bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of novel resorcinarene‐centered amphiphilic star‐block copolymers consisting of eight ABA triblock arms by combination of ROP, ATRP, and click chemistry
Authors: Gou Peng‐Fei , Zhu Wei‐Pu , Zhu Ning , Shen Zhi‐Quan
Published: April 2009

Novel amphiphilic eight‐arm star triblock copolymers, star poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(acrylic acid)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)s (SPCL‐PAA‐PCL) with resorcinarene as core moiety were prepared by combination of ROP, ATRP, and “click” reaction strategy. First, the hydroxyl end groups of the predefined eight‐arm SPCLs synthesized by ROP were converted to 2‐bromoesters which permitted ATRP of tert‐butyl acrylate (tBA) to form star diblock copolymers: SPCL‐PtBA. Next, the bromide end groups of SPCL‐PtBA were quantitatively converted to terminal azides by NaN3, which were combined with presynthesized alkyne‐terminated poly(ε‐caprolactone) (A‐PCL) in the presence of Cu(I)/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine in DMF to give the star triblock copolymers: SPCL‐PtBA‐PCL. 1H NMR, FTIR, and SEC analyses confirmed the expected star triblock architecture. The hydrolysis of tert‐butyl ester groups of the poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) blocks gave the amphiphilic star triblock copolymers: SPCL‐PAA‐PCL. These amphiphilic star triblock copolymers could self‐assemble into spherical micelles in aqueous solution with the particle size ranging from 20 to 60 nm. Their micellization behaviors were characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2905–2916, 2009
Prepolymerization and postpolymerization functionalization approaches to fluorescent conjugated carbazole‐based glycopolymers via “click chemistry”
Authors: Chen Qi , Han Bao‐Hang
Published: April 2009

Facile prepolymerization and postpolymerization functionalization approaches to prepare well‐defined fluorescent conjugated glycopolymers through Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide/alkyne “Click” ligation were explored. Two well‐defined carbazole‐based fluorescent conjugated glycopolymers were readily synthesized based on these strategies and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR spectra, and UV‐vis spectra. The “Click” ligation offers a very effective conjugation method to covalently attach carbohydrate residues to fluorescent conjugated polymers. In addition, the studies of carbohydrate–lectin interactions were performed by titration of concanavalin A (Con A) to D‐glucose‐bearing poly(anthracene‐alt‐carbazole) copolymer P‐2 resulting in significant fluorescence quenching of the polymer due to carbohydrate–lectin interactions. When peanut agglutinin (PNA) was added, no distinct change in the fluorescent properties of P‐2 was observed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2948–2957, 2009
Spin probe mobility in relation to free volume and relaxation dynamics of glass‐formers: A series of spin probes in poly(isobutylene)
Authors: Švajdlenková Helena , Bartoš Josef
Published: April 2009

We present the dynamics of a series of three paramagnetic molecules of different volume, mass, and shape in amorphous glass‐forming polymer poly(isobutylene) (PIB) as investigated by means of electron spin resonance (ESR) technique. The reorientation behavior of spin probes is related to the ortho‐positronium (o‐Ps) annihilation in PIB from positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and the extracted free volume information. It is also related to the dynamic data of PIB from broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS), neutron scattering (NS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy from literature. In the case of the smallest spin probe, 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy (TEMPO), a discontinuous course of the spectral parameter 2Azz′ versus T dependence was observed and the subsequent phenomenological model‐free analyses of the spectral parameter, 2Azz′ versus T, as well as of the correlation time, τc, versus 1/T plots provided the characteristic ESR temperatures ($T_{X1}^{2A_{zz}}$, T50G, $T_{X2}^{2A_{zz}}$) and (T, T, T). These characteristic ESR temperatures were found to be consistent with the characteristic PALS temperatures: T, T = T from temperature dependences of the mean o‐Ps lifetime, τ3, or the width of o‐Ps lifetime distribution, σ3, respectively. In addition, the relationships between the spin probe size, V, and the free volume hole size distributions gn(Vh) at the characteristic ESR temperatures indicate the significant influence of the free volume fluctuation at the crossover from slow to rapid regime as well as within the rapid motional regime. On the other hand, the two larger spin probes exhibit a rather continuous 2Azz′–T plots with the respective T50G's lying in the vicinity of T independently of their volume, mass and shape, suggesting the common origin of underlying process controlling this T50G transition. Finally, these mutual PALS and ESR findings were compared with the known dynamic behavior of PIB which suggest that the dynamics of the TEMPO and the larger spin probes are related to free volume fluctuation associated with primary α ‐ and secondary β processes, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1058–1068, 2009
Agglomerates Structure Characterization Using 3D‐Image Reconstruction
Authors: Turchiuli Christelle , Castillo‐Castaneda Eduardo
Published: April 2009

