bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Discourse on Staging a Writer's Worlds
Authors: Ferris Lesley , Frank Johanna
Published: March 2012

Known and celebrated for the startling imagery and dream-like characteristics of her plays, Adrienne Kennedy's work challenges anyone who decides to stage her work. This article considers the use of digital technologies that contribute to Adrienne Kennedy's evocative and powerful vision. Focusing on a production of Sleep Deprivation Chamber (1996), which Kennedy co-authored with her son Adam P. Kennedy, it explores how integrating digital animations and video projections can challenge conceptually some of Kennedy's central themes, particularly acts of writing and spectating. The article aims to complicate the core question that drives the dramatic: what happens to text when it turns to image? Kennedy's dramaturgy has a photograph-like sensibility laced with simultaneity and this article explores the possibilities of using various contemporary technical means to assist in the staging of her plays.
Prospects And Challenges Of Plastic Industries In Bangladesh
Authors: Islam M Serajul
Published: March 2012

Plastic is an engineered material used to manufacture a wide variety of products to meet the domestic demand in Bangladesh as well as some products are exported. The plastic industry has emerged as an important industrial sector in the country during the last two decades. At present there are 3000 plastic manufacturing units, 98% of which belong to the Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Domestic market size is Tk 7,000 crore. Per capita consumption of plastics in Bangladesh is 5 kg per year. The plastic sector constitutes 1.0 of GDP and provides employment for half a million people. Total export earning for both direct and deem (RMG accessories) exports is about US $ 337 million. An in-depth study of the plastic sector reveals multi-dimensional constraints and an excellent prospect for future growth. Major constraint in the plastic sector is the lack of an institutional arrangement dedicated to this sector, in order to provide supporting services such as skilled manpower, testing facilities for quality control, innovative technology and consultancy services. The availability of cheap labor and the fast developing plastic wastes recycling industry due to rising cost of petroleum (raw material of polymers) provide Bangladesh potential advantage of competitiveness in the global market. An expert (BUET, BCSIR, BITAC, BPGMEA) consultation meeting held on the plastic sector organized by the SME Foundation in 2008, has recommended setting up Bangladesh Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (BIPET). Aims and activities of this institute are given in this paper. This proposal is in the light of Indian experience. The entrepreneurs in the plastic sector have developed the plastic industries with their own initiative and finance. Now, considering huge potential of this sector and the multi-dimensional nature of the constraints, the government must provide supportive policy and institutional arrangements. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v26i1.10176 JCE 2011; 26(1): 16-21
Urea Fertilizer for Bangladesh Challenges and Opportunity
Authors: Ahmed Shafi
Published: March 2012

The outlook for Urea Fertilizer at present and in coming years for Bangladesh-is a very much concerned issue and studied in the paper. The urea production vs. design capacity of all Fertilizer Plants and consumption has been shown. Main constraint for reduced urea production is identified as Natural gas shortage. To meet countries demand, the possibility of import from global urea supply and its impact on economy is also studied. Analyzing all the above; support to Urea Fertilizer factories- to ensure food security of the country - has been emphasized. Daily Natural Gas requirement for maintaining urea production is estimated. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v26i1.10177 JCE 2011; 26(1): 22-26
Paper Sector in Bangladesh: Challenges and Scope of Development
Authors: Quader MMA
Published: March 2012

Pulp and paper sector in Bangladesh is used to get less importance in comparison with that of other sectors related to socioeconomic development of the country. KPML, the oldest integrated pulp and paper industry in Bangladesh built in the early fifties of last century is still in operation. Recently, almost hundred paper mills are erected and most of those are in operation and producing varieties of papers. This article deals with the problems in operating the mills and makes suggestions to improve its operation and productivity. The major challenges in paper sector and the scope of development is discussed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v26i1.10181 JCE 2011; 26(1): 41-46
Aspen-Hysys Simulation Of Sulfuric Acid Plant
Authors: Sultana Sujala T , Amin M Ruhul
Published: March 2012

This work presents a theoretical investigation of the simulation of Sulfuric acid process plant. In the production of the acid in contact process liquid sulfur is sequentially oxidized to Sulfur tri oxide via an exothermic reaction which is absorbed by 98% Sulfuric acid in an absorption tower. In this research Aspen One V7.2 has been successfully used to design every sub-process of the sulfuric acid plant in one integrated environment. In order to simulate the process as accurately as possible COM thermo was selected as advanced thermodynamics. Electrolyte NRTL and Peng-Robinson were used for liquid and vapor phase respectively as fluid package and HYSYS properties were used for simulation. The simulation of sulfuric acid process included automatic chemistry generation and the capacity of handling electrolyte reactions for all unit models. Aspen-HYSYS provides specialized thermodynamics models and built-in data to represent the non-ideal behavior of liquid phase components in order to get accurate results. Material and energy flows, sized unit operations blocks can be used to conduct economic assessment of each process and optimize each of them for profit maximization. The simulation model developed can also be used as a guide for understanding the process and the economics, and also a starting point for more sophisticated models for plant designing and process equipment specifying. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v26i1.10182 JCE 2011; 26(1): 47-49
Aspen-HYSYS Simulation of Natural Gas Processing Plant
Authors: Roy Partho S , Amin M Ruhul
Published: March 2012

