bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Atmospheric Growth Technique to Improve Both Light Absorption and Charge Collection in ZnO/Cu2O Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Marin Andrew T. , Muñoz‐Rojas David , Iza Diana C. , Gershon Talia , Musselman Kevin P. , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn low temperature grown ZnO/Cu2O solar cells, there is a discrepancy between collection length and depletion width in the Cu2O which makes the simultaneous achievement of efficient charge collection and high open‐circuit voltage problematic. This is addressed in this study by fabricating ZnO/Cu2O/Cu2O+ back surface field devices using an atmospheric atomic layer deposition (AALD) printing method to grow a sub‐200‐nm Cu2O+ film on top of electrodeposited ZnO and Cu2O layers. The AALD Cu2O+ has a carrier concentration around 2 orders of magnitude higher than the electrodeposited Cu2O, allowing the electrodeposited Cu2O layer thickness in a back surface field cell to be reduced from 3 μm to the approximate charge collection length, 1 μm, while still allowing a high potential to be built into the cell. The dense conformal nature of the AALD layer also blocks shunt pathways allowing the voltage enhancement to be maintained. The thinner cell design reduces recombination losses and increases charge collection from both incident light and light reflected off the back electrode. Using this design, a short circuit current density of 6.32 mA cm−2 is achieved–the highest reported JSC for an atmospherically deposited ZnO/Cu2O device to date.
Amorphous Zinc Stannate (Zn2SnO4) Nanofibers Networks as Photoelectrodes for Organic Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Choi Seung‐Hoon , Hwang Daesub , Kim Dong‐Young , Kervella Yann , Maldivi Pascale , Jang Sung‐Yeon , Demadrille Renaud , Kim Il‐Doo 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA new strategy for developing dye‐sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) by combining thin porous zinc tin oxide (Zn2SnO4) fiber‐based photoelectrodes with purely organic sensitizers is presented. The preparation of highly porous Zn2SnO4 electrodes, which show high specific surface area up to 124 m2/g using electrospinning techniques, is reported. The synthesis of a new organic donor‐conjugate‐acceptor (D‐π‐A) structured orange organic dye with molar extinction coefficient of 44 600 M−1 cm−1 is also presented. This dye and two other reference dyes, one organic and a ruthenium complex, are employed for the fabrication of Zn2SnO4 fiber‐based DSSCs. Remarkably, organic dye‐sensitized DSSCs displayed significantly improved performance compared to the ruthenium complex sensitized DSSCs. The devices based on a 3 μm‐thick Zn2SnO4 electrode using the new sensitizer in conjunction with a liquid electrolyte show promising photovoltaic conversion up to 3.7% under standard AM 1.5G sunlight (100 mW cm−2). This result ranks among the highest reported for devices using ternary metal oxide electrodes.
Efficient Persistent Room Temperature Phosphorescence in Organic Amorphous Materials under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Hirata Shuzo , Totani Kenro , Zhang Junxiang , Yamashita Takashi , Kaji Hironori , Marder Seth R. , Watanabe Toshiyuki , Adachi Chihaya 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPersistent emission with a long lifetime (>1 s) from organic materials can only be observed at a low temperature, because of the significant nonradiative deactivation pathway that occurs at room‐temperature (RT). If organic materials with persistent RT emission in air could be developed, they could potentially be utilized for a variety of applications. Here, organic host‐guest materials with efficient persistent RT phosphorescence (RTP) are developed by minimizing the nonradiative deactivation pathway of triplet excitons. The nonradiative deactivation pathway is dependent on both nonradiative deactivation of the guest and quenching by diffusional motion of the host. The rigidity and oxygen barrier properties of the steroidal compound used as the host suppressed the quenching, and the aromatic hydrocarbon used as the guest is highly deuterated to minimize nonradiative deactivation of the guest. Red‐green‐blue persistent RTP with a lifetime >1 s and a quantum yield >10% in air is realized for a pure organic material.