Instant properties of agglomerated powders are linked to the size and structure of agglomerates. In this study, agglomerates structure was investigated through the measurement of their porosity. An image analysis method for 3D re‐construction of particle shape from silhouette was developed to measure the envelope volume of dehydrated milk agglomerates (1–2 mm). With known true density of the powder, the intra‐particular porosity of agglomerates could be estimated. It was found that intra‐particular porosity increases with agglomerates diameter indicating a fractal structure with a fractal dimension of 2.64. This allowed understanding the different behavior of large agglomerates settling and dissolving rapidly in water whilst small ones settle and dissolve slowly and must be avoided in a good instant powder.
Comparison of Nanometric Particle Size Distributions as Determined by SAXS, TEM and Analytical Ultracentrifuge
Authors: Goertz Verena , Dingenouts Nico , Nirschl Hermann
Published: April 2009

In this paper the particle size distribution of SiO2 spherical nanoparticles is determined by small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). The experimental scattering intensity data were compared with theoretical intensities based on different numeric procedures and different assumptions for the distribution of the particles. Hereby two fixed shapes of distribution, Gauss and log normal, were used and compared to a free particle distribution which is determined with the maximum entropy method (MEM). The results were further compared with the particle size distributions obtained from the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and analytical ultracentrifuge (AUC). The comparison demonstrated SAXS to be a generally reliable method for determining size distributions of spherical particles in the nanometer range. Assuming a fixed distribution in the SAXS method, reliable data can be obtained even in the case of bad statistical data or higher concentrations. The MEM procedure allows shape determination but is restricted to scattering data of dilute samples and high statistical quality if one wishes to avoid artefacts in the resulting size distribution.
A New Approach to Model the Re‐Entrainment of Settled Particles Based on Film Theory of Fluid Mass Transfer Processes
Authors: Nitschke Dirk , Schmidt Eberhard
Published: April 2009

This work presents a model that calculates re‐entrainment in analogy to transport processes between fluid phases, which are well known in chemical engineering. Mass transfer processes for fluid phases are described, among other models, by film theory. Re‐entrainment was computed according to the film theory with a mass transfer coefficient. The mass transfer coefficient is just one parameter that determines the re‐entrainment rate. To show that this parameter was accessible by physical principles, outcomes of this model were compared with experimental data published by Ibrahim et al. [1–2]. The mass transfer coefficients for these calculations were determined by a microscopic view of the forces acting on one single particle. This comparison shows that this one parameter model was able to reproduce experimental data of the re‐entrainment of single particles.
A Neural Network Model for Estimating the Particle Size Distribution of Dilute Latex from Multiangle Dynamic Light Scattering Measurements
Authors: Gugliotta Luis M. , Stegmayer Georgina S. , Clementi Luis A. , Gonzalez Verónica D. G. , Minari Roque J. , Leiza José R. , Vega Jorge R.
Published: April 2009

The particle size distribution (PSD) of dilute latex was estimated through a general regression neural network (GRNN) that was supplied with PSD average diameters derived from multiangle dynamic light scattering (MDLS) measurements. The GRNN was trained with a large set of measurements that were simulated from unimodal normal‐logarithmic distributions representing the PSDs of polystyrene (PS) latexes. The proposed method was first tested through three simulated examples involving different PSD shapes, widths, and diameter ranges. Then the GRNN was employed to estimate the PSD of two PS samples; a latex standard of narrow PSD and known nominal diameter, and a latex synthesized in our laboratory. Both samples were also characterized through independent techniques (capillary hydrodynamic fractionation, transmission electron microscopy, and disc centrifugation). For comparison, all examples were solved by numerical inversion of MDLS measurements through a Tikhonov regularization technique. The PSDs estimated by the GRNN gave more accurate results than those obtained through other conventional techniques. The proposed method is a simple, effective, and robust tool for characterizing unimodal PSDs.
Diamond and Oxidized Disordered Graphite on the Surface of Gallium Phosphide Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Zhao‐Chun , Wang Bao‐Ping
Published: April 2009

The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern from gallium phosphide (GaP) nanoparticles showed the presence of the diamond (111) diffraction peak. Analysis of the Raman scattering of GaP nanoparticles revealed that disordered graphite displayed a wide band at 1572 cm–1 assigned to the E2g mode, and diamond displayed a wide band at 1324 cm–1 assigned to the F2g mode. By means of Gaussian fitting, the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrum of the C 1s core level was deconvoluted into two components centered at 284.2 and 287.2 eV binding energy, respectively. The binding energy peaks were indicative of the presence of oxidized disordered graphite and diamond phases.
The effect of K‐ fluorescence reabsorption of selenium on the performance of an imaging detector for protein crystallography
Authors: Sultana Afrin , Karim K. S. , Rowlands J. A.
Published: April 2009

