bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of aliphatic amine comonomers on DGEBA epoxy network properties
Authors: Amaral C.R. , Rodriguez R.J. Sanchez , Garcia F. Gonzalez , Junior L.P.B. , Carvalho E.A.
Published: October 2013

This study characterized the mechanical and thermal properties of the oligomer‐based formulations of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) cured with series aliphatic amines (triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) and O,O bis (2‐aminopropyl propylene glycol) (Jeffamine D230) with different functionalities in the glassy state. Impact Izod and three‐point bending tests were conducted to determine the networks' impact energy (Ei), elasticity modulus (Ey), yield stress (σy) and fracture toughness (KIC) values. The same three‐point bending mode was also employed to characterize the systems' thermo‐mechanical properties (DMA) and storage modulus (E') and damping modulus (tan δ = E"/E') values. The DGEBA/D230 network showed greater flexibility, maximum impact energy, higher fracture toughness, and a lower yield stress than the DGEBA/TETA and DGEBA/TEPA networks. The fracture behavior of these epoxy systems was correlated to the molecular weight between the crosslink points, Mc, and the plastic zone size (rp) at the crack tip carved in the samples. The DGEBA/D230 network had the highest storage modulus and tan δ intensity, together with higher toughness and deformation during the network's fracture. These results were a consequence of the structural characteristics of comonomers, including their chain segment flexibility, molecular weight between crosslink points and functionality. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2132–2138, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Blends of high density polyethylene and poly(l‐lactic acid): Mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Madhu Gaurav , Bhunia Haripada , Bajpai Pramod K.
Published: October 2013

The blends of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) were prepared by melt blending method in an extrusion mixer with a postextrusion blown film attachment. The ratios of HDPE/PLLA blends were taken as 100/0, 95/5, 90/10, 85/15, and 80/20. The 80/20 blend was further compatibilized by adding maleic anhydride‐grafted polyethylene in different ratios (up to 8 wt%). Based on the mechanical properties of the films, the compositions HDPE80 (80% HDPE and 20% PLLA) and HD80C4 (80% HDPE, 20% PLLA, and 4% compatibilizer) were found to be optimum and considered for further analysis. The thermal properties of these selected blends were investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). TGA study revealed that the addition of the PLLA somewhat decreased the thermal stability of HDPE. DSC investigation showed that the blends were partially miscible only. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis enlightened that the crystallinity of blends was slightly increased with addition of PLLA. Immiscibility of the two polymers was diminished in the presence of compatibilizer, as indicated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the blends. These partially biodegradable blends may be used for flexible packaging applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2155–2160, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical properties and microstructure changes of proton exchange membrane under immersed conditions
Authors: Shi Shouwen , Liu Dan , Liu Dazhi , Tae Patrick , Gao Carrie Y. , Yan Lei , An Ke , Chen Xu
Published: October 2013

In this study, mechanical tensile stress–strain response and microstructure changes of proton exchange membranes (PEM) in immersed conditions are studied. The effects of water pretreatment and immersion time on stress–strain responses of Nafion®−212 membranes are discussed. It is found that in the water immersion it took 24 h for the membrane to reach saturation equilibrium. Compared with dry membrane, immersed Nafion membrane shows a lower stress level at 30°C, but a higher stress level at 70°C. In situ small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments show that with the increase of temperature and water uptake, domains of the membrane become ordered and stay stable at around 60°C. Based on the observation, the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties is explained. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 54:2215–2221, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and study of new poly(ester‐imide)s containing triptycene groups
Authors: Rafiee Zahra , Golriz Leila
Published: October 2013

A new triptycene‐containing dicarboxylic acid monomer was successfully synthesized by refluxing the diamine, bis(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl triptycene with trimellitic anhydride in glacial acetic anhydride. A series of novel thermally stable poly(ester‐imide)s were prepared from dicarboxylic acid, bis(4‐trimellitimido phenoxy)phenyl triptycene with various diols by the direct polycondensation. The polymers were obtained in quantitative yields with inherent viscosities of 0.27–0.74 dL g−1. The resulting polymers dissolved in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, N,N‐dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, and pyridine. These polymers were fairly stable up to a temperature >450°C and lost 10% weight in the range of 477°C and 575°C in nitrogen. The UV–V is absorption spectra revealed that most of the polymers had absorption maxima around 310 and 341 nm. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2252–2257, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Role of Pharmacogenetics in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Kawaguchi‐Suzuki Marina , Frye Reginald F.
Published: October 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronically infects 170 million people worldwide. Until recently, combination therapy with peginterferon‐α (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) has been the standard of care. However, for many patients, especially those infected with the most common HCV genotype 1 (HCV‐1), this treatment has resulted in unsatisfactory treatment response rates. Many clinical factors, including pharmacogenetics, influence the treatment response rate. Genetic variation in the interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene is the major determinant of treatment response, a finding that has been replicated in multiple independent cohorts. This review focuses on the association between pharmacogenetics and conventional pegIFN/RBV therapy in patients infected with HCV non–genotype 1; patients reinfected with HCV after liver transplantation; and patients coinfected with HCV and human immunodeficiency virus. We also review the pharmacogenetic data for boceprevir and telaprevir triple therapy in patients with HCV‐1 infection, as well as viral genomic polymorphisms and genetic variants that may protect against anemia. Pharmacogenetic information offers a personalized medicine approach to help clinicians and patients make better informed decisions to maximize response and minimize toxicity for the treatment of chronic HCV infection.
Stereospecific polymerization of olefins with supported Ziegler − Natta catalysts
Authors: Jiang Xiubo , He Aihua
Published: October 2013

