bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐Efficiency Polymer Solar Cells Achieved by Doping Plasmonic Metallic Nanoparticles into Dual Charge Selecting Interfacial Layers to Enhance Light Trapping
Authors: Yang Xi , Chueh Chu‐Chen , Li Chang‐Zhi , Yip Hin‐Lap , Yin Peipei , Chen Hongzheng , Chen Wen‐Chang , Jen Alex K‐Y. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractSignificantly increased power conversion efficiency (PCE) of polymer solar cells (PSCs) is achieved by applying a plasmonic enhanced light trapping strategy to a low bandgap conjugated polymer, poly(indacenodithiophene‐ co‐phananthrene‐quinoxaline) (PIDT‐PhanQ) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) based bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) system. By doping both the rear and front charge‐selecting interfacial layers of the device with different sizes of Au NPs, the PCE of the devices is improved from 6.65% to 7.50% (13% enhancement). A detailed study of processing, characterization, microscopy, and device fabrication is conducted to understand the underlying mechanism for the enhanced device performance. The success of this work provides a simple and generally applicable approach to enhance light harnessing of low bandgap polymers in PSCs.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in brain samples from patients with major psychiatric disorders: Gene expression profiles, MtDNA content and presence of the MtDNA common deletion
Authors: Torrell Helena , Montaña Elena , Abasolo Nerea , Roig Bàrbara , Gaviria Ana M. , Vilella Elisabet , Martorell Lourdes 
Published: January 2013

AbstractSeveral lines of evidence support a mitochondrial dysfunction in major psychiatric disorders. The objective of this study was to determine whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) expression or content are implicated in the mitochondrial dysfunction observed in schizophrenia (SCH), bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). MtDNA gene expression and mtDNA content (including the MT‐ND4 deletion) were measured by RT‐qPCR and qPCR, respectively. Post‐mortem brain tissue from 60 subjects, divided evenly into four diagnostic groups (SCH, BD, MDD, and control (C)), was analyzed. MT‐ND1 gene expression was significantly increased in the BD group compared with the C group. MDD and SCH patients showed a similar pattern of mtDNA expression, which was different from that in BD patients. Similarly, a larger number of MDD and SCH patients tended to have the MT‐ND4 gene deleted compared with BD and C subjects. However, no other significant differences were observed in mtDNA gene expression and mtDNA content. Notably, high variability was observed in the mtDNA gene expression and content in each diagnostic group. Previous studies and the present work provide evidence for a role of mtDNA in SCH, BD and MDD. However, further studies with larger patient and control groups as well as by analyzing distinct brain regions are needed to elucidate the role of mtDNA in major psychiatric disorders. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Light‐driven biocatalysis with cytochrome P450 peroxygenases
Authors: Girhard Marco , Kunigk Elmar , Tihovsky Svetlana , Shumyantseva Victoria V. , Urlacher Vlada B. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe cytochrome P450 peroxygenases P450Bsβ (CYP152A1) from Bacillus subtilis and P450Cla (CYP152A2) from Clostridium acetobutylicum belong to a unique group of P450s with high synthetic potential. They consume hydrogen peroxide via the peroxide shunt and therefore do not require additional electron transfer proteins for biocatalytic activity. Their high synthetic potential is, however, impaired by their rather poor operational stability in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Herein, we report the use of a light‐driven approach utilizing light‐excited flavins (riboflavin, flavin mononucleotide, or flavin adenine dinucleotide) and the electron donor ethylenediaminetetraacetate as the electron source for the in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide. This approach represents a simple and easily applicable way to promote oxyfunctionalization reactions catalyzed by P450 peroxygenases and is useful for biocatalysis with these enzymes.
Trimeric l‐N‐carbamoylase from newly isolated Brevibacillus reuszeriHSN1: A potential biocatalyst for production of l‐α‐amino acids
Authors: Nandanwar Hemraj S. , Vohra Rakesh M. , Hoondal Gurinder S. 