Protein crystallography is an important technique in the determination of three dimensional atomic structures of proteins. In order to reconstruct the atomic structure of protein from experimental diffraction data, both the magnitude and phase of the atomic scattering factor should be known. The phase can be calculated using the Multiple Wavelength Anomalous Dispersion (MAD) method. Selenium (Se) is commonly used as an anomalous scatterer in the MAD method since the K ‐edge of Se (12.6 keV) is readily accessible on most synchrotron X‐ray sources. Recently, we proposed a novel direct X‐ray conversion imager for protein crystallography which employs amorphous Se for the X‐ray to charge conversion and an amorphous silicon flat panel thin film transistor array as the charge image readout method. For the protein crystallography X‐ray energy range (6‐20 keV), X‐ray interaction in Se is due to the photoelectric effect. Therefore there is a possibility of generation and reabsorption of K ‐fluorescence at or above the K ‐edge. The reabsorption of a fraction of the generated K ‐fluorescence is a random process which leads to fluctuations in conversion gain and hence addition of image noise. In this paper, the physics of K ‐fluorescence is explained and the probability of K ‐fluorescence reabsorption of Se for the useful X‐ray energy of protein crystallography is calculated. Finally, the possible consequences from K ‐fluorescence reabsorption of Se on the performance of a protein crystallography imager where Se is used both as an anomalous scatterer and a photoconductor is elucidated. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical properties of In2O3 thin films prepared by rf helicon magnetron sputtering
Authors: Miao L. , Tanemura S. , Cao Y.G. , Xu G.
Published: April 2009

Polycrystalline In2O3 films with cubic crystal structure and film thicknesses of 239, 472, 579 and 745 nm respectively were grown on quartz substrates at substrate temperature 450 °C by rf helicon magnetron sputtering. The preferred crystal growth orientation is varied from <111> to <211> with increasing film thickness as confirmed by X‐ray diffractometry. The photon energy dependent optical properties such as complex dielectric functions and absorption coefficient, optical band gap, and Urbach energy width of the samples have been obtained from spectroscopic ellipsometry analysis in the energy range from 1.5 eV to 5.0 eV. The relation between those optical properties and crystal structure and/or crystallinity of the films was discussed. The band gap value, which is averaged over two typical samples with good crystallinity, is 3.765 eV and agrees satisfactorily with reported value on that of single crystal. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Better Naive Bayes classification for high‐precision spam detection
Authors: Song Yang , Kołcz Aleksander , Giles C. Lee
Published: April 2009

Email spam has become a major problem for Internet users and providers. One major obstacle to its eradication is that the potential solutions need to ensure a very low false‐positive rate, which tends to be difficult in practice. We address the problem of low‐FPR classification in the context of naive Bayes, which represents one of the most popular machine learning models applied in the spam filtering domain. Drawing from the recent extensions, we propose a new term weight aggregation function, which leads to markedly better results than the standard alternatives. We identify short instances as ones with disproportionally poor performance and counter this behavior with a collaborative filtering‐based feature augmentation. Finally, we propose a tree‐based classifier cascade for which decision thresholds of the leaf nodes are jointly optimized for the best overall performance. These improvements, both individually and in aggregate, lead to substantially better detection rate of precision when compared with some of the best variants of naive Bayes proposed to date. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adult Palatum as a Novel Source of Neural Crest-Related Stem Cells
Authors: Widera Darius , Zander Christin , Heidbreder Meike , Kasperek Yvonne , Noll Thomas , Seitz Oliver , Saldamli Belma , Sudhoff Holger , Sader Robert , Kaltschmidt Christian , Kaltschmidt Barbara
Published: April 2009

Somatic neural and neural crest stem cells are promising sources for cellular therapy of several neurodegenerative diseases. However, because of practical considerations such as inadequate accessibility of the source material, the application of neural crest stem cells is strictly limited. The secondary palate is a highly regenerative and heavily innervated tissue, which develops embryonically under direct contribution of neural crest cells. Here, we describe for the first time the presence of nestin-positive neural crest-related stem cells within Meissner corpuscles and Merkel cell-neurite complexes located in the hard palate of adult Wistar rats. After isolation, palatal neural crest-related stem cells (pNC-SCs) were cultivated in the presence of epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor under serum-free conditions, resulting in large amounts of neurospheres. We used immunocytochemical techniques and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to assess the expression profile of pNC-SCs. In addition to the expression of neural crest stem cell markers such as Nestin, Sox2, and p75, we detected the expression of Klf4, Oct4, and c-Myc. pNC-SCs differentiated efficiently into neuronal and glial cells. Finally, we investigated the potential expression of stemness markers within the human palate. We identified expression of stem cell markers nestin and CD133 and the transcription factors needed for reprogramming of somatic cells into pluripotent cells: Sox2, Oct4, Klf4, and c-Myc. These data show that cells isolated from palatal rugae form neurospheres, are highly plastic, and express neural crest stem cell markers. In addition, pNC-SCs may have the ability to differentiate into functional neurons and glial cells, serving as a starting point for therapeutic studies.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Design and Implementation of on‐line dynamic security assessment
Authors: Tada Yasuyuki , Chiang Hsiao‐Dong
Published: April 2009