The discovery of Ziegler − Natta catalysts has been one of the greatest developments in technology for the synthesis of stereoregular polymers in both academy and industry since the 1950s. In particular, the development of the fourth generation Ziegler − Natta catalyst with MgCl2 as support brings a revolutionary improvement to the properties of manufactured polyolefins and stimulates people to explore the stereospecific polymerization of α‐olefin and diene monomers, which supplies the power to synthesize a new type of polyolefin materials. Although research on single‐site catalysts has attracted a lot of attention in recent years, the ‘old’ and conventional Ziegler − Natta catalysts are still being developed vigorously due to their unique industrial advantages such as low cost, high catalytic efficiency and high stereospecificity. In this mini‐review, we mainly summarize the development of the conventional supported Ziegler − Natta catalyst system and the stereoregular polyolefins synthesized with supported Ziegler − Natta catalysts. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
All‐screen‐printed back‐contact back‐junction silicon solar cells with aluminum‐alloyed emitter and demonstration of interconnection of point‐shaped metalized contacts
Authors: Woehl Robert , Rüdiger Marc , Biro Daniel , Wilde Jürgen
Published: October 2013

In the following, high‐efficiency back‐contact back‐junction silicon solar cells with aluminum‐alloyed emitter are described. First, the theoretical background for the cell concept is explained. To that purpose, the bulk lifetime and the front surface field characteristics are considered. Three different process sequences for the phosphorus‐diffused profiles on the front and back surfaces are depicted: One exhibits a shallow field, and two sequences have deeper, driven‐in profiles. For realizing high efficiencies, such cell structures must meet several prerequisites, such as firing‐stable front and rear passivations, and functional small screen‐printed Al structures. Furthermore, it must be possible to create contacts on the Si surfaces using the driven‐in P‐profiles. With such a structure, cell efficiencies of 20.0% are reached. An analysis of the series resistance and area‐weighted recombination is performed. The results are compared with the measured cell parameters. Two‐dimensional simulations show the efficiency potential when decreasing the width of the backside field and when a cell structure, which would inhibit a passivated aluminum‐alloyed p+‐emitter, is created. Also, an advanced concept is demonstrated where a point array of both polarities on the cell backside is interconnected externally on module level. To that purpose, the cell is soldered to a printed wiring circuit board by using a reflow soldering process. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative analysis of the outdoor performance of a dye solar cell mini‐panel for building integrated photovoltaics applications
Authors: Cornaro Cristina , Bartocci Simona , Musella Davide , Strati Cecilia , Lanuti Alessandro , Mastroianni Simone , Penna Stefano , Guidobaldi Andrea , Giordano Fabrizio , Petrolati Eleonora , Brown Thomas M. , Reale Andrea , Di Carlo Aldo
Published: October 2013

New generation photovoltaic (PV) devices such as polymer and dye sensitized solar cells (DSC) have now reached a more mature stage of development, and among their various applications, building integrated PVs seems to have the most promising future, especially for DSC devices. This new generation technology has attracted an increasing interest because of its low cost due to the use of cheap printable materials and simple manufacturing techniques, easy production, and relatively high efficiency. As for the more consolidated PV technologies, DSCs need to be tested in real operating conditions and their performance compared with other PV technologies to put into evidence the real potential. This work presents the results of a 3 months outdoor monitoring activity performed on a DSC mini‐panel made by the Dyepower Consortium, positioned on a south oriented vertical plane together with a double junction amorphous silicon (a‐Si) device and a multi‐crystalline silicon (m‐Si) device at the ESTER station of the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Good performance of the DSC mini‐panel has been observed for this particular configuration, where the DSC energy production compares favorably with that of a‐Si and m‐Si especially at high solar angles of incidence confirming the suitability of this technology for the integration into building facades. This assumption is confirmed by the energy produced per nominal watt‐peak for the duration of the measurement campaign by the DSC that is 12% higher than that by a‐Si and only 3% lower than that by m‐Si for these operating conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FITTING THE HIGH ABILITY PROGRAM TO THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Authors: Rubenstein Lisa Davia , Pierson Eric E. , Wilczynski Susan M. , Connolly Sarah C.
Published: October 2013

