bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The hTAFII68‐TEC fusion protein functions as a strong transcriptional activator
Authors: Kim Sol , Lee Hye Jin , Jun Hee Jung , Kim Jungho 
Published: March 2008

AbstractHuman extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is caused by a chromosomal translocation that involves TEC (translocated in extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma), and either EWS (Ewing's sarcoma) or hTAFII68 (human TATA‐binding protein‐associated factor II 68), which generates EWS‐TEC or hTAFII68‐TEC fusion proteins, respectively. Although there has been a great deal of progress in characterizing EWS‐TEC, there is relatively little known about the biological function of hTAFII68‐TEC. We have examined the functional consequences of the fusion of the amino terminal domain (NTD) of hTAFII68 to TEC in EMC. The chimeric gene encodes a nuclear protein that binds DNA with the same sequence specificity as parental TEC. Nuclear localization of hTAFII68‐TEC was dependent on the DNA binding domain, and we identified a cluster of basic amino acids in the DNA binding domain, KRRR, that specifically mediate the nuclear localization of hTAFII68‐TEC. The transactivation activity of hTAFII68‐TEC was higher than TEC towards a known target promoter that contained several TEC binding sites. Finally, deletion analysis of hTAFII68‐TEC indicated that the hTAFII68 NTD, and the AF1 and AF2 domains of hTAFII68‐TEC are necessary for full transactivation potential. These results suggest that the oncogenic effect of the t(9;17) translocation may be due to the hTAFII68‐TEC chimeric protein and that fusion of the hTAFII68 NTD to the TEC protein produces a gain of function chimeric product. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of pentachlorophenol and tribromophenol in sawdust by ultrasound‐assisted extraction and MEKC
Authors: Mardones Claudia , von Baer Dietrich , Hidalgo Ariela , Contreras Alejandra , Sepúlveda Carlos 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAn ultrasonic bar‐assisted extraction and CE separation procedure for the determination of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 2,4,6‐tribromophenol (TBP) residues in sawdust was developed and applied. For this purpose, micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) was used and compared with a GC/MS methodology. This methodology allowed the quantification of PCP and TBP in a concentration range of 2.5–12.0 mg/kg for TBP and 2.8–12.0 mg/kg for PCP. Different sample treatment processes were evaluated in order to extract these compounds from sawdust. Better results were obtained when the residues were extracted with ultrasound‐assisted hexane, filtered, evaporated, dissolved in Na2CO3, and injected into the CE equipment. The optimal option for GC/MS was extraction with Na2CO3 followed by a derivation using acetic anhydride and liquid–liquid extraction with hexane. This method allowed the quantification of TBP and PCP in sawdust in a concentration range of 0.19–12.00 mg/kg and 0.14–12.00 mg/kg, respectively. The CE method was compared with the GC/MS as reference method. The results were shown to be statistically similar by both methods for PCP as well as for TBP.
Alkannin/shikonin mixture from roots of Onosma echioides (L.) L.: Extraction method study and quantification
Authors: Sagratini Gianni , Cristalli Gloria , Giardinà Dario , Gioventù Giorgio , Maggi Filippo , Ricciutelli Massimo , Vittori Sauro 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis work reports the extraction procedures of alkannin/shikonin mixture from roots of six populations of Onosma echioides, by means of three extraction techniques: Soxhlet extraction, maceration and rapid solid–liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE). Five solvents with different polarity (hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol) were also studied. Analysis of the extracts was performed by an HPLC‐DAD (diode array detector) system. The most efficient extraction technique was Soxhlet procedure using ethyl acetate for 6 h. Studied samples of O. echioides showed an alkannin/shikonin content in the range of 0.02–0.24 mg/kg. Other naphthoquinone derivatives (deoxyalkannin/deoxyshikonin and 5,8‐dihydroxy‐2‐(4‐methyl‐6‐oxo‐5,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐yl)‐[1,4]naphthoquinone and arnebin‐6) were found for the first time in O. echioides and characterized in the extracts using HPLC‐MS apparatus equipped with an ESI ionization source.