In this time of energy crisis low production rate against the increasing demand of the gas production regularly hampers both the domestic and industrial operations since natural gas is the major power source of this country. Unless other power source is developed, natural gas is our only hope. Almost all the existing processing plants are now operating beyond their capacities. Nonetheless there has been a dwindling situation in the gas production. Besides political indecision regarding new establishment of gas plant and other power source have made the situation nothing but complicated. In such a case an idea of optimization of the gas processing plant will surely pave a way to a sustainable solution. This project has the intention to carry out the simulation of the Bakhrabad gas processing plant (at Sylhet) using the Aspen-HYSYS process simulator. The steady state simulation of the gas processing plant shall be performed based on both the design and physical property data of the plant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v26i1.10186 JCE 2011; 26(1): 62-65
A Marine Anthraquinone SZ-685C Overrides Adriamycin-Resistance in Breast Cancer Cells through Suppressing Akt Signaling
Authors: Zhu Xun , He Zhenjian , Wu Jueheng , Yuan Jie , Wen Weitao , Hu Yiwen , Jiang Yi , Lin Cuiji , Zhang Qianhui , Lin Min , Zhang Henan , Yang Wan , Chen Hong , Zhong Lili , She Zhigang , Chen Shengping , Lin Yongcheng , Li Mengfeng
Published: March 2012

Breast cancer remains a major health problem worldwide. While chemotherapy represents an important therapeutic modality against breast cancer, limitations in the clinical use of chemotherapy remain formidable because of chemoresistance. The HER2/PI-3K/Akt pathway has been demonstrated to play a causal role in conferring a broad chemoresistance in breast cancer cells and thus justified to be a target for enhancing the effects of anti-breast cancer chemotherapies, such as adriamycin (ADR). Agents that can either enhance the effects of chemotherapeutics or overcome chemoresistance are urgently needed for the treatment of breast cancer. In this context, SZ-685C, an agent that has been previously shown, as such, to suppress Akt signaling, is expected to increase the efficacy of chemotherapy. Our current study investigated whether SZ-685C can override chemoresistance through inhibiting Akt signaling in human breast cancer cells. ADR-resistant cells derived from human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, MCF-7/ADR and MCF-7/Akt, were used as models to test the effects of SZ-685C. We found that SZ-685C suppressed the Akt pathway and induced apoptosis in MCF-7/ADR and MCF-7/Akt cells that are resistant to ADR treatment, leading to antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggest that use of SZ-685C might represent a potentially promising approach to the treatment of ADR-resistant breast cancer.
The Ability of a Nanofiltration Membrane to Remove Hardness and Ions from Diluted Seawater
Authors: Izadpanah Amir Abbas , Javidnia Asghar
Published: March 2012

In this work, the ability of a commercial spiral-wound nanofiltration membrane to remove hardness and ions from diluted seawater was studied. Experiments were carried out in the pressure range of 4–10 bar. Analyses of the samples, and permeates at different pressures, were performed and the effects of the trans-membrane pressure on the permeate flux were investigated. The results show that this nanofiltration membrane is capable of retaining 96–98% of the total hardness, 79–89% of the electrical conductivity and 79–89% of the total dissolved solid (TDS). Our results are in good agreement with those reported by the manufacturing company.
Development and characterization of 41 novel EST‐SSR markers for Pisum sativum (Leguminosae)
Authors: Xu Sheng‐Chun , Gong Ya‐Ming , Mao Wei‐Hua , Hu Qi‐Zan , Zhang Gu‐Wen , Fu Wan , Xian Qiang‐Qiang
Published: March 2012

• Premise of the study: Expressed sequence tag (EST)–derived simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed in Pisum sativum for further use in genetic studies and breeding programs.

• Methods and Results: Forty‐one novel EST‐SSR primers were developed and characterized for size polymorphism in 32 Pisum sativum individuals from four populations from China. In each population, the number of alleles per locus ranged from one to seven, with observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0 to 0.8889 and 0 to 0.8400, respectively. Furthermore, 53.7% of these markers could be transferred to the related species, Vicia faba.

• Conclusions: The developed markers have potential for application in the study of genetic diversity, germplasm appraisal, and marker‐assisted breeding in pea and other legume species.
Development of microsatellite markers for Anadenanthera colubrina (Leguminosae), a neotropical tree species
Authors: Feres Juliana Massimino , Monteiro Mariza , Zucchi Maria I. , Pinheiro José B. , Mestriner Moacyr A. , Alzate‐Marin Ana Lilia
Published: March 2012

• Premise of the study: We developed and characterized nuclear microsatellite markers for Anadenanthera colubrina, a tropical tree species widely distributed in South America.

• Methods and Results: Leaf samples of mature A. colubrina trees, popularly called “angico,” were collected from an area that is greatly impacted by agricultural practices in the region of Ribeirão Preto in São Paulo State in southeastern Brazil. Twenty simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed, 14 of which had polymorphic loci. A total of 96 alleles were detected with an average of 6.86 alleles per polymorphic locus. The expected heterozygosity, calculated at polymorphic loci, ranged from 0.18 to 0.83. Finally, we demonstrated that 18 loci were cross‐amplified in A. peregrina.