Preparation of Polypyrrole Nanocomposites with Organophilic and Hydrophilic Montmorillonite and Investigation of Their Corrosion Protection on Iron
Authors: Olad Ali , Rashidzadeh Azam , Amini Maryam 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe nanocomposite of polypyrrole with organonophilic montmorillonite and hydrophilic montmorillonite clays was prepared by in situ polymerization of pyrrole monomer in the presence of montmorillonite nanoclays. FTIR spectroscopy studies and X‐ray diffraction pattern were used to confirm the formation of a polypyrrole/montmorillonite nanocomposite. The scanning electron microscopy image of the nanocomposite showed the homogeneous and continuous structure of the nanocomposite. Also cyclic voltammetry studies revealed that the synthesized nanocomposites were electroactive. The anticorrosive properties of nanocomposite coatings on iron coupons were evaluated and compared with pure polypyrrole coating. According to the results in corrosive environments, the polypyrrole/organonophilic montmorillonite nanocomposite has enhanced corrosion protection effect in comparison to pure polypyrrole and polypyrrole/hydrophilic montmorillonite coating. It was concluded that the better corrosion protection effect was due to the better dispersion of organophilic montmorillonite nanoclays in the polymer matrix, which results in a decrease in the corrosion current and corrosion rate. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Technol 2013, 32, 21337; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21337
Are green building features safe for preventive maintenance workers? Examining the evidence
Authors: Omar Mohamed Shamun , Quinn Margaret M. , Buchholz Bryan , Geiser Ken 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundMany newly constructed green buildings (GB) are certified using the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system for new construction and major renovation which focuses on architectural and mechanical design to conserve energy, reduce environmental harm, and enhance indoor quality for occupants. This study evaluated the preventive maintenance (PM) worker occupational safety and health (OSH) risks related to the design of GB.MethodsPM job hazard analyses (JHA) were performed on the tasks required to operate and maintain five GB features selected from 13 LEED certified GB. A 22‐item JHA and OSH risk scoring system were developed.ResultsPotentially serious OSH hazards included: green roofs made of slippery material without fall protection; energy recovery wheels and storm water harvesting systems in confined spaces; skylights without guard rails; and tight geothermal well mechanical rooms constraining safe preventive practices.ConclusionsGB can present PM OSH risks and these should be eliminated in the building design phase. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:410–423, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management of sinonasal hemangiopericytomas: a systematic review
Authors: Dahodwala Mufaddal Q. , Husain Qasim , Kanumuri Vivek V. , Choudhry Osamah J. , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundHemangiopericytomas are typically found in soft‐tissue, but only rarely found in the sinonasal tract. Sinonasal hemangiopericytomas have been reported mostly through case studies, and optimal treatment is considered surgical excision. Classically, open surgical methods of tumor extirpation have been considered standard of care. With the wider use of endoscopic methods, an updated systematic review in terms of treatment is warranted.MethodsCases were identified using a MEDLINE and PubMed search. Relevant studies were identified, and data was extracted regarding patient demographics, presenting symptoms, tumor characteristics, treatment, and outcomes.ResultsA total of 128 cases were collected from 56 articles, consisting of case reports and series. The most common presenting symptoms were epistaxis, nasal obstruction, and facial pain/swelling/pressure. Computed tomography (CT) and X‐ray were the most common modes of imaging during diagnosis and operative planning. The tumor often occupied multiple locations in the sinonasal tract at initial presentation. Surgical resection was the mainstay of treatment in 126 of the 128 cases (98.4%), either through open resection or endoscopic techniques. Surgical removal resulted in no recurrence in 79.7% of the cases. The use of endoscopic techniques increased significantly in the past decade. This review found no significant difference in terms of recurrence between endoscopic and open treatment groups, age, gender, and unilocality vs multilocality of tumor.ConclusionSurgical management remains the mainstay of treatment for hemangiopericytomas. Endoscopic resection of these lesions has increased over the last few decades and has become a safe, viable, and reasonable alternative to open resection.
