bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Polyacrylic/Silica Nanocomposite Latexes using Static Mixer
Authors: Farzi G. A. , Bourgeat‐Lami E. , McKenna T. F. L.
Published: March 2010

Summary: Static mixers (Sulzer Chemtech; SMX) were used to prepare silica/ MMA‐co‐BA miniemulsions that were polymerized to produce nanocomposite latexes. Acceptable conditions for the formulation of polymerizable nanodroplets were found and subsequently used to produce silica/poly(MMA‐co‐BA) nanocomposites. The droplet size distribution of the resulting miniemulsions was narrow enough that it could be successfully polymerized. It was found that the droplet size depends on the silica content and increases with increasing the silica concentration. It was also shown that there is a relationship between the droplet size and the viscosity of the dispersed phase. The majority of droplets were nucleated upon polymerization when less than 15% silica was used. However, when the silica content exceeded 15%, the ratio of the number of particles in the final latex to the number of droplets (Np/Nd) increased to value much higher than 1 indicating the occurrence of homogeneous nucleation.
Investigation of the Mixing‐ and Devolatilization Behavior in a Continuous Twin‐Shaft Kneader
Authors: Seck Oliver , Maxisch Tobias , Warnecke Hans‐Joachim , Bothe Dieter
Published: March 2010

Summary: The technical synthesis and processing of polymer materials is the basis for major branches of the chemical industry. Well introduced for high‐viscosity processes are screw extruders. However, in case of large residence times a large volume kneader is more appropriate, but the latter still requires further understanding for intensification purposes. To achieve this, silicone oil of high viscosity is used as kneading material. First, the axial mixing behavior is characterized by studying the residence time distribution. The response functions show that the classical dispersion model leads to an appropriate description of the experimental data. By means of a fast chemical reaction of second order the radial mixing behavior including transport on the molecular scale is studied. The amount of detected product is a measure for the contact‐area produced by kneading and therefore for the mixing efficiency. Furthermore, the mass transfer from the silicone oil phase to the gas phase is investigated in two cases. Firstly, the transfer component is dissolved in the liquid phase and, secondly, it is dispersed in it. Both industry relevant cases are experimentally and theoretically investigated. The kneader enables high surface renewal and larger concentration gradients for the efficient mass transfer.
Long‐Range Processing Correlation and Morphological Fractality of Compatibilized Blends of PS/ HDPE/ SEBS Block Copolymer
Authors: Jelčić Želimir , Vranješ Nina , Rek Vesna
Published: March 2010

Summary: Processing and compatibilization effects of a commercially available styrene/ ethylene‐butylene/ styrene (SEBS) compatibilizer on the morphological structure, rheological and mechanical properties of blends of polystyrene (PS) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) were investigated. The rheological behaviour of the blends melt during processing was followed by measuring torque; extrusion capacity output and melts back‐pressure in a twin screw extruder. The processing parameters were decreased with the HDPE content. The results show that SEBS compatibilizer can yield compatibilization by substantially reducing torque and increasing the back‐pressure. However, the Hurst indices of melt processing parameters are increased with compatibilization. Near‐infrared spectra had been described by the Hurst index HNIR which is then related to HDPE content in the blends. The correlation between the blend compositions, morphological structure, mechanical and rheological properties and processing parameters was established and discussed on base of correlation with the fractal indices obtained from the SEM microphotographs of PS/HDPE/SEBS blends.
A New Green Thermoplastic Polymer with Improved Hydrophobic Character
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Preetha , Enqvist Evelina , Wallstrom Lennart , Gattin Richard , Saiter Jean Marc
Published: March 2010

Summary: A green thermoplastic polymer based on wheat flour was modified by the addition of a natural crosslinker genipin. Films of the polymer modified with different composition of genipin were prepared by extrusion. Free surface energy using contact angle method, moisture absorption test and hardness test were used to characterize the products. From moisture absorption and contact angle measurements, it was seen that for genipin amounts higher than 0.2% w/w, a hydrophobic character is achieved. Results obtained indicate enhancement in hydrophobic properties of the films.
Preparation, Characterization and Application of Modified Surfaces with 3,5‐Bis(3,5‐dinitrobenzoyl‐amino) benzoic acid
Authors: Paez Julieta I. , Cappelletti Ariel L. , Baruzzi Ana M. , Brunetti Verónica , Strumia Miriam C.
Published: March 2010

Summary: The spontaneous adsorption of the dendron 3,5‐Bis (3,5‐dinitrobenzoylamino) benzoic acid (D‐NO2) onto gold and carbon electrodes produced conductive surfaces with electroactive chemical functions. A comparative electrochemical behavior of both electrodes after dendron immobilization led us to conclude that the self‐assembly of D‐NO2 on carbon is faster and stronger. Considering this advantage, the surface of magnetic maghemite nanoparticles (MNPs) was modified using D‐NO2. Firstly, MNPs were modified with APS as silane coupling agent and afterwards, D‐NO2 was covalently attached to the surface, achieving nitro‐functionalized MNPs. Subsequently, the immobilization of these modified MNPs onto glassy carbon surfaces was explored to generate a novel platform promising for biosensors development.
Liquid Crystalline Organisation and Reaction Rate in the Formation of Liquid Crystal Thermoset Networks from Diepoxides and Dicyanates
Authors: Mormann Werner , Kuckertz Christian , Bröcher Markus
Published: March 2010