• Conclusions: A total of 14 polymorphic markers suggest a high potential for genetic diversity, gene flow, and mating system analyses in A. colubrina.
Differential Roles for RIG-I–like Receptors and Nucleic Acid-Sensing TLR Pathways in Controlling a Chronic Viral Infection
Authors: Clingan Jonathan M. , Ostrow Kristin , Hosiawa Karoline A. , Chen Zhijian J. , Matloubian Mehrdad
Published: March 2012

The necessity for pathogen recognition of viral infection by the innate immune system in initiating early innate and adaptive host defenses is well documented. However, little is known about the role these receptors play in the maintenance of adaptive immune responses and their contribution to resolution of persistent viral infections. In this study, we demonstrate a nonredundant functional requirement for both nucleic acid-sensing TLRs and RIG-I–like receptors in the control of a mouse model of chronic viral infection. Whereas the RIG-I–like receptor pathway was important for production of type I IFNs and optimal CD8+ T cell responses, nucleic acid-sensing TLRs were largely dispensable. In contrast, optimal anti-viral Ab responses required intact signaling through nucleic acid-sensing TLRs, and the absence of this pathway correlated with less virus-specific Ab and deficient long-term virus control of a chronic infection. Surprisingly, absence of the TLR pathway had only modest effects on Ab production in an acute infection with a closely related virus strain, suggesting that persistent TLR stimulation may be necessary for optimal Ab responses in a chronic infection. These results indicate that innate virus recognition pathways may play critical roles in the outcome of chronic viral infections through distinct mechanisms.
Poly(L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) microporous membranes for medical applications produced with the use of polyethylene glycol as a pore former
Authors: Krok Malgorzata , Pamula Elzbieta
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study was to prepare microporous poly(L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) membranes by mixing PLGA previously dissolved in methylene chloride with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a pore former. PEGs with different molecular weights of 300, 400, 600, 1000, and 3400 kDa were used. The PEG concentration was fixed at 20–80%, resulting in membranes with increased porosity. The properties of the membranes were characterized by tensile testing, and by SEM, AFM, and FTIR. Solvent evaporation rate from PEG/PLGA blends and PEG solutions was also estimated. Cytocompatibility of the materials in contact with osteoblast‐like MG 63 cells was studied and cell viability and morphology were assessed. SEM evaluation demonstrated that porosity of the membranes can be easily controlled by addition of a defined amount of PEG. The membranes produced with 60% PEG have the most favorable mechanical properties from the point of view of medical applications: tensile strength of 12.6 ± 2.3 MPa, Young's modulus of 0.53 ± 0.08 GPa, and total elongation at break of 56.4% ± 12.3%. The size and distribution of pores in the membranes depend on PEG molecular weight: low‐molecular weight PEG resulted in more homogenous distribution of pores, while high‐molecular weight PEG resulted in asymmetric membranes with the skin on the air‐cured surface. The obtained membranes support cell growth and are promising materials for biological applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Quantitative analysis of photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM) datasets using pair‐correlation analysis
Authors: Sengupta Prabuddha , Lippincott‐Schwartz Jennifer
Published: March 2012

Pointillistic based super‐resolution techniques, such as photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), involve multiple cycles of sequential activation, imaging, and precise localization of single fluorescent molecules. A super‐resolution image, having nanoscopic structural information, is then constructed by compiling all the image sequences. Because the final image resolution is determined by the localization precision of detected single molecules and their density, accurate image reconstruction requires imaging of biological structures labeled with fluorescent molecules at high density. In such image datasets, stochastic variations in photon emission and intervening dark states lead to uncertainties in identification of single molecules. This, in turn, prevents the proper utilization of the wealth of information on molecular distribution and quantity. A recent strategy for overcoming this problem is pair‐correlation analysis applied to PALM. Using rigorous statistical algorithms to estimate the number of detected proteins, this approach allows the spatial organization of molecules to be quantitatively described.
Establishing a New Methodology for Genome Mining and Biosynthesis of Polyketides and Peptides through Yeast Molecular Genetics
Authors: Ishiuchi Kan'ichiro , Nakazawa Takehito , Ookuma Takashi , Sugimoto Satoru , Sato Michio , Tsunematsu Yuta , Ishikawa Noriyasu , Noguchi Hiroshi , Hotta Kinya , Moriya Hisao , Watanabe Kenji
Published: March 2012