Published: January 2013

Abstractl‐N‐carbamoylase was isolated from Brevibacillus reuszeri HSN1 and purified to homogeneity in three steps, which is a reasonably short protocol for native l‐N‐carbamoylase. The enzyme purification protocol resulted in ≈60‐fold purification of l‐N‐carbamoylase with specific activity of 145 µmol/Min/mg. The subunit and native molecular mass were found to be 44.3 and 132 kDa, respectively. Temperature and pH optima were determined as 50°C and 8.5, respectively. The enzyme had retained ≈86% activity at 50°C when incubated for 60 Min and the half‐life was determined as 180 Min at 50°C. N‐carbamoyl‐l‐methionine (l‐N‐CMet) was found to be a preferred substrate with Km and Vmax values of ≈13.5 mM and ≈103 µmol/Min/mg, respectively. The broad substrate specificity with derivatives of N‐carbamoyl amino acids is advantageous to be a better biocatalyst for production of corresponding l‐α‐amino acids. The enzyme activity was enhanced by 73% in the presence of 0.8 mM Mn2+ ion during the biotransformation. In the batch experiment, ≈97% conversion of 5.0% l‐N‐CMet into enantiomerically pure l‐methionine was achieved in 10 H when carried out at pH 8.0, 45°C, and 15% wet (w/v) cell loading, under controlled conditions. The overall merits of this enzyme show promise as a potential biocatalyst for l‐α‐amino acid production.
Estimation model for magnetic properties of stamped electrical steel sheet
Authors: Kashiwara Yoshiyuki , Fujimura Hiroshi , Okamura Kazuo , Imanishi Kenji , Yashiki Hiroyoshi 
Published: January 2013

AbstractLess deterioration in the magnetic properties of electrical steel sheets in the process of stamping out the iron core is necessary in order to maintain performance. First, the influence of plastic strain and stress on the magnetic properties is studied using test pieces, in which plastic strain is added uniformly and residual stress is not induced. Because the influence of plastic strain is expressed using the equivalent plastic strain, at each equivalent plastic strain state the influence of the load stress is investigated. Second, the elastic limit is determined to be about 60% of the macroscopic yield point (MYP), and this agrees with the stress limit inducing irreversible deterioration in the magnetic properties. Therefore, simulation models, in which excess elastic limit plastic deformation begins and the magnetic properties deteriorate sharply, are proposed. Additional points taken into consideration in the deformation analysis are the strain rate sensitivity of flow stress, the anisotropy under deformation, and the influence of stress triaxiality on fracture. Finally, the proposed models are shown to be valid because the magnetic properties of rectangular sheets 5 mm wide stamped out from a nonoriented electrical steel sheet (35A250 JIS grade) can be estimated with good accuracy. It is concluded that the elastic limit must be taken into account in both the stamping process simulation and magnetic field calculation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 183(2): 1–11, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22269
Analytical study of optimal layout of permanent magnet in IPMSM for generating sinusoidal flux‐density distribution in air gap
Authors: Kondo Minoru 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis paper demonstrates an analytical optimization method for rotor designs of interior permanent magnet synchronous machines with multiple flux‐barriers. In particular, this study focuses on the optimal layout of permanent magnets for generating a sinusoidal flux density distribution in the air gap. In addition, practical design methods for realizing the optimal layout are proposed, and the designs are verified through finite‐element analyses. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 183(2): 39–46, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22344
Chronology and paleoenvironmental interpretation of talus flatiron sequences in a sub‐humid mountainous area: Tremp Depression, Spanish Pyrenees
Authors: Roqué Carles , Linares Rogelio , Zarroca Mario , Rosell Joan , Pellicer Xavier M. , Gutiérrez Francisco 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTTalus flatirons are debris‐covered relict slopes, disconnected from the source area, which are relatively common in arid and semi‐arid areas. Talus flatiron sequences record the alternation of accumulation and incision phases. These chronosequences may be used for infer temporal changes in the morphogenetic processes acting on the slopes as well as information on the local paleoclimatic history. Talus flatiron sequences developed in the Tremp Depression, eastern Spanish Pyrenees, are analysed from the geomorphological, chronological and paleoenvironmental perspective. The two groups of relict slopes differentiated by means of detailed geomorphological mapping have been dated by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and radiocarbon dating at 25–20 kyr (S3) and 5·4–1·7 cal kyr (S2). The talus flatiron group S3 is correlated with a fluvial terrace of the Noguera Pallaresa River (c. 23 kyr bp). The comparison of the ages obtained in the Tremp Depression with chronologies published for talus flatiron sequences in semi‐arid areas and other paleoclimatic proxies suggests that the aggradation phases in the slopes occurred during periods with higher humidity and vegetation cover. The chronological differences observed between semi‐arid Spain and the Tremp Depression may be partly related to the more humid climate of the latter mountain area. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of thermal reaction and microbial transformation on the odour of human urine
Authors: Troccaz Myriam , Niclass Yvan , Anziani Pauline , Starkenmann Christian 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTThe typical stale urine odour is the consequence of thermal or bacterial degradation. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, equipped with a multi‐sniffing port for olfactive evaluation (GC‐MS‐O), was performed to analyse an organic extract of boiled urine originating from seven male donors. This analysis stressed the importance of guaiacol, 2‐methoxy‐4‐ and ‐6‐methyl phenol, 4‐vinyl‐guaiacol, indole, skatole and vanillin in urine malodour. Analysis of the headspace of the highly volatile compounds showed the occurrence of trimethylamine, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide. However, odour artefacts such as pyrazines, acetyl thiazole and sugar degradation products were formed during the boiling process and represented important background noise. In parallel, fermented urine samples were judged by sniffing to be more characteristic of a urine smell, due to the presence of methional, phenol, p‐cresol and α‐androstenol. The two urine‐isolated Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia fergusonii and Morganella morganii (urease positive), were particularly efficient at increasing urine pH and generating phenol, p‐cresol, indole, dimethyl sulfide and trimethylamine after 3 days of incubation of sterile male urine at 37 °C. Streptococcus agalactiae produced a high level of α‐androstenol, whereas Micrococcus luteus CIP 103664 and isolated anaerobic bacteria did not produce any malodours. Analytical comparisons between boiled and fermented aged urine revealed that incubation of sterile urine with a bacterial mixture of E. fergusonii, Enterococcus faecalis, Citrobacter koseri, S. agalactiae and M. morganii produced a representative aged urine odour. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzyme‐catalysed hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine for the production of lysophosphatidylcholine
Authors: Baeza‐Jiménez Ramiro , López‐Martínez Leticia X. , Otero Cristina , Kim In‐Hwan , García Hugo S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundProduction of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) via enzyme‐catalysed hydrolysis was studied. Three enzymes were employed to conduct the reactions at different temperatures. The starting material, phosphatidylcholine (PC), was dispersed in water (system A) and in ethanol (system B) to define the reaction mixture to carry out the trials.ResultsIt was found that the media employed and the type of biocatalyst (free or immobilized), clearly determine the kinetics of the reactions. PC was well dissolved in ethanol but an opaque emulsion was obtained when it was dissolved in water. Immobilized PLA1 and Novozym 435 were able to convert PC into LPC in ethanol, with yields of 50% and 58.51%, respectively, after 48 h at 50 °C. The highest degree of hydrolysis (70%) was reached with Lipase PS after 48 h at 60 °C in water.ConclusionsBoth reaction media enabled fairly good yields but water was better. The present work proposes a simple reaction scheme compared with other reports in the literature where different substrates, additives and polar solvents have been employed. LPC has interesting properties as a bioemulsifier, which led us to develop new methods for its production. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Processing fish press waters using metallic and ceramic filtration
