bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological responses of soil crust‐forming cyanobacteria to diurnal temperature variation
Authors: Wang Weibo , Wang Yingcai , Shu Xiao , Zhang Quanfa
Published: May 2012

The optimum growth of soil crust‐forming cyanobacterial species occurs between 21 and 30 °C. When the temperature decreases below −5 °C, the liquid water in the cyanobacterial cells may freeze. In the natural environment, the temperature gradually decreases from autumn to winter, and the diurnal temperatures fluctuate enormously. It was hypothesized that the physiology of cyanobacterial cells changes in later autumn to acclimatize the cells to the upcoming freezing temperatures. In the present study, an incubation experiment in growth chambers was designed to stimulate the responses of cyanobacterial cells to diurnal temperature variations before freezing in late autumn. The results showed that “light” cyanobacterial soil crusts are more tolerant to diurnal temperature fluctuations than “dark” cyanobacterial soil crusts. After the first diurnal temperature cycle between 24 and −4 °C, the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents increased and the photosynthetic activity decreased. The superoxide dismutase activity increased, more extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) were secreted and the ratios of the light‐harvesting and light‐screening pigments decreased. With increasing numbers of diurnal temperature cycles, the MDA contents and photosynthetic activity gradually returned to their initial levels. Our results suggest that there are at least three pathways by which crust‐forming cyanobacteria acclimate to the diurnal temperature cycles in the late autumn in the Hopq Desert, Northwest China. These three pathways include increased secretion of EPS, regulation of the ratios of light‐harvesting and light‐screening pigments, and activation of the antioxidant system. The results also indicate that late autumn is a critical period for the protection and restoration of the cyanobacterial soil crusts in the Hopq Desert.
Lipid fraction quality of milk produced by Minhota (Portuguese autochthonous breed) compared to Holstein Friesian cow's
Authors: Ramalho Heryka MM , Campos Sílvia D , Casal Susana , Alves Rui , Oliveira Maria Beatriz PP
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: Minhota and Holstein Friesian cows (15 from each breed) were selected from several farms located in the north of Portugal, all under similar feeding regime. Milk samples from individual cows were collected once a month, during one year, to take into account different lactation stages and feeding seasonal changes.

RESULTS: Holstein milk was found to have higher content of total polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega‐6, and trans fatty acids, while Minhota milk had significantly higher monounsaturated fatty acids content. No statistical differences were observed for omega‐3 and saturated fatty acids contents, mostly due to the high dispersion observed in Minhota milk samples. The average amount of conjugated linoleic acid was higher in Minhota breed, but the high dispersion of values reduced the statistical significance. Cholesterol content, expressed as mg kg−1 of fat, was higher in Holstein than in Minhota milk.

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that Minhota milk has important nutritional qualities that deserve attention, but the wide individual variation found within animals from this breed suggests a high genetic variability. Following this, the selection of some of these animals for intensive milk production could improve milk quality. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Mucin as a therapeutic target in pseudomyxoma peritonei
Authors: Choudry Haroon A. , O'Malley Mark E. , Guo Zong Sheng , Zeh Herbert J. , Bartlett David L.
Published: May 2012

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is characterized by intraperitoneal dissemination of mucinous ascites. This malignancy frequently recurs despite aggressive locoregional therapies, demonstrates chemo‐insensitivity and lacks targeted therapies. This review addresses some intriguing questions in PMP; what role does mucin play in this malignancy?; what genetic alterations and dysregulated signaling pathways lead to a putative goblet cell‐lineage differentiation or mucin overexpression?; are targeted therapies against known transcriptional pathways for mucin production a novel therapeutic strategy in this malignancy? J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:911–917. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validity of frozen section in sentinel lymph node biopsy for the staging in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Vorburger Melanie S. , Broglie Martina A. , Soltermann Alex , Haerle Stephan K. , Haile Sarah R. , Huber Gerhard F. , Stoeckli Sandro J.
Published: May 2012

Background and Objectives

The potential of avoiding a secondary surgery for therapeutic neck dissection (TND) by sentinel node (SN) positivity makes the intraoperative evaluation of SNs an attractive option. The aim of this study was to analyze accuracy of intraoperative frozen section (FS) for detection of occult metastases in a large single institutional patient cohort undergoing SN‐biopsy.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2010, 92 consecutive patients with early stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) (cT1/cT2/cN0) were prospectively enrolled. Detection rate of occult metastases by monoslice FS was compared with the definitive histopathologic work up by step serial sectioning (SSS) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In case of SN‐positivity on FS TND was performed in the same narcosis.

Results

15/92 patients revealed positive SNs by FS compared to 34/92 after SSS and IHC. Sensitivity, NPV and FNR for the detection of all sizes of metastases by FS was 47, 77, and 52%, for isolated tumor cells (ITC) 8, 86, 92%, for micrometastases 43, 90, 57%, and for macrometastases 93, 98, 7%.