Fungal genome sequencing has revealed many genes coding for biosynthetic enzymes, including polyketide synthases and nonribosomal peptide synthetases. However, characterizing these enzymes and identifying the compounds they synthesize remains a challenge, whether the genes are expressed in their original hosts or in more tractable heterologous hosts, such as yeast. Here, we developed a streamlined method for isolating biosynthetic genes from fungal sources and producing bioactive molecules in an engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae host strain. We used overlap extension PCR and yeast homologous recombination to clone desired fungal polyketide synthase or a nonribosomal peptide synthetase genes (5–20 kb) into a yeast expression vector quickly and efficiently. This approach was used successfully to clone five polyketide synthases and one nonribosomal peptide synthetase, from various fungal species. Subsequent detailed chemical characterizations of the resulting natural products identified six polyketide and two nonribosomal peptide products, one of which was a new compound. Our system should facilitate investigating uncharacterized fungal biosynthetic genes, identifying novel natural products, and rationally engineering biosynthetic pathways for the production of enzyme analogues possessing modified bioactivity.
Intermolecular Rhodium‐Catalysed Hydroamination of Non‐Activated Olefins: Effect of Olefin, Amine, Phosphine and Phosphonium Salt
Authors: Rodriguez‐Zubiri Mireia , Baudequin Christine , Béthegnies Aurélien , Brunet Jean‐Jacques
Published: March 2012

The catalytic system RhCl3⋅3H2O/2P(p‐CH3C6H4)3/65nBu4PI/2I2, which was discovered recently in our research group, allows the highest catalytic activity ever reported for the intermolecular hydroamination of ethylene, 1‐butene, and 1‐hexene with aniline‐type amines (0.3 mol % catalytic precursor) to give the expectedN‐alkyl‐ (N‐ethyl‐,1) andN,N‐dialkyl‐anilines (N,N‐diethyl‐,2) along with 2‐methyl quinolines (3; in the case of ethylene). The effects of time and temperature, as well as the nature of the phosphonium salt, phosphine, and amine on the catalytic activity of this reaction have been studied. This system is particularly efficient for the hydroamination of ethylene with aniline in the presence of 2,2′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (CE*=460) and tri(p‐tolyl)phosphine (CE*=520). Good to excellent activities were also found by combining Wilkinson’s catalysts (RhIcomplexes) withnBu4PI and I2. The simple association of PPh3and I2has been shown to be a very efficient “in‐situ generated” source of I−promoters. *CE (catalytic efficiency)=TON1+2TON2+2TON3.
Seasonal and spatial variations in the scaling and correlation structure of streamflow data
Authors: Özger Mehmet , Mishra Ashok K. , Singh Vijay P.
Published: March 2012

Seasonal and spatial variability in scaling, correlation and wavelet variance parameter of daily streamflow data were investigated using 56 gauging stations from five basins located in two different climate zones. Multifractal temporal scaling properties were detected using a multiplicative cascade model. The wavelet variance parameter yielded persistence properties of the streamflow time series. Seasonal variations were found to be significant in that winter and spring seasons where large‐scale frontal events are dominant showed higher long‐term correlations and less multifractality than did summer and fall seasons. Coherent spatial variations were apparent. The Neches River basin located in a subtropic humid climate zone exhibited high persistence and long‐term correlation as well as less multifractality as compared with other basins. It is found that larger drainage areas tend to have smaller multifractality and higher persistence structure, and this tendency becomes apparent in regions that receive large amounts of precipitation and decreases towards arid regions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indomethacin‐loaded polymer nanocarriers based on poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐3,9‐divinyl‐2,4,8,10‐tetraoxaspiro (5.5) undecane): Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Nita Loredana E. , Chiriac Aurica P. , Nistor Manuela T. , Tartau Liliana
Published: March 2012

The study is focused on the development of copolymers based on poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐3,9‐divinyl‐2,4,8,10‐tetraoxaspiro [5.5]‐undecane). The macromolecular compounds were synthesized by dispersion polymerization in the presence of the radical initiator 4,4′‐azobis(cyanopentanoic acid) and using sodium lauryl sulfate as tensioactive compound and poly(aspartic acid) (PAS) as protective colloid. PAS presents biocompatibility and biodegradability, and assures the increase of the absorbent character for the new synthesized network, and also, can supplement the hydrogen bonds contributing to the stability of the achieved complexes. The prepared polymeric networks were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and thermogravimetric analyses. The dependence on the pH of the swelling degree equilibrium was also evaluated correlated also with different temperature values. The poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐3,9‐divinyl‐2,4,8,10‐tetraoxaspiro [5.5]‐undecane) copolymers were evaluated as matrix for indomethacin (INN) as model drug loaded onto these polymeric networks. The evaluation of the homogeneity distribution of the INN drug in polymeric network was made by near infrared chemical imaging (NIR‐CI) and correspondingly statistical analysis. The pharmacokinetic profile was achieved performing the in vitro release of the INN drug from the polymeric network. The data resulted from the in vivo experimental studies, respectively the biocompatibility tests, somatic nociceptive experimental model (Tail flick test) and visceral nociceptive experimental model (Writhing test)—are also reported in the study. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Interpolation of monthly mean temperatures using cokriging in spherical coordinates
Authors: Aznar J.‐C. , Gloaguen E. , Tapsoba D. , Hachem S. , Caya D. , Bégin Y
Published: March 2012