Despite possible changes in energy sources, the importance of maintaining the stability of interconnected power systems will not change. Technologies for maintaining power system stability must evolve with renewable energy technology. As renewable energy increases, analysis and control methods for transient stability assessment must be reexamined and improved. This paper presents an overview of on‐line dynamic security assessment (DSA) systems and related direct methods. The controlling unstable equilibrium point (UEP) method and the boundary of the stability‐region‐based controlling UEP (BCU) method are briefly described in order to provide a framework of understanding the concept of a transient stability‐screening program for DSA systems. The integrated package TEPCO‐BCU, a very advanced practical program based on the theory of the controlling UEP method, BCU method, energy function method, and BCU‐guided time‐domain method, is described from the viewpoint of on‐line performance. Finally, the importance of validating the assessment results of the BCU method is discussed. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Linking biological and artificial olfaction: biomimetic quartz crystal microbalance odor sensors
Authors: Wyszynski Bartosz , Nakamoto Takamichi
Published: April 2009

Biological olfaction is a powerful system enabling acquisition and processing of various chemical information from environment. Vast significance of the sense of smell is reflected in attempts to create instrumental techniques mimicking the biological system—artificial/machine olfaction. Following the biological systems, the artificial olfaction relies on arrays of gas sensors with broad specificities to odorants. Arguably, among available gas‐sensing technologies, the most suitable choices for artificial olfaction are acoustic wave sensors, including quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) gas/odor sensors. The short review herein presents basic information on organization and principles of biological and artificial olfaction systems as well as several methods for fabrication of biomimetic or bioinspired (QCM) sensors for artificial olfaction. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
High sensitive detection of sulfuric compounds using electrochemical impedance
Authors: Yamaguchi Akifumi , Masunaga Kumi , Hayashi Kenshi , Toko Kiyoshi
Published: April 2009

Attention has been focused recently on the harmful effects and malodor of sulfuric compounds; therefore, various laws have been enacted to regulate environmental concentration and use of most sulfuric compounds. In order to avoid sulfuric malodor, a reasonable, easy, sensitive, and selective measuring method to detect sulfuric compounds is required. In this research, we adopted the specific adsorption of sulfuric compounds to a metal surface as a sensing principle. It was suggested that polarization is an important factor of molecular recognition from results obtained by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), ellipsometry, and stripping voltammetry (SV). Therefore, we used cyclic surface polarization impedance (cSPI), based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) under the dynamic control of an electrode potential and a constant phase element (CPE) impedance, as a detecting method for sulfuric compounds. As a result, we could detect three sulfuric compounds, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide, with this method at sub ppb levels and discriminate the three sulfuric compounds. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Vertical ultrathin‐channel multi‐gate MOSFETs (MuGFETs): technological challenges and future developments
Authors: Masahara Meishoku , Liu Yongxun , Endo Kazuhiko , Matsukawa Takashi , Suzuki Eiichi
Published: April 2009

One of the biggest challenges for the VLSI circuits with 32‐nm‐technology nodes and beyond is to prevent catastrophic increases in power consumption due to short‐channel effects. Vertical ultrathin‐channel (UTC) multi‐gate MOSFETs (MuGFETs) have a promising potential to overcome this issue thanks to their superior SCE immunity due to extremely high electrostatic control of the channel. Before we put vertical UTC MuGFETs to practical use, however, we have to solve several technological problems due to the vertical configuration of the channel. This paper discusses the advantages and challenges of vertical UTC MuGFETs and speculates about their future development. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Flow characteristics of a cold helium arc‐jet plasma along open field lines
Authors: Yoshida Kazuyuki , Kanuma Toshiaki , Ichii Hiroki , Nezu Atsushi , Matsuura Haruaki , Akatsuka Hiroshi
Published: April 2009

We experimentally study plasma parameters including ion acoustic Mach number of expanding cold helium plasma jet with an electron temperature of less than 1 eV flowing along open field lines. It is experimentally found that the ion Mach number increases from 1 to 3, and that the plasma potential decreases by about 1 V. We discuss the experimental results based on a quasi one‐dimensional flow model in which the plasma is assumed to be quasi‐neutral and in a state of thermodynamic equilibrium. Our model describes the ion acceleration, the axial profiles of the potential drop, and the electron temperature/density. The model also shows that the helium ions are accelerated both by the electric field and by the increasing cross‐sectional area of the transonic flow. After the ion acceleration, the ion Mach number decreases and the electron temperature increases. These phenomena are discussed in terms of a shock wave. It is noted that the electron density decreases even in the shock wave. This is discussed in terms of rapid recombination because of the low electron temperature. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
IPMSM position sensorless control based on adaptive flux observer using ϵ1‐modification approach
Authors: Hasegawa Masaru , Matsui Keiju
Published: April 2009

This paper proposes a robust‐adaptive scheme for position sensorless control of interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs) using ϵ1‐modification approach. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method is shown by experimental results in low‐speed region. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A tentative study of urban and suburban fine particles (PM2.5) collected in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Boman Johan , Lindén Jenny , Thorsson Sofia , Holmer Björn , Eliasson Ingegärd
Published: April 2009