Conclusion

Sensitivity of FS by the monoslice depends on the metastases size and allows a single‐stage procedure in half of the SN‐positive patients. To improve sensitivity for small tumor deposits either a multislice‐technique or molecular methods are needed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:816–819. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LAND‐USE CHANGE AND HILLSLOPE INSTABILITY IN THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY BIOSPHERE RESERVE, CENTRAL MEXICO
Authors: López‐García J. , Alcántara‐Ayala I.
Published: May 2012

One of the most important protected areas of Mexico where payment for environmental services has been introduced is the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) in the state of Michoacán. This paper presents a spatial and chronological portrait of land degradation in the Angangueo sector of the MBBR; land‐use changes over about four decades are analysed by assessing data for the years 1971, 1994, 2009 and 2010. A significant landsliding episode occurred in February 2010, when several debris flows affected the area of the Reserve, causing 16 deaths, substantial damage to roads, electricity and the water supply system, and indirect consequences for crop production, cattle farming and tourism. Changes in land cover between 2009 and 2010 were assessed to determine the likely role of deforestation on landsliding as well as to estimate the significance of landslides in land‐use change. The former was demonstrated because digital photo interpretation and field observations revealed that the debris flows began in deforested zones. The findings also indicated that 54·57 ha of forest were either degraded or destroyed as a consequence of landslides and winds.

In the Angangueo basin, the rate of land‐cover change from 1971 to 1994 was 0·96 per cent, from 1994 to 2009 it had decreased to 0·91 per cent, but for the year 2010 had increased to 0·97 per cent, mainly as a result of the landsliding episode of February 2010. The MBBR has experienced a relatively significant amount of land‐cover change over the past four decades, although deforestation has not increased as severely as in other areas of Mexico. This suggests that payments for environmental services can reduce the human‐induced deforestation; however, mitigation of the impact caused by hazards in forest areas should be sought from a perspective that includes disaster theory and geodiversity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photocathodic protection properties of TiO2–V2O5 composite coatings
Authors: Zhou M.‐J. , Zhang N. , Zhang L. , Yan J.‐H.
Published: May 2012

TiO2/vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) and TiO2–V2O5 coatings were prepared on type 304 stainless steel substrates via a sol–gel method, respectively. The TiO2/V2O5 coating is compared with the TiO2–V2O5 coating in terms of the photo‐electrochemical performance. The two coatings can be stored with photogenerated electrons under UV irradiation in 3 wt% aqueous NaCl. The self‐discharging time of the TiO2/V2O5 coating is slower than that of the TiO2–V2O5 coating. The slow discharging may be suitable for an anti‐corrosion application for stainless steel. In the case while the two coatings are electrochemically charged under UV irradiation for 1 h, the TiO2/V2O5 coating can maintain a good cathodic protection for type 304 stainless steel for 6 h in the dark, while the TiO2–V2O5 coating can only maintain a good cathode protection for 0.5 h in the dark.
Effectiveness of Croton cajucara Benth on corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in saline medium
Authors: Felipe M. B. M. C. , Silva D. R. , Martinez‐Huitle C. A. , Medeiros S. R. B. , Maciel M. A. M.
Published: May 2012

Application of corrosion inhibitors is one of the most common practices for the protection of steel structures and their alloys in industry. Since metallic corrosion is a major cause of economic losses in the oil industry, the use of natural inhibitors is an alternative for sustainable technological development. In the present study the effectiveness of the hydroalcoholic extract of the plant species Croton cajucara Benth (CC) dissolved in a microemulsion system (MES‐CC) as well as in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO‐CC) was evaluated as corrosion inhibitor on carbon steel AISI 1020 in saline medium. Surface tension measurements of the MES‐CC confirmed micelle formation, and rheological data showed that viscosity varies with temperature. According to potentiodynamic technique and Tafel extrapolation, maximum inhibition efficiencies were effective (93.84% for MES‐CC and 64.73% for DMSO‐CC) with predominant control of cathodic reaction. The adsorption of MES‐CC on carbon steel surface obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm, while DMSO‐CC was found to follow the Frumkin isotherm.
Improvement of the corrosion resistance and structural and mechanical properties of a titanium base alloy by thermo‐mechanical processing
Authors: Cojocaru V. D. , Raducanu D. , Cinca I. , Vasilescu E. , Drob P. , Vasilescu C. , Drob S. I.
Published: May 2012

In this work, a new ternary Ti–25Ta–5Zr alloy (with nontoxic alloying elements) was obtained and used to develop a thermo‐mechanical procedure in order to optimize the balance strength – elastic modulus. Data about structural (by SEM) and mechanical properties are investigated. Also, its electrochemical behaviour in Ringer–Brown and Ringer solutions of different pH values (simulating severe functional conditions of an implant) was studied by cyclic potentiodynamic and linear polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). From cyclic potentiodynamic polarization curves it resulted the nobler behaviour of the thermo‐mechanical treated alloy than as‐cast alloy due to the favourable influence of the applied processing. Impedance spectra were fitted with one time constant equivalent circuit characterizing a very stable, resistant oxide passive film. The values of the open circuit potentials for the treated alloy are nobler than of the as‐cast alloy and tended to more positive values in time, proving that the passive film on its surface is more compact and thickened in time.
Wall Street and Vine: Hollywood's View of Business
Authors: Ribstein Larry E.
Published: May 2012