Development of a polymer‐coated stationary phase with improved chemical stability in alkaline mobile phases
Authors: Faria Anizio M. , Silva César R. , Collins Carol H. , Jardim Isabel C. S. F. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAn endcapped stationary phase is prepared by thermal immobilization of poly(methyltetradecylsiloxane) (PMTDS) onto a doubly zirconized silica support followed by endcapping using a mixture of hexamethyldisilazane and trimethylchlorosilane. The preparation of the Si–Zr(PMTDS)ec phase shows good repeatability with RSD <3.0% for carbon loadings and column efficiency. This new stationary phase has a lower density of residual hydroxyl groups, according to spectroscopic methods while basic compounds from the Tanaka and Engelhardt test mixtures are eluted with essentially symmetric peaks. Furthermore, the stability of the Si–Zr(PMTDS)ec stationary phase, measured using an accelerated aging test, is twice as great as the stability of a similar nonendcapped phase. The new phase shows promise for the separation of basic pharmaceuticals.
Analysis and modification of nonhyperbolic kinetic models
Authors: Juška Alfonsas 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA nonhyperbolic model of Rabin (Biochem J 1967, 102, 22C–23C) in which four conformational states are considered has been simplified to the three‐state one. Only multistate models (if the concentration of enzyme or receptor is assumed to be low) can yield nonhyperbolic kinetics. The simplified model has been shown to retain all the essential properties of the original four‐state model. The model yields a diversity of nonhyperbolic dose–response curves both with higher and lower steepness than that of Henri‐type ones. The three‐state model can be further reduced to the hyperbolic one by making identical the different (unliganded) states. The bistate model in which protein concentration is assumed to be high yields nonhyperbolic kinetics as well; the model is reduced to the hyperbolic one if the protein concentration is assumed to be low. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 253–258, 2008
Synthesis, characterization, and hoping transport properties of HCl doped conducting biopolymer‐co‐polyaniline zwitterion hybrids
Authors: Tiwari A. , Sen V. , Dhakate S. R. , Mishra A. P. , Singh V. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA series of electrically conductive zwitterion hybrid materials were facilely synthesized with anionic acacia gum (AG) and cationic HCl doped polyaniline (PANI) through radical copolymerization method. A representative acacia gum‐polyaniline hybrid (AG‐PANI) was characterized using UV‐vis, FTIR, 1H NMR, and SEM. HCl doped AG‐PANI possesses zwitterion character due to the presence of NH on PANI and COO− of AG. The cyclic voltammogram of AG‐PANI showed three anodic peaks at 0.20 V, 0.58 V, and 0.64 V along with two cathodic peaks at 0.50 V and 0.40 V with large capacitive background currents. AG‐PANI exhibited electrical conductivity that was found dependent on the ratio of aniline to AG, temperature, and pH. Its electrical conductivity versus temperature plot indicated Mott's nearest‐neighbor hopping mechanism at the temperature range 83–323 K. The hybridization of AG and PANI yielded eco‐friendly advanced functional materials for technological applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of novel compatibilizers on the properties and morphology of PP/PC blends
Authors: Dai Shanshan , Ye Lin 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA series of compatibilizers, including polypropylene (PP) grafted with 2‐tertbutyl‐6‐(3‐tertbutyl‐ 2‐hydroxy‐5‐methylbenzyl)‐4‐methylphenyl acrylic ester (BPA), glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), GMA/styrene (GMA‐st), and 2‐allyl bisphenol A (2A) were investigated for the purpose of improving the compatibility of PP/polycarbonate (PC) blends. PP‐g‐BPA shows a remarkable compatibilizing effect on PP/PC blends since it has similar group‐benzene ring with PC, and it is a sort of heat‐resistant antioxidant in the meantime, which can reduce the molecular degradation of PP during grafting and blending under high temperatures. Its compatibilizing effect was examined in terms of the mechanical, thermal properties, and morphologies. PP/PC blends show a decreasing and much more homogeneous size of dispersed PC particles through addition of a small amount of PP‐g‐BPA, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) reveals a noticeable approach of Tg between PP and PC, indicating the improvement of the compatibility of PP/PC blends. Furthermore, styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene (SEBS) as a toughening rubber and a compatibilizer was applied to PP/PC blends. Around 25 wt% SEBS and 20 wt% PC lead to high toughness and strength of PP. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical consequences of an increasing trend of preferential use of cultured villi for molecular diagnosis by CVS