Summary: The influence of the type of mesophase on the rate of reaction in amine curing or anionic polymerisation of mesogenic diepoxides, and in the cyclotrimerisation of mesogenic dicyanates has been investigated by isothermal DSC and IR‐spectroscopy. Epoxide/amine systems were found to react faster in the nematic than in the isotropic phase. Anionic polymerisation of epoxides is an example where increase of the reaction rate occurs with the transition from a mesophase of higher order (smectic) to phases with lower order (nematic, isotropic). For triaromatic dicyanates with one or three methyl groups at the central ring cyclotrimerisation is faster in the isotropic than in the nematic phase showing an increase of activation energy in the nematic phase with the number of methyl groups. A pronounced rate increase has been observed in the smectic phase as compared to the nematic phase for the unsubstituted triaromatic dicyanate. In this case activation energies in the two phases are comparable with those of non liquid crystalline dicyanates.
Studies on Boron Containing Poly(urethane fattyamide)
Authors: Zafar Fahmina , Kashif Mohammad , Sharmin Eram , Ahmad Sharif
Published: March 2010

Summary: An attempt has been made to synthesize boron containing poly (urethane‐fattyamide) [B‐PUPGFA] through the incorporation of boron in the backbone of non drying oil such as Pongamia glabra oil derived poly (urethane‐fattyamide). The synthesis route involves 50% reduction in the use of harmful volatile organic contents [VOCs] and was carried out in situ by condensation reaction between N, N′‐bis (2‐hydroxyethyl) Pongamia glabra fattyamide and boric acid without solvent followed by the addition polymerization with toluene diisocyanate in minimum solvent. Spectral (FTIR, 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR), physico‐chemical, physico‐mechanical and chemical resistance of B‐PUPGFA was carried out by standard laboratory methods. The antibacterial performance of B‐PUPGFA was done by agar diffusion method against E. coli and S. aureus. The aforementioned performance of B‐PUPGFA was compared with Pongamia glabra oil based virgin poly (urethane‐fattyamide) [PUPGFA]. It is observed that the incorporation of boron has a significant influence on the overall performance of B‐PUPGFA film, which shows antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Therefore, B‐PUPGFA serves as novel and promising biomaterial candidate for use as anticorrosive and antibacterial coating material.
Assessment of Mass Transport through Polymeric Electrolyte Membrane by Means of Potentiometric Measures
Authors: Gonçalves M. S. S. , Gomes A. S.
Published: March 2010

Summary: This work aims to present a simple methodology to evaluate the proton transport of polymeric electrolyte membranes for fuel cells (PEMFC). The device consists of two ‘L’ tubes with a flanged edge, jointed by a metallic union that allows changing the different membranes to be analyzed. Through Fick´s equations, the matter that flows through the membrane can be assessed. For instance, a composite membrane made of SPSU containing TPA and modified with bis‐benzimidazole derivatives as cross‐linker showed flux and diffusion coefficient of 2.27.10−12 gm−2 s−1 and 2.18.10−7 m2 s−1, respectively. These results are 65% larger than the SPSU membranes. The device also allows visualizing, for instance, that the difference between the water columns under atmospheric pressure is not levelled; which means that the pore diameters are sufficiently small to hinder the water molecules crosses them. The conductance values have been found 10−3 S and 10−4 S to composite membrane and sulfonated membrane, respectively, while the Nafion® membrane presented value at same order of composite membrane.
Biodegradable Materials from Agro‐Based By‐Products
Authors: Terrié Caroline , Dobircau Larisa , Gopalakrishnan Preetha , Galandon Antoine , Saiah Redouan , Gattin Richard , Leblanc Nathalie , Saiter Jean Marc
Published: March 2010

Summary: A new biodegradable thermoplastic material based on a wheat flour by‐product has been developed. The influence of various additives (glycerol, silica) and fibers (flax, cotton, hemp) on the mechanical properties of the material has been investigated. The development of expanded materials is also presented.
Thermal and Structural Behavior of Palm Oil. Influence of Cooling Rate on Fat Crystallization
Authors: Vuillequez Anaïs , Koza Lucy , Youssef Boulos , Bridier Mathilde , Saiter Jean Marc
Published: March 2010

Summary: The effects of scanning rates (q = −0.5 °C/min to −50 °C/min) on the formation of the different phases occurring at low temperature of a palm oil are investigated by means of calorimetry and optical analysis. It is demonstrated that the cooling rates changed the polymorphism of triacylglycerols (TAGs). The centrifugation is used to separate the two fractions (olein and stearin) of palm oil. We show whereas the rate of centrifugation the separation is not effective. We obtained two fractions, a liquid fraction and a solid fraction which contains some liquid TAGs. It is observed that the solid fraction of palm oil is more sensitive to the effects of the cooling rates. By changing the cooling rate q, it appears threshold behaviour for q = −3 °C/min dividing the data discussion in two parts: for slow cooling rate and for fast cooling rate. At slow cooling rates, TAGs had more time to interact. Contrary at fast cooling rate, TAGs have not the time to be reorganised in more stable conformation. Micrographs revealed that the types of crystals observed were spherolites but some variations in crystal size appeared with the variation of cooling rate.
Model for the analysis of enzymatic proton‐transfer reactions with an application to soybean lipoxygenase‐1 and six mutants
Authors: Siebrand Willem , Smedarchina Zorka
Published: March 2010