American films have long presented a negative view of business. This article is the first comprehensive and in‐depth analysis of filmmakers' attitude toward business. It shows that it is not business that filmmakers dislike but rather the control of firms by profit‐maximizing capitalists. The article argues that this dislike stems from filmmakers' resentment of capitalists' constraints on their artistic vision. Filmmakers' portrayal of business is significant because films have persuasive power that tips the political balance toward business regulation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A coupled‐fed loop antenna for fourth generation mobile system applications
Authors: Chen Wen‐Shan , Lee Bau‐Yi , Liu Yi‐Ting
Published: May 2012

This article proposes a compact printed meander loop antenna for the fourth generation (4G) mobile system applications.The total length of the meander loop operates a one‐wavelength resonant mode (mode 1) at 774 MHz. To increase the antenna's operation bandwidth, this article uses coupled‐fed feeding method that contains a coupling patch connected with a 50‐Ω microstrip feed line. By applying the coupled‐fed method, a new one‐wavelength resonant mode (mode 2) is excited. After carefully adjusted the size of coupling patch, the frequency of mode 2 shifts to 904 MHz combining with mode 1 to form dual broad operations bands. The measured dual broad bands from 658 to 963 MHz and from 1658 to 2693 MHz can be applied in the 4G mobile system, especially for the long‐term evolution application. The two resonant modes are resonated by 1λ loop type that has less influence by changing the size of ground plane. The antenna portion and overall dimensions of the proposed antenna are 20 × 60 × 0.8 mm3 and 120 × 60 × 0.8 mm3 suitable for today's mobile phone application. With the advantages of board band, compact size, low cost, and good performance, the proposed antenna appears to be a promising candidate for the 4G mobile applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1900–1907, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26927
Fields produced at any distance by a hertzian dipole
Authors: Knop Charles M.
Published: May 2012

Exact integral expressions for the electromagnetic fields produced at “any distance,” r, from the center of a Hertzian dipole of height h are derived in this study (it is believed for the first time) by correct‐analytical integration of its infinitesimal fields.Numerical integration of these expressions gives the amplitude and phase as a function of the polar angle, θ, with the normalized distance, r/h, as a parameter for 0.05 ≤ r/h ≤ 5, of both the azimuthal magnetic field, Hφ (r/h,θ), and the polar electric field, Eθ(r/h,θ), for a dipole of h/λ = 0.10, where λ is the free‐space operating wavelength. Plots of these results then reveal, in detail, the interesting rapid‐transitional behavior of these fields for points in the sphere bounded by the dipole (r/h < 0.50) to those outside of it (r/h > 0.50). The latter outer fields approach a sinθ behavior only as r/h approaches 5.0. Generalizations for any h/λ ≤ 0.10 are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1970–1975, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26934
Capacitance of coplanar waveguides in multilayer dielectric substrates
Authors: Park Yong Bae , Park Geon Hye , Park Hyun Ho , Jung Kyung‐Young
Published: May 2012

This letter examines the capacitance of coplanar waveguides (CPWs) in multilayer dielectric substrates.An electrostatic boundary‐value problem of CPWs in multilayer dielectric substrates is solved based on the Fourier transform, mode matching technique, and superposition considering the conductor thickness. A series representation for the capacitance is presented. The capacitance is calculated in terms of the CPW geometry to illustrate its behaviors. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1886–1889, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26938
A multiobjective optimization of a UWB antenna using a self organizing genetic algorithm
Authors: Silva C. R. M. , Lins H. W. C. , Martins S. R. , Barreto E. L. F. , d'Assunção A. G.
Published: May 2012

This article presents the optimization process of a microstrip antenna designed to operate with ultra‐wideband applications. This optimization process was accomplished by applying a self organizing multiobjective genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize a geometry aspect of a ring monopole antenna (a slit in the ground plane) considering three objectives simultaneously (bandwidth, return loss and central frequency deviation). Each of these objectives are modeled as dependent of two variables (the slit dimensions) and used in a single weighted compound aggregate objective function in which weights are defined by an adjuster GA that uses another GA to evaluate each combination of possible weights. The results were compared with the ones obtained to the same antenna using a simulator program (Ansoft HFSS) and with the results of a real prototype antenna built from the slit dimension optimal values obtained after the optimization process. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1824–1828, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26945
A printed quasi‐self‐complementary antenna for band‐notched uwb applications
Authors: Huang Chih‐Yu , Su Jr‐Ying
Published: May 2012

A quasi‐self‐complementary antenna for band‐notched ultrawideband application free from interference with existing wireless local area network systems is proposed.The designed band‐notched UWB operation can be obtained by choosing the size of the parasitic fan‐shaped patch in the quarter‐slot. The proposed antenna has advantages of low cost, easy design, and compact in size. Details of the proposed design and experimental results of the constructed antennas are presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1879–1882, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26961
Reconfiguring the frequency response of dispersive‐channel radio over fiber systems by using fiber photonic filters: Application to transmission of multiplexed microwave subcarriers
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Martínez Celso , Santos‐Aguilar Joel , Santiago‐Bernal Misael , Morales‐Díaz Adolfo , Torres‐Fórtiz José Alfredo , Meza‐Pérez Jacobo
Published: May 2012