Paleoclimate reconstructions are generally validated on recent periods. To obtain a set of instrumental records at the regional scale, a time series of monthly mean temperatures in Northeastern Canada were interpolated for the 1961–2000 period. Records were provided by 202 meteorological stations. Temperatures derived from a Canadian regional climate model (Climate Model CRCM 4.2.3 from the AMNO domain produced at ∼50 km resolution) were added as secondary information to take into account local heterogeneity and temporal dependencies. Geostatistical interpolation of the measured temperature was calculated using CRCM modelled data as a covariable and then compared to an ordinary kriging performed on a time series of mean temperature anomalies. Spherical distances between locations were calculated taking into account the curvature of the Earth with monthly semivariances being modelled using Cauchy variograms. Mean absolute error values (1.5 ± 1.2 °C) were calculated for the whole period using cross‐validation procedures. Errors were found to have the same order of magnitude in the central part of the study area where few recorded temperatures were available. Monthly mean temperature grids are publicly available through the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (http://url.in.rs/3P). Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Bilateral inverted papilloma of the middle ear with intracranial involvement and malignant transformation: First reported case
Authors: Dingle Isaac , Stachiw Natalka , Bartlett Anne , Lambert Paul
Published: March 2012

Inverted (Schneiderian) papilloma (IP) is a benign but locally aggressive tumor that is typically located in the sinonasal tract. Middle ear involvement and intracranial extension are rare. We present a patient with a history of a completely resected right nasal cavity IP that returned 7 months later with hearing loss, bilateral aural fullness, and right‐sided facial weakness. Work‐up revealed middle ear IP, and the patient underwent bilateral mastoidectomies. On both sides, the disease caused erosion of the tegmen and was adherent to the underlying dura. There was dehiscence of the carotid canal wall on the left. On the right, the tumor was discovered to have recurred 3 months after initial resection, resulting in complete facial nerve paralysis and trigeminal paresthesias. A right temporal bone resection was undertaken along with neurosurgery. The IP was discovered to have invaded through the dura of the temporal lobe, incase the internal carotid artery, and infiltrate the trigeminal nerve. The facial and vestibulocochlear nerves were sacrificed on the right. Pathology of the right temporal bone revealed malignant transformation to squamous carcinoma. The patient was referred to radiation oncology for postoperative therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first case of bilateral IP of the middle ear with intracranial involvement and malignant transformation. Discussion points include: 1) management of middle ear IP, 2) carotid canal wall dehiscence in erosive middle ear disease, 3) aggressive surgical excision in locally destructive middle ear tumors, and 4) the role of radiation therapy in malignant transformation of IP.
RAFT‐mediated batch emulsion polymerization of styrene using poly[N‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)‐N,N‐dibutylamine hydrochloride] trithiocarbonate as both surfactant and macro‐RAFT agent
Authors: Xu Jianxiong , Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Yaoyao , Zhang Wangqing , Sun Pingchuan
Published: March 2012

Poly[N‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)‐N,N‐dibutylamine hydrochloride] trithiocarbonate, which contains the reactive trithiocarbonate group and the appending surface‐active groups, is used as both surfactant and macromolecular reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (macro‐RAFT) agent in batch emulsion polymerization of styrene. Under the conditions at high monomer content of ∼20 wt % and with the molecular weight of the macro‐RAFT agent ranging from 4.0 to 15.0 kg/mol, well‐controlled batch emulsion RAFT polymerization initiated by the hydrophilic 2‐2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride is achieved. The polymerization leads to formation of nano‐sized colloids of the poly[N‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)‐N,N‐dibutylamine hydrochloride]‐b‐ polystyrene‐b‐poly[N‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)‐N,N‐dibutylamine hydrochloride] triblock copolymer. The colloids generally have core‐shell structure, in which the hydrophilic block forms the shell and the hydrophobic block forms the core. The molecular weight of the triblock copolymer linearly increases with increase in the monomer conversion, and the values are well‐consistent with the theoretical ones. The molecular weight polydispersity index of the triblock copolymer is below 1.2 at most cases of polymerization. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Stereoselective and regioselective propylene polymerization with group 4 bisphenolate ether complexes
Authors: Randoll Sören , Kiesewetter Elizabeth T. , Waymouth Robert M.
Published: March 2012

Octahedral group 4 bisphenolate ether complexes, activated by methylaluminoxane, were tested in propylene polymerization in the presence and absence of diethyl zinc. The resulting polypropylenes were analyzed thoroughly by means of differential scanning calorimetry and 13C NMR techniques. Despite structural similarity of the Hf and Zr complexes, the performance in propylene polymerization differs significantly in terms of productivity, isospecificity, and propensity to incorporate specific regioerrors. These catalysts are capable of generating high‐molecular weight polypropylene (Mn = 130,000–360,000 g/mol) with isotacticities [mmmm] up to 97% and melting points as high as 165 °C when very bulky ligands are used. 13C NMR analysis revealed that the type and the number of regioerrors being incorporated into the polymer chain highly depend on the ligand and the metal. Polymerizations in the presence of diethyl zinc generate saturated low‐molecular weight polypropylenes (Mn = 1700–9900 g/mol) and facilitated an end‐group analysis, which revealed the presence of isobutyl and 2‐methylbutyl groups. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Electro‐conductive double‐network hydrogels
Authors: Kishi Ryoichi , Hiroki Kazuaki , Tominaga Taiki , Sano Ken‐Ichi , Okuzaki Hidenori , Martinez Jose G. , Otero Toribio F. , Osada Yoshihito
Published: March 2012