A general analytical model is introduced for the analysis of temperature‐dependent rate constants in enzymatic hydrogen and deuterium transfer reactions. It exploits the relationship between kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) and their temperature dependence in tunneling reaction to derive criteria that indicate whether a data set can be assigned to one rate‐determining tunneling step in the enzymatic reaction sequence. If so, the model evaluates the relative contributions of the tunneling mode and supporting skeletal modes to transfer and provides information on these modes. Recently reported kinetic data on proton transfer in linoleic acid catalyzed by soybean lipoxygenase‐1 (SLO1) and six mutants are analyzed by the model, which includes two oscillators, one representing proton motion relative to the skeletal framework and the other the supporting framework motions. It is concluded that most but not all components of this data set can be assigned to a single tunneling step, possible exceptions being associated with the highest observed rates, in agreement with evolutionary expectations. This still allows a complete analysis, namely in terms of the deuteron rate constants. The analysis evaluates how the contributions to proton transfer of the two modes and the electronic term depend on transfer distances in the enzyme and its mutants. It also provides rationalizations for several apparent anomalies, such as the vanishing of the activation energy for some mutants and the observed invariance of the KIE among mutants with very different activity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do men and their wives see it the same way? Congruence within couples during the first year of prostate cancer
Authors: Ezer Hélène , Chachamovich Juliana L. Rigol , Chachamovich Eduardo
Published: March 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the psychosocial adjustment congruence within couples through the first year of prostate cancer experience, and to explore the personal variables that could predict congruence within couples.

Method: Eighty‐one couples were interviewed at the time of diagnosis; 69 participated at 3 months and 61 at 12 months. Paired t‐tests were used to examine dyadic congruence on seven domains of psychosocial adjustment. Repeated Measures ANOVAs were used to examine the congruence over time. Multiple regressions were used to determine whether mood disturbance, urinary and sexual bother, sense of coherence, and social support were predictors of congruence within couples on each of the adjustment domains.

Results: At time 1, couples had incongruent perceptions in 3 of 7 domains: health care, psychological, and social adjustment. Three months later, health care, psychological, and sexual domains showed incongruence within couples. One year after the diagnosis, there were incongruent perceptions only in sexual and psychological domains. There was little variation of the congruence within couples over time. Husbands and wives' mood disturbance, urinary and sexual bother, sense of coherence, and social support accounted for 25–63% of variance in couple congruence in the adjustment domains in the study periods.

Conclusion: The findings suggested that there is couple congruence. Domains in which incongruence was observed are important targets for clinical interventions. Greater attention needs to be directed to assisting couples to recognize the differences between their perceptions, especially the ones related to the sexual symptoms and psychological distress. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizations and validations of novel antibodies toward translational research
Authors: Williams Reginald , Chung Joon‐Yong , Ylaya Kris , Whiteley Gordon , Hewitt Stephen M.
Published: March 2010

Purpose: There is significant need for well‐characterized antibodies to the spectrum of human proteins encoded by the genome. Advances in tissue‐based proteomic profiling have led to the discovery of many candidate molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for which development of clinical assays is depending on high quality antibodies. We developed an antibody validation approach for screening of new mAbs.

Experimental design: We utilized a multi‐stage approach of protein array and immunohistochemistry. In the first phase, we screened the NCI60 panel of cell lines by means of protein array and select antibodies based on concordance of mRNA expression to protein array signal. Results of this assay are used to predict antibody titer for immunohistochemistry on the NCI60 cell lines, presented as a tissue microarray. In the final stage, we created a tissue‐based protein expression map by performing immunohistochemistry on a multi‐tumor tissue microarray.

Results: The success rate of this systematic antibody‐screening tool was approximately 93% as measured by the results from the protein array. Data from the NCI60 protein array could be used to predict antibody titer for immunohistochemistry, improving the success rate of immunohistochemical assay development.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: The presented strategy of antibody validation and characterization can be provided a new tool for exploration of human proteome.
CYP17 polymorphisms and prostate cancer outcomes
Authors: Wright Jonathan L. , Kwon Erika M. , Lin Daniel W. , Kolb Suzanne , Koopmeiners Joseph S. , Feng Ziding , Ostrander Elaine A. , Stanford Janet L.
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE

Cytochrome P450 17α‐hydroxylases‐C‐17,20‐lyase (CYP17) is a key enzyme involved with the androgen biosynthesis pathway and has recently been targeted for therapy in men with advanced prostate cancer (PCa). However, studies relating prostate cancer outcomes with CYP17 gene variants have conflicting results. In this study we analyzed Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the CYP17 gene for association with PCa survival.