The aim of the study was to determine the mass, black carbon (BC), and elemental concentrations in fine particles (PM2.5) and their variations at two sites in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso. The weather situation in Ouagadougou during the field campaign was dominated by high pressure with variable cloudiness and no precipitation. Diurnal temperatures varied between 19 and 38 °C and relative humidity between 10 and 60%. Winds in Ouagadougou were generally coming in from the north, showing a diurnal pattern with gusts of up to 6 m/s during daytime, while evenings and nights were calmer with very stable atmospheric conditions. However, during part of this field campaign, a period of nighttime moderately stable atmospheric conditions occurred with increased wind speed and more easterly winds. Cyclones were used for the PM2.5 particle collection at both sites. The elemental analysis was done using energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy. Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, and Pb were identified and quantified in most of the samples. The particle mass concentration was 27–164 µg/m3 while BC varied between 1.3 and 8.2 µg/m3. No influence of leaded gasoline was found. Soil dust was identified as a major component of the particles, which was confirmed by comparing with the elements in a soil sample. A significant difference in elemental, BC, and mass concentrations was seen between periods with very stable and moderately stable atmospheric conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PIXE and PIGE assessment of in vivo elemental and physical changes of a composite from a dental filling
Authors: Preoteasa Eugen A. , Preoteasa Elena , Ciortea Constantin , Marin Daniel D. , Gurban Dan , Gugiu Marius , Scafes Adela
Published: April 2009

Simultaneous particle‐induced x‐ray emission (PIXE) and particle‐induced gamma‐ray emission (PIGE) measurements in the 0–270 keV range with a low‐energy hyperpure Ge detector have been performed on the outer surface and on an inner section of a dental composite filling extracted from a patient. The biomaterial has been identified as the fluorine‐releasing Tetric Ceram dental composite. Compared to the native material, the dental filling evidenced changes occurring during the in vivo oral use. These included mainly Cl and K accumulation and loss of Zr, Ba, Yb (by PIXE), and F (in the PIGE region). The changes were similar at the surface and inside of the dental filling for most of the above elements, indicating an unexpectedly high permeability of the material, maybe due to microscopic bulk fracture of the dental composite filling throughout its use. The PIGE spectra detected also Al and traces of Hf and Sm possibly associated with Zr and Yb. Changes in the ratio of the L lines of Yb and in the ratio of the 110‐ and 197‐keV lines of F evidenced alterations in the matrix physical properties of the composite, associated with factors such as surface roughening by wear, grain size decrease by slow dissolution, and compositional variations. Further studies are needed to gain a deeper insight into the complex changes taking place in a dental composite filling. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atan1p—an extracellular tannase from the dimorphic yeast Arxula adeninivorans: molecular cloning of the ATAN1 gene and characterization of the recombinant enzyme
Authors: Böer Erik , Bode Rüdiger , Mock Hans‐Peter , Piontek Michael , Kunze Gotthard
Published: April 2009

The tannase‐encoding Arxula adeninivorans gene ATAN1 was isolated from genomic DNA by PCR, using as primers oligonucleotide sequences derived from peptides obtained after tryptic digestion of the purified tannase protein. The gene harbours an ORF of 1764 bp, encoding a 587‐amino acid protein, preceded by an N‐terminal secretion sequence comprising 28 residues. The deduced amino acid sequence was similar to those of tannases from Aspergillus oryzae (50% identity), A. niger (48%) and putative tannases from A. fumigatus (52%) and A. nidulans (50%). The sequence contains the consensus pentapeptide motif (–Gly–X–Ser–X–Gly–) which forms part of the catalytic centre of serine hydrolases. Expression of ATAN1 is regulated by the carbon source. Supplementation with tannic acid or gallic acid leads to induction of ATAN1, and accumulation of the native tannase enzyme in the medium. The enzymes recovered from both wild‐type and recombinant strains were essentially indistinguishable. A molecular mass of ∼320 kDa was determined, indicating that the native, glycosylated tannase consists of four identical subunits. The enzyme has a temperature optimum at 35–40 °C and a pH optimum at ∼6.0. The enzyme is able to remove gallic acid from both condensed and hydrolysable tannins. The wild‐type strain LS3 secreted amounts of tannase equivalent to 100 U/l under inducing conditions, while the transformant strain, which overexpresses the ATAN1 gene from the strong, constitutively active A. adeninivorans TEF1 promoter, produced levels of up to 400 U/l when grown in glucose medium in shake flasks. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐Level Intervention to Prevent Influenza Infections in Older Low Income and Minority Adults
Authors: Schensul Jean J. , Radda Kim , Coman Emil , Vazquez Elsie
Published: April 2009