Radio over fiber schemes using multimode lasers and dispersive optical channel show a periodic band‐pass microwave frequency response. Such a response can be used for implementing photonic microwave filters or for multiplexing modulated microwave subcarriers. The reconfiguration of the frequency response using optical retarders acting as photonic filters is demonstrated in this article. The multiplexed transmission of two data‐modulated microwave subcarriers on two adjacent transmission windows is also described. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1869–1874, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26972
Design of apollonian gasket ultrawideband antenna with modified ground plane
Authors: Kumar Raj , Srikanth I.
Published: May 2012

A printed apollonian gasket monopole antenna with CPW‐feed is proposed for ultra‐wideband applications.The Ultra‐wide bandwidth of this antenna is achieved by modified the CPW ground plane. The experimental result of this antenna exhibits the ultra‐wideband characteristics from 2.8 to 15 GHz at VSWR 2:1. The simulated results calculated from high frequency structure simulator are in good agreement with experimental results. The measured radiation patterns of this antenna are omnidirectional in H‐plane and bidirectional in E‐plane. The radar cross section (RCS) of this antenna is also studied for structural mode and antenna mode scattering. This type of antenna can be useful for a number of applications such as ultrawideband system, radar, ground penetrating radar, medical imaging, and other military applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1793–1796, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26977
A wideband aperture‐coupled microstrip array using backed substrate integrated cavity with T‐shaped geometry
Authors: Sun Dan , Dou Wenbin , Yan Xuequan , You Lizhi
Published: May 2012

A novel 2 × 2 wideband cavity‐backed aperture‐coupled microstrip array is presented in this article.The cavity in the antenna element is designed based on the new substrate integrated cavity technique and has a T‐shaped geometry. It affords a solution to enhance the bandwidth, reduce the back radiation of the aperture, and suppress the parallel plate mode simultaneously. Furthermore, an integrated multilayer architecture of the feeding network is used in the array. The experimental results of the array show the bandwidth exceeds 40% (VSWR < 2), and the cross‐polarizations of E and H planes are all lower than −20 dB. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1986–1990, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26978
Implementation of vascular‐space‐occupancy MRI at 7T
Authors: Hua Jun , Jones Craig K. , Qin Qin , van Zijl Peter C. M.
Published: May 2012

Vascular‐space‐occupancy (VASO) MRI exploits the difference between blood and tissue T1 to null blood signal and measure cerebral blood volume changes using the residual tissue signal. VASO imaging is more difficult at higher field because of sensitivity loss due to the convergence of tissue and blood T1 values and increased contamination from blood‐oxygenation‐level‐dependent (BOLD) effects. In addition, compared to 3T, 7T MRI suffers from increased geometrical distortions, e.g., when using echo‐planar‐imaging, and from increased power deposition, the latter especially problematic for the spin‐echo‐train sequences commonly used for VASO MRI. Third, non‐steady‐state blood spin effects become substantial at 7T when only a head coil is available for radiofrequency transmit. In this study, the magnetization‐transfer‐enhanced‐VASO approach was applied to maximize tissue‐blood signal difference, which boosted signal‐to‐noise ratio by 149% ± 13% (n = 7) compared to VASO. Second, a 3D fast gradient‐echo sequence with low flip‐angle (7°) and short echo‐time (1.8 ms) was used to minimize the BOLD effect and to reduce image distortion and power deposition. Finally, a magnetization‐reset technique was combined with a motion‐sensitized‐driven‐equilibrium approach to suppress three types of non‐steady‐state spins. Our initial functional MRI results in normal human brains at 7T with this optimized VASO sequence showed better signal‐to‐noise ratio than at 3T. Magn Reson Med 69:1003–1013, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A bispace parameterization method for shape optimization of thin‐walled curved shell structures with openings
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhang Weihong
Published: May 2012

Simultaneous shape optimization of thin‐walled curved shell structures and involved hole boundaries is studied in this paper. A novel bispace parameterization method is proposed for the first time to define global and local shape design variables both in the Cartesian coordinate system and the intrinsic coordinate system. This method has the advantage of achieving a simultaneous optimization of the global shape of the shell surface and the local shape of the openings attached automatically on the former. Inherent problems, for example, the effective parameterization of shape design variables, mapping operation between two spaces, and sensitivity analysis with respect to both kinds of design variables are highlighted. A design procedure is given to show how both kinds of design variables are managed together and how the whole design flowchart is carried out with relevant formulations. Numerical examples are presented and the effects of both kinds of design variables upon the optimal solutions are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perinatal outcomes of fetal echogenic bowel
Authors: Saha Esha , Mullins Edward William Samuel , Paramasivam Gowrishankar , Kumar Sailesh , Lakasing Lorin
Published: May 2012

Objective

To investigate perinatal outcomes of fetal echogenic bowel (FEB).

Method

This is a retrospective observational study of FEB cases from Jan 2005–Dec 2010. Data from ultrasound and fetal medicine investigations, uterine artery Doppler (UAD), intra‐partum care and neonatal outcome were obtained from Fetal Medicine, Obstetric and Neonatal Databases.