METHODS

The cohort was comprised of Caucasian men, aged 40–64, diagnosed with PCa between 1993 and 1996 in King County, Washington who participated in a population‐based case–control study. CYP17 SNPs were selected to capture variation across the gene and known regulatory regions. PCa‐specific mortality (PCSM) was obtained by linking to the SEER cancer registry. Recurrence/progression of PCa was determined from patient survey data and medical records. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to generate hazard ratios for patient outcomes.

RESULTS

Genotypes were available for 598 cases. With a median follow‐up of 13.2 years, 44 PCa deaths were observed. Recurrence/progression events were observed in 30% of subjects. No genetic association with disease progression were identified. However, men with the variant A allele in rs10883783 had a 56% risk reduction in PCSM (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21–0.98).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that genetic variation in the CYP17 gene in Caucasian men is associated with PCa survival. Prostate 70: 1094–1101, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined inhibitory effects of soy isoflavones and curcumin on the production of prostate‐specific antigen
Authors: Ide Hisamitsu , Tokiwa Shino , Sakamaki Kentaro , Nishio Koujiro , Isotani Shuji , Muto Satoru , Hama Takanori , Masuda Hiroko , Horie Shigeo
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND

Sustained chronic inflammation in the prostate promotes prostate carcinogenesis. Since an elevated level of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) per se reflects the presence of inflammation in the prostate, intervention to improve the PSA value might potentially have beneficial effects for the prevention of the development of prostate cancer. Isoflavones and curcumin have anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant properties. We examined the biological effects of soy isoflavones and curcumin on LNCaP cells. After that, we conducted a clinical trial for men who received prostate biopsies, but were not found to have prostate cancer, to evaluate the effects of soy isoflavones and curcumin on serum PSA levels.

METHODS

The expression of androgen receptor and PSA were examined in LNCaP cells before and after treatment of isoflavones and/or curcumin. Eighty‐five participants were randomized to take a supplement containing isoflavones and curcumin or placebo daily in a double‐blind study. Subjects were subdivided by the cut‐off of their baseline PSA value at 10 µg/ml. We evaluated values of PSA before and 6 months after treatment.

RESULTS

The production of PSA were markedly decreased by the combined treatment of isoflavones and curcumin in prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP. The expression of the androgen receptor was also suppressed by the treatment. In clinical trials, PSA levels decreased in the patients group with PSA ≥ 10 treated with supplement containing isoflavones and curcumin (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that isoflavones and curcumin could modulate serum PSA levels. Curcumin presumably synergizes with isoflavones to suppress PSA production in prostate cells through the anti‐androgen effects. Prostate 70: 1127–1133, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Survivin mediates prostate cell protection by HIF‐1α against zinc toxicity
Authors: Yun Young‐Joo , Li Shan‐Hua , Cho Young‐Suk , Park Jong‐Wan , Chun Yang‐Sook
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND

The prostate contains extremely high concentrations of zinc, but survives and grows without apparent injury. This begs the question as to how prostate cells avoid the toxic effects of zinc. In a previous study, the authors found that; HIF‐1α is expressed concomitantly with the accumulation of zinc in the epithelial cells of normal rat prostates, the zinc ion stabilizes HIF‐1α in prostate cells, and that HIF‐1α protects prostate cells from zinc toxicity. In the present study, the authors addressed the mechanism responsible for the protective effect of HIF‐1α in a high zinc environment.

METHODS

Immunofluorescent staining, immunoblotting, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, reporter assay, and cell cycle analysis.

RESULTS

Survivin was induced by ZnCl2 in a HIF‐1 dependent manner in both DU‐145 and PNT2 prostate cells. Furthermore, HIF‐1 induced survivin expression at the transcriptional level and the induction of survivin was abolished by HIF‐1α knock‐down. In addition, HIF‐1‐dependent survivin overexpression promoted prostrate cell survival and prevented cell arrest in the presence of high zinc concentrations, and si‐survivin transfected cells under zinc rich conditions contained markedly higher levels of cleaved caspase‐9 and PARP than si‐con transfected cells. Finally, survivin expression patterns well matched rat prostate proliferation statuses.

CONCLUSION

Under zinc rich conditions, prostate epithelial cells HIF‐1‐dependently express survivin, which promotes prostate cell proliferation, and prevents apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Accordingly, the HIF‐1α‐survivin pathway appears to facilitate prostate cell survival and growth in zinc rich environments, and this pathway could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of prostate hyperplasia. Prostate 70: 1179–1188, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of FOXO1 is critical for the anticancer effect of methylseleninic acid in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Fang Jian , Yao Dian , Wu Yue , Ip Clement , Dong Yan
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that physiological concentrations of methylseleninic acid (MSA) inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells. The growth inhibitory effect could be attributed to cell cycle block and apoptosis induction. The current study was designed to investigate the involvement of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) in the anticancer effect of MSA.

METHODS

LNCaP and LAPC‐4 cells were treated with 10 µM MSA for various time points, and the expression of FOXO1 was analyzed by qRT‐PCR and Western blotting. FOXO1 activity was determined by a luciferase construct containing FOXO binding sites. The trans‐activation activity of the androgen receptor (AR) was determined by the ARE‐luciferase assay. FOXO1 gene silencing was achieved by using a small interfering RNA (siRNA).