Authors: Pérez‐Gálvez Raúl , Guadix Emilia M. , Bergé Jean‐Pascal , Guadix Antonio 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe press juices resulting from a compacting operation on fish by‐products were subjected to a depuration treatment in order to reduce the high COD (120 g O2 L–1). The process included an initial de‐particulation step by means of two metallic filter cartridges of 465 µm and 250 µm, followed by concentration with a 200 nm ultrafiltration ceramic membrane. The polishing efficiency of each unit was assessed in terms of COD and protein removal.RESULTSDead‐end metallic filtration of the press waters reduced their suspended matter content by 28%, but achieved only 5.6% decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD), which suggested further processing by membrane ultrafiltration. The de‐particulated stream was then subjected to ultrafiltration for 8 h in batch concentration mode, attaining a COD reduction of 87%. The observed flux of permeate was successfully fitted to a cake‐forming model adapted to cross‐flow filtration. The permeability of the fouled membrane was completely restored (99.87%) by a cleaning treatment comprising an alkali step with NaOH and a final disinfection with NaOCl.CONCLUSIONSThe treatment proposed has proved to be a feasible technology, able to render a final permeate with reduced organic load. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of extracts of Humulus lupulus (hops) and Yucca schidigera applied alone or in combination with monensin on rumen fermentation and microbial populations in vitro
Authors: Narvaez Nelmy , Wang Yuxi , McAllister Tim 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundβ‐Acids in hops (Humulus lupulus) and saponins in yucca (Yucca schidigera) have been found to possess antimicrobial properties similar to that of monensin and could be an alternative to in‐feed antibiotics. The effects of monensin (MON) and ethanol extracts of hops (HE) and Y. schidigera (YE) alone and in combination with MON were assessed on ruminal microbial composition and fermentation in vitro of a barley‐based diet.ResultsAll treatments decreased (P < 0.05) CH4 production (per unit of dry matter), microbial protein (mg), and NH3‐N accumulation. All treatments reduced (P < 0.01) the acetate:propionate (A:P) ratio and molar proportions of butyrate, but increased (P < 0.01) those of propionate, whereas those of acetate decreased (P < 0.001) with addition of MON (10 µg mL−1) and combined with HE or YE. Methane produced per unit of true digested dry matter decreased (P < 0.001) with all treatments except YE. Monensin reduced (P < 0.001) proportions of 16S rRNA copies of Ruminococcus flavefaciens, but increased (P < 0.01) those of Selenomonas ruminantium. Hops extract alone or combined with MON reduced (P < 0.01) proportions of R. flavefaciens but combined with MON tended (P < 0.1) to increase those of S. ruminantium. Yucca extract combined with MON increased (P < 0.01) the proportions of R. flavefaciens and S. ruminantium. All treatments except MON (2.5 µg mL−1) reduced (P < 0.01) the relative abundance of methanogens.ConclusionHops extract and YE altered rumen microbes and fermentation in a manner similar to MON with many responses being additive when applied in combination. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Sensory and instrumental texture measurements for assessing grape seed parameters during fruit development
Authors: Letaief Hend , Maury Chantal , Symoneaux Ronan , Siret René 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe evolution of the sensory and instrumental properties of grape seeds was investigated during berry development, with a focus on the effects of the harvest season and growing location.ResultsThe sensory and instrumental texture analyses gave a consistent description of the ripening process. Moreover, the effect of maturation on the seed sensory descriptors was clearly influenced by the harvest season, and astringency was the most appropriate sensory attribute for the assessment of grape seed ripening. Except for seed cracking, which was positively correlated with fracturability (R = 0.69) and toughness (R = 0.68) in 2006, the compression parameters were generally not correlated with the sensory textural attributes but were more likely correlated with other sensory attributes such as astringency and vegetal aroma. The compression indices showed a logarithmic behaviour pattern during grape development, and seed stiffness was shown to be the most valuable textural index for parcel discrimination and identification of the optimal grape harvesting date.ConclusionThis research showed that both seed sensory attributes and instrumental texture properties are indicators of grape ripening. However, these properties could be affected by the harvest season and growing location. As no clear correlation was found between the seed sensory attributes and instrumental texture parameters, a revision of the sensory method available in the literature could be suggested. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of krill oil intake on plasma cholesterol and glucose levels in rats fed a high‐cholesterol diet