As the number of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders grows, leaders are increasingly recognizing the limitations of the existing literature base to serve unique subsets of students on the spectrum. To date, there is a dearth of research regarding individuals who are both diagnosed on the spectrum and identified as gifted or high ability. This article provides a theoretical structure to guide professionals working with this population, as well as recommendations for further research. The High Ability/Autism puzzle includes three interlocking pieces that must be connected. First, this population must be appropriately defined, and then second, that definition must guide how professionals identify members of this population. Third, identification methods must inform the educational programming decisions to best serve the High Ability/Autism population. The definition, identification, and available programs must be interrelated to provide appropriate support and guidance for this unique population. This article will outline this process and make recommendations for both practitioners and researchers committed to gifted individuals on the spectrum.
Comparison of affective instability in borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder using a self‐report measure
Authors: Reich D. Bradford , Zanarini Mary C. , Hopwood Christopher J. , Thomas Katherine M. , Fitzmaurice Garrett M.
Published: October 2013

Background

This study used a new self‐report instrument to measure frequency and intensity of nine dimensions of affective instability, as well as the extent to which affective instability was interpersonal, in subjects endorsing elevated features of BPD and bipolar disorder.

Method

Subjects were 818 students enrolled in a state university. The study used self‐report instruments to identify 21 participants with elevated features of mania and 30 subjects with significant BPD features. In addition, subjects completed a new self‐report instrument to measure affective instability, the Affective Lability Questionnaire for Borderline Personality Disorder (ALQ‐BPD).

Results

Aggregate frequency and intensity scores, as well as the total scores on the ALQ‐BPD, were significantly higher for subjects with elevated borderline traits than subjects with elevated bipolar traits. Subjects with borderline traits reported significantly more frequent affective shifts on seven of nine dimensions of the ALQ‐BPD. Subjects with borderline traits reported significantly more intense affective shifts on two of nine dimensions. Both groups reported affective instability that was less than 50% reactive to interpersonal events, but subjects with borderline traits reported affective instability that was significantly more interpersonal than that reported by subjects with bipolar traits.

Conclusion

The affective instability associated with symptoms of BPD and bipolar disorder has different profiles, particularly with respect to frequency. Borderline affective instability appears more interpersonal than the affective instability associated with bipolar symptoms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subcellular proteomic analysis of human host cells infected with H3N2 swine influenza virus
Authors: Wu Xiaopeng , Wang Sanying , Yu Yang , Zhang Jinyang , Sun Zeyu , Yan Yan , Zhou Jiyong
Published: October 2013

Cross‐species transmissions of swine influenza viruses (SIVs) raise great public health concerns. In this study, subcellular proteomic profiles of human A549 cells inoculated with H3N2 subtype SIV were used to characterize dynamic cellular responses to infection. By 2DE and MS, 27 differentially expressed (13 upregulated, 14 downregulated) cytoplasmic proteins and 20 differentially expressed (13 upregulated, 7 downregulated) nuclear proteins were identified. Gene ontology analysis suggested that these differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in cell death, stress response, lipid metabolism, cell signaling, and RNA PTMs. Moreover, 25 corresponding genes of the differentially expressed proteins were quantitated by real time RT‐PCR to examine the transcriptional profiles between mock‐ and virus‐infected A549 cells. Western blot analysis confirmed that changes in abundance of identified cellular proteins heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) U, hnRNP C, ALDH1A1, tryptophanyl‐tRNA synthetase, IFI35, and HSPB1 in H3N2 SIV‐infected cells were consistent with results of 2DE analysis. By confocal microscopy, nucleus‐to‐cytoplasm translocation of hnRNP C and colocalization between the viral nonstructural protein 1 and hnRNP C as well as N‐myc (and STAT) interactor were observed upon infection. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that cellular proteins altered during infection were grouped mainly into NFκB and interferon signaling networks. Collectively, these identified subcellular constituents provide an important framework for understanding host/SIV interactions and underlying mechanisms of SIV cross‐species infection and pathogenesis.
Pathoproteomics of testicular tissue deficient in the GARP component VPS54: The wobbler mouse model of globozoospermia
Authors: Jockusch Harald , Holland Ashling , Staunton Lisa , Schmitt‐John Thomas , Heimann Peter , Dowling Paul , Ohlendieck Kay
Published: October 2013

In human globozoospermia, round‐headed spermatozoa lack an acrosome and therefore cannot properly interact with oocytes. In the wobbler (WR) mouse, an L967Q missense mutation in the vesicular protein‐sorting factor VPS54 causes motor neuron degeneration and globozoospermia. Although electron microscopy of WR testis shows all major components of spermatogenesis, they appear in a deranged morphology that prevents the formation of the acrosome. In order to determine proteome‐wide changes, affected testes were analysed by 2D‐DIGE and MS. The concentration of 8 proteins was increased and that of 35 proteins decreased as compared to wild type. Mass spectrometric analysis identified proteins with an altered concentration to be associated with metabolite transport, fatty acid metabolism, cellular interactions, microtubule assembly and stress response (chaperones Hsp70–2 and Hsp90α). Minor changes were observed for proteins involved in cell redox homeostasis, cytoskeleton formation, PTMs, detoxification and metabolism. The most dramatically decreased protein in WR testis was identified as fatty acid binding protein FABP3, as confirmed by immunoblot analysis. We conclude that a missense mutation in VPS54, an essential component of the Golgi‐associated retrograde protein complex, not only prevents the formation of an acrosome but also initiates a cascade of metabolic abnormalities and a stress reaction.
Composition of the bovine uterine proteome is associated with stage of cycle and concentration of systemic progesterone
Authors: Faulkner Simon , Elia Giuliano , O'Boyle Padraic , Dunn Michael , Morris Dermot
Published: October 2013