Positively charged hollow‐fiber composite nanofiltration membrane prepared by quaternization crosslinking
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPoly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) can be crosslinked by interfacial polymerization to develop a positively charged dense network structure. According to this mechanism, a positively charged hollow‐fiber composite nanofiltration (NF) membrane was prepared by quaternization to achieve a crosslinked PDMAEMA gel layer on the outer surface of polysulfone hollow‐fiber ultrafiltration (UF) membranes with a PDMAEMA aqueous solution as a coating solution and p‐xylylene dichloride as an agent. The preparation conditions, including the PDMAEMA concentration, content of additive in the coating solution, catalyzer, alkali, crosslinking temperature, and hollow‐fiber substrate membrane, were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the structure of the membranes. This membrane had a rejection to inorganic salts in aqueous solution. The rejection of MgSO4 (2 g/L aqueous solution at 0.7 MPa and 25°C) was above 98%, and the flux was about 19.5 L m−2 h−1. Moreover, the composite NF membranes showed good stability in the water‐phase filtration process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Lime repellent polyethylene additives
Authors: Siegmann Konstantin , Sterchi Robert , Widler Roland , Hirayama Martina 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe precipitation of calcium carbonate from hard water, commonly known as calcification or scaling, is a widespread nuisance. To avoid scaling, a physical or chemical pretreatment of water is often employed, such as ion exchange, addition of complexing agents, or the use of magnetic and electric fields. Our approach is to construct surfaces to which calcium carbonate crystals do not adhere. Here, we show that by the use of particular copolymer additives, polyethylene can be made lime repellent. The copolymers have the formula: polyethylene‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol) and are compounded into the polyethylene. Twelve such additives were investigated and three displayed anticalcification activity. The effective copolymers were investigated by mass spectrometry. Infrared spectroscopy of copolymer/polyethylene blends revealed that the concentration of the additive in the matrix correlates to a specific absorption band. Stability tests against hot water showed that the anticalcification activity was maintained over the timeframe investigated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Heterologous expression of human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 in Escherichia coli and establishment of RP‐HPLC method to serve as activity marker
Authors: Pan Yan , Mak Joon Wah , Ong Chin Eng 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, a simple and reliable reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) method was established and validated to analyze S‐mephenytoin 4‐hydroxylase activity of a recombinant CYP2C19 system. This system was obtained by co‐expressing CYP2C19 and NADPH‐CYP oxidoreductase (OxR) proteins in Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells. In addition to RP‐HPLC, the expressed proteins were evaluated by immunoblotting and reduced CO difference spectral scanning. The RP‐HPLC assay showed good linearity (r2 = 1.00) with 4‐hydroxymephenytoin concentration from 0.100 to 50.0 μm and the limit of detection was 5.00 × 10−2 μm. Intraday and interday precisions determined were from 1.90 to 8.19% and from 2.20 to 14.9%, respectively. Recovery and accuracy of the assay were from 83.5 to 85.8% and from 95.0 to 105%. Enzyme kinetic parameters (Km, Vmax and Ki) were comparable to reported values. The presence of CYP2C19 in bacterial membranes was confirmed by immunoblotting and the characteristic absorbance peak at 450 nm was determined in the reduced CO difference spectral assay. Moreover, the activity level of co‐expressed OxR was found to be comparable to that of the literature. As a conclusion, the procedures described here have generated catalytically active CYP2C19 and the RP‐HPLC assay developed is able to serve as CYP2C19 activity marker for pharmacokinetic drug interaction study in vitro. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical Simulation of the Two‐Phase Fluid Field in a Gas‐Around‐Liquid Spray Nozzle
Authors: Liu D. , Chen B. , Zhang B. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA new gas‐around‐liquid spray nozzle (GLSN) was designed, and the two‐phase flow fluid field in this nozzle was simulated numerically. Flow characteristics under different structural parameters were obtained by changing the L/D ratio of the premixing chamber, incident angle, and inlet pressures. Increasing the L/D ratio and incident angle improved flow characteristics such as atomization flow, outlet velocity, and turbulence intensity. The nozzle performed optimally at an L/D ratio of 0.5 and incident angle of 60°. The atomization flow decreased with higher gas pressure and increased with higher liquid pressure. The outlet velocity mainly depended on the inlet gas pressure, not on the inlet liquid pressure. These results provide an indication for optimum structures and parameters of the GLSN.
Solubility of Ibuprofen, Phytosterol, Salicylic Acid, and Naproxen in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Bolten D. , Lietzow R. , Türk M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractExperimental solubility data of the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ibuprofen, salicylic acid, and naproxen as well as of the plant‐derived active component phytosterol have been determined in aqueous stabilizer solutions as a function of stabilizer concentration. SDS, Solutol® HS15, Tween® 20, Tween® 80, polidocanol, Lutrol® F68, PVP 10, PVP K25, and PVP K90 were chosen to solubilize the drugs. Furthermore, the influence of temperature, buffer, and pH value of the aqueous solution on drug solubility was investigated.