Results

There were 139 cases presenting at 21+5 (15+1–35+5) weeks gestation. Overall, 106/139 (76.2%) were live born (LB), 8/139 (5.8%) were complicated by intra‐uterine deaths (IUD), 11/139 (7.9%) had termination of pregnancy (TOP) and 14/139 (10.1%) were lost to follow‐up after 28 weeks gestation. Six had chromosomal/genetic abnormalities, two had congenital cytomegalovirus, none had cystic fibrosis.Uterine artery Doppler was normal in 106/130 (81.5%) cases. In this group, there were no cases of fetal growth restriction (FGR), 95/106 (89.6%) were LB, 1/106 (0.94%) had an IUD. In the abnormal UAD group, 17/24 (70.1%) developed FGR, 11/24 (45.8%) were LB, 4/24 (16.7%) had TOP, 7/24 (29.2%) had IUD.In total, 20/106 (18.9%) live births were admitted for specialist neonatal care, 12/20 (60%) for prematurity. Only one had primary bowel pathology.

Conclusion

Pregnancies with FEB and screen positive UAD are at risk of adverse perinatal outcome. Primary bowel pathology is rare following the finding of FEB. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mechanisms and mechanics of the toughening of epoxy polymers modified with fullerene C60
Authors: Zuev Vjacheslav V.
Published: May 2012

This study examined the effect of fullerene C60 on the mechanical properties of epoxy‐based polymer nanocomposites with different C60 loadings. Mechanical testing shows that compared with neat epoxy, mechanical and toughening properties of composites are greatly improved. Young's modulus increased 6–20% by inducing 0.01–0.12 wt% of fullerene into the matrix resin. Furthermore, the toughness of the composite was improved up to about 200%. The toughening mechanism has been discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Proteogenomic evidence for β‐oxidation of plant‐derived 3‐phenylpropanoids in “Aromatoleum aromaticum” EbN1
Authors: Trautwein Kathleen , Wilkes Heinz , Rabus Ralf
Published: May 2012

The betaproteobacterium “Aromatoleum aromaticum” EbN1 utilizes eight different plant‐derived nonhydroxylated (e.g. cinnamate) and hydroxylated (e.g. p‐coumarate) 3‐phenylpropanoids with nitrate as electron acceptor. Differential protein profiling (2D‐DIGE) revealed abundance increases of five proteins (EbA5316 to EbA5320) during anaerobic growth with cinnamate, hydrocinnamate, p‐coumarate, and 3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propanoate, compared to anaerobic benzoate‐adapted cells serving as reference state. The predicted functions of four of these proteins (EbA5317, fatty acid‐coenzyme A (CoA) ligase; EbA5318, enoyl‐CoA hydratase/isomerase; EbA5319, β‐ketothiolase; and EbA5320, 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase) suggest β‐oxidation of the above 3‐phenylpropanoids to benzoyl‐CoA and p‐hydroxybenzoyl‐CoA, respectively. The fifth protein (EbA5316, ABC‐type periplasmic solute‐binding protein) could be involved in 3‐phenylpropanoid uptake. The detection of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐phenylpropanoate during anaerobic growth with cinnamate and hydrocinnamate or 3‐hydroxy‐3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propanoate during anaerobic growth with p‑coumarate and 3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propanoate supports the proteome‐predicted β‐oxidation pathway. Based on the specific formation of EbA5316–20 also during anaerobic growth with further 3‐phenylpropanoid growth substrates including cinnamyl alcohol, m‐coumarate, 3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)propanoate and 3,4‐dihydroxycinnamate (caffeate), a common β‐oxidation route is proposed for 3‐phenylpropanoid degradation in strain EbN1. The low amount of metabolites attributable to cometabolic transformation of nongrowth supporting 3‐phenylpropanoids (e.g. o‐coumarate, ferulate) may be indicative for a high substrate specificity of the involved enzymes.
A quantitative proteomic analysis of lung epithelial (A549) cells infected with 2009 pandemic influenza A virus using stable isotope labelling with amino acids in cell culture
Authors: Dove Brian K. , Surtees Rebecca , Bean Thomas J.H. , Munday Diane , Wise Helen M. , Digard Paul , Carroll Miles W. , Ajuh Paul , Barr John N. , Hiscox Julian A.
Published: May 2012

Influenza A virus is one of the world's major uncontrolled pathogens, causing seasonal epidemics as well as global pandemics. This was evidenced by the recent emergence and now prevalence of the 2009 swine origin pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus. In this study, quantitative proteomics using stable isotope labelling with amino acids in cell culture was used to investigate the changes in the host cell proteome in cells infected with pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus. The study was conducted in A549 cells that retain properties similar to alveolar cells. Several global pathways were affected, including cell cycle regulation and lipid metabolism, and these could be correlated with recent microarray analyses of cells infected with influenza A virus. Taken together, both quantitative proteomics and transcriptomic approaches can be used to identify potential cellular proteins whose functions in the virus life cycle could be targeted for chemotherapeutic intervention
Bisphosphonate units in the main polymer chain: The first synthesis
Authors: Penczek Stanislaw , Kaluzynski Krzysztof , Pretula Julia
Published: May 2012

