 16 has the ability to inhibit, in a dose‐dependent manner, both pepducin 1‐induced vasorelaxation and fibroblast proliferation. Finally, a computational analysis was performed on the prepared compounds, showing that the supposed antagonists 16 and 17 appeared to be aligned with each other but not with the others. These results suggested a correlation between specific conformations and activities. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective silicon surface passivation by atomic layer deposited Al2O3/TiO2 stacks
Authors: Suh Dongchul , Weber Klaus
Published: October 2013

In this work atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 and TiO2 has been used to obtain dielectric stacks for passivation of silicon surfaces. Our experiments on n‐ and p‐type silicon wafers deposited by thin Al2O3/TiO2 stacks show that a considerably improved passivation is obtained compared to the Al2O3 single layer. For Al2O3 films thinner than 20 nm the emitter saturation current density decreases with increasing TiO2 thickness. Especially the passivation of ultrathin (∼5 nm) Al2O3 is very effectively enhanced by TiO2 due to a decreased interface defect density as well as an increased fixed negative charge in the stacks. Hence, the thin Al2O3/TiO2 stacks developed in this work can be used as a passivation coating for Si‐based solar cells. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Corrosion in Aluminium Cans with Grape Juice – Influence of Mechanical Damage
Authors: Dantas Sílvia Tondella , Soares Beatriz Maria Curtio , Saron Elisabete Segantini , Dantas Fiorella Balardin Hellmeister , Gatti Jozeti Aparecida Barbutti , Kiyataka Paulo Henrique Massaharu
Published: October 2013

The consumption of canned food products from dented cans is not recommended by surveillance and consumer protection agencies due to the possibility of aluminium pick up, which may migrate from package to food/beverage. However, it is necessary to raise scientific data that will support any decision concerning the consumption of this kind of food, especially when the percentage of undernourished persons all over the world is considerable. Drawn and wall ironing–type aluminium cans with 330 ml of ready‐to‐drink grape juice, under three different controlled conditions of can damage as well as without damage, were evaluated for 1 year at 35°C. Aluminium migration, internal pressure and can internal surface appearance were periodically evaluated in order to monitor the package/beverage interaction. The results showed very small variation on the can internal surface appearance and pressure. Even after storage for 365 days, no can presented perforation, although the aluminium migration was increased. The highlight of this work is that after 1 year, for all the evaluated damage conditions, the ready‐to‐drink grape juice in aluminium cans could be considered adequate for human consumption in terms of metal migration from packaging. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of the Reconstruction Method on Delayed Gastric Emptying After Pylorus‐Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Tamandl Dietmar , Sahora Klaus , Prucker Johannes , Schmid Rainer , Holst Jens‐Juul , Miholic Johannes , Goetzinger Peter , Gnant Michael
Published: October 2013

Background

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is of considerable concern in patients undergoing pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD). Prolonged hospital stay, increased cost, and decreased quality of life add on to interventions needed to treat DGE. This study was conducted to determine if performing duodenojejunostomy via the antecolic rather than the retrocolic route improved incidence of DGE.

Methods

Patients undergoing PPPD between April 2007 and November 2009 were randomized for either antecolic or retrocolic reconstruction of the duodenojejunostomy. DGE was then assessed by clinical criteria on postoperative day (POD) 10. A paracetamol absorption test was also administered with a liquid meal, and serial plasma levels of intestinal peptides were measured.

Results

Overall, 64 patients were amenable for analysis: 36 in the antecolic group and 28 in the retrocolic group. The incidences of DGE on POD 10 were 17.6 and 23.1 % (antecolic vs. retrocolic, respectively) (p = 0.628). The two groups did not differ in regard to their median (interquartile range) postoperative hospital length of stay [13.0 (10.0–17.5) vs. 12.5 (11.0–17.0) days; p = 0.446], time to regular diet [5 (5–7) vs. 5 (4–6) days; p = 0.353], or morbidity (52.9 vs. 50.0 %; p = 0.777). The median length of nasogastric tube decompression was similar in the two groups [4 (3–7) vs. 3 (3–5) days; p = 0.600]. Levels of paracetamol and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 were markedly decreased in patients with DGE.