Optimized Backflushing Process for Fibrous Media in Engine Oil Filtration and Enhancement by Ultrasound
Authors: Gruschwitz F. , Nirschl H. , Anlauf H. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractFilter media that are made of metal fiber fleece have been qualified as a very suitable method to clean engine oils from fine particles in large diesel application. However, regeneration by backflushing of these densely packed depth filtration media is a great challenge. In experimental studies, the principles of successful hydrodynamic backflushing could be identified. Furthermore, the auxiliary effects of medium‐ and high‐power ultrasound on this process were investigated and could be qualified. Ideal process parameters for the general aim of freeing filter media from clogging particle fractions whilst using minimized amounts of flushing medium can be derived. This generates input parameters for an optimized apparatus design in real‐scale application.
Tat-activating regulatory DNA-binding protein regulates glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the platelet isoform of phosphofructokinase through microRNA 520
Authors: Park Yun-Yong , Kim Sang-Bae , Han Hee Dong , Sohn Bo Hwa , Kim Ji Hoon , Liang Jiyong , Lu Yiling , Rodriguez-Aguayo Cristian , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Mills Gordon B. , Sood Anil K. , Lee Ju-Seog 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Metabolic changes are common features of many cancer cells and are frequently associated with the clinical outcome of patients with various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, aberrant metabolic pathways in cancer cells are attractive targets for cancer therapy. However, our understanding of cancer-specific regulatory mechanisms of cell metabolism is still very limited. We found that Tat-activating regulatory DNA-binding protein (TARDBP) is a novel regulator of glycolysis in HCC cells. TARDBP regulates expression of the platelet isoform of phosphofructokinase (PFKP), the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis that catalyzes the irreversible conversion of fructose-6-phosphate to fructose-1,6-bisphosphate. Silencing of TARDBP expression in multiple HCC cell lines leads to impaired glucose metabolism and inhibition of in vitro and in vivo growth of HCC cells. Notably, the microRNA 520 (miR-520) family is an intermediate regulator of TARDBP-mediated regulation of glycolysis. Mechanistically, TARDBP suppressed expression of the miR-520 family, which, in turn, inhibited expression of PFKP. We further showed that expression of TARDBP is significantly associated with the overall survival of patients with HCC. Conclusion: Our study provides new mechanistic insights into the regulation of glycolysis in HCC cells and reveals TARDBP as a potential therapeutic target for HCC. (HEPATOLOGY 2013;)
Polymorphisms in the coding region of X-ray repair complementing group 4 and aflatoxin B1-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Long Xi-Dai , Yao Jin-Guang , Zeng Zhi , Ma Yun , Huang Xiao-Ying , Wei Zhong-Hua , Liu Min , Zhang Jian-Jun , Xue Feng , Zhai Bo , Xia Qiang 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

X-ray repair complementing group 4 (XRCC4) is very important in maintaining overall genome stability and may play an important role in carcinogenesis. We aimed to investigate the role of polymorphisms in the coding region of this gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). A hospital-based case-control study, including 1,499 HCC cases and 2,045 controls without any liver diseases or tumors, was conducted in a high AFB1 exposure area (the Guangxi region) to assess the relationship between 21 polymorphisms in the coding region of XRCC4 and AFB1-related HCC risk and prognosis. Among these 21 polymorphisms, only rs28383151 modified HCC risk. These individuals with the genotypes of rs28383151 A alleles (rs28383151-GA/AA), compared with the homozygote of rs28383151 G alleles (rs28383151-GG), faced increasing risk of HCC (odds ratio [OR]: 2.17; 95% confidence interval: 1.77-2.67). Significant interactive effects between risk genotypes (OR, >1) and AFB1 exposure status were also observed in the joint-effects analysis. Furthermore, this polymorphism was correlated not only with lower XRCC4-expressing levels, but also with higher AFB1-DNA adducts levels and increasing TP53M and portal vein tumor risk. The rs28383151 polymorphism modified the recurrence-free survival and overall survival of HCC patients, especially under high AFB1 exposure conditions. Additionally, this polymorphism multiplicatively interacted with the glutathione S-transferase M1 polymorphism with respect to HCC risk (ORinteraction = 2.13). Conclusion: Genetic polymorphisms in the coding region of XRCC4 may be risk and prognostic biomarkers of AFB1-related HCC, and rs28383151 is such a potential candidate. (HEPATOLOGY 2013) © 147.