Radical copolymerization of tetraethyl vinylidene phosphonate (B) with vinyl monomers has been described for the first time. In copolymerization with vinyl acetate (V) strictly alternating copolymer was formed even when [V]0/[B]0 was equal to 80. In copolymerization with acrylic acid (A) copolymers of the general structure ‐[(B)1Ax)]n‐ were formed. The number of A units (x) was shown to depend on the [A]0/[B]0 ratio in the monomers feed. The reactivity ratio rA was determined as equal to 2.1 and on this basis, the distribution of x as a function of [A]0/[B]0 was found. Bisphosphonic units were deblocked and the corresponding polyacids were analyzed by NMR spectra. Mn > 0.5 × 106 were measured by SEC for copolymers of B with A. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Kinetic studies on the imine base/isocyanate‐induced radical polymerization of vinyl monomers
Authors: Polenz Ingmar , Schmidt Friedrich Georg , Spange Stefan
Published: May 2012

Specific imine bases (IB) in conjunction with various isocyanates (IC) mediate the radical polymerization of radically polymerizable monomers such as methyl methacrylate (MMA). Advantageously, the 2‐(methylmercapto)‐2‐thiazoline MMT/IC combination as initiator works even at room temperature for polymerization of MMA. The coefficients a, b, and c of the basic rate law of monomer consumption d[M]/dt = kp·[IC]a·[IB]b·[M]c were determined. The order a has been determined to 0.5 showing the root law of radical polymerization with respect to the IC component as initiator. Moreover, b and c amount 1. The initiator combination MMT/ IC was applied to determine the influence of the molecular structure of the IC on the rate of monomer conversion. For aromatic isocyantes, the gross rate constant of monomer consumption correlates with the Hammet constant of aromatic substituents. The activation energies of the gross polymerization rate constant of several initiator mixtures were determined whereby the value of EA,Br was found to be between typical values of radical polymerization initiated by photochemical reactions (∼20 kJ/mol) and commonly used thermal decomposing initiators (∼80 kJ/mol). Presumptions on the initiating and terminating step of the IB/IC mediated polymerization were done by means of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, and the elemental composition of the head and end group of the resulting polymers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Poly(isobornyl methacrylate‐co‐methyl acrylate): Synthesis and stereosequence distribution analysis by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Khandelwal Deepika , Hooda Sunita , Brar A. S. , Shankar Ravi
Published: May 2012

Copolymerization of isobornyl methacrylate and methyl acrylate (I/M) is performed by atom transfer radical polymerization using methyl‐2‐bromopropionate as an initiator and PMDETA/CuBr as catalyst under nitrogen atmosphere at 70 °C. The copolymer compositions determined from 1H NMR spectra are used to determine reactivity ratios of the monomers. The reactivity ratio determined from linear Kelen–Tudos method and non‐linear error‐in‐variable method, are rI = 1.25 ± 0.10, rM = 0.84 ± 0.08 and rI = 1.20, rM = 0.82, respectively. 1D, distortion less enhancement by polarization transfer and 2D, heteronuclear single quantum coherence, and total correlation spectroscopy NMR experiments are employed to resolve highly overlapped and complex 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectra of the copolymers. The carbonyl carbon of I and M units and methyl carbon of I unit are assigned up to triad compositional and configurational sequences, whereas β‐methylene carbons are assigned up to tetrad compositional and configurational sequences. Similarly, methine carbon of I unit is assigned up to triad level. The couplings of carbonyl carbon and quaternary carbon resonances are studied in detail using 2D hetero nuclear multiple bond correlation spectra. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis, swelling properties, and network structure of new stimuli‐responsive poly(N‐acryloyl‐N′‐ethyl piperazine‐co‐N‐isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels
Authors: Deen G. Roshan , Chua Vivien , Ilyas Usman
Published: May 2012

Poly(N‐acryloyl‐N′‐ethyl piperazine‐co‐N‐isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels were prepared by thermal free‐radical copolymerization of N‐acryloyl‐N′‐ethyl piperazine (AcrNEP) and N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) in solution using N, N′‐methylene bisacrylamide as the crosslinking agent. The gels were responsive to changes in external stimuli such as pH and temperature. The pH and temperature responsive character of the gels was greatly dependent on the monomer content, namely AcrNEP and NIPAM, respectively. The gels swelled in acidic (pH 2) and de‐swelled in basic (pH 10) solutions with a response time of 60 min. With increase in temperature from 23 to 80 °C the swelling of the gels decreased continuously and this effect was different in acidic and basic solutions. The temperature dependence of equilibrium water content of the gels was evaluated by the Gibbs–Helmholtz equation. Detailed analysis of the swelling properties of these new gels in relation to molecular heterogeneity in acidic (pH 2) and basic (pH 10) solutions were performed. Water transport property of the gels was studied gravimetrically. In acidic solution, the diffusion process was non‐Fickian (anomalous) while in basic solution, the diffusion was quasi‐Fickian. The effect was more evident in solution of pH 2 than in pH 10. Various structural parameters of the gels such as number‐average molar mass between crosslink (Mc), the crosslink density (ρc), and the mesh size (ξ) were evaluated. The mesh sizes of the hydrogels were between 64 and 783 Å in the swollen state in acidic solution and 20 and 195 Å in the collapsed state in basic solution. The mesh size increased between three to four times during the pH‐dependent swelling process. The amount of unbound water (free water) and bound water of the gels was also evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Stereoregular control of poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) on free radical polymerization by using the inclusion complex with randomly methylated β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Saito Reiko , Saito Yoichi , Kamoshita Hideyasu , Tokubuchi Yoichi
Published: May 2012