Authors: Aina‐Mumuney Abimbola , Wood Elizabeth D. , Corson Virginia L. , Stetten Gail , Jari Shama , Boehm Corinne D. , Blakemore Karin J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the use of uncultured versus cultured villus cells for DNA‐based prenatal diagnosis.MethodsA retrospective review of molecular testing of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) cases from 1988–2007. Method of analysis, gestational age (GA) at CVS and at diagnosis, time from procedure to results, results of maternal contamination studies, and the laboratory employed were abstracted from patient charts. Trends in laboratory practices over time were analyzed.ResultsTime from CVS to diagnosis was longer when cultured cells were used. Average GA at diagnosis was 14‐6/7 weeks with cultured cells vs 13‐0/7 weeks with uncultured villi (p < 0.001). Recently, laboratories are more frequently requiring cultured cells, resulting in significantly greater delays in time to diagnosis and GA at results.Conclusions‘Direct’ DNA extraction saves 2 weeks from CVS to results. More women are afforded the option of an earlier, safer pregnancy termination if uncultured villi are used for molecular diagnosis. Implementation of standardized DNA extraction protocols and sample‐size requirements can optimize the use of uncultured villi for molecular prenatal diagnosis. Increased awareness of the importance of rapid results and the advantages of ‘direct’ DNA extraction from uncultured villi can lead to improvements that are of clinical significance for patients undergoing early prenatal diagnosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors associated with preterm birth according to gestational age at birth
Authors: Ofori Benjamin D. , Le Tiec Magali , Bérard Anick 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPurposeTo identify and quantify risk factors associated with preterm birth, stratified by gestational age at birth.MethodsThree case‐control analyses were done. Controls were pregnancies of ≥37 weeks of gestational age at birth. Cases were defined as: <28, 28–32, 33– <37 weeks of gestational age at birth respectively in the three case‐control analyses. Women were categorized according to whether they carried single or multiple infants.ResultsObstetrical conditions (placenta previa, placental abruption), and maternal hypertension were significantly associated with preterm delivery in all case‐control analyses (adjusted OR between 1.34–19.56, p < 0.05). Leading risk factors for preterm delivery in singleton pregnancies were placental abruption and placenta previa (adjusted ORs 4.85 and 4.13, p < 0.05). For multiple pregnancies they were polyhydramnios and maternal hypertension (adjusted ORs 4.39 and 2.45, p < 0.05).ConclusionsObstetrical conditions during the pregnancy and maternal hypertension are important risk factors for preterm birth. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of oxygen plasma treatment on the tribological properties of Si‐DLC coatings
Authors: Choi J. , Nakao S. , Ikeyama M. , Kato T. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn the present study, the effects of silicon oxide layer of Si‐DLC coatings on the tribological properties were investigated. The Si‐DLC coatings were deposited on Si substrates using a bi‐polar type plasma‐based ion implantation and deposition technique (bi‐polar type PBII&D), and the surface of the Si‐DLC coating was treated by oxygen plasma for 180 seconds. The friction coefficient of the Si‐DLC coatings is effectively reduced due to the treatment of oxygen plasma whereas the wear depth of oxidized Si‐DLC coatings increases due to the wear of soft oxide layer. A transferred layer composed of silicon oxide and graphitic carbon was observed on the counter steel ball surface, and the amount of the transferred layer increases by the treatment of oxygen plasma. The transferred layer prevents contact between the steel and DLC surfaces when sliding, resulting in a low friction coefficient. It seems that the silicon oxide plays a roll to bind the lubricative graphitized carbon debris on the steel ball surface. The treatment of the oxygen plasma on the top surface of the Si‐DLC coatings can effectively reduce the friction coefficient without hardness reduction in the entire Si‐DLC coatings. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical emission spectroscopy of CO2 glow discharge at low pressure