Homology of lungs and gas bladders: Insights from arterial vasculature
Authors: Longo Sarah , Riccio Mark , McCune Amy R 
Published: February 2013

AbstractGas bladders of ray‐finned fishes serve a variety of vital functions and are thus an important novelty of most living vertebrates. The gas bladder has long been regarded as an evolutionary modification of lungs. Critical evidence for this hypothesized homology is whether pulmonary arteries supply the gas bladder as well as the lungs. Pulmonary arteries, paired branches of the fourth efferent branchial arteries, deliver blood to the lungs in osteichthyans with functional lungs (lungfishes, tetrapods, and the ray‐finned polypterid fishes). The fact that pulmonary arteries also supply the respiratory gas bladder of Amia calva (bowfin) has been used to support the homology of lungs and gas bladders, collectively termed air‐filled organs (AO). However, the homology of pulmonary arteries in bowfin and lunged osteichthyans has been uncertain, given the apparent lack of pulmonary arteries in critical taxa. To re‐evaluate the homology of pulmonary arteries in bowfin and lunged osteichthyans, we studied, using micro‐CT technology, the arterial vasculature of Protopterus, Polypterus, Acipenser, Polyodon, Amia, and Lepisosteus, and analyzed these data using a phylogenetic approach. Our data reveal that Acipenser and Polyodon have paired posterior branches of the fourth efferent branchial arteries, which are thus similar in origin to pulmonary arteries. We hypothesize that these arteries are vestigial pulmonary arteries that have been coopted for new functions due to the dorsal shift of the AO and/or the loss of respiration in these taxa. Ancestral state reconstructions support pulmonary arteries as a synapomorphy of the Osteichthyes, provide the first concrete evidence for the retention of pulmonary arteries in Amia, and support thehomology of lungs and gas bladders due to a shared vascular supply. Finally, we use ancestral state reconstructions to show that arterial AO supplies from the celiacomesenteric artery or dorsal aorta appear to be convergent between teleosts and nonteleost actinopterygians. J. Morphol., 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous magnetic resonance angiography and perfusion (MRAP) measurement: Initial application in lower extremity skeletal muscle
Authors: Wright Katherine L. , Seiberlich Nicole , Jesberger John A. , Nakamoto Dean A. , Muzic Raymond F. , Griswold Mark A. , Gulani Vikas 
Published: February 2013

PurposeTo obtain a simultaneous 3D magnetic resonance angiography and perfusion (MRAP) using a single acquisition and to demonstrate MRAP in the lower extremities. A time‐resolved contrast‐enhanced exam was used in MRAP to simultaneously acquire a contrast‐enhanced MR angiography (MRA) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) perfusion, which currently requires separate acquisitions and thus two contrast doses. MRAP can be used to assess large and small vessels in vascular pathologies such as peripheral arterial disease.Materials and MethodsMRAP was performed on 10 volunteers following unilateral plantar flexion exercise (one leg exercised and one rested) on two separate days. Data were acquired after administration of a single dose of contrast agent using an optimized sampling strategy, parallel imaging, and partial‐Fourier acquisition to obtain a high spatial resolution, 3D‐MRAP frame every 4 seconds. Two radiologists assessed MRAs for image quality, a signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) analysis was performed, and pharmacokinetic modeling yielded perfusion (Ktrans).ResultsMRA images had high SNR and radiologist‐assessed diagnostic quality. Mean Ktrans ± standard error were 0.136 ± 0.009, 0.146 ± 0.012, and 0.191 ± 0.012 min−1 in the resting tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus, respectively, which significantly increased with exercise to 0.291 ± 0.018, 0.270 ± 0.019, and 0.338 ± 0.022 min−1. Bland–Altman analysis showed good repeatability.ConclusionMRAP provides simultaneous high‐resolution MRA and quantitative DCE exams to assess large and small vessels with a single contrast dose. Application in skeletal muscle shows quantitative, repeatable perfusion measurements, and the ability to measure physiological differences. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1237–1244. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.