Highly heterotactic poly(4‐vinyl pyridine)s (P4VPs) with the fraction of mr content (fmr) > 0.81 were synthesized by free radical polymerization of 4‐vinyl pyridine (4VP) with randomly methylated β‐cyclodextrin (β‐RMCD) in acidic aqueous media of HNO3 and CF3COOH at 40 °C. The heterotacticity of P4VP strongly depended on the neutralization of 4VP. The complete neutralization of 4VP with HNO3 or CF3COOH increased the heterotacticity of P4VP, whereas atactic P4VP was obtained in water. The partial decomposition of β‐RMCD by HCl reduced the heterotacticity of P4VP (fmr ≈ 0.74). The structures of inclusion complexed monomers were determined by Job's plot, 2D NMR with nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy analyses, and simulation by MM2. The 1:2 complex with [β‐RMCD]:[4VP] with meso placement of 4VPs in β‐RMCD was formed when 4VP was completely neutralized with acid, whereas the 1:1 complex was formed in water. The mechanism of heterospecific control by using β‐RMCD was proposed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Large‐scale aligned fiber mats prepared by salt‐induced pulse electrospinning
Authors: Zhang Quanchao , Wang Lihua , Wei Zhimei , Wang Xiaojun , Long Shengru , Yang Jie
Published: May 2012

In this article, a new large‐scale aligned fiber mats formation method called salt‐induced pulse electrospinning was developed. By electrospinning salted solution in a humid environment, traditional continuous electrospinning changed into pulse electrospinning and aligned fibers were thus formed. The possible mechanisms for the occurrence of salt‐induced pulse electrospinning and the formation of fiber alignment were studied. The continuous electrospinning changing into the pulse electrospinning was due to the change of viscosity and conductivity of salted polymer solution in a wet electrospinning condition. Fishing net‐shaped whipping region of the electrospinning jet during pulse electrospinning process was considered as the key factor for the formation of fiber alignment. The mechanical properties of the aligned fiber mat increased significantly compared with that of the random fiber mat. This aligned fiber preparation method only requires a very low rotating drum speed as the receiver and can produce large‐scale aligned fiber mats for many applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Characterization of Particle Size Standard NIST 1019b with Synchrotron X‐ray Microtomography and Digital Data Extraction
Authors: Friedrich Jon M. , Rivers Mark L. , Perrin Michael A. , Meinhart Zachary , Ramirez Vanessa V.
Published: May 2012

We show that synchrotron x‐ray microtomography (μCT) followed by digital data extraction can be used to examine the size distribution and particle morphologies of the polydisperse (750 to 2450 μm diameter) particle size standard NIST 1019b. Our size distribution results are within errors of certified values with data collected at 19.5 μm/voxel. One of the advantages of using μCT to investigate the particles examined here is that the morphology of the glass beads can be directly examined. We use the shape metrics aspect ratio and sphericity to examine of individual standard beads morphologies as a function of spherical equivalent diameters. We find that the majority of standard beads possess near‐spherical aspect ratios and sphericities, but deviations are present at the lower end of the size range. The majority (> 98 %) of particles also possess an equant form when examined using a common measure of equidimensionality. Although the NIST 1019b standard consists of loose particles, we point out that an advantage of μCT is that coherent materials comprised of particles can be examined without disaggregation.
The dynamical response of hen egg white lysozyme to the binding of a carbohydrate ligand
Authors: Moorman Veronica R. , Valentine Kathleen G. , Wand A. Joshua
Published: May 2012

It has become clear that the binding of small and large ligands to proteins can invoke significant changes in side chain and main chain motion in the fast picosecond to nanosecond timescale. Recently, the use of a “dynamical proxy” has indicated that changes in these motions often reflect significant changes in conformational entropy. These entropic contributions are sometimes of the same order as the total entropy of binding. Thus, it is important to understand the connections amongst motion between the manifold of states accessible to the native state of proteins, the corresponding entropy, and how this impacts the overall energetics of protein function. The interaction of proteins with carbohydrate ligands is central to a range of biological functions. Here, we examine a classic carbohydrate interaction with an enzyme: the binding of wild‐type hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) to the natural, competitive inhibitor chitotriose. Using NMR relaxation experiments, backbone amide and side chain methyl axial order parameters were obtained across apo and chitotriose‐bound HEWL. Upon binding, changes in the apparent amplitude of picosecond to nanosecond main chain and side chain motions are seen across the protein. Indeed, binding of chitotriose renders a large contiguous fraction of HEWL effectively completely rigid. Changes in methyl flexibility are most pronounced closest to the binding site, but average to only a small overall change in the dynamics across the protein. The corresponding change in conformational entropy is unfavorable and estimated to be a significant fraction of the total binding entropy.
Is there any association between the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms and the risk of biopsy‐detectable prostate cancer in patients with PSA level below 20 ng/ml in multi‐core prostate biopsy?
Authors: Oh Jong Jin , Jeong Seong Jin , Jeong Chang Wook , Byun Seok‐Soo , Hong Sung Kyu , Choe Gheeyoung , Lee Sang Eun
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND

To assess whether the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is associated with the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) detection via a multi (≥12)‐core prostate biopsy.