Authors: Reyes P. G. , Mendez E. F. , Osorio‐Gonzalez D. , Castillo F. , Martínez H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractOptical emission spectroscopy was used to study the glow discharge of CO2 in the pressure range of 0.2 to 1.2 mTorr, power of 160 W and a flux of 35 psi. The emission bands and lines were measured using a monochromator in the wavelength range of 200 to 900 nm. The species observed were C2 (A3Πg – X'3Πu) at 435.7nm and (C'1Πg – b1Πu) at 369.2 nm; O2 (b1Σg+ ‐ X3Σg–) at 628.2; CO (a'3Σ ‐ a3Π) at 674.7 nm; O2+ (A2Πu ‐ X2Πg) at 339.3 and 289.2 nm; CO2+ (A2Π ‐ X2Π) at 353.2 nm; CO2 (1B2 – X1Σ+) at 391.7 nm; CO+ (A2Π – X2Σ) at 577.7 nm; and O3 (1B2 – X1A1) at 327.2 nm. We observed that the emission intensities bands have an almost constant behavior as function of the pressure in the range of 0.2 to 0.6 mTorr, followed by an increasing behavior. The electron temperature and ion density were determined by a double Langmuir probe. The electron temperature was found of 8.53 eV, and the electron concentration of 7.11 x 109 cm–3 at a pressure of 0.8 mTorr. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microstructure of diamond‐like carbon films prepared using acetylene and toluene by bipolar‐type plasma based ion implantation
Authors: Nakao S. , Choi J. , Kato T. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDiamond‐like carbon (DLC) films are deposited on Si substrates using acetylene (C2H2), toluene (C7H8) and their mixed gas, and the microstructures are examined by micro‐Raman spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and elastic recoil detection (ERD) analysis as a function of negatively pulsed voltages (Vn). It is found that the formation of graphite‐like structure (aromatic ring clustering) is enhanced with increasing Vn. In addition, the density of the films is increased up to approximately 2.0 g/cm3 and the H concentration is decreased with increasing Vn. The use of C2H2 has much effect on the formation of graphite‐like structure and the reduction of H concentration in the films at high Vn as compared with others. The deposition rate of the films is increased with increasing Vn. Relatively high deposition rate is obtained when using C7H8. In the case of the mixed gas, the deposition rate is found to be close to that of C7H8. These results suggest that C7H8 is dominant to the deposition process when using the mixture of C2H2 + C7H8. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Wave instabilities of longitudinal electro‐kinetic waves in ion implanted semiconductor plasmas
Authors: Ghosh S. K. , Thakur Preeti , Yadav Nishchhal 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA comprehensive investigation of propagation of new longitudinal electro‐kinetic modes and novel properties introduced due to presence of negatively charged particulates in semiconductor plasma is presented. By employing the multi‐fluid balance equations, a compact dispersion relation for the cases in which wave phase velocity is either larger or smaller than electron thermal velocity is derived. This dispersion relation is used to study wave phenomena and electro‐kinetic mode instability numerically. We find important modifications in electro‐kinetic branch as well as the existence of new modes of propagation in semiconductor plasma in presence of charged particulates. The results of this investigation should be useful in understanding the characteristics of longitudinal electro‐kinetic wave in semiconductor plasmas in presence of charged particulates whose main constituents are electrons, holes and negatively charged particulates. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Plasma deposition of piezoelectric ZnO layers by rf sputtering, SolGel and pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Wätje Kerstin , Ebbecke Jens , Thorwarth Götz , van de Ven Mark , Wixforth Achim 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAs “lab‐on‐a‐chip‐devices” suited for analyses of least amounts of liquids are emerging from prototype status, cost‐effective materials for mass production of these devices are sought. For handling and mixing components, surface acoustic waves generated by piezoelectric elements are routinely employed; however, the LiNbO3 single crystals used in such units are a significant cost factor. As an alternative, zinc oxide layers deposited onto the glass substrates hold the promise of cheaper production and easier integration into the assembly. In the present study, experiments regarding the deposition of such layers using different plasma processes are presented. Film synthesis was performed using rf magnetron sputtering, pulsed laser deposition and plasma based ion bombardment of Sol‐Gel films on crystalline and amorphous substrates. The impacts of significant deposition parameters are discussed. At optimum deposition parameters, excellent columnar growth in the preferred c‐axis orientation could be observed. The suitability of such films for the desired application is substanciated through first mixing experiments using optically lithographed interdigital transducers (IDTs). (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Advanced optimization and process control of plasma doping apparatus