RESULTS

MSA treatment led to a rapid and robust increase of FOXO1 expression, as well as an increase of the FOXO1 transcriptional activity. Blocking FOXO1 activation by gene silencing abolished apoptosis induction by MSA, suggesting FOXO1 plays a critical role in mediating the apoptotic effect of MSA. Recent studies have shown that FOXO1 and AR antagonize the actions of each other. We examined the consequence of FOXO1 induction on AR activity. Consistent with previous reports, we found that ectopic expression of FOXO1 suppressed the transcriptional activity of AR. Furthermore, FOXO1 silencing attenuated MSA suppression of AR activity, suggesting that FOXO1 induction contributes to suppression of AR signaling by MSA.

CONCLUSIONS

In prostate cancer cells, MSA activates the FOXO1 signaling pathway. FOXO1 activation is critical for the anticancer effects of MSA. Prostate 70:1265–1273, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Ack1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor on ligand‐independent androgen receptor activity
Authors: Mahajan Kiran , Challa Sridevi , Coppola Domenico , Lawrence Harshani , Luo Yunting , Gevariya Harsukh , Zhu Weiwei , Chen Y. Ann , Lawrence Nicholas J. , Mahajan Nupam P.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND

Androgen receptor (AR) plays a critical role in the progression of both androgen‐dependent and androgen‐independent prostate cancer (AIPC). Ligand‐independent activation of AR in AIPC or castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is often associated with poor prognosis. Recently, tyrosine kinase Ack1 has been shown to regulate AR activity by phosphorylating it at tyrosine 267 and this event was shown to be critical for AIPC growth. However, whether a small molecule inhibitor that can mitigate Ack1 activation is sufficient to abrogate AR activity on AR regulated promoters in androgen‐depleted environment is not known.

METHODS

We have generated two key resources, antibodies that specifically recognize pTyr267‐AR and synthesized a small molecule inhibitor of Ack1, 4‐amino‐5,6‐biaryl‐furo[2,3‐d]pyrimidine (named here as AIM‐100) to test whether AIM‐100 modulates ligand‐independent AR activity and inhibits prostate cell growth.

RESULTS

Prostate tissue microarray analysis indicates that Ack1 Tyr284 phosphorylation correlates positively with disease progression and negatively with the survival of prostate cancer patients. Interestingly, neither pTyr267‐AR expression nor its transcriptional activation was affected by anti‐androgens in activated Ack1 expressing or EGF stimulated prostate cells. However, the Ack1 inhibitor, AIM‐100, not only inhibited Ack1 activation but also able to suppress pTyr267‐AR phosphorylation, binding of AR to PSA, NKX3.1, and TMPRSS2 promoters, and inhibit AR transcription activity.

CONCLUSION

Ack1 Tyr284 phosphorylation is prognostic of progression of prostate cancer and inhibitors of Ack1 activity could be novel therapeutic agents to treat AIPC. Prostate 70:1274–1285, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oversights and omissions in process hazard analyses: Lessons learned from CSB investigations
Authors: Kaszniak Mark
Published: March 2010

Although process hazard analyses have been voluntarily used in the chemical processing industries for over 30 years and required by U.S. regulation for certain processes involving highly hazardous chemicals since the early 1990s, failing to apply or continued misapplication of these techniques allow process hazards to remain either undetected or unappreciated. Using findings from past CSB investigations as examples, this article discusses some problems observed in process hazard analyses that diminished their overall effectiveness and prevented them from fully identifying and/or evaluating process hazards. Some practical solutions are presented for making process hazard analyses more effective. Published 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2010
Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy of supported mass selected silver clusters
Authors: Wortmann Ben , Mende Kolja , Duffe Stefanie , Grönhagen Niklas , von Issendorff Bernd , Hövel Heinz
Published: March 2010

Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) was used to investigate size selected Ag923±9 and Ag55 clusters which were softlanded on a clean graphite substrate (HOPG) at 100 and 50 K, respectively. With increasing cluster coverage closer to the centre of the deposition spot a continuous change of the d‐band signal is observed. Differences in the fine structure of the d‐band and comparison to UPS spectra of clusters grown at nanopits on HOPG show that the clusters in the centre of the deposition spot coalesced. However, Ag55 spectra measured at the rim of the deposition spot indicate that the clusters stay separated in regions of lower coverage for a deposition temperature of 50 K. This is corroborated by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) images measured at 5 K using 1 monolayer (ML) Xe to fix the Ag55 clusters to the substrate, thus making them observable with STM. By comparison to UPS data taken on different sample positions in a 1 × 1 mm2 grid it was determined that at the rim of the deposition spot the coverage of 30 clusters per 100 × 100 nm2 was low enough for an UPS measurement of single separated Ag55 clusters. Differences in the spectra for the largest coverage of Ag55 and Ag923 clusters in the deposition spot centre indicate that the resulting Ag film has a partial (111) orientation for the deposition of Ag55 at 50 K whereas it is mostly polycrystalline for Ag923 deposited at 100 K.
Room‐temperature tunable mid‐infrared lasers on transition‐metal doped II–VI compound crystals grown from vapor phase
Authors: Kozlovsky V. I. , Akimov V. A. , Frolov M. P. , Korostelin Yu. V. , Landman A. I. , Martovitsky V. P. , Mislavskii V. V. , Podmar'kov Yu. P. , Skasyrsky Ya. K. , Voronov A. A.
Published: March 2010