Authors: Li Dong-Mei , Zhou Da‐Yong , Zhu Bei‐Wei , Chi Ya‐Li , Sun Li‐Ming , Dong Xiu‐Ping , Qin Lei , Qiao Wei‐Zhou , Murata Yoshiyuki 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn this study, whole krill oil (WKO) and phospholipid‐type krill oil (PKO) with different lipid composition were prepared. The effects of KO intake on plasma cholesterol and glucose levels in Wistar rats fed a high‐cholesterol diet (HCD) were investigated.ResultsWKO contained 37.63% triglycerides, 48.37% phospholipids, 13.54% free fatty acids and 0.66% cholesterol, whereas the corresponding values for PKO were 0.59, 69.80, 28.53 and 1.09% respectively. Meanwhile, PKO contained much more polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 37.76%) than WKO (28.36%). After 4 weeks of HCD consumption, plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and glucose increased significantly, but that of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) decreased significantly. The intake of PKO and WKO for 4 weeks caused a significant reduction in body weight gain and plasma levels of TC and LDL‐C in HCD‐fed rats. Compared with WKO, PKO was more effective in decreasing plasma TC and LDL‐C levels.ConclusionPKO showed better overall cholesterol‐lowering effects than WKO, which may be due to its higher n‐3 PUFA levels. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Accumulation of soil‐borne aluminium, iron, manganese and zinc in plants cultivated in the region of Moanda (Gabon) and nutritional characteristics of the edible parts harvested
Authors: Ondo Jean Aubin , Menye Biyogo Richard , Eba François , Prudent Pascale , Fotio Daniel , Ollui‐Mboulou Magloire , Omva‐Zue Joseph 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn central Africa, studies on the transfer of metals from soil to food crops, the composition of foods and the dietary intake of cultivated vegetables are scarce. In this study, aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) transfer from naturally (pedogeochemically) contaminated soils into ten edible plants and human exposure to these metals via edible parts of the plants were investigated.ResultsThe fertility of the soils studied was still satisfactory. Soil Al (33 029–40 031 mg kg−1), Fe (20 869 ± 1124 mg kg−1) and Zn (248.3 ± 37.9 mg kg−1) concentrations were consistent with those found in agricultural soils, but Mn concentrations were above those normally encountered in arable fields (10 000 mg kg−1). The results indicated a substantial accumulation of Fe in red roselle leaves and of Al, Mn and Zn in some leafy plants and okra (fruits). The present study highlights that adults consuming vegetables grown on naturally Mn‐rich soils ingest significant amounts of Al, Mn and Zn. However, Zn amounts were below the recommended maximum tolerable levels for hazard risk.ConclusionThe study indicated that Al and Mn accumulation in food crops cultivated in the Moanda area of Gabon may represent a health hazard. However, the high levels of Zn in vegetables could be a pathway for Zn supplementation in human nutrition to reduce Zn deficiency in developing countries. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinical Issues—February 2013
Authors: Burlingame Byron L. 
Published: January 2013

This MonthObtaining RN first assistant privileges to practiceKey words: RN first assistant (RNFA), privileging process, practice issues.Creating policies and procedures for the RN first assistant credentialing processKey words: RN first assistant (RNFA), credentialing process, privileging process.Infection prevention guidelines for break rooms or lounges used by perioperative personnelKey words: infection prevention, disease vectors, OR lounges, OR break rooms.Sterilizing instruments when the sterilizer is malfunctioningKey words: off‐site sterilization, sterilizing instruments, malfunctioning equipment.Guidelines for the location of automatic endoscope reprocessorsKey words: endoscope reprocessor, department layout.
The Lived Spiritual Experiences of Patients Transitioning Through Major Outpatient Surgery
Authors: Griffin Andrew 
Published: January 2013

AbstractDramatic changes in outpatient surgery have occurred in recent years, but the basic care needs of surgical patients remain constant. Most outpatients face the same spiritual and coping issues that inpatients do, but outpatient surgery requires that patients cope with the surgery at an accelerated pace. This phenomenological study describes the meanings of the lived spiritual experiences of patients transitioning through major outpatient surgery. Analysis of interviews with participants resulted in four distinct themes: a point in time, holy other, vulnerability in the OR, and appraisals of uncertainty. Ways that health care providers can provide holistic case include developing an understanding of the patient's overall experience, understanding the patient's goals, and supporting the patient's own coping mechanisms and resources. Additional research should be conducted to explore interventions related to patients’ spiritual well‐being in outpatient settings.