In this paper we describe a successful multi‐level participatory intervention grounded in principles of individual and group empowerment, and guided by social construction theory. The intervention addressed known and persistent inequities in influenza vaccination among African American and Latino older adults, and associated infections, hospitalizations and mortality. It was designed to increase resident ability to make informed decisions about vaccination, and to build internal and external infrastructure to support sustainability over time. The intervention brought a group of social scientists, vaccine researchers, geriatricians, public health nurses, elder services providers and advocates together with senior housing management and activist African American and Latino residents living in public senior housing in a small east coast city. Two buildings of equal size and similar ethnic composition were randomized as intervention and control buildings. Pre and post intervention surveys were conducted in both buildings, measuring knowledge, attitudes and peer norms. Processes and outcomes were documented at four levels: Influenza Strategic Alliance (macro and exo levels), building management (meso level), building resident committee (meso level) and individual residents. The Influenza Strategic Alliance (I.S.A.) provided ongoing resources, information and vaccine; the building management provided economic and other in‐kind resources and supported residents to continue flu clinics in the building. The V.I.P. Resident Committee conducted flu campaigns with flu clinics in English and Spanish. The vaccination rate in the intervention building at post test exceeded the study goal of 70% and showed a significant improvement over the control building. The intervention achieved desired outcomes at all four levels and resulted in a significant increase in influenza vaccination, and improvements in pro‐vaccination knowledge, beliefs, and understanding of health consequences.
Body condition variation in kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) nestlings in relation to breeding conditions
Authors: Costantini David , Casagrande Stefania , Carello Livia , Dell'Omo Giacomo
Published: April 2009

The body condition index (i.e., body mass corrected for age or size differences) is commonly used to investigate offspring condition in nestling birds. The body condition index reflects different parameters related to the general nutritional state of nestlings and may predict survival prospects. Since conditions experienced during the growth period can affect the fitness of nestlings in adulthood, we investigated proximate and ultimate factors underlying body condition index variation in kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) nestlings in a 9‐year field study and we carried out two cross‐fostering experiments to disentangle the origin (genetics plus maternal effects) and rearing (environment effect) components of body condition index variation. In total, we sampled 2,065 nestlings from 464 broods and used 121 nestlings from 24 broods in the cross‐fostering experiments. We found that nestlings from larger broods had higher body condition index than nestlings from smaller ones, but this pattern did not emerge in two of the 9 years of study; nestlings born later in the breeding season had lower body condition index in some years but not in others; the decrease of body condition index over the breeding season emerged in all but three‐chick broods; males and females did not differ neither in body condition index nor in the covariation between body mass and wing length, while this result was limited to one of the nine field study years; the annual mean value of body condition index did not covary with the total rainfall; both the origin and rearing components explained body condition index variation, but their relative contributions varied from a year to another. Overall, these results suggest that the brood size is not a good predictor of body condition index; the rule “nesting early in the season is better” is less general than previously thought; the body condition index may contain origin variance, whose expression may be modulated by environmental conditions.
Carbohydrate storage, survival, and growth of two evergreen Nothofagus species in two contrasting light environments
Authors: Piper F. I. , Reyes‐Díaz M. , Corcuera L. J. , Lusk C. H.
Published: April 2009

A number of traits have been attributed important roles in tolerance of shade by plants. Some explanations emphasize traits enhancing net carbon gain; others emphasize energy conservation traits such as storage of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC). To date, cross‐species studies have provided mixed support for the role of NSC storage in low‐light survival. We examined NSC status, survival, biomass, and growth of large seedlings of two evergreen species of differing shade tolerance (Nothofagus nitida and N. dombeyi) grown in deep shade and 50% light for two growing seasons. We expected to find higher NSC concentration in the more shade‐tolerant N. nitida and since allocation to storage involves sacrificing growth, higher growth rate in the shade‐intolerant N. dombeyi. NSC concentration of both species was >twofold higher in 50% light than in deep shade, and in roots and stems did not differ significantly between species in either environment. NSC contents per plant were also similar between dead and living plants in deep shade. N. dombeyi outgrew N. nitida in 50% light, while this pattern was reversed in deep shade. Survival in deep shade was not correlated with NSC concentration. Leaf mass fraction was similar between species in 50% light, but lower in N. dombeyi in deep shade. Results provide little evidence of a link between carbohydrate storage and low‐light survival in Nothofagus species, and support the view that understorey survival is primarily a function of net carbon gain. Patterns of variation in NSC concentration of the temperate species we studied are likely dominated by more important influences than adaptation to shade, such as limitation of growth or adaptation to cold stress.
A Novel Approach to Molecular Recognition Surface of Magnetic Nanoparticles Based on Host–Guest Effect
Authors: Wu Yuanpeng , Zuo Fang , Zheng Zhaohui , Ding Xiaobin , Peng Yuxing
Published: April 2009