Conclusions

Antecolic reconstruction after PPPD does not improve the occurrence/the incidence of DGE and is similar to retrocolic reconstruction with regard to secondary outcome parameters.
Enhanced expression of genes involved in initial xylose metabolism and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway in the improved xylose-utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae through evolutionary engineering
Authors: Zha Jian , Shen Minghua , Hu Menglong , Song Hao , Yuan Yingjin
Published: October 2013

Fermentation of xylose in lignocellulosic hydrolysates by Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been achieved through heterologous expression of the xylose reductase (XR)–xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) pathway. However, the fermentation efficiency is far from the requirement for industrial application due to high yield of the byproduct xylitol, low ethanol yield, and low xylose consumption rate. Through evolutionary engineering, an improved xylose-utilizing strain SyBE005 was obtained with 78.3 % lower xylitol production and a 2.6-fold higher specific ethanol production rate than those of the parent strain SyBE004, which expressed an engineered NADP+-preferring XDH. The transcriptional differences between SyBE005 and SyBE004 were investigated by quantitative RT-PCR. Genes including XYL1, XYL2, and XKS1 in the initial xylose metabolic pathway showed the highest up-regulation in SyBE005. The increased expression of XYL1 and XYL2 correlated with enhanced enzymatic activities of XR and XDH. In addition, the expression level of ZWF1 in the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway increased significantly in SyBE005, indicating an elevated demand for NADPH from XR. Genes involved in the TCA cycle (LAT1, CIT1, CIT2, KGD1, KGD, SDH2) and gluconeogenesis (ICL1, PYC1) were also up-regulated in SyBE005. Genomic analysis revealed that point mutations in transcriptional regulators CYC8 and PHD1 might be responsible for the altered expression. In addition, a mutation (Y89S) in ZWF1 was identified which might improve NADPH production in SyBE005. Our results suggest that increasing the expression of XYL1, XYL2, XKS1, and enhancing NADPH supply are promising strategies to improve xylose fermentation in recombinant S. cerevisiae.
Modeling the operational capabilities for customized and commoditized services
Authors: Coltman Tim , Devinney Timothy M.
Published: October 2013

According to the extant service operations management literature, substantial gains can be achieved for providers that are adept at aligning internal operational capabilities with customer needs. However, the most influential models in the field attempt to explain this alignment without regard to the core resource allocation choices relating operational capabilities to different service offerings. To further our understanding of service operations alignment, we apply a unique combination of experimental scenarios and discrete choice modeling to measure the role of managers in orchestrating operational capabilities. Using the third‐party logistics tender review and bid preparation process as an empirical setting, we reveal the resource allocation choices that managers make between six distinctive operational capabilities (customer engagement, cross‐functional coordination, creative solutions, operations improvement, IT infrastructure and professional delivery) and show the subtle ways in which these capabilities interact as the service context moves from one based on commoditization to one based on customization.
Pregnant smokers’ perceptions of specialist smoking cessation services
Authors: Butterworth Sarah J. , Sparkes Elizabeth , Trout Alison , Brown Katherine
Published: October 2013

Introduction:Women who continue to smoke during pregnancy are at risk of smoking-related diseases, maternity complications and expose the foetus to risks of perinatal mortality and morbidity. The number of women smoking at the time of delivery is estimated at 13.5% in England and 15.8% in the West Midlands. However, the prevalence can be elevated in certain areas, such as north Solihull.

Aims:This research consults past, current and non-users of specialist smoking cessation services and reports pregnant women's views of smoking cessation delivery and potential service developments.

Methods:Focus groups were conducted with 19 participants with experience of prenatal smoking.

Findings:Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The main themes included: (1) improving access to clear, sensitive information on smoking and pregnancy; (2) perceptions of existing services; (3) improving current services: the right delivery and the right person; and (4) encouraging participation of pregnant smokers.