Novel electro‐conductive and mechanically‐tough double network polymer hydrogels (E‐DN gels) were synthesized by polymerization of 3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene in the presence of a double network hydrogel (DN gel) matrix. The E‐DN gels showed not only excellent mechanical performance, having a fracture stress of 1.4–2.1 MPa, but also electrical conductivity as high as 10−3 S cm−1, both under dry and water‐swollen states. The fracture stress and fracture energy of the E‐DN gel was increased by 1.7 and 3.4 times, respectively, as compared with the DN gel. From scanning electron microscope and AFM observations, it was found that electro‐conductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was incorporated into DN gel matrix, apparently due to the formation of a poly‐ion complex with sulfonic acid group of the DN gel network. Thus, PEDOT incorporated into the DN gel matrix greatly improves not only electronic conductivity, but also mechanical properties, reinforcing the double network gel matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
The agony of choice: how to find a suitable CPP for cargo delivery
Authors: Müller Judith , Triebus Julia , Kretzschmar Ines , Volkmer Rudolf , Boisguerin Prisca
Published: March 2012

Successful and effective cellular delivery remains a main obstacles in the medical field. The use of cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) has become one of the most important tools for the internalisation of a wide range of molecules including pharmaceuticals. It is still difficult to choose one CPP for one biological application because there is no ubiquitous CPP meeting the diverse requirements. In our case, we are looking for a suitable CPP to deliver the pro‐apoptotic KLA peptide (KLAKLAKKLAKLAK) by a simple co‐incubation strategy. For that reason, we selected three different cell lines (fibroblastic, cancerous and macrophagic cells) and studied the uptake and subcellular localisation of six different CPPs alone as well as mixed with the KLA peptide. Furthermore, we used the CPPs with a carboxyamidated or a carboxylated C‐terminus and analysed the impact of the C‐termini on internalisation and cargo delivery. We could clearly showed that the cellular CPP uptake is not only dependent on the used CPP and cell line but also highly affected by its chemical nature of the C‐terminus (uptake: carboxyamidated CPPs > carboxylated CPPs) and can influence its cellular localisation. We successfully delivered the KLA peptide in the three cell lines and learned that here as well, the C‐terminus is crucial for an effective peptide delivery. Finally, we induced apoptosis in mouse leukaemic monocyte macrophage (RAW 264.7) and in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7) cells using the mixture of amidated MPG peptide : KLA and in african green monkey kidney fibroblast (Cos‐7) cells using carboxylated integrin peptide : KLA. Copyright © 2012 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defect induced modification of the surface gap and optical properties of C(111)2 × 1 surface
Authors: Shkrebtii A. I. , Marsili M. , Heritage E. , Pulci O. , Del Sole R. , Bechstedt F.
Published: March 2012

To resolve the long standing controversy between experimentally measured reflectance anisotropy (RA) of C(111)2 × 1 surface and theoretically calculated optical response, we demonstrated that defects at the C(111) surface in the form of minor hydrogen contamination, missing carbon atoms and/or terraces can be responsible for the appearance of the gap between the surface states, which is absent for the Pandey reconstructed ideal C(111)2 × 1. Ab initio DFT LDA calculations for such non‐ideal systems indeed demonstrate that even 6% of residual hydrogen (which is below the standard experimental detection limits) or 40 Å wide terraces are enough to sufficiently open the surface gap and account for the observed optical anisotropy.
Effects of Mucuna pruriens Protease Inhibitors on Echis carinatus Venom
Authors: Hope‐Onyekwere Nnadozie Stanley , Ogueli Godwin Ifeanyi , Cortelazzo Alessio , Cerutti Helena , Cito Annarita , Aguiyi John C. , Guerranti Roberto
Published: March 2012

The medicinal plant Mucuna pruriens, with reputed anti‐snake venom properties has been reported to contain a kunitz‐type trypsin inhibitor. This study was undertaken to further evaluate the protease inhibitory potential of gpMuc, a multiform glycoprotein, and other protein fractions from M. pruriens seeds against trypsin, chymotrypsin, Echis carinatus snake venom, ecarin and thrombin. The results showed that gpMuc inhibited both trypsin and chymotrypsin activities and was thermally stable, maintaining its trypsin inhibitory activity at temperatures of up to 50°C. Its structural conformation was also maintained at pH ranges of 4–7. Immunoreactivity study confirms that it contains protease‐recognizing epitope on one of its isoforms. The whole protein extract of M. pruriens seeds inhibited prothrombin activation by ecarin and whole E. carinatus venom, and also thrombin‐like activity using chromogenic assay. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Syntheses, Physico‐Chemical Studies and Antioxidant Activities of Transition Metal Complexes with a Perimidine Ligand
Authors: Azam Mohammad , Warad Ismail , Al‐Resayes Saud , Zahin Maryam , Ahmad Iqbal , Shakir Mohammad
Published: March 2012