A novel route has been developed to prepared β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The MNPs were first modified with monotosyl-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) silane and then tosyl units were displaced by amino-β-CD through the nucleophilic substitution reaction. The monotosyl-PEG silane was synthesized by modifying a PEG diol to form the corresponding monotosyl-PEG, followed by a reaction with 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane (IPTS). The success of the synthesis of the monotosyl-PEG silane was confirmed with1H NMR and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The analysis of FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the immobilization of β-CD onto MNPs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the β-CD functionalized MNPs were mostly present as individual nonclustered units in water. The number of β-CD molecules immobilized on each MNP was about 240 according to the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results. The as-prepared β-CD functionalized MNPs were used to detect dopamine with the assistance of a magnet.
Synthesis and Properties of Gemini‐type Cationic Surfactants Containing Carbonate Linkages in the Linker Moiety Directed Toward Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Authors: Banno Taisuke , Toshima Kazunobu , Kawada Kazuo , Matsumura Shuichi
Published: April 2009

Gemini‐type cationic surfactants containing carbonate linkages as biodegradable and chemically recyclable segments, consisting of two long‐chain alkyl groups, two quaternary ammonium groups and a linker moiety, were designed and synthesized as novel green and sustainable cationics with improved physicochemical and biological activities. The gemini‐type cationics containing a carbonate linkage showed lower critical micelle concentration values compared to the corresponding single‐type cationics. Also, the gemini‐type cationics containing a carbonate linkage in the linker moiety showed strong antimicrobial activities. The biodegradability of the gemini‐type cationics was significantly improved when a carbonate linkage was introduced into the linker moiety. The maximum biochemical oxygen demand‐biodegradability of the gemini‐type cationics containing a carbonate linkage in the linker moiety exceeded 70% after a 28‐day incubation. Furthermore, the gemini‐type cationics containing both a carbonate linkage and an n‐dodecyl group showed a chemical recyclability using a lipase (E.C. 3.1.1.3).
Corneal epithelial‐like transdifferentiation of hair follicle stem cells is mediated by pax6 and β‐catenin/Lef‐1
Authors: Yang Ke , Jiang Zilin , Wang Dong , Lian Xiaohua , Yang Tian
Published: April 2009

Several types of adult stem cells are capable of transdifferentiaton into other types of tissues. The hair follicle bulge area is an abundant and easily accessible source of pluripotent adult stem cells. We demonstrate that the bulge KSCs have the potential for transdifferentiation into corneal epithelial‐like cells. Bulge KSCs isolated by collagen type IV adhesiveness possessed the highest colony formation efficiency (CFE), and expressed specific markers (CD34 and α6‐integrin). The isolated cells transdifferentiate into corneal epithelial‐like cells in conditioned medium containing corneal limbus soluble factors, including their specific marker, keratin12. The transdifferentiation depends on upregulation of pax6 and downregulation of β‐catenin and Lef‐1. Furthermore, overexpression of pax6 in bulge KSCs induced their expression of k12. The expressions of β‐catenin and Lef‐1 were not suppressed in the pax6‐transfected bulge KSCs, but which were downregulated pax6‐transfected cells cultured in the conditioned medium. Bulge KSCs may have potential therapeutic application as cell source for the construction of bioengineered corneas.
Neurological Examination of the Cat. How to Get Started
Authors: Garosi Laurent
Published: April 2009

Practical relevance Neurological diagnosis in veterinary practice can be very challenging, especially as many animals with neurological signs present as emergencies. Nevertheless, even in the absence of specialist facilities for definitively diagnosing neurological disorders, a great deal of information can be gained with some basic knowledge and a logical stepwise approach.

Clinical challenges A lack of initial consideration as to where exactly the problem might be localised within the nervous system, and what kind of disease processes may be in operation there, is the most common cause of failure in the diagnosis of neurological conditions in cats. Too often, this presents a hurdle that pushes the clinician into neglecting the neurological evaluation in favour of making the best guess at which diagnostic tests may achieve a diagnosis.

Audience This article is aimed at all first opinion practitioners who see cats as, undoubtedly, whatever the presentation, the approach to a suspected neurological case can be daunting for even the calmest and most patient clinician. It will provide the necessary tools to perform and make the most of the neurological examination of the feline patient.
The Wobbly Cat
Authors: Penderis Jacques
Published: April 2009

Practical relevance Generalised ataxia is one of the most common neurological presentations identified in cats in practice. The causes can be subdivided into three forms on the basis of the neuroanatomical diagnosis: cerebellar, vestibular and sensory (spinal or general proprioceptive) ataxia. The type of ataxia will determine the diagnostic procedures and select the differential diagnoses, and an accurate neuroanatomical diagnosis is therefore essential. The differential diagnosis list can then be further tailored on the basis of patient signalment, clinical presentation and progression.

Global importance Irrespective of the world region, most of the causes of generalised ataxia in the cat are similar and many have been identified for a number of years (cerebellar hypoplasia has been recognised since the late 19th century). However, it is the advent of new technology, in particular veterinary access to magnetic resonance imaging, which has resulted in particularly rapid advances in our understanding, investigation and management of these different forms of ataxia.