Conclusions:In this area, pregnant smokers wanted easily-accessible, empathetic, non-judgemental and flexible support more than incentives or rewards to quit smoking. They also stated a preference for group cessation support as they believed that peer support would be advantageous.
Programming effects of high-carbohydrate feeding of larvae on adult glucose metabolism in zebrafish,Danio rerio
Authors: Fang Liu , Liang Xu-Fang , Zhou Yi , Guo Xiao-Ze , He Yan , Yi Ti-Lin , Liu Li-Wei , Yuan Xiao-Chen , Tao Ya-Xiong
Published: October 2013

The aim of the present study was to determine the potential long-term metabolic effects of early nutritional programming on carbohydrate utilisation in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). High-carbohydrate diets were fed to fish during four ontogenetic stages: from the first-feeding stage to the end of the yolk-sac larval stage; from the first-feeding stage to 2 d after yolk-sac exhaustion; after yolk-sac exhaustion for 3 or 5 d. The carbohydrate stimuli significantly increased the body weight of the first-feeding groups in the short term. The expression of genes was differentially regulated by the early dietary intervention. The high-carbohydrate diets resulted in decreased plasma glucose levels in the adult fish. The mRNA levels and enzyme activities of glucokinase, pyruvate kinase, α-amylase and sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 1 were up-regulated in the first-feeding groups. There was no significant change in the mRNA levels of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) in any experimental group, and the activity of G6Pase enzyme in the FF-5 (first feeding to 2 d after yolk-sac exhaustion) group was significantly different from that of the other groups. The expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene in all the groups was significantly decreased. In the examined early programming range, growth performance was not affected. Taken together, data reported herein indicate that the period ranging from the polyculture to the external feeding stage is an important window for potential modification of the long-term physiological functions. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that it is possible to permanently modify carbohydrate digestion, transport and metabolism of adult zebrafish through early nutritional programming.
Ends of the Universal: The League of Nations and Chinese Fascism on the Eve of World War II
Authors: CLINTON MAGGIE
Published: October 2013

Fascist Italy's 1935 invasion of Ethiopia and the League of Nations’ handling of the crisis resonated strongly in Nationalist China, where it recalled the League's failure to thwart Japan's claims to Manchuria in 1931. As these two crises unfolded, the League became a nexus around which Nationalist Party debates about the position of colonized and semi-colonized countries within the extant world order crystallized. Party adherents reflected on China's and Ethiopia's positions as independent nation states with limited territorial integrity or juridical autonomy, and assessed this situation in light of their respective League memberships. While party liberals continued to view the League as a flawed but worthwhile experiment in global governance, newly-emerged fascist activists within the party denounced it as an instrument for curtailing the sovereignty of weak nations. From these conflicting views of the League, it can be discerned how Nationalist disunity was partially grounded in disagreements over the nature and ideal structure of the global order, and how Chinese fascists agitated to escape from modern structures of imperialist domination while reiterating the latter's racial and civilizational exclusions.
In the Shadow of the Welfare State: The Role of Payday Lending in Poverty Survival in Australia
Authors: MARSTON GREG , SHEVELLAR LYNDA
Published: October 2013

A defining characteristic of contemporary welfare governance in many western countries has been a reduced role for governments in direct provision of welfare, including housing, education, health and income support. One of the unintended consequences of devolutionary trends in social welfare is the development of a ‘shadow welfare state’ (Fairbanks, 2009; Gottschalk, 2000), which is a term used to describe the complex partnerships between state-based social protection, voluntarism and marketised forms of welfare. Coupled with this development, conditional workfare schemes in countries such as the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia are pushing more people into informal and semi-formal means of poverty survival (Karger, 2005). These transformations are actively reshaping welfare subjectivities and the role of the state in urban governance. Like other countries such as the US, Canada and the UK, the fringe lending sector in Australia has experienced considerable growth over the last decade. Large numbers of people on low incomes in Australia are turning to non-mainstream financial services, such as payday lenders, for the provision of credit to make ends meet. In this paper, we argue that the use of fringe lenders by people on low incomes reveals important theoretical and practical insights into the relationship between the mixed economy of welfare and the mixed economy of credit in poverty survival.
Antissa
Authors: Lamb W.
Published: October 2013

The excavations at Antissa took place between May 29 and July 3. The most important area was that of the apsidal buildings, AC, but further exploration was carried out in the tombs south and south-east of the Acropolis, and tests were made on the promontory and the coast east of the promontory.

The working party consisted of myself, Miss Six and Mr. J. K. Brock for the duration of the dig, together with Mr. R. Cook for the last fortnight. Mr. Brock was in charge of the excavation of AC, and many of his notes and conclusions are incorporated in this report. Mr. Paraskevaïdes, Ephor of Antiquities, was present for four of the five weeks, and gave us invaluable help in archaeological and business matters. We would like to take this opportunity of expressing our gratitude to Professor Oikonomos for the many facilities provided for us at the National Museum.