Early embryonic loss accounts for over 70% of total embryonic and foetal loss in dairy cattle. Early embryonic development and survival is associated with the concentration of systemic progesterone. To determine if the uterine proteome is influenced by stage of cycle or systemic progesterone concentrations, uterine flushings were collected from the ipsi‐ and contralateral uterine horns of beef heifers on Days 7 (n = 10) and 15 (n = 10) of the oestrous cycle. Animals were separated into low or high progesterone groups based on plasma progesterone concentrations on Day 5 of the cycle. Samples were albumin depleted before iTRAQ® labeling and subsequent strong cation exchange‐LC‐MS/MS analyses. A total of 20 proteins were up to 5.9‐fold higher (p < 0.05) and 20 were up to 2.3‐fold lower on Day 15 compared to Day 7. In addition, the expression of a number of proteins on Day 7 and/or 15 of the cycle was correlated with progesterone concentrations during Days 3–7 or the rate of change in progesterone between Days 3 and 7. This study highlights the dynamic changes occurring in the microenvironment surrounding the embryo during this period. The findings here also support the hypothesis that progesterone supports embryonic development by altering the maternal uterine environment.
Free‐flow electrophoresis in proteome sample preparation
Authors: Wildgruber Robert , Weber Gerhard , Wise Petra , Grimm Daniela , Bauer Johann
Published: October 2013

An aim of proteome research is to identify the entire complement of proteins expressed in defined cell types of humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. The approach requires searching for low abundant or even rarely expressed proteins in many cell types, as well as the determination of the protein expression levels in subcellular compartments and organelles. In recent years, rather powerful MS technologies have been developed. At this stage of MS device development, it is of highest interest to purify intact cell types or isolate subcellular compartments, where the proteins of interest are originating from, which determine the final composition of a peptide mixture. Free‐flow electrophoresis proved to be useful to prepare meaningful peptide mixtures because of its improved capabilities in particle electrophoresis and the enhanced resolution in protein separation. Sample preparation by free‐flow electrophoresis mediated particle separation was preferentially performed for purification of either organelles and their subspecies or major protein complexes. Especially, the introduction of isotachophoresis and interval zone electrophoresis improved the purity of the gained analytes of interest. In addition, free‐flow IEF proved to be helpful, when proteins of low solubility, obtained, e.g. from cell membranes, were investigated.
Comparative proteomics evaluation of plasma exosome isolation techniques and assessment of the stability of exosomes in normal human blood plasma
Authors: Kalra Hina , Adda Christopher G. , Liem Michael , Ang Ching‐Seng , Mechler Adam , Simpson Richard J. , Hulett Mark D. , Mathivanan Suresh
Published: October 2013

Exosomes are nanovesicles released by a variety of cells and are detected in body fluids including blood. Recent studies have highlighted the critical application of exosomes as personalized targeted drug delivery vehicles and as reservoirs of disease biomarkers. While these research applications have created significant interest and can be translated into practice, the stability of exosomes needs to be assessed and exosome isolation protocols from blood plasma need to be optimized. To optimize methods to isolate exosomes from blood plasma, we performed a comparative evaluation of three exosome isolation techniques (differential centrifugation coupled with ultracentrifugation, epithelial cell adhesion molecule immunoaffinity pull‐down, and OptiPrepTM density gradient separation) using normal human plasma. Based on MS, Western blotting and microscopy results, we found that the OptiPrepTM density gradient method was superior in isolating pure exosomal populations, devoid of highly abundant plasma proteins. In addition, we assessed the stability of exosomes in plasma over 90 days under various storage conditions. Western blotting analysis using the exosomal marker, TSG101, revealed that exosomes are stable for 90 days. Interestingly, in the context of cellular uptake, the isolated exosomes were able to fuse with target cells revealing that they were indeed biologically active.
Refining spectral library searching
Authors: Rudnick Paul A.
Published: October 2013