Seeded free growth method with physical transport was used for preparation of large‐size II–VI single crystals uniformly doped by transition metals directly during the growth. The grown crystals possess small intrinsic losses. Based on these crystals new results on development of mid‐IR lasers were achieved. With the CdSe:Cr crystal pumped at the room temperature (RT) by a continuous wave (CW) 1.908‐µm thulium fiber laser, output laser power at 2.6 µm was increased up to 1.7 W. CW lasing from the ZnSe:Fe crystal was achieved using the 2.97‐µm CW Cr2+:CdSe laser as a pump source. In this case the output power as high as 0.2 W was obtained at 4.1 µm and T = 80 K. Broad spectral tuning of the Cr2+:CdSe (2.26–3.61 µm) and Fe2+:ZnSe (3.95–5.05 µm) lasers was achieved at RT in the pulsed operation. The RT laser action from CdS:Cr and CdSe:Fe was demonstrated for the first time. The output power of the CW Cr+2:CdS laser was 0.81 W. The pulsed Fe2+:CdSe laser was tuned in the 4.6–5.9 µm spectral range.
Optical and photothermal investigations of Zn1−x−yBexMnySe solid solutions
Authors: Firszt Franciszek , Strzałkowski Karol , Zakrzewski Jacek , Łęgowski Stanisław , Męczyńska Hanna , Maliński Mirosław , Dumcenco Dumitru , Huang Chen‐Tai , Huang Ying‐Sheng
Published: March 2010

Quaternary Zn1−x−yBexMnySe solid solutions were grown from the melt by the high pressure Bridgman method in the range of composition 0 < x < 0.24, 0 < y < 0.45. Luminescence and photothermal properties of this material were investigated. From the spectral dependence of the amplitude and phase of photoacoustic signal as well as from photoluminescence (PL) spectra the variation of energy gap with composition was determined. The photoluminescence‐excitation (PLE) spectra were measured and the origin of luminescence in Zn1−x−yBexMnySe was discussed.
Methods to spectrally tune II–VI‐based monolithic microcavities
Authors: Sebald K. , Seyfried M. , Kalden J. , Lohmeyer H. , Kruse C. , Gust A. , Hommel D. , Gutowski J.
Published: March 2010

We present methods to achieve a spectral matching between a quantum dot (QD) emitter and the resonator mode of an airpost pillar microcavity (MC). These techniques are important to optimize the light‐matter interaction in order to increase the collection efficiency and the recombination rate of the emitter leading to an improvement of the properties of, for example, a single photon source. The investigations were performed on different MC structures containing either ZnCdSSe quantum wells or CdSe QDs, respectively, as their active region. The spectral tuning of the QD emission was realized by temperature variation and by laser annealing. The spectral positions of the resonator modes were adjusted by tailoring the diameter of the airpost pillars. Hence, permanent and non‐permanent spectral tuning methods will be presented.
Dynamical nuclear polarization and confinement effects in ZnO quantum dots
Authors: Baranov Pavel G. , Orlinskii Sergei B. , Hofmann Detlev M. , Donegá Celso de Mello , Meijerink Andries , Schmidt Jan
Published: March 2010

The spatial distribution of the electronic wave function of a shallow donor (SD) in a ZnO semiconductor quantum dots (QD's) has been determined in the regime of quantum confinement by using the nuclear spins as probes. Hyperfine (HF) interactions as monitored by electron nuclear double resonance spectroscopy quantitatively reveal the transition from semiconductor to molecular properties upon reduction of the size of the nanoparticles. Influence of confinement effect on g‐factor value of SD's in ZnO and CdS QD's was displayed. The almost complete dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) of nuclear spins has been demonstrated can be achieved in ZnO QD's by saturating the EPR transition of the SD present in the QD's with using high‐frequency at low temperatures. Polarization of 67Zn nuclear spins in ZnO core and of 1H nuclear spins in the Zn(OH)2 capping layer have been obtained which manifests itself via the creation of a hole and an antihole in the EPR absorption line of the SD in QD's and a shift of the hole (antihole). The enhancement of the nuclear polarization opens the possibility to study semiconductor nanostructures with NMR techniques
Encoded Multichromophore Response for Simultaneous Label‐Free Detection
Authors: Pistol Constantin , Mao Vincent , Thusu Viresh , Lebeck Alvin R. , Dwyer Chris
Published: March 2010

The self‐assembly of molecularly precise nanostructures is widely expected to form the basis of future high‐speed integrated circuits, but the technologies suitable for such circuits are not well understood. In this work, DNA self‐assembly is used to create molecular logic circuits that can selectively identify specific biomolecules in solution by encoding the optical response of near‐field coupled arrangements of chromophores. The resulting circuits can detect label‐free, femtomole quantities of multiple proteins, DNA oligomers, and small fragments of RNA in solution via ensemble optical measurements. This method, which is capable of creating multiple logic‐gate–sensor pairs on a 2 × 80 × 80‐nm DNA grid, is a step toward more sophisticated nanoscale logic circuits capable of interfacing computers with biological processes.
Recent advances on bioorganic chemistry of plant metabolites controlling nyctinasty
Authors: Nakamura Yoko , Manabe Yoshiyuki , Inomata Sho , Ueda Minoru
Published: March 2010