Authors: Miller T. , Dorai R. , Godet L. , Papasouliotis G. D. , Singh V. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn keeping with the trend of progressively shrinking device features, future generation advanced Logic and DRAM devices will require shallower junction depths and poly thickness and also higher doses compared to their current day counterparts. Present monomer based beamline technology suffers decreasing throughput during this transition as a result of space charge limitations. Plasma doping is a well characterized alternative that not only meets the doping requirements for <70 nm ITRS DRAM and Logic technology nodes but also features superior throughput levels that are largely energy insensitive. The simplicity of the Plasma doping tool design and evolution in process control offer a promising future for production worthiness of this technique. Key challenges for adoption of plasma doping tools in mainstream doping production are dose and contamination control. In this article, we report on the plasma modeling and diagnostic approaches used to optimize reactor design and describe how a closed loop faraday dose monitoring system is utilized to ensure dose repeatability. This combined modeling, diagnostics and sensor approach, which will be validated with on‐wafer measurements, enables the adoption of plasma doping in a mass production environment. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of carbon fiber surface treatments on the flexural strength and tribological properties of short carbon fiber/polyimide composites
Authors: Zhang Xinrui , Pei Xianqiang , Mu Bo , Wang Qihua 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPitch‐based short carbon fibers (CFs) were treated by air oxidation and cryogenic nitrogen, respectively. Thereafter the treated and untreated CFs were incorporated into polyimide (PI) matrix to form composites. The CFs before and after treatment were examined by XPS and SEM.The flexural strength of the specimen was determined in a three‐point test machine and the tribological properties of PI composites sliding against GCr15 steel rings were evaluated on an M‐2000 model ring‐on‐block test rig. The results show that the surface of the treated CFs became rougher. Lots of active groups formed on the CF surface after air oxidation.The treatment can effectively improve the mechanical and tribological properties in their PI composites due to the enhanced fiber‐matrix interfacial bonding. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring the life‐cycle value of enduring systems
Authors: Browning Tyson R. , Honour Eric C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA goal of systems development is to produce enduringly valuable product systems— i.e., systems that are valuable when delivered to their users and which continue to be attractive to their stakeholders over time. However, quantifying the life‐cycle value (LCV) provided by a system has proven elusive. In this paper, we propose an approach to quantifying a system's LCV based on the key parameters that have perceived value to the system's stakeholders. For this, we draw upon insights from the management, marketing, product development, value engineering, and systems engineering literature. We then demonstrate our proposed approach with an example of a cellular telephone system. By designing systems for maximum LCV, systems architects and engineers will provide dramatically increased value to their organizations and other stakeholders. However, to provide maximum LCV, a system may need to be designed to facilitate adaptability to changing circumstances and stakeholder preferences. We conclude the paper with discussions of some of the major difficulties in measuring LCV and some of the opportunities for further research in this area. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Laboratory vacuum spectrometer for the soft x‐ray region
Authors: Yuryev Yu. N. , Lee Hwack‐Joo , Kim Ju‐Hwang , Cho Yang‐Koo , Lee Min‐Kyu , Pogrebitsky K. Ju. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA laboratory surface x‐ray absorption near edge structure ((S)XANES) spectrometer used for measurements in the soft x‐ray region is described. The x‐ray beam path of the spectrometer is enclosed in a vacuum chamber directly connected to the x‐ray generator output port. With this setup, the absorption of the x‐rays in the air is avoided. The developed spectrometer uses a monochromator equipped with cylindrically bent PET(002), KAP(001), and Ge(111) crystals of different Rowland radii working in the Johann focusing geometry. Nine stepping motors are used to control the positions of the monochromator, receiving slit, sample, and detectors. An x‐ray photon energy available in experiment ranges from about 1 keV to 5 keV. A registration of the photoelectrons emitted from the sample with the channeltron is used to carry out surface‐sensitive measurements. The performance of the developed spectrometer is illustrated by spectra measured at the absorption K‐edges of several elements from the Na‐Ti set. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.