Spectral library searching has many advantages over sequence database searching, yet it has not been widely adopted. One possible reason for this is that users are unsure exactly how to interpret the similarity scores (e.g., “dot products” are not probability‐based scores). Methods to create decoys have been proposed, but, as developers caution, may produce proxies that are not equivalent to reversed sequences. In this issue, Shao et al. (Proteomics 2013, 13, 3273–3283) report advances in spectral library searching where the focus is not on improving the performance of their search engine, SpectraST, but is instead on improving the statistical meaningfulness of its discriminant score and removing the need for decoys. The results in their paper indicate that by “standardizing” the input and library spectra, sensitivity is not lost but is, surprisingly, gained. Their tests also show that false discovery rate (FDR) estimates, derived from their new score, track better with “ground truth” than decoy searching. It is possible that their work strikes a good balance between the theory of library searching and its application. And as such, they hope to have removed a major entrance barrier for some researchers previously unwilling to try library searching.
Psychotropic discontinuation leading to an NMS‐like condition
Authors: Kurien Renjith , Vattakatuchery Joe John
Published: October 2013

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially life‐threatening condition, which can occur as a complication in patients taking antipsychotic medications. Drs Kurien and Vattakatuchery present the case of a patient with paranoid schizophrenia who developed NMS‐like symptoms following abrupt discontinuation of clozapine and venlafaxine.
An update on sleep disorders and their treatment
Authors: Sie Michele
Published: October 2013

In the third of this series of updated reviews on the major psychiatric drug groups, produced in association with the College of Mental Health Pharmacy (CMHP; www.cmhp.org.uk), Michele Sie describes the main types of sleep disorder and their features, and provides an overview of their treatment.
Mechanistic imperatives for deprotonation of carbon catalyzed by triosephosphate isomerase: enzyme activation by phosphite dianion,
Authors: Zhai Xiang , Malabanan Maria Merced , Amyes Tina L. , Richard John P.
Published: October 2013

The mechanistic imperatives for catalysis of deprotonation of α‐carbonyl carbon by triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) are discussed. There is a strong imperative to reduce the large thermodynamic barrier for deprotonation of carbon to form an enediolate reaction intermediate and a strong imperative for specificity in the expression of the intrinsic phosphodianion binding energy at the transition state for the enzyme‐catalyzed reaction. Binding energies of 2 and 6 kcal/mol, respectively, have been determined for the formation of phosphite dianion complexes to TIM and to the transition state for TIM‐catalyzed deprotonation of the truncated substrate glycolaldehyde (T. L. Amyes, J. P. Richard, Biochemistry 2007, 46, 5841). We propose that the phosphite dianion binding energy, which is specifically expressed at the transition state complex, is utilized to stabilize a rare catalytically active loop‐closed form of TIM. The results of experiments to probe the role of the side chains of Ile172 and Leu232 in activating the loop‐closed form of TIM for catalysis of substrate deprotonation are discussed. Evidence is presented that the hydrophobic side chain of Ile172 assists in activating TIM for catalysis of substrate deprotonation through an enhancement of the basicity of the carboxylate side chain of Glu167. Our experiments link the two imperatives for TIM‐catalyzed deprotonation of carbon by providing evidence that the phosphodianion binding energy is utilized to drive an enzyme conformational change, which results in a reduction in the thermodynamic barrier to deprotonation of the carbon acid substrate at TIM compared with the barrier for deprotonation in water. The effects of a P168A mutation on the kinetic parameters for the TIM‐catalyzed reactions of whole and truncated substrates are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doubly dendronized chiral polymers showing thermoresponsive properties
Authors: Li Wen , Zhang Xiacong , Zhao Xin , Zhang Xiuqiang , Zhang Afang
Published: October 2013

The dendronization of linear polymers by dendrons with different cores and peripheries provides a convenient strategy to fuse distinct properties in one matter. By combining thermoresponsive properties with chirality, a series of doubly dendronized polymers possessing interior chiral proline units and peripheral oligoethylene glycol (OEG)‐based dendrons are synthesized and characterized. The chirality of proline moieties are varied to check potential effects on thermoresponsiveness and chiroptical properties, and the terminal groups in the OEG periphery are changed to tune the hydrophilicity of the resulting polymers. The macromonomer route is applied to obtain polymers with well‐defined structures. Free radical polymerization in bulk results in polymers with surprisingly high molar masses. Their thermally induced phase transition processes are monitored by UV–vis spectroscopy, and chiroptical properties are monitored by optical rotation measurements and circular dichroism spectroscopy. These doubly dendronized polymers show characteristic thermoresponsive behavior, and their phase transition temperatures are dominated by the peripheral structures. Polymerization accompanies weak chiral amplification, but the chirality of the proline interior contributes significantly to the thermal stability of chiroptical properties of the resulting polymers. In vitro cytotoxicity measurements are carried out to check the biocompatibility of these thermoresponsive polymers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 5143–5152
Synthesis and structure–property relationships of poly(sulfone)s for anion exchange membranes
Authors: Yan Jingling , Moore Hunter D. , Hibbs Michael R. , Hickner Michael A.
Published: October 2013