Leguminous plants open their leaves during the daytime and close them at night as if sleeping, a type of movement that follows circadian rhythms, and is known as nyctinastic movement. This phenomenon is controlled by two endogenous bioactive substances that exhibit opposing activities: Leaf‐Opening Factor (LOF), which opens the leaves, and Leaf‐Closing Factor (LCF), which closes them. The authors have carried out chemical biological research using these bioactive substances as molecular probes in order to clarify the mechanisms of nyctinastic movement. Here, we report on the detection and identification of the target proteins of these compounds using original methodology. © 2010 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 10: 70–79; 2010: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.200900021
New strategy in synthetic biology: from enzyme inhibition and natural products synthesis to PET imaging by 6π‐azaelectrocyclization
Authors: Tanaka Katsunori , Fukase Koichi , Katsumura Shigeo
Published: March 2010

While elucidating the inhibitory mechanism of a hydrolytic enzyme by aldehyde‐containing natural products, we discovered a reaction involving a rapid 6π‐azaelectrocyclization of azatrienes generated from aldehyde with lysine residues. The electrocyclic reaction of the 1‐azatriene system, a cyclization precursor, exhibited a substituent effect. Structure‐reactivity studies showed that azaelectrocyclization, which usually proceeds in low yield at high temperatures, produced a quantitative yield in less than 5 min at room temperature. Asymmetric chiral piperidine synthesis and a one‐pot library synthesis of pyridines on solid‐supports were applied to synthesize pyridine/indole alkaloid‐type natural products. Additionally, we developed lysine‐based labeling of biomolecules based on the rapid 6π‐azaelectrocyclization. Both DOTA as a metal chelating agent (either for MRI, PET, or other radiopharmaceutical purposes, e.g., SPECT with gamma emitters) as well as fluorescent groups were introduced efficiently and selectively into lysine residues within 10 min at concentrations as low as 10−8 m. The DOTA‐labeled somatostatin and glycoproteins were then radiometallated with 68Ga to observe the receptor‐mediated accumulation of somatostatin in pancreatic tissue. Furthermore, microPET visualized the oligosaccharide dependent circulatory residence of glycoproteins for the first time. © 2010 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 10: 119–139; 2010: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.200900026
Delivery of DNA vaccines: an overview on the use of biodegradable polymeric and magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Xiang Sue D. , Selomulya Cordelia , Ho Jenny , Apostolopoulos Vasso , Plebanski Magdalena
Published: March 2010

Vaccination offers a cost‐effective approach to the control of endemic infectious and a less invasive treatment modality against cancers. Since the discovery that injecting DNA encoding antigens (expressedin vivo) results in the induction of CD8 T cells as well as antibody mediated immunity, researchers have tried to develop methods to consistently enhance this immunity to disease protective levels in humans. Adsorption, coformulation, or encapsulation with particles has been found to both stabilize DNA formulations, through preventing rapid degradation, and provide vaccine adjuvanting effects, largely due to effective uptake of particulate materials by antigen presenting cells. Recently, it has been shown that nanoparticles, as opposed to microparticles, based DNA vaccine carriers are preferentially taken up by dendritic cells resulting in the induction of maximal levels of combined humoral and cellular immunity.WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol2010 2 205–218

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Systems Biology and Medicine—Meta‐Issues and Frameworks
Authors: Subramaniam Shankar , Nadeau Joseph H.
Published: March 2010

This article is categorized under:

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Building a Tool to Identify Risk for Lynch Syndrome Among Individuals Presenting for Screening Colonoscopy
Authors: Rabinowitz‐Abrams Deborah , Morgan Debra , Morse James , Miesfeldt Susan
Published: March 2010

The goal of this work was to build and pilot‐test a user‐friendly Lynch syndrome risk assessment tool among individuals presenting for routine screening colonoscopy. Participants included adults presenting to a private practice‐based, open‐access endoscopy unit. Working with health literacy experts and gastroenterologists, and based on established criteria, we developed a simplified tool to assess Lynch syndrome risk, pre‐procedure. A pilot‐test of the tool assessed its: 1) clinical utility; 2) patient‐reported usability; and 3) feasibility. The tool, in paper format, was written at a 9th grade reading level and included instructions for use followed by seven Lynch syndrome risk‐related questions, structured such that one “Yes” response signified potential risk. A pilot‐test of the tool among 334 patients revealed that 29 met criteria for Lynch syndrome risk. Of these, following telephone review of their responses, risk was confirmed in 9 patients (3% of total). The tool was reported as easy‐to‐use and was seen as feasible for use. Limitations include: 1) the need for infrastructure to distribute and collect the tool and 2) the availability of knowledgeable staff to review tool responses, confirm risk, and facilitate appropriate referral for genetic counseling. These data suggest that the tool affects assessment of Lynch syndrome risk among the routine colon cancer screening population.
Reporting of Subscores Using Multidimensional Item Response Theory
Authors: Haberman Shelby J. , Sinharay Sandip
Published: March 2010