A series of mononuclear complexes of the type, [MLCl2] [M= CoII, NiII, CuII, and ZnII] with a pyrimidene‐type ligand, which was synthesized by the reaction of 2‐furaldehyde and 1, 8‐diaminonaphthalene, was obtained. The ligand and its complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR, EPR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, ESI‐mass spectrometry, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductivity, and thermogravimetric analyses. On the basis of UV/Vis spectroscopic and magnetic susceptibility data, an octahedral arrangement was assigned around all metal ions. The low molar conductivity data for all the complexes show their non‐electrolytic nature. The thermal behavior of the complexes was studied by TGA analyses. The electrochemical study carried out on the CuIIcomplex exhibits a quasi reversible redox process. The ligand and its complexes showed potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
A limited set of starch related genes explain several interrelated traits in potato
Authors: Werij Jeroen S. , Furrer Heleen , van Eck Herman J. , Visser Richard G. F. , Bachem Christian W. B.
Published: March 2012

To understand the molecular basis of potato starch related traits and the underlying starch biosynthesis and degradation, a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) analysis in combination with a candidate gene approach was performed. The diploid mapping population C × E, consisting of 249 individuals, was assayed over two consecutive years, for chipping colour, cold induced sweetening, starch content, starch granule size, starch gelling temperature, starch enthalpy, amylose content and degree of starch phosphorylation. QTLs were observed for all traits, except enthalpy on eight out of the twelve potato chromosomes. Several QTLs were found to be consistent over 2 years. Clustering of co-localizing QTLs was observed on some chromosomes, indicating common genetic factors for the different traits. On chromosome 2, Soluble Starch Synthase 2 mapped on the same position as QTLs for starch phosphorylation, starch gelling temperature and amylose content. α-glucan, water dikinase co-localizes on chromosome 5 together with QTLs for starch phosphorylation and cold induced sweetening. Furthermore, the genes coding for two phosphorylases (StPho1a and StPho2) coincide with QTLs for starch gelling temperature, chipping colour and starch granule size on chromosome 2 and a QTL for starch phosphorylation on chromosome 9, respectively. The results suggest allelic variation acting on the genetics of the different traits.
Gyrokinetic simulations with external resonant magnetic perturbations: Island torque and nonambipolar transport with plasma rotation
Authors: Waltz R. E. , Waelbroeck F. L.
Published: March 2012

Static external resonant magnetic field perturbations (RMPs) have been added to the gyrokinetic code GYRO [J. Candy and R. E. Waltz, J. Comp. Phys. 186, 545 (2003)]. This allows nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations of the nonambipolar radial current flow jr, and the corresponding j→×B→ plasma torque (density) R[jrBp/c], induced by magnetic islands that break the toroidal symmetry of a tokamak. This extends the previous GYRO formulation for the transport of toroidal angular momentum (TAM) [R. E. Waltz, G. M. Staebler, J. Candy, and F. L. Hinton, Phys. Plasmas 14, 122507 (2007); errata 16, 079902 (2009)]. The focus is on electrostatic full torus radial slice simulations of externally induced q=m/n=6/3 islands with widths 5% of the minor radius or about 20 ion gyroradii. Up to moderately strong E×B rotation, the island torque scales with the radial electric field at the resonant surface Er, the island width w, and the intensity I of the high-n micro-turbulence, as ErwI. The radial current inside the island is carried (entirely in the n=3 component) and almost entirely by the ion E×B flux, since the electron E×B and magnetic flutter particle fluxes are cancelled. The net island torque is null at zero Er rather than at zero toroidal rotation. This means that while the expected magnetic braking of the toroidal plasma rotation occurs at strong co- and counter-current rotation, at null toroidal rotation, there is a small co-directed magnetic acceleration up to the small diamagnetic (ion pressure gradient driven) co-rotation corresponding to the zero Er and null torque. This could be called the residual stress from an externally induced island. At zero Er, the only effect is the expected partial flattening of the electron temperature gradient within the island. Finite-beta GYRO simulations demonstrate almost complete RMP field screening and n=3 mode unlocking at strong Er.
Phase separation and enhanced magnetoresistance in the strained epitaxial La0.625Ca0.375MnO3 (001) films
Authors: Han Yunxin , Wu Wenbin , Jiang Guoshun , Zhu Changfei
Published: March 2012

La0.625Ca0.375MnO3 films have been epitaxially grown on the (LaAlO3)0.3(Sr2AlTaO6)0.35 (001) substrates at different oxygen pressures and show varying tetragonal distortion. Results indicate a tendency that larger tetragonal distortion can stabilize the antiferromagnetic-insulator phase in the thin films. Colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) and anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) have been greatly enhanced only in the strained films over a broad temperature, probably responding to the anisotropic fluctuation of the nanoscale orientation-ordered patterns near the temperature of the phase separation region or metal-insulator transition. Hence, the inhomogeneous phase competition may contribute to the CMR and the extraordinary AMR effect for manganite devices.
Laxative Treatment With Polyethylene Glycol Does Not Affect Lipid Absorption in Rats
Authors: van der Wulp Mariëtte Y.M. , Cuperus Frans J.C. , Stellaard Frans , van Dijk Theo H. , Dekker Jan , Rings Edmond H.H.M. , Groen Albert K. , Verkade Henkjan J.
Published: March 2012

Objectives:

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a frequently used laxative agent. It is unknown, however, whether PEG affects the absorptive capacity of the intestine. Reduced lipid (dietary fat and cholesterol) absorption induced by long‐term PEG treatment could negatively affect growth in children. We tested whether PEG accelerates gastrointestinal transit and alters lipid absorption and plasma lipid levels.