Membranes based on cationic polymers that conduct anions are important for enabling alkaline membrane fuel cells and other solid‐state electrochemical devices that operate at high pH. Anion exchange membranes with poly(arylene ether sulfone) backbones are demonstrated by two routes: chloromethylation of commercially available poly(sulfone)s or radical bromination of benzylmethyl moieties in poly(sulfone)s containing tetramethylbisphenol A monomer residues. Polymers with tethered trimethylbenzyl ammonium moieties resulted from conversion of the halomethyl groups by quaternization with trimethyl amine. The water uptake of the chloromethylated polymers was dependent on the type of poly(sulfone) backbone for a given IEC. Bisphenol A‐based Udel® poly(sulfone) membranes swelled in water to a large extent while membranes from biphenol‐based Radel® poly(sulfone), a stiffer backbone than Udel, only showed moderate water uptake. The water uptake of cationic poly(sulfone)s was further reduced by synthesizing tetramethylbisphenol A and 4,4′‐biphenol‐containing poly(sulfone) copolymers where the ionic groups were clustered on the tetramethylbisphenol A residues. The conductivity of all samples scaled with the bulk water uptake. The hydration number of the membranes could be increased by casting membranes from the ionic form polymers versus converting the halomethyl form cast polymers to ionic form in the solid state. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1790–1798, 2013
Unique photoactive nanocomposites based on rhodamine 6G/polymer/montmorillonite hybrid systems
Authors: Czímerová Adriana , Jankovič Lubos , Madejová Jana , Čeklovský Alexander
Published: October 2013

An organo‐montmorillonite (MMT) complex [poly‐diallyldimethyl(PDDA)‐Kunipia F] with various loadings of polycation was modified with a laser dye Rhodamine 6G (R6G) to obtain a photofunctional hybrid materials for monitoring of dye‐polymer‐MMT nanocomposite interactions. The polymer‐MMTs were prepared in a colloidal state via ion‐exchange reaction. The content of polycation (PDDA) in suspensions varied from 20 mg to 1000 mg per 1 g of Kunipia F (KF) MMT. Dramatic changes was observed in the structure of PPDA‐MMT containing 200–300 mg of polymer per 1 g of KF, which was the saturation point of the polycation for this system. The PDDA molecules were able to suppress the formation of nonluminescent H‐aggregates and to enhance the overall luminescence properties. The PDDA/MMT nanocomposite systems are the novel ones that have not been studied before in order to prepare highly fluorescence hybrid systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1672–1679
Effectiveness of Japanese SHARE model in improving Taiwanese healthcare personnel's preference for cancer truth telling
Authors: Tang Woung‐Ru , Chen Kuan‐Yu , Hsu Sheng‐Hui , Juang Yeong‐Yuh , Chiu Shin‐Che , Hsiao Shu‐Chun , Fujimori Maiko , Fang Chun‐Kai
Published: October 2013

Background

Communication skills training (CST) based on the Japanese SHARE model of family‐centered truth telling in Asian countries has been adopted in Taiwan. However, its effectiveness in Taiwan has only been preliminarily verified. This study aimed to test the effect of SHARE model‐centered CST on Taiwanese healthcare providers' truth‐telling preference, to determine the effect size, and to compare the effect of 1‐day and 2‐day CST programs on participants' truth‐telling preference.

Method

For this one‐group, pretest–posttest study, 10 CST programs were conducted from August 2010 to November 2011 under certified facilitators and with standard patients. Participants (257 healthcare personnel from northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan) chose the 1‐day (n = 94) or 2‐day (n = 163) CST program as convenient. Participants' self‐reported truth‐telling preference was measured before and immediately after CST programs, with CST program assessment afterward.

Results

The CST programs significantly improved healthcare personnel's truth‐telling preference (mean pretest and posttest scores ± standard deviation (SD): 263.8 ± 27.0 vs. 281.8 ± 22.9, p < 0.001). The CST programs effected a significant, large (d = 0.91) improvement in overall truth‐telling preference and significantly improved method of disclosure, emotional support, and additional information (p < 0.001). Participation in 1‐day or 2‐day CST programs did not significantly affect participants' truth‐telling preference (p > 0.05) except for the setting subscale. Most participants were satisfied with the CST programs (93.8%) and were willing to recommend them to colleagues (98.5%).

Conclusions

The SHARE model‐centered CST programs significantly improved Taiwanese healthcare personnel's truth‐telling preference. Future studies should objectively assess participants' truth‐telling preference, for example, by cancer patients, their families, and other medical team personnel and at longer times after CST programs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is there a relationship between posttraumatic stress and growth after a lymphoma diagnosis?
Authors: Smith Sophia K. , Samsa Greg , Ganz Patricia A. , Zimmerman Sheryl
Published: October 2013

Objective

There are conflicting empirical data regarding the relationship between posttraumatic stress (PTS) and growth (PTG) observed in cancer survivors. Clarification of this association could inform evidence‐based therapeutic recommendations to promote adjustment in survivors following a cancer diagnosis.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study employed standardized measures to examine the association between PTS and PTG in a sample of long‐term lymphoma survivors. In addition, associations between PTG and demographic, clinical and psychosocial variables were identified to inform clinical recommendations.