Recently, there has been increasing interest in reporting subscores. This paper examines reporting of subscores using multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) models (e.g., Reckase in Appl. Psychol. Meas. 21:25–36, 1997; C.R. Rao and S. Sinharay (Eds), Handbook of Statistics, vol. 26, pp. 607–642, North-Holland, Amsterdam, 2007; Beguin & Glas in Psychometrika, 66:471–488, 2001). A MIRT model is fitted using a stabilized Newton–Raphson algorithm (Haberman in The Analysis of Frequency Data, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1974; Sociol. Methodol. 18:193–211, 1988) with adaptive Gauss–Hermite quadrature (Haberman, von Davier, & Lee in ETS Research Rep. No. RR-08-45, ETS, Princeton, 2008). A new statistical approach is proposed to assess when subscores using the MIRT model have any added value over (i)  the total score or (ii)  subscores based on classical test theory (Haberman in J. Educ. Behav. Stat. 33:204–229, 2008; Haberman, Sinharay, & Puhan in Br. J. Math. Stat. Psychol. 62:79–95, 2008). The MIRT-based methods are applied to several operational data sets. The results show that the subscores based on MIRT are slightly more accurate than subscore estimates derived by classical test theory.
Treatment of Symptomatic Distal Interphalangeal Joint Arthritis with Percutaneous Arthrodesis: A Novel Technique in Select Patients
Authors: Ruchelsman David E. , Hazel Antony , Mudgal Chaitanya S.
Published: March 2010

Arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint is a reliable means of achieving pain relief in a symptomatic DIP joint afflicted by a variety of degenerative, inflammatory, or posttraumatic conditions. Successful arthrodesis is more reproducible when rigid compression of the joint is achieved. The emergence of an increasing number of commercially available headless or variable pitch compression screws reflects the growing trend among hand surgeons to utilize rigid stabilization of the DIP joint so that motion at more proximal levels can be initiated immediately without affecting arthrodesis rates. Successful closed percutaneous DIP arthrodesis can be achieved in a patient with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, passively correctable deformity, and patients at increased risk for perioperative soft tissue complications associated with open arthrodesis. We present a novel percutaneous DIP fusion technique utilizing a cannulated headless compression screw in a select group of patients. The sagittal plane diameters of the distal and middle phalanges are templated. Cannulated headless compression screws, 2.4 and 3.0 mm, with short or long terminal threads at the leading end of the screw are selected based upon patient-specific anatomic considerations. Pain-free status and radiographic fusion were achieved in both patients (gout arthropathy, n=1; posttraumatic arthritis, n=1) at an average of 6 weeks postoperatively. Our current indications, along with pearls and pitfalls with this technique, are reviewed. In select patients, this percutaneous DIP joint arthrodesis is advantageous in comparison with open fusion techniques.
The Composition of Crude Corn Oil Recovered after Fermentation via Centrifugation from a Commercial Dry Grind Ethanol Process
Authors: Moreau Robert A. , Hicks Kevin B. , Johnston David B. , Laun Nathan P.
Published: March 2010

A study was conducted to examine the chemical composition of corn oil obtained after fermentation of corn to make fuel ethanol via centrifugation and compare its composition to that of corn germ oil (commercial corn oil) and experimental corn oils. The levels of free fatty acids in the post fermentation corn oil were high (11–16%), as previously reported. The levels of free phytosterols and hydroxycinnamate steryl esters (similar to oryzanol in rice bran oil) were higher than those of corn germ oil and were comparable to those of ethanol‐extracted corn kernel oil. The levels of tocopherols were lower in post‐fermentation oil than in either corn germ oil or ethanol extracted corn kernel oil. The levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in post‐fermentation were much higher than those in corn germ oil and were comparable to those in ethanol‐extracted corn kernel oil. Overall, exposure to all upstream processes of a fuel ethanol plant, including high‐temperature liquefaction, saccharification and fermentation appeared to have the most notable effect on tocopherols, but it had little effect on the levels of free phytosterols, hydroxycinnamate steryl esters, lutein and zeaxanthin. It may be desirable to recover these valuable functional lipids prior to using the post‐fermentation corn oil for industrial applications such as making biodiesel if a cost‐effective recovery process can be developed.
Customer-Oriented Behaviour of Front-Line Service Employees: The Need to be Both Willing and Able
Authors: Pimpakorn Narumon , Patterson Paul G.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study is to empirically test and extend our knowledge of the determinants of customer-oriented behaviour of front-line employees across a range of service settings. We examine the need for front-line employees to be both ‘willing’ (engaged) and ‘able’ (confidence in their ability) in order to deliver high-quality customer service. Since the organisational environment in which workers operate is known to impact job performance, we include service climate as a third explanatory variable in our model. The research hypotheses are tested using self-report data collected from 878 front-line employees in four service industries, covering both medium and high-contact settings. The results support the notion that to deliver excellent customer service, employees must be both ‘willing’ (engaged, positive attitude) and ‘able’ (possess the capability, or at least the confidence, to do so). In addition, service climate (an organisation environment factor), employee demographics, and industry type were found to be significant. Finally, the interaction effects of being ‘willing’ and ‘able’ are significant in explaining customer-oriented behaviour of front-line employees.