Audience This article introduces the classification of patients with ataxia on the basis of their clinical presentation, discusses the common differential diagnoses associated with each form, and briefly reviews the more important diseases from a clinical perspective. It is aimed at all veterinarians who treat cats.
The Paralyzed Cat
Authors: Negrin Arianna , Schatzberg Scott , Platt Simon R.
Published: April 2009

Practical relevance Although gait disturbance is one of the most common neurological presentations in feline medicine, the clinical approach to the paralyzed cat can be challenging. After excluding orthopedic and cardiovascular diseases that may mimic a neurological condition, the clinician has to address a long list of different diseases that may affect the spinal cord and produce paresis.

Clinical challenges In many cases a definitive cause of spinal weakness in cats is difficult to prove. Even when treatable diseases are identified, the prognosis is very much dependent on the severity of the clinical signs and their chronicity. This review sets out to describe the specific approach, diagnosis and management of cats with spinal cord disease and to outline the most common diseases responsible.

Patient group Patients of either gender and all ages and breeds can be affected by spinal cord disease.

Evidence base Many diseases affecting the spinal cord of cats, which include fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy, intervertebral disc disease, exogenous spinal cord trauma, spinal cord lymphosarcoma and feline infectious peritonitis, are well described in the literature. Many of these descriptions, however, have been based on case reports or series. While there have been several retrospective studies that describe the characteristics and incidence of these diseases in cats, there are no long term treatment trials or outcome studies to assist with prognostic determinations.
The Weak Cat
Authors: Nghiem Peter P. , Platt Simon R. , Schatzberg Scott
Published: April 2009

Practical relevance Weakness is recognized somewhat infrequently in cats, but is an important manifestation of neurological disease. The clinician must perform a complete neurological examination to determine the neuroanatomic basis for the weakness. As for all species, the neuroanatomic diagnosis allows the clinician to generate an appropriate differential diagnosis, to design a diagnostic plan, to prognosticate, and ultimately to develop a treatment plan.

Clinical challenges The cause(s) of neurological weakness in the cat may be difficult to determine without access to advanced imaging modalities, cerebrospinal fluid analysis or electrodiagnostics. However, an accurate neuroanatomic diagnosis allows the clinician to pursue preliminary anomalous (vertebral anomalies), metabolic (eg, diabetes mellitus, electrolyte abnormalities) and neoplastic differentials via blood work, vertebral column and thoracic radiography, and abdominal ultrasound. Subsequently, referral to a specialty veterinary hospital may be warranted to pursue advanced neurodiagnostics.

Audience This review provides a framework for generating a neuroanatomic and differential diagnosis in the weak cat. It also discusses the pathogenesis and clinical signs associated with the most common neurological differentials for feline paresis. As such, it is aimed at both primary health care and specialty veterinarians.

Patient group The neurological conditions discussed in this review cause weakness in cats of all age groups.
The Seizuring Cat
Authors: Bailey Kerry Smith , Dewey Curtis W.
Published: April 2009

Practical relevance Although seizures occur less commonly in cats compared with dogs, they are one of the most common forms of neurological disease in the feline patient. Cats may experience both focal (partial) and generalized seizures and causes are divided into primary disorders, in which there is no underlying cause (ie, idiopathic epilepsy), and secondary disorders. Cats with secondary seizure disorders have either an underlying structural lesion or metabolic disease.

Patient group Seizures affect cats of all ages. Cats with idiopathic epilepsy tend to be younger (approximately 3.5 years) than cats with secondary seizure disorders (approximately 8 years).

Audience This review of feline seizures is directed at all veterinarians who treat cats, both in an emergency setting as well as in general practice.

Clinical challenges Refractory seizures are often a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. A systematic approach to the seizuring cat is described, easing the task of diagnosing the cause of the seizures. In addition, novel antiepileptics are discussed, which can be used as add-on drugs in challenging feline seizure cases.

Evidence base Compared with the canine counterpart, the literature regarding treatment of feline seizures is less established. Recent clinical trials and studies are focusing on new treatment options for feline seizures. Specifically, these studies, some of which are ongoing, have led to the use of levetiracetam, zonisamide and pregabalin as add-on antiepileptics in cases that are refractory to phenobarbital.
The Cat with Neurological Manifestations of Systemic Disease
Authors: Kent Marc
Published: April 2009

Practical relevance A number of systemic diseases are associated with neurological deficits. Most systemic diseases that impact on the nervous system result in multifocal neurological signs; however, isolated deficits can also be observed. This article reviews the clinical signs, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of four important systemic diseases with neurological consequences: feline infectious peritonitis, toxoplasmosis, hypertension and hepatic encephalopathy.

Clinical challenges Early recognition of systemic signs of illness in conjunction with neurological deficits will allow for prompt diagnosis and treatment. While neurological examination of the feline patient can undoubtedly be challenging, hopefully the accompanying articles in this special issue will enable the clinician to approach these cases with more confidence.

Evidence base The veterinary literature contains numerous reports detailing the impact of systemic disease on the nervous system. Unfortunately, very few references provide detailed descriptions of large cohorts of affected cats. This review summarises the literature underpinning the four key diseases under discussion.