Methods:

Wistar rats were administered drinking water with or without PEG (7%) for 2 weeks. We studied whole gut transit time by recording the first appearance of red feces after intragastric carmine red administration. We measured plasma concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides, dietary fat absorption by 48‐hour fat balance and by plasma appearance of intragastrically administered stable‐isotope labeled fats, and cholesterol absorption with a dual stable isotope technique.

Results:

PEG decreased whole gut transit time by 20% (P = 0.028) without causing diarrhea. PEG treatment did neither affects overall dietary fat balance nor fat uptake kinetics, cholesterol absorption, or plasma lipid concentrations.

Conclusions:

PEG does not affect lipid absorption nor steady‐state plasma lipid levels in rats, although it accelerates the gastrointestinal transit.
Drug Utilization and Off‐label Drug Use in Spanish Pediatric Gastroenterology Outpatients
Authors: Ruíz‐Antorán Belén , Piñeiro Roi , Avendaño Cristina , Román Enriqueta , Cilleruelo María Luz , Gutiérrez‐Junquera Carolina , Centeno Gustavo , Cilleruelo María José
Published: March 2012

Background and Objectives:

The clinical use of medicines outside the conditions authorized in their Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) (off‐label use) is a common practice in pediatrics. The aim of the present study was to describe and quantify the medicines received by children attended in the pediatric gastroenterology department, their off‐label use, and compliance with accepted rules for said use.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study was performed on all of the patients who had their first consultation in pediatric gastroenterology between January 1 and October 31, 2010. All of the clinical information and medicines prescribed were analyzed. Off‐label use was defined as the use of medicines in indications not included in the officially approved SPC or in ages not included or recommended in the SPC as well as the use of doses, intervals, or administration routes different from those considered in the SPC.

Results:

A total of 695 patients (52.8% male) were included, 48.2% younger than 2 years. Two‐hundred seven patients (29.8%) received 331 prescriptions. The most commonly used medicines were anti‐H2 and proton pump inhibitors. Of all the prescriptions, 33.2% were considered off‐label, and up to 47.3% of the prescribed patients had at least 1 medicine under off‐label conditions. The medical records contained no documentation on information given to the parents regarding off‐label use.

Conclusions:

The study found a high percentage of off‐label use of medicines in the Pediatric Gastroenterology outpatient setting, especially in children younger than 2 years. Several initiatives were derived from the present study and implemented in our hospital.
Massilia namucuonensis sp. nov., isolated from a soil sample
Authors: Kong Bi He , Li Yan Hong , Liu Min , Liu Yang , Li Chun Li , Liu Lei , Yang Zhi Wei , Yu Rong
Published: March 2012

A Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped and non-spore-forming bacterium, designated strain 333-1-0411T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Namucuo, Tibet Autonomous Region, China and characterized in a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. The major fatty acid components of strain 333-1-0411T were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0; its major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. Q-8 was the dominant ubiquinone, and the G+C content of the genomic DNA was 66.7 mol%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 333-1-0411T fell within the evolutionary radiation encompassed by the genus

Massilia

. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain 333-1-0411T and recognized species of the genus

Massilia

ranged from 95.4 % to 97.2 %, and the most closely related strains were

Massilia flava

Y9T (97.2 %) and

Massilia albidiflava

45T (97.0 %). However, the DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain 333-1-0411T and

M. flava

Y9T and

M. albidiflava

45T were 20.2 % and 27.2 %, respectively. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strain 333-1-0411T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Massilia

, for which the name Massilia namucuonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 333-1-0411T ( = CGMCC 1.11014T = DSM 25159T).
UK building surveying education: the graduates' view
Authors: Hoxley Mike
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Many facilities management professionals originally graduated from a building surveying course. The high referral rate of the professional body pre‐qualification assessment process for building surveyors and other criticisms of graduates have led many to question whether building surveying education is fit for purpose. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous research on this subject has concentrated on obtaining the views of course providers and employers. The approach adopted for this study has been an on‐line survey of recent UK building surveying graduates. A 30 per cent response rate resulted in 806 graduates undertaking the survey.

Findings

Most graduates had studied a full‐time undergraduate course, three‐quarters had gained some form of placement or work‐experience during their studies, the mode of the year of graduation was 2004 and 65 per cent of the sample work in private practice. The survey reveals concerns over non‐coverage of some of the professional body's pre‐qualification competencies. The most useful subjects studied by graduates were construction technology and building pathology and the least useful was economics. The top two omitted subjects from courses were contract administration and dilapidations – both core areas of work. Skills development was weaker on postgraduate than undergraduate courses.

Practical implications

Those designing HE building surveying courses can refer to the results of this study to ensure that their curricula remain relevant and current to the needs of industry.

Originality/value

This study into building surveying education has been undertaken at a time when many UK universities are reviewing their course provision to ensure that they are well placed to survive the massive upheaval imposed by government funding cuts and changes in student finance. This study with its large sample size will be of assistance to those reviewing building surveying courses.