METHODS

From January 2004 to May 2011, 3,107 patients underwent transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) prostate biopsies due to elevated PSA levels ranging between 3 and 20 ng/ml or abnormal digital rectal exams (DREs). Multivariate logistic analysis was used to assess the potential association of LUTS and PCa detection via biopsy. The predictive accuracy of the multivariate model was assessed based on the receiver operating characteristics‐derived area under the curve.

RESULTS

The median International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 11, and the mean PSA was 6.81 ng/ml. Of the total subjects, PCa was detected from biopsy in 931 (30.0%) patients. In a comparison of 1,465 patients with IPSS ≥11 and 1,642 patients with IPSS <11, those with a higher IPSS were older, had higher PSA and had a larger prostate, but there were no significant differences in the PCa detection rates. However, in multivariate analysis incorporating other associated variables, a higher IPSS was significantly associated with lower odds of PCa detection (P = 0.016). Nevertheless, addition of the IPSS did not significantly increase the accuracy of the multivariate model devised for the detection of PCa (P = 0.098).

CONCLUSIONS

Although PCa was detected less commonly among men with higher LUTS, LUTS may not provide additional prognostic information beyond that which can be obtained via previously established prognostic factors. Prostate 73: 42–47, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of vacuum annealing on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of spray‐deposited Ga‐doped ZnO thin films
Authors: Gokulakrishnan V. , Purushothaman V. , Arthi E. , Jeganathan K. , Ramamurthi K.
Published: May 2012

Gallium‐doped zinc oxide (GZO) transparent conducting thin films were prepared by a cost‐effective spray‐pyrolysis method on glass substrates at 400 °C for various concentration of gallium (0–5 at.%) in the spray solution. Electrical, optical, and structural properties of as‐deposited and annealed GZO films were investigated using Hall measurement, optical transmission, X‐ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. As‐prepared and vacuum annealed GZO films at 400 °C are preferentially orientated along the (002) crystallographic direction and annealing has enhanced the crystallinity of the films. A vacuum‐annealed GZO film (3 at.%) acquired the lowest resistivity of 6.5 × 10−3 Ω cm with Hall mobility and carrier concentration of 18 cm2/V s and 5.4 × 1019 cm−3, respectively. The transmittance of GZO film for 1 at.% is ∼84% in the visible region (400–800 nm) and it is markedly increased to ∼92% with the transmission edge shift towards the shorter‐wavelength side on annealing. However, neither doping nor vacuum annealing of ZnO films modify the near band edge (3.26 eV) of the film appreciably. Ga doping is found to compensate the radiative oxygen vacancy levels and thus quench the green luminescence at 2.8 eV.
Scanning near‐field optical spectroscopy of AlGaN epitaxial layers
Authors: Pinos Andrea , Marcinkevičius Saulius , Liuolia Vytautas , Yang Jinwei , Gaska Remis , Shur Michael S.
Published: May 2012

Band gap fluctuations and carrier localization in AlxGa1‐xN films with x values varying from 0.30 to 0.50 has been studied by scanning near‐field optical microscopy (SNOM) by measuring photoluminescence. The measurements have revealed a dual localization potential. Microscopic scale potential variations, detected by the SNOM, were most pronounced in the lower Al content samples. The nanoscopic carrier localization potentials, evaluated from the width of the photoluminescence spectra, were largest in layers with the largest AlN molar fraction. The large scale potential fluctuations were attributed to Ga rich regions close to grain boundaries or atomic layer steps. The density, size and band gap energy of these domains were found to be composition dependent. The nanoscopic potential variations have been assigned to small‐scale compositional fluctuations, possibly, occurring due to formation of Al rich grains during growth. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Near‐ and far‐field optical characterization of InGaN photonic crystal light emitting diodes
Authors: Liuolia Vytautas , Marcinkevičius Saulius , Wang Qin , Andersson Jan , Kim Sang‐Mook , Baek Jong Hyeob
Published: May 2012

Light extraction from InGaN photonic crystal (PhC) light emitting diodes (LEDs) has been studied by scanning near‐field optical microscopy and time‐resolved photoluminescence. The observed patterns of the near‐field intensity are complex and do not correspond to the physical structure of the photonic crystal. Comparison with conventional LEDs without the PhC showed that PhC not only improves the light extraction, but also makes the LED emission more homogeneous (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterization of GaP layers on silicon substrates by metal‐organic vapour phase epitaxy
Authors: Jussila Henri , Nagarajan Subramaniyam , Mattila Päivi , Riikonen Juha , Huhtio Teppo , Sopanen Markku , Lipsanen Harri
Published: May 2012

This paper presents X‐ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy investigation of GaP thin films grown on silicon (100) substrate by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy. Crystalline GaP has been grown by two‐step growth method, in which first a low temperature nucleation layer is grown at 475 °C, and then, a 100‐nm‐thick layer is grown at 700 °C. The GaP layer is comprised of trenches and smooth terraces which are attributed to anti‐phase domains. Without the two‐step growth method, GaP forms a cross‐hatch pattern of wires. Formation of GaP wires is attributed to anisotropic diffusion, and thus, the GaP wires grow along [011] crystal directions (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)