Results

Long‐term survivors of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma provided informed consent (n = 886; 74% response rate). Subjects averaged 10.2 years post‐diagnosis and 62.9 years of age. No significant association was found between the PTS and PTG summary scores. Several demographic and clinical variables (e.g., female gender and greater social support) were independently associated with greater PTG.

Conclusions

Clinicians are advised to be attentive to psychosocial needs throughout the post‐cancer diagnosis adjustment period by screening for PTS symptomatology and recognizing that survivors who report growth may also be highly distressed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobial Synergy Between Ambient‐Gas Plasma and UVA Treatment of Aqueous Solution
Authors: Pavlovich Matthew J. , Sakiyama Yukinori , Clark Douglas S. , Graves David B.
Published: October 2013

We describe the photochemical and antimicrobial synergy between ambient‐condition air plasma and ultraviolet photons at near‐UV (UVA) wavelengths. Plasma treatments generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in aqueous solution. When UVA treatment followed plasma treatment of Escherichia coli, the antimicrobial effect exceeded the effect predicted from the two treatments alone. Exposing individual plasma‐associated species to UVA photons indicated that the synergy is associated with nitrite and hydrogen peroxide in combination. An antioxidant present during UVA treatment prevented the synergistic effect, suggesting oxidant‐mediated bacterial inactivation. Addition of nitrite to aqueous solution, followed by photolysis of nitrite by UVA photons, is hypothesized as the primary mechanism of synergy.
Differential proteomic profiling in human spermatozoa that did or did not result in pregnancy via IVF and AID
Authors: Zhu Yong , Wu Yibo , Jin Ke , Lu Hui , Liu Feng , Guo Yueshuai , Yan Feng , Shi Wenbo , Liu Yong , Cao Xiaorong , Hu Hongliang , Zhu Hui , Guo Xuejiang , Sha Jiahao , Li Zheng , Zhou Zuoming
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To identify biochemical markers in men with idiopathic infertility and normal sperm counts.

Experimental design

We obtained proteomic profiling proteins in human spermatozoa following successful or unsuccessful pregnancy via assisted reproductive technique (ART) using 6‐plex tandem mass tag (TMT) isobaric MS. Our study design consisted of two groups: (i) The semen of six men whose sperm resulted in a clinical pregnancy following ART and (ii) six men whose semen did not result in a clinical pregnancy following ART. The results of differentiated MS were validated by Western blotting.

Results and discussion

A total of 2045 proteins were detected in our cohort. Twenty‐one proteins were found to be differentially expressed (>1.2‐fold) between Group 1 and Group 2. Using the results of bioinformatics analysis and Western blotting, three proteins (A2LD1, ATP1B3, and FBXO2) were shown to have the same differential pattern (p < 0.05) that was observed in the MS analysis.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Proteomics may help identity a select cohort of men with normal semen parameters and aid infertility diagnoses.
MALDI‐TOF MS: an upcoming tool for rapid detection of antibiotic resistance in microorganisms
Authors: Kostrzewa Markus , Sparbier Katrin , Maier Thomas , Schubert Sören
Published: October 2013

MALDI‐TOF MS profiling for microorganism detection has already been demonstrated in the 1990s, but has evolved to the first‐line identification method in many laboratories just during the past five years. While this application of MALDI‐TOF MS has proven its broad applicability, accuracy, robustness, and cost‐effectiveness it is of particular interest to expand the capabilities of the mass spectrometric platform. Resistance detection is the most desirable further application of MALDI‐TOF MS in microbiology, but maybe also the most challenging. Different approaches have been published regarding diverse antibiotic drugs and distinct microorganism classes. The current review shall give an overview about the developments of the recent years and their potential to get transformed in clinical useful assays in the future.
Disruption of LptA oligomerization and affinity of the LptA–LptC interaction
Authors: Schultz Kathryn M. , Feix Jimmy B. , Klug Candice S.
Published: October 2013

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐rich outer membrane (OM) is a unique feature of Gram‐negative bacteria, and LPS transport across the inner membrane (IM) and through the periplasm is essential to the biogenesis and maintenance of the OM. LPS is transported across the periplasm to the outer leaflet of the OM by the LPS transport (Lpt) system, which in Escherichia coli is comprised of seven recently identified proteins, including LptA, LptC, LptDE, and LptFGB2. Structures of the periplasmic protein LptA and the soluble portion of the membrane‐associated protein LptC have been solved and show these two proteins to be highly structurally homologous with unique folds. LptA has been shown to form concentration dependent oligomers that stack end‐to‐end. LptA and LptC have been shown to associate in vivo and are expected to form a similar protein–protein interface to that found in the LptA dimer. In these studies, we disrupted LptA oligomerization by introducing two point mutations that removed a lysine and glutamine side chain from the C‐terminal β‐strand of LptA. This loss of oligomerization was characterized using EPR spectroscopy techniques and the affinity of the interaction between the mutant LptA protein and WT LptC was determined using EPR spectroscopy (Kd = 15 µM) and isothermal titration calorimetry (Kd = 14 µM). Kd values were also measured by EPR spectroscopy for the interaction between LptC and WT LptA (4 µM) and for WT LptA oligomerization (29 µM). These data suggest that the affinity between LptA and LptC is stronger than the affinity for LptA oligomerization.
Molecular basis of MAP kinase regulation
Authors: Peti Wolfgang , Page Rebecca
Published: October 2013

Mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs; ERK1/2, p38, JNK, and ERK5) have evolved to transduce environmental and developmental signals (growth factors, stress) into adaptive and programmed responses (differentiation, inflammation, apoptosis). Almost 20 years ago, it was discovered that MAPKs contain a docking site in the C‐terminal lobe that binds a conserved 13‐16 amino acid sequence known as the D‐ or KIM‐motif (kinase interaction motif). Recent crystal structures of MAPK:KIM‐peptide complexes are leading to a precise understanding of how KIM sequences contribute to MAPK selectivity. In addition, new crystal and especially NMR studies are revealing how residues outside the canonical KIM motif interact with specific MAPKs and contribute further to MAPK selectivity and signaling pathway fidelity. In this review, we focus on these recent studies, with an emphasis on the use of NMR spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry and small angle X‐ray scattering to investigate these processes.
Metal cation controls myosin and actomyosin kinetics
Authors: Tkachev Yaroslav V. , Ge Jinghua , Negrashov Igor V. , Nesmelov Yuri E.
Published: October 2013

We have perturbed myosin nucleotide binding site with magnesium‐, manganese‐, or calcium‐nucleotide complexes, using metal cation as a probe to examine the pathways of myosin ATPase in the presence of actin. We have used transient time‐resolved FRET, myosin intrinsic fluorescence, fluorescence of pyrene labeled actin, combined with the steady state myosin ATPase activity measurements of previously characterized D.discoideum myosin construct A639C:K498C. We found that actin activation of myosin ATPase does not depend on metal cation, regardless of the cation‐specific kinetics of nucleotide binding and dissociation. The rate limiting step of myosin ATPase depends on the metal cation. The rate of the recovery stroke and the reverse recovery stroke is directly proportional to the ionic radius of the cation. The rate of nucleotide release from myosin and actomyosin, and ATP binding to actomyosin depends on the cation coordination number.
p62/SQSTM1 is required for cell survival of apoptosis‐resistant bone metastatic prostate cancer cell lines
Authors: Chang Megan A. , Morgado Micaela , Warren Curtis R. , Hinton Cimona V. , Farach‐Carson Mary C. , Delk Nikki A.
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) paracrine factor(s) can induce apoptosis in bone metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines. However, the PCa cells that escape BMSC‐induced apoptosis can upregulate cytoprotective autophagy.

METHODS

C4‐2, C4‐2B, MDA PCa 2a, MDA PCa 2b, VCaP, PC3, or DU145 PCa cell lines were grown in BMSC conditioned medium and analyzed for mRNA and/or protein accumulation of p62 (also known as sequestome‐1/SQSTM1), Microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), or lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR), Western blot, or immunofluorescence. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to determine if p62 is necessary PCa cell survival.

RESULTS

BMSC paracrine signaling upregulatedp62mRNA and protein in a subset of the PCa cell lines. The PCa cell lines that were insensitive to BMSC‐induced apoptosis and autophagy induction had elevated basalp62mRNA and protein. In the BMSC‐insensitive PCa cell lines, siRNA knockdown ofp62was cytotoxic and immunostaining showed peri‐nuclear clustering of autolysosomes. However, in the BMSC‐sensitive PCa cell lines,p62siRNA knockdown was not appreciably cytotoxic and did not affect autolysosome subcellular localization.

CONCLUSIONS

A pattern emerges wherein the BMSC‐sensitive PCa cell lines are known to be osteoblastic and express the androgen receptor, while the BMSC‐insensitive PCa cell lines are characteristically osteolytic and do not express the androgen receptor. Furthermore, BMSC‐insensitive PCa may have evolved a dependency on p62 for cell survival that could be exploited to target and kill these apoptosis‐resistant PCa cells in the bone.Prostate 74:149–163, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystal structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis CarD, an essential RNA polymerase binding protein, reveals a quasidomain‐swapped dimeric structural architecture
Authors: Kaur Gundeep , Dutta Dipak , Thakur Krishan Gopal
Published: October 2013

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) CarD is an essential transcriptional regulator that binds RNA polymerase and plays an important role in reprogramming transcription machinery under diverse stress conditions. Here, we report the crystal structure of CarD at 2.3 Å resolution, that represents the first structural description of CarD/CdnL‐Like family of proteins. CarD adopts an overall bi‐lobed structural architecture where N‐terminal domain resembles ‘tudor‐like’ domain and C‐terminal domain adopts a novel five helical fold that lacks the predicted leucine zipper structural motif. The structure reveals dimeric state of CarD resulting from β‐strand swapping between the N‐terminal domains of each individual subunits. The structure provides crucial insights into the possible mode(s) of CarD/RNAP interactions. Proteins 2014; 82:879–884. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.